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The Perillous and moſt Unhappy VOYAGES Of JOHN STRUYS, Through Italy, Greece, Lifeland, Moſcovia, Tar
Containing,
I. Moſt accurate Remarks and Obſervations of the diſtinct Qualities, ReliII. A due Deſcription of the ſeveral Cities, Towns, Forts and Places of Truſt, as to their Site and Strength, Fortifications by Nature, or Art, &c. with other things worthy of Note: and,III. An exact Memorial of the most diſaſtrous Calamities which befell the Author in thoſe Parts (viz) by Ship-wrack, Robberies, Slavery, Hunger, Tortures, with other Incommodities and Hardſhips.
To which are added 2 Narrativs ſent from Capt. D. Butler, relating to the Taking in of Aſtrachan by the Coſacs.
Illuſtrated with divers curious Plates, firſt deſigned and taken from the Life by the Au
Rendred out of Nether-dutch by JOHN MORRISON.
LONDON, Printed for Samuel Smith, at the Princes Arms in S. Pauls Church-yard MDCLXXXIII.
Light of Truth and Life of Memory, hath two Eies, viz, Chronology and Topography: That, giving Evidence of Things and ActiAmong Hiſtories (ſaith an incomparable Doctor) Itineraries have the preheminence, in which we have the moſt memorable Things and Events faithfully related
The Utility and Certainty whereof may be meſured from the Reputation and Conſcience of the Relater.ex
AND theſe, as they are more delectable to read, becauſe ever inThucydides that moſt excellent Hiſtorian was highly accounted of by Dionyſius Halicarnaſſeus, Cicero, Fabius, and others famous in the World; but abov all by Demoſthenes the noble Orator of Athens, who to make his works the more familiar to himLucian to have copied them 8 times over; and all this for his Faithfullneſs and Credit, being himſelf a chief Captain in the Peleponeſian Warrs, and an Eie-wittneſs from the Beginning to the End. Even ſo is Strabo juſtly preferred before Pomponius M
and other Geographers, for that he is ſaid to have written about no Place but what himſelf had ſeen, as partly may be gathered out of thoſe words of Blancan
in Chronol. Mathem.Strabo eruditiſsimè ac fusè orbis ſitum, cujus magnam partem peragraverat, deſcripſit. And what a veneration has the World for that of R. Benjamin, the famous Iewiſh Geographer? not onely for his elegant manner of deſcribing Things memorable and worthy of Remark (in which, ſaith Neander, he was ſecond to none) but that
new Diſcovery of old Errors, and Mercator often givs Ptolomy the Lie.
— Aetas ſemper aliquid adportet novi. — Seris venit uſus ab annis.
SUCH Obſervations as pertain to various Regions and Diverſity of Countreys may alſo ſeem to giv a more general Satisfaction, and to be of greater Utility than Deſcriptions peculiar to one place; Semper laudata fuit hiſtoria quae non unius regionis cancellis conſtringitur; ſed quam latè terrarum termini extenduntur, expatiatur. They are L'Empereur's Words.
BUT as it is not needfull that I ſhould make many inſtances of ſuch Obſervations in general, as to their Uſefullneſs, ſo I ſhall not weary my Readers Patience further than what I ſhall ſay to theſe in particular, which is the only reaſon I have to uſe the formality of a Preface, that might as well have bin left out, if ſom few reaſons had not urg'd me to the contrary, but chiefly to anticipate what I preſage ſom will object againſt them, aſwell as in conſideration of what a Great Man in the laſt Age ſaid, Non tutum est ullum emittere Librum niſi ſatellitio munitum: as if he would ſay, 'Tis not ſafe to put forth any Book unleſs guarded with a File of Muſquetiers.
OUR Traveller without doubt will fruſtrate the expectation of ſom, in not giving a more ample account of every Countrey he has ſeen, by an accurate noting down of the Religion, Politie, particular Rites and Cuſtoms of the Inhabitants, nor making a further ſcrutiny as to the Antiquity and Original Deſcent and Offſpring of the People as ſom have don. 'Tis undeniably ſo, for I find him more buſy in recording
THE Gentleman's reaſon, I conceiv, was becauſe the Matter of what he thought good to ommit was not ſo ſolid, containing ſom homely Paſſages not to be taken notice of, and conſequently would not endure ſuch ſoaring Language, as things more ſublime and imEx quovis ligno non fit Mercurius. Nor had it bin leſs warrantable for me to have don the like, and tacitly to have paſſed over ſuch humble Matter as would rather challenge an expreſſion of homely Sentences than feſtivity of Style, which the friendly Reader will find I'me no where guilty of.
THIS Journal, I am bound to ſay (notwithſtanding the main AdEngliſh, 'twill be as acceptable to our own Nation, as it has bin abroad in other Countreys, where they are in general more inclined to read Fictions and Fables, than true Philology, and ſuch as may juſtly be convinced by that of an obſcene, but witty Martial. in his 10th Book of Epigrams.
OBSCENE indeed incluſivly, but juſtifiable enough in this, for, as the great Caſaubon in his modeſt Anſwer to the Epiſtle of Cardinal Du Perron ſaith, E felle mero mel merum interdum exiſtit, ſo there is nothing ſo corrupt or putrid, but that ſomthing ſound may be extracted from it.
CERTAINLY the Diſcrepance of Mens Fancies muſt be notedly great, if the Price and Peruſal of this ſmall Volum ſhould ſeem too great and laborious to the Buyer and Reader, which has coſt the Author ſo much Time and Pains in Travail, for the greateſt part of Six and Twenty years, during which time he has bin attended with continual Perils on the one hand and unſpeakable Sufferings on the other: by Land in perTurks, Tartars and Perſians, yet after all returned home in ſafety, and at this preſent here in London.
IT is a thing no leſs cuſtomary than unmannerly among ſom, who will hold all things for forged and falſe, except what themſelvs ſee, and would have all themſelvs ſay to be received for Oracles. 'Tis not long ago that a young Sycophant (and one perhaps, who thought himſelPerſian Citie and others, were but imaginary Fictions, and that, I beleev, beIn.] for [Invenit] after his Name as who ſhould ſay, but that every Engraver and Etcher underſtood ſPinxit, Invenit, Sculpſit, Fecit and Excudit, which they often uſe promiſcuously for each other: but beſides my knowledge of our Travailers ability in Drawing, I have other reaſons to give credit to him, as to his faithfull Delineation of thoſe Places, which, for this time being ſo narrowly circumſcribed, I am forc'd to ommit.
THE firſt Voyage perhaps may not affoard ſuch ſatisfaction as ſom will expect, and by conſequence give the Reader no Appetite to go forward; but he whoſe leiſure will permit him to go forward, will in the 2d and 3d Voyages find amends for what is defectiv in the firſt.
IT was intended alſo to publiſh his 4th. Voyage with this, which has not as yet bin printed in any Language, but finding the Authors leiſure not anſwerable to thoſe Intentions, we ſhall deferr it for the next Edi
IN the firſt Voyage we find him imbarqued for Genoa in a new Ship, which, with another, was built for that State at Amſterdam in the year 1647. From Genoa he went to the Eaſt-Indies, where by the way he gives a very exact Deſcription of the Salt-Iſlands, Sierra Liones, Madagaſcar, Syam, (with the moſt horrible Maſſacre committed upon the greateſt Perſonages in that Kingdom) then proceeds on his Voyage for Iapan, where he gives you an account of that Iſland and Formoſa.
IN the ſecond the moſt remarkable is the Ingagement between the Venetians and the Turks, by Sea, in which the former fought a ſignal Victory. In this Voyage I alſo find a very accurate Deſcription of the Greek Iſlands, as they are now peopled, with ſeveral Footſteps of An
IN the third, and laſt as yet extant, he goes to Moſcovia to ſerve the Czar aboard a new Ship which was built on the Wolga, whereby
Lifeland and its Inhabitants, as alſo Moſcovia and the Imperial City Moſcou; then proceeding forward he comes at laſt to the Wolga, where ſetting ſail for Aſtrachan, notes punctuCoſac-Rebels, and the occaſion why he and his Company fled over the Caſpian Sea; with the great hardTartars, in which condition he conDutch Eaſt-India Company at Batavia, whither he travailed thrô Perſia, and being by order of the ſaid Company ſent home aboard the Ship Europa, which was taken by the Engliſh in the laſt Dutch Wars; he himſelf was ſent for Ireland with about 300 more of his CountreyEngland, and ſo home.
WEll worthy of remark is that Obſervation of a modern Sage, Deſpair drives a man either to the Camp, or a Convent: With no leſs reaſon may we add, That the inſubid Reſolutions and Praecipitance of youth, lead either to illicit Arts, or Travel: which laſt was a Misfortune fatal to my ſelf. My Fathers ſole Care was to ſee me train'd up, in ſome lauDEC. 1647.
Texel.
Genua: the one was called, The St. John Baptiſt, Henry Chriſtanſz. of Amſterdam Maſter, the other, The St. Bernard, Iohn Benning of VVeſep Vice-Commander, and Herman Voogd of Schiedam Maſter; Over both theſe Ships was Mr. Iohn Maas of Dunkirk, as UpI. Baptiſt for Under-Sailmaker, being then about 17 years old, never troubling my ſelf either whither we were bound, or how long we were to be out.
On the 26 of December 1647. By Gods good Conduct, we ſet Sail, from the Texel, but were hardly got without the Gaats, ere we found that our Ships were not duly poiz'd, and thereupon were fain to Tack about, and put in at the Texel again, where we unloaIanuary,
Spaniards Gat, driven with ſome Shoals of Ice (it being then Froſty weather) Seawards.
On the 10 of Ianuary we were forced by a contrary wind to put in at the Downs; where after two days aboad, we weighed anchor, having both Wind and Weather favourable. But ſoon after by a
FEBR. 1648. Storm at Sea.VVight, & there we ſtay'd till the 25th when the Weather began to grow more moderate, and the high Winds abated.
Under hopes that this good Weather would continue we fet ſail, but were no ſooner out of the Bay, before the Weather changed, and we now the third time forc'd to look out for a Harbour.
On the 6 of February we came to Anchor at Portland, where we road three days, and then ſet ſail directly for the Bay of Gibralter, where we arrived on the 10th of that moneth. The next day with a brisk gale we entred the Straits, and with a conſtant and favourable wind, made Genua in 15 days, where arriving we dropp'd Anchor behind the Mold.
On the 32th we got Prattica,
Genua.
Genua, which he furniſhed with Proviſion of Victuals, Powder, Shot and other Ammunition, for 2 years. Aboard each Ship were a Hundred Dutch taken into ſervice, the reſt for the moſt part Italians, amongſt which were a few of the Banditti. Here I hired my ſelf for Upper-Sailmaper Moneth; although neither I, nor any elſe that went before the Maſt, knew whither, or upon what Deſign.
Having now regain'd my liberty, I long'd to ſatisfy my curioſity in taking a view of the Town, with what elſe was worthy of remark. Genua is ſeated on the Sea ſide,Genua.
Affrica. The City is built partly on montanous and hilly ground, and partly on a LeDutch and Corſican Companies, together with a few ſmall Troops of Horſe, which are conſtantly in motion, either on the Sea-ſide, or thro the City, to prevent, if need require, any ſilent Attacque, and ſuppreſs Mutinies; as alſo to ſecure the Coaſts from Turkiſh and other Pyrats, which ſometimes come aſhoar in their Shalops, to get Slaves
Venetians, againſt the Turks. On the Sea-ſide ſtands a Watch-Tower, on which by night they ſet a Beacon; and juſt at the Entrance of the Haven, ſtands a huge piece of Ordnance, mounted upon a Carriage, continually guarLaurence claims the priority, as Cathedral. In the Church dedicated to the H. Euchariſt,Bartholomew, we ſaw a handkercheif, with which they told us our Saviour wiped the ſweat from his face, and (as they ſay) has done abundance of Miracles. The City is very popu
April we ſet ſail, directing our courſe for Velez Malaga, where on the 15 we arrived. On the 18 we hoiſed ſail, and made for Malaga, and on the 24 came to caſt anchor in the Bay; where almoſt all the Banditti were ſet aſhoar. Here we took in a hundred Pipes of Wine, with candied Fruits and other Refreſhments for the ſick.
On the 29 of May we weighed Anchor, and with a briſk gale of Wind reached the Straits mouth on the 2 of Iune. When we were paſt Gibralter, we ſteer'd our Courſe towards the Salt Iſlands, which was deſigned for another place of Refreſhment, from whence we gathered that, our Voyage muſt needs be longer than at firſt we thought; for till then none aboard the ſhip (unleſs the Officers)
JUNE, 164
On the fourth of Iune, we met with 9 Turkiſh Men of War, about the 3d. Watch in the night, who Hail'd us, asking, from whence our ſhip, we anſwered, From Genua, and asked them, From whence they were: they made anſwer, From Argiers. Our ComArrival at Boa Viſta.
On the 14 we paſs'd the Flemmiſh Iſlands, and on the 6 of July, we arrived at Boa Viſta, where we came to Anchor in the Bay. On this Iſland were ſeveral of the Banditti, who brought us ſuch Pro
Boa Viſta is one of thoſe Iſlands, which are called Cabo Verdo Iſlands,Sale Islands.
Ilha del Sal: and is reckoned to be about 20 leagues in circumference, ſtretched out in length South-eaſt and North-weſt. That part which lies near the ſea is all ſandy and hilly ground, but within altogether montanous and high land. On the north end is a long Bank near half a league in length, which repelleth the billows of the ſea with great violence. There are yet beſides this ſeveral other Foords, which are often the occaſion of Shipwrack. On the South is alſo another, where the Rocks ſometimes appear above water,Majo.
In this Road we lay at anchor 6 days, and then ſet ſail for Majo,
Iago,
JULY 1648.Fuogo and Brava; which are the neareſt Iſlands to Boa Viſta.
Majo.
Majo lies about nine leagues S. S. W. or rather moBoa Viſta, and is the ſmalleſt of all the reſt, being about 7 leagues round. Within land are ſeveral ſteep hills, and on the North a Plain, about a league in breadth from whence reaches out a long Bank towards the North-eaſt, and another towards the Weſt, which cauſe impetuous Breaches of the Sea, and conſeIago S. W. On the North ſide of the Iſland, behind a litle black Cape, lies a ſmall Bay, or Road for Anchorage, at 5 or 6 fathom water, and upon the loweſt point, on the Eaſt, is a Village of 10 or 12 houſes. This Iſland is very rocky, high and dry, having litle graſs upon it but what grows in the clefts of the Rocks. It is alſo very barren of Fruit, neither Lemmons nor Oranges will like there; nor no other fruit whatſoever, unles ſigs, and thoſe, by reaſon of the drought of the Seaſon and Ground, ſeldom ever come to maturity, or return to profit. There are in this Iſland ſome Cotton-trees, and good plenty of Goats, ſo that there are many thouſands of thoſe Hides tranſported yearly from hence. There are alſo ſome wild HorEurope.
There are alſo many Saltpans on this Iſland, where the Salt by the Ground Water, and the Ingreſs of the Sea, with the help of the Sun, is well concreted, yet is ſomewhat too yellow in colour. The Inhabitants are a mixt folk, of Negros, and others, who follow Goat hunting, uſing Wolves in ſtead of Dogs. Some alſo follow the Fiſhing trade, and find great plenty of Cyprins, Dorades, and other Fiſh.
Iago is the greateſt and chief of the Cabo Verdo Iſlands, being about 12 leagues in length, lying South-Eaſt and North-weſt: The
Majo on the Weſt, and W. and by N. about 5 leagues diſtant. The high Land of St. Iago lies from the Road of Majo directly Weſt, but the middle thereof South-weſt from Boa Viſta, or rather more Weſterly; and from the Salt Iſland S. W. and by S. about 25 Leagues. From the South-weſt Angle, the coaſt ſtretches it ſelf forth 2 leagues South-weſt, where there is a ſmall Hamlet, called Praye, ſituated in a comPorto de Praye, and has room enough to contain an hundred Ships, which may ſafely ride at Anchor, without damniPorto de Praye, before you come at the Town, is a Cape, or ſmall Promontory, which the Portugeezes call Capo de Tubarao: On the Weſt whereof is another Bay, called Porto de Ribeirra Corea, which alſo is very fitly ſeated between two Hills, and a River that runs through the midle, riſing from a fountain, about 2 leagues from thence, and diſgorging it ſelf into the Sea, by a mouth about a BowSt. Mary. On the Iſland St. Iago are yet two Towns of note, whereof the one is called St. Thomas, very well ſeated; the other St. Iago, or St. Iames, which is built upon a riſing Ground: This is the Metropolis of all the Towns of theſe Iſlands, where is alſo the Reſidence and Palace of their Biſhop. Towards the Weſt, on an Angle of the Iſland is a Fortreſs, two leagues from Porto de Praye, where Ships come to anchor; and North-weſt from this Angle another Haven; known by the name of Porto de Caniſos.
This Iſland is very fertile, and abounds with fruit of ſeveral kinds, as on each ſide the Rio de Corea grow great plenty of Cocos, Oranges, Citrons, & other Fruit-trees, as alſo ſome Cedars. Beſides this, it affoards good ſtore of Rice, Maïs, and other grain, as alſo Cattel both for work and ſlaughter.
Ilha del Fuogo, or, The Iſle of Fire, probably has that name from one of it's Mountains, which continually ſends forthflames,St. Iago. North-weſt,
JULY, 1670.
About 4 leagues South-weſt of Ilha del Fuogo, lies Ilha del Brava, that is, VVild, or Deſert Iſland, with two or three ſmall Iſlands, on the North thereof. On the Weſt-ſide is a Creek, very convenient for ſuch as have occaſion to take in water: but the beſt haven is on the South-eaſt ſide where it is 15 fathom deep, and a Ship of the greateſt burthen may come to anchor cloſe to the Kay. Above this Harbour is a Hermitage, and a Village very well peopled. This Iſland is alſo fruitfull enough, having good ſtore of figs, Mulberrys, Water-Melons, and Indian wheat, but far inferiour to Mayo and St Iago for cattel.
The Air of theſe Iſlands is generally unwholſom, ſo that the inAequator and the Tropic of Cancer, affoard the People two Summers every year, the Sun paſſing twice directly over their heads. When the ſun enters into Cancer, which is in the end of Iune, the ſeaſon is very intemperate, with Storms, Winds, ThunPortugueezes call the Rain moneths. They have certain tokens, whereby they know when this Seaſon approaches, as, high Southe
On the 14 we left the Salt Islands, and ſet ſail, for Sierra Liones and made land, on the 2d of Auguſt, hearing at a great diſtance the Wind roaring from the Mountains, which by the reaſon of their Concavity, do make a great buzzing when it blows hard, that perSierra Liones, or Lioneſs Mountai
A litle before the evening we came with our Boat cloſe to the ſhore where we heard a moſt terrible Noiſe, occaſioned by an impetuouSierra Liones takes it's beginning from Cabo de Virgin, and ſtretchesCabo Tagrin, or Lede, which is alſo by ſome callCabo de Sierra Liones,
JULY 1648.
On the 3 of Auguſt we arrived in the Bay of Sierra Liones. ImmeSpaniſh Wine.
Thoſe men that were nominated to deliver the Preſents, were courteouſly received by the King and his Court. We could not perceive any Mark of Superiority, or Grandour in the Prince, which might diſtinguiſh him from his Subjects, no more than in Mr. Mayor of Stratford, from his Worſhipfull Brethren, the Aldermen. Yet found him much to vary from ſome other Soveraign Potentates who enrich themſelves at the Coſt and Penury of their Vaſſals. The King and his Folk were equally inſatiable and covetous; for ſo ſoon as the King had received the Preſent, he deſired as much more, which the Commander was content to ſend him, that he might have the freedom to take in Water, and Wood for Fewel, as alſo to provide our ſelves with Oranges, Lemmons, and other RefreſhCaffers, ſhew'd us no ſmall Friendſhip; for, ſo long as our Penny laſted, they never faild of a Pater noſter, bringing us every day good ſtore of Fruit. When the King had received the double Preſent, he inſiſted upon twice as much more, before he would admitt of our coming aſhoar. This great incivility ſo inraged the Commander, that he reſolved to be revenged upon him; and purſuant thereto ſent the Long-boat aſhoar to entreat him to come aboard, where he ſhould receive what his King ſhip deſired. The credulous Barbarian, made no long pauſe
JUNE, 1648.Sierra Liones fettered, and threatCaffers pillaged; and their OrMadagaſcar.
Before we were got out of ſight of Sierra Liones, we met with a ſmall Flyboat which Traded along that Coaſt, whereof one Iohn Backer of Durgerdam was Maſter. The Maſter came and proffered his Ship and ſervice to our Commander and Vice-Admiral, to conduct us over the Foords and ſhallow Places of the Red ſea, and to make uſe of his Veſſel as an advice Yacht. But our Ship-maſter diſſwaded them to accept of his Tender, whereupon he declared that he was un
Sierra Liones both in regard of its' Copiouſneſs of Fruit,Deſcription of Sierra Liones.Milium, and Hyrſi bearing a multitude of ſmall grains, from whence it hath that name.May, (the beginning of the Rain ſeaſon) it is very unwholſom and unapt for uſe, as our Maſters Mate told me who was well acquainted with thoſe Parts, and is frequently the Occaſion of Feavers, Fluxes, and other perSEPT. 164Europeans, and other Strangers. The King with whom we were concern'd, was an old, ill viſag
Madagaſcar (or ſas it is by ſome called) S. LauMadagaſcar, and came to Anchor in the Bay of Anton Gill. So ſoon as we had caſt AnOCTO
1648.Maas told us that he had been there in that Iſland before, and that a Slave of his, whom he had taught to read and write, had run away from him there, having taken his opportunity when the Ship was ready to ſet Sail; and that he had heard how the Slave was come to great Advancement, and by the Natives elected King.
So ſoon as we were got to land, we were introducted by the King himſelf, and his Attendants into his Pallace, which was in the midſt of a Sconce, reaſonably ſtrong, and environ'd with Palizados. The Houſe was hung with neat Mat-work, and the Floors covered with the ſame. The King preſently began to inquire, What for People that we were? and, to what place our Ship belong'd? for he could ſee by her Colours that we did not come out of Holland. The Commander made anſwer that we were Hollanders; but were then in the ſervice of the Duke of Genua, to whom the Ships belong'd. After they had exchanged a few Words together, the Commander aſſumed the liberty to ask him, Where he had learned to ſpeak Dutch? I have been, quoth he, formerly in Eaſt India, and was at that time a Slave to one Iohn Maas, a Marriner, and intending for Holland, we were ſurpriz'd with a diſmal Hurricano, which diſabled us of our Maſts, and made us in ſuch a Condition, that we were forced to put in here to Calk, and fit us out again; but I having no great appetite Diembro. Yes, replies the King, do you know me? Why, ſaid the Captain, do you not know Iohn Maas? The King was hereupon in a great ſtupor, but viewing him thorowly began to remember his Countenance, and with that embraced and kiſſed him. While they ſtood mute a while and ſtaring one another earneſtly on the face, both ſtupifyed at this ſtrange meeting, the King began thankfully to acknowledge, how good a Maſter our Commander had been to him, and preſented him all neceſſary Proviſion gratis: but the Commander courteouſly declined it, ſaying, He eſtemed it a ſufficient Favour to exchange Wares for Wares. The King (according to the cuſtome of that Country) preſented our men the uſe of his Wives and ConJohn Benning, Captain of the St. Bernard.
Joh
who commanded the S. Bernard. The Chief CommandeMaas, together with the reſt of the Officers thought fit to pHenry Chriſtians, Maſter of the St Iohn Baptiſt in his place, and Ho
in the placc of H. Chriſtians;Voogt did not approveSt. B
were not a litle alarm'd: immediately gave order that we ſhoVooght had ſent off a boat (with intent to fetch wateSt. Bernard aboard, cloſing up wHarman Voogt ſeeing himſelf in a great Strait, and for wVoogt yields and goes aboard, is clapt into FetLet our Captain and M
Yet notwithſtandiVoogt himſelf only excluded) were brought into the great Cabin, where the Council, for the time being, was aſſembled, and asked which they would rather chuſe, To burn with their Ship? or, To ſerve the ComVoogt the Maſter to continue in Irons, till we came again to Genua, where he ſhould be baniſhed upon the Galleys, during the term of life, as a condign Puniſhment for his obſtinate Rebellion. However to preSt. Bernard, and others from the St. Bernard in lieu of them, brought over to us. In the mean while we recreated our ſelves with the Divertiſements of Hun
Madagaſcar is diſtant from the Coaſt of Cefale about 110 Leagues, and 44 from Moſambique. It lies in length Northeaſt and Southweſt; reaching from about 12 degr. to 26, Southerly Latitude; being about 220 Dutch leagues in length and 70 in breadth, and conſequently reputed the largeſt Iſland in the whole World. It is alſo divided into ſeveral Provinces and Dominions, which are moſtly bounded and ſevered from each other, by Rivers.
This Iſland is very fertile, and affoards great plenty of Grain, as Wheat (or Mais) and Barly, as alſo Pulſe, as Lentils Peaſe & Beans
Ananas, Bananas, and other unknown Plants and Roots. The Trees are loaden with Oranges, Lemons, Pome-Citrons, and two kinds oOuviharen, Schambri, Ca
and others, which cannot call to mind, at preſent. It affoards alſo very rich Honey, vaPeru, the OunEurope. There is alſo a kind of wild Swine that thEurope.
Tendrak, which they hold for a great del
This Iſland is inhabited both by Whites and Negros,
They are in general a treacherous and fraudulent people, prone to Thievery, and greedy of Revenge, which they eſteem a lauda
Their Houſes are but little wooden Tabernacles,VVeſtmerland wedding) Some bring Gold, Silver, or Steel; ſome great Bowls with Corn, or perhaps Moveables and Furniture for the Houſe; others Oxen, Sheep or other Belly-timber. So that in brief, none ever comes
Encaenia, or Feaſts Dedicatory, do uſually hold for ſome days together, during which time they live an Epicuraean life, in Luxury and Riot, Danc
Scotch Plad) thrown careleſly about their ſhoulders, girded about the mid
When any Perſon comes to die, the neareſt Friends and Allies,Oh my dear Friend! how cameſt thou to die? Or, didſt thou want for any thing? Hadſt not thou Cattel, Gold, Silver, Steel, and other Goods enough? &c. When they have deplored the Departure of their Friend, and danc'd the whole day, they kill a Fatling or two, which is diſtributed among his Relations in the Evening. So long as the Corps is above ground they burn light by it; and when they are ready to interr him, they cloſe him in a Coffin made of the Trunk of a Tree which is fitly ſhut up, and carried to a litle Cottage made on purpoſe, in the midle whereof is a Grave about 6 foot deep, here they lay him, and ſet by his ſide a Basket of Rice, a Tobacco-box, an Earth
Of all the Idolatrous Cuſtoms that I could obſerve among them, there is ſome Nation or other that hath parity with them; But one Barbarous and inhuman Practiſe they have, as peculiar and proper to themſelves, that is, making away of their own Children. True it is
India and Tartary, they make merchandiſe of their Children, and that by reaſon of their not being in a capacity of bringing them up, but never (like thoſe of Madagaſcar) take away their lives. This they are induced to by an implicit Faith, being perBetter it is that the Child dies, than to be brought up by ſtrangers. And becauſe ſo many days are by them held infortunate, almoſt half of the Children are diſpatch'd, which with other occaſions already mentioned, is undoubtedly the reaſon that this great, happy and moſt fruitfull Iſland is not very popu
The Religion of the Madagaſcars, is hardly worth recounting,Dian Manans, or Lord of Wealth, at whoſe diſpoſing will, they think that they are made rich and proſper in their affairs. They ſeem alſo to have ſome light of inviſible Angels, and of the firſt peopling of the World, after the Creation by Adam & Eve, and the reNoah; as alſo ſome glance of a Saviour, who was made a Piaculum, for ſome great offence committed by all mankind in general. They have alſo their Faſts and Holy-days.
Circumciſion is alſo a rite in uſe with them,Aſſagay, as them5 or 6 foot long.
inteſtin VVar at homeforreign Expedition; but on the contrary, if they behave themſelves chaſtly, and dance luſtily, that then their Husbands by ſome certain Sym
During the time of our aboad there, we ſaw the King Diembr
ſeveral times ingaged with his Enemy, who had a more powerfulDiembro with his Battalion ran upon him (after
Diembro, conſidering the great imparity of men, had the better Succeſs, and honour of the Camp. When the Battel was done, our party returned, with great Joy for the Day, and every one that could bring the Heads of the Champions, with whom they were particularly ingaged, laid them at the feet of the King, who either gave them a noble recompence, or honoured them with ſome Dignity.
They have a very quaint manner of making Peace.
And afterwards utter many bitter Execrations, as, That the Liver they eat, may be their poyſon if they do not faithfully hold all the Articles ſpecified both ſacred and inviolable.&c.
MAR. 1649.Madagaſcar, we ſet ſail for Sumatra on the 16 of March 1649, where we arrived on the 12 of Iune then following. We came to anchor in the Bay of Sillaba where we exchanged ſome Commodities for Pepper and otheAtchin, but all the people jump'd over board, and ſav'd themſelves, except one Woman, whom the Italians, raviſhed, the Officers not able to reſtrain them. The Woman after ſhe had been thus treated by theſe ſenſual bruits (that rather than to deny their beaſtly appetite, made a Bawdy houſe of our Ship) was after much intreaties put aſhoar, and delivered to her Husband, who inhumanly mangled he
On the 28 we weighed anchor, and ſet ſail for Indraepoura, takIndrapoura where we took in ſome neceſſary Proviſion and Refreſhments, think
On the 2 of July, we left Indrapoura, and ſo ſet ſail for thSunda. When we had got the height of Toppers hook, wDutch Eaſt-India company which were ſent out by expreſs order of the General, and the Council, to bring us up, whether willing, or unwilling. So ſooDutch commander was hereat in a doubt, and ſent Batavia for new Inſtructions. It was not long before he got an OrdeJAN. 1650.Maas, who ſeeing himſelf now in a great Strait, and the uneaſiMadagaſcar, were ſtill at odds,Dutch.
Batavia, where we arrived the 12 of Iuly. Our Ships outſail'd the reſt by far, we arriving at the Haven 6 or 8 hours before them; ſo that if we had been willing, might have left them, and made our eſcape by night.
On the 15 came Captain vander Meulen aboard, with an Orvander Liin, then General, to take poſſeſſion of the Ship. Aſſoon as he was aboard, went into the great Cabin, where he examin'd us one by one. All the Dutch were brought abJavans Corps du Garde. The Italians and other Strangers remain'd aboard, and in the mean while pillaged our Cheſts, and took all the money they could come at. They being now at liberty and diſmiſſed, went every man where he beſt liked, the Italians moſtly to Goa, or Banthem, but the Hamburgers and others imbarqu'd themſelves for Europe. Shortly after the Commander died, and by ſeveral tokens he had on his body, was ſuppoſed to be poyſoned; and as ſome conjecture was done by thoſe which were left aboard the Ship, when we were carper moneth.
Siam. The KingSiam deIanuary, I was put aboard the Black Bear, bound for Siam, where we ſafely arrived, and caſt anchor in the Bay.
The Kingdom of Siam lies in the moſt Eaſterly part of Eaſt India, from 7 to 8 degr. Northerly Latitude. There are many Cities, and Towns of note in it, and thoſe very populous, among which India is the chief, being the Metropolis of India extra Gangem, and the city where the King has his Court and Reſidence. The land is very fertile, affoarding all that may ſerve for the deSiam in regard of it's Fertility, Wealth, Number of Inhabitants, and ſubordinat Principalities, may paralel any other Empire i
Iudia, which (as we have already ſaid) is the Imperial TowSiam, lies about 16 degrees Northerly Latitude from the Aequ
and is ſeated on one of the faireſt Rivers (without doubt) in all the Eaſtern World, where a Ship of the greateſt burthen may come up cloſe to the Kay, to load or unload, without fear o
Theſſalian Tempe could the men of old.
The Land is for the moſt part level, of a clay and ſandy earth;
About 8 leagues up the River is a ſmall City, of a triangular PlatBankok. In the ſame City Canon
and every Ship and Junk to whomſoever they belong are Iudia,
Canon Bantenau; and Canon, is erected only to ſee that the Prince have his due, Canon Bantenau.
Canon Bankok, as they did
Siam although it have abundance of Towns, yet there are but 5 Iudia is the ſtrong3 Dutch miles muſt, be 12 Engliſh land miles. or four LeaDutch miles in circuit: The walls are conIndia, and certainly, for
if China may be excluded.
Siam.
Iapon, and other places of TIa
conſiſts in that Merchandiſe. Wild-beaſts are alſo here in gEurope, Swans and Nightingales onely excepted, whIapon hold in great eſteem,Siamers call Cayman, and
is ſo well provided by nature of it ſelf that the Inhabitants may
SIam, as I ſaid before, is very populous, and the Inhabitants generally of a good and free diſpoſition. They Negotiate
They are great incouragers of Art and Artiſts, eſpecially the MeEurope; theſe have no faſt dwelling, but d a Day.
Every City has a Praetor, or Deputy, who derives his power from the King, and with a Council of Aſſiſtance is to determinEurope: with this difference only, that the Advocate or Attorne
There is no Potentate in the Eaſt may paralel this Emperour foKing of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Solomon, which was guarded with Lions. His Perſon is ſecured with a very noble Guard, and well arm'd; ſeveral Elephants alwaies ready in the inner court of the Pallace alſo, for his Pleaſure and Service upon occaſion; theſe are mounted with Trap
When he goes abroad to viſit his Pagods and Religious Houſes, or to take his Divertiſement (which is ordinarily twice or thrice every year) he is attended with an infinit Retinue of Grandees, and Officers at Court, as alſo all his Wives and Concubines, which are very numerous, all mounted upon Elephants. When this SetPraws, brought up cloſe to the Pallace. Theſe are almoſt like a Barge, but far greater, having 20 or 30 Oars a piece, with 5 men to an Oar; without they are richly gilPraw are ſeveral that play upon Wind Inſtruments and Drums, which make a confuſed noyſe; Upon the hearing of this, every one, whether Citizen or Peaſant, FreeSophy of Perſia, who when with a huge Retinue he makes a Cav
Siam, has lived in great peace and Pegu, Ava and Langjander, partly out of the ambitious minds of thoſe Princes, and partly out of a ſordid covetouſneſs; as of the king of Pegu, who indeavoured to make himſelf Maſter of the white Elephant, which he of Siam had:
In the year 1648, the King of Ava with the aſſiſtance of a neighSiam, and took in ſome open Villages, and Towns of ſmaller note; but the king of Siam coming to have notice of this ſudden Expedition, levies an Army of 200000 men, or upwards, marching himſelf at the head in Perſon; and encamped about 2 English Miles from the Enemy, where without either Battel or Skirmiſh they lay for 3 Moneths, when the Enemy not finding himſelf able to continue longer in camp, for want of Proviſion, and Recruits of men, was fain to break up; and march homewards. Thoſe of Patany had ſent Ten Thouſand men, all well diſciplin'd and arm'd, for Auxiliaries in the Service of the king of Siam; but thoſe arrived too late, the King being juſt upon his March for Iudia; where about 20 days after, he was Solemnly fetch'd in by his Nobles with great Triumph and Joy, as if he had obtained ſome notable ViPraws, preſſed for the behoof of the Army, to tranſport the Baggage and Proviſion; and beſides the ſtanding Militia and Voluntairs, 52000 Citizens preſſ'd for this Expedition, whom the King allowed Rice for Victualling, the reſt they were to take care for themſelves. The Mandate was no ſooner out, but this Body was completed, which gave occaſion of wonder, to ſome, when they obſerved the reaSiammers are never deſtitute of any neceſſary Ammunition for War, either upon offenſiv or defenſiv Occaſions. Nor yet ſecond to any for true valour and courage, which is checked by a prudent Conduct, and politic Direction of their Power; and thereby the Prince, and the leading Officers of the Army, become dreadfull to the Neighbouring Potentates abroad, and awfull to the Subject at home.
Siam.
Siam, as we have elſewhere ſaid conſiſt moſtly in Cuſtomes, Tolls and Exciſe, for all expoBraſilia, which is reputed a very rich Commodity and ſent abroad both to Coromandel, Dabul, China, Iapon, and othSiam in erecting of Pagods, Re
The King having that ſpecial mean of making the Army ſuppo
The Citizens (which may be called Freemen or Proprietaries) are but half a remove from Soldiers,Dutch Tuns, without diſpute.Pagods, and the behoof of the Spiritual; inſomuch that the Prieſts, with the large Offerings of the King, and Liberality of the People, grow rich and in great eſteem, notwithſtanding their being ſo numerous in this King
The King and People embrace no other Religion than barely Gentiliſm, which, as appears by the ruins of Monaſteries and Cells every where, has been anciently profeſſed among them. Their Ceremonies they ſeem to have borrowed from the Roman, or Greek Church, which they ape, as near as may be, with reſervation of Paganiſm. They are inceſſantly building, repairing and adornPagods, founding Cloyſters, and erecting of Pyramids; wherin they ſpare not for money: for though they ſpend their whole Eſtates, about them, they muſt be gilded without, and richly hung within. Their Bonzi, or Prieſts, are diſtinguiſhed from the Laïty by a yellow Veſture, and thoſe again differing among themſelves by certain Badges, or tokens, denoting their degrees: Their Beards, Head and Eiebrows are always ſhaven. AcBonzi deſtitute of what he has a mind to, whether it be in Victuals or Apparrel. Their Function is to exhort and teach the People, for which end they have certain Lectures, four times every moon, and at thaBonzi, or Prieſts, and the Pagods: How far this prevails upon them appears truly in their free-will offerings, which are indeed very conſideBonzi then receive at the Offertory, promiſing to make ſome new Gods there
At morning and at night they go to prayers, which they reArabic in the AlLatin att Maſs.Pegu or Borneo Tongue, and that with a tolerable good Harmony; that done, they walk leiſurely towards the head of the Temple, and kiſs the Pagods. The Pagods are imaIndia are twelve Pagods of a vaſt Bigneſs, ſitting all croſs legged, like Taylors upon a TaDutch, Den grooten Afgodt van SOES, that is, The great Idol of SOES. The reſt were ſomewhat leſs than this and were placed directly one before another. The CeremonieRome, are, Burning of Lamps, Conſecrated, or Holy-water, AuHollanders, in that they allow Liberty of Conſcience, and revile not their
SIam has of it ſelf whatſoever is requiſite in building either for HouSiam.
Pagods, Temples, Pyramids, Fortifications and other Public Edifices. Their Houſes they cover with Tiles, and within have ſeveral Appartments,Europe. They uſe not many moveables in their Houſes neither uſe they Benches, Stools, or Tables. Their Floors are all ſpread with Matts which they uſe for cleanlineſs, and upon theſe they ſit down. But if a perſon of Eminency comes to viſit them they honour him with another Matt, or elſe an Arabian Carpet, which is of excellentLev
or ChocoSpain.
Siery Pinang, which is the chief thing wherewith they careſs their Friends. They are very nice and curious about their Veſſels in the Kitchin and Diſhes, which for the
Xylaloës, or, wood Aloës, Sandal, Musk, and Ambergreece, tempered with R
Pagods, which they frequently adore, they b
China or Iapon. When they walk the ſtreets, they are attended with a retinue of Slaves conformable to their Rank and Abilitie, which are alſo in gentile habit.
The Siammers, although Pagans, have a ſacred veneration for Matrimony, and are generally very chaſt;Siammers.
A Batchlour deſirous to marry, and conſequently having ſettled his thoughts upon a Maid, muſt addreſs himſelf (or ſend ſome friend) to the Father of the party, or having none, to her Guardian, and not the Maid her ſelf, with whom they may not converſe; and theſe are to treat together upon the matter. But it is more uſual, that the Parents of both the parties make the Overture, among themſelves. They have no reſpect to Conſanguinity or Affinity, but marry ſometimes with the neareſt relations they have, Brother and Siſter only excluded, unleſs they have different Mothers. But to ſtrangers they rarely marBonzi, who inſtruct them in all Sciences and good manne
Romans, burn them; which is celebrated with great pomp, and ePagods and Bonzi: nay, there is hardly a Slave amo
They are of a very liberal nature, and civil to converſe withall,English, Portugueezes, Hollanders, and Moors, without reſpect to their Profeſſion, have liberal acceſs to en
The Crown is ſucceſſiv,
ON the 23 of February, the Sieur van Muyden, Conſul for the Company, was ſent for, by two Interpreters,February 1650.FEBR. 1650.Scima, or Corniſh with cloſe Leaves ſuitable to the PhriſMandori
or, Grandees of the Nation, with their Ladies, attired in White, withMandorins, and their Ladies, who went ſoftly afteMandorins of a meaner rank. Theſe at the paſſing by of the Herſe, threw Oranges among the common people; in ſome of which were 2s 8d SterFicols, and Ficol.
Maſes. this occaſioned ſuch a throng of People, that ſeveral lay under foot, and 7 Perſons trodden to death. When they were come to the Altar, the Corps was taken down by the Mandorins, with Waits and Wind-Muſic, which made a melancholic noiſe; and was carried with great Solemnity to the Altar; where it was ſet down, and laid round with aromatic Woods, and Drugs, amongſt which was poured many ſorts of perfumes and odorous balſams. When this was done the Princes of the blood, and the Mandorins returned to the Kings Palace; but the Ladies were injoyned by the Emperour to remain at the Altar and bewail the Dead, for two days longer; at which time the Bodie was to be burned: and accordingly they ſtay'd there till the time was expired, ſtriving, who could manifeſt the moſt ſorrow; hoping ſo to obtain the greater favour from the Emperour. But the greateſt folly I could obſerve among them was, that when any of them could not diſſemble, or let down tears, they were whipped with thongs, by ſome perſons, thereto appointed, till they wept indeed; and this was duly executed without having regard to their Perſons. Near thoſe Towers, was erected a ſtage,Bonzi, for their good SerBonzi, and a litle lower ſat the Prieſts of a lower degree and rank, of which there was a great number; theſe (like thoſe under the Hierarchy of Rome) were imployed to pour forth praiers for the Soul of the DeceaBonzi, and diſtributed among the poor, according to the relation given to the Heer van Muyden, by the Kings Agent, aCatti of Siam Silver, which is about 66000 pound Sterl. beſides the Images that were beſtowed on the chief TemMandorins, were expended upon theſe exequial Rites.
TWo days after the Corps were brought forth, the King went himſelf in perſon, and gave fire to the wood with a Torch, which was done with great Solemnity, and Muſic of all ſorts, that all the time play'd very dolefull Airs. The Cheſt of Gold, together with all the Coſtly Ornaments, wherewith ſhe was attired, when ſhe lay in ſtate, were burn'd with the Corps, and reduced to duſt.
Magi who ſtood at his left hand, Asked him; What his opinion was? and, What might be the reaſon that this gobbet of
At length I have diſcovered the certainty of what I ever had in ſuſpicion: My Daughter is without doubt poyſoned. Upon that in great diſcontent he went into his Mourning appartment whence he iſſued an Order for the ſudden Apprehenſion of all the Ladies, that attended the Princeſs in her Life time, who were in obedience to his Royal Will immediately ſecured.
On the day following divers others of the greateſt rank were ſiezed and committed to Cuſtody, who were wont to converſe with the Princeſs, although they had not been in her preſence for the ſpace of a whole year.
Shortly after it was my fortune to be Spectator to ſuch a cruel TraSiam do fan their Lords Bonzi, who inſiſted upon them to confeſs the FaRigoloza pronounced againatural Shoes. So ſoon as thBonzi, that they were guilty, Perillus was thrown into the braPhalaris, to puniſh ſ
Every perſon who had paſt this horrid Purgatory, and by the afSyam they have no other ExecuSiam.
forſooth) commanded to ſpit upon them;
This may ſeem to be a mean reaſon, for ſo great a piece of TyMandarins, of whom he China.
On the 28 of Febr. were 300 of the Domeſtics of the late Prin
MAR. 1650March, was the ſaid Princeſs brought fo
The next day the ſaid Princeſs was brought forth again into Palace, where the Mandorins were aſſembled in the Auditory ſoon as they began to make inquiſition, upon threatning to puIf the King will promiſe upon his Royal word;
Upon that liberal ſaying, ſeveral of the Mandarins then preſent, who had a great honour for her RMandorins back, to take her into fuThat she with Help of her Nurſe were both guilty of the Fact, and that they had uſed ce
She added further, That her ignominious death did not concern her ſo much, as that her juſt Deſign should have no better iſſue; whereby the ſmall remainder of her Stock should be reduced to their priſtin ſtate, and free'd from the Slavery of ſo fierce a Tyrant. When ſhe was further examined in ſome circumſtantial things, She proteſted that it was not provided for the innocent Princeſs, but for the King himſelf. So ſoon as ReO wretched Tyrant, thou mayſt be my Executioner, but thou canſt not conquer my noble mind. Know, that I defy thy Cruelty; and that the end of thy Sham-poyſon will ſpeedily come, when the remaining Vertue of my Royal Race shall avenge themſelves of thee, and thy Tygre-brood. With theſe and the like words ſhe reviled the King, till by a ſecond Charge ſent to the Executioner from the Palace, ſhe was hackt in pieces, and thrown into the River.
The ſame day her only brother, aged 20 years, was brought to the place of Execution, who during all theſe ſhowers of Cruelty, had feigned himſelf diſtraught, by which means, they told us he was excuſed.
But whether he was guilty or not, it appeared ſo ſoon as he was mounted the ſtage, that he had his Witts about him: for he behaved himſelf with ſuch candour and modeſty, that ſome of the Mandarins could not forbear tears; and with a bitter Harangue ſo reviled the Innocent indeed I am, as was my Siſter, but now Thou inhuman Tyrant, it is thy will it should be ſo, I ſcorn, although I were ſure of enjoyment, to deſire thy pardon; that thou shouldſt not hope for the leſt pity from the Hands of them that shall revenge my Blood in after times. With theſe and the like words he ſeemed to declare his Innocency, yet uttered ſome expreſMAR. 1650
YOu have heard by what we have related in the former Chapter, with how much power and aw, the king of Siam rules. It will further appear how well he knows it, by the proud, ſwelling Title he aſſumes to himſelf; two of which were preſented me by a Mandar
and I hope will not ſeem impertinent to inſert here; although the Reader may be pleas'd to take notice, that the Idiom of their Tongue is ſo barbarous, that it will hardly bear ſence, when rendred; howeve
THE Alliance written with letters of fine Gold being full of God-like glory. The moſt Excellent, containiall wiſe Sciences. The moſt happy, which is not in the VVo • among men. The Beſt and moſt Certain that is in Heave • Earth and Hell. The greateſt Sweet, and friendly Ro • word. VVhoſe powerfull-ſounding Properties, and glorio • Fame range through the VVorld, as if the Dead we • raiſed by a God-like power, and wonderfully purged from Ghoſtly and Corporal Corruption. At this both Spiritu •• and Secular men admire with a ſpecial Joy, whereas •• Dignity may be herewith Compared. Proceeding from friendly, illuſtrious, inconquerable, moſt mighty and m • • high Lord; and a Royal Crown of Gold, adorned with nine ſorts of Precious Stones. The Greateſt, Cleareſt and moſt God-like Lord of unblameable Souls, The moſt Holy, ſeeing every where, and Protecting Soveraign of the City Judia,whoſe many Streets, and open Gates are throng'd by Troops of Men. VVhich is the chief Metropolis of the whole VVorld. The Royal Throne of the Earth that is adorn'd with nine ſorts of Stones, and moſt pleaſant Valleys. He who Guides the Rains of the VVorld, and has a houſe more than the Gods, of fine Gold and of Precious Stones; they the Godlike Lords of Thrones of fine Gold, the VVhite, Red and Round-tayl'd Elephant; which Excellent Creatures are the Cheifeſt of the nine ſorts of Gods. To none hath the Divine Lord given, in whoſe hand is the victorious ſword; who is like the fiery-Armed God of Battails, to the moſt Illuſtrious.
The ſecond is as as blaſphemous as the firſt, though hardly ſwells ſo far out of Sence.
THE higheſtPaducco Syry Sultan, NelmoKing of the whole world, who makes the VVater riſe and flow. A King that is like a God, and shines like the Sun at noon day. A King that gives a glance like the Moon when it is at full. Elected of God to be worthy as the North-ſtar; being of the Racenam, welgaca, Nelmochadin Magiviitha, Jou ken der eauten lillaula fylan, and offſpring of the great Alexander;with a greatƲ nderſtanding, as a round Orb, that tumbles hither and thither, able to gueſs at the Depth of the great Sea. A King that hath amended all the Funerals of the departed Saints, and is as righ teous as God, and of ſuch power that all the VVorld may come and ſhelter under his VVings. A King that doth right in all things, as the Kings of old have don. A King more liberal the all Kings. A King that hath many Mines of Gold that God hath lent him; who hath built Temples half Gold and half Braſs, ſitting upon a Throne of pure Gold, and of all ſorts o Precious ſtones. A King of the white Elephant, which Ele • phant is the king of all Elephants, efore whom many Thou ſands of other Elephants muſt bow, and fall upon the knees. • Lucifer He whoſe eies ſhine like the Morning-ſtar A kinthat hath Elephants with four Teeth; Red, Purple and Pi • Elephants, • ay,and aBuytenaquesElephant; for whicGod has given him many and divers ſorts of Appar • wrought with moſt fine Gold, • Trap enobled with many Preciopings ſtones: and beſides theſe, ſo many Elephants uſ'd in Battel, h • • ving Harneſses of Iron, their teeth tipt with teel and the Harneſſes laid ore with ſhining Braſs. A King that has ma Hundred Horſes, whoſe Trappings are wrought with fi • Gold, and adorned with Precious ſtones of every ſort, that a • found in the • Ʋ niverſal VVorld, where the Sun ſhines, an• thoſe ſhod with fine Gold. Beſides ſo many Hundred Horſes that are uſed in VVar, of every kind. Has the man got any A King who has all Emperours, Kings, Princes and Soveraigns in the whole VVorld from the Riſing to the Going down of the Sun, under Subjection; and ſuch as can obtain his Favour are by him proScotchPownys?moted to great Honour, but on the Contrary, ſuch as revolt, he burns with fire. A King who can show the Power of God, and what ever God has made.
And ſo by this time I hope you have heard enough of a King of EleGanges,
The River of Siam is a branch of the famous Ganges,
Ganges.
Nile, the King imbarks himſelf in a Galley which is within and without ſo richly Gilded, that it ſeems to be all of maſſy Gold. Within the ſame is a Throne of ſolid Gold, upon which the King ſits, having a Canopy richly ſet with Pearls, Mandorins, on Chairs ſuitable to their Quality; and on his left hand Bonzi, in his Hierarchical Garb. On the Galleries of this Galley, ſit ſeveral Muſicians; which are anſwered by the inferiour Mandorins and Plebeïans, who are placed all along the Banks with Muſical Inſtruments, and Flags of an infinite number. The Imperial Galley is followed with a Retinue of ſome Thouſands of ſmaller ShipPrawe, where the High Prieſt delivers him a golden ſword upon his knees. After the repetition of ſome formal words, he beats the Water three times, and commands it with a God-like Authority to fall down, and ſo re
OUr Ship having now taken in her whole Carga, we had all oAmrack, which is a kind of Colour, uſed by the Iapone
in their Cabinet-work for Verniſhing: and on the 12 of April we ſet STojovan or Formoſa.
APRIL. 1650Pracel banks we deſcried a Iunk, making toward us full Sail, having Dutch Colours aloft, which made us ſuſpect to be a Pyrat: and thereupon our maſter reſolved to throw ſChampan was in pieces and unfit to put out: whereuCambodier, and loaden with contrabanded Goods, we there took him as Prize. His Loading did alſo moſtly conſiſt in HAmrak, as ours did: The men aboard her Cambodiers and Chineeſes, which Capt. Fayer (for that was Commanders name) put all into the Champan, that notwithſtand
th. of May we arrived ſafely at the Iſland of Formoſa,
MAY 1650Zelandia, where Peter over't Water was then Governor. As we ſailed in at the Bay, we were ſurprized with a great Wind; inſomuch that the Prize we had taken ran upon a ſeat of Rocks, which almoſt conjoyn, or as it were, imbrace the Bay, like that at Rhodes, in the Levant, made by Art, on which was erected the Image of Apollo: ſo that theſe are with a gale of Wind, ſomewhat ſtiffer than ordinary almoſt unavoidable. The Junk broke all in pieces, and the men were all loſt, ſave 3 Hollanders, who ſaved themſelves upon Planks; amongſt thoſe that were loſt were 7 Hollanders, the reſt Chineezes, being about 20 in number.
The Iſland Formoſa lies almoſt directly under the Tropic of Cancer;
or Northen Promontory, in 25; and is computed to be about 130 Dutch Leagues in circumference, facing the coaſt of Fokien and
Round about this Iſland are taken abundance of Fiſh, eſpeHarders, which are ſomewhat bigger than a Haddock. This China, where it is had in great Chineezes when pickled, being red, and lies cloſe and round in thin skin, which naturally grows about it. The Chineezes us'd here
Formoſa is a very fruitfull Iſland, but lies untill'd;Formoſa
Spaniards,
Midag. It abounds with Rice, Kaylang, Maſquinades, as alſo Ginger and Sugar. Guigavas, Perang, and Europe; and ſome only Proper to this Iſle, which I could never ſee either in Europe, Aſia, or Affrica, as Moupellos and Crambrods. Melons, or Musk-millions, are here ſo plentiful and delicious; that I have been cloyed barely with looking at them when they were cut up; beſides Water-milions and Pompions which are alſo of a very good taſt and Juycy. They have beſides many kinds of
Ananaſses, China-Rock Potatos (not much unlike ours) Ubes, Kadiang and Fakkafocas. Kadj
is a litle green ſeed almoſt like that of Coriander, which they boyl anFokkafokas has the Shape of a Pear, or Quince, but 3 times as big, anHolland. There are ſome ſheep in Hollanders call, Den Duyvel van TAJOThe Devil of Formoſa. Being about 2 foot long, and 5 in broad upon the back, with ſcales all over the body; it has four with ſharp claws, a ſharp long head, and a tail thick at the rFormoſa affoards all kinds of F
As to the Frame and Stature of the Natives, we cannot give any general Deſcription, ſince thoſe vary according to the plBeauties.
Formoſa, ſeriouſly from the Land it's ſelf, or Ironically from the monſtrous People that Inhabit it.
During the time that I was at Formoſa, I heard often of Men with Tails: to which I never gave much heed, looking upon it as fabulous. Yet I will aſſure the Reader by all lawfull aſſeverations, that I found Formoſan of the South-Countrey was apprehended for an inhuman Murther, committed upon a Clergy
Upon Feſtival days when the Formoſans go to preſent themſelves before their Idols they hang great round boards almoſt like Trenchers to their ears, which are artificially painted: others hang Shells full of Small holes, which loll over their breaſts: but upon other days they let their ears be naked, and without any ornament at all.
Their Hair is jet-black and long: ſome of them wear it as we do in Europe; others tie it up above the crown of the head, after the old China faſhion, or plated. Their complexion is of a Swarthy yellow,
Kabelang look more white and pale. The Women of Midag, Soeten Nowe, and Lamea are of Indians flexible to Chriſtianity.
Formoſans.
Soulang were formerly appaEuropeans; but all the reſt as Chineezes. Before the firſt comSpaniards into that Iſland, the Natives were all naked like as now, thoſe that inhabit the Hill-countrey, which wear only cloth about their middle.
The Habit of the Women doth not vary much from that of the Men, only with this diſtinction, that their Robes are wrapped abou
The Men have ſometimes their back, breſt, and arms painted with a kind of colour which never goes out ſo long as they live. Abou
The Men of Tokkadekol wear a long Reed, which is made faſt
They have no Trades nor Mechanicks among them, but ever
They are wholly unskilled in Navigation, having no other Ship
WHen we had taken in our loading at Formoſa, I left the Black-Bear, and was put aboard a Flyboat called, The Lady, which was bound for Iapon, and ſet ſail on the 15 of Iuly following.
On the 10th. of Auguſt we arrived at Iapon, where according to the manner, we ſignified our Arrival. Immediatly upon notice given came ſeveral Officers aboard, who took away our Rudder, Sails and Ammonition. That done they unloaded our Ship themſelves, not ſuffering us to put to our hand to help them.
The name of the Haven was Nangueſaque,
Nangueſaque (or Nangueſaky as ſome call it) deſcriDutch, who till their coming hither, had their Reſidence and Magazine at Firando. The
Dutch Lodge is upon a ſmall Iland, ſevered from the City by a wateAm
Steel Buck and Kaymans Hides, Silk both raw and wrought, Vel
After we had been three days at Nangueſaque, and all our CargIaponeezes: they ſhut our Hold up, and ſealed Balis of Sakky, a Drink they make of Rice, which is veDe Vreede was like a litle Boat upon the top of every ſurge, and Black Bear and another great Ship lying both with out the head, weIaponeezes as Wrack
Nangueſaque lies in 33 degr. 15 min. northerly latitude in a very pleaſant Land-ſhip and is both very great and populous;Nangueſaq.
Iapon lies without walls. It is ſeated upon a very commodious Bay, or Road, fit to receive Ships of the greateſt burthen. It has a very magnificent proſpect from Seaward, having an Brabant, Germany and other Countreys. They are Covered with Planks which ſhoot far out over the walls like Pent-houſe, to ſhelter them from Sun and Rain. They have upon Holland: it would be ſuddenly reduced to ashes and Dutch had their lodging, which on a ſudden had conſumed a great part of the Street and ſeveDutch then
Iaponeezes are reaſonable fair of complexion, but a litle meEuropeans.
Japoneezes.
Iaponeezes are in generChineezes, which far exceeEuropeans. Their Swords are ſo well tempered that I have ſtruck one through an Iron pin, of half an inch thick, without the leſt
When we had done our Negotiation at Iapon, we ſet Sail for Ba
directing our Courſe firſt for Formoſa, and ſet Sail the 30th. of Dece
with a hard Wind, and a Northerly Monſon.
Mouſson; ſo that we Formoſa in 10 days Sailing; and on the 9th. of Ianuary following aZeelandia. Upon our arrival Poſt horſe, which was bound for Siam, where th. of Ianuary, and there took in the Sieur Van der
Conſul for the Company at India; who was to go for Batavia. Here we took in 8 young Elephants, with Provender, which was
and Sugar-cane, as alſo a certain quantity of Rice. Here I may
On the 15 of February we ſet Sail for Batavia,
1651 The AuHolland.
Holland: and in order thereto Zelandia, which was then almoſt ready to ſet Sunda; and S. Helena.
On the 21 of April we got ſight of Saint Helena, where we came ſafe Arrival at St. He
Having now refreſhed our ſelves ſufficiently,th. of Auguſt, where we bartered with ſuch Goods Holland, where by God's gracious Conduct we arrived oSeptember 1651, and put in at Goeree.
Amſterdam, in waiting for an opportuDurgerdam, to ſee what enterKetel of Durgerdam, a perſon with whom I was formerly acquainted. After he had congratulated my happy return, asked me, What courſe I was bound to take? I told him, that I had a deſire to undertake a new Voyage, but I could not meet with an opportunity to Ship my ſelf upon any conſiderable Terms. Well (ſaid he) upon what Terms would you go? I replied, For Sailmaker. That occurs very well, quoth he, for I have been inquiring for one, and we had already determin'd to go this Voyage without one: And
if you like to go with us,
DEC. 1655I will be as civil to you as I may. This anſwer of his was no ſmall matter of comfort to me, being then, as I have already ſaid, deſtitute of Service. The Captain brought me aſhoar, and in a Victualling-Houſe agreed with me, when he had almoſt made me tipſy with Strongwaters, and ſo got me aboard the Paſſage-boat, where I lay and ſlept that whole night and the next day, till we arTexel, where the Ship lay at anchor. When I awaked I began to look about me, not knowing where I was, at firſt I thought I was in my Lodging at Amſterdam, but perceiving the Veſſel tumble and toſs too and again, I concluded that I was ſtill aboard the Eaſt-India man. Whilſt I was in this quandary the Captain comes down to me which unriddl'd the doubt. When I bethought my ſelf what I had done, I grew very uneaſy and diſpleas'd at my ſelf, for my inconſi
On the 20 of December 1655 I Shipp'd my ſelf aboard the Fly-boat, called Het Huys te Gennip, which was bound firſt for Yarmouth, where ſhe was to take in Red-herring.
On the 14 of Decemb. we left the Texel, and on the 20th. got Yarmouth Roads, where we met with a contrary Wind, which blew ſo hard that we could carry no Sail, but were fain to let all drive, and truſt to the mercy of GOD. This dured for the ſpace of 12 Watches, at which time we made the Texel; and to our great happineſs had a Pilot aboard, that was intended for. Yarmouth who brought us ſafe in at the Spaniards gat: for it was impoſſible for us to keep off at Sea, the Ship being ſo full of Sand, that we could not ſtir the Pump: and before we made land, found that we had 7 foot Water in the Hold, ſo that had we not luckily put in there then, the Ship had not held out one Watch lon
January 1656Decemb. we ſet Sail, having a brave Wind, and clear weather; and on New-years day arrived ſafe at Yarmouth.
On the 15 of January we weighed anchor, and left Yarmouth, having taken in our intended Loading, and directed our courſe for the Straits of Gibralter.
February we entred the Straits,
FEB. 1656.th. got Leghorn. When we lay at anchor here, there happened a miſunderKetel and my ſelf, about a trifling buſineſs, which brought us both without the bounds of Moderation; for proceeding from Words to Blows, we were at laſt ſoo deeply ingaged that we both tumbled over board. Our Maſter was ſo kind as to let me climb up but when I came upon Deck put me in Irons, that ſeeing our courage was not yet cooled in the Sea, he had that one mean to keep us aſunder. In the mean while ſome had taken opportunity to pillage my cheſt, and borrow 116 Ducatoons: but I could never be ſo happy as to learn who was my Creditor: ſo that I had but a ſmall portion left me, with which I purpoſed to go by land to Venice.
Leghorn is ſo well known of all Gentlemen and Marriners that have ſeen Italy, that it may ſeem needleſs to deſcribe it. Nevertheleſs ſince it is a part of my Province, to take notice of ſuch Towns as are in any regard eminent and famous, I ſhall not ommit to ſay ſomething briefly of it.
This City which is one of the chief Havens in renowned Italy, was by Francis and Ferdinand, great Dukes of Tuſcany upon conſideration of it's commodious ſite raiſed from a mean village to a great EmpoPiſa, which is furniſhed with 60 great Guns. About 6 Engliſh miles from the City is a Beacon for direction of Marriners by night, there being many Rocks toward the South that are often the occaſion of Ship-wrack, and is therefore called Malhora. Theſe Rocks do cauſe impetuous breakings of the Sea, which yet render the entrance of the Haven more free and ſecure. So that Ships and Galleys may ride ſafely at anchor in this Road. The City on the out-ſide appears more magnificent than it is indeed inTuſcany; and ply'd ſo ſtrongly that the reſt of the Galleys, had enough to do to overtake them, and were ready to yield it for loſt. Theſe 4 men were Moors, and for that notable Eſſay, are recorded with their Images in mettal which are ſet one againſt another, with their Hands behind their back.
Leaving Leghorn I ſet forward for Piſa: but before I was got half way, was aſſail'd with 4 Highway men, who were well mounted and arm'd: two whereof allighted, and clapt their Piſtols to my breaſt, bidding me deliver my money. In the mean while they fell a ſearching of my pockets and breeches, but not finding my money, which I had ſtitch'd up in the lining of my Coat, they gave me 2 bunches of Grapes, and rode away.
Piſa.
February I came into Piſa, where I took up my lodging for that night, and the next day went to take a view of the Town. It is ſeated at the foot of a great Hill, about 8 leagues from the Sea, beAuſere and Arno: and ſeems to be of5. Tuſciae oppiCoſmo di Medicis Duke of Florence, and afterward by Laurence his Nephew; to whVollaterran and Machiavel aſcribe the Founding. There are here ſeveral fair Churches; that dedicate to Saint Iohn is a very ſtately building, and renowned beyond any other Church in Italy, for it's coſtly Tower which is of admirable rare Workmanſhip. The Church-yard, otherwiſe called Campo Sancto, is viſited by many ſtrangers, which was made at that time, when Frederic Barbaroſſa went to Warrs againſt the Infidels in the Holy Land: to which Expedition thoſe of Piſa aſſiſted him with 50 Galleys. But the ſaid Frederic Barbaroſsa being caſually drowned, the Galleys returned back again, all freighted with Earth, of which they ſay the Church-yard is made.
On the 23 towards night I left Piſa, and went to Florence; Between which two Towns is the moſt delectable Fields and Valleys, that ever I have ſeen, either before or ſince, inſomuch that I thought my Journey neither long nor irkſom, though on foot.
Florence, which is ſeated in a pleaſant Valley' and divided by the River Arno into two parts, which is the ſame River that runs by Piſa. On the Weſt it hath the Champane land which is admirably delightfull: on the Eaſt the Countrey is Hilly, and ſtored with abundance of Fruit-trees, and on ſome part it is forAppenin Hills. This City is reckoned about 7 miles in compaſs, and enjoys a ſubtile and wholſom Air, which renders the Natives and Inhabitants more acute and of a ſharper Genius than thoſe that Inhabit, or are born in places of a groſſer: The City which is divided by the River, is again united by four ſtately Bridges. which ſo beautify the Town that perhaps gave Charles the Arch-duke occaſion to ſay, that this was a City only to be ſeen on Holy-days. The fertile Hills and rich Valleys wherewith it is environed, affoard the InItaly, yet far more ſpacious and ſplendid within than without: but to recount the ſpacious Halls, Pompous Antichambre, Marble Statues and Pictures in the Galleries, with all it's Appendencies, were an endleſs labour. Right over againſt the Pallace is a Lifeguard, conGermans. Before the Palace is alſo a very ſtately Fountain, adorned with huge Statues both of Marble and Braſs, out of which ſprings Water, being all in emblematical repreſentaMercato Novo is a very ſumptuous Building in which the Citizens, meet and treat about the affairs of Merchandiſe. The Palace of the Medici is a ſtupendious Fabric, and for artificial carItalian Maſters, ſeems to aemulate the famous Vatican. Beſides theſe are many other inferior Palaces, Bublic Puildings, Churches, Chappels and very ſpacious Cloyſters, all which would take up ſome moneths to make an exact ſurvey of. In many ſtreets are GallePiazzas, (as in Covent Garden,) where one may walk to avoid either Sun or Rain. Here are alſo many Houſes built for ChaAlla Nunciata. Yet above the many famous Structures which grace Florence, the Houſe of Prattelino outbraves them all, which was built by Francis de Medicis. The firſt
alla Grotta, which is a fair Arch having therin a Fountain, that ſeems rather to be Natural than performed by Art. Round about the Fountain are Snakes, AdGrotta Sibylla, which is alſo very coſtly, and ſet out with many fair Statues of Marble and Alabaſtre, richly adorned with Coral, where are alſo curious Water-works, none ever coming there but is wet with thoſe ſubterranean Showers. On your right hand is the Bath of the Prince, which is under full of holes, through which the warmth can come to cauſe Sweat. Beſides theſe there is a third Arch, which is for the Heat in Summer, whither the Duke and his Houſhold retire to refrigerate themſelves. In this Arch, is a fair large Table of Alabaſter, and at each end ſeveral Holes, in which they ſet their wine to cool. There is belonging to this Houſe a pleaſant Garden, wherein are many Springs and Ponds: and every rare and choice Tree that will like in that Clime. Behind this Garden is a Park, full of ſtrange Birds and Beaſts, and therein a ſtately and
Neptune, or Thetis, made of White marble, from whence all the Waters in the Fountains have their Riſe: upon which if a man ſtands he hears a wonderfull murmuring and buzzing of Water from below.
This City is a place of great Traffic and Commerce, eſpecially in Silks and Velvets, of which I ſaw many rich ſhops upon the Ponte Pecchio, or Old Bridge. The Florentines themſelves are very able and skillfull in the Affairs of Merchandiſe, and very litle Traffic don in Italy wherein they have not an intereſt; ſo that Pope Clement VI called them the fifth Element. Beſides their domeſtic and exotic Trade, they have given encouragement to, and bred up many, ingenious and famous Maſters in Architecture, Painting, Carving and other Practical Sciences and Arts, and have for a perpetual memory and Gratitude ſo many ſtately Pallaces, Churches, Pictures and Statues left them to Poſterity. This City is alſo very Courtly in reſpect of it's SituaRome, or Seignory of Venice. It is much frequented, viſited and likewiſe inhaHollander, did not only careſs me all the time in ſuch manner that I needed not pay any thing either for Lodging or Diet, but alſo ſhow'd me all what was remarkable about the City. This Monk unVenice, procured me 4 Rix-dollars, which was as much as I had occaſion for, to bear my Charges thither.Florence
On the 1ſt. of March I left Florence, and took my leave of the
IAN. 1656.Bologne, I was fain to climb over a high ſteep Mountain, and in the valley found the City.
Bologne lies about 44 degr. being a Town of ſmall circumference, yet wealthy and full of Inhabitants. The form of the City ſeems to reſemble a Ship whereof the Tower d' Aſinelli is the Maſt. It has ever been a Maxim among them not to ſuffer either Cittadel or Fort to be built, under the ſpecious name of Fortification, being jealous that under ſuch a colour they might check the Citizens at their pleaBologneezes have nothing to rely upon, than only the Walls, and valour of their men. The City is founded on the Banks of the famous Savona, which River incorporates with the Rhem a litle above Ferrara, by which way all Goods are conveighed. The Air is here for the moſt part moiſt, which renders the circumjacient Countrey very fertile, there being the beſt Meadows and Arable ground in all Italy. There is alſo very good Wine, Olives and Oil: although Fiſh they have none except what is brought from a far; but Veniſon in great abundance. In this place are made ſuch SauſaSpain, that I have ſeen, where every Houſe by the Frontiſpiece ſeems rather a Palace than a private Dwelling, yet within naſty, full of ſpiders-webs, and void of Utenſils, pure Emblemes of HypoGariſenda, which is built crooked on purpoſe, for a proof of Art: although ſome hold the Churches of this City (if taken in general) to ſurpaſs all others in any particular Town in Italy, more eſpecially in regard of the maMAR. 1656.
AFter I had ſtaid 2 days at Bologne, I ſet forward for Ferrara, where being arrived I found it a dead Town, having nothing of Trade; but on the contrary many places void and unbuilt, a ſure and evident token of the declining condition of that City. NotwithſtanFerrara, eſpecially on the River Po, which runs that way, and expatiates it ſelf in Tren
On the 6 ditto I left Ferrara, tending my journey for Chioggio, but by the way met a Foot-padder, who pillag'd me,Florenza, and left me about 20d to help me to Venice.
On the 8th. I arrived at Chioggio, which is a ſmall City on the Sea-ſide,Chioggio.
Venice, being but 3 miles diſtant. Here is a very convenient Haven, moſt haunted by Fiſhers, yet has litle other Trading to depend upon, except GarVenice with Plants and Herbs. The prime thing I ſaw here, was an Image of the Virgin, with a weeping Child in her arm, held by them in great Veneration. As for Churches
MAY. 1656.Venice: where being arrived, and paid my naulum, I had not a Farthing left. Nevertheleſs I knew that I could liſt my ſelf when I would, and receive advance-money: and after a litle Inquiry, met with Monſr. Theodore de Haan, Commander of the Golden Cock, who took me on as Sail-maker. It was not long before the Ship was in her due equippage, and ſet forth in order to joyn with the ArVenice, which was upon an Expedition againſt the Turks in the Dardanelli. But de Haan having received letters from Holland, about ſome urgent affairs of his own, reſigned the Command to his Son, and went home by Land.
On the 10th of April we ſet Sail from Venice, in company with the Grand St. George, which was then commanded by the Sieur Court Adelaar afterwards Admiral of Denmark, and lately deceaſed.
On the 20 ditto we arrived at Xante, where we ſupplied our ſelves with freſh Water, and took in ſome Pipes of Wine, which is here exceeding good, and tolerably cheap: for the Barillo, a meaſure of about 5 Gallon, or rather more, coſts but a Scudo, that I ſuppoſe is equivalent with 5• 8d
Sterl. which again is vended in the Armade for 6 Crowns.
On the 22 we departed from Xante directing our courſe for Milo; and on the 5th. of May got the heighth of that Iſland, but did not touch there, ſteering directly between Milo and Argentero; and here we came to anchor, but too near the coaſt of Argentero, for we were annoyed with mud. Upon this aroſe a great Storm of Wind, which rock'd us to and again, and at laſt broke our Cables. We endeavored all we could to get Sea room, but the Wind being towards the Land, drove us flat againſt the Coaſt, where the Sieur Adelaar ſeeing us in ſuch danger, ſent off his Long Boat with 5 or 6 men to fetch a Perſon of Quality from aboard us, who was a Superintendant of ſome emiVenetian Lady,Saint George and warmed, was delivered of an Abortiv Child: but her ſelf revived, being cheriſhed by the help of other Women aboard that Ship. Shortly after the Ship-wrack came all the Moveables and Goods aſhoar. Being now come aboard the Saint George, and a litle refreſhed, we ſteer'd away for Candy, where we arrived in ſafety; but what by our unhappy lingring at Argentero, and increaſe of Folk, the Victualling grew very low; upon which we deſired the Governour to ſupply us with what we had occaſion for, but Anſwer was returned us, That Candia was of it ſelf but very meanly provided, and that they were not in a capacity to aſſiſt us. We then
Tartan to tranſport us to the Armade, in order to admit our ſelves again into the ſervice of the Common
On the 3 of May we ſet Sail from Candy, but were put to our allowlib. of Bread each man a day, upon a Calculation of 10 days, and ſo conſequently 20 lib. the Voyage.
On the 8 ditto, we came cloſe under Mytilene, and found that our Proviſion was already ſpent, ſo that it was reſolved by the major part of the Company, that we ſhould go aſhoar and ſee out for ſomething to ſupply our Wants, although we knew that the Iſland was under the Juriſdiction of the Turkiſh Emperour. However ſeeing there was as much Danger on the other hand, we chuſed rather to adventure our ſelves on land, than to ſtarv aboard: and accordingly 12 Hollanders and 15 Greeks ſtept aſhoar, and ſeeing a drove of Cattel we took 6 fat Kine, which we led to the Boat and ſo got them hoyſ'd aboard, one by one. This fair beginning encouraged us to go further within land and about a mile from the Creek where the Tartan lay, found a ſmall village of about 10 or 12 Houſes, but Gentlemen, Here comes a Command of Horſe, ſee what you have to do, and reſolve without much loſs of time, for if you do not behave your ſelves couragiouſly we are all dead men. Be valorous and keep together, let us be faithfull,
and if, we muſt ſubmit to death at this time,
MAY 1655let it be in a honourable manner
Turks in the mean while drew nearer and nearer: and we loath to part with our Plunder, made a faint-hearted fellow (that was good for nothing elſe) drive the Aſſes before, whileſt we drew up into a Body and put our ſelves into a Poſture of defence. Our men unaniGreeks, they were greater Strangers to martial Diſcipline than we, and ran confuſedly up and down without any order. When the Turks were juſt come upon us, I gave charge that they ſhould not fire all at once, but by 5 at a time, and that not till they had taken good aim, and the Enemy within ſhot. With that the Turkish Commander (being a Moor) advanced upon a ſtately Horſe, was bound to level his Carbine, but to anticipate him I gave the Word to the firſt Rank, who brought him down to the Ground and three more beſides him. This falling out luckily the ſecond Rank gave fire, and ſo following the third, till we ſaw above 20 of the Enemies Party dead, that gave us no ſmall encouragement; but on the contrary ſo diſheartned the Enemy that they began to retreat; for beſides the great advantage we had of the High walls of Flint, which ſerved us for a Rampart; our Arms were large Muſquets, and theirs but ſmall Carbines, which at that diſtance could not do much Execution. When they were gone a good way back, we climbed over the Wall, marched along the high way with four in a Rank, and kept our ſelves together. The Turks ſeeing that faced about on a ſudden, clapt ſpurrs to their Horſes, and came driving upon us with a moſt horrid ſhouting; thinking ſo to bring us out of our Ranks, and to put us into a diſorder: which if they could have effected, had ſerved their turn. But our men the ſecond time faced about and levelled their Muſquets, till we had them at a due diſtance and ſo we fired for a good while together, without either gaining or looſing ground; till at laſt the Enemy ſeeing themſelves conMAY. 1656.
ON the 9th.
dito we left Mytilene, and with a brave Wind got Monte Sante, or Holy Mount in 2 days: This being the Hill (as the devout Romaniſts beleeve) whereon our Saviour was tempted by Sa
On the 12 dito we Sailed into the River of Conſtantinople, where we found the Sea-Armade of Venice at Troy, which is the place and remnant of the famous Troy, ſo much read of in the Poets of old, although it is hard to judge where the Town has verily ſtood. All that is to be ſeen, is a Gate which is built of white Marble, and ſeems to be exceedPropontis, or Channel of Conſtantinople.
On the 14 we were taken into ſervice, and I put aboard the Litle Princeſs.
On the 15 we ſaw the Galleys of Bey, who ſeeing that we had ſtopt the Channel, row'd away toward the Greek ſhoar, where they ſtay'd together, being 22 in number.
On the 16 came an English Ship from Sante called the Midleton to bring Bread, Oars, and Ammonition for the Armade, wTurkish Galleys aſſail'd, when ſhe came near the Dardanelli. We hearMAY. 1656.English Ship, and the English on the other hand defended themſelves couragiouſly. After they had fought ſome hours, the Turks boarded her abaft and got the Poop, which the English ſeeing blew up the Decks, and ſo ſet the Ship on Fire, which nevertheleſs when they ſaw her on Fire to the Main Maſt, ceaſed not to fire valourouſly out at the Prow till ſhe began to ſink, which they marTurks took up as many as they could, and made ſlaves of them. Aboard this Ship was an English Woman who kept a Houſe of EnVenice, notedly known by the name of Mrs. Penters, and one that was very kind to the English and Dutch when in any ſtrait or trouble, and many of our Nation were ſorry when they heard of her Death. The Ship Midleton was mounted with 36 Guns, and 60 Men, whereof about 40 were drown'd and burn'd, as we found by the Bodies we took up an hour and a half after the Battel. And afterDardanelli, that the Galleys were ſo diſabled that they repented the Aſſault, beſides more than 500 Men outright kill'd, and a far grea
While we lay at Anchor at the entrance of the Channel, and loating to and again before the Dardanelli, the moſt part of our men were quell'd with a Scorbutic diſtemper, for want of freſh Water. For all the Water we could have, we muſt fetch out of the River of Troy, which we could not doe without great perril, and jeopardy of our lives; the Turks having ſeveral hidden Trenches, in which they lay ſculking till they ſaw opportunity, and then ſurprized us. To my great misfortune, I was ſent out with 7 more to fetch Water with a Boat; and coming to Troy, we ſaw very rich Vineyards, at a diſtance, and mightily longing for ſome ſuch refreſhments, we caſt lots who ſhould make the attempt to go and fetch ſome Grapes, and the Turks that had lay in
Turks off, till they got the Boat adrift, and ſo made their eſcape. In the mean while I ſat biting my nails, and ſcratching my head in the Vineyard. Seeing my way forelaid, and no hopes of coming to the Sea-ſide. I began to conſult with my ſelf what ſhift to make, and concluded it the greateſt folly in the world to oppoſe my ſelf againſt ſo many men, for which (being once in their clutches) I might expect ſeverer uſage. It was not long before they came to ſee what kind of a Fool, they had got in their Gin, where they found Peel-garlick ready to yield up the Ghoſt for fear. They brought me firſt to the Hamlet, where Troy was ſaid to ſtand in times of yore, and afterwards to thoſe Caſtles which are built oppoDardanelli. Here they put me in a Galley, ſtript off my Robes, ſhaved my head, and ſet me to an Oar, which was work enough for ſix of us to tug at, allowing me only a pair of linnen Breeches to cover my nakedneſs. I was chain'd to a Ruſsian, who had been 24 years in the Galleys: for all ſtrangers that they take in the Venetian Sea-Armade, are to ſtay in the Galleys during life, without the benefit of Redemption. Which when I came to underſtand, began in all haſt to repent my temerity, and foolhardineſs, and had thought my ſelf more happy if I had been pilling of Turnips or Cucumbers at Durgerdam, than plucking of ſuch ſour Grapes, in a Trojan Vineyard.
How inhuman and barbarous our Uſage was, no Tongue can duly utter nor Pen decipher. For the Guardian of that Galley was repupiaculum, for another's Remiſneſs, or Sloth, nor was the Tygre ever well, but when he heard ſome a roaring, or yelling out The Ruſs was ever now and then counſelling to betake our ſelvs to flight, which I had a great mind to eſſay (for the Venetian Armade lay but two leagues from us) but could never ſee an opportunity,
Turks. The Ruſs had ſeveral times attempted to run away, but was ever taken, and had neither Noſe nor Ears left him. This woful Praecedent daunted me ſo, that I had no great ſtoPrethee Brother, Which is beſt, To live in perpetual Slavery, or, Doe what you can, to make your Eſcape? Put the caſe it should be fruitleſs and we should be taken, I shall be ſure to have the hardeſt meaſure, but you, only a hundred ſtroaks on the foot, at worſt. 'Tis true, they have threatned to burn me, if ever I run away again, and am caught; but I will rather dy ſo, than to live all my days under the lash of thoſe unreaſonable Hell-Hounds, and to be tormented with a Thouſand Plagues, after the manner you ſee. Come, come, reſolve. Faint heart never won fair Lady, and Nothing venture, nothing have; What is there in the VVorld, that may be praeferred before a Golden Freedom? By theſe and many other reaſons he moved me to hazard to matter. The Moſcovian or Ruſs, who was a ſubtile Impoſtor, and had an excellent hand at any kind of Roguery, had been ſome time before at Conſtantinople, where he had bought a File; this he had ſtitch'd up in his Coat, and carried always a litle Tinder-box and a Watch-light about him, to uſe in time of occaſion.
Having now for the ſpace of 6 Weeks endured this wofull ſtate,Ruſs directly upon the buttock. However he ſwom ſo long with it, till we were out of ſhot,Ruſs shot with an ArLet alone, let alone, 'tis an Arrow with a wicker. And thus he was fain to ſwim for two Leagues together, before we came to the Venetian Armade: and had the ſtream heavy on our ſide. When we came to the Armade we were taken into the Ship Abrahams Offering, where the Ruſs had the Arrow drawn out of his buttock, which had pierced him to the very bone, and put him to a miſerable torture before it was drawn out, being a Harpoon with 8 wickers. However he was by the diligence of an able Chirurgeon in a ſhort time cured of his Wound; and we thanked God for his delivery of us from the hands of thoſe mercileſs Tyrants, preſerving us through the dangerous floods, and bringing us to a Chriſtian People.
June 1656Iune by break of day we got the Armade (in manner as aforeſaid) and about 8 a clock, I was brought before the General, to whom I ſignified what had paſſed as to my particular concernment, and gave him what Intelligence I could from the Turkish Fleet, who intended that day to fall down, had already reckoned the day their own, and made a Dividend among themVenetians were very weak, but afterward, by the joyning of the Maltheezes and ſome Dutch, they were increaſ'd to 28 Ships of War, 24 Galleys, and 7 Galeaſſes. Their Officers were as follow.
For the ſpace of one whole moneth we cruſed upon the
Of the Head-Officers and Commanders in the
Venetian Armade, as they were ingaged againſt the Turks Anno 1656
GENERAL.
PROVEDITOR of the ARMADE.
ADMIRAL of the GALEASSES.
Captain of the Gulf.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, and Captain of a Galeaſs.
The Heads, or Prime Officers of the Galeaſſes were,
and Giacomo Loredan.
Captains of Galleys
ADMIRAL.
M. Antonio Paſquaglio.MAY. 1656
Of the Ships of Warr the Head-Officers were,
ADMIRAL
VICE-ADMIRAL
RERE-ADMIRAL.
Captains of Men of War.
Z. Andora Bragadina.Voluntiers without Pay.
Voluntiers without Pay.
Great Perſonages and Voluntiers.
The Prince of Parma.a youth of 13 Years.
aged 12 Years.
Turkish Armade, which we waited for daily from Conſtantinople. In the mean while thoſe of Maltha came up with their Galleys to the Venetian ArPrior of Rochel. The Turks on the contrary had 28 Men of War. 9 Galeaſſes, and 60 Galleys, thoſe of the Bey reckoned with them. The ſaid Fleet was alſo full of men, and well provided with Ammunition.
Dardanelli, as if they would direct their courſe for the Iſlands of Greece, or ſome place in the Archipellago, aiming to make a breach ſometimes at one place, and ſometimes at another; But the Venetians were too vigilant to ſuffer it; for they compoſed their Fleet in ſuch order, that the Turks could not find a Paſſage. Nevertheleſs the Maltheezes diſown'd themſelvs to be under the Standard of Saint Mark, but reſerved the Command of their own Galleys, as themſelves liſted and thought good.
On the 24 the Turks held themſelves cloſe to the Banks near the two Caſtles, mentioned before (in Pag. 80) which tended mainly to their advantage. Beſides this they had thrown up two Batteries, one upon the Corner of Barbaria, on the Anatolian Side, and another, on the Greek, or Weſtern Coaſt, from whence they play'd off their great Guns againſt the Chriſtian Navy, to work a paſſage through for their Fleet. Three days long continued they on both ſides firing with their Canon, the Admiral of the Venetians, as bearing the chief Standard; riding neareſt to the Enemy, and conſequenly ſuffered more dammage than the reſt of the Navy: for the Turks threw out great Stones with their Bombs, that they killd three men on a breſt, who ſtood very near the General. In theſe Caſtles are Guns of an incredible muſſin, and as ſome ſay, thoſe in the outmoſt Redoubts 30 inches diameter. And although there was not any hope of doing the Enemy much harm, yet the Chriſtian Fleet kept ſtill in good OrTurkish Navy, which we thought would come out, when ours was a litle more diſabled. On the 26 they came out with full Sail, and in good Order, with ſuch a hideous roaring and ſhouting, that we could not underſtand the words of Command, nor hear one another ſpeak. Their Ships as well as their Galleys were ſo ſtow'd with men, that they were a great incumbrance to themſelves.
The Wind was now at North, and favoured the Turks ſo,Turks have the benefit of the Wind.Chriſtians were almoſt blind and ſtifled with ſmoak: yet the whole Fleet kept their Poſts without giving way to the Enemy. The General to give a good example and encouragement to the whole Navy, put the Fleet in the form of a Creſcent and himſelf in the Nombril; and ſo expected the Infidels Armade: but they kept off at a conſiderable diſtance, ſtill playing off their Cannon. The Wind and ſtream
JUNE. 1656.Bey, that were to the Rereward of us; who alſo fought couragiouſly, and held their Poſt all the while. The Venetians did all they could to cloſe up with the Turks, but could not move forward and keep their due Order, thro reaſon of the Wind, and violent Breakings of the Stream, occaſioned on purpoſe by the Turks in opening of their Fleet, that beat Strongly againſt the Chriſtian Navy. The Enemy in the mean while battered the Squadron of Marco Bembo with an inceſſant ſhooting of whole Tears and BroadLazaro Mocenigo, and Gerolino Malipiero the Vice-Admiral, aſſiſted by the Prince of Parma, the leſt ſhare in this hot Ingagement. But beyond all others, memorable was the magnanimous and reſolved Valour of Bernardo Bragadino Chieftain of the Contarina, a ſmall, but a well-built Friggat: who notwithTurkish Galeaſſes, that they were forced to remove their Poſt 5 ſeveral times. An admirable rare Courage! which if it either could, or had been ſeconded, by all the Naval Forces of the Chriſtians then preſent, would have given ſuch an Overthrow to the Infidels as no Age might paralel. Nor may we forget to commemorate the good ſervice of the Dutch, who ſerved as Auxiliaries in this Naval ExpeTurks now ſeeing the prudent Conduct of the General, and undaunted Courage of the whole Fleet did all they could to draw off, fell down to the SeaBarbery, where they dropped Anchor, hoping that now they were in Sanctuary.
AFter the Chriſtians had long laboured to cloſe up with the Turks,
JUNE. 1656.Chriſtians.
Chriſtians a helping Hand, almoſt after the ſame manner, as about a Hundred Years agon in the famous Sea-fight againſt the Turks, under the Conduct of Don Iuan d' Auſtria, when the Turks had the Wind fair and favourable, till they came to engage with the Chriſtians, and then by the Divine Bounty of the Everlaſting GOD, the Wind turned to the advantage of the Chriſtian Fleet; in ſuch ſort that the Chriſtians gave them the greateſt and moſt fatal Overthrow, that ever yet was either known, or heard of, in the world. The General Marcello had no ſooner obſerved that the Wind blew a litle Southerly, but he gave ComTurks a ſudden Aſſault, which was in obedience to his Will immediatly put in practiſe. The Turks being thus ſurprized by our ſilent Attacque, and finding the Wind directly againſt them, were dreadfully diſmai'd: inſomuch that upon our entring the Bay we ſaw them by whole flocks jump over board. Some ran with their Ships and Galleys bluntly againſt the Wall, others that lay at Anchor neareſt the Sea, ſtrove to drive through the Fleet and gain the Rere; and thoſe that ſaw themMAY. 1656.Turks continued their Flight, endeavoring with their Galleys to tow away ſome of the ableſt Ships, but the Venetians fell ſo furiouſly upon them that they were anticipated, and only made their eſcape with 14 which got the Caſtle for their Refuge: Lazaro Mocenigo, who was Volunteer and commanded the Sultan (formerly taken by the Turks) made in with great Courage, and cut off their Paſſage, where he lay thundring and firing his Cannon till the General Marcello broke through the middeſt of the Enemies Armade, put them into diſorder, and kept his own Fleet in good Condition holding ſtill in the Nombril or Center of the Creſcent, joyntly with the Proveditor Barbaro Ba
the Squadron of Maltha, with the Ships and Galeaſſes of Ioſeppo Moroſini. The Right Wing (or Horn) was commanded by Anthonio Barbers, a Captain of the Gulf, the left by Pietro Contarini. The Turks ſeeing themſelves environed on every ſide with the Chriſtians, and their Paſſage obſtructed, began to fight with better courage than before, and defended themſelves very bravely, as ſometimes deſperate SolBey.
Bey appeared ſignally ſtout, and for their laudable behaviour and ſingular valour merited as much the Honour, as the Turkish Muſtapha the Diſhonour of the Day. But with a Lion-like Courage, and as wiſe a Conduct, did a certain Baſſi manifeſt his generous ſpirit, who was the ſame that had promiſed the Grand Seignior, to preſent him with Marcello's head, or to forfeit his own in lieu thereof (being a Greek Renegado) and aſſuredly he gave none reaſon to tax him with Remiſsneſs on his own behalf, yet fail'd in the Atchievment of his well-intended Enterprize; for when he was bound to board him, the General got aſſiſtance, and offered to enter the Baſſas Galley,Marcello kill'd.Zuanni Marcello ſeeing this, held all in ſilence, for fear of diſcouraging the Chriſtian Armada; took the Command upon himſelf, and purſued the Battel hotly after the ſame Order, till he had privately ſignified the General's death to Barbaro Badoer, Proveditor of the Navy, who without loſs of time ſtept over, and ſucceeded him, ſtill holding the ſame Order which the General had deſigned. Lazaro Mocenigo in the mean while buſy to obſtruct the Paſſage of the Turks with the Sultan, ran her unluckily
JUNE. 1656.
The Sultan had aboard her divers Perſons of Quality and Volunmaximis ad minimos quitted themſelves well and honourably: amongſt which was, Capt. Zorzi Dadick, The Sieur Ebert, Capt. Lieutenant Gremonville, and Bernardino Canal a Reformado Captain, whereof the two laſt were irrecuperably wounded. During the Fight, was the Dutch Ship, called 't Wapen van Naſſauw under the Command of Capt. Fauſtino Riva blown up with her own Powder, as alſo another Dutch Ship called Den David en Goliath by an unfortunate ſhot in her Powder Chamber, when ſhe was ingaged with the Galleys of the Bey, and lay ſo cloſe to the ſaid Galleys that 5 of them were blown up with her. Aboard the ſame Ship were 44 Hollanders, and 22 left, being juſt the half loſt. The Prince of Parma was ſo forward that his Companions were fain to reſtrain him by force, running himſelf oftentimes into a needleſs jeopardy of his Perſon. Remarkable was that of the General Borri being aboard the Galeaſs of Marco Riva, who having his young Son by him, carried him up and down to ſee what was worthy of note. When the Night came on, they unanimouſly left off on both ſides, and all was ſtill; but the next Morning by break of day, they fell on amain, and ſeem'd for ſome hours to be equally match'd as that the Day was thought dubious, but at laſt the Turks were fain to give over,Capitana
Capitana held out very manfully, till the Admiral Marco Bembo came to cloſe up with his Lar-board where he ſaluted him ſo with Broad-ſides, that he was forc'd to yield as well as the reſt.
The Venetians ſeeing the Capitana yield gave a great ſhout that the Caſtle and Banks rang again, and ſo well encouraged they were that, they fell furiouſly in one entire Body upon the Saracens, that they forthwith betook themſelves to flight, and retired to the Fort, but the Chriſtians had ſo hindred their paſſage, that few of them got clear. The Sieur Barbaro Badoer who ſucceeded the General concealed his death ſo long untill that the Fight was over, and he able for to give the Fleet an account of the Enemies Overthrow, which was in the ſecond Evening, pretty late.
The Venetians having now made themſelves Maſters of ſo many Ships and Galleys, were at a loſs for Men enough to manage them,Marcello, whoſe (unhappy Death can never be enough lamented. The number of thoſe that were wounded was great, but uncertain. The Sultan, and the 2 Dutch, men of War, which as we have already ſaid were unfortunately deſtroyed with their own powder, was all their loſs of Shipping. They took 18 Galleys, and the Maltheezes 11 Ships, beſides 54 Ships that were burn'd: ſo that of 97 Galeaſſes, Ships and Galleys, only 14 were ſaved on the Enemies ſide. By this laudable Enterpriſe and Victory of the Venetians, above 5000 Chriſtian Slaves were reſtored to Freedom. But how many of the Infidels loſt their lives was uncertain, only by a rude conjecture, and a modeſt Calculation were computed between Fretum, or Mouth of the Dardanelli floating ſo thick with Bodies, that we could not force our Boat through; but with our Oars and Boat-hook were fain to drag and draw them behind the Shallop, which again with the force of the ſtream were thrown on heaps one above another, like Shoals of Ice, and ſo came tumbling into the Boat, in ſpite of all the means we could uſe.
AFter this ſignal Victory, all the maimed Soldiers, together with the Corps of the General, and other Noblemen were ſent back to Venice: and the new General Badoer upon this ſuccesfull day, reſolved to fire them out of their own neſts. Purſuant thereto he ſteers away for Tenedos, which is an Iſland ſituate at the very mouth of the Propontis, or River of Conſtantinople; which is as it were the Key of the ſaid River, and Commands the Paſſage ſo, that no Ships can
Tenedos beſieged and ſurThat all freeborn
and,
Turks should be ſet upon faſt Land;That all the Renegados should be at the mercy of the Chriſtians.
The ſaid Articles were mutually counter-changed and ratified by the Heads of both Parties, and all the Turks and Moors drawn out, even the Greeks too, who were ſuffered to ſtay upon the Iſland but not within the Caſtle. The Heads of the other Caſtle ſeeing the Venetians in poſſeſſion of this, put out the White Flag and deſired Articles of Peace, which after a ſhort Treatie of Commiſſioners on both ſides were ſigned, exiſting moſtly of the ſame Tenure with the former.
Tenedos lies near the coaſt of Anatolia and is called Bouchadde by the Turks. It is of a fertile Soil, and produces plenty of Fruit,deſcribed
English miles in circuit) has abunLoredano, a Gentleman of Venice, with a Garriſon of 700 Italians, and others.
Tenedos being now in poſſeſſion of the Venetians,
Lemnos or Scalimene where ſiScalimene, or Lemnos, which we found about 6 Leagues diſtant from the other, being Seated directly before the mouth of the Channel, and therefore a Place in which the Turks had repoſed great ConfiCondea,
Epheſtias. Bellon.
Cochino,
Palſo Caſtro, and others, beſide 75 Villages and Hamlets. When we came before the Place in order to lay Siege to it, we found a Fort having 700 men in Garriſon;Lemnos SurrendSou-baſſa hearing that Tenedos was already taken in by the Chriſtian Armade, and finding himſelf incapable to defend the Place by reaſon that all communication was cut off, he deſired to treat by Deputies, and without ever a ſhot ſur
Lemnos, or Scalimene as it is now called, has Thracia on the North, and the Hill Athon towards the Weſt, and as we have ſaid, lies not far from Lemnos. It is no whit inferior to any Iſland in the Aegean-Sea, for a wholſom Air, and a good Soil: it affoards all kind of Grain and Puls, as alſo Almonds, Oil, Lactuaries, and plenty of Sheep, which for their Wool is no ſmall profit to the Inhabitants: and from hence comes that excellent and uſefull in his Dialogue of Mettals intitled Bermangivs this relation of that Earth, Paſtillos praeterea ibidem vidi ex eadem urbe portatos, coloris fere fulAnd a litle afterward he adds this. Turcae eam unSee more ab
Dioſcorides, and in Gallens 9th Book of Simples.
Terra Lemnia, or Terra Sigillata, which is ſo highly prized by thoſe that profeſs Phyſic. The Inhabitants and Peaſantry are Greeks, which may not live in any fortified Place. In this Iſland has been a famous Labrynth, whereof the Ruins yet appear in ſome places. The chief City thereof is called alſo Scalimene, and is indifferent ſtrong. When the General left the Iſland he conſtituted a Governour and ſent ſome Ships to cruſe through the Archipelago, and urge the payment of the Arrearages in the Tributary Places, of which the Venetians were now Maſters, and light alſo upon ſuch as were free, for ſo unhappy are the Iſlands of Greece that they muſt pay Tribute both to the Turks and Venetians, which is a great oppreſſion to ſo poor a People.
Greece is at this day as fertile as ever, but is greatly deficient of it's former Power and Wealth, by the Dominion of the Turks and perMahometans. Their Breeches long and narrow demitted to the calf of the leg, and litle red boots above their ſtockings. Above all a Coat like the Perſians but without a Girdle. In ſtead of a Cloak they wear a Coat with long narrow
Gentlewomen wear a white Silk or Cotton Sharf about their Head, hanging over their back and ſhoulders like Nuns. Their Stockings are moſtly ſcarlet and neatly embroyded, their ſhoes with litle handſom heels, and ſometimes for their more eaſy going with ſlaps. Thoſe that are of ability wear a kind of Boddice or waſt-coat of cloth of Gold, and above that an upper-Coat with long Silk ſleeves, this is girded about the middle with Ribbons. Some there are alſo which wear a ſhort ſilk Jacket or Juſticore coming down to the calf of the legs, their ſhifts hanging down 2 palms below that.
Being now as we already told you, ſent to collect Tribute, the firſt Iſland we came at was Pathmos,
Pathmos.
Iohn, and the beloved Diſciple of our Lord, was confined, or baniſhed to, and where he wrote his Revelations. When we went ſhoar, they ſhow'd us a litle Chappel in the cleft of a Rock, which (as the Greeks aſcertain'd to us) was the very place where he ſaw thoſe Heavenly Viſions; as alſo a ſtone which lay above his Bed. This Pathmos is founded upon a Hill about the middle of the Iſland, and has within it a very fair Monaſtery with the Tomb of Chryſolodos the Founder thereof. The Iſland is both FruitTurks, did not in the leſt oppoſe themſelves againſt us, Cadis.
When we had diſpatched at Pathmos, we ſteer'd away for Samos, which is an Iſland right over againſt the Gulf of Smirna, to ſee if we could meet with any Saiks, or other Turkish Shipping, and according Samos to demand the Contributions as at other places. When we were arrived in this Road our Commander Turks.
Turks having far more hands than we, and conſequently ſwifter at rowing, came in between us and the Ship, which lay half a Dutch League from Land. We then ſeeing litle hopes of getting aboard, wheel'd about and made towards Land; but were as hotly purſued by the Turks, and ſeeing the Brigantine within piſtol-ſhot of us aſtern, we jump'd over board and betook our ſelves to running. But when I ſaw that I could not run any longer, I was forced to ſeek a lurching place, for my feet were ſore in running through Thorns and Thiſtles. Our Commander and Folk aboard ſeeing how caſes ſtood, came nearer the ſhoar and ſhot at the Infidels with their Guns from aboard, tho they held not up to purſue us. When I had lay a litle there, I began to peep out, to ſee if the coaſt was clear, but was ſpied by 4 Turks, who were hunting after us, and ſeeing no mean to make my eſcape was forced to ſubmit. When they had tied my hands behind my back,6 more of the ComBe not grieved for the lo
However he brought us to Rhodes where the Plague raged with great violence and conſequently the Slave-market very low, for we could not yield him above 100 Pieces of Eight. But the Captain not willing to part with us at ſo low a price brought us to Great Scio, where the Turkish Armada then lay, thinking ſo to get a better Sum, but found it quite to the contrary: whereupon we pray'd him to ſell us to our own Ship. Well, ſaid he, if your Commander, or your Countreymen will buy you,
I am content, their money is as good as another's. With this Reſolution we were brought back again to Samos, where when we were arrived, ſent a Letter to the Commander, humbly praying him that he would have the goodneſs to redeem us: upon which he made anſwer,
That he was well inclined to do it, but that the Ship was at that time very ſcarce of Money, and that he could not make up above 1800 Pieces of eight, which if that would redeem us 7, we might ſtrike a bargain with the Captain.
Upon this anſwer we were very glad, and under good hopes of coming out of the Hands of the Turks. The Captain of the Brigantine obſerving that we had got an anſwer from aboard, asked us, What news? will your Commander redeem you or not? Yes, ſaid one of us, if you will be reaſonable with us, we shall find means to be redeemed, but otherwiſe not.
Hereupon he demanThat for 1300 we ſhould be redeemed, provided we would pay him that day, but if not, that the next day he would go out of Town, and ſell us to thoſe that would bid moſt, be who they will.
We ſeeing it now brought to a good end, and ſenſible of our abilitie, of performance, took him at the word, leſt ſome other reſolution ſhould take him in the head: and preſently put out a white Flag. The Commander thereupon ſent out a Shallop,Samos ſo long in quiet, till they were fetch'd away by the Ships Company when the Brigan
When we had don, and diſpatched our affairs in the Archipelago, we ſet Sail towards Venice, tho our Ship was ſo leaky, that we were fain to pump continually, however by the help of GOD we arrived Safe. But by the way were forced to put in at a certain Iſland right over the City Maddonna, not daring to truſt our ſelves any longer
SO ſoon as I had received the Arrears of my Wages at Venice, I hired my ſelf again into the Venetian Armade for chief-or upper-Sail-maker, the Armade then lying before the Dardanelli. We had a ProVenice, to urge the payment of the Arrearages. And in the firſt place Corfu,
degr. 45 min. The City may well be reputed one of the beſt fortified Sea-towns in Europe, being encompaſſed with a ſtrong Wall and higher than ordinary, built altogether after the modern Fortification, and well furniſhed with great Ordnance. It is moreover ſecured with two Caſtles, or rather Sconces, one towards the Sea barely named, The Caſtle, the other on the Land-ſide called, Caſtello nuovo, or New Caſtle, That Fort which lies towards the Sea is built upon a high Rock, and munited with 3 Walls and 5 Bulwarks, whereof one is built againſt the Sea, and beats off the Floods and Billows. This Sconce, or Fort, has 3 Gates, that on the Weſt is called, Porta di Caſtrado, that toward the Sea, Porta di Mandrahico, and the third Porta Real which is very narrow, and has a Draw-bridge. This Port alſo ſerves for a privat Sally in time of need, and is the place where they goe out at to the other Fort, for they can have communication
IUNE. 1657.Corfu is alſo of it ſelf very ſtrong and divided into 3 ſeveral Wards as Spileo, Urio nuovo, and Spianato. The high FortiAmſterdam: but without the Walls of Corfu, is a certain fountain or Well which they call Cardacchio, that affoards good Water and very clear. Upon this Iſland ſtand 68 Villages and Hamlets, all reaſonably well peopl'd. The Venetian Garriſon as it then appeared by their Muſter-roll conſiſted of 400 light Horſe and 900 Infantry. The Haven is very fair and covenient, and comes to the middle of the Iſland on that ſide which faces the main Continent. On the other ſide lies Butriato a noted place for Fiſhing. On this Iſland is much Cavear, or Ichary prepared by the Moſcovians. Arrival at Cephalonia.
Bottarge made, which is a Diſh prepared of the Roes of Sturgeon, ſalted, dried, and for the longer and better preſervation thereof dipt in Wax. Here is alſo much Oil of Olives, or Oleum omphacinum made, and the Vine well cultivated. It is alſo very fruitfull, affoarding plenty of Oranges, Lemmons, Citrons &c. beſides Honey, Wax and Salt for which Commodities this Iſland is very famous abroad.
From Corfu we ſet ſail for Cephalonia, where there is only one ſmall City, raiſed on a high ground at the South-end of the Iſland, and well fortified; but the Haven thereto belonging is large and convedegr. and 29 min. and is almoſt of a triangular form. The Eaſt-end faces the Cape of Ciarenzo,
Morea or Peleponeſſus. The North-point, Capo Guiſcardo, confronts with Staumara, and the weſt-angle or Capo Sidro looks toward the main Continent of Affrica: Between this angle and Ciarenza which lies to the South-weſt is a large Bay, making a fit Harbour not far from the City Cephalonia, called Argoftoli, where a great number of Ships may very commodiouſly ride at anchor. At the entrance of this Gulf is a ſmall Iſland called Guardiana, which is fortified with a little Moot or Caſtelet, which they call Naſſo. They have great ſcarcity of fresh or ſpring Water in this Iſland, which is nevertheleſs of a rich and fat Soil, and good paſturage for Sheep which there abound. It produ
THe Proveditor which we had aboard not willing to looſe much time, made but ſhort delay at Cephalonia, for he had not much time to ſpend according to his Order and Inſtructions to go to the Armade, wherefore after a ſhort aboad we ſet Sail, and ſteer'd away for Xante.
Xante is an Iſland lying in the latitude of 38 degr. about 13 [English] leagues from Cephalonia. On this Iſland is a City conteining about 4000 Houſes, or rather Cottages, without chimneys, that they ſay, is by reaſon of frequent Earthquakes, of which they are in daily jeopardy: but the Muniments as well in reſpect of Site, as Strength are very conſiderable; for the Cittadel is built upon a high Hill, and what by Nature and what by Art,Xante.
Capo del Guardo on the South, and Capo de Tiri on the Eaſt: between which two Capes lies a Commodious Harbour, called Porto de Chietto, which has a good Road for Anchorage at 8 fathom Water. Xante has 45 Villages and Hamlets whereof the moſt principal lie toward the Sea, to wit, St. Chietto, Littachia, Pigalachia,
Sculicado, Saint Nicholo and Natte. The laſt of theſe has a Harbour fit to receive 100 Galleys. In the hilly part of the Iſland are ſeveral Convents, Cloyſters and Religious Houſes of the Greek Church, who have alſo a Bishop here as well as the Romaniſts, but the Greeks exceed the Italians in number, and conſequently have their Religion in greater ſplendour. You are no ſooner come ashoar but you are met by a parcel of Iews, who shall ask you if you have any money to change. Theſe deal in any contemptible Traffic, but eſpecially in Slaves, when any Turkish Saiks, or other Shipping is brought up by English, French or Hollanders.
Xante is of a very fertile Soil and fruitfull, in nothing inferiour to Cephalonia, yet exceeds it in Quality and Plenty of Wine,Botarges, eſpecially in Iuly and Auguſt, when the Sturgeon comes from the Archipelago. The Land is very populous, and all go armed; ſo that when the Turkish Corſairs ſend ſome men aſhoar to take Slaves, do frequently change Fates with them: and for that end the Venetians maintain 70 or 80 Horſe, day and night to ride about the Coaſt. We alſo brought hither ſome new Infantry to relieve the old.
From Xante we ſail'd to Cerigo which lies in 36 degr. and 45 min. directly over againſt Capo Saint Angelo, before the Gulf of Colochino;Cerigo
Candia about 13 Leagues diſtant, inſomuch that the Italians ſay,Congo is a good Corps du guarde and a Lanthorn for the Chriſtians to enter the Archipelago. On the ſouth-eaſt ſide is a ſtrong Fort built upon a proclive Rock, and has but one way to enter it. The nether-City is populous enough; and the Inhabitants very diligent in their reſpective callings. Here they ſhow'd us the FounVenus,
Venus.
Greeks, except the Garriſons, and the Governour, who is always a Venetian Nobleman.
Cerigo we ſet ſail for Candia the renowned City of Crete, which now is alſo called Candia. The Iſland lies about 47 degr. Northerly latitude, and is about 200 English land-miles in length, lying almoſt Eaſt and Weſt. It has many Creeks, and abundance of fair Cities, of which the moſt noted are Candia, Canea, Retimo, Sitio, Apicormo, Chyſamo, Melipotamo, Garahuſe, beſides a great number of unwalled Towns, which they ſay amount to 650, all the inferior Villages and ſmaller Granges excluded out of the number. The whole Iſland has been heretofore under ſubjection of the Venetians, but at that time when I was there, the Turks were Maſters of all except the City Candia it ſelf, which was then under the Venetians and a few ſtrong Holds as appendences on the Town, which they held (as is univerſally known) for a conſiderable time together againſt the Ottoman Forces. The Fortifications have been and are frequently altered, according to the Diſcretion of the reſpective Governours: and is from the very firſt Foundation famous for it's admirable rare Site, and natural ſtrength. It lies in a fair flat Countrey: the Eaſt and North Angles fronting the Sea.Turks to ſpend ſo much Treaſure and looſe ſo many of their beſt Soldiery in ſuch a long Siege, and ſo little hopes or encouragement of taking it in; although at laſt they are become Maſters of it. The Citizens are Greeks, as are moſt of the Inhabitants throughout the whole Iſland; but the Garriſons and Gentry, Venetians; beſides a great Concurrency of Strangers from all parts of the Levant, which make the City very populous. The moſt eminent Buildings, are the Pallace of the General, that of the Biſhop, which for its Antiquity and magnificent work is well worth ſeeing, the Pallaces of ſeveral Noblemen, and the Churches, which are 8 in number, to wit, St Mark, St Francis, St Paul, St George, St Mary, St Catharine, St Rochus and St Titus amongſt which the firſt is the Cathedral. The Greeks have alſo their Churches, but thoſe ſo mean, that the beſt which is allowed them is much inferior to the pooreſt of thoſe which the Romans reſerve for their own uſe. Beſides theſe there is not much in the City worth Obſervation. As to the long Siege and Storming of this City 't were needleſs for me to give you any account, ſince it has been from the very beginning traced along, and fully written by others.
The Air of Candia is temperate enough,Affrica is ſomething hot, and rendred unwholſom by ſoutherly Winds: for which reaſon moſt of the Towns are built on that ſide of the Iſland which lies next to the Archipelago.
Retimo, that they boil ſo ſoon as the Grape is ripe, and are very curious in the preparation and ordering of it; but that about Candia and Canea, but ordinary, for there they let the Grapes be rath ripe before they pluck' em, and therefore boil them not: but the Wine that comes
Spanish. And not only Grapes, but alſo every other fruit the Land affoards is paſſing good and delicate, inſomuch that not only the Turkish Emperour but all the Princes and Potentates near this Iſland have their Fruits from hence for Table uſe and Banquet. Whole Groves and Woods I have ſeen ſeveral Leagues in compaſs, having little or nothing but Trees bearing the beſt kinds of Fruit, as Citrons,Cypres it ſelf, which they do not only uſe for Timber, which gives a very amiable ſmell, but alſo for Fewel. The Common paſturage which the Inhabitants neither uſe for Grain nor the Vine, is all grown over with Roſemary, Thyme, Camomile, Abroton, or Southern Wood, and other Herbs which the Apothecaries uſe. Nay, the very Weeds which with us have no ſent, affoard here a moſt amiable flavour, for which Candia is often called an Earthly Paradiſe.Candy affoards is preferred before all other in the World, and that by reaſon of the abundance of Thyme and other choice Herbs; as alſo the various Bloſſoms of Pomgranats, Citrons, Oranges, &c. and conſequently Wax is a great Commodity amongſt them. The Land 'tis true affoards not only Salt and LactuaArchipelago, whence they draw conſiderable profit. But far greater profit they have from their Silk, for Mulberries grow here in vaſt plentie, of which every School-lad knows the Silk-worm is fed and nouriſhed. Cotton, Wool, Honey, Wine, Vinegar and Fruits are exported hence to every Maritim Countrey in Europe.
Candians (or St Paul ſeem'd to take noTitus Biſhop of Crete, citing that of Epimenides.
1.12. Standia a ſmall Iſland not inhaCretians) they are naturally inclined to Lazineſs, and more addicted to vouluptuous lives than their neighHollanders. As for their Habit, thoſe that are of the beſt quality ape the Venetians, the vulgar ſort and PeGreekish mode, only their heads are for the moſt part ſhaved, which to ſupply they wear a thin Silk vail, about the breadth of an ordinary handkercheif, and above that a great, heavy hat.
Our Proveditor having finiſhed his Charge at Candy, we ſet ſail and ſteer'd away for Standia an Iſland, lying about 2 or 3 Leagues from the North-coaſt, but not inhabited; However the Venetians in their ordinary Courſe and Traverſe through the Archipelago put in here, becauſe of it's commodious Road or Bay; and therefore uſed as a Rendevouz for the benefit of Communication. After we had lay at anchor a few days we weighed and ſail'd with the whole Fleet for the Dardanelli to give the Turks battail: But I muſt mind you, how that by the way we met with a Squadron of Ships, which were ſent by thoſe of Argiers, Tripoli, Thunis and Zoile, for the Aſſiſtance of the Turkish Armada. So ſoon as we had got ſight of them, we put out Turkish Colours and hover'd a little, that they might come up to us; which they ſeeing made all the Sail they poſſibly could, till they came near us, at what time they began to ſuſpect that they had got a wrong Sow by the tail, and ſo indeavoured to go off: but Lazaro Mocenigo, the General ſeeing them ſteer to the ſtarboard, made towards them, and coming within Cannon ſhot fired a Gun, which did ſo diſorder them, that they thought better to ſtay together in one entire Fleet and try their valour, than to break their Squadron, and accordingly put themſelves in a convenient Poſture, in order to receive Battel.
ArVenetians had taken and ſunk 4 Ships, 3 whereof were of their firſt Rate, and the remainder being 12 in all, were fain to betake themſelves to the Turkish Havens, but were ſo diſabled that they were not in a long time fit either for Sailing or Service. After this fortunate Enterpriſe, the General ſail'd directly for Zouaſchi, being a ſtrong and well fortified Sea-Town,Zouaſch
Turkish Pyrats, lying on the coaſt of Anatolia: which after a ſhort attacque we
Tenedos where to our great Joy we had the report, which we heard before our deVenice confirmed; which was, That the Turks were ſadly foil'd in in their attacquing of that Iſland, which we had taken in not long before (as was ſaid Pag 91) The Sum of the Attacque was after this manner. When the Turks had got notice that Tenedos was ſurrenVenetians, they ſent a Fleet conſiſting of 33 Galleys, 3 Galeaſſes and ſeveral Brigantines to retake it, where ſo ſoon as the ſaid Fleet was arrived they lay Siege to the Caſtles both by Water and by Land,Tenedos beſieged by the Turks.
July. The Turkish Armada comes out of the Dardanelli. The InTenedos before the Infidel Armade came out, which happened on the 27 of July. Their Fleet conſiſted of 33 Galleys (amongſt which was one of an unwonted greatneſs called the Royalio) 9 Maons, 22 Ships and 150 Saiks, with a huge number of Soldiers and Marriners. At the Approachment the Turks weather'd us and kept to the Windward, and indeavoured to break our Order, but the Venetians to get the Advantage of the Wind, tacked and turned ſo long that they brought the Turks to the Lee-ward, which having gain'd they fell upon the Enemy very hot, and with the dawning of the day made the Turks yield their Poſts and betake themſelves to the Cape of Troy, upon which the Fight ceaſed till the next morning, when the Ingagement held on ſharper and heavier than the day before. The Turks for a while had the advantage of the Wind, which nevertheleſs turned againſt them, as it did the year before, about the ſame place (mentioned Pag. 75) Meanwhile Sicilian. GentleOron then Primo Vizier of the Turkish Empire, came down to ſecure the Strand, with an Army of 20000 Cavalry and 80 Thouſand Foot, and ſet down near Troy, where he had cauſed two Sconces to be made, as well as the ſhortneſs of this Warning would allow. The Maltheezes were the firſt that drew on to give battel, and ſo ſeconded by the Venetians. The Ottoman Armada knowing that the Emperour was
Primo Vizier,
JVLY. 1657.Venetians (without reſpect to the Land Forces which battered them heavily with their Cannon) came ſo cloſe to the Enemies Fleet, and withall ply'd their Guns ſo rank that they ſtranded ſeveral of their Galleys, upon which the Men ſtept aſhoar and joyn'd themſelves to the Land Army. The Primo Vizier ſeeing the Fleet continually looſe men, partly by their forſaking the Navy, and partly by the great Slaughter aboard the Shipping, uſed his utmoſt diligence to ſtop the Deſerters, and recruit the Naval Army, but all to little advantage; for the Chriſtians purſued their Enterprize with ſuch an ardency and vigour, that they prevented them: and not to be ſlack when ſuch an apt occaſion preſented, fired and ſunk a conſiderable number of the Galleys and Saiks, the Turks ſtill retiring further and further towards the Coaſt. And ſuch was the Zeal of the renowned Mocenigo, when he ſaw them cloſe to the Coaſt, he made an intercourſe with 3 Ships and 5 Galleys, to fetch them off, that he made himſelf an unavoidable ſcope for the Enemies Cannon at Land, which was ſo tended againſt his Galley that ſhe took Fire, and himMarco Bembo Admiral of the Ships,Mocenigo and Bembo in which they are both kill'd.Venetians ſuffered, as to Shipping in general. The Turks loſt 6 Galleys, 4 Ships, 4 Mahons and 50 Saiks. The reſt drew off indeavouring to conjoin with the Land-forces where the Proveditor Badoer, who by due courſe and reverſion carried the Standard of S. Mark, gave them an egregious blow, and ſunk, burn'd and and took ſeveral Galleys and Saiks; which ended, the Venetians ſet ſail for Tenedos, where they repair'd their damages. The Turks according to their own conBashaw, and delivered 567 Chriſtian Slaves.
IVLY. 1668.Napoli di Malva
Tenedos, and came before Napoli di Malvazia with our whole Fleet, conſiſting of 36 Ships of War, 6 great Galeaſſes, and 40 Galleys; ſome of which laſt belonged to Rome, and others to Maltha.
Napoli di Malvazia is a City ſituate in the Bay of Morea, right over againſt Canea, on a barren Rock, cloſe to the main Continent, to which it is annexed with a ſtone-bridge, upon that was a ſtrong Redoubt, fortified with 12 large Braſs Guns, which ſtood very well for the ſafeguard of the Town, and ſerved in place of a Cittadel. Our General immediately gave order to approach the ſaid Redoubt with our Galeaſſes,Aſylum, or refuge, upon occaſion: and not only commands all the maritim Towns of Canea, but is likewiſe the only Magazine of the whole Land, through which all Wares and Merchandiſes are tranſmitted, coming from Sea; and is in ſhort the Key of that Gulf. But this is a Chapter too hard for me to read, and the myſteries of ſuch Politicians are ſometimes ſo abſtruſe, as every head cannot penetrate or unriddle.
When we had removed the Siege of Napoli di Malvazia,
Zantorini, which is a fertile Iſland, but ſubject to Earth-quakes and influence of Meteors. In the year of Grace 1507 happened a dreadfull Earth-quake, which deſtroyed one Moyety of the Place, and ſubverted all the Strand-countrey: and afterwards in the year 1653 happened another, which deſtroyed another Mediety, or half of what was left, at what time not only Men and Beaſts, but alſo whole Mountains and Villages were waſhed away with the inundation of the Sea. There are at this day many of the Inhabitants which are ſtrucken blind with Lightning. It is bad coming to anchor about this Iſland, by reaſon of the ſteepneſs near the Coaſt, having within a
d a pair ſingle. Wine is here likewiſe incredibly cheap and good, being ſold at half a Piece of eight the Bariglia, and all kinds of Proviſion proportio6 quarts leſs than half a HogsScio, and that it was often viſited by the Turks. After I had been here 4 days and as many nights, came 2 Turkish Brigantines to receive Contribution-money, which I underſtanding ran into the Woods to hide my ſelf, but it ſeems one Pick-thank or other had told them that a Venetian was left aſhoar (perhaps to excuſe them of their Quota) they began to make inquiry after me; and would needs inſiſt upon the Greeks to be reſponſible for me; they told them that I had made my eſcape by night in a Barque; which neverGreeks fearing ſome trouble might enſue, brought me with a Barque to Embro, where the Venetian Fleet lay, and gave me my Proviſion aboard with me which I had bought for 32 Rix-dollars. Upon my arrival the Commander gave them 2 Pieces of eight for their pains, and glad he was to receive me ſo, and they no leſs joyfull to be rid of me; for the Turks had already taken a Civil MagiGreeks into cuſtody, with his Son being but a child, who might upon my being found there, after they had denied me, have had hard meſure; and they nevertheleſs forced to deliver me up at laſt; which if they had, the Admiral of the Venetians would have plundered the Town, and taken them all for Slaves; ſo that theſe poor People are in a worſe and a more pitifull ſtate under both, than they would be, if they were entirely under one.
While we lay before Embro, the Fleet was divided into two parts,
Stampalia, or Aſtypalaea, which is one of the Cyclades, and from thence to Nicſia, an Iſland about 7 Dutch leagues in length,Apollo, now dedicate to S. Salvador. On the South we ſaw the Ruins of another Temple, built alſo to the Honour of Apollo. The Inhabitants are Greeks,
Apollo's Temple.Iews and Turks, who are ſedulous Planters and Cultivaters of the Vine, the land anſwering their Induſtry with a fertile Soil. The City which is called alſo by the name of Nicſia, lies on the Eaſt-ſide of the Iſland, having a very fair and commodious Haven, preſenting for all Winds, and fit to contain Ships of the greateſt burthen. Here is found a kind of black ſtone which is held in great eſteem, not much unlike the vulgar Touch-ſtone, called by the Italians, Smeriglio.
In our Courſe through the Aegean Sea we touched at Parus, Lero,
Metellino, or Mytilene
Embroa, Pſyra, and viſited Metellino, where I had been the year before, and was tranſported thence to the Venetian Armada, in a Candian Tartan, making by the way a good booty, as you will find more amply related in Pag. 76 & ſeqq. but now I found better opportunity and leiſure to take notice of the Iſland than before. Metellino lies in 48 degr. near the main Continent of Greece, and from the neareſt point hardly 3 English leagues diſtant. The City which alſo bears the ſame name, is ſituated on the North-weſt ſide of the Iſland, fortified with a Caſtle that commands 2 Havens, and is called Moliva.
There are beſides this ſeveral ſtrong Holds and fortified Places throughout the whole Iſland. The South-and North-ſides are Champain Land; but the Eaſt and Weſt for the moſt part hilly and montanous, affoarding rich Quarries of white and black Marble; and about the Center of the Land it is woody, and moſtly grown over with Cypres Trees. The arable part of the Land which is tilled, is of a good Soil, and affoards plenty of Corn, of which they make two Sorts of bread, the one they call Trachana and the other Bouchourt, either of which is more durable than our Ship Biſcake. They make an excellent ſort of red Wine, which the Turks, notwithſtanding the voice of their Alchoran, greatly covet and ſwallow when they can have
Aegean Sea; but eſpecially in a breed of ſmall Horſe they have, which are in good eſteem abroad.
After we had done our affairs at Mytilene we went for great Scio but being by the way warned of ſome Fiſhermen, that the Turks had lanS. Giorgio di Scyro which is a ſmall Iſland lying in 47 degr. 23 min. being almoſt of a triangular form,Scyro, we ſail'd directly for Delos, which now for the moſt part goes by the name of Sdilly and lies in the latitude of 47 degr. The Iſland is at preſent of no great note: only that it is viſited by the curious in Antiquities. Here we found many Ruins of Temples, and Altars, ſacred to Heatheniſh Deities, and the Image of Apollo, which is in two pieces, whereof (as the Greeks told us) the English ſaw'd off the Head, and carried it away. But ſo much as remains of it I have drawn, as may be ſeen in the Print. There appear yet the Ruins of 3 Temples more, to wit, of Apollo, Minerva and Diana, beſides ſeveral pieces of Marble and Alabaſtre, in various figures of Animals, as Lions, Leopards, and the like. Here are alſo many Quarries of a rich ſort of Marble, and various kinds of AlaVenetians is the conveniency of the Haven, which ſerves them for a Rendevouz.
Tenos blown up with it's own Powder.Delos and Andros lies the Iſland Tenos, where there is a Caſtle built upon a high Hill, that ſeems of it ſelf ſufficient enough to defend the whole Iſland. In the year 1656 was the greateſt part of this Caſtle blown up with its own Powder by Lightning, at what time, I was in the Fleet not far from Delos, and ſaw it. I beleeve alſo that a great part of this Iſland is overflown with the Inundation of the Sea, as Zantorini, or rather ſunk: for when we came to anchor at 26 fathom Water, we wrought all we could to weigh, but thought verily that the Cable would break before any anchor would looſe; at laſt it was reſolved to try once more for the laſt, and if it would not then come, to cut the Cable, but at laſt the anchor came, bringing a great
Tenos,
IULY. 1668.Apollo, Minerva, or Diana. Tenos is of it ſelf fruitfull enough and would produce more grain than indeed it does, if the Inhabitants were inclined to that Tillage, but they find more profit in Silk, having large Woods of Mulbeery Trees, ſo that this Iſland is the chief place for Silk Stockings in the Levant.
After we had ſtaid a few daies at Tenos, we ſet ſail further up,Milo, it's SituationMilo. Which lies in 37 degr. and 21 min. It is in length about 7 Leagues, tending North and South. Amongſt the many convenient Havens it hath, there is one on the Weſtern coaſt,Greek church, but ſpeak moſt Italian,
Venetians, and other Italians of whom the Women of this Iſland (as they ſay) learn the Language between Sheets, which their wanton deportment ſeems to verify Common fame gives Milo the bell for able Sea-men and Fiſhers, who for both thoſe faculties do the Venetians no ſmall ſervice. And here is the prime place for the Armada to Water at, where they alſo generally provide themſelves with Bread, Oil, Salt, Wine and Vinegar. There is alſo much Honey found in this Iſland, but wild, in the Rocks and Hollow-Trees.
Thus Traverſing to and again, to and from the Iſlands, our Ship, The Princes, grew very leaky, ſo that we were affraid, that if we ſhould be taken in a Tempeſt ſhe would not hold out, which our Mate obſerving, willed the Commander to acquaint the Admiral with her Condition, which he did; and thereupon we were diſmiſſ'd, and the Venetians aboard us received order to go aboard other Ships. Having taken our leave of the Fleet with a Gun or 2, we ſpeeded us for Venice, where not without much difficulty we arrived. Here I took my leave of the Ships-folk, and went into a Privateer called the St. Iohn, which was firſt intended for Legorn: but by the way underHerman Been had 3 ComJULY 1657.Leghorn; the more becauſe he had already made a beginning, and converted the Goods intruſted him by ſome Merchants into a Prize and Booty, thought it therefore beſt to leave him betimes, leſt I ſhould be brought with him to pay the ſhot. The Captain ſeeing that others, with me, were reſolved to leave the Friggat, and ſo conſequently, he in danger of being beCaptain W. van der Saar, and Capt. de Wilde who then lay at anchor in that Haven. The Ship was brought up and chain'd, the Ships-folk ſet free, and the Captain himſelf committed to Cuſtody, where for ſome time hHolland was taken Priſoner; but what became of his Friggat I could never come to hear. After I had been at Leghorn 2 or 3 days, I hired my ſelf aboard Mr, Peter Veldmuys; with whom, after many perillous adven
In the year 1668, I came to underſtand that ſome Gentlemen were ſent from the Czar of Moſcovy to Amſterdam, to take on men into the ſervice of the Emperour, for equipping ſome Ships in the Caſpian Sea, and ſo to promote the Trade between Moſcovia and Perſia, by ShipPerſians, Tartars and other Nations, and that moſtly by Land, from whence aroſe many Difficulties by Robberies and the like. The Conditions upon which they were taken on liked me very well, upon which I applied my ſelf to Mr. David Butler who was to be our Leader, and to conduct us to Moſcovia. After I had treated with him a litle upon what Terms I did deſire to go; we made an Agreement for 75 gilders per Moneth, for which I was to ſerve as Sail-maker, and to make up all the Sail-work for a new Ship and a Yacht, which was newly built in Ruſsia. The Fore-maſt Men had 50 gilders per Moneth allow'd them, their Boardwages included, which was 15 gilders.
Anthony Munſter, Iacob Trappen and Tolk had been the year before in Moſcovia. Having furniſhed our ſelves with Proviſion and things neceſſary for the Journey, we imbarqued our ſelves in the Ship Abrahams Offerhande, which then lay at Amſterdam and was bound for Riga, being 15 in company.
On the 2 of September 1668 we ſail'd through the Pampuys, and on the 3 towards the Evening came before Enchuyſen, where we put in and Shipped 50 Tun of Herring.
On the 4 we ſet ſail again and got the Texel, where we tarried 8 days for a good Wind: and on the 13 the Wind blowing fair all the Ships outward bound which were about 50 ſail; began to weigh, and we reſpectivly to take our leave of Wives and Family, for 5 years: but before we got clear of the Land, the Wind turned, ſo that we were fain to traverſe and wind all we could to get out, in the mean time came a Ship belonging to Ter Schelling with a full drift againſt us, and ran her Bow-ſpreet through our main Sail, which was with ſuch force that he rent our ſail, and broke his Spreet-ſail yard, inſoTer Schelling, to repair and fit our ſelves out again.
On the 20 being clear we ſet ſail the ſecond time, and had a freſh gale at South and by Weſt, which held favourably, ſo long till we arrived at Riga: but when we entred the Baltic Sea, it blew ſo hard that our Mizzen ſail was all rent and unfit for uſe; whereupon the Maſter ſet me to work to repair the defects.
On the 1ſt of October we got the Boldera,
Riga, where we dropt Anchor. Immediately upon our arrival came the Searchers to viſit the Ship, and amongſt other Goods found a Parcel of contra-band Wares, and took it aſhoar with them, but the Maſter told them that it was thrown in by chance, and pray'd them to be ſo kind as to leave it aboard, which, after he had daubed them a litle in the fiſt, they did. The next day being under ſail, we were becalm'd, and fain to caſt anchor half way up the River.
On the 3 ditto we came up to the Kay of Riga, where being arrived,Riga.
deſcribed
Riga is an eminent Emporium lying within the Prinſdom of Lithvania, and ſeated in a Champain land, on the north-eaſt ſide of the great River Duna. It is fortified with Walls, Bulwarks, and Ditches or Motes, populous and full of Trade, being as it were the Magazin to ſupply the whole Countrey above, with all kinds of Wares and Commodities, and is alſo a great Thorow-fare. By Winter they receive Goods over Land in Sledges and Waggons from Moſcovia which is tranſmitted abroad;England, Germany, Holland, and other Places, by Shipping, which are ſent that way again with the Moſcovian Waggons and Sledges. The Countrey about Riga affoards good plenty of all kinds of Proviſion, as Kine, Sheep, Goats, beſides 3 ſorts of Deer, the Sea and Rivers affoard good ſtore of Fiſh, and the Boors, beſides their diligence in breeding up of Cattel, ſupply other Countreys with Corn, of all ſorts, and Lactuaries: ſo that it is cheap living at or near Riga. This City was formerly within the Juriſdiction of the Kings of Poland; but was taken in by Guſtavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, upon the 16 of September 1621, after a long and hard Siege, and is at this day in ſubjection to that Crown.
Riga.
ditto, we left Riga, and with our compleat Company and Baggage imployed 30 Waggons to bring us to Pletsko: and took up our firſt nights Lodging at Niew-meulen, being a Village where all the Waggons and Horſes are ſet over a River with great Logs of Timber faſtned together,
On the 11 we proceeded again on our Journey and broke two of our Waggon-wheels, which the Waggoners repaired, and ſo we proLifelanders their ProDarby. As for their Houſes they are but one degree beneath a Hog-ſty and thoſe as full of Utenſils, as a Knave is full of Honeſty. All that ever I could ſee was an earthen Pan or two, and thoſe ſo clean, that I had rather faſt a week than eat any thing, that has come out of them. Great plenty of Cattel they have, and ſuch as have three times as many feet as they themſelves. As for Beds they have none but ſuch as their Oxen ly upon, for when they have ſtuffed their Gutts, they ly down upon the floor one after another, as the Nap takes them. Their Diet is ſuitable to all things elſe they have, for although they might have Veniſon for knocking on the Head, the Creature may live till Doomſ-day before they will take the pains to lift a hand to kill it, unleſs it be a louſe, which ſometimes they cruſh to death for change of Diet. As for their Bread it is not much unlike our New-caſtle Coal for colour, but how it is of Taſt I know no more than the Man in the Moon, for neither my Appetite nor Curioſity could move me to it, CabCucumber attends them from the Womb to the Tomb, being held in perpetual Slavery by their Lords. They are conformable to no Laws, unleſs what they are forced to obſerve by a ſtrict aw, which their Lords impoſe upon them, and injoyn them to. They are by nature obtuſe and dull, inclined to Necromancy and Sorcery, but in the performance of an Exorciſm, ſo palpably riRiga, which they think is the Head of the World,
OCTOB. 1668.Lifeland Gentleman told me, that they have learn'd Catechiſm enough, if they can but know the Church from a Dwelling houſe, or to pull of their Caps when they ſee a man with a ſhoulder knot paſs by. Yet they are flexible enough to Idolatry by Nature, and withall ſuperſtitious. In our going through the Woods we ſaw a great Troop of them buſy about Conjuring of a Tree, which they had tied with a Garland of twigs, creeping round about it and making a great Howling; but ſo ſoon as they ſaw us, took them to their Heels and away. By the Forms and Tenures of the Curſes and Conjuration they ſeem to be ſenſible of a Future ſtate and ſometimes (by I know not what Tokens) preſage Death; and the Soul of any that has been a diſturber of the Public Quiet they deliver up to the Devil. They have a formal Oath, that they take upon divers Occaſions which is thus, The Party cuts up a Turf or Sod of Earth, this he ſets upon his Head and takes his ſtick into his Hand, Wiſhing if ſuch, or ſuch a Matter, be not ſo, and ſo, that They with their Cattel may be conſumed with Fire. They have beſides this, other ſuperſtitious Cuſtomes, to which they are ſo ſtrongly inclined by nature that they will not be better civilized, or if they happen to ſhow themſelves willing, and learn a litle Urbanity it muſt be only for lucres ſake, and they promiſed ſomething to boot to remember it, which if you forget to perform, they will forget to obſerve your Document. In ſhort they are but one remove from Bruits, and ſo ignorant, that the moſt part of them thinks there is no other Land in the World beſides their own.
Two days long we went through the Woods and found it ſo ſoft and Marſhy that we could hardly bring our Waggons through in ſafety.
Wolmar.
VVolmar where we met many Horſes, Wag
VVolmar, is a litle, but a well-fortified Town, munited with a ſtone-Wall and a deep Ditch, but without Water. The Market in regard of the Poverty of the Countrey is very conſiderable, and is held twice
Polish and Ruſsian Armies. It is about 18 leagues from Riga.
On the 15 by break of Day, we ſet forward on our Journey, paſſing through a Champaign Countrey, and many ſmall Towns and HamPitſiora, and had very good Weather, but came ſhort of the Town that night, inſomuch that we were fain to ly all night in the Woods, where we gathered all the Windfalls we could find and laid them on a heap, and with dry Sticks made a huge Fire, which ſerved not only to warm our ſelves at, but likewiſe to affright the Bears and Wolves away, which are very bold and cruel in theſe Parts, as alſo the Muskettos, which ſwarm here by Millions, and annoy both Man and Beaſt, after an incredible rate.
OCTOB. 1668.th. of October 1678 we arrived at Pitſiora, which lies on the Confines of Ruſsia, and under the Protection of that EmpePitſiora is no more than a Village, yet for wealthy Inhabitants, Commerce abroad and Advancement of Manufacture, ſurpaſſes any City in all that part of the Countrey. In paſſing through the Town we ſaw many rich Mercers and Drapers Shops; the Markets ſtored with all ſorts of Proviſion, as Corn, Butter, Cheeſe and Fruits, with a very noble Butchery or Fleſh-ſhambles, and the ſtreets crouding with People from all Parts. So ſoon as we were arrived, there came ſeveral Jewel
Having refreſhed ourſelves at Pitſiora; we left the Town the next day about 10 in the Morning, and about noon entred a large Wood where we found great ſtore of Hurtles or Bilberies, that were far greater and better taſted then any I have known elſe where; which moved me to fall a plucking of them; but going a litle way into the Wood, and making a ruſhing through the Thickets, up ſtarts a huge Bear, which ſo affrighted me that I had hardly power to run from him; however it ſeem'd that he was as fearfull of me as I of him, for when I ran Eaſt he ran Weſt, and glad I was to ſee his Bear-ſhip turn tails with me. This was the only Bear that ever I had ſeen in Lifeland, or all the way from Riga hither, but the Boors often warned us to take care of our ſelves, ſaying that, ſometimes both Men and Cattel are devoured with thoſe cruel and ravenous Beaſts.
On that Evening we arrived at Pletskou where we had Lodgings and all neceſſaries provided us; and on the 22 payd our Waggoners who returned for Riga.
Pletskou, is a large City,OCTOB. 1678.English] miles in compaſs. Their Houſes are made ſleightly of Trees and pieces of Timber, let in with joynts, without any Gentility or ornament. The Town it ſelf gives a noble Proſpect if you view it from without, by reaſon of the many Pariſh-Churches and Towers it has, but when you come within, it appears very ugly, the ſtreets are irregular without Uniformity, and the Houſes built after multifarious manners, ſo that the pooreſt Village, in the Low-Countreys, is a Paradice in compariſon of Pletskou. 'Tis true they have ſome Houſes of ſtone, but the moſt eminent and wealthy Citizens chuſe rather to live in Wooden-Houſes than in thoſe, for that they ſay, The latter are more wholſom. Here I happened to meet with a Hamburger, and after we had exchanged a few words together, concerning our journey from Riga, I told him of my rouzing the Bear. He replyed that I was happy to make my eſcape ſo, ſince not only men are ſometimes devoured by them, but alſo Horſes and Kine, and withal told me, how that they dig up the Graves for the Bodies of the Dead, when they are hungry. But more lamentable was a ſtory he told me, of a She-Bear, that in the year 1656. broke by night into a Houſe in the Country not far from thence, where she had found the Woman of the houſe with a ſucking, Infant in the bed with her. The woman she devoured, leaving only a part of her left leg and a litle of the Scalp, but the Infant was altogether miſt, whence it was concluded that the Bear had eaten it up, as being young and conſequently more delicate. Not long after this diſmal hap, the Peaſant took his Muſquet with him into the Woods not far from his Houſe, with intent to shoot an Otter which haunted his Fish-pond, and by the way eſpies a Bear, at which he levels his Muſquet, and hits him directly on the skull. The Bear (as the cuſtom is when shot) rolls himſelf in a heap, the Peaſant runs to her and finding it a Female, and her Duggs full of Milk, reſolves the next day to make ſearch for her Seat, for then he thought that her VVhelps would be hungry and yell out. The day following he went out to ſeek the Cave, taking 2 or 3 other Peaſants with him, who being about the Middle of the VVood, on the ſide of a hill, heard a young child cry, and following the direction of the ſound, found his own Infant in the cleft of a great Rock, which he took and brought to Pletskou, to be nurſ'd up by his VVives Siſter, where out of curioſity I went to ſee it.
In the Suburbs of Pletskou, was to be ſeen a ſhank-bone of a Giant,
OCTOB. 1668.
On the 26th it began to freeze hard, and afterwards to ſnow, which made us uneaſy for our delay, being conſtrained to wait here ſo long, till we received the Poddowodda, which is an Order given by his Imperial Majeſty, that every Town we came at ſhould furniſh us with Horſes, Wagons, Bedding, and defray our other CharMoſcou, and the next day we ſet forward, intending firſt for Novogorod. This part of our Journey was much more eaſy and delightfull than that through Lifeland, which was altogether deſert and Marſhy, this on the con
On the 31th we came at a great Lake before Novogorod, where we left the Sledges and were fetch'd over in a kind of a Cymb, or Boat which is made of a hollow tree, and by them called Knoos; of theſe they had two ſorts, the one for Paſſengers, who may ſit 4 or 5 at a time, the other broader, and every way larger, fit to tranſport Goods. This Lake is very broad but ſhallow, not having above 5 foot Water in moſt places. When we were ſet over, our Goods were put into Sledges, and brought after us into the Town.
In paſſing through the Town we found the Suburbs far greater than the City it ſelf, which as appears by the Ruins of the Walls, has been formerly a well fortified Place. In times paſt it was neither ſubject to the Ruſsian, Swede, nor Polander, but had a Prince, who coined Money and ruled as abſolute Soveraign, with an independent and arbitrary Power; Yea, to ſo high a ſtate was it once advanced, that it was grown to a Proverb, GOD and Novogorod, who is able to withſtand. Their Puiſſance I need not diſpute, ſince it is well known to thoſe that are acquainted with Geography what Sway the Princes of Novogorod have born, and what a name this City has had abroad for her Wealthy Merchants and great commerce with other Places. About the year 1477 it was beſieged and ſtorm'd by Ivan Vaſilowitz, Great Duke of Moſcovia, who took away all the Priviledges and ImSwedes, Danes, Hamburgers and Lubeckers, who come up the River Nerva, with their ſmall Shipping. The chief Commodities they deal in, are Wheat, Ry, Lin-and Rapeſeed, Furrs, Hemp and Flax. The Countrey is bleſſed with a good Soil, and produces ſufficiently enough of what is requiſite to human ſuſteMoſcovia for River-fiſh, eſpecially Pikes and Perch, Salmon they have in great abundance, as alſo Carp, Bream, and Sturgeon, with other kinds not commonly found in the Low-Countreys.
Novogorod (which is as much as to ſay, New-town, or Newton, being compounded of the Latin word Novus, and the ſubſtantive Gorod, in the Moſcovian Tongue, a City) is at this preſent ſtrengthned only with a Wall of Timber, but well provided with Ammunition, and Braſs Ordnance. On the one ſide is a ſtrong Caſtle with a high ſtone-wall, which as then was the Reſiding place of the Primate or Arch-biſhop of the Weſt-Province, and ſome other Temporal Lords. The greateſt Decorum and Ornament of this City is the Pomp and ſtatelineſs of the Churches and ſome Public Edifices, as at Pletskou, but the Houſes and Private Dwellings of the Inhabitants without any Order or neatneſs of Structure. Between the Caſtle and the Town is a long wooden Bridge where the beforenamcd Ivan Baſilowitz, a great Tyrant, threw in ſome Thouſands of the Inhabitants. When you enter the Town, by that way you come within view of a famous Cloyſter, dedicate to Saint Anthony: which Saint they beleeve and will perſwade you came driving on from Rome, out at the Tyber, through the Aegean Sea, the Propontis, the Negropont, the
and ſo up the Wolga to Novogorod upon a Milſtone: where he met with a company of Fishers, with whom he covenanted for a certain ſome of Money, that the firſt thing they took should be his. The Fishers drew their Net, and brought up a Cheſt, which was full of Money, beſides a Ghoſtly Attire, and ſome Books, VVith the money he built there a Chappel where he lies interred, and (as they tell us) his Body is yet to be ſeen, fresh and undecay'd, by which many miracles have been done, but none can ſee him, or them, but ſuch as are of their own Faith. And ſo much of a floating Mil-ſtone.
In the year 1611 this City was beſieged and taken in by I. de la Gardie,
Novogorod taken in by the Swede.
Swedish General, and in the year 1613 redelivered to the Czar of Moſcovy upon Articles of Peace.
NOV. 1668.November we left Novogorod, having had time enough to view every Remarkable that was worthy of ſight,Novogorod.
Bruynitz where we ſtay'd, and took up our Lodging for that night. The next Morning we took freſh Horſes, but the ſnow was ſo melted with the Sun that we were fain to take Waggons, and leave the Sledges: but the way was ſo miry, that we had much ado to get the Horſes through, for the Earth there is of a tough clay. About 8 in the Evening we came to Miedna, which is a poor Village, and could hardly affoard us Hous-room for that night.
On the 10th. we had bad travailing way, being for the moſt part marſhy and full of Boggs, with Planks and trees laid over to make them paſſable, which totered and shaked ſo that our Waggons were often out of order, but were as often mended by the Peſants who by continual uſe are very expert at it. By the way we ſaw abundance of Squirrels and Foxes which run together in Troups, yet ſo ſhy that we could not come within muſquet-ſhot of them. That night we got Gankrezza, a handſom little Village, where we refreſhed and ſupplied our ſelves with neceſſaries for our Journey.
th of Novemb. we ſet forward on our Journey, and travelling thro the Woods, we were ſurprized with a Party of High-way men, well mounted and masked, who demanDutch and ſervants to the Emperour. They hearing that, were in a doubt whether they ſhould plunder us, or not; but at laſt rode off and bad us adieu. It was our opinion that they were affraid that our Company was ſtrongIazel-Bitza, being very bad and ſnowy weather.
On the 12 ditto, we took in freſh Horſes, and put our Baggage and Moveables into Sledges becauſe of the ſnow, paſſing through thick Woods, and a vaſt Wilderneſs, before we came at Gamzymnagoru where we were to take up our Lodging.
On the thirteenth we changed Horſes and ſet forward on our
Colomna, which was the faireſt and beſt Village I had hiMoſcovia: the Inhabitants are reputed wealthy, and live in very good faſhion. We came pretty early to our Stage, having had very good way, and reaſonable fair weather, ſo that we had time enough to take a view of the Town, Our Priſtaf, or Guid, who ſpoke good Nether Dutch went with us to ſhow what was worthy of remark, and very courteouſly reſolved us in any thing we deſired to be ſatis
On the 14th we went through a great Wood where we ſaw abunPriſtaf told me that they knew us to have Fire-locks about us, that being the only ſafeguard to travel with, without which they will not fear to aſſail Horſe and Man, and ſometime lay ſculking in the way ſide, where of a ſudden they run out and prey upon Paſſengers. Towards the Evening it began to freez hard, that we were fain to ſtep out of the Hurdles, and walk afoot.
On the 16th we got VVaizna, and from thence departed for Gam-VVoldoka, where we tarried 4 days to reſt our ſelves. In the mean while it froze very hard, and I with another of our Company went out to ride upon Scates, upon which an infinit number of Men, Women and Children, yea the Prieſts themſelves, came running out to ſee us.
ON the 22th after we had ſufficiently taken breath, we ſet forth, having freſh Horſes provided us, and ſo entred a great Wood,
SEPT. 1668.VVuidra Pusk, where we remained that night, but could not get any Lodging fit to entertain us either for Houſ-room or Victuals, this being yet a poorer Village than that of Miedna. At this place happened a Quarrel between one of our Company and a Ruſs, the firſt having taken the others Ax, for that the Ruſs had ſtole ſom Tobacco from him: which being made known to the Company, they ſtruck and miſuſed the poor Ruſs, after an unſufferable manner, which Capt. Butler reſented very ill, not willing to give the Ruſsians any diſguſt. But above all the peo
On the 23 by break of Day, we ſet out and entred another thick Wood. Here they ſhowd us ſom Graves where they told us, 8 Dutch Merchants were buried, who had been murthered by Robbers. When we were got thro the Wood we went over a fair Paſture-ground, and ſaw divers Boors Houſes by the Way-ſide. In the EveTorſtock, which we found to be but a ſmall, yet well-built City, although it appeared greater, from the Number of Towers which we ſaw, when at a diſtance, having above 30 Churches and Chappels within the Walls. Here we unloaded our Sledges and left them, putting our Goods aboard ſome ſmall Shipping that was provided for us, and ſayled down the River to Troetzka Miedna where we took in ſom neceſſary Proviſions. That night pretty late we came to Tweer which is Seated upon the River VVolga, which River with many windings and turnings runs to ſeek the Caſpian Sea, into which its diſgorges its ſelf. Tweer is ſomething greater than Torſtock and is built on the ſide of a Hill from whence it has it's name. Here is alſo the Place where the River of Torſtock incorporates with the Wolga maTorſtock makes a greater Show abroad than it does within; being neither well built nor at all fortified, ſave only with a Wall of Wood and 2 or 3 Braſs Cannon on the Land ſide. Here we took out our Baggage and laid it again upon Sledges, taking our way through the Woods where we were aſſail'd by two Ruſsians a foot,
DECEM 1668.Butler obſerving fell a caGorodna, where we ſtaid till morning.
On the 24 ditto we went forward, paſſing over 2 Rivers, where we came to a Village called Sawidowa,
Saulka Spaz which was our Stage. Here we provided our ſelves again with freſh Horſes, but not without much difficulty, for in the mean time we were very uncivilly treated by the Inhabitants, whom we found migh
On the 25 we took our leaves of Saulka Spaz going over a large plain, and at night came to a village called Klien,
Moſcou which came not before the 4 of December following, at which time came alſo one of the Domeſticks of the Heer van Sweden, Kinſman to Captain Butler bringing the unwelcom news of his Maſters Sickneſs whom the Phyſicians judged to be paſt recovery. The Captain upon the opening of the Letter was ſadly dejected, and immediatly took Horſe and rode poſt for Moſcou, leaving us Order the next day to follow with the Baggage. In the mean time it began to ſnow hard, inſomuch that we were forced to tarry 6 days at Klien. On the 11 we
Serkiſowo, where we took up our Night-lodging. In the mean time it froze ſo hard, that we were all benummed, and fain to run after the Waggons to keep our ſelves Warm.
On the eleventh ditto, we went through ſeveral thick Woods of Juniper, where we ſaw abundance of Foxes playing together in the Sun. About 3 in the afternoon we arrived at Nicholo Direverno, from whence we could ſee the long-wiſh'd-for Moſcou. About Evening we entred the Suburbs, where by one of our own Nation we underſtood that the Heer van Sweden was deceaſed, and that the Ship was fit for Lanching.
On the 12th. we had order to come into the City, and had ApHeer van Sweden. Our Landlady had ſo little ſatisfaction in the Gueſts that were appointed to have quarters with her, that ſhe addreſſed herſelf to Court, to deſire that we might be brought ſome where elſe, but inſtead of obSt. Nicholas painted upon a Plank, and falling down proſtrate before it, ſhed a ſhower of Tears. However ſhe was forced to content her ſelf for 14 days longer, during which time we made good chear, and ſpared not for Fewel in the Stoves. And albeit the Woman was ſo diſſatisfied at our being there, yet her Husband could have wiſh'd us there the whole year round, for our Brandy and Tabacco ſake.
On the 27 we had order to go into the Houſe of the late deceaſed Gentleman, even now remembred, which was a very commodious Houſe and provided with a great Aſtrachan.
Ianuary we brought our Baggage aboard a ſmall Ship,JAN. 1669.Moſcou. At this Place was the Court of the Emperours Siſter, being a fair Palace, but of Wood, built after a quaint and artificial manner. Here was alſo the Emperours Bear-Garden, being accidentally when we were there a great ConMoſcou, and other places to ſee the Paſtime, and the Evening before, came the Emperour with the whole Court and Retinue. The Theatre was only environed with Stakes and Pales, that the People might alſo ſee, that were without. Before they began were brought out about 200 Wolves and Bears, and almoſt twice the number of Dogs; all which were drawn in their Kennels ſet upon Sledges. The Emperour, and the prime of his Nobles ſate in a Gallery made on purpoſe in a very convenient place, to ſee on every ſide. So ſoon as the Emperour was ſet, a ſign was given, upon which a litle Wolf and an old Bear were turned out looſe together, that after they had encountered about half a quarter of an Hour, were parted, which notwithſtanding their being in the heat of the Fight, were eaſily brought aſunder and led to their Kennel. The Wolves were afterwards engaged with Dogs of which many lay dead upon the place, and others ſo wounded that they were no more fit for uſe.
On the 23 of February, one of our company married with a Tartarian maid, who had been taken Captive when ſhe was a Child and brought up in the Chriſtian Religion, by the Heer van Sweden, who taught her to write and ſpeak Netherdutch, both which ſhe did expertly well. And a day or two after was another of our Company married with a Lubekker, both theſe two went with their Huſbands to Aſtrachan.
On the 13 of March died the Empreſs in Child-bed who by reaſon of her great Charity, Piety, and the beſt of Vertues,MAR. 1669.
BEing conſtrained to tarry ſome time at Moſcou againſt our will, it gave me opportunity to take a view of the Town, and to make what obſervations I could during the time of my aboad there, which I ſhall according to my beſt knowledge impart to the Reader.
Moſcou is the Metropolitan, or Capital City of Moſcovia and the Imperial City of Ruſsia, and all that is within the Juriſdiction of the Emperour, whoſe Empire is bounded on the North with the white Sea, on the Eaſt ſevered from the Samoieds, and other Tartarian Countreys, on the South it has the Mare Caſpium, and on the Weſt, part of Poland, Lifeland, and Sweden. So that the large and wide Dominions of the Czar, are extended as well into the Aſian as the European Continent.
The City of Moſcou (which ſeems to have it's name from the noble River Moſcqua) lies in 50 degr. 37 min. Northerly Latitude. It is a
Tartars. It gives a very fair proſpect from without by reaſon of it's many Towers and high Buildings. This City is diKitay-gorod, or midle City, Zaar-or Czar-gorod, the Emperours City, Skorodom and Strelitza Slowoda. Theſe ſeveral Diviſions ſeem rather ſo many diſtinct Towns or Cities whereof Cathaia.
Kitay-gorod ſtands in the middeſt, and is environed with a high wall, which they call Craſna Stenna, that is, Red Wall. It is feated between 2 Rivers, to wit Moſcqua on the South, and the Neglina on the North, which are united behind the Palace. The Palace together with its Appendences, to wit, the Wall, HornKitay-gorod, called alſo Crim-gorod; being well provided with Men and Ammunition. In the midſt of this Palace is a very ſtately Church, in which we ſaw a Silver branched Candleſtick, formerly preſented to the Czar by the Ambaſſador of our States. Beſides this Church is another dedicated to the Archangel, where are to be ſeen the Tombs of thoſe of Imperial blood, as alſo Triotzis Maria and that of St. Nicholas which are both very ſumptuous. Thoſe which are in Kitay-gorod withMoſcou, being reckoned 56. Beſides the Churches which are within the Walls of the Palace are 2 very beautifull Cloyſters, the one for Young Gentdurante vitâ. In the middle of this Palace, or rather Fort, is a high Tower, which the Ruſſians call Ivan Velike, that is Great Iohn being covered with Copper and double guilt. This is that Tower,Boris Gudenow (as is to be ſeen in their Chronicles) brought a Perſian Ambaſſadour to view the City Moſcou, and amongſt other diſcourſe began to ſpeak of the great Loyalty and Obedience of ſome ſubjects to their Soveraigns in paſt ages: Whence
So faithfull are my ſubjects from the higheſt Bojar, to the meaneſt Vaſſal, that there is not one of them who would refuſe to throw himſelf praecipitantly from the Top of this Tower, if I thought good to command: and thereupon calls a Bojar, or Lord, whom he in
lb. and the Clapper 10000 lb. I mea
There are beſides the Imperial Court ſeveral other ſpacious Palaces for the Bojars, or Nobility, as alſo for the Spiritual Lords, amongſt which that of the Patriarch is the moſt magnificent. Without Kitay-gorod, directly before the Palace of the Czar, is one of the faireſt Churches (I muſt neds ſay) that I have ſeen in all my Travels,Church.
Ieruſalem, from whence it has that Name. Near unto this church is the great Market having Shops of all Wares and Merchandiſes that may be imagined, but every Shopkeeper has his own Row or Street, ſo that people of one Dealing have all their Shops together, and by themſelves. In this part of the City dwell likewiſe the ableſt Merchants [Kneeſen] and other Perſons of note, who dwell in ſtone houſes to preſerve their Goods, if a Fire ſhould happen.
Zaar-gorod which is the ſecond part of Moſcou encompaſſeth Kitay-gorod almoſt in the form of a Creſcent, which is alſo environed with a huge Wall, which they call Biela Stenna, that is, The white Wall. Zaar-gorod is divided into two parts by the River Neglina, which
The Third City which is Skorodom, embraces Czar-gorod on the Eaſt, North and Weſt-ſides likewiſe in the form of a Creſcent. In this City, or Ward, is the Houſe-market, where at a low price you may buy a Houſe, of what greatneſs you pleaſe. Theſe Houſes are made of Square pieces of Timber notch'd and let into each other, which when you have bought you can disjoint and bring it where you liſt upon Sledges, that amongſt many inconveniencies has this one Conveniency, that if a Citizen has his Houſe burn'd he may be every day ſupplied with a new, which (conſidering the old is brought to Aſhes) may without much coſt, be placed where the other ſtood; whereas on the contrary, we are often forced to ſtay ſometimes a year or more before the Rubbiſh be taken away and a convenient Houſe built in lieu of the old. Beſides that conveniency, they have another, which is, that at what time any Houſe happens to take fire, and any probable danger of breaking out, the Neighbours upon timely notice have their Houſes taken in pieces and removed as if they were but Tents.
The fourth and laſt Wike is Strelitza Slowoda,
Moſcqua, and towards the Tartarian Countrey. Here is the placc where the Soldateſque are inquarter'd, which they call Strelitzen, from whence this Part of Moſcou has it's name. It is very well fortified with Bulwarks, and other For
The number of the Houſes within the four Diviſions and the Suburbs, according to their computation are ſaid to be about 95000, the Palace and all its appendencies excluded. The Churches, and Cloyſters, wherein they preach are 1700. Amongſt this great number of Dwelling-houſes you find few or none, but what are altogether of Wood, except ſome Merchants Houſes in Kitay-gorod, who as we have already ſaid, build moſtly of Stone for the better ſecurity of their Goods. They uſe no Chimneys as we do for fires, but great Cackels,
Moſcou.
Dutch Merchants, who had moſtly their Reſidence near the place where the Fire firſt broke out, ſuſtained an incredible loſs. Tis true the Houſes are upon ſuch occaCzar upon conſideration of the frequent Fires has appointed a party of the Strelitzers, to be quartered in ſeverall places, at a due and convenient diſtance from each other throughout the 4 Wards; who are continually to be at hand upon ſuch occaſions. Now by reaſon of the great ſcarcity of Water in Moſcou, the firſt thing they lay their hands to, is to disjoynt the Houſes, and therefore for the moſt part are train'd up in that kind of Architecture, to be aſſiſtant again in the rebuilding of the ſame, when all danger is ſuppoſed to be over.
Moſcou are very ſpacious and wide, but in rainy weather ſo miry, that in walking you are up to the very knees in mud; for which reaſon both Men and Women are fain to wear Boots. AlLow-Countreys and elſe where. During the time we were there, it was not poſſible to thwart the ſtreets if they had not thrown great beams and planks acroſs the way.
Moſcou, and all the whole Countrey towards the North is capable of a very unwholſom Air, for thoſe that are not brought up in it, being in the Winter exceeding ſharp and cold, and in the Summer hot and moyſt. In Winter they muffle up their Noſe and Ears in Furs, eſpecially when they go upon a Journey. And in Moſcou it is well ſeen that many of the Inhabitants have neither Noſe nor Ear, which they ſay is by coming out of the bitter cold Air into a hot Stove: for
Moſcovia is a Countrey of a fat and fertile Soil, far beyond that of Lifeland. Their Wheat, Ry, Barley and Oats, they ſow about St. Iohns day at Midſummer, which within 7 or 8 Weeks is fit for the Sickle, or Sithe (for they uſe both) and that by reaſon of the conMoſequa a kind of an Apple ſo tranſparent that you may diſcern the Seeds, as Grapes: The Shell or Rind thereof is very thin and ſubtile and the Fruit it ſelf very delicate, but too juycy, and after a long Rain ſo waMoſcovia affoards Flax and Hemp to that exuperancy, that they ſupply almoſt all Europe with Rope-work. The next Staple-Commoditie of Moſcovia is Wax and Honey, which the Ruſsians take wild and make a vaſt profit thereof. In ſhort there is no Vegetable of general uſe with us, but what likes there, ſave only the Vine, which the Extremity of the Winter will not ſuffer to like or come to perfection: but that
English, Dutch and others, who bring the Products of every Vintage from France and elſe where. They have no Mines ſave only of Steel and Iron.
Ruſsia if taken in general is better ſtored with tame Cattel and WildEurope, or as ſome beleeve, in the whole World. Kine is without doubt in greater abundance there than in Tartary, agreeable to the opinion of all Travailers and Geographers, who have given an account of either. The rich Furs which are yearly exported hence to moſt places of the World ſufficiently teſtify the ſuperabundancy of Foxes, Sables, Martens, &c. But moſt dangeMoſcovia has whatſoever is neceſſary for Food and Rayment, as good and at as eaſy rates, as any other Land in the World, none excluded: altho I do not ſay but that one Province differs much from another, and that every particular Province and Region has ſomething or other, as proper or peculiar to it's ſelf.
Wolodomir is reputed to be of ſo good a Soil, that from one Buſhel of pure Grain ſown is ſometimes 20 or 25 produced in Harveſt and yet Rheſan is reckoned far more fertile than the other, for from every ſingle Seed ariſeth 3 ſtalks,Ruſsia. This Province af
Syberia is the moſt woody of all other Provinces within the Empire of the great Czaar, eſpecially towards the Northeaſt where at Braquin there is a Wood which takes it's beginning,Moſcovians fetch their richeſt Pelure and Furs, as Ermins, Sables and Black Fox, which is one of the richeſt Pelts in the World. Volske,
and Beleoſor. Uſtioga. Roſtof.Smolensko and Beleaſor deliver vaſt quantities of Skins and Furs, which the Inhabitants bring up yearly to Moſcou and other eminent Marts. Uſtioga is a Province that yields great ſtore of Cattel, and many ſorts of Fiſh, yet very Barren as to grain. Roſtof is the only Province for Salt. Dwino is a barren and dry land, but the Inhabitants obtain great Riches of the Furs, which is the Principal Trading of that Province. Theſe they barter with what Commodities and NeViatke has great want of Grain, yet ſtore of Fiſh, Honey, Wax, and alſo Pelts. Petzora, is very montanous,Aſtrachan, and the Tartarian Regions, now in ſub
THe right Moſcovians, or Ruſsians (for the Tartars now under ProCzar we ſhall ſpeak of in their due place) are moſtly able, corpulent and big, eſpecially of Head, Arms and Legs. The Common ſort are very hard by Nature and patient in extremity, ſelSt. Nicholas, or perhaps ſome other Saint for whom they have ſome particular or extraordinary veneration. Slaves they are by nature, and born to ſervitude and Bondage, ſeldom ever aſpiring ſo high, as to indeavour to make themſelves franc, and yet will be excited to nothing by fair means, or uſe diligence about any affair, ſave what they are driven to by conſtraint and blows: and yet ſo ſweet this Slavery ſeems to be to them, that rather than to become free upon the Deceaſe of their Lords to whom they ow allegiance by nature or odurante vitâ to ſome other Patron. They are very prone to Theft, yea and to Murther when they think that they can do it clandeſtinly, or to any advantage, how poor ſoever it be, which ſeems to be primordially occaſioned from the Penury of their Lords, who hardly allow them what is re
This only is to be applied to the Vulgar ſort, as for thoſe of greater Ability and Rank, they ſpare not for what tends to a voluptuous Life, and indulge their ſences, as much or more than is tolerable. Free they are, and indeed generous enough at their Table, eſpecially when they treat or welcom Strangers, who are very welcom and reMoſcou are very hardly dealt with
The Ruſſes feed moſt of Roots, Pulſe and Fiſh,Cavear is a great Dainty amongſt them, but not ſo high in ePochmelie made up of cold Beef or Mutton ſliced very thin, and Quas: Quas is a Liquor which they uſe as Beer of which it is made, with a Compoſition of Water, Beer-Vinegar, Garlick and Pepper: this Quas being ſo prepared they put their meat into it, and ſeeth it a litle, which afterwards they eat with Spoons. The poorer ſort have a certain Liquor much in uſe among them, which they alſo call Quas, this is made of Water with a litle Bran and Barley-meal, which according to their ability they temper thicker or thinner. The Gentry drink Beer, that there is very ſtrong and heady, but more commonly Metheglin, which they make of the beſt Honey, adding Cloves, Cinnamon, Pepper, Galangal, Cardamom and other Spices: This is a very ſtrong and ſtealing Liquor of it ſelf; yet they think good to mix it with Brandy to make it more effectual. Brandy which they call Wina they covet above all other Liquors, which without any diſcretion or noted difference is drunk both by Spiritual and Temporal, Nobles and Plebeïans, Men and Women, Young and Old, and that at all times of the Day, before and after Meals; Sometimes to add a medicinal vertue they put a litle Pepper amongſt it. Nay, ſo beſotted are the Vulgar with Brandy, that in the ſharpeſt Weather, they will not only part with their Caps or Coats for the Reckoning, but likewiſe with their Boots, Shirts and Stockings, ſo that I have ſeen ſome of them come mother-naked out of the Kaback or Tipling-Houſe. The Common people were formerly ſo irregular and void of Order that they would drink themſelves full,
Czar, who, by the advice of the Patriarch, put down all the ſmall Tap-houſes throughout the whole Empire, appointing in every Town and Village one public Houſe, or Kaback, which they are to farm of the Emperour himſelf. They are very covetous of Tobacco, as has been elſewhere ſaid, notwithſtanding the Tenure of a Decree or Mandate promul
The Ruſsians are generally groſs of Body yet ſubtile enough in affairs of Merchandiſe which they can manage very well. Their Women are much inclined to Goſſiping, and buſie Tatlers, often beat by their Husbands, who ſometimes uſe them unkindly: upon which they ſometimes addreſs themſelves to Court, where the men once convicted over ſuch Crimes are ſent to Syberia. The Emperour conſidering the multitude of Complaints of this nature, has ordained that if any Woman makes complaint without ſufficient Evidence, that the Man is to be tortured on the Rack, which if he ſtands out, the Wife is con
Ruſſians.
Low-Countreys: Under that they wear another coat of Say or Silk, with a high and ſtiff Collar, theſe have long ſleeves which are tied up round with loops and ſtand Cooks in good ſtead to remove hot Pots and Cauldrons from the fire: Thoſe that have, an intent or deſign to ſteel or murther, uſually have an iron Bullet, or ſome other hard and ponderous thing whereKneeſes, Bojars and other Perſons of the greateſt quality Black Fox and Sables. The Habit of the Women is not ſo much different from that of their Men, as they differ from each other, agreeLifeland, and much after the ſame manner. Their Upper-garment is ordinarily of ſheeps-skins, with a Cap of the ſame ſtuff; their Boots and Shooes are made of the Barks of Trees cunningly plated.
The Women are by nature well proportioned,Spanish Wool and Tincture of Brazil-wood it ſeems they do not yet know the uſe of, but inſtead of that uſe VermiMinium, and for Flake, a dull White-Lead, or Ceruſe at beſt.
The Reader may obſerve that their manner of Marriages is far different from that in the Low-Countreys,
Europe elſewhere a Young-man having fixed his eie upon ſome Maid with whom he could be content to enter into a nuptial ſtate, he Courts her and Solicits by Friends to make an Overture. A Ruſsian Youth inclinable to admitt himſelf into the conjugal number detects his purpoſe and deſire to his Parents, or neareſt in Conſanguinity, who thereupon
Pig in a Poke, for all people of faſhion keep their Daughters chamber'd, ſetting always an old Woman to look to her, who is as vigilant in her Office, as a Turn-key at Wood-ſtreet Counter. And hence it comes that they live in perpetual Jarrs, and contention, when ſometimes in hopes of a ſweet, well-ſhaped, and comely Darling, they are chain'd to a ſtinking, crooked and deformed Hag. This induces me to a Tale of a young Squire, who thinking himſelf old enough to be a man, intimated his Inclinations to a common Broker, or Match-maker, withall conditioning beforehand that he would not come to any concluſion with the Parents of his Party, till he had by ſome means or other got a ſight of her Face, which the man pro
They have many quaint Ceremonies about Marriage: thoſe of the higheſt Rank uſe theſe following Rites. The Bridegroom and Bride have each of them one to attend them, to prepare and provide all neceſſaries; theſe they call Swachas. The day before the Wedding the Brides Swacha goes to the Bridegrooms Houſe to provide and furniſh the Brides Chamber and Bed with what elſe is requiſite, being attenSwacha plates the Hair of the Bride, and ſets a Gold or Silver Coronet upon her Head, richly ſet with Precious ſtones and Gems, to which are fixed two long Pendants of Diamonds, or (if it be Perſons of a lower Calibre) of baſer ſtones, theſe hang down to their Breaſts. So ſoon as the Bride is dreſs't, the Bridegrooms Swacha likewiſe combs his head; upon which all the Women fall a dancing. After they have danc'd a litle, there come in two young men with a Basket of White bread and a great Cheeſe upon a Barrow, covered with Sables, which is conſecrated by the Prieſt and ſent to the Church. When this Ceremonie is ended, they bring a great Silver Charger, and ſet it upon the Table, in which are laid ſome pieces of Atlas, and Taf, with ſeveral Square plates of Silver, as alſo a handfull of Hops, Barley and Oats, mixt together: upon that that the Swacha ariſes and covers the Face of the Bride, and ſtrows the mentioned things out of the Charger amongſt the Gueſts, when as thoſe that are minded may take up the pieces of Silver. When that is done the Parents of the Parties interchange the Rings of the young people.
When theſe Ceremonies are ended, the Swacha ſets the Bride in a
Are you content to enter the ſtate of Matrimony together? The Parties then anſwering, Yea, the Prieſt ſings the 128 Pſalm, which they likewiſe mutter out after him. This done the Prieſt ſets a Garland upon their Head, uttering theſe Words, Increaſe and multiply, what GOD joyns together let no man ſeperate. Then all the Friends light their Torches, and the Prieſt takes a Glaſs of Red Wine into his Hand, which he delivers over to the Bridegroom and Bride to drink off, then taking the empty Glaſs from them delivers it to the Bridegroom who throws it down and the Bride ſtamps it with her foot to powder, ſaying, So may they fall before our feet, and be crushed to powder, who go about to ſet us at enmity together. Upon that the Married Women ſtrow them with Hemp, wiſhing them Proſperity and a happy union. Theſe Ceremonies being ended they return home again after the ſame manner that they went to Church. So ſoon as they have entred the Houſe, the Bridegroom goes and takes his ſeat at the Table where he receives, and bids all his Gueſts welcom but the Bride is brought directly into her Chamber where the Swacha undreſſes her to the Shift and lays her down upon the bed, The Bride being thus laid ſends to call her Bridegroom by two of her Servants with Torches in their Hands. Immediately upon his entring the ChamberSwacha catches in a Napkin, and keeps for a Monument. When the Meal is
Swachas come and conduct them to the Bath, where they are both bathed and waſhed with Wine, Water and Metheglin, dulcified with odorous flowers and ſpices, and, as the cuſtome is at Moſcou, the Bride preſents her Bridegroom with a Bathing ſhirt. After they have bathed they come and accompany their Gueſts, who all the time were merry at Table, in which Humors they continue ſometimes a Week, or 10 days, before they depart to their reſpective Lodgings.
The foregoing Ceremonies are ſuch as thoſe of the beſt rank uſe, by which you may perceive more vanity than Reaſon in this Folk: However I think we have no great cauſe to hiſs at them for their folly, ſince we have as many inſignificant Rites amongſt our ſelves, which are with them equally ſenceleſs and as plain puerility, as theirs may be eſteemed by us.
But as for the Plebeïans and Peſantry theirs is after a different manner. The day before the Marriage is to be ſolemnized, the BrideSwachas ſtrow the Gueſts with Hops wiſhing that the Bride may be as fruitfull and increaſe her ſtock, as that hopefull Weed. After that comes another who preſents the Bride with a Sable or Beaver-skin, withall wiſhing her ſo many Children as there are Hairs upon the Hide. Theſe Ceremonies ended at home they go to Church, and are married. in manners as before.
After the Wedding is paſt, the Women keep at home for ſometime together, not daring to ſtirr out.
SO much, kind Reader, may ſerve by way of account about their Marriages, as to what I have obſerved my ſelf, although I am ſen
Ruſſes.
But thoſe who marry again after once Divorced are for ever after excluded the Church, yet may enter the Porch or Gallery, but if they be divorced a ſecond time and married a third, they are totally Excluded the Church and Congregation.
They have ſeveral ſuperſtitious Ceremonies concerning purity, as to the outward, and carry themſelves very ſtrictly according to the Traditions of the Church. They hold it not for ſo hainous a Sin
They are very obſerving of their Duty in the great Faſt at which time if any man among them chance to ſleep, he is forbidden to communicate, during the Term of a year and 9 days. If it be a Prieſt he is ſuſpended from Office and Benefice for a whole year; but if a Proponent, he is rendred incapable of taking any ſacred Function upon him ſo long as he lives.
They hold it for a Crime unpardonable for a Ruſſian to marry with a Stranger, but to commit Adultery with a Heretic-Woman only VeS. Paul, Ne faciamus mala ut eveniant bona, Let us not do Evil that Good may come of it.
Theſe external ſuperſtitions of purification are the main reaſon that every perſon that is of any Conſiderable Ability, has a Bathing-tub in his Houſe, which in Turky and Perſia are equally made uſe of for Purification and Health. They have alſo Common Baths in every Town and Village, whither both Men and Women, without any diſtinction have recourſe; running in and out naked, only ſome of the Women for Modeſty ſake have a few Bur-dock leaves about their middle, which are firſt dried and afterward laid to ſteep in Oil of Olives, which afterwards they rub their Bodies with, in the Sweating-tub. They can indure extremity of Heat and Cold to a Miracle, for I have ſeen them run out of the Water, which I could not ſuffer my finger in, and of a ſudden over Head and Ears in Snow, where they would lay a quarter or half an Hour and then into the Bath again, that remained ſcalding hot, which if one ſhould do who is not hardned to it from the very Cradle, he were ſure to leave his skin be
The Dutch Merchants that have their Reſidence at Moſcou, have alſo (conformable to the manner of the Countrey) their Baths, which they ſtrow with odoriferous Spices and Flowers, and make frequent uſe thereof. When they have bathed ſo long as they think good, they have a Retiring-room in which is a Sweating-tub or Stove, whither they go and rub themſelves.
The Ruſſians as they differ from all other Nations as well in ReliHollanders, nor ſhrink up their Shoulders, as do the Spaniards, but throw their Head firſt upon one Shoulder, and then upon another, or perhaps turn it round, as a Fencer flouriſhes his Rapier, or an Enſign his Colours in token of Victory.
When they pray they do it not upon their knees as we do, thinking that GOD is diſpleaſed with ſuch an irregular poſture: and when they write they never make uſe of a Table, altho they have one at their el
Ruſſes have theſe following Cuſtomes. When any lies Sick, and by his Friends thought in danger of long Continuance or Death, they ſend for a Prieſt who adminiſters the Communion to him, he firſt confeſſing the moſt noted Sins he can remember that he has done in his life time, to the Prieſt alone, adding a Promiſe and Reſolution to live a pious and devout Life, if GOD grant him recovery. When he has communicated,
Seraphic Weed: After which they adminiſter no more Phyſic to him, but commend him to the Grace of GOD. Now if it happen that he recover, he is obliged to abandon Wife, Children and Eſtate for ever, and betake himſelf to a Monaſtery, where he is to ſpend the re
But if our Patient dy,Madagaſcar, remembred in my firſt Voyage. I remember that having occaſion to viſit a Countreyman of mine upon a Munday morning I entred the Houſe, where the Maſter was dead and the Corps laid out, above a ſcore of old Women, were ſet round about him, and ſpeaking to him as if they expected ſome anſwer from him; but above all, his Wife began to howl and yell aloud, who in his life time wiſhed him a thouſand times in Hell, for he behaved himſelf very ſeverely towards her. Oh, quoth ſhe, Timminni Do Shinca [for that was his name] my Deareſt, how haſt thou left me thus? What failing didſt thou diſcover in me? Did I ever neglect to paint my ſelf? Have I not brought forth a fair Iſſue? Hadſt not thou all things at Command? Metheglin I am ſure we had always in plenty, nay, and Brandy too. What then perſwaded thee to leave me deſolate and forlorn, Oh remember the diſconſolate ſtate of Widdow-hood and return to the merry World, &c. Theſe, and many other fooliſh expreſſions by way of Interrogation, ſhe accoſted him with, which made me at firſt to think that he was not fully dead. So ſoon as the Party is deparCircas Tartars; which ſeems to be the Reliques of Heatheniſm, not long ſince profeſſed in many parts of Ruſſia. Imediately upon his departure they ſend Brandy, and Beer, with other Liquors and Preſents to the Prieſt, who is to pray for his Soul. The Body they waſh from Head to foot, as doe the Jews, then winding it in a ſheet, put it into a Coffin which is hol
But if a Perſon die without adminiſtration of the Extreme Unction,
Zemski Precaus, where it is expoſed to public view, and if it be a perſon unknown, is to remain there 3 or 4 days to ſee if any will own the Body, which if none come to claim it is immediately carried to another Place without Town, which they call Boghze Dome, that is Gods Houſe, and there thrown into a great Pit, where ſometimes a Hundred or more Bodies lie on a Heap uncovered, till about Midſummer, at what time, the Prieſts go and cover them, with a few Rites and Ceremonies.
The Ceremonies which are uſed in ſome places in Ruſſia differ from others. About Moſcou the Corps is follow'd by a Train of GentleIrish.
On each ſide the Herſe go the Prieſts, Chaplains and Monks, bearing Images, Torches, and a Thurible, or Incenſe-pan, which is all the while waved to and again, to expell Evil Ghoſts which they believe ſtill haunt the Body of the Deceaſed. After the Corps follow the Friends and Acquaintance, without any order, each car Our immaculat Brother, and Partaker of Mortality, who leaves us in this World, more worthy than to dwell amongſt men below, deſires to be commended to thy Tuition, whom we heartily commit to thy ProtecNicholas, containing a hearty recommendation of the Deceaſed. A copy of one of theſe came once to my hand which before I had Tranſcribed it out, was taken from me by a Prieſt being the Brother of the Gentleman who lent it me, for it is not lawfull for a Ruſsian himſelfe to know the Contents, much leſs for a Heretic. The Paraphraſe of the Fragment was after this Manner,
This fragment is all I can give you of the Letter, which as I told you was taken from me. The body being interred they return home, where they junket and drink till they forget their Sorrow. This feaſt dures ſometimes a Moneth or 40 days, according to the ability of the Perſon: among others it is not cuſtomary to make one long Feaſt at the Funeral, but an anniverſary Meal, and cele
THe Moſcovians are profeſſedly Chriſtians,Ruſſians.
Baſilius about the year 989. rooted out of his Empire, baptizing himſelf, and cauſing all his Subjects to do the like. They boaſt mainly of their Continuance and Conformity with the Primitive Church, which they ſay is ſtill the ſame in purity without the ſtains of Innovation, as indeed in many things it ſeems to be nearer than the Church of Rome, aſwell in matter of Faith as Government of the Church.
Moſcovia has like that of Rome, one ſupreme Head, who is the Patriarch. Under the Patriarch are 4 Metropolitans, 4 Arch-Biſhops, beſides many other Biſhops, Abbots and the Inferior Clergy. The Patriarch is almoſt Sovereign in Spiritual Affairs, having an abſolute and immediate power without any appendency on the Temporal Government unleſs it be in caſe of inducing Hereſy, upon which he muſt Submit to a Synod, as in the year 1662, a General Council was called, and the Patriarch ſummoned to make his apMoſcou. The Revenues of the Patriarch, as alſo of the Metropolitans, are very great, out of which they are obliged to levy and Maintain an Army of 15000 men, during the time of War.
The Habit of the Patriarch, and the Metropolitans differ but litle. The Patriarch has always a great Croſier born before him, or a litle one in his hand and ſometimes both, this they call a Poſok. Mitres they wear only upon Convocations or high Aſſemblies, and upon ſolemn Occaſions. Abroad they are diſtinguiſhed by a high Cap, flat at top like the Switzers, or Yeomen of the Guard. Next their Bodie they wear a Caſſoc, and above that a long Gown or rather a Pall, which is born up by two Gentlemen. The Inferior Clergy and Prieſts wear a Cap but not ſo high as that of the Superiors. This Cap is given them when they are ordained by the Biſhops, at what time they ſhave their Heads, and ſuffer it to grow no more, ſave in two litle tufts juſt above their ears.
There is a Law among them that whoſoever beats one of thoſe Clerks ſo, that his cap fall to the ground, he is liable to a very ſevere peCabac: but to prevent the worſt when a Lay
Paul. A Bishop ought to be the Husband of one Wife. Nor is it lawfull for him to marry a Widow. If a Prieſts wife come to die before him, he is not only injoyned by the Church to remain a Widdower, but alſo to leave the Altar, yet not wholly to lay down the Prieſtly Function, for he may ſit in the Chore or Chauntry and aſſiſt at Mattins and Veſpers, as alſo at Admini
Baptiſm they hold forth as a Sacrament very neceſſary,Get thee hence, than unclean Spirit, and make way for the Holy Ghoſt, Then he takes the child into his Arms, blowing three times in his Face, and making a croſs upon his Head, dips it three times in Water, Saying, I baptize thee in the Name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY GHOST. Having thus plunged the Infant, he puts ſome Salt into it's mouth, anointing the Fore head, Breaſt and Hands with conſecrated Oil, and then draws a clean white ſhirt over it's Body, which done he ſaith, Now thou art cleanſed from thy Sins. Laſt
Coena Domini, or the L. Supper they hold forth likewiſe as neceſſary to Salvation, receiving it in both kinds, yet not as is uſual among thoſe of the Reformation, for they break the Bread into the Wine, which the Communicant takes with a ſpoon. This Sacrament is alſo adminiſtred to Children, and all under the Notion of Tranſubſtantiation, altho not in ſo full a Sence as the Romaniſts. The Sick do likewiſe partake of this Sacrament, which is given them upon their Death-bed, as the Hoſt in the Church of Rome.
Confeſſion is alſo a Sacrament held forth by them, and is much after the manner of the Church of Rome, and are injoyned to Penance according to the Nature and Degree of the Sin, which they obey wondrous well, and if the Crime be very Hainous, they waſh themEpiphany.
Zemski Precaus, and from thence to the Bogzi Dome, of which we have already made mention.
ALl Ruſsia together with the ſeveral Kingdoms and Principalities is ſubject to one Sovereign Monarch,1669. JuriſdiCzar.
Caeſar.
Czaar. The name of the Emperour when I was there, was Alexie Michailowitz Romanou, that is, Alexius, Son of Michael, Roman; for ſo they uſe that Patronymic Roman, from Ivan Baſilowitz, or Joannes Baſilides, who was a Roman by deſcent, and of Imperial Lineage. The Arms of the Emperour are as follows.
Sol, an Eagle diſplayed with 2 necks, Saturn, in chief a Mitre Imperial Mars, On the Nombril, on an Eſcutcheon Jupiter, the Chevalier Saint George, armed proper, and mounted on a Horſe Luna, under his feet a Dragon Venus.
The Czaar is abſolute Sovereign and Lord, conferring Dignities and Honours, Subordaining Miniſters of State and Officers whether Civil or Military, Coining Money, raiſing and leſſening the Value of the ſame. Making Peace and Proclaiming War at his own diſcretion, and in ſhort whatſoever any King in the World can claim as Praero
ALEXIUS Michaïlowitz Romanow, by the grace of GOD Emperour of the Greater, Leſs and White Ruſſia, Lord of Moſcou, Kief, Wolodimera and Novogorod, Czaar of Caſan, Czar of Aſtrachan, Czar of Syberia, Lord of Pletskow, Great Duke of Smolensko, Tweer, Jugoria, Permia, Weatka, Bulgaria, &c. Lord and Great Duke of Novagarada within the Low-Countreys of Zernigou, Rheſan, Roſtof, Jeriſlaw, Belooſeria Udoria, Obdoria, Condinia, and abſolute Sovereign of the Northern parts as alſo of Iveria, Cartalinia, Graſinia, Carbadinia, Kirkaſſia and Georgia, and of many other Provinces and Dominions in the Eaſt, West and North, Haereditary Lord and Soveraign,
Kabacks or Taverns are altogether farmed through the Empire of the Emperour himſelf, whereof there are 3 at Novogorod which bring up yearly Ten Thouſand Gilders, and ſo all others according to proportion. The Impoſition upon Iron, Corn, Salt, Tar, Furs and other Commodities are very conſiderable. If ſo the Revenues of this Prince be Great, ſo likewiſe his Court is as ſumptuous, and Houſe-keeping very Royal, beſides the vaſt CharStrelitzers, who are exactly and duly paid.
Battoki, which is when the Patient is to lie upon his belly, then come two men, one ſitting down upon his Neck and the other upon his Leggs, who beat him till the Judge or Officer comKnutten is a Puniſhment of a higher degree, and ſuch as uſually thoſe that ſell Brandy, Metheglin or ToCzar, are puniſhed with, and is after this manner: The Executioners Servant takes the patient and ſtrips him from the middle downwards, and takes him upon his back, which done the Executioner with a ſcourge of Thongs made of a raw Elks-hide dried gives him a certain number of ſtripes, acRape] is expiated by gelding of the Delinquant, of which if he recover well and good, but it is very rare that any does.
ON the 18th of April being Palm-Sunday was celebrated a great Feaſt, wherein was much Triumph and Joy manifeſted with Arches and Pageants, amongſt which was our Savior his manner of riding to Ieruſalem. This Solemnity was performed with an infinite number of People, and led by the Emperour himſelf in Perſon, atBojars and the greateſt perſonages about Court. The Patriarch ſat upon a Horſe apparelled all in white, repreſenting the L. Jeſus Chriſt. The Czar being ſupported by two Bojars, led the Horſe by the Bridle, being richly apparreled, with an Imperial Diadem upon his Head. The Patriarch, as was ſaid before, was arrayed with a long white Stole, with a Hierarchichal Infula or Mitre upon his Head, richly ſet with Pearls. In his right Hand was a Croſs of Gold ſet with Diamonds and precious ſtones, with which he ſigned the Multitude that came thronging to him with great Reverence and Devotion. He ſat croſs over the Horſe, which Horſe was ſet out with ſplendid Trappings and richly Cappariſon'd, after the manner of an Aſs. On each ſide the Patriarch went ſeveral Biſhops; and the SupePax, Books, Bells, Tapours and other things uſed at Maſs, beſides a great number of Flags. The Way from the palace to the Creſcent was all laid with Red-cloath. Here it was where the Patriarch firſt took Horſe: the Horſe being there tied to a pale. After the Patriarch follow the Bojars, bearing a huge Tree, woven and wound with Silk and Ribbons, as alſo many ſorts of Fruits thereto annexed. Herein ſate ſeveral litle Children, with Apples, green Twigs and Branches. After all came the Mobile, ſtrowing the way with Branches which they had in their Hands, crying out, Hoſanna Son of David, bleſſed is he that commeth in the name
of the Lord, Hoſanna in the Higheſt, &c. When they were returned to the Creſcent, the Patriarch gave the Benediction to the Multitude and ſo the Proceſſion ended. In the Evening the Patriarch ſent the Czar 200 9s. 6d. Their CeRoebels, for his good ſervice in leading the Horſe. I alſo ſaw their Paſchal Solemnities, at what time they continually kiſs one another at meeting, ſaying, Chriſt is riſen, with one delivering a died Egg, and therefore at this time they have many Booths all over the Town where they have Eggs of all colours to ſell. Theſe Ceremonies are ſo univerſally obſerved, that none paſſes the ſtreet without giving and receiving of Eggs of what Condition or Degree ſoever they be. Towards the Evening, they entertain one another, every one in the beſt manner he can, as well Clergy as Laïty, and now are all the Taphouſes, or Kabacks crouded with men, where they toſs off whole Bowls of Metheglin, Brandy and ſtrong Beer, till they fall together by the Ears.
Moſcou to Aſtrachan.
May, we departed with a 30 Tuns burthen. Arrival at Colomna.
Strough from Moſcou, which was laden with Ammunition and proviſion. We were 15 men in all who were ſent down with this Veſſel. We made quick paſſage down the River, for the next day we arrived at Colomna, which is 134 English Land-miles by Water, but thwart the Land about 50. This City is well fortified with a ſtrong Wall, and many Turrets. It is ſeated upon the Moſqua, having a long Wooden Bridge over that River.
On the 6 dito we came into the River Oka, making a deep and broad ſtream where it unites with the Moſqua. Here we ſaw a very fair VilDydenof, by ſome Gedino, and about the Evening we arrived at the Wharf where the Ship Eagle lay, having the Imperial PaludiCornelius Roeckhoven Coll: and Mr. Lambert the Maſter, who expreſſed great joy for our arrival. Beſides thoſe were other Officers preferred aboard the Ship, to wit Monſr. Stark Lieut. Coll. 2 Captains, a Chirurgeon a Jeweller, an Interpreter, and a Purſer. Their Pay was as follows,
Our whole Company conſiſted in 20 Dutch.
On the 12 we ſet Sail from Dydenof which was the Wharf where the Ship Eagle was built,MARC. 1669.Boekhoven about 2 leagues downward. The ſame day in the Afternoon we came to a Town called Nicholo, where we found proviſion incredibly cheap. Here I bought ſome Wild-fowl in the Market about as big as Wild-gees, for a Kopeke the Couple, and ſatisfyed my Chapman to the full.
On the 13 we came to Omula, which is a Village about 40 [English] Leagues from Dydenof. After two days Sailing we came to Pereſlaf, which is a ſmall City, rebuilt, as I have been told out of the Ruins of Reſanski, which formerly was a famous Town, ſurprized by the Tartars, demoliſhed, and the Inhabitants, removed to Pereſlaf.
On the 17 we came cloſe to Reſanski where we viewed the Ruins of the City, which teſtified the former Greatneſs and Strength of the Town. From hence we ſailed to the Eaſtern ſide of the River, where we ſaw many famous Houſes and ſtately Buildings, with Fair Orchards and Groves.
On the 18 we ſaw many goodly Towns and Religious Houſes, and at night arrived at Novoſolki, a Place ſolely belonging to the Arch-Biſhop. Here we bought proviſion, and all kinds of Refreſhby Schilko, Tericho, Tinersho Slavada, Koponaw and other fair Towns.
On the 22 we came to Kaſſienie-gorod, a beautifull litle City, and the Reſidence of Prince Reskitski. Our Captain and Maſter intended to viſit the ſaid Prince, and for that end came here to Anchor, but coming a ſhoar underſtood that he was departed for Moſcou, with the old Princeſs his Mother. However they went to view the Palace, and were magnificently entertained by the ſteward, of whom after the Exchange of ſome Rarities on both ſides, by way of Preſents, they took their leaves. Kaſsieme-gorod has been formerly a Hold of the Tartars, but the preſent Prince at the age of 12 years ſurrendred it up to the great Duke of Moſcovy, whom he as then obtained to be his Protector.
On the 23 we ſailed paſt many fair Villages, Churches, MonaLeshi, which is a very great Town, but not walled.
On the 24 we came before Moruma, a Town inhabited partly by Ruſses and partly by Mordwin-Tartars whoſe Countrey begins here, alMoruma and the Circumjacient Land-ſhip is at preſent under ſubjection of his Majeſty of Ruſſia.
On the 27 we ſailed by Prewas Palo and ſome other leſſer Towns. Near this Place are two Rivers which vent themſelves into the Wolga, the one called Morſna Reka on the ſtarboard-, and the other Kleſna on the larboard-ſide in ſailing downward, which laſt comes from the City VVolodomur. The Bank on the one ſide is very high Land, and ſteep, yet above level and fair Land; but to the Northward the Bank is level with the Water, and the Land woody and deſert, nether inhabited nor tilled to any purpoſe.
On the 28 we ſailed paſt Isbuilets, and Troitska, dropping anchor before Slowoda.
Dudwina, where we were forced to remain 4 days and 4 nights, by reaſon of the tem
The boiſtrous Winds and Rain ſomewhat abated we ſet ſail, and on the 3 of Iune came before Nofunki, and the 8 before the great
Niſen Novogorod, ſituate on an angle of the great River Wolga,
IUNE. 1669.Oka.
Niſen-gorod lies in the Latitude of 36 degr. and 28 min. under a wholſome climat, and in a fertile Countrey.English] miles without the City live more Inhabitants than within, being Ruſſes and Tartars, but in ſubjection to the great Duke. The Germans had formerly built two Churches here, one for the Lutherans and another for the Calviniſts, both which went to decay upon their leaving the Town. It is here very cheap living, and all things neceſſary for the ſuſtenance of Human Bodies may be procured at eaſy Rates. The Paſtures abound with Cattel the Villages with Poultry, the Woods with Veniſon, the Rivers with Fiſh, and the Land with Corn, Fruit, Roots and Plants. Butter we bought there for 10 gl. the 100 lb. [which is after the rate of 2d
per pound] and yet we eſteemed that the deareſt Purchaſe we bought there. We bought there a good ſort of Linnen for 2 ſtivers the Ell, which ſerved us well for ſhirting and other uſes aboard the Ship. And by reaſon of the Cheapneſs of Proviſion and all neceſſaries, we received here 6 Moneths pay: and becauſe that they had here an excellent Ropeyard, the Heads of our Company thought good to leave the Lieutenant Schack with our chief Boatswain, to look after ſome Ropes which we had given order to be made, as alſo to fit us with new Anchors.
On the 21 dito we put off from Niſen and left the Wolga.
Wolga.
Nova-Zembla, runIeriſlaf, or Ieriſlaw, Tweer and other eminent Cities, whence with many Windings and Turnings it runs through the Land till it come at Aſtrachan, where it divides it ſelf into ſeveral Heads like the Nile, and ſo looſes it ſelf into the Caſpian Sea, receiving by the way many great and navigable Rivers, and thoſe moſtly on the NorthIune it is at higheſt, and in Iuly begins again ſuddenly to decreaſe, inſomuch that it is in all places full of Banks and Sand-beds, as hereafter, in the purſuit of my Journal ſhall more particular and ample mention be made; whereas when it is increaſed to it's heighth, one may ſail over ſeveral
English] miles broad, and proving in other places very narrow makeing at each ſide of the River a Whirl-pool, which cannot be avoided without great difficulty. The courſe of this River from Niſen to Caſan is moſtly Eaſt and South-Eaſt; but from Caſan to Aſtrachan and ſo to the Mare Hyrcanum, or Caſpian Sea altogether South. On each ſide the River you have for the moſt part very good Land and many fair Towns, as I have already noted, whoſe Inhabitants are ſedulous in their Husbandry, and are well ſupplyed with the particular Products of all the ſeveral Landſhips adjacent on this noble River, as alſo with many ſorts of excellent Fiſh. In times paſt the Wolga was much inCoſaks of Don, who being very ſtrong in ſmall ſhipping, would ſometimes, ſurprize, aſſail and take the Ruſsian Fiſhermen and Strougs.
On the 22 we paſſed by the Iſlands Tlerinski and Subſinski, but to
On the 23 we weighed but found our Anchor faſt among the Roots of the Trees, which coſt us ſome pains to get clear. About mid-day we got the Iſland Dioploy, about 3 in the afternoon Muſa, and about the Evening Kremonsky, where we anchored.
On the 24 we proceeded forward and got Parmino, where we took in Proviſion, which we found very good and of a low Price. From hence we looſed, and ſailed by many pleaſant Iſlands, Towns, and an Excellent proſpect from Land, which was ſtored with Cattel, fruitful Dales, Woods, Meadows, Currents and whatſoever natural Delights that may content the heart of Man.
On the 29 dito we came to VVaſili-gorod a litle Town on the Weſt ſide of the Wolga, and becauſe it was here a level Countrey we tooke the heighth of the Arctic Pole, which we found 55 degr. and 50 min. above the Horizon. This ſaid Town was then without Gates or Walls, and is built moſtly of wood, ſave only Public Edifices, and Religious Houſes, which are there but few, ſince it has not been long in poſſeſſion and ſubject to the Czar, or great Duke of Moſcovy. On the South-ſide of VVaſiligorod, is a litle River called the Soura, which here guſhes out with a violent ruſhing and buzzing into the VVolga.
VVaſiligorod begins the Land of the Ceremish Tartars which extends it ſelf out as far as Caſan. Thoſe again are divided into two ſorts of People; The one ſort is called Nagorni, which are thoſe that inhabit the hilly Countrey, and the other Lugowy who dwell moſtly in the Valleys. The former follow altogether Paſturage, the latter AgriRuſſian Language, but ſome places there are where they ſpeak Tartarian, and in other places they have a peculiar Tongue of their own. They are the moſt ſtupid Heathens that I have yet ſeen in all my 3 Voyages, have neither Sence nor light of a Divine Power. Houſes of Worſhip, and Prieſts, Reſurrection, Heaven and Hell are things they never heard of, nor nor will ever learn to know what they are. However I may not be ſo general but that I may except ſome, who have ſome light and knowledge of an immortal God, and ſuch an one as has the direction of all, but only rules them as a King upon Earth does his Subjects. They are further of Opinion that there are Devils or evil Spirits, whoſe power is limited and circumſcribed, and that they cannot do any miſchief ſave only in this Life, for theſe doubt much about the Reſurrection, and for this end they do Sacrifices to them as do the Madagaſcars that they ſhould do them no harm. They tell you of a ſtrange Water by the means whereof the Prince of the Devils comes in horrible and moſt ugly ſhapes, for which they dread, as Children do Bugbears they never ſaw. To that Immortal Deity and divine Eſſence they offer up all manner of Beaſts as Oxen, Horſes, and Sheep, which when they do, they take the Hide and ſtretch it out upon a Rack made on purpoſe, making thereby a Fire, over which they hang the Fleſh to boil, When it has ſeethed long enough, they take out a Bowl of the Pottage in the one hand, and a Bowl of MeAccept, O God, this Offering at my Hands, and be pleaſed to hear my Praiers; which Praiers do commonly import their own Health, or the increaſe of their Cattel. So that their main Opinion about that God, is only that he is a good-natur'd and beneBriggachol, which I have not elſewhere ſeen: That done they hang up his Veſtments upon a Tree in memory of him, as we do Eſcutcheons, and this was all I could learn of my ſelf, or from the Obſervations of others that had been longer and further within Land. Their Habit is as courſe as their Breeding, moſtly of Skins or a kind of Canvas. Their Upper-coat comes down only to the Thighs, and their Breeches and Stockings all one. Thoſe that are married ſhave their Heads, but whilſt ſingle they let their hair grow, but all in one Tuft, which they commonly ty up in a ball above their head, or plate it, as our Jockies do their Horſe-tails. The Women wear alſo courſe Garments having their faces muffled up to the eies: but more quaint is the Habit of a Young-woman ready to marry, who beſides other od accoutreTurks or Iews, nor yet Baptiſm from the Chriſtians; but have ſome few Ceremonies about the naming of their Children, which is done when they are about half a year old. Polygamy is in uſe among them, and that without any order or regard to nearneſs in Blood, for it has been well known that the Father takes the Daughter and ſo procreates Iſſue, and the Son the Mother, after the manner of the Cingaleezes in Ceylon, where the Father about marrying his daughter out, beShould I plant a Tree and not enjoy the Firſt-fruits my ſelf?
ON the 30 dito we ſet out again,IUNE. 1669.
The next day we gain'd the Deeps, and came before Cuſmademianski where we caſt anchor and provided our ſelves with Victualling and Refreſhment. This City is founded upon a riſing ground haPliny and other NaTilia or Papyrus. Of this more amply ſee Pliny lib. 16. cap. 14.
On the firſt of Iuly we ſailed by two Iſlands, to wit, Turig and Maſtof, and ran the ſhip aground, where we loſt another Anchor, Towards the Evening we came before Makrity.
On the 2d we ſet Sail, and came before Sabakſar, where ſome of our Ships-company went aſhoar, and took our Paſport and CredenVVaywode, or Governour, who gave us a ſupply of Men and neceſſaries to help us forward to Aſtrachan. Sabakſar is one
Moſcou,
JULY. 1669.Caſaks, the Garriſon better ſupplied with men than before. Having diſpatched here we weighed anchor, and on the 3 of ditto, gain'd the Iſland Coſin where we were faſt again, but without much difficulty got clear. We ſailed that day paſt Sundir, a handſome litle Town, and dropp'd anchor before Cokſchaga: looſing thence we were fain to caſt out our Fore-anchor to hale over a Foord, which was 10 Dutch leagues long, and found work enough to bring the Veſſel over, however after much pains taken we gaind the Deep, without any damage to the Ship.
On the 4 we came paſt the Shallow places, and before VVolofka were faſt again, where we were fain to caſt anchor and wind our ſelves off. At night we lay before Swiatkhi, which is a fortify'd Town, having many fair Churches and Monaſteries within walls.
On the 5 we weighed anchor and ſet Sail, having a brisk Gale, which in 3 hours time, or leſs brought us before the River Caſanka, from which River the City and Kingdom of Caſan have their name, here we came to anchor where ſome ſmall Shipping belonging to that place, aiming to enter the River, ran againſt our Bow and ſome fell overboard.
Here about is a very fair Countrey and as fertile as any that ever I have ſeen in all my Life. It is moſtly low arable and medow ground overflown once a year upon the ſwelling of the River VVolga. On the Banks of this ſaid River are variety of Fruit trees of many kinds, which grow in whole Groves together and wild, for a hundred Dutch Leagues, as Haſle-nuts, Cherries 3 or 4 ſeveral ſorts, Black; White and Red Currans, &c. That part of Caſan which lies moſt within Land formerly belonged to the Tartars, but the Inhabitants ſpeake the Ruſsian Language, which was firſt brought in when the Countrey was conquered by the Ruſſes, as ſhall be hereafter ſaid. They do not convert any man to ſlavery, nor make that their Traffic, as do the Nagay the Crim-Calmuc-and Dageſtan-Tartars, for if they had they might have ſold me when with other two of our Ships-company I was under their Hands, and that above 3 leagues within Land, where on the contrary we found them civil after their Manner, for they gave us Bread and Milk to eat.
th our Shallop was ſent up to Caſan, to acquaint the Deputy with our Arrival.
On the 8th the Deputy of Caſan, together with the Metropolitan came aboard, where they ſeemed to receive great ſatisfaction, ha
Caſan is a great City, and reaſonably ſtrong,Caſan.
Ruſsian Towns are. The Cittadel is walled with ſtone, and well provided of Ammunition and Men. The Town is ſituated upon a Hill, but in a Champan Countrey. The Cittadel is encompaſſed with the Caſanka, which renders the Water within inexhauſtible in time of Siege. The Traffic of this Place is very conſiderable, regarding the Countrey it lies in. It is frequented by the Crim-Tartars, who bring thither all manner of MerCaſan is equally inhabited by Ruſſians and Tartars and governed by a Deputy, as we have already ſaid, but the Cittadel kept ſolely by Ruſſes, where no Tartar is to come upon pain of Death. There is beſides the Deputy (who is only as Preſident and ſupreme in Civil Matters) an extraordinary VVaywode, who is always as Superintendant in time of War, having the ſole Direction of Martial Affairs.
The Countrey of Caſan, which has been formerly a Kingdom, is of a very wide extent; bounded on the North with Syberia, on the Eaſt with Nagaya, and on the South with the River VVolga. This Countrey was formerly very populous and able to bring a great Army to field, as in recorded of their famous Expeditions againſt the Ruſſes; but ſince depopulated, made waſt and ſubdued, by Baſilius Ivanowitz, who overcame theſe Caſan-Tartars in a very bloody Battail, and after that ſo notable a Conqueſt ſet a Vice-Roy. This Vice-Roy, although a Caſan-Tartar, was always more loyal to the Czar, than favourable to his own Countreymen; which occaſioned great murmurings and jealouſy, among the Caſaneers, that at laſt they called in the Crim-Tartars
Mahometans. Theſe made not much delay, but on a ſudden raiſed a mighty Army, which incorpoCzaar in the mean while being informed by Expreſs that the Hoſtility kept the Field, had put the Forces under Conduct of the Vice-Roy to flight, and that they approached with a great Body, he levied as great an Army as he could do with ſo ſhort warTartars in open Field. But the Hoſtility increaſing more and more, what with their own Nation, and what with the Malecontents within the Ruſsian Juriſdiction, were almoſt 15 to 3, and after a ſhort but very hot Battel the EmpeNovogorod. The Tartars ſeeing themſelves Maſters of the Field, marched forward to Moſcou which they attacqued, took in and plundered. However the Cittadel Cremelena held ſtoutly forth all the time, without making Propoſals or Articles upon which they would ſeem willing to ſurMoſcou. Shamefull was this Loſs to the Emperour, and no leſs ground of Honour for the Victory to the Hoſtility, who now as it were in a moment had regained all their Freedoms which from time to time before they had loſt. Right loath was the Czar to give his aſſent to the Concluſions of the Treaty, but was at laſt comBojars and Council preſſed him to it, and partly upon his own conſiderations, how that his Countrey in all probability would in caſe he continued refractory be overrun, and he himſelf with all his Race be ſecluded from the Monarchy. The Tartarians had 2 Generals, Brethren and equall in command, whereof the elder called Mendligeritz, erected a Statue in Moſcou, to which he obliged and injoyned the Moſcovians to pay certain Homages. The younger called Sapgeri marched on for Caſan where he had his Reſidence, thinking, that becauſe it had formerly been a Soveraignty, and that the Footsſteps and Reliques of a waſted Kingdom were ſtill apparent, he might the better erect and rear a new Monarchy upon the Foundations of an old. Mendligeritz
Rheſan, well knowing that the great Power of that Province might check him, upon opporCzar, demands the Town, and willed him to ſurrenTartarian General had adviſed him about concerning ſuch Articles, he would defend the Town and Cittadel. The General upon this Anſwer ſent him the Original of the prementioned Articles, and ſo willed him to avoid Blood-ſhed: but the Governour detained the MeſſenTartars raiſed the Siege, and attempted to ſtorm the City; but thoſe within couragiouſly defended themſelves, and plai'd of their Canon; together with an inceſſant ſhooting of Arrows, at the Enemy, that they were forced to retreat and remove the Siege to another ſide of the Town, where ſome diſloyal Ruſsians had acquainted them that the place was weakeſt and conſequently the moſt eaſy to be ſtorm'd: however finding no hopes of gaining the Town, the Tartarian GeneMoſcou, which occaſioned a general Joy, and incouMendligeritz was alſo pulled down and broke to pieces in deteſtation of his Tyranny. The Czaar immediately upon theſe news gathered all the Forces he could, which when drawn to field amounted to 25000 Men, and marched forward to Caſan, where he gave the Tartarians Battail; and after a hot fight gain'd the Camp, the Enemy retiring into the Weſtern Provinces of Tartary, ſhortly after the Czar died, without the performance of any honorable atchievment, ſave that during the time of his Reign. But
Ivan Baſilowitz,
MAR. 1669.Germans; but having no truſty Perſon to whom he durſt commit the new Army as Commander in chief, he joyns the Forces, himſelf leading marches ſo in the Head to Caſan, which City when he had beſieged 8 weeks and loſt many men, fearing likewiſe that Mendligeritz might come to aſſiſt them he gave them Offers of Peace, which nevertheleſs the Tartars would not accept, expecting ſuccour from the Field-Army. Ivan Baſilowitz thought it high time either to take up the Siege or to ſtorm it on a ſudden; which laſt he reſolved upon and accordingly, ſet 70 German Pioneers at work, who did the work ſo effectually and without diſcovery of the Enemy within, that they had under-mined the Northeaſt Gate in the ſpace of 24 Hours or leſs, and thereupon blew it up which done the Moſcovians ſurprized them within and made themſelves Maſters both of the Town and Cittadel. The Townsmen obtained Quarter althoug the Great Duke had threatned the Contrary, for that they had twice rebelled againſt the Imperial Crown and of their own accord ſent ſuccour to the Enemy, when it was not in the leſt urged from them. The Czar being now Maſter of Caſan fortified it with a ſtrong Wall, Towers and Bulwarks. But now to our preſent Journal.
After the Deputy of Caſan had throughly viſited our Ship, and well entertained by our Officers aboard, he departed with the MetroCaſan, which we did, and received a reciprocal kindneſs from him there. When we returned aboard the Mobile followed us with Muſic and Dancing a good part of the way.
On the 10th we received a good Quantity of Lead aboard, which we were to unload at Aſtrachan.
On the 13th I got permiſſion of the Officers to go up to Caſan to buy ſome Biſcake for my own uſe, which I had for a mean price, and having much more than I could uſe, I ſold it and got a conſiderable profit, as well of the Officers as the Foremaſt men, for we were to take care for our own Victualling.
ON the 17 ditto leaving Caſan, we ſet Sail and that morning were aground 2 ſeveral times,Caſan.
On the 18 we came cloſe to an Iſland called Staritzo, where we anchored, our Pilot went aſhoar to view the ſaid Iſland and coming about 3 furlongs within land found ſtones, of the ſhape and bigneſs of Lemmons which being broken had within the ſimilitude of a ſtar, but thoſe not all alike in Colour, for ſome were like Gold, others like Silver, and others of a Yellow and Tawny colour. This Iſland is ſituated in 45 degr. 31 min. being of it ſelf about 3 Dutch Leagues in length and 2 broad.
On the 19 we got the Iſland Potenski where we came to anchor expe
Upon the 22 we ſailed paſt the Buytma which is a branch of the faLanca being about 12 Dutch Leagues from Caſan. This ſame River has it's Riſe or Fountain about Chambretoky which lies to the North-eaſt of Caſan.
Here we met with a company of Fiſhermen of whom we bought ſome Bream, which they take in great Abundance, and after an od way, which if time had permitted us we would have learned.
On the 23 we came to a very pleaſant Coaſt where we went to aſhoar, and found there the Ruins of a great City which had been made waſt by Tamarlan. While we lay here it began to blow very hard, and the next day we were fain to keep at anchor. In the mean time I went with ſome of our Ships Company to the Hill Arbuchin, where we found the Ruins of another City, bearing one name with the ſaid Hill. In aſcending the Hill we found a great ſtone with this Inſcription in old Ruſsian Words and Letters, IF THOU WILT REMOVE, THOU SHALT NOT
Ruſsians had a mind to ſee what would come of it,JULY. 1669.
The Land round about is very fair and withall of a fat Soil, yet not cultivated, for there are no Inhabitants, but the Relicts of ſeveral Towns and Villages, formerly depopulated by the famous Tamerlan.
On the 17 we ſailed paſt the River and City of Adrobe, lying in the heighth of 54 degr. and 48 min. At the mouth of this River we were again ſet faſt, and after much labour, and all the means we could imagine to be any way helpfull, we gave the Ship and Yacht both over for loſt, but in the Evening it began to Thunder, and abundance of Rain fell, that the River began to ſwell, and ſo ſet us adrift again.
On the 29 we came before Calmaka, where were many Salt-pits and two new Towns. We found there ſeveral Pans where the Ruſſes made their Salt, which they fetch out of great hollows and cavernal Rocks; this being boiled is ſent up the Wolga in Stroughs, and ſo diſperſed over the whole Countrey of Moſcovia. Theſe Salt-pits keep abundance of Men in imployment, and is no ſmall profit to the Overſeers.
On the 30th we ſet ſail again, and after half an hours ſailing ran aground upon a ſand, where after much ado we gott off, but with the Loſs of an Anchor and 80 fathom of our Cable.
The next day it began to ſtorm very hard, wherefore we thought good to come to anchor, for the River was here about very perillous, and ſo we were fain to continue till the 4 of Auguſt.
On the 5th of Auguſt we came to Morrakzy where we ſaw abunCavear, and Sturgeon, having as much of that Fiſh as 20 Men could eat for the value of 11 ſtivers [or one ſhilling ſterl.
Kiſtowato, where is a very ſhoaring or ſlanting ſtrand on both ſides, which makes the ſtream of the Wolga at that place very narrow and deep. Here we ſaw the River Uſſa which encompaſſing Samara
Wolga. On each ſide this River is a fair and pleaſant Countrey ſo far as one can view:AUG. 1669.Ruſſes that it was there very dangerous to travail by reaſon of Robbers, and the vagabond Coſaks, who kept themſelves in the Woods, whence they ſometimes ſalley out in whole bands, and ſurprize Paſſengers. The Coſaks alſo haunt the River, having Boats which are made long and ſmall, with which they row admirably ſwift. On one ſide of the Uſſa are ſome Mountains and amongſt thoſe one of an incredible heighth called Sariol Kurgan, where they ſay an Emperor of the Tartars with 70 Kings ly buried, when they came up the Wolga with intent to invade Ruſsia; which Mountain being bare and rocky, they ſay that the Soldiers carried up ſo much Earth and Mold as was ſufficient. Some of thoſe Mountains are woody and other ſome bare ſtone and cliffs.
On the 8th we ſailed forward and came to Samara, which is ſo called from a certain River that runs through it; where it runs into the VVolga. The City is built four Square, and moſtly of Wood; only the Churches and Cloyſters are built of ſtone.
The day following we ſaw the Mountain Coſak-krim, ſo called from the Coſaks which were there beat by the Moſcovian Army; having ſadly moleſted all the Countrey, under the ſubjection of the Czaar, by a continual Plundering: but having at that time received ſuch an overthrow could never ſince complete ſo great a Body, as might be any way obnoxious to the Ruſſians. Behind Samara the Mountains are very high, but Coſak-krim ſurpaſſes all the reſt for heighth. About the going down of the Sun we ſailed paſt the Iſland Pantzina and the next morning found our ſelves, as far as Sagenisko.
On the 11 we ſailed paſt the Iſland Zagra, where we met divers. Fiſhers-boats and ſupplied our ſelves with freſh Fiſh. Here we had news that a great number of Coſac-Rebells were entred the Iſland Satyry-Boggere, at the mouth of the VVolga, on the Caſpian Sea, and annoyed the River.
On the 12 we ſailed by ſeveral Iſlands, namely Saſnow, Oſsino, Schipnamago Koltof, and other not inhabited.
The next day we ſaw the Mountain Smiowa, which in their LanRuſſes as alſo the Inhabitants tell us a Fable of a famous Cavalier who went out to kill a monſtrous Animal like a Snake, that waſted all the Countrey round about, and devoured every day 50 Men for a Break-faſt. The Knight having killed the ſerpent it was meta
The day following we came before Saratof, where we caſt anchor, This City lies in 52 degr. 12 min. in a valley upon a Branch of the VVolga, on the larboard ſide in ſailing down, and is only inhabited by a Military Officer and a Garriſon of Soldiers to free the River and Countrey of the Coſacks and Calmuc-Tartars, whoſe Countrey is bounded here. Theſe Calmucks are the moſt ougly and miſhapen People in the World, worſe favoured by far than the Hotentots or Moors, which are Angels in Compariſon of thoſe. Their Faces are broad and almoſt four ſquare, their noſes flat, their mouths reaching almoſt from one ear, to the other, their Eies long and ſmall, upon their Heads they wear a Quoif; the reſt of their Habit is ſufficiently denoted in the following Plate. They ſeldom go afoot but moſtly on Horſeback, as if they were Centaurs, for ſome of them do not only eat and drink but alſo ſleep upon their Horſes. Their only weapons is the Long-bow which they uſe with an admirable Dexterity. There is a continual enmity between thoſe and the Nagayans, for they perpeAſtrachan to Market, for there they have 3 ſeveral market days, one for the Ruſsians themſelves, another for the Nagayans, and another for the Calmuc-Tartars, which 2 laſt-named may not come together, altho they be both Mahometans, and under the Juriſdiction of the great Duke. The Calmuks dwell not in Towns as other People do; but travail all over the Countrey, pitching their Tents where they find a fertile fat Soil, which when their Horſes, Camels, Cows and ſmall Cattel have eaten bare, they break up and march forward to find out ſome other place, as Hiſtorie records of the Scythians, who without diſpute were the ſame People. Their chief and choice Diet is Horſe-fleſh, which they eat raw after they have rode a litle upon it, thruſting it between the Sadle and the Horſe.
Upon the 15 of Auguſt we ſailed paſt 2 Iſlands, to wit, Criuſna and Saponoufka, as alſo by the Hill Solottogory, which is as much as to ſay
Gold-hill, ſo called from a rich booty of Gold the Tartarians had once taken in a Caravan, which they divided among themſelves by cap-fulls.
On the 16 ditto we came before the River Ruſlan on the left hand, right over againſt a round Hill called Vrak-ofskarul, from one Vrak, a Tartarian Prince who lies there buried. This Beck comes from the famous River Tanais and diviEurope from Aſia, its courſe is from North to South, See Strabo lib. 2.
Don, upon which River thoſe that are called the Don-Coſaks have their being, which alſo is the Countrey and ReſiStenko Radzin. In the year 1668 the Ruſſes had build a new City at the Mouth of the River Ruſlan, to give a check to the Don-Coſacks, who much annoyed the VVolga with their ſmall Boats, comVVolga by drawing their Boats over land upon Wheels, which they do for 7 Dutch Leagues together, for the Countrey there is flat and even.
The next day it began to blow very hard for which reaſon we were fain to remain that day at anchor, and on the 18th to ſet ſail having a gentle Gale which brought us before the City Czaritza, which is as much to ſay Caeſarea, or rather Empreſs, lying on the Right hand at the foot of a Hill. The City is in it ſelf not great, but very ſtrong muStrelitzers, being a Place of great Truſt and Importance, eſpecially for that it lies upon the Tartarian Continent.
On the 19 we came before the Place where Czareſ-gorod of old had ſtood, by the Ruins thereof we could obſerve that City had been built of Brick. It was demoliſhed beſides many others by Tamerlan the Great. The ſtones have been of good uſe to thoſe of Aſtrachan, where
On the 20 we haled over ſeveral Riffs and ſhallow Foords, and at laſt ran our ſelves aground upon a ſand, where we ſtuck 3 hours before we could yet clear. From this place where we were faſt all along the Banks to Aſtrachan, grows great plenty of Liquirice, but all the Land to the Caſpian Sea waſt, and not fitt for Tillage.
On the 21 we got the Iſland VVeſaway, which we left on the Starboard-ſide, and that Evening came before Tzornogar, or Tzornojar,
AUG. 1669.English] mile without the Town. On each ſide are ſeveral Watch-houſes, with Towers from whence they can ſee the Enemy at a diſtance, the Countrey being level and not Woody. The firſt occaſion of the building of this City was ſaid to be from a party of 400 Coſacks which had ſpoiled a Ruſsian Caravan, intercepting it between the Land and the Boats, where the Strelitzers were, that were apTzornogar a Perſian Ambaſſadour arrived with all his Moveables and a great Retinue, intending for Moſcou. The ſaid Ambaſſadour came aboard our Ship and received Preſents from our Officers, which although he willingly accepted, yet remunerated them with things of greater value and worth.
On the 22 we ſet ſail and ſaw the Mountain Polowna where the Ruſsian Fablers ſay the Moon goes every night to bed, becauſe that over that Hill is always a great miſt. About 2 in the afternoon we got the Iſland Kitzier in ſight and ſpeeded our courſe ſo that we gain'd the ſight of Aſtrachan before the Sun ſet.
The 24 before noon by the grace of the Everlaſting GOD we arrived at the long-wiſh'd-for Aſtrachan, where we for Joy fired all our Guns to the Aſtoniſhment of the Inhabitants, who had never ſeen a Ship of that Burthen and Force before. From the day of our Arrival here, we lay off in the ſtream till the firſt of September and then came up cloſe to the Kay with our Ship and Yacht, thanking the Al
A Strachan lies upon the Dividing of Europe from Aſia,
AUG. 1669.Delgoy, in the Countrey of the Nagayan Tartars,
Aſtrachan.
degr. and 22 min. above the Horizon, and is about 50 Dutch Leagues from the Caſpian or Hyrcan Sea. It is environed with a thick ſtone wall, and that time I was there furniſhed with 500 great Braſs Cannon, beſides a very ſtrong Garriſon, with Ammunition proportionable to defend it againſt the Tartars and Coſaks, who have often had a deſign to retake it. It gives a very noble proTartary adjoyning to the Caſpian Sea, but alſo by Perſians, Armenians and Indians, who bring their Goods and Merchandiſes in a certain ſort of Shipping which they call Boeſes, being about 80 Tun burthen a piece. But theſe Veſſels cannot Sail by traverſe, but alwaies before the Wind. Of all the ſeveral kinds of Merchandiſe which thoſe of Aſtrachan deal in, Silk is the chief, ſo that this ſeems to be the ſole Magazin of that Comodity, whence it is re-exported up the Wolga, and conſequently through the whole Ruſsian Empire.
Aſtrachan has been formerly the Royal Seat of the Nagayan Tartars but making a League with the Crim-and Caſan-Tartars was a means to detrude the King, and bring the People under the Subjection of the Grand Czaar of Moſcovia, for according to the Tenure of their AlIvan Baſilowitz, declaring war againſt thoſe of Caſan, they were aſſiſted by the Nagayans, who were beat in open field, and after both Armies defeated, ſeveral Holds belonging to
Caſans were taken and demoliſhed. Aſtrachan at laſt it ſelf was beTartarians driRuſsians and a ſtrong Garriſon of that Nation. Aſtrachan, when in poſſeſſion of the Tartars, was but a ſmall town in compariſon of what it now is, for the Father of the then Emperour when I was there had enlarged it by a 3d part, and called the Addition Strelitza gorod, that is the Soldier-Town, for it is moſtly inhabited by military perſons: and ſince that time it has been conCzaar.
Aſtrachan.
Aſtrachan is very indifferent and tollerable as to it's Temperature, neither rendred unwholſom by the ſcorching heat of the Summer Solſtice, nor in any caſe inſufferable for the penetrating Froſts in the Winter, as if this place had the benefit of two Climats. Hence is the Soil alſo very fertile and the Countrey fructiferous beyond (I had almoſt ſaid) any other CounEurope. They have many and various kinds of ſelect Fruits, as Water-Lemmons, Oranges, Apples, Pears, Cherrys, Damzons, &c. The Vineyards are in a ſhort time very much improved, for before the year 1613 that Plantation was not known among them, till certain Perſian Merchants beſtowed a Vine upon a German, but a Proſelyt and Monk of the Ruſsian Church, which he planted in a Garden belonging to the Monaſtery: the ſame Vine thriving ſo well, cauſed divers great Merchants to do the like whoſe indeavours had in the ſpace of 3 years that ſucceſs, that they preſented the Emperour with 200 Pipes of Wine, and 50 Pipes of Brandy, upon which the ſaid Emperour gave them all the Encou
The
Nagayan-Tartars who for the moſt part inhabit the Champan land about and near Aſtrachan, are not permitted to dwell in the City; nor may they fortify their villages with Walls or Towers: only by many Intreaties they have obtained a Grant of fencing in their Tents with Stakes and Palizados, to ſecure themſelves from the Aſſaults
1 D' voorſtadt:
2 Stadts Mageſyn.
3 Het Slodt:
4 Tooren Staende Int slodt:
5 Bvee Niewe Cercke.
6 Een Cerck.
7 D' Poort Vande Hoáte voorſtadt:
8 D' Viſmardt.
9 D' Sout Bergen.
10 D' Revier De Wollega.
11 Het Tartariſe Leeger Onder. D' Beſchermingh van D' Stadt.
12 t' Schip d' Adelaer.
13 d' Calmicke Mard
14 d' Boogaert:
Calmuc-Tartars, who ſometimes ſurprize them at anawares, and carry away both Men and Cattel. They have no faſt Towns, or Cities, but uſe Tents, as their Anceſtors have ever done. Their Tents are built round, the Diameter of the fund being about 10 foot: theſe are twiſted with Reeds or Barks of Trees, and to defend them from the Rain covered with Felt. The Chimney is turned round with a Weather-cock; in the midle of the Tent they make the Fire, which is commonly of Cows-dung and ſmall Twigs dried together in the Sun about which they ſit, and as they are ready for a Nap drop down one after another.
Aſtrachan being almoſt on every ſide ſurrounded with ſuch a fruitd I bought a huge Sturgeon, a Carp weighing 30 pounds, and 25 Herrings, greater and fatter than ever I have ſeen in Holland. Pearch, Pike, Bream and Sandaks are there ſo plentifully taken, that only poore people eat them, of which a family of 8 Perſons may have as much as will ſuffice them, for the vaSandach is a great Rarity, and proper only to the Wolga, and ſuch Rivers as run into it: being about the bigneſs of a Haddock, and ſomething like it in taſt, but much more delicate and faſter, if taken about November and the 3 following Moneths. Their Beef and Mutton is exceeding good, ſold uſually for a Farthing the pound. All kinds of Water-Fowl are very plentiful and cheap, eſpecially a ſort of Wild-gees and thoſe we call MoſcoTartars take with Hawks, and bring them in ſuch plenty to Market, that they may be had for a peny the dozen. The Tartars who live chiefly by Fiſhing and Fowling uſe alſo HuntAſtrachan take many Wild-ſwine which are fed with Accorns, that being known for the beſt maſt that is, for Hogs. Theſe they alſo bring to Aſtrachan which by reaſon that that Fleſh will take Salt well, they buy and uſe it aboard the ſhipCaſpian Sea, the more becauſe of it's cheapneſs for none but the Moſcovians and Armenians buy it, the Perſians and Tartars themſelves being moſtly Mahometans, and therefore not
Europe; and if any man of a mean Eſtate could deny himſelf that Society of his Relations and Acquaintance in which every one has more or leſs ſolace, and reRuſsians are here at a great Loſs for Brandy, ſince the promulgaStrelitzers, or Soldateſque, to forget themſelves ſo far as to let the Tartars, which ly on every ſide the City, to ſurprize them with a ſudden Invaſion: for Brandy is not only under a ſpecial Interdiction of being made there, but alſo the Importation prohibited to a certain Quantity, every year, which makes the Ruſsians the more to covet it, inſomuch that ſometimes they have drunk all the Kabacks and Brandy-cellars in Aſtrachan dry before 3 Moneths of 12 be about. At Niſen-Novogorod we bought a meaſure, holding about a Gallon for about 3 sh. 2d. Sterl. which here when at cheapeſt is ſold for 50 sh.
VVolga is a great dry and waſt Heath called the Step, where they find abundance of good Salt, which is conVVolga into all parts of Moſcovia and Ruſsia, as Perſia, Armenia, Tartary and other CounHyrcan Sea. Every man is licenſ'd to fetch it that liſts, only allowing. Two pence half-penny for 80 Pound, for duty to the Emperour.
Step is a ſtrange kind of Fruit found, named Baronez, or Barnitſch, from the Word Boran, which is a Lamb in the Ruſsian Tongue becauſe of its form and ſimiliTartars and Ruſſes, and ſold for a good price, as I have paid my ſelf ſometimes 5 or 6 Roebels and doubled my money when I ſold it again. One of thoſe Skins is to be ſeen at the Houſe of Mr. John Swammerdam, in Amſterdam, a Gentleman famous for collection of the Rarities of Nature from every place of the World: but that of his he had from a Seaman that had been formerly a Slave in China, where coming into a Wood, found of this Fruit, and brought away as many Skins as made him a Coat. The Deſcription he gave of them, did very much agree with what the Inhabitants of Aſtrachan informed me of them. It grows upon a low Stalk about 2 foot and a half high, ſome higher, and is ſupported juſt at the Navel: the Head always hangs down as if it paſtured, or fed, of the Graſs, and when the Graſs decays it periſhes, but this I ever look'd upon as ridiculous, altho the Inha
The Nagayan and Crim-Tartars are thick and corpulent, broadCalmucs. Their Habit is altogether as gentile as their PerCalmuccers wear a courſe linnen Coat and round Caps, bulging out like a Helmet. Their Firſtborn Children are generally
In the Summer ſeaſon they have no faſt place, but paſture over all the face of the Countrey as we have ſaid of the Calmucs. When they march they carry their Tents upon high Wagons made on purpoſe, and ſo take their Wives and Children with them, and drive their Cattel before them, their Moveables they ſet upon Camels, Horſes and ſometimes upon Kine. Thus they go up and down all the SumAſtrachan, appearing like a great Army; where they can aſſiſt each other in time of need againſt the Calmucks their perpetual Enemies, who when the VVolga freezes ſometimes aſſail them: and to the end that they may the better oppoſe their ſaid Enemies in ſuch caſe, the VVaywode, or Governour of Aſtrachan provides them Arms, which at the breaking up of the Camp they are to redeliver, and for ſecurity ſend ſome of their chief Princes as a Pledge to Aſtrachan, where they are committed to the Cittadel; and upon their reſtoring of their Amunition are ſur
The Nagayans follow the Fiſhing-trade, as alſo Fowling, Hunting and Paſturing of Cattel, and are reputed the beſt Herds-men in the world. Their Kine are generally great, their Sheep very fair and fat, having great Tails like the Rams in Palaeſtine, ſome weighing 20 or 30 pound a piece, their noſes bending upwards, and their Ears hanging like a Spanial. Their Horſes are but ugly ſhaped, but very durable in running. They have alſo ſome Camels but not many. Their chief Diet is dried Fiſh which they uſe in ſtead of Bread. They have alſo a way of making bread of Rice, which they knead in Oil and Honey, and ſo bake it in Cakes. All kinds of Fleſh they eat, exMahometan Religion, and are of the Perſian ſect. The Czaar allows them Laws and Judges of their own. They are alſo Tribute-free, but in ſtead of Tribute are to bring ſeveral Thouſand men to field upon occaſion.
ON the 3 of September came ſeveral Dutch Officers aboard,SEP
1669.Ruſsian Fleet was ſet out againſt the Coſaks. But before I treat any thing about that Expedition I ſhall give you a praevious NarStenko Radzin, and then the reſt in order.
There are two Nations of the Coſacks, the Saporoksky, and the Donsky.
Coſacks.
Polish Crown, and keep themſelvs about the Boriſthenes and Kiof, upon 50 Iſlands which are environed with that famous River. They call thoſe Iſlands in their own proper Tongue Porog, which is as much as to fay Stairs, and therefore are called Sa-porogsky. Their work is to watch the IrTartars or other Enemies upon the Polish Territories. They are called Coſacks from the Slavonian word Coſa, which is as much as to ſay a Spirit, by reaſon of their admirable celerity of MoDonski or Don-Coſaks are thoſe who live upon the famous River Tanats, by the Natives called Don, and are properly under the Juriſdiction of the Czar, although more out of their free and voluntary diſpoſition; for they have been indowed with many Priviledges, as to have their own Princes, Judges and Laws, as alſo a General of their Armie whom they themſelves Elect. As alſo this Immunity that when a Moſcovian Slave runs away from his Lord, and betakes himſelf within their Territories, they are not obliged to deliver him up unleſs themſelvs liſt. Of this People laſt mentioned was Stenko Radzin the famous Rebell
Alexius Michailowitz.
The firſt occaſion of this Revolt (as himſelf confeſſed) was to revenge his Brothers death, who was killed by an Eminent Perſonage, whoſe name was Iurie Alexowitz Dolgeroeky in the year 1665. The Brother of Radzin was at that time in the ſervice of the great Duke in the Polish Warrs, under the command of the before mentioned Bojar, Iurie Alexowitz Dolgeroeky, who commanded in chief: and when the Camp broke up to go into their Garriſons, the young Radzin deſired to be diſcharged with his Men, having done the Emperour very good ſervice in that laſt Expedition, and that then there was no more occaſion for their Aid: but the General refuſed to let them go, as not having any certain Intelligence that the Hoſtility were ſent to their Winter-quarters. The Coſaks were hereat greatly diſcontented, being Volunteers, and had deſerved yet greater Civilities than their Requeſt, or than ever they had received from the Ruſsians: they therefore marched off ſilently, led by their Collonel, brother to this ſaid Stenko Radzin, which was ſo badly reſented by the General, that he took the Collonel, and hanged him. This was the ſum and ground of his revolting, which prompted him not only to imploy his WeaRuſsians, but aſwell againſt the Perſians.
In the year 1667 he began to commit many Inſolencies and himſelf and all his crew betaking themſelves to the VVolga, where they took all the ſmall Shipping they met with, and plundered them, killed and threw over board all the Men, unleſs they would admitt themIaik, which he took in and ſet a ſtrong Garriſon. From hence he marched toward the Caſpian Sea gathering vaſt multitudes of diſcontented Perſons, who came upon the noiſe of Rebellion from all parts. From the Caſpian Sea he went for the VVolga by the way committing many Inſolencies, plundering and ſinking all the ſmall Shipping, waſting and depopulating of Cities and Villages, and uſing the People very inhumanly if they would not reſolve to joyn in that Rebellion. From hence he went to the City Terku, and ſo onwards to the Bounds of Perſia, where he alſo ſadly moleſted the Subjects of that King, as well as thoſe of the
Czar.
AUG. 1669.Perſian City hearing of his approaStenko Radzin perceiRadzin and his followers bought ſeveral Commodities and Neceſſaries paying them to the utmoſt farthing: but had given a token to his Men by ſetting of his Cap after an unuſual Manner, upon which they were all on a ſudden to fall upon the Towns-men and maſſacre them, which after a moſt barbarous Manner they did, ſparing neither Man, Wo
The Waywode of Aſtrachan, whoſe name was Ivan Simonowitz Proſorofski, hearing how many places they had deſpoliated in the CounMedes and upon the Borders of Perſia, thought it high time to put himſelf in a Poſture of Defence, and ſuppreſs the growing Army of the Malecontents; he in order thereto cauſed all the ShipSimeum Ivanowits Geboof, who had then the third ſuffraAſtrachan, to find out the Coſacks-Rebells, and give them battail. This Navy conſiſted of 36 Stroegs, and about 40000 Men. The ReStroegs with a proportionable number of Men, keeping themſelves about the Iſland Satyry Boggere, which lies about the Entrance of the Wolga into the Caſpian Sea, where they had ſet up a Watch-Houſe upon the Top of a high Hill, from whence they could view the whole Countrey round about, as alſo the Caſpian Sea and the VVolga. This Iſland lay very commodiouſly for their Ends being all along the Coaſt of a high ſolid Rock, and had only one way to enter it.
So ſoon as the Coſacks ſaw the Aſtrachan Fleet approach, they put off their Shipping, and betook themſelves to flight, ſo that that ExCoſaks kept themſelves together and would not come to open batttel, their were new
IUNE. 1669.VVaywod Proſorofski received Letters from the Czaar, with a Pardon for Stenko Radzin on condiCoſack not expecting ſo gracious a tender, accepted of the Emperours Grace, being already by HunPerſian Boes having ſome Horſes aboard that were ſent to the Czaar, from the King of Perſia for a preſent; theſe they took, killed and uſed very ſparingly, whence it may be gathered in what a mean condition they were. Having thus obtained an aſſurance of Pardon from the Emperour, they marched forward for Aſtrachan, where they were very kindly received, and congraStenko Radzi the Ringleader of that Rout, could not be diſtinguiſhed from the reſt, but by the Honour which was done him, being ſaluted by the name of Batske, Father; and certainly he was a father of many impious Sons. I have ſeen him ſeveral times upon the Stroegs and in the City; he is a brave man as to his perſon, and well proportioned in his limbs, tall and ſtreight of Body, pock-pitted, but only ſo as did rather become than diſfigure him, of a good conduct, but withall ſevere and cruel, as has been already inſtanced. The Coſacks who were his Followers came dayly into Aſtrachan where they ſold their Booty which was very rich and coſtly. The Silk they ſold for a 3d of the currant value, which was bought up of the Perſian and Armenian Merchants. I bought a Gold-chain of one of them which was almoſt a fathom long, and in joynts like a Bracelet, between each piece were precious ſtones: the price I gave for it was not fully 7 pound ſterl. Shortly after their Arrival Captain Butler went to viſit him, taking 2 bottles of Brandy along with him, which he thought might be an acceptable preſent, ſince they had been ſo long at Sea, and preſented them to him and his MiRuſsians called Devils-whisker by a Nick-name. When we came to his Tent; and deſired admittance, he ſent to know
Dutch,
JULY. 1669.Czaar, upon a Ship in the Caſpian Sea. He forthwith gave order to a Gentleman to conduct us into his Tent where himſelf and ſome of his Council ſat, and cauſed us to ſit down, took our preſent in good part, and drank the Emperours health. AnoPerſian Princes which he had taken, together with her Brother. The Brother he preſented to the Waywod of Aſtrachan, but the Siſter he kept for his Concubine. Being now in the heighth of his Cups, and full of Frolicks, bragged of the many preſents he had given and received ſince his being reſtored to the Emperours favour, and on a ſudden brake out into thoſe Extravagant terms, ſpeaking to the Wolga: VVell, ſaid he, thou art a noble River, and out of thee have I had ſo much Gold, Silver and many things of Value. Thou art the ſole Father and Mother of Fortune and advancement: but, unthankfull man that I am? I have never offered thee any thing: well now, I am reſolved to manifeſt my gratitude. With thoſe words he took her into his Arms and threw her into the VVolga, with all her rich Habit and Ornaments; her attire was of rich Cloth of Gold, richly ſet out with Pearls, Diamonds and other precious Stones. The Lady was of an angelical Countenance and aCoſacks had been taken in the action with anothers wife: this being made known to Stenko, he cauſed them both to be inſtantly apprehended, and the man to be thrown into the River with great ſtones made faſt to his neck and heels: but for the Adultereſs he provided another puniſhment which was to erect a Pale on the Water ſide, and tying her by the feet cauſed her to be ſo drag'd along the Earth, and from the Tent to the Pale which was almoſt 2 [English] miles, and there hoiſed up, where ſhe hung 48 Hours before ſhe died, and yet nevertheleſs the great torment of
Beſides the many Robberies and great inſolencies they had comPerſia, as at Niſabath, Scabaran, Mardore and Tackuſi ſituated near the famous Hill Barmach, from hence they went to Aſtrabath and Bachu which they ſurprized took in, and plundered, committing many barbarous actions in maſſacring of the Inhabitants and ſetting the Houſes on fire. Here they found a great Quantity of Wine, which they divided among themſelves, and carouſed ſo long, till they were all beſotted and drunk, being about 6000 Men in all. In the mean while the Perſians had drawn down ſeveral Companies, and all on a ſudden fell on this Rout, and made ſuch a ſlaughter that the twelfth part, or litle more were left alive and Stenko himſelf 5 times in danger of being taken. The Remainder betook themſelves to the Stroegs. This ſo much weakened them that they were not in a capacity to do any conPerſians watched their Coaſt with very great vigilancy; as did alſo the Coſacks and Dageſtan Tartars, ſo that they were conſtrained for ſome time toSatyry Boggere an Iſland (of which before) where they waited for what Providence would allott them.
STenko Radzin whoſe implacable fury againſt ſome that had interpoDon, and to viſit their reſpective homes. Radzin gives them a ſhort warning to prepare for a March, and in order thereto gets all things in a readines himſelf.
Some diſcontented Ruſsians ſeeing the Coſacks ready to depart, they came and deſired to liſt themſelves under his Conduct, to which he readily aſſented, and by fair Promiſes drew abundance after him.
It happened ſometime before he deſigned to leave the Town that meeting with about 20 or more Ruſsians whom he could ſee by their countenance to be inclinable to follow him; theſe he fell in diſcourſe with, and liberally diſtributed a Bag of Gold among them, promi
The Governour of Aſtrachan coming to underſtand that ſeveral Perſons in the ſervice of the great Duke, his Maſter, had withdrawn and liſted themſelves among the Rebells, he ſent one Wederos a Captain of the Strelitzers to Radzin, with Inſtructions to demaund the Ruſsians, and to will him to ſend them back upon pain of the EmRadzin the Reaſon of his comming, and his Meſſage, who would not ſo much as allow him Audience; but when the Captain began to inſiſt hard upon the remitting of the Men, Radzin was ſo inraged that he drew his ſword and threatned Death, if he perſiſted any longer, and with that made towards him, but the Captain being a diſcreet Gentleman demeaned himſelf very fairly, when he ſaw him in ſuch a Rage, ſo that he eſcaped that Danger, and all the vent of Radzin's fury melted away in theſe words, How dare you, ſaid he. make ſuch an impudent Demand? shall I then betray my Friends who have out of a pure inclination to me ward deſerted their neareſt Allies and Fortunes? and shall I be threatned with loſs of Favour to boot? Prethee, go tell thy Maſter, that I equally value him and the Emperour, and let him know that I shall be with him ere he be aware, and reward him for this Protervity. The Captain was fain to ſmother his thoughts, and contented himſelf with this Anſwer which he related to the Governour. The Governour hereRadzin that he intended to come down again, and ſo it happened, for within 3 days he began to march toward the VVolga, where he had 80 Stroegs and other Shipping provided, filled with Ammunition and Men, but did not at firſt any hoſtile feat. The VVaywod of Aſtrachan called a Counſel the ſecond time, where it was concluded that ſo long as Radzin did not do any attempt or violence upon any Town belonging to the Emperour, he ſhould not oppoſe him till the whole Navy were come together.
About fourteen days after the whole Fleedarrived, conſiſting in a great Number of The Offi The great perplexiStroegs with about 6000 Strelitzers, or Soldiers beRadzin by his Emmiſſaries had Intelligence of their whole aim imploying ſuch perſons therein as he thought leſt ſuſpected. He thereAſtrachan Fleet and feigned themſelves diſcontented with the abuſes which they pretended to have fuffered by Radzin, and were accepted in frienldy manner by the adverſe Party, who the rather did it for that they had hopes of a diſcovery and detection of Radzins
Aſtrachan Fleet murtheAſtrachan.
Coſacks, Radzin having got ſo rich a prey without any difficulty or diſpute, inſtantly ordered his men two Moneths Pay in hand, with promiſe of free enjoyment of what they ſhould take by Plunder, beſides other Means of Encouragement.
The Governour was not a litle diſmay'd at theſe tidings, the more when he underſtood how the Commonalty murmured againſt him, and that Radzin was in general laudably ſpoke of, and that not only in Aſtrachan but aſwell in all the Towns round about that were under the ſubjection of the Emperour. The Strelitzers who had not in a long time received Pay, and hearing how Radzin had given his men 2 Moneths pay in hand found now occaſion to grow mutinous, and that ſo unanimouſly that the Government and Officers durſt not op
Radzin finding himſelf grow ſtronger and ſtronger,Radzins Power and Aw.Ruſses now under his command, he had about 16000 Men, he unſhip'd a part of the Men, and ſent ſome to Czaritza, and others to Txarnojar but he himſelf remaind upon the Fleet, where he was as much reſpeAſtrachan Fleet, his Army was raiſed from 16000 to 27000 Men, being a mixt multitude of Peſants, Slaves Tartars and Coſacks, and men of reſtleſs minds from all Parts, being tickled with the thoughts of free enjoyment of Plunder. Theſe running to and again over the face of the Countrey, committed
SEPT. 1669.Aſtrachan disguiſed in Slaves Apparrel. The Peſantry who indeed are very tyrannically dealt with throughout all the Emperours Dominions, here found an occaſion to be revenged of their Liege-Lords, and to ſhow their Man-hood brought the Heads of their Lords and threw them at the feet of a Provoſt or Executioner there to ordained, who gave them a reward for their Pains.
Radzin being arrived to this Pitch of Greatneſs was ſo puffed up as is he had conquered all the Empire; tis true he refuſed the Title of Emperour, ſaying, that hes purpuſe was not to rule as Lord and Soveraign but to live with them as a Brother to revenge that TyranPerſia, and aſſumed the confidence to Diſpalck Ambaſſadours to that Court to whom he delivered Inſtructions, full of lofty-proud ſwelling Titles, and in his Compellation ſtyled the Sophy, Brothen. The Main and Sum of his Memorials and Inſtructions was. To urge the Sophy to enter into an Alliance with him, and to ſupply him with Ammunition of war for his Monye and what elſe he might have ocSophy, and to let him underſtand that he, (the ſaid Radzin) had 200000 Men ready to invade his Territories, and that he would lake occaſion to viſit him when he leaſt dreamed on it, &c. So Soon as the King had unReadzins Propoſals, he ſent for them and having an Executioner at hand made him forthwith chopp off their hiads with a Scimmatar,Radzin beheaded am their Bodies thrown to the Dogs.Perſian Court, and gave him a ſhort but ſharp Memorial for Radzin, threatning to come ere long and chaw thoſe Boars which had ſo depopulated the utmoſt Borders of his DomiCoſack Envoye glad to come of ſo well with Soul
Radzin the Reſult of his unſuccesfull Ambaſſage;APRIL. 1670.
Radzins Paſſion being over he did all he could to increaſe his Fleet and Army, for which end he diſpatched ſeveral EmmiſſaRuſsian Soldateſque to deſert their ſervice, in divers Towns upon the VVolga, judging thoſe the fitteſt for his Turn, for that they were the beſt acquainted with the Intrigues of the Ruſsian Militia, and conſequently the more ſerviceable upon occaStrelitzers to Kamuſchinka, who were to go under the Notion of Imperial command (for as yet they had no further Intelligence from Moſcou, ſince the Rebels left Aſtrachan) theſe then pretending to come from the Czaar, to adviſe the Governour how he ſhould behave himſelf, in caſe they attacqu'd the Town, were careſſed by the Military Officers, and conſequently ſo much confided in, that they found an opporRadzin that he ſhould Approach and ſurprize the Town, which he did with expetible ſucceſs, and planted a Garriſon of Coſacks, removing the Ruſsian Strelitzers into the Navy.
THeſe Tidings coming to Aſtrachan, was the occaſion of no ſmall murmurings and Jealouſies among the Townsmen, none knowVVaywod Proſorofski conſidering that the Commonalty were very much incenſed, and that ſome mutinous Enterprize was a hatching, he aſſembles the Lords and Council of Aſtrachan, to conſult with their Judgments what was beſt to be done in thoſe imminent Dangers and Juncture of Affairs, and what courſe they ſhould take to ſedate thoſe Animoſities and Heats, which ill-affected perſons indeavoured to raiſe and foment among the Towns-men and Plebeïans; as alſo what manner of Defence to uſe againſt the approaching Enemy. As to the former they concluded, that there was no better way to remedy it, than to conduct themſelves warily in the latter, and firſt obſtruct the growing Power of the Rebells, which Perils being removed it might not then be doubted but that the Commons would be the better and ſooner pacified. Upon this Reſolution ſeveral worthy Gentlemen preſented their Service to go as private Soldiers upon that ſudden and urging Expedition, not daring any more to put the leſt ConfiStrelitzers.
On the 10 of April 1670 the Bojar Petrofski diſpatched 800 Horſe under the Conduct of Col. Levonti Bogdanof, whereof 400 were Ruſsians, the reſt Nagayans, to furniſh the City Stariza, (lying about 80 German miles from Aſtrachan) with Ammunition and neceſſary Proviſion, and to ſtrengthen that Place with thoſe Men, which lies upon the River Don or Tanais, where the Coſacks have their Reſidence. This River was of old ſuppoſed to run into the VVolga, as ſome GeoVVolga, at the neareſt diſtance thoſe Rivers ly to each other, where when they are come they ty heavy Balks on each ſide to keep them above Water, and to give them a due ballance and poize in their floating.
Stariza taken in by the Coſacks.
Aſtrachan from Col. Bogdanof, with news that the Coſacks had already taken in Stariza, and had killed 1200 Moſcovian Strelitzers, who were but newly come thither before the
Coſack. The VVaywod alſo got intelligence how that the Field-Tartars were in great diſcord among themſelves, and that their Factions were ſo far advanBogdanof was marched on to Czornojar, which is an Imperial Town, about 50 German miles from Aſtrachan. The ſaid Captive Coſack was ſo tortured on the Rack, that the moſt hard-hearted Ruſsians then preſent had compaſſion of him, yet nothing could be forced from him but what he made voluntary con
By this time the Emperour had got full intelligence of the Tumult of the Coſacks, and of Radzins purpoſe, together with his barbarous maſſacres already committed upon his Subjects, and that he continualStroegs as could on a ſudden be put in Equippage, for which end the Deputies of the Towns upon the Wolga did their utmoſt to comStroeg was only one great Gun, but other Ammunition as much as was neceſſary for ſo many men as the Stroegh was capable or fit to carry. Aboard the ſaid Fleet were 2600 Ruſsian Strelitzers, and 500 voluntiers of Aſtratay under the Conduct of Simeum Ivanowitz Elbof a Kneez, who was for the time being made Commander in chief. Theſe men were of the Regiment of Ivan Ruſinski a Polander, but baptized a Ruſsian Proſelyte, whoſe Lieutenant was one James VVonderham, a Scottish Gentleman. The other Commanders were Capt. Paul Rudolph a German. Capt. Robert Heut an Englishman, and Nicholas Schaack who was our LieuRuſsians. Beſides two other German Lieutenants and two Enſigns of that Nation, who were alſo Ruſsian Proſelytes. The reſt were Moſcovians and Polonians.
On the 25 of May being Whitſunday, the Fleet left Aſtrachan, and the Coſack who was tortured almoſt to death hang'd up in their ſight. In the mean while the Citizens and Commons began to buzz and murmure againſt the Deputy and the Officers, and grew ſo bold that they reviled him when he rode through the Town, he not daring to ſuppreſs them for fear of a greater irruption of that rebellious Fire, which lay ſtill unſmothered, till he underſtood the ſucceſs of Simeum
Ivanowitz,
MAY. 1670.Simeum Ivanowitz, and conſequently the Mobile the bolder. But on the 4 of Iune, by a Gentleman who had made his Eſcape, they had notice of the Affairs of Tzornojar, that on the ſame day that the Knees Elboof made his appearance the Town was taken in, and that the Governour and Officers were all maſſacred and their Bodies thrown into the River: and further, what was more deplorable, the Privat Soldateſque of Knees Elboof had murthered all their Officers in the Fleet, declared themſelves for the Coſacks, and ſurrendred all the Shipping into the Hands of Stenko Radzin the grand Belweather, or Ringleader of the Rebells; altho immediately before their coming at Tzornojar they had unanimouſly ſworn, to live and dy with their Leaders. The Report of theſe things, altho the Governour indeaNow, now, the times begin to alter, it will be our turn next to Lord it, you villains come out and show your ſelves to the VVorld, &c.
The Governour in the mean while loſt no courage on his part, and the Gentry and Officers ſtill continued under hopes of Aſſiſtance from the Field Army, and new ſuccour and Recruits from Moſcou. The Deputy therefore cauſed all the Ordnance to be viſited and laden by the German Gunners, and gave orders to furniſh themſelves with neceſſary Ammunition. However we could very well remark, that were the Officers never ſo ſedulous, they were never able both to defend themſelves from ſuch a Power without, and be ſecure for Mutiny within, of which many Reaſons were given to the VVaywode, and he as often forewarned by divers prudent Perſons. The VVaywod Proſorofski would willingly have had us in the Town-ſervice, but being
JUNE. 1670.Coſacks were more ſevere againſt Forreign Auxiliaries, than the Moſcovians if once made Captives.
In the mean while we heard continual News of the approaching of the Coſacks, to attacque Aſtrachan, which had it's inward ſtate been in all things conformable to the Muniments of that Town, they needed not fear 100000 undiſciplin'd men as are the Coſacks, for to ſay noButler began alſo to dread ſome ill might befall us if we did not conſult our Safety betimes; he therefore upon a time called us all together, and uttered his mind in theſe, or the like words. Gentlemen, I doubt not but that you a
Perſian Coaſt, and take what GOD in in his bountifull Providence is pleaſed to allott us. He ordered us further to get all in a readineſs to be aboard before the Gates were ſhut, for that he was not reſolved to wait one quarter of an hour for any Perſon: in the mean while we made a quick diſpatch, and in a moment had got our beſt Goods aboard, and all what we thought worth our while to bring along. Our Captain adviſed us not to take 2 of our Company with us, Brak and Trappen, becauſe they had wives and children, and conſequently would both be a cumber for us, and uneaſineſs for themBrak, I made him come aboard with his Wife and Child; but Trappen was not willing to leave Aſtrachan, unleſs he had been better furniſhed with Money than he was, or ſomething elſe in lieu thereof. We were 15 Men, beſides a Woman and a Child in the
Lambert Helt the Maſter reſtrained us all he could, ſaying, That it was what we could not anſwer, &c. Thus we ſtaid waiting till the Gates were to, ſtill expecting their coming, but midnight already come and no tidings of them we began to be in a hundred Fears: ſome were of Opinion that the Captain was gone in a Knote or ſome other ſmall Veſſel with the other two Gentlemen that were with him, or that he was taken and ſecured: others were jealous that the Wife of Trappe
had betray'd us. Thus in great fear we lay all the time, not knowRuſſes had underſtood our Purpoſe, it would have coſt us our lives, nor had we dared to ſtay ſo long had not our Shallop lay on the other ſide of the Ship from the Town-ward, and therefore out of ſight: Nor could we be eaſily induced to beleeve that they would miſtruſt our venturing our lives in the Sea with ſuch a Boat. Thus we reſolved by the grace of GOD to thwart the Caſpian Meer and ſo for the Perſian Coaſt, and rather truſt to the divine Providence of Heaven, than confide in the uncertain Mercies of unreaſonable Men.
ON the 22 of Steur vangſt inde Rivier de WOSGA
Iune about midnight we put off and rowed down the River and ran into a Creek, which we ſtill took for the Wolga, till afterward we found the contrary. We ſaw here and there ſome Cottages of the Nagayan-Tartars, but had not the Courage to go and
Waght
Het Pael-were
De Caſpiſche Zee.
Cnoots, or Tartarian Boat which came directly againſt us and asked whither we intended; we told them, For the Caſpian Sea. They then again replied that we were far out of our way, and if we went but a litle further that we would be in danger of being taken by the Crim-Tartars and made Slaves. Hereupon ſome of our Company pray'd them that they would pilot us down to the mouth of the River, which they promiſed to do, and agreed with us for a Ducat. We took one of thoſe Tartars aboard the Shallop, and kept company a while with the reſt. After a few hours ſailing we got Oetsjoege, which is the chief place where the Fiſh Biloege is taken, whereof Cavear is made, being far greater than a Sturgeon, but of the ſame kind. The Wolga is here all laid in with Stakes, after the manner you ſee in the Plate, theſe Stakes are ſet in rows, wide at the Entrance ſo that they can drive in the Fiſh, which when once in they chace to the other end, where it runs up to a narrow angle, ſo that ſhe can neither get forward, nor yet turn about, but is eaſily taken. When they have caught her they take out the Rows, which weighs ordinalb. but the reſt of the Fiſh they commonly throw away, although ſometimes they pickle it, and ſend it to Moſcovy where it is held in reaſonable good eſteem. The length of one of thoſe Biloeges is from 26 to 30 foot if come to its full growth. Cavear is uſed all over Ruſsia and Moſcovia inſtead of Butter during their Lent, which as I have before remarked, comes 4 times a year, and is likewiſe ſent into all parts of Europe, ſo that this Fiſhing is hard followed by
Ruſſes and Tartars who finding ſuch a good vent of their commo
When we were come to this Place, The Tartars would not convoyes any further, ſaying, If you were but ſenſible of the difficult paſſage
added they, if you
Oetsjoege you may ſet your courſe directly forwa
This we were forced to take in good part, anthat they were affraid
Wolga. This laſt ſtartled us not a little however we reſolved unanimouſly hap hazard to venture through let what would follow, adjudging it equally ſafe to run that periper diem, wCaſpian Meer.
On the 14 we ſet out and left the Wolga, which there leaves it ſelNile (as before) making ſo many ſeveral Iſlands, which are low and full of Reeds, except only the Iſland Satyri Boggore, which is ſurrounded on every ſide with high Cliffs. Upon this Iſland we ſaw ſome Watch-houſes which Stenko Radzin (even now remembred) had cauſed to be built, to view the approachment of his Enemies. However it was not intent
Perſian Merchant men, who were bound for Aſtrachan. From hence to the Circas-Mountains we often ſounded and found it never more, or ſeldom leſs than 12 foot Water. All along the Coaſt we ſaw abundance of Wild
On the 15 we loſt the ſight of Land, and came about midday into the Bay Kieſelarke, which is otherwiſe called the Golden Bay the ſand whereof ſhines as fire, and is therefore by ſome called Kiſelarſche Kolthoeh, which is no other than Golden Bay. My curioſity was often to taſt the Water; ſometimes I found it laſt of Sulfur, ſometimes of Saltpeter, and ſometimes of an od bitter taſt, whence I collected that this came from the property of the Ground and bottom. The River Kiſelar is a Branch, or an Arm of the Buſtro, riſing about 8 Dutch Leagues above Terki, and runs paralel with the VVolga about 65 leagues, ſo disbanding its floods into the Caſpian Sea. But now we were in a more deſperate Condition than ever, partly for that our Shallop was ſo loaden that we were not a foot above Water, and on the other hand wanted bread, for we had not above 6 or 7 pound among all the Company. The Wind began to grow high and boyſtrous, and
On the 16 we had a ſtiff gale, and ſailed before the Wind, which furthered us ſo, that by noon we deſcried Land: and ſoon after got ſight of a Dageſtan-Tartar's Barque, which we made up to, but when we came near it, it was run upon a Bank, and deſerted of the Men, which upon our approaching them, jump'd over board. We perceiAſtrachan, which when we underſtood we gave them a Caution, and told them that we verily beleeved that by that time Aſtrachan was in hand of the Coſacks, and conſequently we could not judge it ſafe for them to proceed on their Journey thither. They thanked us for our Advice, and directed their Courſe for Terky, that being alſo a good Market. We agreed among our ſelves to follow the like courſe, with intent, at leaſt, to ſupply our want of Proviſion, not knowing whether the Town was taken in by the Coſacks, or that it was ſtill under the Emperour. About 9 in the Evening we anchored before the Town, and immediately upon our anchorage ſaw 10 or 12 Soldiers come rowing towards us, but when they came nigh ſaw that we were well armed, offered not to do any violent Act, but only asked us, Who we were? and, From whence we came? We anſweHollanders, belonging to his Majeſties great Ship at Aſtrachan, and were come thither to ſound the Bay and Haven. Ho! Ho! ſaid they, are you thoſe men? You muſt come before the Lord Deputy: hereupon we made anſwer, That it was then too late, but the next Morning betimes we would wait upon his Excellency. With this anſwer they ſeem'd to be ſatisfied but we thought it not ſafe for us to tarry there long, but
Terky is ſituate in 43 degr. and 27 min. about an [English] league from the ſtrand. It has been 3 times ſurveyed and laid out.Terky.
Ruſſes themſelves; the ſecond time by one Cornelius Claaſz a Dutch Ingenieur, about the year 1636, who alſo ſtrengthned the ſaid Town with Walls and Bulwarks after the modern way of FortificaBaily, an English Gentleman, with huge ſtrong Bulwarks, and and a wide and deep Mote, encompaſſing it quite round. The City is ſeated in a Champan Countrey without either Wood or Hill ſo far as one can view. The River is alſo called Terky by the Moſcovians, but by the Inhabitants Timenky. The Banks lying upon the Sea are all grown over with Canes, and rough. Terky is a place of great Truſt, being the Kay or Barricado of the Czars Dominions, for it lies on the Frontiers of the Ruſſian Territories, and for that end has always a Garriſon of 2000 Strelitzers.
All the night it blew very hard, and in the morning we ſaw land on each ſide. The Iſland which lay on the Larboard ſide we called Meynders Iſland, becauſe he was the firſt that diſcovered it. We ſteered directly through the Iſlands, and when we were about 20 leagues within the Bay, we diſcovered high land, which we afterCaucaſus and Ararat, which alſo border and extend to the Circas Hills, and ſailing a litle further we found that we were near the Quick-ſands, ſo that we were fain to tack about, and bear up to the Channel, where coming we ſounded and found it 2 fathom, and a good ſandy ground. Being juſt got thorow the ſtraits or narrow Channel, we looked about and diſcovered a great Bark making up toward us with all the Sail they could; which afterwards we underſtood was ſent by order of the Governour of Terki, to purſue us, having 62 Soldiers, and all well armed aboard, with a charge from the Governour to give us no quarter, but to hack us in pieces, and to bring back the Shallop and Goods to Terky. We ſeeing them in a full purſuit thought it no time to dally, but laboured as hard as we could, till we got the Iſland Sierlan where we came to Anchor, and the Bark ſeemed to give over their chace.
On the 18 ditto, betimes in the morning we ſet Sail, and indeaCzar, which is bounded by the Timenki.
Circas Tartars. Their Perſons,Circas Dominion begins at the Timenki, and is bounded from Nagaya by the Step; and from the Dageſtan-Tartars by the River Buſtro. The Countrey is very fertile, producing good ſtore both of Fruit and Grain, and is alſo good Paſture-ground. The men are very corpulent and withall robuſt, have broad-faces but not ſquare like the Calmucs,
Crims; they are of a ſwarthy yellow complexion, and ſhave their Heads and Beards after a ſtrange manner: Croſs over the head they make a bare ſtroak, and yet let a tuft grow in the Crown, and on each ſide it hangs down in two great buſhes, which ſometimes they let hang looſe, and ſometimes plate. They wear gray Felt-coats with a mantle of the ſame,Calmucs. They ſeldom appear abroad without their Horſes, upon which they ſeem as if they were planted. Their Arms are a kind of Muſquet, but the Long
Their Women in regard of their complexion ſeem almoſt as if they were of another Nation, being in reality very fair and lovely, their skin as white as the faireſt people of Europe, and their countenance angelical; which I have often wondred at, when I compared them with the Men. They are alſo well proportioned in their Bodies and of a middle ſtature. Their Eiebrows are jet-black, as alſo their Hair which hangs down in ſeven or 8 curled locks on each ſide the Head. They cover not their Faces, like moſt of the Women in the bordeEnglish or French Ladies, altho they never accuſtome themſelves to painting. They are very familiar and free in converſaAlchoran do diſpence with Polygamy, yet they reſt contented with one wife, whether becauſe they think it too chargeable, or otherwiſe unreaſonable I cannot affirm. They are Mahometans by profeſſion, but in reality meer HeaElias which happened on that very time when we were there, which we eſſayed to ſee ſolemni
ON the 19 ditto, we ſet ſail and directed our courſe towards the Iſland Tzetzien, which we ſailed paſt, and had Tzierlan to the lee
The next morning it cleared up, and we got ſight of the high Circas Mountains, which we aimed at, if poſſible to come nearer the ſhoar, & ſo to coaſt it all along, after we had laboured and lay beating in the Wind about 3 or 4 hours we ſaw a long neck of Land, which we took for an Iſland, and indeavouring to ſail through a narrow paſſage we found our ſelves in a Quickſand, ſo that we were fain to tack about, having ſail'd the whole day in vain, and at the dawning of the day we came into the Channel which was a good ſandy ground and fit for Anchorage. Here we met with a Bark having about 60 or 70 Men on board, who called to us and prayed us to help them afloat, pretenCoſacks, and as we beleeved of Radzins Folk.
Finding that they left us we conſulted which way to ſteer, and reſolved to let drive before the Wind. We ſounded and found 4 fathom, and came in a ſhort time cloſe by Zierlan, which we found to ly in 43 degr. 7 min. From hence we ſaw the famous Ararat, mounCaucaſus, which was nearer us. The Land of the Iſland Zierlan is all covered with ſhells, which ſeem to be waſh'd over, with high Floods and Inundations, whence I preſume none will Inhabit it. About evening we put off, and after an hours failing ſounded and found we had 6 fathom and a ſandy ground. When night came we were ſurprized with a great Tempeſt, and the Sea roſe mountains high, inſomuch that we expected every moment to go to bottom, and ſo we were thrown to and again on the tops of the billows. In the morning it began to clear up and the Winds abated ſomCircas coaſt. After much labour in beating through the Waves, and danger of our lives we got that heighth. We ſailed by a Tartarian City Seated near the Water between two Hills, and by the way met with a Moſcovian Boes where the Men aboard had acquaintance with us, having lay with their Veſſel aboard our Ship at Aſtrachan. The ſaid Men invited us all to dinner, of Freſh Mutton and Rice, which they firſt parboiled, and afterward ſtewed with Butter, of which we made a hearty meal. After we had taken our leaves of them, we ſteered away by the Coaſt, and ſaw many pleaſant Valleys and a fruitfull Countrey. When the Evening came on, and we ſeeing it good weather reſolved that night to take our reſt, which we had not done for 3 nights together, and to that end drop
On the 20 we came within 15 Leagues of Derbent,
Dageſtan-Tartars. Their Form, Habit and VVay of living.Dageſtan Tartars, who are ſo called for that they inhabit the hilly Countrey, the word Dag in their tongue ſignifying a Mountain. That part of the Countrey which lies toward the Sea is dry and heathy, but within land very fruitfull, as afterward to our ſorrow we found it. The men are very robuſt and able of Body, of a deep ſwarthy comCircas-Tartars. Their ſhoes are onely made of an Horſes hide undreſt and of one piece, drawn together above the foot with Thongs. Their
Turks and Perſians. They are very bold, and not eaſily daunted at any forreign Power, truſting to the ſteep craggMahometans by profeſſion, but ſorry Zealots for their Religion. The Wome
The next day we weighed anchor and came before the Tartari
town Boynak, which when we had juſt paſſed by, it began to blow very hard, from the Sea ward, we having then about 16 fathom Water In the mean time the Sea began to grow very rough and hollow that we were forced to run the Shallop immediately a ſtrand for fear of overturning; being then but 5 leagues from Derbent, which was the neareſt Land. Directly before the coaſt lay a long Rif or Bank and round about us was rocks, which we by the grace of GOD eſcaButler and Mr. Termund we buried in the Sand, thinking to ſend for them upon occaſion by the Perſians. But moſt unhappy proved this our landing here, for no ſooner were we come aſhoar but we were eſpied by the Tartars, who came and delved up the Goods we had ſo hidden, and carried it away upon their Horſes to a litle Village hard by, and brought the news of ſuch an accidental Booty to Aly Sultan, their Prince, who came on Horſe back with a guard of Troopers to ſeek us. Altho by day we hid our ſelves in the Woods, and by night went forward on our Journey.
Having remained one night in the Woods where we took our reſt, Our Company conſulted what was beſt to do, whether to march
Tartars ſhould have ſought for us a while in vain, they would give us over for loſt. However they were very forward to be going, and rejected my Council. In the mean while C. Brak ſlept with his wife and child at a litle diſtance from us, and the reſt of the Company would that we ſhould leave them there, becauſe that the Woman and Child were but a cumber to us. So ſoon as I underſtood their intent was to leave them ſo, I inſiſted on the contrary, with words to this effect. Pray Gentlemen remember your ſelves; to what end ſhould you do ſuch an unworthy act, and leave thoſe poor ſouls behind us who have neither Money nor means to ſubſiſt, and muſt in all apparency periſh in a ſtrange place? and then what guilt muſt we have upon our Conſciences? But know this if you indeed reſolve, to go and leav'em it is alſo my reſolution to cry out and make our Fates equal. When they ſaw me ſo zealous and in a hot paſſion, they were conmajor part; for that we thought if the kind Heavens had given us the Field for that time, yet we were ſure that ſome muſt looſe their lives, and that they might in the mean time be ſeconded by another freſh Party, who when all was done would take the remainder and uſe us the more unkindly for our obſtinacy.Scemkals, for we were then within the Confines of the Oſmin. When they had brought us
Aſtrachan, but my gold Chain which I had faſtened in the inſide of my Garter they did not find. When they had thus pillaged us, they di
Dageſtan is a Countrey ſubject to divers Princes and Lords who are independently Sovereign, but the moſt principal Provinces are Scemkal and Oſmin, already mentioned: and of thoſe two, the forMyrſes (as they term them) are aſſembled, theſe being ſet all in order round about him, he throws up a litle Apple, but whether of Gold, or Gilded, I cannot be poſitiv: upon this they all grabble to catch it, and he that getts it is choſen for their Prince, altho, he can favour any he has a mind to, by caſting it that way. Which may alſo ſerv for an Embleme to repreſent Elections in other places, where Policy ſeems to be more refined.
Brak, before our Eies, and left her naked. My ſhirt and Drawers which were left me I gave to the Woman, on whom I had more compaſſion than on my ſelf.Els Pieterſon and Mr. Tolk chuſed to go with me, and by that time we had travailled 2 or 3 hours further we were ſet upon by anoOſmin. Theſe took us, tied our hands behind our back, made us faſt to their Horſes Tails, and ſo to trot after them through Thiſtles and Thorns backwards, ſo that the Horſe men driving on apace ſometimes dragged us forEls Pleterſz, tied us legg to legg with a ſmall Iron Chain, and ſo brought us up to the Prince Oſmin, often threatStephen Radzin's Company, and ſent out as Emmiſſaries on his behalf, and therefore were reſolved that his Inſolencies ſhould be lay to our charge. When I underſtood that their Opinion and Intentions were ſuch, I was in a great conſter
When we came to the Princes Palace, they led us thro the Guards that ſtood on each ſide with naked Scimmatars in their hands; theſe we expected to be our Executioners, to hew us in pieces, altho afterWhence we came, and to what end we were come thither? We anand fled from Aſtrachan, to avoid the Coſacks, who upon our departure were about to lay ſiege to that City, and now come to implore your Highneſſes gracious Protection. All this I hear very well (quoth the Prince) but I am certain that you are your ſelves Coſacs, and of that Rout which not long ago depopulated my Countrey and made Havoc of my Subjects, and now the Villain, your Maſter having taken in Aſtrachan has ſent you as Spies and Explorators to viſit my Towns. Our reply was, Sir, we know nothing of the Deſigns of the Coſacs, but ſerved as Marriners in a Ship, which ſome of our Countrey-men have built for the Emperour of Moſcovia. When the Prince heard that, he was ſome what appeaſed, hearing us with more attention, and that we might the better be underſtood, he called for ſome Ruſſian Slaves, who aſſured him that we were no Coſaks but real Dutch, for that we had nothing of the Coſac-Dialect. Upon this the Prince turned about, and told us our Life was granMahemet Sultan, the Princes Son, whoſe ReArarath.
ON the 21 dito, my Companion and I took our leaves of each other, but not without great ſadneſs, for ſo ſoon as we were brought out, and underſtood that we were to go two ſeveral ways, I obſerved Tears run down his cheeks, which alſo moved me to weep, for that we were out of hopes ever to ſee one anothers face again in this World, neither that our Wives or Friends ſhould ever hear from us
Mahomet, being about 3 [Dutch] miles from Urwan.
About Evening we came to a Village called Tzurbag ſeated upon a high Mountain, where we took up our lodging for that night. While we ſtayed here there came abundance of Women to ſee me, who wondred that I wore ſuch long hair, for the Inhabitants of theſe Countreys (being Mahometans) always ſhave their Heads bare.
On the 22 betimes in the morning we ſet forward, and went through a great Grove of Fruit-trees, where we ſaw abundance of wild Swine maſting of the ſhaken Fruit. Theſe Fruit trees do not grow naturally of themſelves here, for they have an Ordinance among them in that Countrey, That none, of whether Sex it be, ſhall marry, till they can prove that they have planted a Hundred Trees with their own Hands, ſo that they begin when they are Children to plant; which having been obſerved for ſome Ages, is the reaſon that this Wood is grown ſo wide. There are divers ſorts of Fruits, as Apples, Pears, Cherries, Figgs, Almonds, WallEurope for fatneſs, eſpecially Kine & Sheep; Goats and Swine, both wild and tame, run together in innumerable Flocks, but incredible is the Plenty of Hens and Pidgeons which are brought in and ſold for trifles.
On the 30th we arrived at Urwan, or Ervan, a City ſituated under Mount Ararat, in the Countrey of the Medes, about 65 Leagues from the Caſpian Sea. The Town is not very wide, but ſufficiently munited with ſtrong walls of ſtone, being about the greatneſs of Alcmaar in North-Holland. There are in it ſome Perſian Moſquees, and Churches, as alſo a Cloyſter of Carmelite Friars. They uſe no kind of Commerce, or Merchandiſe, ſave that of Slaves, which the
Dageſtan Tartars come to buy there, and are there ſo cheap that a luſty well-bodied youngman is ordinarily ſold for ten Crowns, as ſome of our Company were ſold for the ſame price. The City Urwan is moſtly inhabited by the poorer ſort of Armenians; but Mount Ararat, by thoſe of the Romish Faith, and other Chriſtians.
Mount Ararat is ſeated juſt in the parting of Armenia from Media, and is reckoned under the rank of the Dageſtan and Caſpian MounArmenians call it Meſsina, and the Perſians Agri: It is much higher than either Caucaſus, or the famous Taurus, or any other Mountain in all Media, Armenia or Perſia, ſo far as one can view. It is a blew, and dark-coloured Rock. I have found there a kind of a dark yellow Mineral, very ponderous, and ſparkling; but could never learn what mettal it would have produced if melted, nor that of a ſparkling Sand and Duſt, which I alſo found here, although I brought a proof of each, which I loſt, when we were taken at Sea by the Engliſh and plundered, as herafter ſhall be ſaid at large. This Mountain is for the moſt part barren, and without Earth, and what may be further ſaid by way of Deſcription, the Reader will find in the Relation of my Aſcent towards the Top of it.
My Maſters purpoſe was to ſell me here, but I could eaſily perFranc. Hereat I was in a great ſtrait, on the one hand incited by the ſweet hopes of Freedom, and on the other daunted when I thought what a ſevere penalty I was liable to from the hands of thoſe cruel men, if I ſhould chance to miſcarry However I took courage, and conſented to take the Patient in hand truſting in the good Grace of GOD, and hoping for a lucky ſucceſs which alſo would have come to paſs, by the death of one of us three Thus I undertook the Journey, and was ſeven days before I came
JUL. 1670.
Going into the Hermites Cell, I took a view of the Rupture, which I ſaw was ſhut forth about the bulk of a henns-egg; and with one aſked him, How long he had had it? he anſwered, A Moneth: which gave me good encouragement, ſince I was ſure that the Fiſſure was freſh, and therefore the Cure with greater facility to be effected.
Thus I undertook the work, and taking 200 freſh Hen-eggs I boy
Rome, and beſtowed them on St. Peters Church that they would reward me with a Gift which ſhould ſerve me for a maintenance ſo long as I lived. The Wood and the Croſs I brought with me, but the ſtone, with ſome ſparkling Oar were taken from me when the Engliſh took our Ship. The Hermite was born at Rome, and of very good Parentage, his Father being one of the moſt eminent Citizens there, who upon his Death-bed charged his Son, To retire himſelf from the Society of Men and betake himſelf to the Mountain Ararat, there to ſpend his days in a Heremitical Life. The Son in obedience to this his Father's Will, took upon him this Journey and manner of Life, where he had then been 25 years, living there in great Tranquillity and with more contentment than he could do in the World of Rome. Beſides thoſe Relicts already mentioned he gave me a Teſtimonial in Writing, to evidence to the Curious my being there, which [after a Monkiſh Elegancy] runs thus:
J. Struys.
Johannis Janſonii, precabatur, ut Teſtimonium ipſi darem ſcriptum, quod ſuper-nomiJoannes Janſonius fuerit apud me in monte Sancto Ararath, circiter triginta quinque miliarium ſurſum eundo; ubi praenominatus Joannes me ſanavit ab una magna ruptura; propterea ipſi maximas gratias ago, propter magnam diligentiam ſuam quam mihi praeſtitit: & ipſi pro hâc benevolentia donavi unam Crucem quod fuit fruſtum ligni de vera Archa Noe, ubi in perſona intus fui, & illud de quo iſta crux eſt facta,
Joanni Janſon. perfectius veritatem narravi quommodo illa Archa eſt facta: Super hoc ipſi lapidem etiam dedi, quem ipſemet manibus meis decerpArcham, ubi Archa quieſcit. Hoc omne fateor eſſe verum, tam verum, quam vere ego in iſta mea ſancta eremitica habitatione de facto vivo.Datum in monte Ararat,
die 22 Iulii 1670.
DOMINICUS ALEXANDER, Romanus.
True it is the Autograph is but barbarous ſtuff, void of the true Latin Idiotiſms, yet we thought good to give it you as it is, rather than to put it in a ſtyle more proper, or give it a better elegancy. It may be thus verbally Paraphraſ'd:
Inaſmuch as Iohn Iohnſon [Struys] deſired me, I could not refuſe to give him a Teſtimonial, how that he the ſaid l. l. was with me upon the Holy mount Ararat, about 35 miles high, where the ſaid Iohn cured me of a grievous Rupture, and acknowArk of Noah, which I have cut out of a Chamber of the the ſaid Ark with my own hands, having been there perſonalIohn I. after what manner the ſaid Ark is made. Beſides this I have giArk, being a part of the Rock, whereon it is ſupArarat
Roman.
Urwan in the Valley, accompanied as be
SO ſoon as I was arrived at Urwan and entred the Houſe of my Patron Mehemet, he gave order to ſecure me with 2 Chains, for he feared that I would make my eſcape, by running into the Turkish Jurisdiction. One of theſe Chains was light and tolerable, but the other very maſſy and ponderous, inſomuch that to bear the Chain alone, might ſeem to be Slavery enough. This Condition brought me into a deep Melancholy, even to death, not only that I should beTurkish Faith, would not move me ſo much as to give him the leſt hopes: inſomuch that for that time he broke off without giving me any ſharp Language. Shortly after he ſent 2 fair Girls, who at firſt entrance ſaluted me very friendly, and beginRuſsian Slave to be their Interpreter: and to make their requeſt prove the more effectual, they began to ſtroak me, and play a hundred wanton tricks to allure me, which when I perceivMuſulman [or True Beleever] he would advance me to the Dignity of a Commander in the Guards. This perplexed me very much when I ſaw him ſo earneſt, thinking that if he could not get his will by fair means, he would proceed to rigour, and being abſolute Lord and Soveraign, as well of the Countrey, as of my Perſon, would force me to embrace the Mahometan Religion, howSir, All the fair promiſes you have already, and that you may hereafter make shall not have that efficacy with me, as to make me renounce my Faith, for I had rather diſpatch my ſelf, than to imbrace Mahometanism. He hearing me ſay ſo did not for that time preſs me much more.
On the 9th.
dito I continued ſtill in Chains, at what time the young Damoſels that had been with me before, were ſent again, who, as they did the laſt time, endeavoured to perſwade me to turn Mahometan; neither did they deſiſt to uſe all manner of Allurements they could deviſe, to entice me to ly with them, for ſo they thought that if I had done that, I muſt either become Turk, or dy a miMahometans might have as many as they liſted, or thought themſelves capable to maintain.
My Maſter altho he was a Prince yet thought it no diſhonour to trade in Commerce: but the chief thing he had which brought him up the moſt Revenues, were the Baths which he kept; having ſom almoſt in every City, as well in his own Juriſdiction as in Perſia and other Countreys, whereof thoſe were the moſt conſiderable, at Derbent, at Scamachy, and at Iſpahan, which brought him in a vaſt ſum of Money yearly.
The reaſon why the Baths are there in ſuch eſteem, and ſo much frequented by perſons of all Ranks and Degrees, is not onMoſques: and this both ſexes are injoyned to upon ſuch Caſes by the Alcoran. A man among them may not ly with his wife from Conception to her Delivery: which is probably inſtituted as a PraeAlchoran to make thoſe Countreys more populous; for ſo one Man is capable of generating many Children in one year. The Baths are frequented from Break of day to the Setting of the Sun. From morning till noon the Men bath, and from noon till night the Women, ſo taking it by Turns.
th. came my Patron to viſit me and asked me how I did, and if I had taken good Courage: I anſwered him that I had no great occaſion to thank him for my Welfare, ſince he did all he could to make me miſerable, and contrary to that Honeſty and Truth, which the Turks boaſted of, he had ſhown me an odd example: Withall telling him that he had little reaSir, Is it not ſufficient that I am your Slave? why then muſt I be kept in Chains, when as others have their liberty? If it be ſo that you fear I should go from you, Know this, That you can not keep me longer than I liſt: for I can at once part with my Life and take leav of this miſerable Bondage, which if you perſiſt to uſe me ſo inhumanly I am reſolved to do. This I could perceiv wrought in him no ſmall change, for he was naturally very covetous, and would have loſt the price of a Slave. Beſides that, it is a Maxim of their Law, that if any perſon do any way murther himſelf, the Houſe is to be accurſed and pulled down to the Ground. My Patron conſidering what the Iſſue of this might be, altho I had not the leſt thoughts to lay violent hands upon my ſelf. he therefore to prevent the worſt ſold me to one Hadſy Mahomet Sala,
Perſian for 25 Abbas, that was about 30 Shillings ſterl. which is but a ſmall ſum in compariſon to the ordinary Market price of Argiers, and other places in Barbary. My new Patron ſpoke the Ruſsian Tongue very well, by which means we came to underſtand one another the better: for he uſed me more kindly than the other, and would ofIſpahan where there were many English, Dutch and other Europeans, and probably thoſe that would buy me off his hands, and ſo ſet me at Liber
On the 12 dito, I went with my new Maſter to Derbent, and ſaiCaſpian Sea: his principal dealing
Crap, which with ſeveral other Roots uſed in Dying, grow there in great abundance. He had alſo a ſmall Bark of his own, wherein he tranſported his own Commodities: This ſaid Veſſel alwayes lay in a Bay about half a League from the City, and thither his Slaves alwaies brought the Wares; for about Derbent it is very rocky and unſafe for Veſſels to lie at Anchor, in caſe of Storm or tempeſtuous Weather. But in the ſaid Bay is very good anchorage, at 6, 7 and 8 Fathom Water, and a clay ground with Shells. The Coaſt from Baynak to Maſanderan is altogether ſandy, and here and there low land, where appear the Tops of the Dageſtan Hills: between thoſe two Coaſts it is all a long very good anchorage, there being many fair Roads able to receive Ships of a greater burthen than are uſually built for this Sea; there are alſo many fair Towns, built for the moſt part at the mouths of Rivers, and have many Veſſels and Shipping belonging to them, as well for Traffic and Tranſportation of Merchandizes, as for the Fiſhing trade: for this Sea is very plentiful of Fiſh, and brings up the King of Perſia an incredible ſum of Money yearly, receiving from ſome as Toll, and from others as Contribution. In the Bay of Gilan are 2 great Whirl-pools,Gilan.
Perſians are very fearfull in ſailing from their own Coaſts to Gilan. The Water in theſe Whirpools is hurried about with an incredible violence and makes ſuch a noiſe, that if the Weather be ſtill, they may be heard at 5 or 6 leagues diſtant. It is my opinion that theſe are the PaſEuxin, or ſom other Sea, for it is well known that it receivs 84 huge Rivers, beſides the Wolga, which is reputed the 3d River of the World for greatneſs, and hither do all the Floods of the Perſian and Tartarian Rivers haſten, as it were to their Cen
Upon a time it happened that my Maſter and I fell into a
That If I were once again at Liberty, I could make a good Advantage, and did not doubt but that in a short time I should return with a Ship full of Hollands Commodities: upon which he asked me, If I was ſo rich then? I anſwered No; But if I came ſafe into my own countrey ſome or other would intruſt me with a Cargo for thoſe parts, being now well acquainted with the Conveniency of the Caſpian Sea. My PaArmenians about me who dealt in Silk: upon which they deſired to ſee me. My Maſter having appointed them a day, I went along with him, where one of the moſt eminent asked me if I could ſpeak Italian, and if I was of Amſterdam, or if I knew ſuch a Merchant there? I anſwered him in Italian, That I was of Amſterdam, but did not know the Gentleman he named, yet was acquainted with ſeveThat the only way to Trade with
This was the ſum of all the Diſcourſe
Holland, was to bring over, Lead, Quickſilver, Cloth, Serges, Says and all kinds of Low-Countrey Commodities and ManufaDerbent, Scamachy and Ardobil and might produce good profit, ſo that all the Staple of Silk might be brought to Holland. and, That all Goods whateCaſpian Sea, and ſo up the Wolga, bringing it down to Archangel, and ſo for Holland: which would not prove ſo tedious by far, as to bring it over Land to Smyrna, where by the way ſo much Danger and ſo many Duties were met withall; and then from Smyrna to run the Hazard of the Barbary Corſairs thro the Mediterranean and the Spanish Sea: beſides unreaſonable Duties that are impoſed by the Turks, which probably the Czar of Moſcovia would not ſet ſo high, to draw a Traffic of ſuch importance thro his JuGilan, Scirwan and other adjacent Provinces bordering upon the Caſpian Sea, could deliver upwards of 50000 Bales of Silk every year. Bocharen alſo affoards pretious Furrs and the Eaſt Countrey good plenty of Segrine-Leather, Saffron, Rhubarb and other precious Druggs.Europe.
Caſpian Sea.Caſpian Sea may more properly be termed a Lake, were it not that its Greatneſs and Saltneſs gave it the name of the latter, for it is enviCaſpian Sea, as alſo its' Scituation, Bays, Rivers, Creeks, Iſlands, Towns and their diſtance of Bearing, they are ſufficiently noted in the Card hereto annexed, which I have with great diligence compoſed, partArmenian Marriners, who were well acquainted herewith. Its length which is reckoned from Wolga to Aſtrabath, North and South is computed to be 129 Leagues, and from Tarku to the River Jemla which is accounted the Breadth, being Eaſt and Weſt, is about 60 Leagues For 6, 7, 8 and 9 Leagues from the Coaſt, the Water is ſomtime freſh and ſomtime brakkiſh, and from 12 to 50 fathom Anchor ground, but the Sea is within freſh and out of ſounding. It is alſo called the Hyrcan and the Salt Sea. It has many Boughts, InGilan tends above 38 Leagues inwards, taking its beginning at the Cape of Scabaran and reaches to Sengar Haſam. This Sea is environed moſtly on the Eaſt and North with a ſandy and barren ground, having alſo many Quarries of MarWolga, which river parts the Calmuc-from the Gwin-Tartars but the Countrey on each ſide being inhabited with a wild People, uſing among themſelvs no kind of Traffic, and therefore unMahomet Sala once ſailing paſt the mouth of this River, I preſſed him hard to ſail up to view the Conveniency and take an account of the Quality of the Countrey. But he told me, he had a greater eſteem for his Life, Ship and Goods, than to ſatisfy my curioſity about a buſine
This Sea affoards great plenty of all kinds of Fiſh, and is farmed of the King of Perſia from April to September, for a vaſt ſum of MoHolland, or any other Sea or Water in Europe that I know. Carps when come to their full growth are ſometimes above 4 foot long, but thoſe are not ſo deAſtrachan call, Dickkop [ Thickpate] But by the Perſians, Nachay, that is, Devourer. This Fiſh is of a more than ordinary ſtrength and ſomtimes will overturn a ſmall Boat with a ſtroak of his Tail.
DErbent the firſt City under the Juriſdiction of the King of Perſia on the Caſpian Sea,Derbent.
degr. 50 min. northerly LaEnglish] miles long. One ſide thereof lies ſo near to the Sea that the Waves
Tartars and other Savages, being the only place on all that Coaſt for many miles together, where they can come aſhoar, for the Shoar is there naturally ſeDerbent, which in their LanThe Kingdoms Key, Der ſignifying a Key, and Bent a Kingdom, or Countrey: and ſo the City Gammeron on the Indian Coaſt is called Bender, which is the ſame Word with tranſ
This Town is very ſtrongly munited with a Stone-Wall, and as ſome ſay, was built by Alexander the Great, who had here his Reſidence for ſom time, althô there doth not any Building reNauſchirwan, King of the Medes; having no other FounAlexander [for it ſtill bears his name] is an oblong Stone having an ancient Inſcription in old Syriac and Arabic Characters, which none now a days can read.
Derbent how divided.Derbent is divided into 3 parts, The uppermoſt Ward or Quarter, ſtands on a riſing Ground and has a Fortreſs furniſhed with Braſs-Cannon; and at that time when I was there and ſince the Uproar of the Coſacs it has bin Strengthned with a GarriSultans Court. The Midle Ward is inhabited by Perſians, but the BuildGreeks, bearing ſtill the name of Schaher Iunan or, City of the Greeks.
Derbent.
Derbent appear the Ruins of a Wall which reached from thence to the Necropont, or Euxin Sea: which has been a work of an incredible Charge and Labour. In ſom places the ſaid Wall
Median and Perſian Monarchs in times paſt.Derbent.
Caſſan King of the Medes, and the Dageſtan Tartars, where the former had a notable overthrow, with the loſs of ſeveral Thouſand men, and the principal Heros and Leaders were buried in thoſe Tombs. BePerſian and Median Princes interred and made ſacred to Memory. Upon the Walls are ſeveral Flags pitched, and by each an old Man to beg an Alms of ſuch as out of Devotion and a Religious Zeal come to viſit this place, as it is throughout all Perſia held very meritorious to viſit the Sepulchres and Graves of the Deceaſed. This Superſtition beſides that of Bathing is all the Ceremonies and Rules which their Religion preſcribes the Women, who receiv their Directions and are injoined by their Parents and Husbands what to do, being ſecluMoſquees.
Within Derbent live no Chriſtians but altogether Mahometans, exIews who boaſt themſelvs to be deſcended from the houſe of Benjamin: theſe commonly follow baſe and diſhonorable Traffic, as buying of Prize-goods and Booty taken at Sea, which the Dageſtan Tartars bring thither to market:Dageſtan PlagiaPerſia, making an incredible gain thereof. Thoſe that are brought hither for Slaves are very unhappy, for they are no more looked upon than an unreaſonable Animal or Bruit: and when
Well, replies the other, take your Slave away, or, I ſhall bring him down for you. Upon this my Patron warned me to take heed of looking down any more, not knowing what might come of it. I was very curious to know what courſe the Infidel would take in hand, to fetch me down, and accordingly went down to the old Place, where I ſaw ſePerſians in general do not uſe their Slaves ſo unkindly, as the Turks, which I could well obſerv the time I was on the Galleys, nor yet ſo inhumanly as they do at Argiers, Tripoli, Tunis, Salee, and other maritim Towns in Barbary, according to the univerſal report given by thoſe that fall into the hand of theſe cruel Men; for here when they do uſe them ſo hard, it is more to make them renounce their Faith and beMahometans, than innate Cruelty. Moſt proud they are and lofty, boaſting in their honorable deſcent and Pedigrees from their ancient Nobility, famous in Hiſtory, and renowned from the MonarMedes. The Soldiery, which they call Kiſsil-baſſchen, are very unruly, and take the leſt word that one can ſpeak for an affront, yea, ſuch is the aw they have gained of the People, that they dare not ſpeak without great reverence; ſure I am they have taught me ſilence, ſince they are accuſtomed to be the Interpreters of other Mens Words, and are as apt to miſconſtrue what is ſaid, whence conſequent
On the 30th. of Iuly my Patron brought me again to Market,Hadzi Biram Ali, A very rich Merchant in Jewels. The ſame Hadzi Biram had 9 Wives, 5 at Derbent, and 4 at Scamachy. The Chief of theſe 9 was a Poliſh Gentlewoman by birth, and a ChriſAmſterdammer, by name Iohn Fluſius, who had a Command of Horſe under Caſimire K. of Poland, and married there a Gentlewoman of that Countrey by whom he had 4 Children. Upon a time, when theſe People lived in the Countrey, it happened that the Tartars made an irruption into Poland, and among many others carried away my ſaid Patroneſſe, being then a Damoſel of 12 years old, and ſold her for a Slave. She was a Gentlewoman of a very fair com
It was my Maſters cuſtom to bath himſelf once a day in the Sea,Iſpahan, where he ſaid he would beſtow me upon ſome of my own Nation.
This Motion liked me exceeding well, but my chief Patroneſs who ſpoke very good Low-dutch adviſed me to the Contrary, ſayMy Husband, your Lord, 'tis true goes for Iſpahan, but from thence he intends to go on a Pilgrimage to Meccha, and beſtow 200000 Gil. on the Sepulchre of Mahomet, for which Gift he and his Son Hadzy Kan, will be canonized and regiſtred among the Saints, for a perpetual memory of themſelvs and Honor of their Poſterity, and now you are not ſenſible what Danger hangs over your head in regard of your Religion. This ſaid; ſhe told me if I would vow Silence ſhe would impart me a Secret, which perSee if you can prevail with your Patron to excuſe you on this Journey, or if you can counterfeit with Dexterity, feign your ſelf ſick: To which if he gives his aſſent, we will trip off together, after he has been a few weeks upon his Journey, and being you are well acquainted with the Caſpian Sea we, will take our Bark with us. I have means enough to Maintain us in any part of the World ſo long as we
live, I have at preſent in my Cuſtody a Casket of Jewels worth 300000 gild at leſt, beſides a ſum of 10000 Ducats in Gold. I prethee then let's not loſe this opportunity but away with our own Bark; and I hope that we shall in 8 or 10 days be in Ruſſia, from whence we can go forward to Holland, and if your wife be not alive we shall marry, if not I shall ſeek up my Relations at Amſterdam, ſuppoſing my Fathers Brother may be ſtill alive. To this I replyed, Moſt gracious and worthy Madam, what you propoſe is very well, and what I could freely embrace and would willingly undertake to manage, But Madam, are you not ſenſible that Aſtrachan is at preſent under hands of the Coſacs, and the Caſpian Sea full of Pyrats, how then may we promiſe our ſelvs a ſafe Arrival in Ruſſia? Well, quoth ſhe, Do you think that Aſtrachan will be ſtill in tenure of the Rebells? no, without doubt, we shall ſpeedily hear that the Czar will come down with a great Army and deſtroy that Vermin. &c, Hereupon ſhe ſhowed me an incrediDiamonds, Emeralds, Rubies and other Precious Stones.
Theſe Propoſals I muſt confeſs gave me work enough to ſtudy upon day night, and certainly had not Aſtrachan then bin in the hand of the Coſacs I had taken it upon me, not doubting, but to have good ſucceſs, being able enough to pilot a Veſſel from thence to the Wolga, for I was very well acquainted with the Coaſts, but becauſe of the before mentioned difficuly was fain to refuſe her offer. I could obſerve that the Lady was ſom way diſaffected to her huſband, which I preſumed was ſom certain Jealouſy; for my Patron had bought not long before 2 Georgian Girls for Slaves, the one of 11, and the other of 12 years old, with whom he lay by Turns, which was no ſmall trouble to his Wife, who was her ſelf not above 26 years of Age, and therefore very unwilling to be a Widdow with a living husband.
On the 22 came two of our Ships-company to Derbent, to wit, Cornelius de Vries, the Gunner, and Peter Arentſz of Schevelingen. Theſe had been taken in Boynak, near the Scemkal, and had betaken themTartars to the Gate of Derbent; where they were reſcued by a Soldier, who ſpoke the Ruſsian Tongue very well, which Soldier ſeeing them ſo hotly purſued, and the Tartars cloſe at their heels, interpoſed himſelf between them, and asked ours, Who they were? who repled, They were
Dutch, and had Letters for the Sultan. Whereupon the Soldier turTartars bade them ſee what they did, for that thoſe men had Letters for the Sultan: and ſo they got free from the Tartars, but were ſuddenly carried before the Sultan, who ſo ſoon as they were admitted asked them, What Countreymen they were? They anſwered Hollanders. Then he asked for the Letters which he was informed they had for him, upon which they fell down uThat we have ſaid, how that we had Letters for the Sultan, Great and Mighty Prince, we cannot deny, for moſt true it is; but that was only an Invention to ſecure and releaſe our Perſons from the Tartars, that purſued us to within the Perſian Juriſdiction: Wherefore, Great Sir, vouchſafe to have Compaſsion upon us, for we are thoſe very people that fled from Aſtrachan upon the approaching of the Coſacs, and have been unfortunately Stranded on the Dageſtan Coaſt, where we were plundered, beat and made Slaves by the Inhabitants, and ſince continued in miſerable Servitude under the Scemkal, and therefore have made bold to ſeek Protection under your Highneſs. They told him moreover how that they had been 3 days and 2 nights by the Way; Travelling only by night and hiding themſelvs by day, leſt they ſhould be detected, and retaken, as they had ſureSultan freely pardoned them and ſent them to a Houſe where he had ordered they ſhould have abode and mainteCarwanſera, for ſo they call an Inn or Tavern, where they took no care for Diet, being well ſupplied by the continual concourſe of people that came thither, as well Indians as Perſians. The Sultan alſo promiſed to write to the King about the Redemption of the reſt of the Captiv Slaves, and as much as in him lay to further the ſame. Certain it is he did as kindly for our Countrey men as might be expected from him, when as the Brother of the Scemkal came to demand them as Fugitivs, and he refuſed to let them go, for that they were now in Derbent, and that the King had underſtood how unkindly they had dealt with thoſe that were his Allies, and with thoſe with
Aly, the Tartar, returned without obDerbent they were protected.
So ſoon as I underſtood that P. Arents and De Vries were arriDerbent I pray'd my Patron to let me go to viſit them, which he granted. So ſoon as I came to them, I begun to enEls Pieterſz, who was ſtill at Boynak. I told my MaOſmin, and looking towards the Gunner I gave him a wink with the Eie, that he ſhould aſſert it, which when my Patron asked him he did: he therefore ſent to redeem him with intention to keep us both, but the Party ſent, who was a Ruſsian and a Renegado, brought us news that he was gone within Land, which ſadly troubled me: For, had I got him to Derbent I could have brought him to Iſpahan where there was more apparency and likelyhood of obtaining Liberty than among the obſcure Tartars.
Meanwhile I went dayly to viſit the Gunner and Peter Arentſz, and once finding them very heartleſs and Melancholic I did all I could to comfort them. How, ſaid I, can you be ſo ſad being free, and I who am a Slave ſtill keep a good heart? Be not ſo dejected, for the Perſians will ſom time or other take you with their Caravans to Iſpahan, and ſo you may get to Gameron, and thence be tranſported for the Indies, by which means you will be brought home, &c. They told me alſo that the reſt of the Company were at liberty and without Chains, that they had alſo reſolved to flee together, but judged themſelvs aſwell unſafe at Derbent, which they had intended for their Aſylum, ſaying, That they ſhould come thither ſoon enough, when they ſhould be ſold at the Slave-Market; and certainly they were not much over-burEnglish[ miles from Derbent. We often contrived to break or file the Chain in ſunder, but the Links were ſo maſſy that we durſt not atDageſtan-Tartars, which are reputed the more mercifull, but we by the Calmucs, the one being under the Oſmin and the oScemkal. C. Brak was ſold by the Scemkal for thrée years, after the expiration of which time his Patron was to have him again: His Wife whom the Prince had raviſhed, was alſo taken from him and made uſe by the ſaid Prince for a Concubine, being attired in Princely Habit, and had much favour ſhown her. Brak therefore intending to make his eſcape, intimated his Deſign to his Wife; who would by no means aſſent to the matter, becauſe of her Child, and told him further that if he did offer to go that ſhe would detect the matter to the Prince. To this he replied, that inaſmuch as ſhe was taken from him they were never like to come together again, and that he probably for that reaſon ſhould be carried farther within Land, where he ſhould be out of all hopes of ever being redeemed; whereas on the contrary if ever he came to Derbent that there he ſhould not only himſelf be free, but alſo ſeek a mean to get her redeemed, yet all this was but in vain, for ſhe would not hear of it; inſomuch that he was fain to run away without her knowledge; but what then became of him, and whether he was retaken by ſome others, or is dead, I could never yet be ſo happy as to know. As to his Flight, we were well aſſured, for his Patron ſent to us at Derbent to enquire after him, but had a very unwelcom Anſwer: and the Sultan, to hearing that ſuch a Perſon was come to ſeek for them, gave order to apSultan, ordered him enlargement.
ON the 29 were ſent out about 50 Slaves together with ſome other free perſons to hew Wood in the Countrey, amongſt which my Patron ſent me alſo. We took our way oPolish Renegado; beſides theſe that were kilBanditti and Tartars, who notwithſtanding all the Indeavours which the King doth, by ſending of Troops down to expell them, cannot be driven out, for
Derbent muſt have all their Fewel and Timber from this Place, and the work put upon the Slaves, it happens that every year a great number of thoſe miſerable ſort of men are either diſpatched or wounded.
The next day I was ſent up into the Countrey to a place where my Patron kept his Cattle, which I was to look after and drive them up and down where I found the beſt Paſturage.Derbent, ſom whereof knew me, being frequently at my Maſters houſe. Theſe therefore releaſed me and retook the Beaſts, ſo that I came ſafe home: for which kindneſs my Maſter gave them a Preſent, I ſuppoſe, of more value than what I was ſold for to him. Unſpeakable was the kindneſs of my PaMahometan, I could not have lived better abroad in any Place of the World, having litle or no care upon my head.
Scamachy.
Scamachy, there to repair his Houſes which were thrown down with an Earth-quake in the year 1667. On the firſt of September we were ready and ſet forward with a Caravan of 1800 Horſes, and a great number of Camels, Dromedaries, Aſſes and other Beaſts of Carriage, having in Company ſeveral Thouſands of Men. The firſt day we paſſed over three Rivers, to wit Kurgani, Koſtar, and Sambur; whereof the ſecond is the greateſt, running thrô the MounElbur. This River divides it ſelf into 5 branches, or arms, broad but ſhallow, and runs over a ſtony Ground. The next day
Dutch] miles further and came to Koctep a large vilSEPT. 1670.Perſian Saint, The InhaPadar in their Language. They are much addicted to ſtealth and Robbery, ſo that we were fain to keep a narrow watch over them the time we lay in the Town, which was not above 8 hours. Their Houſes are but little, built ſquare and covered on the Top with Earth, not excee
On the 3 of the ſame moneth we ſet forward and travailed through many great villages, amongſt which was a very fair one called Niſabath, or Nayſabath, which I gueſs lies about 41 degr. and a quart. It is ſeated in a very pleaſant Countrey of Old Media, now called Surwan, or Schirwan. This is the Place where ſom time agon the Holſteyn Ambaſſadours ſuffered Shipwrack. At night we ſet down at Muſkar, being a Town without Walls, or any other Fortification but ſeems to have bin in times paſt a place of truſt, as well from its Situation, as the Ruins of the Walls and Bulwarks which yet ap
On the 4 we broke up, and that day came to Scabaran a little City, where the whiteſt and beſt Rice in all Perſia is brought to market, and grows in the Countrey round about. It is alſo in ſuch plenty that the Hundred weight is ſold for 13 Ochbas, [being about 4 Shil. 2 Pence Sterl. or a halfpenny per Pound.] The Walls of this City are now deAlexander the Great had Bread baked for his Army.
On the 5th. we came to the mountain Par— or Barmach, which lies cloſe to the Sea, and is very famous for it's many veins of Median Oil & Babiloniſh Bitumen, of the nature of Marl, which when once ſet on fire, will burn more vigorouſly if water be poured upon it, but is quenAmmianus ſaith, the Perſians were went to anoint their ſhafts therewith.Naphte. The word Barmach is an Appellativ word and betokens in their LanTartars, and ſecure the Medians from the Invaſion of the Scythian Robbers. Amidſt thoſe Ruins, is a huge deep Pit digged and laid in with ſtone. Naphta, otherwiſe called Petroleum or Greek words Oil, & Rock.
Petrelaeum is an Oil coming naturally out of the veins of the Rock, which veins do run thro the whole ſtones, as in Marble. There are 40 Pits digged as Receptacles to hold the ſaid Oil, being convey'd thither by ſeveral Pipes, or Conduits; But there are three of thoſe whence it naturally flows or ſprings, where you may ſee it buble up like boil
On the 6 dito we ſet forward again, and went over very high Hills, coming at night to Bachal a village ſeated in a low but fruit
On the 7 dito we left Bachal, and after a good Days Journey came into Cothany, which is a very pleaſant Place: and here we took up our Lodging. This Village lies in a low Valley which is full of Woods of Haſles and other ſmall Trees, in which Woods are the greateſt plenty of Hares that ever I have ſeen in all my Life.
On the 8 dito we arrived at the famous Scamachy, called alſo Sumahi, and Samachy. It is a very famous Mart, and lies in 40 degr. 30 min. In the Province of Schirwan, or Media. It is handſomly ſeated in a Vally, ſo that one cannot ſee it till he be within Cannon Shot of the Town. The diſtance between Derbent and Scamachy is computed a Weeks Journey, excluding Sunday, to wit, following the HighCaravan; the Caravan would alſo go that way,
Lahatz are very great, and oftentimes long a clearing, ſo that they rather chuſe to go the other way. In former times this was a Town of ſome conſideration as to matter of ſtrength; but in the Wars of Abas, the Scach, or King of Perſia againſt the Turks, it was by him diſmantled and made an open village, which was ever by him a Maxim of Military Policy, by reaſon the Turks were wont to retire into fortified Places under pretext of Refuge, and after a few Moneths proving ſtrong and numerous would ſurrender up the Town to their own Nation in time of War, or upon an Uproar:deſcribed.
The Northern Quarter is far leſs than the Southern, and the Mote ſo ſhallow together with the mean condition of the Walls, that one may enter in as they pleaſe in many Places, notwithſtanBogan, having round about it ſeveral rich Shops in Galleries and Piazzas, wherein are ſeen many rich Merchandizes and Manufactories, as Silks, CotScach Carwanſera, or, the EmpeRuſsians for the moſt part have recourſe, and barter their Tin, Copper, Sables and other Commodities: the other is called Leſgi Carwanſera, i. e. The Tartars Lodgings; and hither repair moſtly the Dageſtan and other Tartars, whoſe Trade conſiſts chiefly in Men and Children, ſtole either from their own Nation or the Ruſsians, as alſo in Horſes: hither alſo repair many Jews who deal moſtly in Bedding and Cottons. This Town upon my arrival there was altogether new built, althô about 3 years bePoliſh Ambaſſadour, at which he ſeem'd to be a litle altered, and ſaid, John, conſider with your ſelf the nature of your requeſt: have you found ſuch hard uſage the time you have been with me? Why then would you go from me? Go rather with me to Iſpahan, where, ſince you have once ſaved my life and in all things elſe proved faithfull, I will beſtow you upon ſom of your own Nation without Redemption Money: or any thing elſe in ſtead of you, where you ſhall be aſſuredly free. But I ſtill reAltine, and had no great ſtoIſpahan with him: However with many thanks deWell, ſaid he, ſince you will go, you ſhall, but be aſsured you ſhall not find better uſage than you have here, althô it were with a Chriſtian, [forſooth]. As for this Bochdan the Poliſh Miniſter, he is not ſo good a Chriſtian as you think, but a light vain Georgian, whom the King of Poland has diſpatched to the Sophy, to treat about a War with the Turks, but ſuch is his deportment here, and remiſsneſs in the Affairs of the King his Maſter, that he will in all probability be called in queſtion about it. All this did not a whit daunt me from my Reſolution, for I gave him a certain allowance as to the Character he had given him; or, althô he had been ſuch a Perſon there was more hopes of my coming home thrô Moſcovia, ſooner than thrô India, and ſo from Batavia. This Bochdan as I have been ſince inforPoland, and was ſo well acquainted with the Humor of the King, that he was imPolanders. The next day I was ſold and delivered up to the Ambaſſador for 150 Abas, being the ſum Hadſy Biram had paid for me to the Prince. Upon my taking leav of my Maſter, he wiſhed me happineſs, and withone told me that he was ſenſible the King of Poland had Money enough to redeem a Chriſtian, otherwiſe he would have taken nothing for me.
And now was none more happy than my ſelf in imagination, not thinking otherwiſe than ſuddenly to have my Freedom. On the 1 of November I was ſent for by the Ambaſſadour, where being
Georgian Girls brought to the Door, who being ſtole by the Dageſtan Tartars, of handſom Bodies, and tolerable Beauties as alſo the Ambaſſadours own Countrey Women he had compaſſion of them and bought them for the value of 100 Crowns. Theſe he kept for Warming Pans, and would upon Occaſion, when he made any Feaſt, cauſe them to dance: nor did they much ſeem to be con
ON the 2 of November came the Siſter of the Ambaſſador, and his Brother with a great Retinue and Pomp: their Reception was with an Extravagant Banquet, which dured ſeveral days. So long as this Junketting laſted, was ſuch Gluttony, Drunkneſs and ProMahometans point at them, who are themſelvs very abſtemious and temperate. Yet this only was to gratify the Georgians and Perſians, for he demeaned himſelf very churliſhly towards the Poliſh Gentry who were ſent to grace his Perſon as a Retinue. Scarce were they ever admitted into his preſence, and beſides that pinched in their allowance
NOV. 1670.Poland, were reduced to ſuch poverty, that they went up and down like Beggars, being aſhamed to com into honeſt Company? for beſides their coſtly Attire which he always kept locked up, he would not allow them a ſufficiency of Linnen to keep them clean. If any offered to complain he threatned to ſell them for Slaves, which tended to the great detriment of thoſe his Domeſtics, and Diſhonour of the King and Crown of Poland. This bred in the Poliſh Gentry ſuch diſsaffection that they reſolved oftenGeorgian Soldier to Paniegros, a Poliſh Gentleman, who was as Aſſiſtent in this Ambaſſage, and equally impowered to treat with the Miniſters of State at the Perſian Court, and therefore reckoned by the other as an obſtruction in the Promotion of his Intereſt, as well as his being ready to reprePanicgros,
Poliſh GentleGeorgian having obtaiPaniegros was a Gentleman of a brave conduct, and withall of a meek temper, having purchaſed the Love even of thoſe that ſeemed to be his Lot-enemies for his prudent and civil deportment, He had lived for ſom years together at Amſterdam, and ſpoke very good Nether-dutch. The reſt of the Poliſh NaPoles,
Scamachi makes peace.Georgians-Soldiers to guard his Body. The Prince of Scamachy now ſenſible of the Differences and ſad diſorder of affairs, took upon himſelf the Office of a Mediator and adjouſted the matthat he muſt pleaſe to ſend me ſomthing to eat in the Field. His anſwer was: If you will have any thing, ſteal a cow from the Perſians, and help your ſelf ſo. But that Commiſſion I took occaſion to let alone, being ſenHadſi Biram, who gave me this reply, I told you of it before-hand, what a villain that Georgian is, That he was but a Chriſtian in ſhow, and far too baſe to be a Muſulman. And cerWarſaw, diſpatches his Brother to the King at Iſpahan, to ſuppliMahometaniſm. But they had ſuch ample and clear Information at Court of his Life and BehaIſpahan to depart immediatly for Poland, which was acceptable news for the Poliſh Gentry, hoping at once to be rid of that Slavery and Miſery they ſuffered. After my old Patron had diſcourſed me a litle about this affair, took his leav of me, ſayI am very ſorry for your condition, pre'thee therefore com twice
a day to my houſe and eat, or at what time you are hungry. I ſhall give my wife order, upon my Abſence to give you Victuals. The ſweeteſt muſic, I muſt confeſs, I heard in Perſia; and certainly he who was a Mahometan, ſurpaſſed my Georgian Maſter far in Charity, who had rather feed Doggs he kept for his pleaſure, than Chriſtian-ſtrangers, althô his own Domeſtics.
'Tis true this Offer was very acceptable, but all my fear was, that Hadſi would not tarry long at Scamachy, ſo that I ſhould again be at a loſs, and therefore I determined with my ſelf to run away; as then I met with an opportunity to go for Smyrna with a great Caravan, which was a preparing and almoſt ready to ſet forward. I had already beſpoke my ſelf to go with an Armenian who was to ſet forCaravan, but what reaſon I met with to the contrary ſhall be ſhortly told.
Novemb. 4. I went out of the Town to ſee if I could ſpeak with an Ambaſſadour who was diſpatched from Iſpahan to Moſcou, and to requeſt of him to repreſent our Condition to the Czar, but I could not get to ſpeech of him. He had with him 4 Tygres and Leopards for a preſent to the Great Duke.
On the 11 to my great Aſtoniſhment and Joy I ſaw our Captain Butler, together with Cornelius the Gunner, J. van Termund, Chriſtian Brand, Lewis Fabritius and Peter Arentſz coming into Scamachy; upon which in all haſt I ran to bid them welcom and ſalute them, althô the Captain ſhowed himſelf much diſpleaſed at us, for that we (as he alleadged) went away without his leav and order, and not waiting for him: to which I replied, Captain you cannot forget what your Order was, That we ſhould not ſtay ſo much as a quarter of an hour for any one, after the Gates were ſhut, but if any transgreſsion of your Order muſt be imputed to us, it muſt be this that we ſtay'd till midnight for you, and not hearing any thing of you, we concluded that you were either killed in the Tumult, or had made your eſcape ſom other way; we then not holding it ſafe for us to make any longer delay, thought it more prudence to put off than to ſtay till it was day light, &c. With theſe and other reaſons I gave him he ſeemed to be ſatisfied, and promiſed to do all that lay in his power to proSmyrna, was not undertaken thinking this to be a more hopeArmenian, and ſo after 2 or 3 days Journey to wait for the great Caravan. Our CapChan of Scamachy to intercede for the CapSultan of Derbent had hardned his temper, for in preſence of the Dutch and others that had taken the Mediation upon them; whereas on the contrary they had ever been good Friends with the Calmuc & Oſmin, frequently ſending and recei
When the Captain ſaw there was no hopes to procure our ReScamachy, he purpoſes to go for Iſpahan, and addreſs himſelf to the King; the more for that the Commiſſioners of the Eaſt India Company might aſſiſt him. He therefore took up ſeveAbas of an Armenian, for which he muſt have pay'd 25 per Cent more at Iſpahan: he left I. van Termund at Scamachy for ſecurity.
On the 18 Chriſtian Brand by the interceſſion of I. van Termund, was taken to board in the Poliſh Ambaſſadors Houſe, giving good ſeScamachy.
Mean while the Brother of the ſaid Ambaſſador went a ſecond time to Court, for to get the conſent of the Scach in changing of his Religion, but the reſult was as unwelcom to him as the former, with an expreſs order to depart immediatly for Poland, and to give a reaſon of his delay. This news as it was very unacceptable to him, for that he was ſenſible how affairs would be repreſented at Warſaw, there being a Courier diſpatched off from the Scach to the K. of Poland; ſo was it alſo very welcom and acceptable news for the opPerſian Court, for upon ſuch occaſions they never acquaint any Forreign Miniſter with any dislike, but intimate it by their own at the Court from whence they are ſent in ſuch Quality, whence they expect Satisfaction. This when Bochdan underſtood he ſtudied all means to avoid going back to Warſaw, and aſked me if I thought that the Eaſt India Company, or their Directors there, would conHolland? My reply was that I did not beleev it would be granted, and told him ſeveral Praecedents for it, as alſo the improbability of the thing ſince their Intereſt was ſo
Perſia; as that they would not do any thing to quit it: However if he would go clandeſtinly and occaſion a Rumor as if he were gone for Moſcou, or ſom where in Tartary, he might imbarque himſelf as a privat Perſon. This I ſaid in hopes to come that way home my ſelf. Yet he was various in his Intentions, ſomtimes taking a reſolution to go for Smyrna, and ſomtimes for Conſtantinople, or elſewhere. However during the time he was at Scamachy, he Lorded it ſo bravely, that the Chan durſt not check him in any extravagancy he committed: for it ſeems that the ſaid Chan had taken up a conſiderable Sum of the Ambaſſador upon Intereſt and not being able to pay was fain to reſt contented. But the AmChan not in a Capacity to pay it upon demand, the Ambaſſador ſent his Brother to Iſpahan to make complaint to the Schach, which when the Chan had under
On the 21 came a Perſian to Scamachy with William Barentſz Klopper our Chief-Mate, who had been taken by the Tartars and ſeverely uſed all the time. The ſaid Perſian offered him to the Poliſh Ambaſſath. bought him. The Scemkal had firſt ſold him to a Perſian of Bachu for 150 Abas. This new Patron ſet him to keep Cattle, in a Paſture, between Derbent and Scamachy, where upon our Journey to Scamachy I ſaw, but knew him not. He had a very churliſh fellow to his Patron, and therefore attempting ſeveral times to run away was ſtill caught again, and beat moſt ſeverely: and now being redeemed came unexpectedly out of the Frying Pan into the Fire.
Upon the firſt day of January 1671, on which day we uſually in our own Countrey wiſh one another Happineſs: we were aware of a mighty and moſt dreadfull Earth-quake, which had in a moment laid ſome hundreds of Houſes in Rubbiſh; moſt terrible was it to ſee ſo many Souls ſwallowed up in the Earth alive and as lamentable to ſee ſome cruſh'd to pieces and others half dead, ſome ſo faſt clo
dito, it froſe very hard inſomuch that the River was to. Upon this were the Ceremonies of the Conſecration of Water ſolemnized by the Armenian Chriſtians, in preſence of the Chan, his Son, our Ambaſſador, the Poſlanick, or an Armenian Courier, who was diſpatched for Moſcou, and then at Scamachy, all the Perſian Nobility and Armenian Chriſtians from all Villages round about, and from afar in the Countrey, who came with Croſſes, Flags and Bells, ſinging Hymns all the way till they came over the Puley Ambery (a Bridge ſo called) where they ſate down. On the morning very early the Biſhop came out with great Pomp and ſung Maſs, after which an Oration was made ſuiting the Day, being Epiphany, which he performed with great Zeal and Pains. After that was a Feaſt which they call Chalſe Schuran, or Dipping of the Croſs.
Theſe Ceremonies were performed as follows: On each ſide the River were placed the Chans Guards, and all the Soldiery, to preArmenians, who pay dear enough for the ſame. After the Chan had taken his place in a Tent expreſſly provided for that Prince, and the Watch ſet in good order, the Biſhop went to beg permiſſion, before which obtained he dare not beArmenians ran naked into the Water, and cut up the Ice with Bills; the Biſhop all the while continues reading and the Common people ſing. After this they begin to play upon Bels and Cymbals, then the Biſhop ſtepping ſoftly to the River ſide, pours in Oyl and Water. Then he took a litle Silver Croſs, ſet with Diamonds and other precious Stones, which he dipt 3 times in the Water. This done he took a ſtaff [or Croſier] and ſtretched it ſeveral ways over the River, proJAN. 1671.Perſian Whores and Proſtitutes who came to ſeek their Game, ſinging and dancing after a very laſcivious faſhion. In ſhort it concluded as the Orgia or Bacchanalia in the time of Gentiliſm, which were celebrated by the Thyades, or Prieſts of Bacchus, with the Perſians, who made uſe of this ſeaſon as a Fair, whither repaired many Juglers, Pedlers, Stage-players, & other Vagabonds; but the Armenians, did not either in Eating or Drinking exceed the Limits of Moderation.
ON the 9th. departed the Siſter of Bochdan the Poliſh Ambaſſador for Tafflis with 7 Camels and conducted with ſom Georgian SolTafflis is diſtant from Scamachy, about 8 Leagues. The next day her Brother, with the Ambaſſadors Chirurgeon calAdam departed alſo. This Chirurgeon was a Polonian by Birth, and had been ſent for by the Prince of Tafflis, who intreated the Ambaſſador to let him come; promiſing him a ſufficient Salary, beſides, his Diet, Appartments at Court, 4 Slaves of whether ſex he liked, and to provide him a Wife of his own chuſing and ReliRoman Catholic. The ChirurNot to neglect ſuch a golden Opportunity, telling him further what he had to expect if he ſhould continue with ſuch a Varlet as
He thanked me for my advice, and reſolved to do as I had council'd him; and ſoon after departed, as is ſaid. Right ſorry I was when he left us, being ever kind to me and other Slaves, althô I was by duty injoyn'd to wiſh and rejoyce at his Welfare, for his extraordinary Civilities. The Prince of Bochdan was, who was both greedy and ingratePoland, as 'twas a matter very dubious, he would ſtill be in ſtatu quo, and muſt if he ſtay'd here never hope for any advancement by him who was becom loathſom to the worſt of men.Tafflis began firſt to be taken with him upon his noble cure performed on the Ambaſſador, when he was ſtruck down by the Poles, as was ſaid before.
Indian burScamachy, one Tzouke a very rich Indian, whoſe Corps his Brother after their manner deſired to burn, which by a very long and importunate interceſſion of the Prince was granted, he paying for the ſame about .1300 Crowns. The Indian having obIndian Prieſts gave the Woman a Potion to provoke ſleep and then ſet her upon an Engine like a Crane or Whip, made on purpoſe letting her ſo fall into the Fire. In the mean time the Bonzi poured a great Veſſel of Turpentine Oil upon the Wood and ſo ſet it on fire, and then gave the Engine a turn, upon which the Woman fell into the fire. 'Tis true the Woman ſeemed by vertue of that Potion to be fallen into a Cataphor, or Dead-ſleep, yet I heard her ſhriek out ſeveral times till the Drums, Pipes, Trumpets and other Wind-Muſic began to play, which was ſo loud and altiſonant, that I could not hear any lonPalaeſtina, who offered their Children to Moloch. When the Fire had conſumed all, the Aſhes were thrown into the River.
JAN. 1670.Chan, did not uſe much diligence in hunting out the MaChan carried away upon Barrows and interred in the Field, with ſom few Ceremonies. Every night were ſet up ſeveral Torches, and by day went Hundreds of Women to perform the uſual So
On the 27 was a general Exultation expreſſed at Scamachy, with Beating of Drums, Sounding of Trumpets and variety of Wind-Muſic, for that the Chans Son had a Robe of Favour beſtowed upon him, and one of the Kings Wives; which were ſent him for a PreKings Wives, yet it moſtly happens that they are pure Virgins, it being a thing impoſſible that he ſhould make uſe of ſo many as are dayly brought to him from all parts of his wide Dominions, which are alwaies the moſt ſelect Beauties; however the Grandees of Perſia, are leſs contented when they find them Maids, than otherwiſe, and for that reaſon do as duly conceal it, as others who find the contrary on privat Occaſions; For, ſay they, 'tis a Greater Honour to fiſh in the Kings Pond, than in one of their own: Nor are the Women altogether ſad at ſuch diſpoſals, ſince they live, as
FEB. 1671.
Febr. was a Man beat to death with Canes by order of the Chan, none underſtanding the reaſon why. The ExecuEurope.
Scamachy.
Chan ſent for to receive ſome noScamachi from the Court at Iſpahan, with Inſtructions for the Chan to com to Court, and as he and many more beleeved to ſuffer the direfull effects of the Kings diſChan ſet out for Kallikklefthan, which is a Pleaſant Dwelling belonging to the King, and about half a [Dutch] league diſtant from Scamachy, being accompanied with his own Son, the Calenter, all the Nobility and Courtiers, as alſo our Lord, the Poliſh Ambaſſador, and the Poſlanic of Armenia. The Chan himſelf was mounted on a ſtately Arabian Horſe, richly Cappariſon'd, the Mounchet or Saddle-Cloth richly embroydered and ſet with Pearls and Precious Stones; the Chaplets, Bitts, and Buckles were of pure and ſolid Gold, and all the reſt of the Accoutrements ſuitaChan ſaw them approach, he allighted from his Horſe, as did alſo the young Prince his Son, and all the Retinue, walking ſoftly on foot till they came cloſe together, at what time the Envoye [or Wakenutz] reached forth his hand and delivered the Chan a Box of Gold, which he received with demonſtration of reſpect and in humble manner after the Perſian faſhion. This don, he delivered him the Robe, which the Chan received with ſom Ceremonies cuſtomary among the Grandees, and forthwith drew it on. Laſt of all the Envoyé brought up the Bride as ſhe ſat on Horſeback and delivered her to the Chan, who very reveChan kiſſed, and ſo mounting on his Horſe cloſed up with her, and taking leav of the Envoyé rode away, preſentKaliklefthan. By the way they were met with innumerable companies of People from all parts, who came as nigh as they well durſt or were permitPerſian cuſtome her Face covered, ſo that one could not ſee whether ſhe was fair, or otherwiſe. Before they came at Scamachy, the Chan allighted, as alſo the Lady, who was ſet in a Chair of State and ſo carried by certain Perſons thereto apChan going on the one ſide and his Son on the other, In the mean while the Kettle-drums beat, & the TrumPerſia, to conceal the meſſage, to all, ſave him who has the Inſtructions, who either remunerates them with ſuch Gifts as the King is pleaſed to ſend, or elſe to bring their Head along with him; ſo that a Prince ſo ſent for takes his leav of all his Friends and Relations, before he ſets forward to know the Kings
The Chan having entred the City apparrelled in his Robe, which was of Cloth of Gold, he was ſaluted with the Ordnance, and ſe
Ruſſia.
dito, Lewis Fabritius rode poſt to Derbent in order to his Journey for Moſcou, upon the firſt good and certain news he could have from Ruſſia: for there was a ſtrong report that the Czar had a great Army in Camp and having beat the Rebells in open Field was ready to lay ſiege to Aſtrachan; as alſo that one of a high Command and next to Radzin, was taken and put to a ſhamefull and ignomi
Poliſh Gentledito one Slabitsky a Poliſh Gentleman, went to Court, where he caſually met with the Chans Trumpeter, who was a Polander, and a Renegado, where reprehending the Trumpeter for renouncing the Chriſtian Faith, and becoming a Proſelyte in Perſia, he grated a little too hard upon the Renegado's Conſcience, ſo that he after a few hot words drew his Scymiter and ran upon the Gentleman, who was not remiſs in doing the like; yet having bad ſucceſs in his aim, the Renegado hack'd and wounded him ſo, that his Life was deſpaired of.
Poliſh Envoyé, from the Court at Iſpahan, with the ſame Mandate, that he ſhould forthwith go for Poland: But he excuſed himſelf, alleadging that the Caſpian Sea, was full of Coſac Pyrates, and that the Tartar CounOſmins TerriPoliſh Miniſters, who were to paſs that way: Theſe were indeed likely, but not the real reaſons why he deferred his Repatriation, but, as was ſaid bePerſia. The Gentlemen in his Retinue finding this Procraſtination of his Journey to Warſaw did but increaſe their Miſery, were almoſt in deſpair, willing rather to beg all the way home, or get into ſervice with the Caravans. Amonſt the reſt one Pable Witsky, a youth of 19 years of Age, departs for Smyrna with the Caravan. This young Gentleman having ſhown us more than ordinary favour, I thought my ſelf obliged to do what lay in my Power to retaliate his kindneſs, and therefore gave him Letters to the Dutch Conſul at Smyrna and to ſome eminent Merchants of our Nation, deſiring if he ſhould chance to be neceſſitated or at a loſs for Money they would pleaſe to aſſiſt him, he having upon his departure no more than 20 Crowns. I gave them alſo a full DemonDutch Slaves, as alſo an account of his Worth in reſpect of his Race and Deſcent, he being of one of the nobleſt Families in the Countrey, and was able to remitt what they thought good to diſburſe for him.
On the 19 dito were 6 Silver Plates ſtollen out of our Maſters Houſe which put all into a diſorder, he being ſo paſſionate that nought could appeaſe him; and ſuſpecting one Man for the Theft, he cauſed him to be tortured in the preſence of all the Family, althô he was innocent as to the Fact. Firſt he was beat with ſticks on the ſoles of his Feet which he nevertheleſs manfully ſtood out: when this was done they held his Feet cloſe to the Fire, which made him yell and roar out, that the Hair of my Head ſtood on end; and in as much as he could not any longer endure the Torment, he conPole ſo uſed that he could neither ſtand nor go, nor was allowed a ſufficient care to reſtore him to his former Sanity, nor had any thing by way of ſatisfaction, as an acknow
About this time came news from Tefflis about the Chirurgeon who had done that operation on the Ambaſſador, how that the Prince having underſtood that he was arrived ſent for him, and after many Careſſes and in order to his Promiſe, ſent for one of the moſt emi
On the 26 dito our Patron, the Ambaſſadour, got intelligence of the Party that had ſtole his Plate, being diſcovered by a Goldſmith that had bought it; for Notice was given to all the Goldſmiths in Scamachy, that if any one bought it, he ſhould have his Money again, and a Reward to boot. Yet this Delinquent had more favour ſhown him than the Party who was put to the torment before, thô innoPolander, not in ſervice of the Am
On the firſt of March was another Indian Corps burned with a Live-Woman, after the ſame manner as was ſaid before; only the Wood was poured over with Naphte, in place of Turpentine Oil.
On the 2 dito, Hadſy Biram my former Maſter ſent for me to come to him, where he intimated how that he intended ſo ſoon as he poſſiIſpahan, and aſked me if I would go with him. I anſwered, Sir, I would be glad that I might be ſo happy, but the greateſt difficulty will be to eſcape out of the Hands of my Patron: for at firſt he would hardly truſt me over the Threſhold without one to watch me, but in time gave
me my Liberty to go where I would:
MAR. 1671.yet finding me for his bad uſage deſirous to be out of his hands, watches me more narrowly than he did at firſt. Upon this he expreſſed how ſorry he was that he had ſold me to the Am
ON the 10 of March being the Vernal Aequinoctial begins their Year. This day is celebrated with Shooting, Playing,Perſians call Naurus, and wiſh one another a happy New year, as is cuſtomary among us on the 1 of Ianuary. The Chan as alſo all the Nobles and Citizens
Mahometan Superſtition. This was a happy time for our Gentlemen, who now with Authority went a mumping among the Perſians, nor did I think it good to dine with Duke Humphrey, ſo long as I had ſuch an honeſt Hadſi Biram to addreſs my ſelf to, whither I went and was very kindly entertained.
On the 21 we received a Letter from one of our Company, who was a Slave in Scemkal, althô there was no name ſet to it, at which we wondred; yet did beleeve it was Anthony Munſter the Diamond-cutter.
The Contents was,
That he underſtood how that there were 2
The Letter was delivered to us by order of the Dutch Chirurgeons at Scamachy, whom he intreated to redeem him, and he would order the Money to be paid at Moſcou.
Chan, but we had not the Power to do any thing for him; yet underſtood not long after, that the ſaid Munſter was carried to Iſpahan as Captiv, or Slave.
On the 25 we got a Letter from Meyndert Meyndertſz one of our Company, which was directed to my Patron Bochdan: the Contents thereof being much at one with the former; yet he gave no other account of his faſt Reſidence, than that he was a Slave and lived not far from Derbent, where being a Smith by his Trade he made WeaPerſian of Bacchu, and ſince redeemed by I. van Termund.
The next day happened a Fray between 2 Georgians, the Ambaſ
On the 31 at night we had another great Earthquake, accompaScamachy and other places in Perſia huge Balls of Fire, which ſeemed to be hurl'd down from Heaven, with ſuch Force as if the Bands of the World would be diſſolved: this being the moſt dreadful ſight that ever I have ſeen in my life. The Flame thereof was blewiſh like Sulphur when it burns.
Terky, that Aſtrachan was retaken by the Great Dukes Forces, and, that ſeveral Thouſands of the Rebells were executed;Aſtrachan.
On the 2 of April came an Order from Iſpahan,
500 WenScach.
Perſia. This Muſter paſſed throughout the whole Kingdom, not reſpecting either Nation or Religion. The Commiſſioners had Order from the King, to complete the number of 500 of the beſt featured, comif there be any of that age] ſhall be drawn up to their reſpectiv Metropolitans, or Chief Towns (as theſe in Media, were brought to Scamachy) where the Kings Commiſſioners ſhall make choice on the Kings behalf. This Mandate is duly and with all reverence obey'd by the Parents of ſuch Children, who, if they have but one Child are obliged upon pain of Death to bring her to the Place apAPRIL. 1671.
Chans Antichambre where they held the Ren
When the laſt Muſter is made, thoſe that are elected are ſet in Boxes, made not much unlike a Sedan, and carried on Camels, every Camel carrying two, which hang on each ſide like Higlers Baſkets: and the Morning appointed for their Departure they ſound a Trum
All this while I ſaw little hopes of ever enjoying my Freedom, ſo that I began to deſpair of Redemption. After I had conſulted all means, I concluded it my beſt way to diſpatch Letters to ſom of my own Nation, and accordingly ſent one to the Dutch Conſul at Smyrna, and another to the Sieur Molives at Leghorn, humbly enHolland, with one acquainting them that I was in Slavery at Scamachy, and could not ſend any Letter with ſafety and conveniency thrô Moſcovia, which was the reaſon of my being ſo importunate, as to direct them that way.
On the 9th. we had very tempeſtuous Weather, high and impe
The next day was a great Feſtival, or Holy day among them, which was ſolemnized with Beating of Kettle-drums, ſound of Trumpets, and Playing on all ſorts of loud Wind-Muſic.
On the 11th. was one of Radzins chief Officers brought into Scamachy, being with 3 more of the Coſac Commanders ſent upon an AmBoulat a Prince of the Circas-Tartars, to deſire his Aſſiſtance of ſom Auxiliaries, promiſing not only to ſpare his Subjects, but alſo to give him a conſiderable Reward. The Prince having underIſpahan and preſent the King. His one Hand and his Neck was nailed to a Wooden Collar made like a [Y] with 2 Branches, between which his Head was ſupCoſac, or rathér Renegado, for he was a Ruſs born, I knew very well at Aſtrachan. He was mounted on a bay Horſe, and attired in a Garment of yellow Silk, and notwithſtanding the unexpected ſevere Uſage he met with did not ſeem by his Countenance to be at all concerned.Coſac gets his En
When he was brought into Iſpahan, was put into cloſe Priſon and loaden with maſſy Fetters and Manicles, but ſhortly after got his
MAY. 1671.
I have already made mention, how that about 2 years before, Radzin had diſpatched 7 Ambaſſadors to the Court at Iſpahan, deſiring a Supply of Men and Ammunition, as alſo to enter into a League with the King: but by reaſon the Coſacs had plundered Aſtrabath, Ferrebath and Lenkeran, and committed many inſolent Outrages within his Majeſties Territories, and that Radzin was not by any acknowRadzin himſelf to be chop'd into Gobbets, as may be read more at large in Pag. 192, 193. So that I held it ſtrange that Stephen Radzin would aſſume the freedom to ſend any more Legates, without other Ground of Hope, that they ſhould have better ſucceſs than the former had.
Perſian Saint murtherPerſian of reputed Sanctity murthered by a Georgian after a very baſe degenerate manner. The Murtherer was forthPerſia; for rarely it happens that either the King, Prince, Deputie or the Civil Magiſtracy take notice of ſuch delinquencies, but turn over the Malefactor to the aggrieved Parties, who if they be Poor oftentimes ſell their Vengeance for Money, after which the Law is ſilent: but here the Delinquent had not that Fortune, for, the Brother of the Murthered Party had neither Poverty nor Mercy, but ſo ſoon as permiſſion was granted him, he cauſed two Men to hold him down till he had ſtabbed him with the ſame Weapon, ſaying, Get thee hence, thou drunken Dog, to the Devil to whom thou belongeſt; for the Georgian was a drunken Fellow, and executed in the ſame fit of Drunkneſs wherein he had ſo far miſtaken himſelf, ſo that the Murther, Complaint and Execution were all done in the ſpace of three Hours.
May fell out a dolefull Tragedy at a Wedding, where when all the Company were in the middeſt of their mirth, and the
On the 9th. was a ſolemn Proceſſion made at Scamachy which is yearly celebrated in Memory of St. Hoſſeyn the ſecond Son of Aly, and the Grand Expounder of the Alcoran, who was ſtoned to death, or, as ſom aſcertain ſhot with Darts or Arrows. This Feaſt they call Aſſchur, which in their Language ſignifies Ten, for that Hoſſeyn when he went from Medina to Kufu was 10 days purſued by his Enemies, ſo that this Feaſt continues 10 days. This Hoſſeyn as I ſaid before was the youngeſt Son of the great Aly, for whoſe death they ſeem very ſorrowfull. About the Beginning of this Feaſt thoſe that are able apparel themſelvs in Blew, which is their Mourning, as Black is with us. During theſe 10 days they never ſhave their Hair, nor take any Raſour in their Hands, whereas at other times they make uſe of it every day. They hold alſo a very ſtrict Faſt drinking nothing but Water, and all the time howl and make a very mournO Hoſſeyn, Hoſſeyn! Others ſit at the Threſholds and in the Galleries of the Meſquits, or Churches, inceſſantly crying, O Hoſſeyn, Hoſſeyn! O Hoſſeyn, Hoſſeyn! Before every door, and at every Window were planted many TorScamachy, withChatib, or High-prieſt, accompanied with a long rout of Inferior Clergy; The Chatib, or Mufti, himſelf was attired in a long blew Robe, with a white Torſe, or Wreath about his Head, and ſo were all the reſt of the Clergy attired after the ſame manner, yet diffeChatib had in his hand an Arabian Book, out of which he read the Memorials of the Saint with an exceeding loud voice; which ended he was ſilent for a little while, and then again began all the Prieſts to ſing with a ſtrange melody or rather howling, for it was but a confuſed Harmony, ever crying out O Hoſſeyn! O Hoſſeyn! Hoſſeyn! In ſhort a third part of what I heard was Hoſseyn. After theſe followed all the Great Perſonages; and next to them 2 Great Pageants of form, ſquare, each with a pompous Canopy, theſe were ſupporad unguem. Above the Canopy ſtood two Towers very pompous and coſtly, and out of the one a Youth put forth his Head weeping aloud and dolefully cried out Hoſseyn, Hoſseyn! O Hoſseyn, Hoſſeyn! On each ſide the Pageant ran ſeveNaphtha, that they looked more like Satyrs than Men: in their Hands they had Truncheons, wherequaſi verò) to baſtonado the Murtherer: Others there were who carried in each hand a Flint or ſom hard ſtone, which they ſmote together, ſtill howling and weeping aloud, that had it not appeared otherwiſe by their wanton Actions when any She-ſlave came near them I ſhould have taken all for real and unfeigned ſorHoſſeyn, Hoſſeyn. Beſides theſe were 6 luſty Men of robuſt Bodies having each a naked Scymiter in the hand, and bare-headed: theſe danced after a very od manner
Hoſſeyn. In one of their Heads (as I afterwards could deſcry) were more than 20 Wounds.
After this follow'd the ſecond Pageant which was carried by the like number of Men. Above it had a Coffin, upon which was a green Turbant, and round about it were alſo 6 young Men, each one with an Alchoran in his Hand, wherein they continually read. After this Pageant there followed another ſmall one, on which was carDamaskin Scymiter, and on the near-ſide a Shield. On each Saddle was a Turbant, adorned with variety of Gems and unſpeakably rich. This Solemnity was conChatyb [or Sermon] that the Prieſt before mentioned, according to the cuſtom, was to preach, which he did with ſuch Zeal, as that the Chan [or DeHoſſeyn, together with a Hiſtorical recitation of his MartyrChatyb was concluded there came an Image of Straw mounted upon an Aſs, armed with Bow and Arrows: this Figure was to repreſent the Murtherer, who as he rode thrô the Preas, every
Chans Domeſtics: and on the ſame day died the Chans Son, being a Child of 6 moneths old, and buried the next day after, with great pomp and ſtation.Chans Children.Perſian manner) upon a Bier, by ſome of the greateſt PerChan himſelf followed the Bier, and next to him his Son, being about 15 years of Age: after thoſe the Noble PerſoChan drew near to kiſs the Tomb, as alſo his Son, and the reſt of the Nobility, and ſo after their former rank and order returned back to the Palace.
ON the 19 dito we had very tempeſtuous Weather,Aſtrachan,
Aſtrachan.
Coſacs was beat in open Field, and Stephen Radzin, the grand Belwether taken alive. The Succeſs of the Day next to the Power of the Almighty was aſcribed to the German and Dutch Forces, for which good ſervice they received conſiderable Favours from the Czar, and were beyond the Ruſsians themſelvs remunerated with ſeveral Tokens of Gratitude.
On the 20 was a great Wreſtling Match, of 6 expert Wreſtlers being ſtrangers, who quitted themſelvs in the Game with an admi
On the 21 were two of the Ambaſſadors Gentlemen taken into Cuſtody, and put into fetters by the Perſians, for that they had lay with a Mahometan Woman. The Woman her ſelf was ſhortly after brought and delivered to the Ambaſſador, to deal with her according to his Diſcretion; and if he liked to hew her into Gobbets, ſuch bein the Deſire of her Husband, who declared himſelf willing to acquieſce
Venus, was ſuch an expert Proficient that he could ſay his Leſſon with out book as w
On the 22 a Youngman (according to Sentence paſſed upon him) was beat to death with Sticks, being to paſs thrô the Town and at the Corner of every Street to receiv a certain number of Blows, till at laſt he dropped down dead. This was mainly occaſioned upon the requeſt of his unnatural and mercileſs Father, who was an eminent Gentleman, and Inhabitant of Scamachy. The Crime for which he was accuſed was a kind of Satyr, or a Paſquil, which he had written and ſent to the Governour: the main purport whereof was in theſe Words. How comes it that your Lordſh, grows ſuch a great Saint all on a ſudden? Who has poſseſsed your mind to alter thoſe long continued Cuſtoms of the Perſians? And do you not know what Dishonour it is to all the Muſulmans and the whole Kingdom in general? Or are you indeed becom a Chriſtian? &c. This InnoChan or Governour, had iſſued 3 days after the Proceſſion, That none ſhould hew and cut (as was their Cuſtom) with Swords in the Streets, like as we have ſpoke more amply in the Feaſt of Aly. The Father, ſom ſaid, durſt not but make complaint, leſt it ſhould have been imputed to himChan, which be eſteemed a Purchaſe aequivalent to his ſons Life. The next day was another Man beat to Death, by 7 of the Chans Domeſtics before the Gates of the Palace, but for what I could not learn.
Ruſſia.
Aſtrachan; as alſo, how that Radzin was carried to Moſcou. In the mean while Mr. van Termund makes preparation to go for Iſpahan, and with all diligence makes up a Company, to the end that he might travel more ſecure, there being then a great rumor of many
JUNE. 1671.Peter Arentſz of Schevelingen, one of our Ships-Company, and a Poliſh Jew, who had been taken by the Scemkal-Tartars and made his Eſcape.
On the 30 aroſe a moſt hideous Tempeſt of Wind, Thunder,
On the 6 of June I went with a Venetian (who had bin a Slave in Turky and run away) about 15 Miles wArmenian Friary. The Monaſtics received and treated us very kindly, when they underſtood that we were Chriſtians, and in Slavery to the Mahometans. They intreated us to tell them all the paſVenetian firſt did, and afterAſtrachan. They deſired us further to tarry with them for ſom time, which we proMahometans, their Hous-holding regular and gentile, and the Men among themſelvs mutually loving one anoScamachy, we were fain to climb over ſome Hills, and one great Mountain flat at Top, upon which was a Lake, according to our gueſſing, 3 miles in Circuit. Going along the ſhore to our great amazement we found four Bodies of Men that had but newly been murthered, having their throats cut, we ſup
On the 9 happened a very Tragical paſſage at Scamachy, which, notwithſtanding the horrible ſpectacle I had ſeen the Day before, made my Heart beat withrn my Breaſt, as it did many times after that, when it came into my mind. A Poliſh Woman and a Slave was taken by a Perſian for his Wife. Whether ſhe had ſom private Quarrel with him, or that ſhe was conſcious of ſom misbehaviour to him I cannot determine, however ſhe came to my Patron the Poliſh Ambaſſador, firſt making a large Demonſtration of her State, and of her Friends and Family in Poland, ſhe requeſted that my Lord would vouchſafe her his Protection, till ſuch time as ſhe could meet with an opporThe Old Woman had not ſought her Daughter in the Oven, had ſhe never bin there her ſelf: and ſo the Men in Perſia,
Perſians.
It happened once that my Patron received a ſudden Meſſage from the Prince to com to Court; upon which he gave me Order to ſaddle
Ho! ho! don't run away, go thrô and fullfil your Lords Commands. This ſhe ſaid with a ſmiling Countenance, which cured me of the Palſie, that the ſight of her had already ſtruck me into.
Iſpahan.
th. the Ambaſſadors Brother departed for Iſpahan, to make complaint againſt the Chan, about the Money that the Ambaſſa
th. of Iuly is a great Fair at Scamachy, upon which day above 500 Slaves were brought to Market, that being their main TraffPolonians, Ruſsians, Georgians and Circas-Tartars. The Poles & Ruſſes are commonly ſtole by the Dageſtan-Tartars, as alſo the Circaſſes which are Heathens, for according to the Voice of the Alchoran no Mahometan [or Muſulman] may be made a Slave, which mainly tends to the Propagation of Turciſm. On the contrary the Circas-Tartars in revenge do ſteal the Dageſtans and ſell them to the Ruſsians. And ſo the Tartars, althô ſeemingly many NaRuſs—and Perſia. But as for the Georgians they are generally ſuch as are ſold by their own inhuman Parents, and in that out do both Turk and Pagan who will not make ſale, of ſuch as are of their own Opinion or NaDerbent and Scamachy, which of late years ſeem to flouriſh mainly, and for this reaſon is frequented by many Merchants, where they
On the 12 the Calenter who is next to the Chan in Power and Office came to our Ambaſſador with an Order from the Scach,
Poliſh AmThat he was at pre
Chan would pay him what he was owing him, upon the receipt of which he would immediatly go, without more or further delay.
ON the 13 was a violent ſtorm,Dardanelli when they were diſcharged, being reputed the greateſt in the World: But there was as much difference between this and them, as there is between a Mountain and a Mole-Hill. About 2 hours after fell down 6 more, which were as big as Hogs-heads, theſe conſumed and waſted a great part of the ground where they light. This Tempeſt conti
On the 15 we had news from Ardebil, how that Monſr. Termund with P. Arentſz his ſervant were arrived there ſafe and well, althô not without ſom difficulty by the way, meeting with ſome RobKonjack telling them that he was ſent to the Schach on an Expreſs, they let him go without further trouble.
Scamachy lay under Water, and the ſtreams coming from the Mountains brought down huge Pieces of Rocks and Stones which came down into the Town and carried away ſeve
Chan had a Robe of Favour ſent him from the King. The Envoyé who brought it being arrived at the Kings Houſe withChan with his coming, who according to the Cuſtom ſet his Houſe in order and took leav of his Friends, fearing that this was upon a ſharper Errand than the laſt, the more I ſuppoſe, becauſe my Patrons Brother had been at Iſpahan to acquaint the King, that his Brother, the Poliſh AmChan, and could not for the want thereof undertake his Journey for Warſaw. The Chan makes preparation to go and know the Kings Pleaſure, being mounted on a ſtately Arabian Horſe, and followed with a great Retinu of Nobility and Courtiers, all well mounted, as before So ſoon as he was com there the Envoyé fulfills his Commiſſion and delivers the Robe, after the ſame manner & with the ſame CereAUG. 1671.
On the 18 of Auguſt we had a great Earth-quake which raged a long time together, in which many Dwelling Houſes, Stables and Barns without the Walls on the Eaſt-ſide of the Town were thrown down, and abundance of Men cruſh'd to pieces. When the EarthBanjans.
Benians performing SacriIndians will never kill any living Creature, not ſo much as Lice, which althô they take yet ſet them down in ſom place or other to paſture, and let them ſhift for themſelvs. When they ſee any Perſon go out a BirdChan a conſideChan would not liſten to any ſuch thing. Theſe people are alſo very ſuperſtitious in many other things, and withall ſtrict and zealous. They will not uſe either Diſh or any other Veſſel belonging to ſuch as are not of their own Sect, yet will ſuffer others to make uſe of theirs. They abſtain from Fleſh, and Fiſh, and whatIndians, but all other Nations.
Perſians, when as all the Women went to perform their Solemnities at the Graves of their deceaſed Friends and Allies upon the Mountains, where they freMoſquees, or ChurMoſquite, they utter theſe words, This I do in the Name of the Almighty GOD: which ſaid they utter ſom ſhort Prayer, that they have by form praePraiſed be GOD, the Lord of the Laſt Judgement. Thou O Heavenly GOD haſt power to help us, wherefore we adore thee. Help us to find and continue on the right Way, not on the Way where ſinners commit ſins, but on that Way where no Error is. Amen.
The next day being the 27 I preſented Hadzi Biram my former Patron with the Model of a Ship and a Galley which coſt me about 3 Moneths Labour. On the Ship were 40 Guns, and 10 on the Galley, with 42 Oars, both being complete, as to Maſts, Sails Rigging, Anchors, &c. Hadzi accepted of it kindly, and forthHadzi Biram, whether I was at Scamachi, which underſtanding deſired to ſee me; upon which my PaPerſian manner, with my Hand upon my Breaſt. The Prince, ſeeing me ſtand at a diſtance, bad me com near, which I did. Then he fell to asking me ſom Queſtions as to my Countrey, and the Occaſion of my coming thither, which I anEngliſh and Hollanders, encountered each other, continually firing their Guns, and then proceeded to Boarding, SinkMahometans made War againſt each other, and thoſe two mighty PoSchach of Perſia, and the Ottoman Emperour, profeſſing one and the ſame Faith in ſubſtance. The Prince turning about to Hadzi Biram, told him that what I ſaid was juſtly true. Upon this came in ſom Great Perſonage, and giving me the Beck, a Token that I muſt withdraw, I went away as much a Slave as I came in.
On the 28 was a great Silver Goblet ſtole out of our Houſe, but there was ſuch a narrow ſcrutiny that the Thief was immediatly found out, and after ſeveral blows on the Foot with a Staff, was put in FetGeorgian, and the Ambaſſadors Townsman.
On the 31 I took a melancholic Walk through the Town, and immediatly had a Reſcontre with one of the Tartars that took us and made us Slaves, he being the very Man that tied me to his Horſes Tail, dragging me backwards thrô Thorns and Brambles ſtone-naked. I had no ſooner ſeen him but my Blood began to boil in my Veins, and my heart beat, ſtill ſtudying what way to be avenged of the Villain. I dogged him ſo far till I found a convenient place, and having a good Truncheon in my Hand, with a knot at the end, as the Perſians commonly carry about with them, with which I lent him ſuch a Dandy-flute on the Fore-head, that he tumbled down like an Ox, upon which not willing to loſe my Labour I pumme'ld ſo about the Chaps, that Blood came guſhing out at his Noſe and Ears; and well it was that I had not my Knife about me, for if I had, I ſhould ſurely have ſent him to ſalute his Grandfather: yet my fear was that I had already ſent him on that Errand, for he lay as dead upon the Ground, which I obſerving, and dreading the conſequence, made all the haſt I could to get away: However being ſeen by ſom Perſians, who it ſeems had bin Spectators all this while at a diſtance, one of them caught me by the Arm and with a ſurly look, asked me, ſaying, What is your meaning, Friend? d'ee intend to murther a Man at noon-day upon the Street? Hold, hold, you are not to go ſo, you muſt be anſwerable to the Governour for this Inſolency. But to ſatisfy them, I made
That he was a Dageſtan Flagiary or, Manſt
; and with one told them, how inhuPoliſh Ambaſſadour: Hearing this they let mTartars, who no ſooner underſtood what was doTartars at the Gate, who were the ſame that followed me, bringing the ſilly Miſcreant along with them, alGet you gone, yo
A hard Taſk upon my Word, yet coming below, all the Gentlemen and Servant waited there, longing to hear what reſult I had, and underſtanDageſtan that wanteI proteſt this Hollander is an excellent Surgeon.
The Time drew on when all the Caravans fitted and made prepaIſpahan, which I greatly longed for. And to loſe no OpAbas, which he told me he paid for me, refuſing to give it mOCTOB. 1671.L. Fabritius, of whom I got ſo much Money as I thought would ſerv my Turn. With this Money I bought a good Perſian Horſe; but coming to preſent it, he had no liking to it, ſo that I was fain to buy another, which I thought might pleaſe him better; yet this he fancied no better than the former, ſo that I was fain to look out for another. The Perſian [Jockey] ſhow'd me another, and a ſtately Arabian Gelding,Perſia, that when ever a Man buys any ſuch Merchandiſe, to wit, Slaves, or Cattel, he may return it in 3 days, if it be not for his Turn. This ſatisfied my Patron very well and upon my delivering it, told me I might go when I ſaw conveniency.
On the 29th. of October I went about to take my leav of all my Friends and Benefactors. The many great Favours that were ſhown me from Hadzi Biram my former Patron, and the great Civility of his Lady obliged me above the reſt to perform that piece of Duty and manifeſt my thankfulneſs to them for their Bounty. When I came there I found my Patroneſs Altina at home, the reſt being all gone to bath as they do every day. My Patron himſelf was alſo abroad about his Affairs. My Patroneſs upon my coming in bad me welNothing at all, Madam, ſaid I, but my liberty to famiſh, which I muſt certainly have don, if I had not been ſupplyed by your bountiful Goodneſs, to whom I have made bold to have recourſe, ſo often that I was aſhamed. Well, replies the good Gentlewoman, has he given you nothing, as a Corrolary for your Faithfullneſs? I ſhall do it my ſelf, upon condition you tell it to no perſon whatſoever; and with that fetched me a coſtly Jewel, and ſeveral pieces of Money, which far outvalued the Price I was ſold for. After a little diſcourſe ſhe deſired me to ſtay at Scamachy, and ſo renewed what ſhe had propounded to me at Derbent, to wit; that we ſhould go together for Moſcovia, and ſo for Holland; but
Coſacs, who ſtill moleſted the Caſpian Sea, durſt not reſolv thereupon, but deſired her to put that out of her mind. She perceiving me not at all flexible to imbrace her PropoWell, I find my ſelf in deſpair of ever coming into Chriſtendom, yet the Will of GOD be don: and ſeeing you are reſolved to go for Iſpahan you would do well to take your Journey with my Husband, who intends if the ſeaſon prove good to ſet forward to morrow, very early. Incredible was my Joy to hear the news, that my Patron was to take the Journey ſo ſuddenly, who had an entire and unfeigned Love for me, as I have already ſhown. About 2 hours after my coming thither came my Patron himIſpahan, he would bear my Charges. I accepted of his kind Offer, with all telling him, how that I was aſhamed of the freedom I had aſſumed to my ſelf in being a continual burthen and Charge to him: but ſince it was an intenL. Fabritius and Chriſtian Brandt, who were redeemed by the Eaſt-India ComTermund, they bearing their own Charges: He made anſwer, John, for your ſake it ſhall be don althô there were Twenty of'em. When all was in a readineſs I went to give my Patroneſs the laſt Adieu, and obſerved that Tears ſtood in her Eies. William B. Klopper I would fain have had along with us, but he judged it better to ſtay with the Poliſh Legate, thinking to come that way, and thrô Moſcovia ſooner home, than by the Indies, the more becauſe he found himſelf unſound of Body, and very unfit to undertake ſo great a Journey, and after that ſo long a Voyage, and paſs the Line twice; thus with Tears we took our Leavs of each other, with order that who ſoever did firſt arrive at home ſhould give an account of the laſt Condition he left the reſt in. The ſame day that we left Scamachi I met with Meynder
who, as was ſaid in Pag. 258, being a Smith by his Trade, made Knives and Swords for his Patron at Bachu, and had continued ſo long in Slavery, this Place being the moſt noted in all the Countrey for Steel and Iron work, as Neurenburg in Germany, or Sheffield in England. His Maſter
OCT. 1671.Chriſtianity and imbrace Mahometaniſm. He was alſo redeemed at the Charges of the Eaſt India Company, and deſigned for Gammeron by way of Iſpahan, but he being not altogether proCaravan.
ON the 30 dito, by Gods good Conduct we ſet forward, with the whole Caravan, which conſiſted of 2000 Men, or upwards, and about 1000 Camels and Horſes of Carriage. My Maſter alſo had 20 Horſes of his own in particular loaden with Cheſtnuts, for a Preſent to the King of Perſia, for one having any Matter, or Affair at Court never appears before either the Scach, or any ſubordinat Prince, empty handed. Our way was over very high and ſteep hills: amongſt which we found the Sepulchre of a great Perſian Saint called Pyr Mardechan, being at the foot of the Mountains of Faherlu. The Countrey here about lies waſte and deſart, there being neither InCarawanſera. This hard travailing was not very unwelcom to us, becauſe that the weather was cold, althô ſom of the Horſes being heavy loaden and tired were left behind. About the Evening we came to Kaſily where we took up our nights
Caſily is altogether barren and dry, except here and there ſome good paſturage, ſo that the manner of Living with the Inhabitants is like that of the Tartars, moving to and again over the face of the Countrey with their Wives, ChilOſtak. During our travailing thrô this Countrey we could get litle elſe but Milk to refreſh our ſelves: however my Patron out of his Bounty would not ſuffer me to want for any thing, but imparted to me what he had as well Victuals to eat, as Wine to drink, which ſerved me for a good Breaſt-plate againſt the Cold.
Having ſtaid one night at Kaſily, we ſet forward and about 8 a clock the next evening came to a fair Village called Tzawaar, or Tzawat, as ſome call it, which is ſo much as to ſay, a Thorow-fare; becauſe that here is the Paſſage which brings over the grand River Araxes, and here every one is to ſhow his Paſport, out of fear that ſome Turks ſhould ſlip over with the Caravan, of whom the Perſian is alwaies jealous, and are conſtrained to take ſharp notice of every particular Perſon. At this place is a long Bridge made of Keels, and thwarted with maſſy Planks, that are faſtned together with great Bolt and Chains, which for better ſecurity is guarded with a good number of Soldiery. When we were tranſported over the ſaid River, we took our Nights-reſt in the Open-fields.
Araxes.
Araxes takes its head about the high Mountains between Schirwan and Mokan behind Mount Ararat, running North-eaſt till it finds the River Kur, or Cyrus, where it diſgorgeth it ſelf, about 39 degr. 54 min. Northerly latitude, where theſe two Rivers are incorKur, as it is vulgarly called, riſes in the Mountains of Georgia or Gurgiſtan. Araxes is reckoned to be one of the ſwifteſt Rivers in all Aſia, very deep and good Water. Araxes alſo receives ſeveral other noble Rivers, to wit, Caraſu, Senki, and Kerni Arpa; About the Mouth of Caraſu it is at the deepeſt, but about a league from Ordabath it makes a horriſonant roaring and a moſt hideous murmur, where it receives the floods of the famous Mochan, which River, as well as the Araxes, abounds with various kinds of Fiſh. The Banks which in moſt Places mount very high, are all grown ore with the ſhrub Gli
a kind of Liquirice, as alſo Liquirice of the comSpaniſh, German,
NOV. 1671.Moſcovia, for I have ſeen ſom of it that was thicker than my Arm.
On the 3 of November we travailed 5 leagues over the Heath of Mochan, and ſaw by the way many Hurdles and Boors Cottages, but durſt not call at any to provide our ſelvs with Refreſhments, being ſenſible of the perils, for hither are all thoſe ſent to Exile whom the Scach thinks good to baniſh, and hither reſort all the Mutineers; ſo that theſe like the Banditti in the Alps, render the way very unſafe and incommodous to travel, ſomtimes ſurprizing and aſſailing the Caravans, when they find themſelves of Force enough, or the Caravan too weak to withſtand'em.
On the 4th.
dito, we ſet forward,Baltharu.
Baltharu, which for Greatneſs gives place to all the before named; but, for the Multitudes of Tortoiſes that are taken here about, no leſs famous nor inferiour to any other in all the ſurface of the Countrey. All along the Banks we ſaw holes and caves which thoſe Animals had made in the Sand, the ſhoar appearing like a Coney-borrough. Theſe Caves have their mouth or entrance alwaies to the Southward, where they lay their Eggs. On the Countrey through which this RiDutch] Leagues.
On the 5 we travailed about as far as we did the day before, but were fain to take up our Lodging under the great Canopy of Heaven, ſetting down with the whole Caravan, near ſom Water-pitts, where we found good paſturage for the Beaſts, conſidering the ſeaſon of the year.
The next day we found an end of the Heath Mokan, and had High-land to travail over, as the Mountains of Bethzyrvan, or Bethzyrum. This day we croſſed a ſmall River (if I well remember) 12 times, having a crooked or ſerpentine Courſe, which the Merchants
Scamachy for their Conveniency, had promiſed a conſiderable Sum of Money to ſom Ingenieurs to to make ſtreight, yet by reaſon of many intervening Hills, and thoſe moſtly of a hard rock could not be effected. At night we got the Village Schechmurat, where my Patron ſent me out to fetch ſom Spring-Water: but being about half an [Engliſh] mile without the Town was aſſail'd by 3 Robbers, who ſuddenly came running out upon me, having their Eies fixed my Armor; ſo that in all probability, that which I had for my DeCaravan and ſent upon the ſame Errand, had not com in time to aſſiſt me; for I was almoſt out of breath with defending my ſelf, having my Back againſt the Ruins of an old Wall, which ſeemed to be the Relicts of ſom Watch-Tower. One of the 3 I had wounded very ſore on the Arm, but the other two breaking in proved too ſtrong for me: yet when they ſay the reſt com in and cloſe up with them, thought it better to make uſe of their Heels than their Hands.
On the 7th. we travailed over very hilly and montanous Ground, encamping that night in a Valley, which was waſt, and deſtitute of Inhabitants.
On the 8th. we came to a very fair and commodious Caerawanſera, built at the Charges of the Indian Traders, for the conveniency of their Caraevans: Here we intended to remain over night, but beginCaravan on every ſide, and plundered all they came at, that was of any value and portable; and althô we had timely notice to defend our ſelvs, yet they had got a conTzanle, which is a beautiful Town, but not fortified, where it was thought fit that we ſhould ſtay till the next morning: Tzanle is a Paradiſe in regard of it's pleaſant Situation; round about which is nothing to be ſeen, but Orchards, Gardens and Houſes of Recreation. Here we ſupplied our ſelvs
On the 9th we found very bad travailing way and with great DifTrizetlu, out of which MounCaraſu, and after it has encompaſſed many Mountains glides with a ſoft and gentle ſtream thrô the Valleys, till it finds the great Araxes, into which it diſgorgeth it's ſelf with an incredible noiſe. Near the Village Samian is a very famous Bridge,Trabedar a Village ſeated in a pleaſant Landſhip, where we took up our Nights-lodScotland) the Countrey-Plague,
The next day we broke up, and went thrô the Town Kelchera, which is about half an hours walking from Ardebil, where is the noMauſoleum, or Sepulchre of Zide Tzaybrail, the Father of Scech Sephy. This Tzaybrail was in his life time a man of a mean and ſlender Fortune, as well in Subſtance as Parts, but Sedredin his Grandchild willing to make him coëqual with his Father in the Calender, cauſed all his Bones to be gathered together and brought to this Shrine, which was erected to his perpetual Memory. The ſame Sedredin, alſo built that moſt ſumptuous Meſchaich, or Sepulchre within Ardebil, for Scech Sephy his Father. Certainly thoſe Bones of his Grandfather muſt have bin very emphatical and notedly eminent above all the Boors and PeTzerbail. However the Perſians very devoutly pay their Devotions at this ſacred Tomb, without much reſpect to the Matter. But in what manner thoſe Bones appear I could not ſee, althô I was ſhorn after the Perſian faſhion, and in my converſaHadſi Byram my quondam Maſter, uſed more like a CompaniMuſulman. After we had reſted a litle at Kelcheran, we marched forward, and about 2 in the Afternoon came to Ardebil,
Ardebil.
Hadſi Byram took up his Lodging in a Street called Kumbalum, being a very fair and well-provided Inn.
Ardebil, called alſo Ardevil, lies in 38 degr, and 50 min. in the Countrey of Adrilegizan, being ſeated in a round Plain, or Valley, environed on each ſide with very high Mountains, the greateſt where of is called Zebelahu, and much talked of in Perſia for its height. Thoſe Mountains, as they told me, which ly to the Weſtward, are all the SumKielan, the Air is more moderate and not altogether ſo cold. And by reaſon that theſe cold ſeaſons do not come gradually aApril, taking with him 4 Slaves, whereof 3 were Strangers and unnacuſtomed to the aforeſaid Changes, died in this Place, but the other which had been brought up there abouts, ail'd nothing at all.
May or June: but without the Mountains it is very warm; and afEnglish] Shilling, and that very white and good Bread.Schach, or King, who has impoſed a Toll of Four pence half penny for every Sheep, great and ſmall, that paſſes the Bridge which by reaſon of the vaſt Flocks and great Inclination of the People to bring up Cattel brings up yearly an incredible ſum of Money. At that time when I was there, were Commiſſioners apMarch and September, which amounts to more then 26000 lb. Sterl. which is conſiderable for the bare paſſage only; but far greater is the Toll which is impoſed on every Sheep that is ſold. Within the Juriſdiction of Ardebil lie 57 Villages and Hamlets, and thoſe ſo cloſe together, that the Town is eaſily ſupplied with plenty of Lactuaries, or what elſe the Land affoards.
Ardebil is a very great Town, but not cloſe built, for every eminent Houſe has a Garden or Orchard behind it. At this day it lies without Walls, Trenches and other Muniments. It is watered with one ſmall Rivulet, which they call Baluchlu, taking its firſt ſpring from the Mountains of Scamaſchu, about 6 miles to the Southward of Ardebil. BeCaraſu. This River is
March and April when it ordinarily rains very hard, with the Snow and concurSchach Abas the greatArdebil are 5 Capital Streets, to wit, Derwanſche, Tabar, Niardouve
and Keſerkuſte: all theſe were very ſtately and broad, being plaBander chan, Kamankar, Degme Daglir, and Urſumi Mahele, famous (or to ſay more properly, infamous) for Whores, who have here their Reſidence, and ply all over the Town, and in the Carawanſeras, and are reckoned as a Corporation or Gild. Theſe are all Poeteſſes by Occupation, ſom Compoſing Elogies and Hymns in the Praiſe of A
and Hoſſeyn, others do make Encomiums, ſetting out the Noble Deeds of the Scach, and others dance naked before the Chan. &c. Theſe of all that ever I have ſeen in my Life are the moſt impudent, and ſen
Scech Sephys Meſcaich
Maydan or Sanctuary, you com to the Baſar, or great Market-plain.Maydan.
Kayſery. Behind this you find three Streets, almoſt arched over, in which there are many Shops ſtored with Wares of leſs value. The Carawanſeras, or Inns, of Ardebil are very numerous, and thoſe frequented each with a diſtinct ſort of People, as Turks, Tartarians and Indians, who ſojourn to and again, upon the account of Merchandiſe. In Ardebil are many fair Metzids, or Temples, whereof one they call Adine ſurpaſſes all the reſt, being founded upon the Top of a Hill in the middle of the Town, and beſides that graced with a pompous Tower, which outbraves all the reſt in the City, rearing its Top aloft to an exceeMahomet is their Sabbath; and from hence it has it's name. Before this TemEngliſh] miles without the City, at the Charges of Muhamed Riſa the Rochtaf, or Chancellor of Perſia. The deſign thereof is that every one willing to viſit the Holy Sepulchre muſt firſt waſh himſelf there.
UPon the 13 my Patron Hadzi Byram, who was a very zealous devout Mahometan, went to perform his Devotion at the H. SeZide Tzaybrail, in Kelcheran, having firſt well provided himif you will indeed becom a Muſulman I am freer you ſhould go, than ſtay behind, but it is not lawful to bring a Chriſtian thither to pollute that moſt Holy ſpot of Ground. O Sir, replied I, why cannot I waſh my ſelf as clean as a Muſulman? and why ſhould it be thought that I pollute the Place, ſince I leav nothing at all behind me but what I find there? All this would not prevail with him, but rather ſeemed to incite him to anger, ſo that being unwilling to purchaſe his diſpleſure to pamper my ſelf with ſuch an unprofitable curioſity, I thought fit for that time to deſiſt. But the next morning finding him in a pleaſant humor I renewed my requeſt and he aſſented, thô conditionally, as, Firſt, to keep ſilence all the time, ſince I was not perfect in the Dialect, and ſo might com to be diſcovered; Secondly, not to ſtare any Perſon fully in the Face; and Thirdly, to act for Changeling in caſe any Body came to queſtion me, Fools and Madmen being with them reputed Holies, for they are of Opinion that all men have an equal underſtanding, and that thoſe, who are either Mad or Foo
Zide Tzaybril.
Hafiſans, or Waiters came out, who demanded of him his Sable and Boots, and of me my Truncheon, which he ſhut up in a litle Chamber: my Patron then having given him a piece of money in the Hand, and ſo we both went in bare-foot. The Floor was all laid with Tapeſtry, the Roof and Walls were painted Blew, illuſtrated
Alchoran, as alſo to read and to ſing, that ſo they may be fit to ſerve in that holy Function, and adminiſter at the ſacred Tomb. Here and there were ſeveral Chairs whereon lay ſom pieces of the Alchoran. In the Middle of all ſtood the ſaid Tomb, being about a Mans height raiſed above ground, 6 Foot long, and proportionably broad. It was of pure Gold and laid in with Flowers and Foliage of Silver, which was very artifiTzirachtſchikan. When my PaHafiſans who gave him the Benediction, and ſo diſmiſſed him. When he was com to the Carawanſera, concluded this Devotion with a ſumptuous and an Epicurean Banquet, with Drinking, Dancing and Whoring, ſo that it may eaſily be perceived that the extreme and furtheſt Hope they have, who are the greateſt Zelots in Turciſm is only for libidinous Enjoyments, and to obtain their fill of voluptuous Pleſures and ſenſual Delights in the World to com, as by an implicit Faith they are induced to beleeve.
In Ardebil are many excellent Hot-baths, which bring in no ſmall profit to the Owners; my Maſter alſo made frequent uſe of the ſame, as well out of a ſuperſtitious Zeal, as for conſervation of Health. But about 3 [Dutch] miles without Ardebil are certain Hot wells, proceeding from a ſulphurous quality of the Earth; Theſe are exScamachy to make uſe of it for a weakneſs in his joints.
On the 16 my Maſter ſet out to go to theſe Baths and asked me to go with him, bidding me take a Horſe, ſo that I was as well mounted as he himſelf: he took with him 3 Slaves with an Aſs to carry clean Linnen, Meat, and Wine, with other Refreſhments. A little before we came at thoſe Wells, we ſmelled a ſtrong ſmell of BrimGrandauſch, but this my Maſter thought not fit for him to uſe, but went to another called Serdebe, which nevertheleſs is reputed the beſt Water, and was therefore roofed over with a ſtately Arch, at the Charges of the Grand Chancelor Tzulpharachan. Among the Slaves that my PaGreek, for whom he had a great kindneſs, and uſed him more like a Brother than a Servant. So ſoon as he was unGreek rubbed his Body with a Towel, till he was all over red, then he ſtepped into the Bath, where for ſome time he ſat to the neck in Water, and then coming out dried himſelf, took a draught of very ſtrong Wine, and away again into the Bath, which having done 2 or 3 times together he clothed himſelf and rode away to a Carawanſera, where the Day before he had beſpoke a warm Bed, in which he lay him down and ſtayd over night. The next day betimes in the Morning we rode back to Ardebil, where he kept his Bed for ſom days following.
Scach Sephy at Ardebil.
th. I went with my Patron to ſee the moſt noble Sepulchre of Schach Sephy. My ſaid Patron alſo prepared himſelf for this, as he did to viſit the other at Kelcheran, by Faſting and Prayer. This famous Mauſoleum erected to the memory of Scach Sephy, and now the Burying Place of other Perſian Kings lies near the Maydan. Before this pompous Sepulchre ſtands a fair Gate of rich Marble, in which is ſhown an Admirable Skill in Architecture. Within this Port or Gate hang two Maſſy Silver Chains athwart each other like Feſtons: thoſe they ſay were beſtowed on this Place by the Chan of Meggura, for a Monument of his Zeal. Having entred this Gate we came into a fair and ſpacious Court all paved with ſquare Stones and poliſhed Porphyr; round about on each ſide were Arches, as Piazzas, under
Perſian had hewn down a great bough with his Scymiter, but being taken was immediatly beheaded with the ſame Weapon. In this Gate hung alſo another great Silver Chain, which was given by the Chan of Kentzay. Here they demanded our Weapons, which being delivered, my Patron went forward to another Gate, which entring he fell down and kiſſed the Threſhold, withall charging me not to touch it with my Feet, leſt I ſhould pollute that which many thought worthy a long Pilgrimage to com and kiſs: he told me alſo that it was a favour greater than ordinary, that I being a blind ignorant Chriſtian and an Infidel ſhould be admitted to pry into ſo glorious a Sanctuary. I was heartily content to obey his Will, rather than to deny my Curioſity, and followed him cloſe at the Heels, leſt coming into ſom Labrynth I ſhould looſe my Life by the Loſs of my Maſter. The next Place we came into was a ſtately Gallery, or rather an Antichamber, arched croſs wiſe, and neatly plaiſtered. On the right hand as I went in was a great Silver Cock which ran with Water that was conveyed thither by leaden Pipes from a fair Fountain about 4 [Engliſh] miles without Town. Right over againſt this is another Apartment paved with green and blew glazed ſtones: and on the Floor was ſpread a very rich Carpet: in the middle ſtood two huge Silver Candleſticks about 8 or 9 Foot high; round about were Seats as in our Chores, wherein ſat ſeveral Prieſts all in white Stoles, who ſung all the time, keeping good Harmony, and at the End of every Verſicle bowed all alike, one to another. This Place is called Tzichillachane, the Chappel or Oratory of the King; ſo called by reaſon of the 40 days, which the Perſians affirm that Scach Sephy ſpent here at one time, in Faſting and Prayer, not uſing any thing all that time, ſave only a Cup of Water once a day. Leaving this place we went into another Gate where a Silver Chain hung,
Aly Chan. The Parlour, or Hall into which we now came was all paved and laid in with a ſplecked Stone; The Building its ſelf was round, like a Theatre; the Doors were laid over with Silver Plates and had two great Silver Rings like WreathsSchach Abas, who had made a vow to do it, in caſe he returned hom
Ʋſbequ
in Choraſan, as he did, and vanquiſhed the Rebels. This Hall is nAlchoran, which they read and ſung by Turns. LeavinSchach Sephy, which was of fair Marble, being about 3 FoSchach Iſmaël, of Sephys, anPerſia, with abundance of Manuſcripts in the Chaldean, Perſian, Arabic and Syrian Tongues, the Books were piled up one above another and moſt of them adorned with Gold and Silver; whence I concluded that they were more for ſhow, than for dayly uſe and recourſe. In this ſaid Library were ſeveral leſs Appartments, where were many Porceline Diſhes, Cups and other Utenſils, for the Kitchin and Table, which are uſed when the King or any other great Perſonage comes to Eat there, whereas they ſay it is not conſiſtent with the Humility they profeſs, to be ſerved in Gold or Silver: the more becauſe that the great Schach Sephy himſelf did eat altogether out of Wooden Diſhes. From hence we went out and came into the Kitchin, the Doors whereof were covered with Silver Leavs by the aforeſaid Schach Abas, and the Room within very neat and handſom. The Cooks were all the time very ſtill and quiet, as if it were ſom Religious Duty they were about, and each one according to his Office had a place allotted him, to wit, thoſe that roaſted and thoſe that boiled, baked, fried, ſtewed, &c. each by themſelvs. The Cauldrons were ſet faſt in the Walls, and the Water they uſed was brought ſom Miles by an Aqueduct, and let in by Silver Cocks. In this Kitchin is provided Victuals for more than a Thouſand People, one day with another, to wit, Prieſts, Pilgrims, and other Poor People which have here their Maintenance. They eat three times a day, at 6 in the Morning, at 10 before, and 3 in the afternoon. The two firſt Meals were given by Schach Sephy, and the laſt at the Charges of the preſent King. Before the Meals do begin, they beat 2 Kettle-drums, which they ſay their great Prophet MaMedina by Schach Sedredin. They have not much variety in their Diet, and uſe moſtly Rice and Mutton, which is diſtributed very liberally to all the Appendents, who ſeldom com ſhort but leav of their Commons.
Coming out of this famous Kitchin, we went into a large Court where were interred 12 Perſian Kings, to wit,
This noble Schach Sephy, the Son of Tzaybraïl.
Sedredin the Son of Sephy.
Tzinid the Son of Sedredin.
Sultan Aider the Son of Tzinid. Whoſe Skin the Turks dreSchach Ayder, the Second.Iſmaël, the Son of Aider.
Tamas, the Son of Iſmaël.
Iſmaël the Second, Son of Tamas.
Muhamed Choddabende, Brother of Iſmaël.
Iſmaël Myrſa, Sons of Choddabende.
Hemſe Myrſa, Sons of Choddabende.
Abas. Sons of Choddabende.
Mauſoleum or Place of Sepulture was erected by a verMedina, with whom Schach Sedredin covenatePerſians ſay that he had the Model out of HeaveEngliſh: Whoſoever is of a pure Heart
The firSedredin had built was very magnificent aTzinid appears far mo
Sedredin at the InaugPerſians themſelvs, but alIndians, Tartars and others that are of the Sect of Aly: which commonly don upon Sickneſs, Expedition of War, DangeroSyaretname, which is kept and ſhown by the Party, upon Occaſion, who is thereby capable to ſerve the King in certain Offices ſuitable to the Value of what he offered: althô the Commiſſioners ſomtimes willing to favour any indigent Perſon, have the Opportunity to raiſe their Fortunes by granting them ſuch a Billet, or ſetting a greater Value upon upon the Offering; ſo that there is Cheating as well in thoſe Sacred Functions, as in Temporal Negotiations.
The faſt Revenues of this Meſchair that are ſettled in the Town of Ardevil, is the Rent of 200 Dwelling Houſes, 9 Hamans,
Carawanſeras, the Maydan, with all the Buildings and Shops round about; as alſo the Kayſery, or Exchange, 100 Shops in the Baſar. The Toll and Impoſitions of all Merchandiſes whatever. Of the 57 Villages that are within the Juriſdiction of Ardebil. 33 accrew to this Sanctuary, and 5 in the Province of Serab. In the City Tabris it hath 100 Dwelling-Houſes, and the like number of the moſt emiCaſwin are ſeveral Carawanſeras and Baths, as alſo in Kilan, Aſtrarath, and Mokan, beſides many other Revenues that are ſettled upon it in divers Provinces, which could I have given an account of, would fall too taedious, and tire the Patience of my Rea
Beſides this famous and moſt pompous Royal Sepulchre; Ardebil flouriſhes mainly in Traffic and Merchandiſe, for hither throng all the Traders of Giſtan, Georgia, Kurdiſtan and other Countreys; Beſides the Profit that the Citizens do receive from the continual concourſe of ſtrangers and Pilgrims from Places both near and remote. It is alſo a great Thorow-fare from the Northern Regions to
and receivs a conſiderable Benefit of Caravans and Paſſengers, who
Perſia, as it was before the Warrs of Alexander of Macedonia, who had here his Reſidence, as they averr and prove by many unde
FOurteen Days we ſtaid in Ardebil, during which time I had leiPerſian ſo that none diſtruſted me to be a Muſulman, but allowed me acceſs over all. When theſe 14 days were expired, the Caravan made preparation to break up, and purſue the Journey for Iſpahan, for which end many freſh Camels and Horſes were taken in. When the Caravan was ready, we obſerved that the Company was conſiderably increaſed with new Paſſengers and Mer
On the 25 by ſound of Trumpet all was warned to joyn themſelvs with the Caravan, that intended for
; and accordingly left Ardebil and came to Buſun which lies about 14 Miles from Ardebil, where we ſtaid that night.
The day following we broke up, and had that day a very rocky and
Caravan ſo very numerous durſt not aſſail us. At night we came to Sengoa a beautifull Village, where we had very good Wine, and made our ſelvs merry, but not to exceſs, for that is in general odious to the Perſians. Here I ſaw the beſt Beauties and moſt comly Faces that I have ſeen in all Perſia: their Women ſeem to have a greater Liberty than in moſt places, where they do not only go covered abroad, but are alſo denied the converſe with Men; for here they go bare with their Face, and are very familiar with thoſe of the Maſculine Gender, and if I be not miſtaken were too famiPerſian Women unFrench. In ſum, our Company enjoy'd themſelvs here ſo contentedly and well, that ſom of'em thought the Sun had miſtaken himſelf and was riſen an hour too ſoon.
The day following leaving Sengoa, we had high and rocky way, but towards the Evening came into a moſt ſweet and pleaſant Dale or Plain, through which a River glided very ſwiftly. This Valley was very pleaſant, and notwithſtanding the ſeaſon, appeared as if it were in May. This River is called Kiſ
having a very fair Stone Bridge over it, over which we paſſed and pitched on the South ſide, in the open Field, for there were no Houſes to be ſeen.
On the 28th. we broke up and went over the famous Taurus, being a very rough and dangerous way, inſomuch that all the Company were fain to allight and lead their Camels and Horſes, till we came into a Valley where we took our Reſt for an Hour, or two. This Valley is very deep and a Neſt of Robbers and Vagabonds, who find many lurking Places to hide themſelvs in, out of which they aſſail and ſurpriſe Travailers, if they think themſelvs ſtrong enough: but we, as was ſaid before, being increaſed to a conſiderable Number knew our ſelvs ſufficiently out of peril. Out of this Valley ariſeth the River Kiſiloſeyn, which running very ſwiftly and beating thorow the Rocks makes a very hideous Murmur, ſo that one cannot hear another ſpeak: thus receiving as it were inlargement runs through the Champain Countrey of K
and thence is hurried with an adCaſpian Lake, into which it empties it ſelf. On the Banks of this River is a Village bearing the ſame name, where is a fair Stone Bridge of 9 Arches, or Bows. All along the Way ſide grow great plenty of Almond, Cypreſs and other Trees, which ſerved us all the way in ſtead of Paraſols: but when we were come over the River found the Way very bad, being forced to clamber over Rocks, the Path being ſo narrow that only one Camel at once could go on it. On each ſide were many great Clefts and deep Caves, which with the rattling of the Horſes feet made a dreadfull and horrid Eccho; and being come to a place which was the fulleſt of thoſe Caverns, all the Company gave a Shout, which with an Eccho reſounKeyntze, being very poor and not in a Condition to ſupply us with ſuch Ne
On the 29 we broke up, and had that day very good way, coming at night to the village Hortzimur, where we were very ill at eaſe being cold Weather and the Place not able to ſupply us with Houſe-room.
The next day leaving Hortzimur we travailed thrô a very dry and barren Heath, meeting by the way with ſom Robbers, who being but few in number durſt not make any attempt upon us: However night coming upon us here, we were fain to ſet down on the Heath, and for fear of Robbers forced to watch all night, but were ſo be
Senkan, which is reputed the beſt Refreſhing place between Derbent and Iſpahan, there being plenty of Oranges, Lemmons, PomegraMetzid. It is ſituated in a Plain, and a flat Ground, but near the Town very barren and dry. It has been formerly a great Emporium, and flouTamerlan, is ſo run to decay, that it is out of Hopes, ever to arrive to it's priſtin State.
On the 2 of Decemb. we ſet forward and came in good time to Sultanie, a City lying in 36 degr. and 30 min. Northerly Latitude. It is ſituated between two rows of very ſteep Mountains, and toward the Weſt we ſaw the Mountain Keydar Peyamber, whoſe lofty top ſeems to ſupport the Heavens, this being, next to Ararat, the higheſt MounSultany affoards a moſt noble Proſpect from abroad, by reaſon of her many lofty Piles, magnificent ChurTartars under conduct of the valiant Tamerlan, who with many other Towns, laid this level with the Ground, ſave the great and ſtupendious Fabrics, even now remembred, which when one is within Town, look like a ſet of Nine-pins, or the Stones on Salisbury Plain: ſo that this which was reputed one of the Royal Cities is meaner than moſt villages. It was built by Sultan Choddabende a very rich and potent Prince, who beſides many famous Conqueſts in Perſia and Uſbec, ſubdued the greateſt part of Turky, and many Indian Kingdoms and Provinces, ſom of which ſtill remain under the ſubjection of the Schach of Perſia. This City he called Sultanie from the As Caefrom Caeſar.Sultan, for ſo the Kings of Perſia who are now called Schach were of old entitled, as alſo at preſent the Ottoman Emperour. NotChoddabende,
DEC. 1671.Emarath This was fortified on each ſide with ſtrong Walls and ſeveral greaChoddabende himſelf who lay here interred, but the too great Piety of his Succeſſor woulMeſchaich
In entring this Sepulchre one muſt paſs thrô three very higIndian Steel, very neatly poliſhed, and as ſmootDamaſkin, or Ard
Scymiters are made, and is praeferred before any other StMaydan (as the Perſia
would perſwade themſelvs and us) cannot be opened by any Force, buAly, that may open, it opens of it's ſelf. The Building is very high, contractinArabic Characters, ſome whereof were above 30 InchRoman Breviaries, LSult
lay interred but parted from the Body of thIndian Steel, which the Perſia
ſay was all of one piece, no place appearing where it might ſeem tIndia. In this ſaid Emarath are 20 pieces of Braſs Ordnance, every Carridge having 4 wheels a piece, and the Balls lying by them oKeydar: and behind the Emarath is a very pleaſant Garden, with Walks and Rows of dive
Which is juſt The Author ſhorn after the Sultan Choddabende is another built by Schach Iſmael the firſt. This is alſo to be aſcended by ſtairs. Within are ſeen many fair Pillars and Arches upon which the Roof leans,
13 Foot lower than the MonuLondon Bridge, in me1666.
Perſian manner.Engliſh] Mile and a half without Town are to be ſeen the Relicts of a Gate, which they ſay was built by Sultan Choddabende, whence it appears that the Extent of this City has been very great, althô, as was ſaid is now not very great, nor much freCaravans, after which they long as greedily as a Landlord for Quarter day.
Five days we tarried in Sultante to reſt, having almoſt tired our CaPerſian faſhion, and could paſs Muſter for a Muſulman, and with more freedom viſit what was worthy of remark and by them reputed ſacred; being thereto perſwaded by my Companion who was a Ruſs, called Ferrath, and that I might not be bewray'd by my ſpeech, he bad me counterGeorgians, notwithſtanding conſiderable Sums they had proffered to ſee the Sepulchres.
On the 7th. we ſet out and came at night to Syllebek where we took up our Nights-lodging, having this day very good way and with all pleaſant, for on each ſide were fair Meadows, Paſture and Corn
Leaving Syllebek we came the next day at night to Choramdeky which for it's many Gardens ſeems to be a Paradiſe.
deſcribed.
Caſwin, which is a Town of no ſmall repute. It is ſituated in 3 degr. 15 min. Northerly Latitude, lying in the Countrey of Er
upon a level, but dry and ſandy ground, having on the Weſt thElwind which reach as far as Babylon, or Bagdet, as is now called. This City is about 6 Engliſh Miles in circuit, and hPerſia: bIſpahan, it has continually run to dePerſian Dominions anCaſwin fears nPerſia, moſtly built of Bri
Schach Tamas.
Schach Tamas kept his Court as alſo his Son Iſmaël who built that Magnificent Palace before the Maydan, which ſtilChineezes do from whom I preſume they have that Art. Within the Chamber
Engliſh] Miles in circuit, planMaydans. On the one ſtands a Magnificent Hall, full of Shops, wherein are to be ſold Jewels and many other things of value.Amſterdam; theſe being ſuch Jewels as we commonly call Girls of the Game, Miſſes, or Cracks, and I know not what canting names they have now a days for ſuch unnatural and ſenſual Proſtitutes: The Perſians call them Cabbaha. About Sun-ſet theſe are all brought out and ſet in a row by an old Woman they call Delal who officiates as a Broker. Behind theſe young Females ſtand a par
On the Eaſt ſide of the City is the Common place of Sepulture: where alſo lies interred the Body of Schach Beſade, the Son of Hoſſeyn. By whoſe Tomb the Perſians ſwear, holding it for a moſt ſacred Oath, and conſequently very hainous to violate: and when one deſires another to aſſeverate a matter will aſk him, If he dare ſwear by the Holy Grave. In Caſwin are 50 Churches which ſtand open every day, and are frequented by thoſe that go to pray, but the great Metzid, or Temple, which they call Tzame, is open one day in Four, when there is alwaies a great Convent. They have alſo many Baths in Caſwin, which are frequented from morning to night.
On the 9th.
dito was their Eaſter at Caſwin, which they call Bairam,
Bairam.
Biram del Carban, which is only a commemoration of Abrahams Offering, who as they ſay would have offered up his Son Iſhmaël,
Mahomet is deſcended by a direct line: alledging that it was not Iſaac, as the Chriſtians and Jews beleev; and further that it was not a Ram that was offered in his ſtead, but a She-camel. Wherefore they alwaies lead a Camel thrô the ſtreets for 3 daies together before this Feaſt, adorning it with Garlands of Leavs and Flowers, if there be any to be had, and on the Feſtival ſlay it, with many Ceremonies. Firſt comes the Mulla, who is one ſkill'd in the Law, and reads certain Paſſages out of the Alchoran, when he is ſilent they play upon Trumpets, Flutes and Drums. In the mean while the Common-People run and crowd in to the Camel, to get ſom of the Hair, every one pulling as much as he can, which is kept for Relicts, and reputed good for Women in Childbed who cannot eaſily be delivered; inſomuch that the Beaſt is almoſt bare before he com to be Offered. When they have led him 3 days about Town he is brought out of the City to a place thereto appointed, where all the greateſt Perſonages are preſent and immediately make a Ring. The Beaſt being brought in, one of the moſt eminent Perſons runs him thrô with a Spear, upon which all the People run with Hatchets, Bills, and Knives ſtriving every one to get a piece, which they carry home, ſom boyling it, and other preſerving it till the year after, reckoning it a certain and ſure token of Happineſs to that Houſe, where there is but a ſmal Morſel of this Camel. Thoſe who are ſlow or impotent muſt be content with the Entrails, Skin, and Blood, which they gather up ſo clean, that nothing of it appears upon the Place where the Sacrifice is done. The whole night continues this Feaſt with Muſic, Drinking and Banquetting.
EIght days long ſtayd we in Caſwin and departed thence on the 17 of December coming at night to the Village Membere,
DEC. 1671.
On the 18 we came to the Village Areſeng, which is ſituated in a very pleaſant Countrey and withall fertile, affoarding good ſtore of Fruit, as Pomegranats, Oranges, Lemmons and other Summer Fruits then out of ſeaſon. Here we thought good to take up our Nights Lodging.
On the 19 we betook our ſelvs to our Journey, and that day traEngliſh] Miles, over a high, but level way, coming towards night to the great Carawanſera called Choſkeru. This is a very commodious and large Inn, built altogether of ſquare ſtones, within is a ſpacious Court where was a Fountain of very good Water: the Rooms and Appartments were no leſs commodious. On the Walls I found ſeveral Dutch, Poliſh and Ruſsian Names, and alſo wrote my own.
On the 20 we had a very pleaſant days Journey through a delightCarawanſera, where we took up our Lodging for that night, and the next day ſet forward for Saba,
Saba.
degr. and 56 min. in a plain Field having on the Weſt the Mountains of Elivend, which for their exceeding heighth may be ſeen many Miles diſtant. Saba is far leſs than Caſwin, but is munited with a Brick Wall, which Bricks are not burned, as ours, but only hardned with the Sun. Within the City is nothing worthy of remark, but all lies waſt and foul.
They drive no Trade here than what is uſually don in Villages and mean Market Towns, to wit, Wheat and Barley, which is both plenSaba, where the
Perſians ſay, was by reaſon that Omarzaad within whoſe Juriſdiction this Place was, had murtherHoſſeyn, and for this reaſon it was curſed by Mahomet for his Poſterities ſake, that it ſhould never bring forth either Herb, or Tree, nor that any Vegetable ſhould like or thrive being tranſplanted. On the Southeaſt ſide of the Town grows abundance of Tobacco, but not cultivated or planted, which is no ſmall profit to the Inha
On the 24 we departed from Saba, and at night ſet down at the Carawanſera Schach Ferabath. It was now good travailing by reaſon of the Cold which in this hot Climate is very acceptable, being not far from the Torrid Zone; where in the Summer time beſides the ſcorching heat of the Sun, the Ground is ſo hot that it brings all the Skin off ones Feet; the ways being altogether dry and ſandy, which alſo caſts a reflection of the Sun upon ones Face, as if it came out of a Furnace, whence many are ſtifled with the Heat.
Khom.
Khom, and took up our Lodging in a Carawanſera near to the great Maydan. This ſeems to be a City of an ancient ſtanding, and is at preſent very large, but by the Ruins of a Wall a conſiderable diſtance from the Town it appears that it has bin anciently much larger than now it is. It lies in 34 degr. 17 min. Northerly Latitude, and is ſituate on a level flat Ground having on the right hand the Mountains of Elivend whence iſſue two Rivers which run thrô this City, firſt uniting themſelvs a litle above the Town. In the Winter they lay a Bridge over it, but in the Summer it is ſome times dry. Near this Bridge ſtands a litle Chappel, wherein they ſay the Siſter of one Iman Riſa, who was one of the moſt eminent Succeſſors of Mahomet lies interred. The Perſians have alſo a ſpecial veneKhom has many fair and ſpacious Streets, with many Piazzas and Galleries, to defend from Sun and Rain. They have alſo great plenty of Fruit, as at Saba, as alſo Cotton and Tobacco, which grows here in no leſs plenty than at Saba aforeſaid. Beſides the many rare Fruits and Plants they have, there is an excellent ſort of Melons, having the outward form and colour of an Orange, and is oftentimes taken for one, but being cut up appears within as another Melon. Theſe they commonly carry in the Hand for the delicate
Khom is a place very conſiderable in regard of Traffic this being eminent for Swords, Knives, Armorers and Cutlers Works. Some of our Company bought here Scymiter Blades, for which they paid to the value of 20 Crowns a piece, yet were not thoſe of the beſt ſort. The Steel they have from Niris near Iſpahan where are ſeveral Mines. Beſides the Smiths work their chief Manufactory is Potts, there being many Fullers, who are eſteemed the beſt in Perſia and their work praeCaravan here, during which time there was much Merchandiſe negotiated. Here I was cruelly peſtered with a Greek Renegado, who conYou faithleſs Dog, you Infidel, &c. The Fellow had ſo often affronted me with theſe and the like Words that I was no longer able to endure him, but finding an opportunity I graſp'd him by the Collar, and trounc'd him luſtily off with my Fiſt, and at laſt getting him down I pummeld him back and ſides, ſaying, You varlet, now you ſhall find the Fiſt of a Man, and not the Paw of a Dog. He ſeeing himſelf unable to get up again, drew out his Knife which he indeavored to run into my Belly, but I obſerving got it wreſted out of his Hands, althô not without a litle ſlaſh, or two, on the Palm of my Hand: with which I gave him an Excellent Croſs in the Cheek that he looked like St. Agnes of Monte Sante, withall telMuſulman I would give him a Chriſtian Token. With this he began to howl out, and I ſeeing the Coaſt clear thought good to get out of the way betimes, being fain to abſcond till ſuch times as the Caravan was to ſet forward, which was 24 Hours after.
On the 1 of Ianuary we left Khom, and came that night to Carawanſera
Koſmabath where we ſet down.JAN. 1672.
The next day we got the Village Senſen, lying about 5 Dutch Miles diſtant from Kaſchan where on the 3 day of Ianuary we arrived toCarawanſera, ſeeming rather a Palace than an Inn.
Situation of KaKaſchan lies in 33 degr. 51 min. It is built long wiſe and points Eaſt and Weſt, being munited with ſtrong Walls and round Redoubts after the old manner of Fortification, on the South ſide of the TowKaſchan is at this day the moſt populous and eminePerſia; having alſo a very famous Baſar and Maydan witPerſi
They have alſo many that work in Velvets and Sattins but not altoEurope; ſo that the King has ſent often to Venice expreſly for Workmen to come and reſide there, which neverCarawanſeras which are here very numerous do ſurpaſs all others that ever I have ſeen elſewhere: thaIndian and other Merchants, coming very far and bringing with them many rich Wares and precious ComKaſchan, it is very fertile and of an excellent Soil, producing vaſt Quantities of Wine, Fruit, Corn and is very rich of Cattel, inſomuch that it is very cheap living there.
Italy. The Inhabitants for fear of that venemous Animal dare not ly upon the Floor, as in other Places, where they only throw a Quilt upon the Tapeſtry, but have high Couches hanging from the Roofs of the Rooms, like Hammocks: and althô this Creature be very venemous and many are ſtung by it, yet few die, they having found out a ready Medicin againſt it, which is made of the Filings of Copper tempered with Vinegar and Honey, which is a very ſpeedy remedy, yet if neglected the Party ſtung is in danger of his Life. This I preſume has bin firſt found out by an An
Beſides theſe Scorpions, they are peſterd with another venemous Creature which they call Enkurekan, being very much like a Spider,Tremne, almoſt like our Wormwood. The venemous Matter which they have in them they ſpit out, as ſom ſay Toads do, which whereſoever it lights, whether on man or Beaſt it immediatly penetrates and incorporates with the Blood,Enkurekan it's ſelf, pounded into a Cataplaſm and applied: but when theſe are not to be had, they uſe another mean, which is thus. The Patient is laid upon his Back and his Mouth ſet open, into which they pour much Milk as they can make him digeſt; which done, they put him in a ſquare Cheſt, having on each ſide a Ring, through which are four Cords put and made faſt at one Ring on the Cieling. This Cheſt thus hanging, they whirl it about for a quarter of an Hour together, till the Patient breaks up and vomits all he has within him. This commonly lucks, if the Patient can be brought to ſwallow the Potion
After we had lay Eight days in Kaſchan and bought Wares and PrCarawanſer
which ſtands in the middle of a Grove of CypreſCarawanſera we found very good Accommodation. Her
On the 14th. we had very bad travailing way thrô dry and ſand Ground, and found no Villages nor Towns to refreſh our ſelvs aNatens which is a very pleaſant little City. Here wCarawanſera for that night. The CountreNatens is very fertile and affords great plenty of good Wine The Inhabitants being diligent Propagaters of the Vineyards. NeaSchach Abas as a MonumenNatens, during which time we made good Cheer, and ſpared not our ProIſpahan.
On the 17th. we left Natens and that Day had very rocky ground to drive over, and by the way ſtop'd at a famous Carawanſera called Dombi, where we reſted and refreſhed our ſelvs, and at night were fain to ſet down at Ruk a Village not far from Iſpahan, by reaſon of the ſnow, remaining there alſo the moſt part of the next day.
HAving ſtay'd the moſt part of 2 Days at Ruk,
Iſpahan.
Iſpahan. Where being arrived I longed greedily to ſee my Countrey-men, and went to my good Maſter Hadſi Byram to take my leav of him, with a Thouſand Thanks for his many Favours: I deſired him alſo to let ſom go with me to ſhow me the Dutch Lodge, which he with great willingneſs aſſented to, and ſent one of his Slaves with me.
Thus I went with Monſr. Lewis Fabritius and Chriſtian Brandt to the Lodge, where for that time the Heer Frederic Bent of Enkhuyſen was Chief Factor for the Eaſt India Company, Monſr. Kaſenbroot of Rheenen, Second, or Under-Factor, and Mr. Hubert Balde of Amſterdam Aſſiſtant. When we came at the Gate we found a Black, who was the Porter, and ſpoke very good Nether-Dutch whom we deſired to make our coming known; which when he had don, we were admitted in, and very friendly received by the ſaid Gentlemen, who invited us to ſtay there, which without much refuſal we accepted with many Thanks. They brought us forthwith into a very ſtately Room hung with Tapeſtry, and furniſhed with Beds, where we lay; and had alſo Victuals and Firing provided us, with what elſe was neceſſary. Beſides that they ſhow'd us all imaginable Friendſhip and Divertiſements, taking great delight to hear our many Evaſions and Deliverances from ſuch hard Adventures. I have elſwhere adviſed
Scamachi, we had a Letter from one of our ComAnthony Munſter the Jeweller. The certainty thereof I underſtood here, as alſo how he was brought to Iſpahan. Being com to Iſpahan, his PaMahometan Faith, promiſing him upon his ſo doing to eſteem him for his Son, to giv him one of his Daughters in MarDutch Lodge, whicBent, who held him ſo long in private till he had obtained his Free
The Dutch Lodge is a very fair Building, not far from the Kings Palace, having many fair Appartments, Ware-houſes, and other Conveniences for repoſing Merchandizes. The many fair Rooms it has, are furniſhed with all neceſſary Moveables, beyond thoſe of the Perſians, and far more coſtly. Behind the Houſe is a fair and ſpaEurope. The Hollanders live there very ſplendidly, to uphold the Honour of the Eaſt India Company, and go in the Perſian Habit, as alſo their Waiters and Attendants, who are moſtly Turks and Moors: and becauſe I was to go for Gameron they gave me a new Perſian Suit: which I was to take with me. In the mean while I had work enough to ſatisfy their curioſitie with frequent rehearſals of what had befallen me in my foregoing Voyages to the Indies, and the Levant.
Iſpahan, called alſo Iſphahan, lies in 32 degr. and 26 min. in the CounArak as Mercator calls it, others call it Choraſan, and others Lexa.
Erak, formerly called Parthia. It is ſituated in a level and plain Landſhip, environed on every ſide with Mountains at a conDemawend on the South and South-weſt, Maſanderan and Jeylak Perſan on the North-eaſt. This is the greateſt City that I have ſeen in all Perſia, being, with it's Suburbs and all 16 hours going in circuit [about 48 Engliſh Miles] It is but very weakly fortified, the Walls being only of Earth and ſloaping inward, ſo that at Top they are not above 6 Foot thick; the Trench or Ditch is alſo very narrow, and in the Summer ſo ſhallow that the Children wade through it, and ſomtimes it is wholly dry: ſo that this City ſeems to
On the South and South-weſt ſide it is watered with the Senderut, a reaſonable great River riſing from the Demawend Mountains, which coming here is led thrô the Town by Pipes and Subterranean Aqueducts, for Kitchin and other uſes, althô in Gardens and GentleHozartzieris. Another arm of the River is brought under Ground thrô the Tzarbag, or Royal Garden. Not far from hence is a fair Stone Bridge which lies over the River, wherein is great variety of rare Workmanſhip. Beſides the Senderut, there is another River, or rather Aqueduct, called Abkuren, begun by Schach Abas and not yet finiſhed, which is fetched from beyond the Mountains of Demawende. About the making of
d
ſterl. a day wages, yet what with the Violence of unuſual Floods, and what with the Forreign Warrs in which this Prince was involved, the work was totally laid aſide after a 3 MoChans, and Deputies who were more at leiſure, ſeeing the work ſo detarded joyntly lent their Aſſiſtance to carry on this laudable Deſign, in which they ſaw the King took ſo much deSchach Abas died.
The Streets of Iſpahan were formerly very wide, but when the abovementioned Abas, King of Perſia, removed the Imperial Throne from Caſwin hither, he was followed by ſo many Gentry and others that had their Appendency from the Court, that whole Rows of Houſes were built in the middle of every Street, making by that one Street into 2. It is exceeding populous, inſomuch that many times when one would paſs thrô the Maydan or Baſar he muſt be fain to ſtay a long time, before he gets paſſage. The Maydan, which is a place ſerving as our Exchanges, is very large, being 700 Paces long, and 250 broad, and yet too little by far to contain the vaſt Multitudes which dayly have recourſe hither about different Buſineſſes. On thChan, or Ambaſſador.
In the middle of the
Maydan which is not far from the great Gate of the Palace is a Great Maſt like a May-pole planted, on the Top where
2. Metzid of Tempel.
3. Hollantſe Logie.
4. Doodts Hoofden Icoren.
5. Maydan of marckt
6 Vrouwen Tempel
7.
Europe.
On the 23 of January was a great Match which I had the Fortune to ſee. It was appointed at the Interceſſion of the Uſbec Ambaſſador by the King who was himſelf preſent, and was mounted on a ſtately Arabian Horſe richly cappariſon'd, for the Sadle and Saddle-cloth were very richly embroydered and ſo thick beſet with Rubies and other Precious Stones that one could hardly view it. The Court and Royal Retinue were alſo well mounted and appeard very ſplendid. When they were ready to try their Dexterity one went up to the Top, and ſet up a Cup of Gold, which who could hit and bring it down, ſhould not only have it for his Pains, but alſo be preferred to great Honour, and take place among the Princeſs of Perſia, The King gave the Tartars the Advantage of ſhooting firſt who after they had ſhot more than an hour, were fain to give over: for it was to be don on Horſe back, and the Horſe in a full carier, and furthermore not to ſhoot till they came to a certain Place where they had the maſt directly on the left ſide. The Ambaſſador ſeeing that none of his men were ſo dexterous gave over, and deſired the King that he would vouchſafe to try the ſkill of the Perſians. Upon which the King ordePerſians gave a ſhout that the Palace rang again. Upon this he was ſent for by the King and brought into the Palace with as much Triumph as if he had won ſom ſignal Victory; the Cup, Bow, and Quivers were like TroKeylan, promoted to great honour and reckoned in the Degree of a Chan. Beſides this the King gave him a conſiderable Penſion out of the Treſury to maintain his Grandour.
On the South ſide of the Maydan is a very ſtately Meſtzid which was founded and begun by Schach Abas,
The Metof Schach Abas deſcribed.
Sephy his Nephew, who dedicated it to Twelve Saints, which are all incluMehedi, and, as their Hiſtorians affirm, were all buried in one Grave. The way from the Maydan to this Meſ
is all paved with huge marble Stones, in the middle whereof is
Meſquite is of fair Marble and about as high as that of the Meſchaich of Choddabende in Sultanie. The Doors of this Temple are laid ore with Silver Plates, and ſet in with Flowers of Gold. Entring within the Gate, you com into a pompous Antichamber, the Floor whereof is beſpred with very fine Matts, upon which they fall down on their Knees, and make a ſhort prayer. From hence on each hand is a ſtately Gallery, each leading into another ſpacious Court, having in the middle a great Fountain, with a Bath. Above theſe great Galleries are ſom leſs, which are ſupported by marble Pillars, the Chapters and Foliage whereof are neatly gilded. When you are paſt theſe Galleries and the Courts, you come into the Temple iEmarath. All the Marble whereElivend.
Dowlet, or Schach Chane is alſo a very ſtately Houſe. Before you enter the outer Gate is a large Plain, on which are many Pieces of old Braſs Ordnance, unfit for uſe, and are only thrown together on heaps, and out of order: a true EmKiſchiktzchi, or Captain of the Guards, brings the King a Liſt of their Names; who are to ſtand upon the Ward the night following. WithTabchane and the Diwan-Chane are the chiefeſt: The former being the Banquetting Houſe, and the latter the Court of Juſtice. In the Diwan-Chane Ambaſſadors are always received and thence introducted into the Chamber of Audience, the more becauſe the Glory of the Cavalcade and other Solemnities can be here the better ſeen. Another Appartment which is not much inferior to thoſe already made menHaram-Chane, where the King diverts himſelf with his Wives and Concubines. The Dekay is the Place where the King retires, and has his Reſidence, when not ingaged in any important Affair, holding here his Table with his legitimat Wives. In ſhort there are many other Appartments within the Palace for inferior ConChobbadar; in the middle whereof is a beautifull little Chappel. Here is alſo the great Sanctuary, or Place of Refuge, which they call Allycarpi, which is as much as to ſay, Gods Gate; in which Place a Malefactor is free from Juſtice. There is alſo another ſuch Place of Refuge, on the other ſide of the Maydan, called Tzechil Sutun, ſo called from 40 huge maſſy Beams that reſt upon one Pillar ſtanding in the middle, and ſo ſupport the Roof. Hither it was whither the Perſians fled when the Town was taken in by the great Tamerlan, and oppoſed him again, but he breaking in with violence put all to the ſword, ſave thoſe that had got into the interior Temple, or Metzid, for which he had ſuch a veneration that he would not violate the Inſtitutions of Mahomet, or pollute the Sanctuary with Blood.
On the North ſide of the Maydan, are many Taverns and TapTzaychatti-Chane or Thee-houſe, which they prepare quite after another manner than the Indians, of whom the Europeans firſt had it; for here they put in ſo many aromatical Ingredients, that one can neither perceiv any Taſte or Smell of Tee in it. In drinking Tee they alſo accuſtom themſelvs to Play, and eſpecially at Cheſs, at which
Cahwa-Chane, where they only go to drink Coffee and ſmoke Tobacco, with which they are ſo deeply affected that they ſomtimes ſmoke in the Church. When they are within doors they have a great Glaſs, full of water, thrô which they put their Pipes and ſmoke, much after the manner of an Alembric Still, which renders it very cool. When they draw, the water bubbles up as if it boyled, yet by reaſon of a ſtinking vapour that riſes from it, is very annoyſom. But when they ſmoke along the ſtreet have only ſuch a Pipe as thoſe which are now grown common in the Low-Countreys, being of ſeveral joynts, and the Head of Earth. Their Coffee they drink very hot, and are Alchoran and uſe thArabian Berry. The chief CuſtomeVenereal Murrain, which they call Keſchi, and wFrench Pox, or ſom ſuch thing.
But quaint is the Habit, and more ſtrange the Cuſtoms of theMaydan, Baſar, or thAly, and alwaiTurkiſh Saints Omar, Oſman anAbubeker. but more eagerly againſt the dogmatical Decrees of thUbec-Tartars: But thoſe of that nation being of late years grown verIſpahan, aſſumed the boldneſs to oppoſe them, for whicCoenobium, where they all live together, which was built them at the Charges of the preſent King: and have alſo a conſiderable Sum allowed them for their maintenance, beſides what they gather from the People by mumping, or rather Mountebanking.
On the Weſt ſide about Dowlet-Chane are all the Sooth-ſayers, of which there be two ſorts, to wit, Remal and Falkir, both which are in their practiſe more ridiculous than our circumventing Gypſies, and conſe
In going from the Maydan to the Northward you find a way which leads you to the Baſan, where is a very ſtately Kayſerie, full of Shops and thoſe ſtored with very rich commodities. This Market conſiſts in a certain number of Streets, that are moſtly arched over. Hither repair Merchants of all Nations, except Perſians alone, as Indians, Tartars, Turks, Armenians, Georgians, as alſo Engliſh, French, Italians, Hollanders and other Europeans. Their way of Dealing is altogether for Money, nothing by Barter. Abas is the moſt plentifull coin in uſe among them, valuing ſomthing leſs than an [Engliſh] Shilling, and the Schach Abas which is half the value of the other; the latter is alſo moſtly called Choddabende. They do not uſe much Gold, but abunPull, 40 of which Pieces make an Abas. The Europeans who com thither bring commonly Rix-dollars, which the Perſians once getting into their Hands will by no means part with them, for they are diligently ſought up by the Money-changers, who bring them to the Serab-Chane, or Mint, and make a conſiderable profit of them.
ISpahan, as it is a Royal City of ſo conſiderable a Monarchy, and one of the firſt magnitude, ſo it has a great concourſe of Strangers
Carawanſeras here are more ſumptuous by far than either thoſe of Caſwin, or any other City in Perſia. They are for the moſt part ſquare, ſom of them having 4 or 5 Galleries abov one another, and thoſe furniſhed with very commodious Appartments, and for their better Security for Theeves are ſurrounded with high Stone Walls.
In Iſpahan are alſo many fair Buildings, beſides what are already remembred, amongſt which the Taberik Kale, or Fort Royal where the Kings Treſury is, is one of the moſt eminent, ſituated between the Palace and the Meſtzid Mehedi, which is both munited with ſtrong Walls, guarded continually with a ſufficient Body of Soldiery, and has plenty of Braſs Cannon. The ſame alſo ſerves for a Magazin or ReCarmelites and the other for Auguſtin Monks.
Theſe with many other fair Buildings, too taedious to recount, are within the Walls. There are alſo many ſplendid Piles of BuilRhabath. In the Suburbs are two eminent Wards, to wit, Tzulfa and Ciulfa, moſtly, or altogether inhabited by the Armenian Chriſtians, who are reputed the ableſt Merchants in Iſpahan, being tranſported hither by Schach Abas from their own Countrey, and have ſince injoyed ſundry ImDaruga who muſt bring up 200 Tumain yearly contribution to the King, which is taken out of their Public Stock. The private Dwelling-Houſes of thoſe Armenians do equal, or rather ſurpaſs thoſe within Walls for ſplendid ſtructure. On the one ſide of the River Senderut is another Place, called Tabri- or Abas-Sabath for that Schach Abas had allotted the People of Tabris this Part of the Town to dwell inHaſſenabath, which is moſtly inhabited by the Georgian Chriſtians, commonly called Trurtzi, Theſe as well as the Armenians are great Merchants, being alſo highly in favour with the King, not only for the vaſt Tribute which they pay, but aſwel for their Loyalty and good deportment: and theſe are the only Chriſtians who are tolerated to live within the Walls, and have a Quarter of the Town allotted them near the Meſtzid
Mehedi, althô they rather chuſe to dwell in the Suburbs, that they may be retire from the Calumny of the Mahometans, and the better enjoy the Benefits of a Chriſtian Society. The Kebrabath is a Diſtrict of the Suburbs lying on the Weſt ſide of the City, ſo called from the Kebbers, which are a ſort of ancient Perſian Pagans, who following the old opinion of the Perſians, when they were yet Heathens, will not embrace Mahometaniſm. Theſe differ from the reſt in Habit, as well as in Cuſtoms and Religion, wearing looſe Drawers, with a long Coat only faſtned at the Collar, open at the ſhoulders: Their Hair they let grow, all over their Head and Face. The Women are attired as the Men only with this difference, that they wear a long Silk or Cotton Scarf which trails on the Ground. The Language they ſpeak is ſtill the ancient Lingua Perſica, for they are very curious in preſerving their ancient Tongue without any Innovation, inſomuch that the Perſians who ſpeak the modern Language cannot underſtand them [as the Engliſh cannot underſtand the old Brittiſh, or Welſh] yet theſe can both underſtand and ſpeak the preſent Perſian Tongue. They retain alſo the Ancient Characters, and adore the Sun and the Elements for Deïties performing Monethly Sacrifices. Beſides the veneration they have for the Sun, they do worſhip to the Starrs, but have little or no Judgement in the courſe of the ſame. Snakes and all other venemous Animals they hold for unclean, ſo that whoſo
Without the City of Iſpahan are many fair Gardens and Summer-houſes, belonging to the King and divers great Perſonages. The
Tzarbag, not far from the great Bridge, being 4 ſquare, and about 2 [Engliſh] Miles in circuit. This (as was ſaid before) is watered with an Aquaeduct that is conveyed under Ground by ſeveral ſmall leaden Pipes from the Main, and here and there vented by Fountains, which force the Water ſomtimes 36 or 40 foot high. On each corner ſtands a noble Summer Houſe, of an admirable rare Fabric. The Garden it's ſelf has the moſt and greateſt varieties of Fruit-Trees and Vegetables that ever I have ſeen, althô it was then Winter when I was there. And indeed the Perſians are great Lovers of Planting, Gardening, and all manner of Tillage; ſo that there is hardly a Houſe in all Iſpahan, but has ſomthing of a Garden behind it, more or leſs, whence it coms that this City is ſo great in compaſs.
As to the manner of their Hous-keeping and other peculiar CuIſpahan is very fertile, and affoards all that is neceſſary for human ſuſtenance in good plenty. But the Town being very populous thrô the great concourſe of Strangers from all parts of the World makes all things very dear, but eſpecially Fewel, inſomuch that Wood and Charcoal are ſold by the Pound, and notFEB. 1672.
On the 16 of February, was the Epiphany celebrated by the Armenian and Georgian Chriſtians. So ſoon as I heard what was the matter, I roſe pretty early in the morning with intent to ſee the Solemnity of the Day. The firſt I met was the Jeſaulcor, or Great Marſhal with all his ſubordinat Officers, who were ordered to prevent Tumults, and not to ſuffer Horſes and Camels with any Burthens to paſs over the Bridges and thrô the Streets that lead to Tzulfa and Tzarbag; which was not only don for the ſake of the Chriſtians, but upon the account of one of the Kings legitimat Wives, whom he entirely loved, being a Georgian by birth and educated in the Chriſtian ReliSenderus, and had a Guard of Soldiers under the Command of an Officer, to ſecure them from being abuſed by the Mahometans, and to ſuffer no Men to crowd in upon them. About 9 aſſembled all thoſe under Spiritual Orders and the Clergy belonging to the 10 Churches of Tzulpha, and the 2 Churches of Iſpahan. Thoſe were all attired in white Stoles and Capps of Cloth of Gold upon their Heads, with long Labels hanging down to their middle, but more gorgeous was the Attire of the Patriarch, being all over richly embroydered with Gold and adorned with coſtly Gems. Every Prieſt carried a Silver Croſs hung with litle Silver Bells and Baſons. The Croſſes which were carried by thoſe of higher degrees and in the formoſt Ranks were ſupported, each by 3 Men. The Inferior Clergy folIſpahan adjoyned themſelvs to the Patriarch, 5 of them bearing up his PonArabian Horſe, without any conBegum, or Queen before mentioned was carried before as a privat Gentlewoman in a Sedan to a great Merchants houſe, accompany'd only with one Gentlewoman, the Maſter of the Eu
In the mean while the Caravan was in a readineſs to depart for Gammeron, and the Heer Bent gave order for Horſes and Camels to be bought up for us, to carry our Proviſion and Baggage. He alſo took care to buy us all Neceſſaries we had occaſion for on our Journey and was pleaſed to appoint me as Caffil Abaſsi, or Overſeer of the ProviIſpahan.
ON the 17 of February we had order to make ready for our JourFEB. 1672.Hadzi Byram, where coming and finding him at home I ſaluted him after the Perſian manner, withall manifeſting my gratefullneſs to him for his many Favours, which he had ſhown me, althô without the leſt deſerts; but he interpelling me in my diſI have not yet him ſo worthy as to give you the Reward I promiſed you: which was to ſet you free when you came to Iſpahan, and now I underſtand you have redeemed your ſelf with your own Money: however I ſhall make it good to you by an Equivalent. With that he opened a Cheſt and gave me 100 Dollars, ſaying, This I give you as part of Reward, for your care to ſave my life when I was in danger of looſing it at the Caſpian Sea. This extraordinary great Bounty coming ſo beſides my expectation, put me to a ſtand what reply to make at firſt, but conſidering how he might look upon it as an Ingratitude to be ſilent, I expreſſed my ſelf after this manner, Sir, I am not able ever to do you ſuch ſervice as may recompenſe your Goodneſs, but I hope that GOD will remember your Bounty don in ſecret, which is the trueſt Charity, notwithſtanding the unworthineſs of my ſelf on whom it is ſhown. Great reaſon it is that I ſhould record the worthy Deeds of this Turkiſh Chriſtian or Chriſtian Turk: not only as don to me, but as don to one of another Faith, and that without vain Glory, a thing he ever hated: his calling me aſide and forbidding me to make it known, manifeſt the Abſoluteneſs and Integrity of Charity, well knowing that I was juſt upon my departure, and conſequently not
in the higheſt Heavens conduct you: GOD Almighty bring you in ſafety home: which were the laſt words I heard him ſpeak.
Iſpahan.
C. Brand, and L. Fabritius were returned back again to Derbent, with intent to go by way of Ruſsia, and I departed with the Caravan of the Honorable the Eaſt India ComIſpahan, having a ſufficient number of Camels and Mules to carry our Proviſion and Baggage to Gammeron.
Majar, where we took up our nights Lodging. We had alſo in our Company ſom of thoſe Perſians, of whom I have already made mention that live ſtill in Heatheniſm, whom I found very civil and faithfull in all their Doings.
On the 18 it was very cold weather and ſnowy, that we could hardLow-Countreys, being between 4 and 5 Foot deep upon the Ground, and the Path ſo narrow, that the Horſes oftentimes going out of the Way, tumbled down in the ſnow with the Packs, which happening ſo often mainly detarded that days Journey. Before night we got the hilly Countrey and ſet down in the village Caniſcha, where, by reaſon of bad Weather, we reſted 3 days with the Caravan.
Upon the 22 we ſet forward again and had very hilly way, which
Dutch Miles, and took our Nights reſt at a Carawanſera, where we met another Caravan coming from Gammeron richly loaden with all ſorts of Indian Commodities, and bound for ſeveral Markets in Perſia.
On the 23 we broke up and the ſame day had bad and ſlippery way inſomuch that ſom of our Camels and Horſes fell, whereby the Cheſts and Goods were much endamaged. The Heer Bent, as I ſaid before, having appointed me as Caffil Abaſsi, or Overſeer, it was my duty to look to the reparation of this Damage, and to ſee the Cheſts effectuCaravan remain ſo long in a Carawanſera. At laſt after much enquiry I found one, but coming back underſtood that my Portmantle and my Money was ſtole, which put me in a great ſtrait for I had not above the value of 25 gild. [or 55 ſh. ſterling.] left I ſuſpected that ſom of our Company was the Party that had committed the Theft, and had alſo a privat hint given me of it. The matter concerned me ſo far, that I forthwith began to tax the Party with it that I had in ſuſpicion, but he ſtoutly denied it, and was ſo diſpleaſed at me for blemiſhing his ReputaDutch Miles and came at night to a Village formerly called Jurgeſtan, now Ieſegas.
On the 24 we broke up again, and that morning met a Poſt coming from Gameron, and intending for Iſpahan, of whom I underſtood that the Director van der Duſſen, who had remitted the Money for my ReBatavia. Theſe Tidings I muſt confeſs, were very unwelcom to me, becauſe I knew it would be 4 Moneths before any Ships would go for Batavia, the more becauſe I was to endure the hot ſeaſon at Gameron. This day we travailed 6 Dutch Miles and at night came to a fair new-built Carawanſera.
The next day we broke up and paſſed thrô a fair Town called
Surina. About 12 a clock it began to ſnow very hard, ſo continuing till the Evening when we met with a good Carawanſera, which was no ſmall comfort to us, having no ſtomach to lie ſuch weather without a Roof in the open Field. The ſame day we travailed 7 Dutch Miles.
On the 25 we had very good weather, and the Way alſo reaſoCarawanſera, which lay about 8 Dutch Miles, or ſomthing more from the other. Near this place are divers Ponds of ſweet Water affoarding alſo great plenty of Fiſh: wherefore we went to Angle, and took about 40 Carps, which becauſe of the Novelty were very acceptable, having eaten nothing all the way but ſalt Meat. Theſe Ponds as well as the Carawanſera were made, as we underſtood from an Inſcription over the Door, at the Charges of the Dutch Eaſt India Company.
On the 26 we had very high Hills to clamber over, ſo that the hollow places in the way being fill'd with ſnow, put us (notwithCarawanſera, that we could not reach till late at night coming to the Village Gufti, where we reſted for that night, having made no more than 5 Dutch Miles the whole day. That night and the next day it continued ſnowCaravan from S
but we having taken up the place, they were fain to go forward till they found another.
Caravan ſurprized by RobCaravan round, and fell a tearing all they could com at. Our Company, being affraid of their lives deſerted the Camels and left me alone to ſtand out the brunt of all. One of the Robbers thruſt his hand into a Bag in which were 3 or 4 Flitches of Bacon and ſom Hams, who, when he came to know what it was, fell a curſing and menacing me, that I did not warn him, for he was thereby unclean, and according to the Mahometan Superſtition not to com into the Society of others, or enter the Temple. That Gnat, it ſeems he ſtrain'd
Camel. Having taken what they could carry they left me, but not without a Token to remember them, giving me ſo many Rebounders about the Head with their TruncheEngliſh] Miles, and at night came to a very comCarawanſera, ſuch as I had not met with all the way unleſs in ſom great City, being all round with Galleries.
On the 28 we ſet forward on our Journey and came to a fair VilMeſtzid, where we had a very commodious Carawanſera, and ſtay'd there that night. The ſaid Carawanſera was nothing inferior to that we had the night before, aſwell in reſpect of Conveniency as ornament, having much variety of Carved work, as Foliage, FruPerſian manner: the Walls alſo were covered with a neat ſort of white glazed Tiles. Near to this Place is the Sepulchre and Tomb of the Mother of Schach Solyman,
Schach Solymans Mother.
On the Febr. we came to a little village called Siwa, having that day travailed 5 Dutch Miles.
The next day we ſet forward on our Journey and travailing a good pace, came pretty early into the village Mardaſch, where we reſolved to reſt a little being almoſt wearied out with the badneſs of the Way and Weather. The next morning I took a turn without Town on Horſe-back, with one of our Company; where having rode about 2 Miles to the Eaſtward from the Town, we deſcried a huge fair Pile of Building, which afterwards by ſom Pilgrims that we met, we underſtood was a Sepulchre. The general Structure was a very fair Temple altogether built of Marble, ſtanding on a riſing ground and ſupported with 10 high and maſſy Pillars. When we entred we
MAR. 1672.Muſulman, I went boldly in to view all that was to be ſeen, which a privat Perſon and a Layman was permitted to view, for the innermoſt Vault is not to be ſeen unleſs of Princes and the Spiritualiſts. Above the ſaid Vault hung ſeveral golden Lamps, which burn continually, and as the Watchmen told us the Coffins that ſtood below were of maſſy Gold. In this Sepulchre they told us were preſerved the Bones of Noah and his Wife, of Shem, Ham and Japhet, together with the 5 Sons of Shem, viz, Ashur, Arphaxad, Lud, Aram and Elam, by whom the City See JoſePerſepolis is ſaid to be firſt founded of old called Elamus. This was told me by an old Perſian, with whom I had ſom Diſcourſe, who alſo ſaid that he had the keeping of ſom old Regiſters and AntiNoah and of his Grand-child Elam [but beleev it that liſt]
From this Temple we poſted forward to the Ruins of the Royal Fort called Schilminar, on Tzilminar, or according to the variety of the Dialects Cehilminar, which is as much as to ſay Forty Pillars, ſo called from ſuch a number of Columns that it has formerly had; althô the number is now ſufficiently diminiſhed, partly by the negligence of the Perſians, in reparation of the ſame, and partly from other OccaMahometans have for Heatheniſh Antiquities, rather inclined to raſe and demoliſh, than maintain and repair the Relicts of Gentiliſm, eſpecially what has bin built to any ſuperſtitious End. Thoſe Pillars that remain ſtill whole are 9 Cubits high, and about Five in compaſs at the Baſis. I told about 18 or 20 of thoſe ſaid Pillars that were whole to the Chapiter. It retains ſtill the name of K. Darius his Palace that being his Manſion-houſe. The ancient Greek and Latin Writers aſcribe the Founding of it to Cyrus, but the Perſians to one Schach Iamſcha, which I preſume cannot be reconciled: but however their Difference in Opinion be, certain it is that the Founder muſt have bin a mighty Prince, who hath
Kuhirahmet, which is as much as to ſay, the Mount of Mercy. On the Eaſt are two places of Entry with Marble Stairs, each ſtep being 30 Foot long and 17 of thoſe ſteps are wrought out of one Stone, which Greece, Italy, or the whole World beſides, that I have had the Fortune to ſee. Below ſtood a hard bright poliſhed Stone, ſet faſt in the Wall which might have ſerved for a Mirror, on which was an Inſcription in very ancient Characters ſuch as the modern Perſians cannot read. The Letters below were broad and riſing higher grew ſmaller towards the Top like an Obeliſk. I had work enough to view all the Images that were up and down, as of Giants, Lions, Bulls, Griffins, Tygres, The Olympian, or Games of Hercules, BatVenetians now, and Knights Templars of old uſed to wear. Abov the great Gate is a huge Statue appearing abov the reſt, having a long RobRoman Emperours were went to have: under his Robe he had a Veſture full of Foldings which were very ſoft and ſilk-like, the ſleeves were very looſely cut and wide, hanging down like a SurOxford] In one hand he had a Mond, and in the other a Staff or Scepter. The Perſians ſay that it is the Statue of Solomon King of the Hebrews, but I rather take it to be Alexander the Great, becauſe of the Mond, who was the firſt Monarch (according to Hiſtory) that was ſo painted, as ſuppoſing himſelf to have conquered the whole World, and for ſom time had his Reſidence in this Palace. Beſides this were on each ſide ſeveral others which ſeemed to be of leſs degree and meaner Perſonages, aDerbent. Som of theſe had long old-faſhion'd Spears, others led Horſes and Mules, and others brought oxen and Sheep with Mallets, Hatchets, Knives and other Implements for Slaughter as if they were a going to Offer. In this ſpacious Hall were alſo many other Figures as Emblemes, which were too dark and abJamſchet, oJe
to whom, as I have already ſaid, the Perſians aſcribe thAlexander the Great in a drunken Thaïs, who perſwaGreeks and ſpite the Perſians
Greece but to the whole World. Upon this Motiv the King
About 2 Leagues from Chehilminar are the Ruins of ſom Statues,Ruſtan a Perſian ChamRuſtan, a
Champion of great fame; for which reaſon every great Hero among them that has performed any valorous Atchievment is called
and glories as much in that, as the Greeks of old by the uſurped Achilles, or the Roman Stage-players in the name of Roſcius.
Perſians told me of thoſe Heros, would rather
AFter we had refreſhed our ſelvs and reſted the Caravan, we goAlikon, which we found well pleniſhed with all neceſſMarch to Scyras, where brought the Goods of the Eaſt India Company into their Ware-hou
So ſoon as I was arrived at Scyras I came to underſtand that theCarmelites in the Town who had bin always friendly to Chriſtian Paſſengers and Travailers in aſſiſting them with thScy
and treated me all the while with all the Delicacies they couItalian of the City of Naples by name Felicello; the other a Pole froWarſaw and called Jadiſtau.
Caravans Company had made unanimous reſolution among themſelvs not to proceed on their Journey with me, and that upon very ſlender and weak pretences: they had already received half their Moneys at Iſpahan, and we were not half way by much: but whether it was becauſe my Money was ſtollen, or becauſe (perhaps) that they feared to be examined about the Theft when we came to Gameron and ſo condignly puniſhed, I cannot determin: But whatſoever their Reaſon was, they left me there at a great loſs, ſo that I was fain to ſeek out a new Conduct, and ſupply my ſelf with freſh Camels and Horſes, which without the help of the 2 Monks had bin impoſſible for me to accompliſh.
The third day after my arrival at Scyras I went without the Town to walk, and accidentally found the Thief who had ſtole my MoDamaſkin Scymiter I alwaies wore, gave him an excellent Croſs on the Cheek, and beſides that lent him a few ſlaſhes about his back and ſhoulders, which don I took his clothes and cut them all to patches, Iſpahan, and make complaint at Court, and in order thereto to addreſs my ſelf to the Chan of Scyras to diſpatch the Letters. This it ſeems put him into ſuch Conſternation as well as his Companions, that he durſt not appear abroad to challenge me for any injury don him, fearing, perhaps, upon my addreſs to the Deputy that they would be ſecured till further Information: nor did I ever ſee him ſince.
Beſides the gentle Reception and the great kindneſs theſe Friars ſhowd me, I was kindly treated by one Doctor Robin, a French-man, which the Perſians called Hakim Robin, for Hakim in their Tongue is as much as to ſay Doctor: but his firſt name I cannot remember. This ſame Gentleman, I muſt confeſs, ſhowed me great friendſhip, and ſent a Letter for me to Holland incloſed in his own. So that in the hardeſt and greateſt extremities I ever found ſom Friends, and when I was almoſt in deſpair of ever returning to my priſtin State, and plunged in the moſt grievous Miſeries, obtained nevertheleſs by the Providence of Almighty GOD, ſom unexpected Sublevation;
Scyras as moſt other Towns in Perſia lies in a Valley, environed on every ſide with Hills. On that ſide towards Iſpahan is only one Thorowfare or Paſſage, which is laid ore with an Arch all over painted with variety of Beaſts and Animals, and inſcribed in ſeveral Places with Turkiſh and Perſian Rhymes and Mottos. When one is paſſed thrô the ſaid Arch is a fair and ſpacious ſtreet, which leads to the City, being plain, wide, eaven, and planted on each ſide with Trees [like the Palmal in Saint James's Park] which with the great number of Gentlemens Houſes on each ſide renders it as an amiable Paradiſe. At the end of the way is a ſtill ſtanding pool or pond, which is drawn off with a Trench on each ſide: having paſt this we come over a Plain or Flat field, and juſt before the Gates of the City to a great long Stone-bridge which lies over a Ditch, which in the SumCarmelite Friar, which is often viſited by the Chriſtians that live in Scyras. The Maydan or Market of Scyras is withPerſian Juriſdiction, who have more than once attempted to make themſelvs Maſters of the Town and Fort. On each ſide the Town appear the Ruins of Old Walls, Gates, Towers, Pillars and other great Buildings, which is a fair arguScyras has bin formerly much larger than it is now at this day, which is nevertheleſs a Town of conſideration, in reſpect of the preſent Trade and number of Inhabitants. The greateſt part of the City Walls are of Marble, for that is there in greater plenty than Friſe [or Portland] Stone with us: but as for the Streets they are neiMeſtzids, or Churches but thoſe very mean and hardly worth our taking notice of: onely one which they call Sadur, being as the Cathedral or
Mahomets Succeſſors lies interred. Within it appears with great magnificency, and is very well ordained as to it's ſtructure and Order of Colums; in the middle is a Chore, or Quire, which receives it's light from a Lanthorn or Tower of Glaſs above. The next remarkaAga Riza a very rich Indian Merchant who founded it at his proper Charges and left a conſiderable ſum to erect him a Tomb at the Eaſt and thereof. There is a very fair Baſar round about with rich Shops and many Galleries. There is alſo an Academy which may take place with the beſt public Edifices about Town, in which are taught the Literature there in uſe, beſides variety of other diſcipline and ſciences. Theſe are all the Buildings that are of any note in Scyras ſave only the Palace of the Deputy, which is environed with a thick ſtone Wall, and has on each ſide ſeveral ſpacious and fair Galleries.
The Land round about Scyras is very fertile, produces great plenty of Corn and Fruit, but abov all is eminent for the rich Vineyards; inſomuch that this Place and Countrey has got the name beyond all the Provinces in Perſia for delicate Wine, ſurpaſſing not only the Candian and Canary-Wines but all the Wines in the World for a delicate taſt, reliſh, and flavor. From hence the King of Perſia and all the great Perſonages at Iſpahan have their Wine, and hither repair the Engliſh and Dutch to market: nay, ſuch is the eſteem thereof, that notwithſtanding the great abundance of the yearly product, it is as dear here as Canary Sack in the Low-Countreys. This Trade in Wines which they of Scyras have is at preſent ſo conſiderable that there is not ſo much as half an Acre together of waſt ground, or hardly imScyras, as one beholds the Countrey from ſom high building or Tower ſeems to ſtand in the Center of an Earthy
Babylon, when that City was taken in by the Turks. WithAly Kapin where there are ſeveral perſons in ſerScyras.
Having ſtaid here a conſiderable time, and ſo nobly entertained by the ſaid Carmelites all the while I was in Scyras, I went to take my leave of them, giving them many Thanks (the only Treſure I had by me) for their many Civilities, and ſetting forward on our JourCarawanſera, where we took our Reſt. Near this Place was a Fiſh-pond in which ſom of our company got great ſtore of Fiſh on a ſudden, with a Hook and Line, for they were alwaies provided therewith to uſe when occaſion and opportunity concurred.
The next day it blew hard and was intermixed with ſhowers of Rain, ſo that we had very bad travailing and almoſt wearied out. Towards the Evening I happened to eſpy ſom perſons driving on very hard after us, and coming nearer, to my great joy and happiFeliſello the Carmelite, and Doctor Robine, who were going for Gameron to direct ſom affairs they had there.
Beſides my good Fortune to enjoy the Company of ſuch Friends I was further obliged by freſh kindneſſes, they offering me alwaies to eat with them, till we came to our Journeys end, which was no ſmall happineſs for me, conſidering my mean Condition, and great ſtrait, being very ſhort of Moneys and almoſt in deſpair of coming to Gameron with the Charge I had upon me. I cannot but tell you how much I was aſhamed to be ſo careſſed by Strangers, who had nothing to expect from me, and loath I was to be ſo burthenſom to them of whoſe hands I had not deſerved the ſmalleſt friendſhip and kindneſs that they manifeſted towards me, yet being ſo cruelly ſtraitned on every hand I was forced to accept of their Offer. They held a very noble Table, and had taken along with them a great Caſe of Bottles full of Scyras Wine, which they ſpared not ſo long as it laſted.
Dutch Miles.
The next day ſetting forward we came at night to a Village called D
where we ſet our Caravan down. This Village appeared like a Camp or Army with their Tents, the Cottages being ſo mean, and the higheſt houſe hardly ſufficient for a tall man to ſtand upright, being built only of Reeds and Twigs plated like Baſket-work and Dutch Miles.
On the 4 we ſet forward and went over very Rocky and hilly way, lb. weight for the Sterl. and are both of an excellent taſt and lovely Dutch Miles, and at night got a fair Carawanſera to take our reſt in.
The next day we had very dry ground and a barren Countrey to paſs thrô, and in ſom places rocky, ſo that we travailed that day no more than 5 Miles. On our way and near the Carawanſera which we took up for that night, we ſaw great Flocks of wild Goats which
Carawanſe
hungry and weary. The ſeaſon being ſharp and cold we laid on great pile of wood, and warmed our ſelvs throughly.
The day following in the Afternoon we came to a Town callScharim, which I preſume had bin anciently a City and walled iPerſi
Stuffs, in which they alſo drive a great Trade and have correſpo
Having ſufficiently taken our reſt at Scharim, we ſet forward aIſpahan. Here Caravan conſiſting of a great Troop of Men, Camels Mules, and Sumpter-Horſes loaden with rich Indian Wares. TCaravan came from Gammeron, and intended to go by the ſame PoScamachy and Surwan. In this company met accidentally with a Perſian who had bin our Neighbour at S
and delivered him two Letters, the one for my Maſter H
which was written in Turkiſh, and the other for my Wife, whiSmyrna. At night we caCaravan aſſaulted by RobCarawanſera.
Carawanſera where we toEngliſh Miles.
When we were lay down to ſleep we were ſurprized with aboCarawanſera, with intent, as
Having performed the Hangmans Office we went to our CameCaravan, leaving the Bodies there for an Example to their CoDutch miles Travail we got Carawanſera, and there reſolved to take our reſt. Here about we ſaFeliſello who was paſſiScyras Wine.
THe next morning being the 12 of March, we got all in a reTaurus. This day we advanceDutch Miles and got a good Carawanſera.
On the 13 we betook our ſelvs to our Journey, and about 3 in the After-noon got to a Carawanſera. Father Feliſello finding herOrange in ſeveral healths, and that to ſuch a Meſure that we were in as good as mood a thoſe Poten
On the 14 in the morning betimes we ſet forward and paſſed by ſeveral Pitts which were digged through from one to another under ground, ſo that the water ran through them all. The ſame Pits were well ſtored with Carps and other Fiſh which our Company angled for and took ſeveral, which ſerved us for a Novelty at night, theſe Pitts or rather Ponds were convey'd by a channel or narrow Conduit to a great Stone Ciſtern which was near to a Carawanſera, where we took our Nights reſt, having that day travelled 5 Dutch Miles.
On the 15th. about Noon we came into the Village Barry where we Dutch]
On the 18th. betimes in the morn we left Barry, and clambered up a very ſteep Hill, meeting by the way ſom Gentlemen that were diEurope, is held for a noble Game, and not a Gentleman but has his Faulcon. In the Afternoon we got the height of the Hill where we found a very old Man, who neither combed nor ſhaved his Hair but let it grow negligently, ſo that it looked like a Mop. This Man as we unCarawanſera.
Surwan Scamachy; but that being a place they had never heard of in their lives, aſked me further if that were as far as Iſpahan, I told them it was more than twice as far, at which they greatly wondred thinking that I muſt needs com from the utmoſt bounds of the World, theſe being a poor ignorant People and never travail farther than their Market Town, which is a little Grange in the Valley, and never heard tell of any Countrey than their own; in ſhort they would have had me to ſtay longer with them, but my Time was too precious to ſpend in anſwering all they would have aſked me. At night we came to the City Laar, where we took up our Reſting place in the Dutch Lodge, where we found very good Convenience, and only an old Man and a Woman to look to the Houſe and aſſiſt the Caravans, who were ſet there by the Company. Here I got the Cheſts and Caſes repaired that were broken and endamaged, by the often falling of the Camels thrô the rocky way.
Laar or Lar is a pretty big Town; but has no Walls to reſiſt or endure a ſtrong ſiege, ſave only ſuch as are made of Bricks that are dry'd in the Sun, but is reaſonably ſtrong in reſpect of its Scituation, as well as for the Fort or Caſtle, which is built upon a Hill on the North-ſide, the Walls thereof are of ſolid ſtone, and the Fort it ſelf ſo ſeated that it can command the whole Town, having one narOrmus, when by the help of the Engliſh he took that City in. About Laar grow abundance of Date-trees, but no Wine, and by reaſon that they have no Commerce or Traffic abroad but poor, muſt ſupply themſelvs with Water, which, as well as the Air here about, is very unwholſom, inſomuch that many times Strangers who are to make uſe of it for want of Wine fall ſick, and are tormented with a ſmall Worm, but long, which breeds between the Skin and the Fleſh, and cannot be taken out without great pain. They ſhow'd me one that was above 5 Foot long, and not ſo thick as an ordinary Goos-quill.
Laar are very free and ſociable to converſe withPerſians, Mummay Kobas. This Balſem, or Oil,June about which time it runs ſtillatim, or drop by drop, out at a Vein. The ſaid Rock from whence it coms is continually guarded with a ſtrict Watch, by Order of the King, and none is ſuffered to touch it upon pain of Death. This Oil is recLaar are erected ſeveral Pillars for Monuments of the Execution of ſeveral Robbers, who had made the high Ways unfree to Travel: Half of their Bodies are ſet up on theſe Pillars, and the other half buried in the Ground, being cut aſunder whilſt they are ſtill alive.
Having tarried here 3 Nights and 2 Days, we ſet forward on the 22 and had very bad and rocky way.Perſians, that threatned to leav us if we did, for they loath them more than Toads. We alſo ſhot ſeveral Eagles which notwithſtanding they prey upon the Pigs the Perſians fed heartily upon them. This day we travailed 7 Dutch Miles,diëta rationabilis, or an ordinary Stage, in regard of the badneſs of Way and Weather: and at night had a good Carawanſera.
On the 23 we broke up and paſſed by a fair Town called Pharate, which we left on the right hand. The ſaid Town was pleaſantly ſeatCaravan aſſaulted by RobSarap, where we took up our nights reſt, having that day advanced 6 Miles.
On the 24 we ſet forward again, and at night came to a great VilCarawanſera in it. We had no ſooner diſburthened the Camels, but had 50 or 60 Women who came and proffered us Milk to ſell, and were ſo importunat and troubleſom, that we could not get rid of 'em, till we ſet the Doggs upon them. Theſe went all with their Face uncovePerſia do, except in one Village between Scamachy and Iſpahan. This day we had fur
On the 25 we had a great and weariſom Mountain to travail over at the Foot whereof was a River which we were forced to wade thrô, by reaſon that the ſtone-bridge which had formerly lain over it was broken down. After we had travailed 5 Dutch Miles we took up ouCarawanſera. But we could here get no manner of Re
On the 26 towards night we came to a Grange of Fiſher-men of whom we bought a few for our uſe. We were no ſooner ſet down but came Monſr. Kaſenbroot with his Slaves riding into the Town, being ſent for from Iſpahan to Suratte. The night being very ſtill we could eaſily hear the ruſhing of the main Ocean. That day we had travailed 7 Miles.
On the 27 we went onwards, and about Noon came to a Carawanſera which lay cloſe to the ſhore, and could ſee Ships a ſailing, which filled me with a more than ordinary Joy, not having ſeen ſuch a comfortable ſight in a long time. Hence we ſaw Gammeron and could diſtinctly diſcern the Engliſh and Dutch Flaggs fly abroad that were planted upon the Lodges. However we thought good to tarry there that night having only advanced 4 Dutch Miles, that we might enter Gammeron the fore part of the Day.
On the 28 for the laſt time we made ready for the purſuit of our Journey, and in the Fore-noon came into Gammeron, where we were friendly received and, I by permiſſion of the Heer Françoys de Ha
then Director brought into the Companies Lodge. At my firſt coming
Perſian, being ſhorn after that manner, but hearing me ſpeak Dutch, they aſked me if I was one of thoſe who were in the ſervice of the Czar of Moſcovia, I anſwered, Yes, and alſo gave them a full Relation of what had paſſed and of the great hardBatavia.
GAmeron is alſo by the Perſians called Bendar,
Gammeron
The Key of the Kingdom, like the Name Derbent, aldegr. Northerly Latitude upon the Gulf of Perſia: on each ſide ſtand 2 Caſtles built after the old manGammeron is in reſpect of it's commodiEmporium and that on a ſudden, being lately a poor ſmall Town, inhabited by Fiſhers It is frequented by Indians,
Gammeron.
Moors, English, French and Hollanders, who drive here a mighGammeron is a place ſubject to a very unwholſom Air being a hot Climat: the Heats continuing violent from May till September which is the reaſon that ſo many Strangers either die or dwindle away with a lingring Diſeaſe, which if they once get, it will hardly leave them, althô they ſhould change the climat. Beſides the UnPalepunshen, being compounded of Arak, Sugar, and Raiſins, which iK
about threGammeron; but their moſt uſual Diet is Fiſh. The InhGammeron.
About a Mile without
Gammeron is a wonderfull kind of a TreGammeron.
Hillang
5.
8 E
10 D'
Indians who go thither to perform their devout Offices. The Indian who keeps it never ſhaves himſelf, but lets his Beard and the Hair of his Head grow ſo long as it will, which by his permiſſion I meſured and found it more than 6 Foot long, After I had don I gave him a ſmall piece of Money, valuing about Twopence, for which he ſhow'd himſelf very thankfull, and brought me in to ſee the Pagod and Tomb. Above was a Canopy of ſilk, and on each ſide were Lamps that were never ſuffered to go out. It was alſo painted round with October the Heat is almoſt paſt, at what time reſort hither Merchants from all Places to negotiate their AfPerſians and Armenians come by way of Iſpahan, and the Arabians thrô Babylon, or Bagdet as it is now called, with multitudes of Caravans conſiſting of many Thouſands of Camels, Horſes, Mules and other Beaſts of Portage. Hither alſo repair both English and Hollanders bringing all ſorts of Commodities that are there MarketEnglish bring moſtly Wollen ManufaHollanders trade there moſtly in Spices and Indian Commodities. The Portugeez Tongue is here almoſt univerſally ſpoke, they having ſo long had that place, and yet above all other Europeans are obliged to pay Cuſtom: The Dutch FaEnglish are not only Cuſtom-free here but alſo go Sharers with the King of Perſia in the Cuſtom that is received at Ormus, for the good Service they did in aſſiſting the King to take that Town Portugueezes. The Hollanders notwithſtanding their being CuSabandar, or chief Officier, who always coms in with new Pretences and Inventions, which he knows they will rather comply with than ſuffer any obſtructi
IUL. 1672.July I was viſited with a moſt violent burning Feavede Haas and in my naBatavia with the Ship N
which lay ready for ſail. The Director was pleaſed to give order thLaurence
who aſked me from whence I was? I told him, From Wa
; he told me that he was alſo born near Wormer, and for oCabin, charging his Servant thSpaniſh, or other Wine that he ſhould dra
Finally we ſet ſail, and came on the firſt of
Auguſt with a pMaſchate,
Moſchate. Deſcridegr. 36 min. Northerly latitude within, or upon the Bought Perſia; for before it was bArabian
1. d' Vimarckt.
2. d' Strant verſié met veel Coopmans waren.
3. Tw
Ormus was taken in by the King of Perſia, then ſerving as an Aſylum for the Portugueezes, Indians and Arabians.
In the Moneths of Auguſt and September it is here ſo incredible hot and ſcorching, that I am not able to expreſs the condition that StranPadberg came as Envoyé from the Lord General, to eſtabliſh the Commerce and Trade of the Company on a better foot at Moſchate: but he had not made an end of that Affair when we left the Place.
On the Third of Auguſt we ſet ſail,Comorine, which is a fair Promontory on the Malabar Coaſt. We directed our courſe thence for Ceylon, and ſo for Batavia.
On the 28 we got the Straits of Sunda, where we met ſeveral Javaners that came aboard us, and bartered Fiſh, Coconuts, Pieſang, AnaToppers Angle,Batavia.
Batavia.
On the firſt of September,
On the 27 I went to liſt my ſelf in the Companies ſervice for Sail-maker for 18 gild per Moneth aboard the Ship called De Hollandtſche Tuyn.
On the 15 of October we received Order with 6 other Ships to cruſe upon the Engliſh and French Ships before Bantham.
OCT. 1672.Spelman then OrdinIndies, and another to the Heer Piete
huNieuw poort
Batavia and ſo to go aboard the Ship Europa: wherewith ſet ſail on the 4 of February 1673,FEB. 1673.Te
as Admiral; The Alphen, Vice-Admiral, and Pynaker, Rere Admiral, beſides the Ships Starmeer, and Papenburg. We directed our Courſe W. and by S. thrô the Straits of Sunda.
On the 5 we came before Bantham and found there the 7 Ships which were cruſing before that place for the Engliſh and French.
On the 6 we found our ſelvs without the Straits of Sunda, and ſedegr. then altered, and bore up W. S. W. till we came at 28 degr. adegr. which is the height of C. de Bona Eſperanza where on the 15 of April we arriveArrival at Cabo de Bona EſpeIndi
coming from Holland. Here we firſt heard the doleful news that the French had already made themſelvs Maſters of 3 of the 7 Province, that the 2 De Witts, the Penſionary and Ruart of Putten were ſadly maſſHague; as alſo that his Royal Highneſs the Prince of Ora
was made Erf-Stadt-houder, or Lord Deputy Haereditary.
WE tarried here till the 17 of May, on which day we received an Order from the Governour to depart with the Ship Europ
Helena,
MAY. 1673.English about 14 Weeks before. The reſt of the Ships were to follow us in 7 or 8 days time, and ſo to ſail together for Holland.
Thus having a brisk Gale of wind we hoiſed ſail, and had aboard us one Captain Br
who was to be Governour of St. Helena, We ſet our courſe North-Weſt and on the 21 of May being Whitſuntide came before Saint Helena, but coming juſt in at the Bay we found we had got a wrong Sow by the Tail, finding inſtead of our own, 7 great English Men of War, with a Fireſhip and 3 Merchant Men. The Engliſh finding us within Shot did ſo welcom us with their upper and lower Tires, that we were preſently quit of Hopes, Ship and Goods. They gave us Nutmegs enough, but thoſe were ſo cruAſsiſtance an English Friggat of 48 Guns, which followed us with the FireEuropa taEngliſh and plunderEnglish, who never left firing upon us with 12 and 18 Pounders.
The English were no ſooner com aboard but they fell a plundeAltine had given me, being Ten Bruto, or rough Diamonds, for I had ſold one at Batavia, which was the meaneſt, for about 1000 gl. And now that good Treaſure, which I had ſo long hid, and ſecured from Theeviſh hands, lay at Stake for an Offering to impious Mars, and finding that they began to make a new Search, I called an Englishman aſide, and told him that I had ſo many rough Diamonds, which if he would pleaſe to take and hide for me, I would give him 5, upon further Condition that he would be faithfull to me and redeliver me the other back again when we arrived in England: but abov all to keep the matter ſecret. He
English continued plundering and breaking up the Cheſts, throwing the rich Silks and Cottons ſo on Heaps, that we coulMahometans and Pa
Thus being newly delivered out of one miſery I was immediatly involved in another; and ſo far might this deſpair have wrought witYet welcom, moſt welcom, be the Decrees of the moſt glorious LORD of Life; and HE out of his immenſe Bounty grant me patience to ſuffer what he is pleaſed to inflict upon me, how ſevere ſo ever it be.
Eight days before our Arrival there had the English taken in the Iſland, being forced to put in there for want of Water: not knowing
JUN. 1673.Eaſt-India Ships howeward: but coming into the Bay were not a little ſurpriſed, that they were ſaEnglish were reſolved to com aſhoar ſom way or other, for they were deſtitute of Water, all the 7 Ships of War and the Merchant-men with the Fire Ship hardly able to make out 15 Hogſheads of Water, and were beſides that at a great loſs for Refreſhments, having been long off at Sea to and again. The Admiral therefore gave command to attempt an entrance at the South ſide of the Iſland, where it was ſo narrow that they could not go abov 4 in a rank, inſomuch that if the Hollanders could have miſſed ſo many men out of the Fort, might have knockt them all down with Stones, with 50 or 60 Men, ſo that the English invaded the Iſland unmoleſted. The Governour ſeeing that they were ſurEnglish.
On the 4 of June the English got two Ships more of the 5 that folCeylon, who, not knowing any thing to the contrary but that the Hollanders were ſtill Maſters of the Iſland, came ſailing without any dread directly thither from the Cape. For the English had planted the Princes Flag aloft, and a Red Flag on the High way, which was a privat Token that the Hollanders had among themſelves. When I remarked what the meaning of all this was, and how eaſily our Ships would be deceived, I went to the Shore, where I eſpied the Ships not abov half a Dutch league diſtant, and immediatly pulled of my Shirt and ſet it upon a Stick, that at leſt they might begin, if they ſhould have the Fortune to ſee it, to conſider well with themſelvs, what ſuch might import; but it ſeemed that they took no notice of it, or elſe did not ſee it, otherwiſe it had bin time enough for them to have ſcap'd the Scouring. 'Twas not long before I was ſpied by two English Sentinels, who came in all haſt, and beat me after a moſt lamentable manner: which when they had don brought me before the Governour, who asked me, what I meant by that Token, I told him with great liberty, That I thought it my duty to warn my Nation from the Peril which they were ready to run in, and that I ſuppoſed that if, I had bin an Engliſhman and had
known them under the like Circumſtances I ſhould have don no more than what I was bound to do. To which the Governour ſmiling replied; That I did ho
Mean while the Ships came on undauntedly; and were hardly ſailLyon in an Aſſes Skin, in ſtead of an Aſs in a Lions Skin, and diſcerned a Wolfs Body with a Sheeps Voice, the Colours they ſaw ſpoke good Dutch, but the Ships danced an Engliſh Jig, wherefore they thought it beſt to tack about and make all the ſail they could: which the Engliſh perceiving, out after them all in a Body, and took the Admiral and Vice-Admiral, but the Rere-Admiral and the other 2 made their Eſcape, and could not be overtaken. The Admiral behaved himſelf with good courage, and had probably not bin taken if his Mizzin Peek had not bin brought by the board. The Ship that engaged and took him was the Weſt-Freezlandt, being formerly a Dutch Ship and taken by the Engliſh in the year .1665, and was now mounted with 54 Guns. Our Admiral would fain have boarded her but could not, for the Engliſh poured inceſſantly upon them with ſmall ſhot, inſomuch that he was fain to yield, the Commander himſelf being wounded in the Leg.
The next day we were ordered to go aboard directing our Courſe for Aſcenſion Iſland, which ſerv the Engliſh for a Rendezvous, where we arrived on the 19 of Iune. Here the Men went to take Tortoiſes, which are there in very great abundance, ſom of 200 and ſom 300lb. weight. Theſe Creatures are Amphibious, that is to ſay, living as well by water as by land; but by night com upon the Strand where they lay their Eggs, which are by the heat of the Sun engen
The Iſland Aſcenſion lies in 8 degr. and 30 min. Southerly Latitude about 40 Leagues from Saint Helena. It is altogether rocky and proHelena. The whole Iſland is white with the Dung of Mews, Cormorants, and a ſort of Wild-geeſe that com thither to build and breed, as alſo to prey upon the dead Fiſh which lies in heaps upon the ſhore, and in the ſmall Inlets, and Creeks.
Engliſh had intended to leav us there with a little Proviſion, till our own Ships ſhould come to fetch us off: but ſeeing there was none, they were ſo kind as to carry us for England. The reaſon of their deſign to do ſo, was becauſe they had very many ſick aboard, and grew every day weaker and weaker by the Death of their Men: fearing therefore that we ſhould riſe and make our ſelvs Maſters of the Ship when we found an Opportunity, being about 300 Dutch in all.
On the 23 of June we left Aſcenſion Iſland, and ſet our Courſe N.W. till we came under the Aequinoctial, and then North till we came in 13 degr. which is the height of the Barbados, then ſteered N. and by E. till we came in 43 degr. where we altered our Courſe N. E. till we found that we were in 48 degr. then changed our Point N. E. and by E. till we came at 51 degr. 11 min. then ſteered Eaſt till we had 51 degr. 20 min. and the next day got ſight of Ireland, and the day following arrived ſafe at Baltamore, which is a very fair Haven and good Anchor-ground, as alſo a ſafe Harbor for Shipping againſt all Winds. Being arrived here the Captains gave us liberty to go where we liked, ſo that ſom of our Men went over Land for Kingſale.
On the 26 we had news of the Engagement between the Engliſh and Dutch. The day following I ſet forward with ſom of our Company afoot over land, paſſing through many fair Towns, as Balthamore, Top, Roſs and others.
On the 28 we came at the Caſtle Til Britton, where we ſtay'd all night, and the next morning betimes ſet forward on our Journey, and about noon came to Kingſale, being one of the moſt commodious Havens and ſtrongeſt Place that I had ſeen in all Ireland. The Haven is ſuffiCork, where we happily found a Ship ready to ſail for Briſtol. Cork is a fair City and the Metropolitan of the Province of that name, being alſo a Biſhops Seat. The Maſter received us aboard, and in the Afternoon ſet ſail, and that night came to Anchor before Cow, which lies about 5 Leagues from Cork.
AUG. 1673.Dutch Privateer, but ours being a good ſailer outſtripGeorges Channel, and about the Evening came before Briſtol. On the 12 I went aſhoar and purſued my Journey afoot to London, where on the 15 I arrived, and ſtayed 3 Days, viewing to my great aſtoniſhment the City all rebuilt after a magnificent manner, being not long before in Rubbiſh and Aſhes by a dreadfull Fire, that happened in the year 1666, but now appearing with a far greater luſtre than before. From London I travailed to Harwich paſſing thrô many fair Villages and a moſt delightfull Countrey. And from hence imbarqued for Holland, where after many Miſeries and Perils, by the Goodneſs of Almighty GOD, I embraced my Wife and Children on the 7 of October, in the year 1673.
Anchora de prora jacitur, ſtat littore puppis.
ON the 28 of May we left Moſcou and with a ſmall Boat fell down the River Occa, till we came at Dedenof, being the Wharf where the Ship and Yacht were built which we found ready for a Launch.
ON the 6 of Iune we ſet ſail with our Ship, and Yacht coming the day following before Niſen Novogorod, where the River Occa incorporates with the Wolga. In the mean while we had run our ſelvs a ground three or 4 Times, but that was more thrô the unſkilfullneſs of the Pilot than the Badneſs of the River, which is deep and navigable: as alſo on each ſide inhabited and grown with Woods. The name of the Gentleman who reſided at Niſen as Waywood, or Governour, was Maxim Ivanowitz Nachokkin, who made us very welcom and according to their cuſtom ſent us ſeveral Diſhes of Meat, alſo during the time we lay there at Anchor came ſeveral times aboard us; and at our departure convoy'd us down ſom part of the River, and ſupplied the Officers with Neceſſaries and Refreſhments.
HAVING the advantage both of Wind and ſtream we arrived the Firſt of July, before the mouth of the River Caſanka, which is about a mile from Caſan. Here we broke our Cables, and with much ado made faſt to the ſhore with a ſingle Rope: We had alſo loſt our Bowſpriet among the Trees in falling down the Occa. The Waywods name of Caſan was Iurien Petrovitz Trobieskay, a liberal GentleCamuſchinka, Doſoroſka and others too long to relate. This ſaid Camuſchinka is lately built by Order of the Czaar, being fortified Diamond wiſe by Collonel Thomas Bailey, an English Gentleman: It's end is to prevent the Irruption of the Coſacs, the River Camuſchinka running into the Don.
ON the 13 of Auguſt we got ſight of Aſtrachan, and on the 14 came before the Town where we gave the Salvo with all our Cannon and 60 Muſquets, and in the Evening dropped Anchor in the Road, near the Town. We had before got Intelligence how that the Coſacs had appeared upon the Wolga, but coming to Aſtrachan were further informed how that the Ruſſes were gon out againſt them, in which Expedition were 50 Stroegs and about 3000 Men, under the Command of Knees Simeun Ivanowitz Geboof, who was the third Voyce, or ſuffrage of
Aſtrachan. It is now 3 years ſince the firſt riſing of the Coſacks in which time they have depopulated many fair Towns upon the Caſpian Sea, and about a year agon had taken in Iaick, a City belonging to the Czar, where they had beſides many Inſolencies committed killed and diſpatched abov 8000 Men by cruel and unheard- of Torments, amongſt whom was one Dutch Officier, of known fame for his good Conduct.
IN Perſia they had taken in and demoliſhed 3 Citys, and moſt barbarouſly maſPerſia and the Great Duke. They were headed by one Stenko (or Stephen) Radzin, a diſcontented Perſon and one of great Power, as to his proper Abilities, bearing a Soveraign Aw among them. About 14 days before our Arrival at Aſtrachan, he had taken a coſtly Perſian Boes, valued at ſeveral Tuns of Gold, in which were Horſes and ſeveral other Preſents ſent from the King of Perſia to the Great Duke of Moſcovy.
ON the 17 as the Waywod of Aſtrachan was aboard our Ship came an Expreſs, bringing news that Radzin and the Coſacs had ſubmitted themſelvs to the Great Duke, upon which the Waywod gave order that we ſhould fire our Guns, which we did. The ſaid Letters further mentioned how that they had delivered the Horſes belonging to the Great Duke to the Ruſſian General.
ON the 19 came 3 Coſacs into Aſtrachan in very coſtly Attire and with great pomp, whereof the youngeſt was the Orator. The Waywood after a long Treaty aſſured them of being eſtabliſhed in the Great Dukes Favour. But it ſeemed that they had ſom diſguſt, becauſe they were not formally introduced, as is cuſtomary with all Ambaſſadors and Legates.
The Waywod excuſed it, ſaying
That he him
When the Conference was over, the Bojar, and reſided there in quality of Waywod, yet at his firſt taking that Dignity upon him was not introducted by his Predeceſſor, nor the Nobility of Aſtrachan, which was Argument and Token that he was not to do the like to others.Waywod invited them to his Houſe and gave them a ſplendid Treat.
ON the 21 early in the Morning came the Ruſſian Fleet before the Town conſiStroegs, or Rowing-Barks: upon each Stroeg was only one Piece of Ordnance, but thoſe in the Rere had 2, to wit, one before and another abaStrelitzers (which are the Soldiery) that they could not mov if there had bin occaſion, to do any execution. The ſaid Fleet by order of the Waywod came to Anchor on the other ſide of the River. About 3 in the Afternoon came the Coſacs, conſiſting in 23 Sail and a conſiderable number of Men. Upon their Arrival we had an order from the Waywod to receiv 200 Strelitzers aboard under our Standard, who placed themſelvs in order round about the Ship. The Ruſſian Army then looſed and came before the City, giving the Salvo with all their great Guns at once, with abov 3000 Muſquets: which the Coſacs anſwered with their Cannons and Muſquets; upon which they in the City put out a white Flag, which was a Token for us to Fire, which we did with all our great Guns, and about 200 Muſquets. Mean while the Maſter of our Ship fell over board, but was taken up again, thô with much ado, for the weather was a little tempeſtuous. Soon after
Ruſſians gave fire a ſecond time and came cloſe up to our Ship; upon which we gave fire for the laſt time with 13 Guns and 200 Muſquets. The Coſacs rowed off, and came to Anchor where the Ruſſian Fleet rode at firſt.
ON the 22 in the Morning betimes, the Coſacs rowed up the River, and were on a ſudden out of ſight: and that morning iſſued a Proclamation that none ſhould have any Commerce or Converſe with them. On the 23 came Radzin himſelf in Perſon into Aſtrachan and was ſaluted by all the Gentry: the Waywod was alſo council'd to bring the Ammunition and Standard of the Rebells into the City, which he reſolv'd upon. Mean while came news to the Waywod that Radzin was drunk, whereupon he gave order that they ſhould endeavor by good and gentle words to get him out of Town: he being very unruly when overtaken with Liquor, in which mood he had deſtroyed many Men, both of his own Rout and others. But the Inſolencies he had committed during this Uproar cannot be recounted, althô 'tis ſaid that beſides the many Thouſands of the Great Dukes Subjects he had cauſed to be maſPerſians.
AFTER a taedious delay we finally received an Order from the Great Duke to imbark our ſelvs with the Ships Company, and com to Moſcou. Which being ſhown us I inſiſted continually that according to the ſaid Order I might go up, but it was thought good that the Ship ſhould be firſt put in Equippage, and ſupCoſacks, who under the Conduct of one Stenko Radzin as chief, had already depopulated many fair Countreys upon the Caſpian Sea, and then reconciled to the Great Duke. But in the Moneth of March came news how that the Coſacs were again revolted, upon which Colonel Levonti Bogdonof was diſpatched by the Great Duke with a Band of 800 Men, to wit, 400 Ruſſian Cavalrie and 400 Nagaian Tartars, to march to Zarit a, a City lying about 80 Dutch Miles above Aſtrachan; that being a City which abutts upon the Frontiers of the Coſacks, and commands the paſſage of the River Don, or Tanais; which River nevertheleſs doth not fall into the Wolga, as ſom have bin of opinion, and as moſt Maps do make it, for the Coſacks do come almoſt a days Journey with their Boats from the Don to the Wolga, which they balRuſſian Speech and the ſame Religion. They have alſo their Aſyla, or Places of Refuge, granted them by the Great Duke, whither they have recourſe when they have perpetrated any villanous Fact, or Enormity.
ABOUT the 27, or 28 of April came a Narrativ by a Courier from the aboveBogdanof, importing how that the Coſacks had taken in Tzaritza, and that about 1200 Moſcovians were kill'd and drown'd: but to give a full account of the Stratagems they had uſed to gain the Town, would make me more prolix and taedious than my preſent deſign is to be. Theſe 1200 Strelitzers or Soldiers, were a part of thoſe that were ſent from Moſcou to enforce the reſpectiv Garriſons upon the Wolga, but eſpecially this City, in which the Great Duke repoſed great Truſt, being able to check (as I have ſaid before) the main Paſſage of the Rebels, in their March for the South-Eaſt Countrey.
THE ſame day came news how that the Field-Tartars were at diſcord and factiBogdanof thought good to draw up and march forChornojar, a City about 50 Dutch Miles from Aſtrachan. He had alſo ſent down a Captiv Coſac to Aſtrachan who was put upon the Rack, and in ſuch manner tormented that all had compaſſion of him.
MEANWHILE all things are made ready at Aſtrachan, and the Shipping deſign'd for ſervice in this Expedition put in equippage. The Waywood alſo ſends a Perſon of Quality with a Body of Soldiery to joyn with thoſe under Boogdanof: theſe were then to be commanded by a Pole, whoſe name was Ivan Ruſſinſki and a Proſelyte in the Ruſſian Church, and next to him one James Wondrong, a Scotch GentleEdenburg, aged about 33 years, and univerſally well ſpoken of, for his Piety and faithfull deportment. The Dutch Officers, were Paul Dolf CapEngineer, with his Son in Law Lewis Fabritius, beſides Captain Robert Hind an Engliſhman, Nicholas Schaak my Lieutenant was alſo made Captain. There were alſo 2 Dutch Lieutenants ſent upon this affair who were baptized into the Ruſsian Church. As alſo 2 or 3 Enſigns. The reſt of the Officers were moſtly Poles and Ruſſes.
UPON the 25 of May being Munday in Whitſun-week the Captains departed from Aſtrachan in about 40 Stroegs, all under the command of Knees Simeun Ivanowitz Elboof. Each Stroeg had one Piece of Canon and all neceſſary AmmuniStrelitzers of Aſtrachan who have ſome manner of Diſtinction among themſelvs.
THE ſame day the Coſac who had bin ſo cruelly tortured was hanged up in ſight of the whole Army. In the mean time the Inhabitants of Aſtrachan began to murOmen of ſome ill Conſequence, for from that time forward they continued bolder and bolder till at length it burſt out into palpable Rebellion. About this time arrived a Dutch Chirurgeon at Aſtrachan, who had bin in the Retinue of the Moſcovian Ambaſſador at Iſpahan, of whom I bought ſom Silk ſtuffs and 480 Hides of Turky leather, for which I immediately tendered the Money.
ABOUT the beginning (I think the 4th day) of June came a Gentleman from Chornojar with very unwelcom News. His Meſſage was that the ſame day that Knees Simeun Ivanowitz with the Ruſsian Army was arrived before that City, the Coſacks appearing far more numerous and ſtrong, thoſe in the City revolted, declared themſelvs Coſacks, and ſurrendred up the Town to Radzin and the Rebells. He added further, That all the loyal Officers who indeavored to diſſwade them there from, were moſt inhumanly maſſacred. This ſad Expreſs, altho ſmothered as much as was poſſible by the Waywod and Council of Aſtrachan, was nevertheleſs come to the knowledge of the Townsmen, who were very impatient to bear the yoke of Obedience any longer. Upon this news I was ſent for by the Waywood, who aſked me if my Men were able to manage the Cannon, and gave order that in the firſt place all the Cannon ſhould be viſited that lay upon the Walls, and to repair thoſe that were defectiv which was forthwith done.
June, we left the Ship, and brought all the Goods in the Fort, by order of the Governor, our Gunner alſo loaded a great part of the ORuſſes, and not unacquainted with their tumultuous ſpirits, toCaſpian Sea to the Perſian Coaſt. I had already ordered our Men to buy up
UPON this Motion of the Chirurgeon I ſummoned up my Officers and toAſtrachan except only their cloaths, bChriſtian Brand
Aſtrachan, and (if our fate was ſuch) to die on the Bed of Honour, rather th
ON the ſeventh of June, being Saturday early in the morning, I ſent a Seaman to the Ship again with ſom privat Inſtructions; but he making ſom delay, and I not have the patience to wait any longer went my ſelf, with the Chirurgeon, and found that
Waywod with the matter, before he ſhould come to hear Coſacks.
THE ſame day came a Courier with an Expreſs from Moſcou, being the ſame GenRuſſes about Zaritſa were revolted. This Gentleman's name was Danile Tourlekojof, and had been formerly with me aWolga, between Caſan and Aſtrachan, and intimated me with privacy how that the Revolting Party had uſed the Lievtenant General and other Ruſſian Officers after a moſt barbarous manner, and that Aſtrachan it ſelf, as well as all the Countrey round about, was already betray'd: but further ſaid he not.
THE day following, being the 9th of June, I received an order from the Governour English Colonel, Terki which City was was alſo fortified anew by the ſaid Coll, being ſituated in the Land of the Circas-Tartars, about 2 Leagues from the Caſpian Sea: The old City, or Caſtle, as Adam Olearius writes, was firſt built and fortified by one Cornelius Claaſz, a Hollander. This Gentleman had the charge of one Quarter committed to him, and my ſelf the other, to repair it ſo, that the Men might be ſecure. Soon after came the Waywod himſelf in perſon and deſired our Advice what to do for Security of the Town. The English Gentlemans adCoſac Party ſhould be pardoned, and declared free Remmiſſionaries, in caſe they would come and ſubmit themſelvs to the Governour, and that the Towns
MEAN while a narrow Watch was held, and the Soldiery lay all night upon the Walls, and 2 Men at every Port-hole, to be ready in caſe of a ſilent Attacque.
THE Perſians, Calmuc-and Circas-Tartars, under conduct of a Perſian GenMoſcou, upon an Ambaſſage from the King of Perſia, did alſo their utmoſt indeavors to aſſiſt us, and paſſed aPoet Nietze Baſna, being the Bulwark where they uſually torture their Male
ON Sunday, being the 15th. of June I was invited to dinner with the Waywod. When the Table was done he gave me a Preſent, to wit, a yellow Silk Coat, 2
Ruſſians upon extra
THE Thurſday following, being the 19th. we had Intelligence how that the Coſ
Forces were greatly increaſed and that they were a Marching towards us; which neTartars and FiſheAſtrachan. There was alſo a falſe rumor ſpread about the Town, as if oodium upon them and
ON Friday the 20th. of June, the Waywod made me Lieutenant Coll. in place of James Wondram, which by proviſion I took upon me, but being not well pleaſTartarian ſide, whe
ON Sunday, June 22 came the Coſacks within ſight of Aſtrachan, and ſent Coſac Trumpetter with a Ruſſian Prieſt to demand the Town. The ſaid Coſac had alſo a Letter for me in Dutch, wherein I was adviſed not to fight with my Men, if I hoped for Quarter, or Mercy at their hands. The ſaid Letter was taken from me by the Waywod, before I had read it quite out, and torn in Pieces. The Trum
ON Munday came the Coſac-Army with about 300 Keels, great and ſmal cloſe to the City, puting in at a River near the Vineyards that ly about half a LeagTartarian Tents on fire. MeanPerſian and Circas-Tartars had taken 4 Coſacks, who were put to the Rack and after con
THE day following the Collonel would have confirmed me in the Office I theCoſacks approached to begin their firſt ſtorm, which happened about 3 a clock at the Woſnaſinſke Gate, where our Ship-maſter and the Waywods Brother had the watch. The firſt I eſpied was a ſquare Body of the Enemy who approached very near, upon which I gave fire with our 12 Pounders, and was ſeconded by thoſe of the next Poſt, who ſhot very faſt. Interim came the Engliſh Colonel Baily to me in great haſt with moſt of the Dutch and German Officers, bringing news how that the City was already betray'd. The Colonel was himſelf wounded on the cheek with a Pike, as alſo in two or three places on his Leg, for being all in Armour they could not hurt him elſewhere: and this he ſaid was done by our own Soldiery. He told me further that he had done his utmoſt indeavour to pacify them and if it were poſſible to caſt an odium upon the Coſacks, as Rebells; but was fain to ſmother all his reaſon ſore againſt his will and at laſt glad to come off with his Life. After a ſmall conference together I adviſed the Colonel to go again to his Poſt, and ſee if the perſwaſion of other Officers had wrought any thing upon the Strelitzers: but the next news I heard was that the Strelitzers had maſſacred all the Officers, which grieved me moſt highly, becauſe that they had adventured their perſons by my advice. Neither did this bloody Action hold up with that, for it came forward ſo far that Captain Wederos who had the next Poſt to me was taken by his own ſervant, pinion'd faſt and afterward in moſt cruel manner murthered by his Soldiers. The Chirurgeon of whom I have already made mention ſeeing this, would have thrown himſelf off the wall to avoid the danger of thoſe bloody Traitors; but I did all I could to with-hold him, and at laſt called to mind a certain Port-hole juſt under the Tower which might ſerve us for an Exitus out of all thoſe imminent dangers, in which we had certainly ſuffered if we had not taken care betimes. Thrô this we took our way and I charged the Chirurgeon with his Servant (being a Pole) to follow me, as alſo two of our Ships-Folk, to wit, James Trappen, and Chriſtian Brandt. Coming below we found there two Ruſſes who ſtood Sentinel, whom I charged to let us through. Theſe not knowing any thing of the Tumult let us thrô without much difficulty or Interrogations. The Chirurgeon went out before, and I followPole. We were forced to wade thrô the Ditch to the neck, aiming at the Tartarian Field QuarCoſacks, the Chirurgeon having a Firelock reſolved to diſcharge as he alſo did, and ſo far ſurpriſed he was that he grew deſperate and throwing himſelf into the River fell a ſwimming. When I came up with them I underſtood that they were alſo fled for fear of being maſſacred by the Commonalty; uponTroſilzen Outzjouge, where we related all what had paſſed at Aſtrachan to the Fiſhers. We would have gone further, but the Ruſſians would not go with us. However I prevailed ſo far with the Chirurgeon that he was willing rather to go to Sea, than to truſt himſelf to the mercy of the Coſacks. But he was very loth to truſt himſelf in ſuch a ſmall Boat, being well acquainted with the danger by untemperate Winds, inconſtant Seaſons, and uncertain Tides. I had no more money by me than 7 Rubbels [about 3 lb. Sterl.] and bought a Mug-tent or Pavilion with a loaf of Bread weighing about 10 lb. and with that put off, truſting to the Providence of Almighty GOD, having the adAſtrachan. The Fiſhers gave us very good words and comfortable Language, promiſing to aſſiſt us in what they might. We rowed as hard as we could, and bare them company to their Fiſhing place, called Ivanow
where we met with a Ruſſian Colonel, 2 Captains and 46 Strelitzen, The Colonels name was Maxim Lopatim, and lay in Garriſon at Terky intending for Aſtrachan, but had not as then heard of the horrid Treaſon and Rebellion of the Commonaltie there, nor ſo much as of the Attacque and Siege of the Coſacks. He underſtanding how affairs ſtood there, reſolved to row back with us in the Boat to Terky, and adviſing the two Captains to do the like who put their Goods aboard, and tacitly left the Strelitzers at Ivanowa Outzoug. Thus we rowed with all ouCaſpian Sea, ſtill keeping near the Bank. After a little rowing we eſpied a Boat which rowed very hard after us: we alſo did all we could to outrow them, but they being more expert than we in general, gain'd room of us, and comRuſſian Captains jump'd over board, and was afterwards taken up by them. All the Arms we had was my Piſtol, for the ChirurAſtrachan, as I have already, mentioned. In the Keel or Veſſel that followed us were ſeveral Fiſhers, together with the Strelitzers, which were formerly under the Command of thoſe Officers that were with us ad left at Ivanowa Outzoug, who it ſeems ſo reſented the matter that they had declared themſelves Coſacks, thrô diſguſt that the Officers had not given them warning of the affairs of Aſtrachan, who probably would have bin faithfull if they had bin ſo kind as to acquaint them with the matter. In ſhort they cloſed up with us, took, plundered, bound and brought us back again to the Fiſhing place, where the Colonel alone had the Liberty to exerciſe his Devotion in the Church, but we were ſecured with a ſtrong Guard all the night long.
ON Thurſday the 25 of July they made preparation to bring us up to Aſtrachan, and about noon we got ſight of the Town: and coming to a very convenient place
Tartars, which I eſſay'd to do, but was follow'd and taken; yet had that attempt not bin in vain if I had not chanc'd to fall which was no ſmall diſadvantage to me: however I betook me to the Water which I found there very ſhallow, ſo that they with a little wading fetch'd me out. But having got me, I cannot expreſs with what cruelty they uſed me, beating me black and blew, which done, they bound me faſt and threw me into the Boat, ſo rowing up to the Town. By the way the Chirurgeon made a proRubbels for my Ranſom and 70 for his own. They promiſed to do their Indeavour for us. In the Evening we arrived at Aſtrachan where we were brought up before the General of the Coſacs. I had no Cloaths about me ſave only a pair of leathern Breeches, which were full of holes. The General ſate at the Gates of the Biſhops Palace eroſsTurkiſh manner drinking Brandy, and was ſo drunk that his Eies roll'd in his Read. He aſked the Chirurgeon who he was? and what his Function was? which when he knew, gave him his Life, and ordered him to take care of the Coſacs that were wounded. Afterward he aſked, who I was? the Chirurgeon made anſwer that I was his Companion: he further aſked me what I could do; but the Chirurgeon leaving me, I could not return him any anſwer. The Ruſſian CoRooſcat, and hurled headlong down. From the ſame Tower alſo was the Vice-roy, or Waywod, whoſe name was Ivan Simeunowitz Proſorofski, after many Tortures thrown alſo praecipitantly from Top to Bottom
MOST dreadfull was this maſſacre which continued for ſome time together; but GOD Almighty gave me an undaunted ſpirit. The Coſac General looking earneſtly upon me commanded his Men to give me Brandy, and made me drink off 2 cups one after another, and then gave order to bring me into the Camp: But what became of the 2 Ruſſian Captains I cannot tell. As I paſſed by to the Camp being put in a Boat that lay next to the Generals, I was eſpied of a Ruſſian Strelitzer who brought news of my being ſtill alive to Madam Wonderham, the Lieutenant ColoDutch Officers that went out with the ſaid Lieutenant Colonel, was one Paul Rudolph his Son in Law who was the only Perſon that remained alive: feigning himſelf in ſuch extreCoſac, for he was well acquainted with their ſpeech and manners. This
June 27, expecting every moment my laſt Cataſtroph. That day they brought me into a Tower, and tied me ſo hard, that my blood for want of a natural reflux began to corrupt within my Body. My Arms were pinion'd, and my hands made faſt behind my Back: my feet alſo were Coſacks, that if any came to interceed for a Captiv that he ſhould dy himſelf for him, which the Chirurgeon told me alſo, yet promiſed he would ad
THIS night I was moſt barbarouſly uſed by the Coſacks, and Gogelats, a People of
Ʋkrain ſo called. And in the mean time was moſt fearfully vexed with Toads and other vermin that continually ran over my Body and about my head in whole ſwarms. However I ſpent my time in prayer as one condemned to dy and aſſured of a ſpeedy Death, of which (I may truly declare) I was not in the leſt affraid, only feared that they would hang me up by the Heels, or put me to ſome ſuch lingr
ON Saturday the 28 of June came the aforeſaid Chirurgeon, and told me that the General had ſent for me: and being untied I could hardly ſtand upright, yet made a ſhift to hupple after him. Being come in to the preſence of the General after a few idle impertinent Queſtions he aſked me bad me go home with the Chirurgeon. From Sunday to Thurſday I continued there in houſe with him, in which time I ſaw much cruelty commited, ſome hanging up by the Feet, others with their Feet and hands chopt off left in the open ſtreet to ſhift for themſelves, none daring ſo much as put forth a finger to help them.
ON Thurſday July 3d I was again taken and carried to the Brink of the River where I expected to part with my Life. But the Coſacks told me, if I would pay the 100 Rubbles, which the Chirurgeon had promiſed them on my behalf, I might go free: which the Chirurgeon, who againſt his will feigned himſelf to be a Coſack, was content to diſburſe for me, which afterwards I was obliged to repay upon de
ON Sunday I was ſent for by the General, who was then a Drinking at the Em
ABOUT this time happened many memorable paſſages, and cruel Examples of Tyranny, which would prove too tedious to relate. I ſhould want words to expreſs
Schrickelycke Moordt int Slod
Het Slot van Aſtracan.
Tooren ſhae
D. Stade Astracan
D. Baſſchen overſte
D'Gouvernour Ivan Simennowitz en order Cansetier vande to ren geſmeten
Offeciers van Proseroſki
Alexe Alexewitz ſecretaris by de rib
Ge
Vluc
Plaets daer ſy de Doode
Wrn parſery
De Kerck
Net Gerecht Huys
Muur van't Slodt
Coſacks ſtudied to kill and torture the Inhabitants and Loyal Officers, who did not forthwith ſubmit themſelvs to their unreaſonable and unjuſt Wills.
On the Wedneſday following was the Secretary Alexo Alexowits hung up upGilan. Alſo two Sons of the Vice-roy, Deputy, or Waywod were hung up by the heels, the one being a very hopefull youth of about 16 years of Age, and the other a Child of about 7 or 8 at the moſt.
The Day following they were both found alive, and the youngeſt at the inRadzins Minions was taken down, and ſav
The ſame day I had News how that Chriſtian Brand one of my Men was ſtill alive, and was conſtrained to feign himſelf as Coſac.
On the 20th of July the Coſac General Radzin departed with an infinite numAſtrachan and left there 2 Governors of equal Command and Power, the one being a Coſac, and the other a Ruſs.
ON the 2 of Auguſt began a New Maſſacre continuing for ſeveral days to
ABOUT this time I diſpatched three Letter for Iſpahan and had notice how that Chriſtian Brandt was ſet free. It ſeems that he was taken for a Perſian, having a brown, ſwarthy complexion, and by ſuch means was ſpared in the maſſacre; for all the Dutch were hewn down, or otherwiſe diſpatched, ſave onely L. Fabritius Son in Law to Captain Rudolph.
ABOUT the ſame time I had news by the Chirurgeon, how that my Ships-company that betook themſelvs to flight with the Shallop were run aſtrand on the Scemkal or Dageſtan Coaſt, a Countrey butting out againſt the Caſpian Sea.
ON the 22 of Auguſt was much Tyranny committed in the City, and people of all ages maſſacred. The Chirurgeon after a long ſoliciting procured a Paſport to depart with a Servant to attend him, altho not without giving Security for his Return. This gave me likewiſe opportunity to leave the place under pretext of being his Servant.
ON Munday in the afternoon being Aug. 25 we left Aſtrachan and imbarqued our ſelves aboard a Veſſel belonging to ſome Banjan Merchants, who were alſo pil
Settinabo Gora the Wind was flat North, and about the Evening all was calm.
THE Day following one of the above mentioned Shipping hail'd us, and ſaid that they were bound for Terki and came from Aſtrachan being laden with Salt. We kept them Company along the Coaſt near the broken Land which is all grown over with huge tall Reeds: we had 11 and 12 Foot Water. At night one of thoſe Veſſels ſtray'd about a Cannon ſhot from us: and the next morning 2 Barks made up towards us and gave Fire, without doing any Execution: But when they came near us the cowardly Banians fell upon their knees and begged their Lives. In each Boat were 9 Perſons and aboard of us were 46, ſome Perſians, Tartars and Bouchars, but moſt Banians. Coming to board us they plundered all to our very Proviſion. I had about 8 Rubbles in Money and my Seal-ring which had bin once already reCoſacs. This Ring with the Money I gave to the Chirurgeon; but they threatning to put him to the Torture when it came to his turn to be pillaged; he confeſſed all and delivered up the Money and Ring, beſides 4 double Ducats of his own: but found an opportunity to hide 52 Ducats more after an eſpecial manner about his Body.
WHEN the Coſacks had taken all and pillaged us of what they could find, they held a certain ſort of a Council among themſelves what they ſhould do with us. At laſt it was reſolved after a long debate, that we ſhould be ſaved alive but turned off to Sea, with charge not to come anigh the Coaſt any more, upon pain of being thrown over board if they came to take us again.
UPON this they left us, and gave us opportunity to make uſe of the Wind, which was Weſterly, and about the Evening with a briſk Gale, and a dark moon we ſet ſail and bore up to the Sea.
BUT after we had ſailed about 2 Leagues the Weather began to be ſomwhat boiſtrous, ſo that we were fain to put in at a ſmall Creek of an Iſland, where we lay at Anchor till Saturday following; at what time the Weather growing more calm and temperate we weighed and bore up again to the Coaſt, where we immeBanjan had anointed my ſelf with Black tempered with Greace, and tied a Handhercheif about my Head, but it was ſo botchingly don that they found occaſion to aſk the ChiDegeſtan Merchants were thrown over board and the Chirurgeon who paſſed for a Pole was moſt ſeverely beat. They threatned that if they met us again near the Coa
THE Wind continued hard till Thurſday following, blowing moſtly from North-W. and by N. and now changed again into W. N. W. which was good and favourable for us; but the Banians would in no wiſe give their conſent that we ſhould weigh Anchor, for that they thought it too high and boiſtrous.
BUT on Saturday the Wind continuing ſtill in the ſame point, we weighed, and with a freſh Gale ſteered away South and by Weſt; and ſoon after deſcried a ſmall Veſſel riding at Anchor, being one of thoſe that left Aſtrachan with us: thoſe aboard were Perſians and had the luck to eſcape the Coſacks, keeping off at Sea. When they ſaw who we were, they weighed and kept us company. Towards the Evening the Wind blew North-Eaſt, and I found that we had ſailed too much Weſterly, I preſs'd hard that we ſhould alter our courſe, but could not prae
HOWEVER we thought good to keep cloſe to the Coaſt, but towards the EvenBanjans were beſt provided, and imparted to us ſuch as they had.
INTERIM, the Wind came about Eaſt, and E. and by S. ſo that we were conſtrained to drop Anchor, and ſo to ride three days at half a fathom Water. Yet growing calmer we ever now and then rowed a little. But having ſpent all our Banians had left: and were fain at laſt to cut up ſome parts of the Ship th. of September towards the Evening we came to a good place of Anchorage, near the Coaſt, of 5 Foot water, where I ſtept aſhoar to ſeek up ſome Wood and Herbs, or what elſe I thought might be ſerviceable to us on our Voyage.
ON Thurſday being the 11th. of September we ſailed cloſe by the Coaſt which we kept in ſight till Saturday following, when as the Banians, a poor and helpleſs People not able to endure ſuch hardſhip, preſſed very hard that we ſhould put aſhoar, which out of meer pity we were willing to do, being all wet and very cold.
MEANWHILE we were ſet upon by a party of Coſacks, who now the third time plundered us: but the Chirurgeon not having time nor the conveniency to hide his Ducats as before, digged a hole and hid them in the Sand, and threw down his Muſquet about the ſame place for a token to find them again. I alſo being afraid, David is ſaid to have feigned himſelf mad before the Philiſtines to eſcape them, I reſolved to do the like, by which means I eſcaped. When they had me
Dutchman: but others ſaid I was a Georgian, and to my Happineſs the latter ſway'd it. How
ON the 20 of September it was very good Weather; we therefore made ready to ſet ſail. About noon being under ſail we ſaw about 30 Tartars on the Strand who called out to us that we ſhould come aſhoar: This unwelcom ſummons mainly adBanians ran aſhoar and fell down upon his Knees. The Boat was drawn aſhoar, and after they had conſulted a little together what they ſhould do with us they demanded Ranſom, which was agreed upon for 3 Rubbles each Man. They were Circas and Nagayan Tartars, and accepted of one of the Banians for a Pledge till the Ranſom was paid. We went about two Miles with them and left our Veſſel behind us. I had with me a little Coffer of Books which I carried along with me; and was fain to trudge a foot without either Shoes or StocArmenian whom I had formerly known at Aſtrachan who treated me very kindly, as alſo my Companion the Chirurgeon: but we having in ſo long a time not eaten any thing which was fitting for human food, did Anatomize what was ſet before us at ſuch that the Armenian obſerving it, thought good to take away before we had half ſatiſfied ourappetite for fear we ſhould ſurfeit our ſelves.
HERE we tarried three Days, waiting for a good Wind to go for Tarku, but that not falling out in this time are determined rather to go by land than to ſtay there Wind-bound, it being not above a Days Journey, yet very perillous for the Tartars who continually lay in wait for diſtreſſed, and ſtranded Paſſengers, in theſe unhappy Proceedings of the Coſacks, who made the Caſpian Sea very unſafe to ſail.
ON Tuſeday being the 30 of September we ſet forward, and after a very tedious Days Travel thrô Boggs and Marſhes we got to a Village inhabited by Nagaya
where we took up our nights reſt in the Circas Quarter. Here we met with a Friend of the Chirurgeons, whom we offered 8 Ducats to conduct us to Derbent, which he undertook to do. Here I ſpoke alſo with Ivan Turken Agent to his ImTurk born, but a Ruſſian Proſelyte, and had a Brother at M
who was of the Reformed Religion and an intimate Friend of mine. This ſaid Gentleman intreated me to ſtay longer at Terku, but I declined their kind offer yet was fain to accept of it for 2 Days having ſo charged and overloaden my ſtomach with eating that I fell ſick upon it.
ON the 6th. of October we ſet forward for Derbent in company with the Banians. Now by the way you are to note that every day we ſuffered ſuch hunger, a Mans ranſom was thrown into the water, which the ſuperſtitious Banians hold for a ſpecial act of Piety and a Religious Injunction. By the way we met ſom Thouſand of Tartars, for whom we were not a little affraid, they being Nagayans and noted Plagiaries.
Andre Dereefad which was ſubject to one Chapelle, a Tartarian Prince. We ſtaid here till Munday following being the ſeventh of October. Here I happened to ſpy a Perſian who had my Pluſh-Coat on, which he ſaid he had bought at Terku. The Fur or Lining coſt me thirty five Rubbles at Muſcou; and the Perſian was willing to ſell it me again for five or ſix Rubbles, but I could not accompliſh ſo much Money as to purchaſe it. Here we alſo came to underſtand that my Ships
ON Thursday the tenth ditto, we came into Terku, where we had two Armenians for our Friends; theſe alſo brought me to one of their Acquaintance for Protection, where I was adviſed to keep my ſelf very private, being a free Prize for the Tartars. Here we alſo found Lewis Faber of whom I have alreaChriſtian Brand one of my Ships-folk; who left Aſtrachan three Weeks after us, and had been eight Days at Terku.
ON the thirteenth we left Terku, and hired a perſon for eight Ducats to conduct us to Derbent.
ON the ſeventeenth we paſſed by Boynak, where I underſtood ſom of our Men were in ſlavery, I ſent our Conduct up to the Town (not daring appear there my felf) with Letters to adviſe them to perſiſt in the Chriſtian Faith, if they were preſs'd upon to embrace Mahometaniſm with promiſe of doing my beſt to procure their Redemption. But my Squire the Courier, thought good to give us the Bag, having already got his Money in hand, nor did I ever hear a word from them, althô I gave them directions how to write to me at Derbent. HoweCornelius de Ʋries, who had been my Gunner; and one Peter Arentſz of Sceveling, who gave me a perfect account of the Ships-Company, how they were taken Slaves, and whither they were car&c.
WE ſolicited by the Sultan of Derbent for the Redemption of our Men, who was pleaſed to diſpatch Letters on that behalf to the Prince of the Calmuc-Tartars; but having ſent two Poſts, and all to no purpoſe or effect, I went to tender my thanks to the Sultan for his Civility and Indeavours; to which he reply'd,
That he was ſorry he could not prevail with the
I inſiſted further to have ſom Horſes for our uſe on the Journey which he grantTartars to anſwer my. Deſire, yet was willing to do us any kindneſs that lay in his power, if we could imagine any mean whereby they might procure their Liberty, &c.
Caravan being but newly ſet forward for Scamachy. Yet finding another ready to depart, the Seamen went afoot in company of the Caravan. I ſupplied them alſo with neCaravan and coming at Scabran. which is reckoned the half way, we were informed that there were ſeveral Hackneys in the Town, which we hired.
ON the twenty ninth we arrived at Scamachi: where we found John Struys
Poliſh Ambaſſadour, whoſe Aſſiſtance I deſired in an Addreſs to the Chan; 'tis true he ſeemed willing to do us ſuch a favour if it could have been done without much Trouble. Here I delivered a Requeſt to the Chan, and had Audience, wherein I made a plain demonſtration of the Injury our Men ſuffered by the Calmucs, &c. He promiſed me to do his beſt for them, but all was to no purpoſe, ſo that I was fain to take up ſeventy five Abbas upon ſecurity of a Banian Merchant, which was to be paid at Iſpahan within ſeven Weeks time and twenty five Abbas Uſe, or Intereſt; but in caſe of failure of payment in Iſpahan, to be paid at Scamachy within three Months with fifty Abbas Intereſt; the Chirurgeon being my ſecurity. Here I alſo reck'ned with the Chirurgeon, and gave him an Obligation under my hand for what I had received of him, as alſo for what he remained ſecurity for me at Scamachy.
ON the fifteenth I left Scamachy having with me Cornelius the Gunner. P. Arentſz ſtaid with the Chirurgeon, and J. Struys, L. Fabritius and Chriſtian Brand with the Poliſh Envoy.
I had very much difficulty by the way to come to Iſpahan, yet by the ProviMarch, and have Reſidence for the time, in the Dutch Lodge: where I find Sr. Frederic Bent Preſident for the Eaſt-India Company, to whom, as well as the Gentlemen his AſſiCornelius the Gunner they have ſent away for Gameron. I alſo cauſed J. Struys and the ſaid Gunner, with another Fore-Maſt Man to ſign a Declaration how they fled away from Aſtrachan and left me and the Maſter aſhoar.
SIR, I have not elſe to write, but fearing by this prolixity to have tired your Patience, I ceaſe to be more tedious, and commit you to the Protection of the Moſt High GOD, who that he would in Mercy vouchſafe us a happy meeting is the only and hearty Prayer, of
PAg. 117. l. 3. read, and ſhave all their Hair, except p. 52. l. 12. before. ibid. l. 20. ſteel. p. 3. l. 27. about. ibid. valleys. 45.18. with. p. 71. l. 20. Gratitude left p. 153. l. 30. for than read thou.
If any thing elſe occurr that may obſcure the ſence which (by reaſon of my abſence from the Preſs) happens in ſome places, the Reader I hope will either be pleaſed to pardon, or amend with the Pen, as alſo the Literal Errors which my leiſure at this time will not permit me to rectify.
NB. The Book-binder may alſo pleaſe to take notice that the Print of the Maſſacre of Aſtrachan may be more fittly placed at pag. 373. than before the Narrativs, according to the Directions given after the Elenchus, in the fore part of the Book.