The Portugues Asia, or, The history of the discovery and conquest of India by the Portugues containing all their discoveries from the coast of Africk, to the farthest parts of China and Japan, all their battels by sea and land, sieges and other memorable actions, a description of those countries, and many particulars of the religion, government and customs of the natives, &c. : in three tomes / written in Spanish by Manuel de Faria y Sousa ... ; translated into English by Cap. John Stevens.

CHAP. III.

Discoveries and Conquests under King John the Second, from the Tear 1481. till the Tear 1495.

1. KING Iohn the Second, who suc∣ceeded his Father Alonso, consider∣ing the Riches of the Countries discovered encreased his Revenue, and finding the Na∣tives inclined to receive the Faith, ordered a Fort to be raised in that part where was the Trade of Gold called Mina. To this end he fitted out twelve Vessels laden with all Materials for the Work, from the Stones of the Foundation to the Tiles, with Pro∣visions for 600 Men, 500 of them Souldiers, the rest Workmen. The Commander was Iames de Azambuja. At his arrival he con∣firmed the Peace some time before conclu∣ded with that People. He acquainted the Prince of it (called Camaransa) with his arrival and intention. He landed to take possession, and set up the Portugal Colours upon a Tree; at the Foot of it he made an Altar, and caused to be celebrated the first Mass that had been in those parts. He prepared himself to receive the Black King, who came attended with many of his Sub∣jects naked, save that from their Waste downward, hung Monkies Skins or cover∣ing made of Palm-leaves: All armed, some with Shields and Javelins, others Bows and

Arrows; some had Skins for Helmets, in such manner they appeared more ridiculous than terrible. The Prince's Legs and Arms were covered with plates of Gold; on his Neck a Chain, with many small Bells, and Tags to his Beard. Before him went a great number of Instruments, more noisie than harmonious; all that were known were Tabors, Horns and Bells. He met the Cap∣tain with a grave and pleasing Countenance; the Captain received him with Gravity and Magnificence. The Black took his hand in token of Peace, the same the chief Men about him: After the Ceremonies (different in the Nations, but all vain and imperti∣nent) Azambuja laid open his Kings design, which was first to instruct him in the Chri∣stian Faith, and conceal our Covetousness, asking leave to build a House for our Men to live in, which was to be a Fort to offend them upon occasion. I do not pretend to persuade the World, our only design was to Preach, on condition it be believed it was not only to Trade.

2. The Portuges Captain was heard with wonderful attention, and the proposal of Religion admitted, but that of the House or Fort rejected; for they are Barbarians in our conceit, but not for their own Interests. Azambuja pressed, and Caramansa yielded and retired. The Workmen began to break a Rock for the Work, and the Blacks who adored it (taking that as an Affront) drove them away. Azambuja took the wisest course, and running to them, pacified them

with many Gifts, not of value, but such as pleased. The Fort finished was called St. George, for the particular devotion the King had to that Saint. As it encreased it gained the name and priviledge of a City. Azam∣buja remained there with 60 men, and sent back the Fleet laden with Gold. He held that Government three years, he gave it up with Honour (a thing rare among the Por∣tugueses) and was honourably rewarded.

3. The King began to take the Title of Lord of Guinea. The Custom till now had been to set up Wooden Crosses in all the new Discoveries; the King ordered for the future to carry them of Stone with the Kings and Captains Names, the Time when, by whom, and by whose Order erected. The first of * 1.1 these was Iames Cam, who passing Cape Catharine (the last of King Alonso's disco∣veries) came to the River Congo in the King∣dom of the same Name, by the Inhabitants called Zagre. He went up the River, and saw on both sides Blacks, but were not un∣derstood by those he carried with him. By signs he found they had a King, and that he resided far off. He sent him Presents (the most powerful Arguments of Embassadors) but finding the Men that carried them stay long, he set sail, bringing some Blacks home with him. King Iohn was well pleased to see them, and dispatched again the same Iames Cam, sending back with him the Blacks joyful, with many Presents he gave them, but above all with the recovery of their Liberty. The first part of his In∣structions

was the Conversion of those Infi∣dels. At his arrival he restored those Blacks to their Prince, and received the Men he left behind, with mutual admiration. Fol∣lowing on the Discovery, he ran 20 Leagues farther, setting up the Cross he called St. Augustin, in 13 degrees of South Latitude, and another in 22. At his return to Congo, having seen the King, he found in him such an affection to our People and Religion, that he sent with him to Portugal some Sons of his Chief Men, desiring they should be baptized, and being made Christians return∣ed, and with them Ministers to instruct them in the Faith. They were baptized at Beja, where the King and Queen were God∣father and Godmother to the chief of them, and he called D. Iohn, his Heathen Name being Zacuta; the same was done by the Nobility, with the others, whose Names and Sirnames they took. Betwixt the Fort of St. George and Congo, is the Kingdom of Benin. The King hereof covetous of the advantages he saw others reap by our Trade, feigned he would be converted, and desired Priests for his instruction; but they being sent, the design was discovered, and so the effect ceased, but not the covetousness; for those Heathens bought Christned Slaves, and we with the same avarice sold them, after be∣ing baptized, knowing their new Masters would again make them fall into Idolatry. This lasted till the Religious King, Iohn the Third, forbid it, though to his great loss; but God who gives an hundred for

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one, to requite him ordered that another Gold Mine should be discovered below that of St. George, whence much more was gather∣ed without a Crime, than had been before by that so scandalous a Trafick.

4. King Iohn was informed by the Benin Embassador, who came to desire the Priests should be sent them, that 250 Leagues be∣yond them was the most powerful Prince of all those Countries, called Ogane, by whom the Kings of Benin for their security were confirmed, receiving of him a Staff with a Head and a Cross like that of Malta, all of Brass curiously wrought. An Embas∣sador went with Rich Presents to solicit these Ensigns of Royalty, who never saw Ogane, because he speaks from behind Cur∣tains, but at their departure shews a Foot, in token that he grants their Request. Our King imagined this Prince might be he that is vulgarly called Prester Iohn, by compa∣ring these Formalities with what he had heard reported of him. He fitted out three Ships, commanded by Bartholomew Dias; he set up a Cross in 24 degrees of South Lati∣tude, 120 Leagues beyond the other Dis∣coverers in Sierra Parda. He sailed in sight of the Bay they called de los Vaqueros, or of Herdsmen, because of the many Cows they saw there; beyond this they touched at the small Island Santa Cruz, or Holy Cross, so called from one he set up: 25 Leagues far∣ther they came into the mouth of a River which they called del Infante, the Sirname of the second Captain, who was the first

that saw it. Being about returning they dis∣covered that so many Ages unknown Pro∣montory, which they called Tormentoso, or Stormy, because of a great Tempest they met with there; but our King gave it the name of Cabo de Buena Esperança, or Cape of Good Hope, for the great hopes it gave of discovering the Indies. There was set up the Cross St. Philip. The two first Ships coasting along met the third with only three men aboard, having lost it nine Months be∣fore with nine Men in it then. With meer joy of seeing the others (a strange, but not unheard of death) one of the three died, the other six had been killed by the Blacks. With various fortune observing the discover∣ed Country they arrived in their own, the extent of Land till then found out, being 750 Leagues.

5. Whilst these Discoverers conquered the difficulties of the Seas; Peter de Covillam and Alfonso de Payva travelled by Land, who came first to Naples, then to Rodes, to Alex∣andria, Grand Cair, then with a Caravan of Moors to Toro on the Coasts of Arabia. Here they parted, Payva towards India and Covillam for Aethiopia, having appointed a time when to meet again at Grand Cair. Co∣villam went to Cananor, Calecut and Goa (fa∣mous Cities in the East) passed thence to Zofala in Aethiopia, then to Aden at the Mouth of the Red Sea on the side of Arabia, and at last to Grand Cair, where he found his Companion had died. After these had been sent out two Jews, Rabbi Abraham of

Beja, and Ioseph of Lamego. Covillam sent back the latter to inform the King of his success, with the other he embarqued for Ormuz, where having observed what was most remarkable, he left the Jew to follow the Caravans of Aleppo, and returning to the Red Sea came to discover the Court of Prester Iohn, who detained him there as a Spie. But while he was detained, travel∣led from Rome, Luke Mark, an Aethiopian Priest, sent by Prester Iohn to our King. This Priest's information revived the Kings hopes and desires, and he was sent back with an Account of what means had been used to settle a Correspondence, and Pro∣jects for the perfecting of it.

6. Before Luke Mark parted from Portugal, was arrived Bemoi Prince of Ialof. He came with State, and was received accord∣ingly, being conducted to Court by Don Francisco Coutinno Count of Marialva. His strangeness did not cause so much admirati∣on, as he conceived of the Majesty and Grandeur with which the King received him under his Royal Canopy. This was the cause of his coming. Biran who reigned in Ialof, giving himself up to all manner of Vice, resigned the Kingdom to his Brother Bemoi, with the reputation of delivering it to a Person in all respects worthy of the Royal-dignity. But Cibitah the elder Bro∣ther, envious of Bemoi's happiness, kills Bi∣ran, and seizing the Government, makes War upon Bemoi, who with the assistance of Gonzalo Coello, sent by King Iohn, made

some resistance. This relief was sent him by reason of the hopes he gave of receiving the Faith. But it being suspected he only designed to make use of the Portugues as∣sistance, the Captain was ordered to leave him, which was a great grief to Bemoi. He gave such excuses for not being presently baptized as seemed sufficient, and losing soon after a Battle, he went to Portugal to seek a more favourable turn of Fortune.

7. It was no small part of his Fortune to * 1.2 be received by so great a Prince, but above all to the hopes of Eternal Happiness, being soon after baptized by the name of Iohn, which he took from the King who was Godfather. Next day he gave him Arms, Purpure a Cross Or within an Orle of Por∣tugal. He in return did homage to the King for all the Lands he should be posses∣sed of. Twenty four Gentlemen of his Re∣tinue were baptized with him. There was great rejoycing, our People shewing their grandeur in such divertisements as were most in use then; and Bemoi with his Re∣tinue giving a view of their Activity in Ri∣ding, Alighting, and Mounting upon a Speed, standing upright on the Saddle Gal∣loping, and some in their Career took up Stones off the Ground, and much more, worthy admiration. The King furnished him with twenty Caravels well manned and armed, as well to forward his Restoration as to build a Fort on the River Zanaga.

8. The Province of Ialof lies between the two famous Rivers Gambea, or rather Rio

Grande and Zanaga, so called by the Portu∣gueses from a Prince of that Name, whom they spoke with when they discovered it; it has other names in the several Countries it runs through, and makes many Islands, most as being uncooth, inhabited only by Wild Beasts. It is navigable 150 Leagues up, where a ridge of perpendicular Rocks crosses it in such manner, that the Water falling down, forms an Arch, under which Travellers pass dry, and pleasant to behold, but makes a hideous noise with the fall. The Gambea, or Rio Grande, runs 180 Leagues, and carries more Water; it is not all Navi∣gable, but runs with less noise, though fill∣ed with many Rivers that water the Coun∣try Mandinga. Both these Rivers flow out of the famous Niger, and may as well be esteemed but so many Mouths thereof. There is great variety of Fish in these Ri∣vers, and several other Creatures along them, as Horses, Crocodiles and Serpents with Wings; the other Beasts that abound are Elephants, Ounces, Wild Boars, and a many more. Great are the numbers of them, and wonderful their variety and different forms. The Waters of the two Rivers mixt cause Vomiting, yet each asunder does not. In this part is that great Cape called Cabo Verde, by Ptolome C. Assinarium, in about 14 degrees of North Latitude. The Country runs 170 Leagues Eastward, is most fruitful, and has many populous Cities. To Tombotu the Mart of Mandingo Gold, resort the Merchants of Grand Cair, Tunez, Oran, Tremisen, Fez, Moroc∣co,

and other places. This trade moved King Iohn to build the Fort on the River Zanaga. The 20 Caravels were commanded by Peter Vaz de Cunna, who landing with D. Iohn Bemoi the King, and beginning to raise the Fort in the place assigned, either suspecting that he deceived him, or fearing to die in that Country, basely killed the King, en∣deavouring with that Foul Crime to hide another not so hainous, which was to return without finishing the Work, and in fine he came back without any effect.

9. The Congo Embassador being well in∣structed * 1.3 in the Faith, was sent home with three Ships. Sono was the first Land they made, and arrived safe at Congo. They were joyfully received by an Old Lord called Manisono, Uncle to that King, who desired to be baptized. An Altar was erected in * 1.4 the Field, and he was admitted to this Sa∣crament by the name of Manuel, and his Son by that of Antony, in the presence of 25000 of their People, this being the first time that Sacrament was there administred. The King of Congo, Nephew to this Lord, hearing what he had done, added to his Estate, and caused all the Idols within his Dominions to be destroyed. The King made his residence at Ambasse Congo 50 Leagues distant, where he received Ruy de Sousa the Portugal Commander, on an Ivo∣ry Chair, placed on a Lofty Throne. From the Waste upwards he was naked, the lower part wrapt in Sky-colour Damask, on the Left Arm a Bracelet of Brass; from his

Shoulder hung a curious Horse-tail, a Royal Badge among them; on his Head a thing like a Miter, of a delicate Webb, made of Palm, which resembles wrought Velvet. Af∣ter the Ceremonies, he desired to see the Holy Vestments: He viewed them with de∣liberation and respect, in presence of his Queen, Children and the Chief of the Court. Then he gave leave to build a Church, which was done in few days, of the invoca∣tion of the Holy Cross, because begun the day of that Feast in May. In this Church was baptized the King, and some of his Peo∣ple, there being above 100000 present, as well for that they flocked to see the Novel∣ty, as because they were preparing for a Neighbouring War. The King was called Iohn, and the Queen Ellenor, in honour of our Sovereigns. Afterwards were baptized the greatest part of those had flocked thi∣ther. The New Christian King went to meet his Enemy, relying more on his Con∣version, and the Cross in the Colours he had received from Ruy de Sousa, than in 80000 men he had in Arms, nor were his hopes vain, he returned with Victory, and Ruy de Sousa to Portugal with the honour of having compleated one of the most famous under∣takings of this Crown, leaving in that King∣dom People capable to labour the New Vineyard.

10. Afterwards was baptized the Prince, who had been absent in the Wars, and call∣ed Alfonso. Panso Aquitimo, the King's Se∣cond Son, would not receive the Faith, and

the Father falling off, because as a Christian he could be allowed but one Wife, resolved to leave the Crown to the Heathen Aquitimo, in wrong of the Prince who continued con∣stant in the Faith. Alfonso was abroad in banishment when his Father died, but re∣turning to Court was received as King. Aquitimo having recourse to the Sword, fell upon him when he had but thirty seven Christians, as well-Portugueses as Blacks; yet under the Banner of the Cross Alfonso overcame a vast multitude of Infidels, Aqui∣timo being taken and then slain. A Gentle∣man that accompanied Aquitimo desired to be baptized immediately, declaring they had been overcome by a Glorious Army that was lead by a Cross, and not by the thirty seven Christians. Alfonso established in peace, destroyed all Idols, and propaga∣ted the Faith with great zeal. He sent his Sons, Grandsons and Nephews to Portugal to study. Two of them were worthily af∣terwards Bishops in those parts. In memory of that Victory, and of the first Colours sent this King, as also that the Faith was first planted on the day of the invention of the Cross; he took for his Arms, Gules, a Cross Fleury Argent between two Crosses Pattee, charged with the Arms of Portu∣gal.

11. The beginning of the Year 1493, * 1.5 came into the River of Lisbon, Christopher Columbus, who brought from an Island (guessed to be that of Sipango) some Men, Gold, and great tokens of Riches. This

Great Man some time before had offered his service to King Iohn, who having slighted him then, looked on him now with some regret, and he provoked him with some extravagant words in revenge of the small regard made of him. There were some who offered to kill him, as well to pu∣nish his Boldness, as to conceal from Spain his Discoveries. But the King sent him away with honour: Columbus was a Genoese, and learned Navigation in Portugal; he was employed by the King of Spain, and he had sent him to the Discovery he now came from. King Iohn did not envy the For∣tune of Spain, but feared that Discovery was part of what the Portugueses had been so long in quest of. This caused him to fit out a Fleet commanded by D. Francisco de Almeyda in order to oppose those proceed∣ings, judging he had right on his side, but it proved not so. Several Embassies passed on both sides to agree the business, and at last came to a conclusion.

12. Though Prince Bemoi was dead, the hopes of making a farther progress in that Country about Zanaga died not with him. They who went in that Fleet had not per∣formed what they were sent for, but dis∣covered more Land, and gained the good will of the Natives. The Trade was after∣wards continued, and a good correspon∣dence between our King and those Princes. Peter de Evora and Goncalo Anez went to those of Turucol and Tombotu. Roderick Re∣belo, Peter Reynel, and Iohn Colaco and others

carried Presents to Mandimansa and Temala of the Fouli, the most warlike of all those People. The King had also correspondence with him of the Moses, very famous in that Age; and with Mahomet Ben Manzugul, Grandson of Muza, and King of Songo (a populous City of Mandinga) who receiving a full account of our King said, That none of 444 from whom he was descended, had any knowledge of more powerful Kings than four, which were those of Alimaen, Baldac, Grand Cayre and Tucurol. At this same time the King laboured to settle a Factory in the City Huadem, 70 Leagues to the Eastward of Arguim, as well for the Trade of Gold, as to have some intelligence of Prester Iohn, which he solicited by all means. Many were sent to these Discove∣ries by Land. But Death put a stop to King Iohn's farther progress in these affairs; but cannot obscure the Glory due to him for propagating the Christian Faith in so remote parts, building the Forts of Arguim and St. George de la Mina, which fixed the Sove∣reignty of Portugal in Guinea that abounds in Gold, Ivory and all other Riches and Plen∣ty, and the Gate that opened a way to the most Heroick Actions afterwards performed by the Portugues Arms.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1484.
• * 1.2

  1489.
• * 1.3

  1490.
• * 1.4

  1491.
• * 1.5

  1493.