Cosmographie in four bookes : containing the chorographie and historie of the whole vvorld, and all the principall kingdomes, provinces, seas and isles thereof / by Peter Heylyn.

OF CASTELLA DEL ORO.

CASTELLA del ORO, Golden Castile. (Aurea Castella, as the Latines) is bounded on the East and North with Mare del Noort, on the West with Mare del Zur and some part of Veragua, on the South with the New Realm of Granada. Called by the name of Castile, with reference to Castile in Spain, under the favour and good fortune of the Kings whereof it was first discovered: Aurea was added to it, partly for distinctions sake, and partly in regard of that plenty of Gold which the first Discoverers found in it. It is also called Terra Firma, because one of the first parts of Firm land which the Spaniards touched at, having before discovered nothing but some Ilands only.

The So••l and People being of such several tempers, as not to be included in one common Character, we w••ll consider both apart in the several Provinces, of 1 Panama, 2 Darien, 3 Nova Andaluzia, 4 〈◊〉〈◊〉, & 5 the little Province De la Hacha.

1 PANAMA, or the District of Panama, is bounded on the East with the Golf of Vraba, by which parted from the main land of this large Peninsula; on the VVest with Veragua one of the Pro∣vi••ces of Guatimala in Mexicana; washed on both the other sides with the Sea. So called of Panama the town of most esteem herein, and the Juridical Resort of Castella Aurea.

It taketh up the narrowest part of the Streit or Isthmus, which joyns both Peninsulas together: not above 7 or 8 leagues over in the narrowest place betwixt Panama and Porto Bello, if measured by a stra••t line from one town to the other; though 18 leagues according to the course of the Road betwixt them, which by reason of the hils and rivers is full of turnings. Of some attempts to dig a Channel through this Isthmus to let the one Sea into the other, and of the memorable expedition of John 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ver it by land, we have spoke already.

The Air hereof ••oggie, but exceeding hot, and consequently very unhealthy, chiefly from May unto November: the Soil either mountainous and barren, or low and miery; naturally so unfit for grain, that 〈…〉〈…〉 nothing but Maize, and that but sparingly; better for pasturage, in regard of its plenty of grass and the goodness of it: so full of Swine at the Spaniards first coming hither, that they thought they never should destroy them; now they complain as much of their want or paucitie. As for the Inhabitants, whatsoever they were formerly is not now material: most of the old stock rooted out by the Spaniards, and no new ones planted in their room; so that the Country in all parts except towards the Sea, is almost desolated or forsaken.

The Country, as before was said, of little breadth, and yet full of Rivers: the principal whereof, 1 〈◊〉〈◊〉, by the Spaniards called Rio de Lagartos, or the River of Crocodiles, (many of which are har∣be••••ed in it) which falleth into Mare del Noort betwixt Nombre de Dios, and Porto Beleno. 2 Sardi∣ni••••a▪ 3 S••nd••na, 4 Rio de Colubros▪ or the River of Snakes; & 5 Rio de Comagre, all falling into the same Sea. Then on the other side, 6 Chepo, whose sands in former times yielded plenty of gold. 7 Rio de las 〈◊〉〈◊〉, on the banks whereof groweth great store of timber for the building of ships. 8 De Congos, emp••ying it self into the Bay of S. Michaels.

••owns of most note, 1 S. Philip, seated on a safe and strong Haven called Porto Belo, built in this place by the appointment of King Philip the second, but by the counsel of John Baptista Anton••lli, to be the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or the trade betwixt Spain and Panama; partly in regard of the unhealthiness of Nom∣bre d•• Dios, where it was before, but chiefly because that Town was found to have l••en too open to the invasio••s of the English. Fortified with two strong Castles (on each side of the Haven one) but for all that surprized and pillaged by the English under Captain Parker, in the year 1601. 2 Nombre de Dios, conventently seated in the Upper-sea, for a Town of trade; and for that reason made the Staple of such commodities as were trucked betwixt Peru and Spain; which brought from Spain, and landed here, were from hence conveyed over the Land to Panama, and there shipped for Peru; or brought so from Peru and landed at Panama, were by land brought unto this place, and here shipped for Spain▪ It to••k this name from Didaco Niquesa a Spanish Adventurer, who having been distressed by tempests was driven in here, and bid his men go on shore en nombre de Dios, in the name of God. In reference 〈…〉〈…〉 by the Latines, borrowing a Greek word, it is called Theonyma. Of great trade once, on the occasion before mentioned: but in the year 1584 the trade was removed unto Porto Belo, by the counsel of Ant••nelli before named; and some years after that, the Inhabitants also. To hasten which, the taking of this town by Sir Francis Drake, served exceeding fitly. 3 Acla, on the Coast of the same Sea also, but on the South east of Nombre de Dios. 4 Nata, or S▪ Jago de Nata, situate on the Lower sea on the bo••ders of Verag••a, about 30 leagues on the west of Panama. 5 Panama, the chief City of Ca∣stella Aurea▪ the Residence of the Governour of the Courts of Justice, honoured with a Bishops See, a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the Atchbishop of Lima; and beautified with three fair Monasteries, and a College of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Seated in the 9▪ degree or Northern Latitude; and so near the Sea, that the waves come close unto the wall. A town through which the wealth of Spain and Peru posseth every year: yet not con∣taining

above 350 houses; the number of the Soldiers greater then that of the Citizens. 6 S. Crux la Real, a League from Panama, inhabited totally by Negroes brought out of Guinea.

This Province was the first of those on the Firm land which were discovered by Columbus. But I find not that he left any name unto it, or to any River or Promontory of it, but only to a little Iland lying on the shore neer Porto Belo, which he caused to be called Los Bastimentos; because being cast hereon by chance, he found good store of Maize and other provisions, called Bastimentos by the Spani∣ard. But the chief Ilands of this Province, are those which Columbus never saw, called the Ilands of Pearls, situate in the Southern sea, opposite to Panama, from which distant 17 leagues or thereabouts. In number above twenty, but two only inhabited, the one called Tarorequi, the other Del Rio; the rest of them rather Rocks then Ilands. Much famed not onely for the abundance, but the excellencie of the Pearls there found, fairer then those of Margarita and Cubagna so much commended. Once very profitable to the Spaniards, till by their cruelty and covetousness they unpeopled the Ilands, and destroyed the Pearls. Inhabited now only by a few Negroes, and some Slaves of Nicaragua, who live here to attend the grazing of their Masters Cattel in the fields and pastures.

2 DARIEN hath on the North the District of Panoma, on the South New Granada, on the East the River of Darien whence it hath its name, and the Golf of Vraba, and on the West the main Southern Ocean.

The Country of a temperate Air, and a fruitful Soil: so happy in the production of Melons and such other fruits, that within twenty dayes after they are sown, they are fully ripe. With like felicity it bringeth forth Grapes and other fruits, either natural hereunto, or brought hither from Europe. A tree here is called Hovo, not elswhere known; the shade of which is conceived to be so wholsom, that the Spaniards seek them out to sleep under them. Out of the Blossoms of it they distill a perfumed Water; of the Bark a Bath or Lavatorie, good for the opening of the pores, and redress of weariness; and from the Roots they draw a Liquour which they use to drink of. Of Beasts and Fowl great plenty, whether wild or ••ame; and some of them not heard of in other places.

Principal Rivers hereof, 1 Darien, whence it hath the name; A clear water, and much drank of, but of a slow course and a narrow channel, able to bear no bigger Vessels then those of one peece of wood used among the Savages: we may call them Troughs. But with this slow course it falleth at last into the Golf of Vraba, a large Arm of the Sea, which p••e••ceth far into the Land, and at the mouth is said to be eight leagues over. 2 Rio de las Redas, & 3 De la Trepadera, both emptying themselves into the Golf of Vraba. 4 Corobaci, on the same side of the Country also. 5 Beru, a River of the South-Sea, not much observable, but that some have laboured to derive the Etymologie of Peru from thence.

Towns of most note, though few of any, 1 Dariene, on the Bank of the Golf of Vraba; oftentimes so unhealthy by the Mists which do thence arise, that the Inhabitants use to send their sick people to the fresh Air of Corobarie to revive their spirits. By the Spaniards it was called S. Maria Antiqua, after∣wards the Antique of Darien, being new built by one Eucisus a Spanish Adventurer, An. 1510. and grew so suddenly into wealth and reputation, that within four years it was made an Episcopal See: But being built too neer the Banks of the Dariene, in a moorish and unhealthy place, both the Episcopal See, and the chief Inhabitants were removed to Panama. Some other Colonies of the Spaniards have been planted here; but either forsaken by themselves, or destroyed by the Savages: so that now from Acla to the bottom of the Golf of Vraba, the Spaniards have not in their own hands either Town or Village. Nothing but some few scattered houses in all that tract, for the use of the Natives, who formerly made their Nest, like Birds, on the tops of trees. 2 Bizu, 3 Los Angadesos, two small villages on the other side of the Country, possessed by the Savages. Besides these, and some sorry sheds here and there dispersed, all the rest a Desart. So that not being able to maintain the reputation of a distinct Province, the government here of hath of late been devolved on the Prefect of Panama.

3 NOVA AND ALVSIA hath on the West the River Darien, and the Golf of Vraba; on the East the Province of S. Martha, on the North the main Ocean, and on the South the new Realm of Granada. So called with reference to Andalusia a Province of Spain. Called also by some Writers Carthagena, from Carthagena now the chief City of it.

It is in length from the Golf of Vraba to the River of Magdalen 80 Leagues, and neer upon as much in breadth. Mountainous, and very full of woods, but in those woods great store of Rosin, Gums, and some kinds of Balsams. Here is also said to be a Tree, which whosoever toucheth, is in danger of poi∣soning. The Soil, by reason of the abundance of rain which fals upon it, very moyst and spewie; inso∣much that few of our Europaean fruits have prospered in it. Few veins of Gold in all the Country, ex∣cept only in that part hereof which is called Zena, where the Spaniards at their first coming found great store of treasure: But it was taken out of the graves and Monuments of the dead, not found in Mines, or digged for as in other places: such being the reputation of that Territory in former times, that the Nations far and neer did carry the bodies of their Dead to be buried in it, with great quantity of Gold, Jewels, and other Riches. The Natives very fierce and stout, whiles they were a People: But giving the Spaniards many overthrows before fully conquered, they have been so consumed and wasted by little and little, that there are not many of them left.

Chief Rivers hereof, 1 Rio de los Redos, & 2 Rio de los▪ Anades, both falling into the Bay of Vraba. 3 Zenu, which passing thorow the Province above-mentioned, to which it gives name, falleth into the

Ocean over against the Iland Fuerte. 4 S. Martha, of long course, and much estimation: For rising in the most Southern parts of the New Realm of Granada, neer the Aequinoctial, it passeth thorow the whole length of that Kingdom, and at the last mingleth its streams with that of the River Magdalen, not far from Mopox. By the Natives it is called Cauca. And as for Mountains, those of most note are a continual Ridge of hils by the Spaniards called Cordillera, by the Natives Abibe; craggie, and difficult of ascent; in breadth affirmed to be 20 leagues, but the length uncertain, the furthest ends of them towards the South not discovered hitherto.

Places of most importance in it, 1 Carthagena, situate in a sandie Peninsula, ten degrees distant from the Aequator: well built, and for the bigness of it of great wealth and state; consisting of 500 houses or thereabouts, but those neat and handsom. Beautified with a Cathedral Church, three Monasteries, and one of the best Havens of all America. Well fortified on both sides since the taking of it by Sir Francis Drake, who in the year 1585. took it by assault, and carried thence besides inestimable sums of money, 240 Brass pecces of Ordinance. 2 Tolu, by the Spaniards called S. Jago, twelve miles from Carthagena; memorable for the most soveraign Balsam of all these parts, called the Balsam of Tolu; little interior, if at all, to the Balsam of Egypt. 3 Mopox, or Santa Crux de Mopox, neer the Conflu∣ences of the Rivers of Martha and Magdalens. 4 Baranca de Malambo, on the Banks of the River Magdalen, six leagues from the Ocean; where such Commodities as are brought by sea for the New Realm of Granada, use to be unshipped, and carried by Lighters or small Boats up the River. 5 Seba∣stian de Buena vista, built by Alfonso de Oieda, An. 1508. in his first attempt upon this Country, situate on a rising ground neer the mouth of the Bay of Vraba, a league and an half from the sea. 6 Villa de Maria, 30 leagues South of Carthagena, but of no great note.

4 S. MARTHA hath on the West Nova Andalusia, on the East Rio de la Hacha, on the North the main Ocean, on the South the New Realm of Granada: about 70 leagues in length, and as much in breadth. So called from S.Martha the chief City of it.

The Country mountainous and barren, not fit for pasturage or tillage; productive notwithstanding of Limons, Orenges, Pomgranats, and such other fruits as are brought hither out of Spain. The Air on the Sea-coasts very hot and scalding, and in the midland parts as cold, because of the neighbourhood of some Mountains alwayes covered with snow. The principal of those Mountains, a long Ridge of Hils by the Spaniards called Las Sierras Nievadas, or the Snowy mountains; discernable by the Mariners 30 leagues at sea, by whom called the Mountains of Tairona, from a Vallie of that name beneath them; the Inhabitants whereof by the advantage of those hils have hitherto preserved their liberty against the Spaniards. The rest though subject to the Spaniards, have their several ••••ings, affirmed to be an arrogant and ill-natured people; made worse perhap•• then indeed they are, by reason of their hate to the Spani∣ards, whose government they live under with great unwillingness.

Chief Rivers of this Province, 1 Rio Grando de la Magdalena; which hath its fountain in the hils of the new Realm of Granada, not far from the Aequat••r, but its fall into the Ocean betwixt Carthagena and S.Martha, in the Latitude of 12 Degrees; where dividing it self, it maketh an Iland of 5 leagues long, and after openeth into the Sea with two wide mouths; discernible for ten leagues space from the rest of the Main, by the taste and colour of the water. 2 Rio de Cazaze, which falleth into the Mag∣dalen, as doth also 3 Caesar, by the Natives called Pompatao; which having its fountain neer the City of Kings in the Vale of Vpar, passeth directly towards the South, till it meet with 4 Ayumas▪ another River of this Tract; accompanied with whom he runneth westward for the space of 70 leagues, and endeth in the great River of Magdalens, as before is said, neer the Forrest of Alpuerte. 5 Bubia, 6 Piras, 7 Don Diego 8 Palamini, 9 Gayza, falling into the Ocean.

Towns of most observation, 1 S. Martha, situate on the shores of the Ocean, in the Latitude of ten Degrees & 30 Minutes; neighboured by a safe and convenient Haven, defended from the winds by an high Mountain neer unto it, and honoured with an Episcopal See. Small, and ill built when it was at the best; nor well recovered of the spoil it suffered by Sir Francis Drake, An▪ 1595. and by Sir Anthony Sherley the next year after. 2 Tenariffe on the Banks of the Magdalen, 40 leagues from S. Martha. 3 Tanalameque, by the Spaniards called Villa de las Palmas, twenty leagues to the South of Tenariffe▪ 4 Cividad de los Reges, or the City of the Kings, situate in the Vale of Vpar, on the banks of a deep and violent River called Guatapori, which not far off falleth into the Caesar: ••••ll neighboured by the Inhabi∣tants of the Vale of Toirona, not hitherto reduced under the command of the Kings of Spani. 5 Ra∣mada, by the Spaniards called New Salamanca, in the same Valley of Vpar; as liberally furnished with veins of Brass, as it is with stones. 6 Ocanna, on the western Reach of the River Caesar, equally distant from its confluence with Ayumas, and its fall into Magdalen.

5 RIO DE LA HACHA is the name of a little Province lying on the North-east of S.Martha: environed on two sides with the main Ocean, and on the third (which is that of the East) with a large and spacious Arm of the Sea called Golfo de Venezuela: the Extremities hereof North west called Cabo la Vela; on the North-east, Cabo di Coqui boccoa.

It took this name from the Town and River of La Hatha, a small Town, consisting of no more then an hundred houses, but big enough to give name to so small a Province. Built on a little hill about a mile from the Sea; the Haven inconvenient and exposed to the Northern winds, but the Soil about it very rich, fruitfull of all such Plants as are brought from Spain; well stored with veins of Gold, ex∣cellent Salt-wiches, and some Gems of great worth and vertue. Distant 8 leagues from New Sala∣manca,

and 18 leagues from the Cape la Vela: surprized and sacked by Sir Francis Drake, An. 1595. 2 Rancheria, six leagues on the East of De la Hacha, inhabited for the most part by such as get their living by Pearl-fishing. 3 Topia, five leagues from La Hach, and almost as much from the Sea: the Fields whereof lying betwixt the Town and New Salamanca, were terribly wasted by the English; in the year aforesaid; because the Governour of New Salamanca, with whom they had contracted for 4000 Ducats not to burn that Town, would not stand to his bargain.

These Countries discovered by Columbus, and by him called Terra Firma, as before was said; were afterwards brought under the power of Spain, by two several men, imployed in the subduing of their several parts, An. 1508. To Didaco Niquesa was allotted the government and conquest of those parts hereof which lie on the West of the Bay of the Vraba, containing the Praefectures of Darien and Panama, by the name of Castella del Oro: And to Alfonso Oreda, all that lay on the East of that Gulf, by the name of Nova Andalusia. But these two finished not the work, though they first begun it: Encisus discovering further on the River of Dariene, then Niquesa had done before him; and Balbon finding out the way to the South sea, where Panama and the best of their trading lieth, which neither of the other had thought upon. Both afterwards joyned into one Province, the Praefectures of S. Martha and Rio de la Hacha (when conquered and subdued by the Spaniard) being added to it. One of their last Kings which held out against the Spaniards, was called Abibeia, who had his Palace on the top of a tree, (as most of his subjects had their houses) from which when Francisco de Vasques a Spanish Cap∣tain could by no other Rhetorick win him to descend; he laid his Axe to the Root, and began to fell it: which seen, the poor Prince was fain to come down, and compound both for his life and Palace at the will of his Enemies.