[illustration]
AMERICA
Petrus Kaerinus Caelav. Anno Do 1646 [map of America]
Page 46The Description of AMERICA.
AMERICA must yeild her self to the last place of my Division. She is stiled commonly the New World in respect of what was known in Ptol•my's time. And this name im∣ports glory enough that she singly can equallize the title of World, and a larger World than can be made up by the other three, if we reckon in the Territories not yet fully discovered, and therefore indeed deserve not each to it self a several De∣scription.
(2) And since the hath enough upon due right to prefer her worth, there will be no need of that counterfeit gloze of ancientry, which many pretend in the search of her original. Some there are that upon their own bare conjecture pronounce her as old as the story of our Antipodes: others as Solomons Voyage for Gold into the Land of Ophir. In brief, my line will reach but 132 years backward, to the time of Christopher Columbus a Genoay: before him I read of none that durst arrogate to himself any certain knowledge of those parts, unless a br•gging Spaniard without a name or note of description. There are a sort of ungreatful ones, that commonly debase them most that deserve of them best: and judge it a thing worthy their hate, to be out gone in any fair action, though it redound to their own profit. Pardon my zeal to truth; it warms my stile against those Robbers, in the behalf of so honourable a man: They are no petty theeves that would steal from one his immortality; as what less could he deserve, that gave us the knowledge of another world, and laid the way open for the entrance of the Gospel, to the saving (as we hope) many millions of souls?
(3) His lights were little besides his own projecting wit, excellent skill in Astronomy and Navigati∣on; by which he fully perswads himself of some lands that must needs lie in that portion of circle, which should make up the World into a Globe, and withal saw, there could be no distemper either of heat Page 47 or cold, that could make it less habitable or fruitful, than those places of the old world, which lay under the same Climates, and had the like respect to the Heavens. These indeed were good rational perswasions, but the difficulty would have daunted a mean spirit, and dasht not the action only, but the very thought. His resolution was confirmed, and his purpose well digested to himself in the year 1486 and put into practise about six years after.
(4) When the gap was once opened many rushed in, and in a short space discovered a large Terri∣tory Americus Vesputius got ground upon the Continent, and gave it that name. Ferdinande Magel∣lanus found out the South-sea-limits, and first attempted the compass of the world that way. Our own Heroick, Sir Francis Drake, Noble Candish, track'd him in his Discoveries, and added of their own. North-ward Furbisher and Davis put fair for a passage round from the East-side of the Continent; from the West Willougbby and Burroughs.
(5) Let their several endeavours give you the parts of her division: The Regions contained in this Western Hemisphere, under the name of the New World or America, in the largest sense are four (1) America propria, (2) The Islands. (3) Terra Septentrionalis incognita. (4) T•rra Australis incogni∣ta or Terra Magellanica.
(6) America propria, with her Islands are the first, and were first discovered: She is divided from the old world by the Atlantick Ocean on her East, and on her West, with the pacifique Sea, or Mare del Znr North; and South she hath the Terrae incognitae, and so possesseth to her self almost the whole Hemisphere. What lyeth beyond her toward each Pole from the Aequator appears as yet but as wastle groud in our Maps: for the experience of our Travellers have not reached so far, as to search fully in∣to the Commodities of the Countries; or nature of their Inhabitants, yet questionless there are many and may hereafter yi•ld as much profit as any other.
(7) Of the quality of this Region in general we can speak but little. For by reason of her length Page 48 and breadth, she lyeth at such several distance in respect of the Heavens, that she admits indeed all varie∣ty almost either of plenty or want, which we have hitherto found in Asia, Africa, or Europe. Here admirable for the fertility of soly; then again as barren: here temperate, their scorching hot, else∣where as extream cold. Some Regions watered with dainty Rivers, others again infested with per∣petual drouth. Some Plains, some Hills: some Woods, some Mines; and what not in some tract or other within the compass of America? Yet nothing almost common to the whole but Barbarisme of manners, Idolatry in Religion, and sottish ignorance, such as hardly distinguisheth them from brutes; else they would not have taken reasonable men to be immortal Gods as at first they did: yet what either God was, or immortality, they knew no more than instinct of nature gave them, only a confused thought they had of some place or other (God knows where) behind some Hill, where the blessed after their death. And from thence they supposed the Spaniards came at their first arrival. But it was not long before the Tyrants cudgelled their simplicity, and by their cruelty appeared to them rather Devils from hell, than Saints from Heaven.
(8) Yet still the In lund Countries retain for the most part their in-bred blindness: and worship the Sun, Moon, and Stars, and they have their other Spirits, which they call their Zemes, and adore them in Images made of Cotton-wooll, which oft-times by the delusion of Satan seem to move, and utter an hideous noise, that works in these poor Idolaters a great awe, lesst they should harm them.
(9) The rest of their Customes are answerable to their Religion, beastly. They go naked, and are very lustful people without distinction of sex. In many places they are Anthropophagi, and prey upon each other like Wolves. They labour not much to sustain themselves: but are rather content to take what the earth can yield without Tillage. This in general.
(10) Time hath not given way to many divisions of this America. I find one only in the best Authors: and that it seems nature marked out to their hands; For she hath severed the Continent Page 49 into two Peninsulae; The one lieth North-ward from the Aequinoctial, and is called Mexicana, The other for the most part South-ward toward the Magellanick Straits, and is called Peruviana. Each of them are subdivided into their Provinces.
(11)Mexicana is the first, and her bounds on the East and West are the Atlantick Ocean, and Mare del Zur. By the first it is severed from Europe: and by the last from the Regions of China and Tartaria in Asia and is distant not above 250 miles, if we measure the passage at the shortest cut. On the South it hath the Peninsula Peruviana: and North-ward we are not sure whether Sea or Land. It comprehends in compass 13000 miles. The quality of the Inhabitants, and the riches of her soyl shall appear in her several Provinces, which are numbred thus: (1) Nova Hispania or Mexicana propria. (2) Quivira. (3) Nicarugua, (4) Iacutan. (5) Florida. (6) Virginia. (7) Norumbega. (8) Nova Francia. (9) Terra laboratoris or Corterilalis. (10) Estot•landia.
(12) Nova Hispania, or Mexicana propria, is the largest Province of this North part of America, and gave the name Mexiacana to the whole Peninsula, which her self received from her chief City Mexico. Her bounds South-ward is the Isthmus that joyns the Continents. North-ward the same with the Peninsulaes; on the West Califormia or Mar Viriniglio, and on the East Incutan. It was first pos∣sest by the Spaniard 1518. But it cost them much bloud to intitle their Kings Hispaniarum Reges. It is an excellent Country, full of all variety almost in every kind usual with us; and exceeds in rari∣ties full of wonder. There is one tree which they dress like our Vine, and order it so, that it yields them almost all useful necess•ries. The leaves serve them instead of Paper, and of the Vine •ark they make Flax, Mantles, Mats, Shoes, Girdles, and Cordage: She hath in her four principal Regions of note: (1) Nova Galicia, found out by Nunnus Gusmannus 1530. Her Cities are Compostella, now a Bishops See, Sancte Espritte, and Guadalaiara. The inhabitants lived at large heretofore with∣out any government. But since the Spaniard came, they have endured incredible servitude, and cruelty. Page 50 (2) Mechnacan a fertile Region, the Inhabitants comely and witty. Her chief Cities, Sinsonse the place of their native Kings▪ Pascuar and Valudolit, the Bishops See. (3) Mexico or Tomistian, which contains in it the City of Mexico, in compass six miles, the seat of an Arch-Duke: and the Spanish Viceroy: and in it is an University, a Printing-house, and a Mint for coynage. Other Cities there are, Tescuvo and Angelorum Civitby. (4) Ganstecan lying open on the East near Mare del Nort. It is but barren, and the people poor, but cunning. The Spaniards have here two Colonies, Panuce and S. Iames in the vallies.
(13) Quivira bordereth upon the West of the Continent towards Tartary: It is temperate and fertile. But the chief riches is the Kine, which feed them with their flesh, and cloath them with their Hides. Her Provinces are Cibola and Nova Albion. The last was discovered by our noble Sir Francis Drake, and voluntarily yieded to the protection of our admired Queen of England Elizabeth.
(14) Nicarugua on the South-east of Nova Hispania, had a kind of setled Common wealth before they knew Christianity, and is reported to have a tree that withereth at a mans touch. The chief Cities are now Granado, and Leo a Bishops See.
(15) Incutan is situated over against the Isle Cuba upon the East of the Peninsula, The people adored the Cross before they heard of Christ. The Country is indifferent fertile: though that indeed as in all other places of this new World, have proved worse for the Inhabitants; for it hath drawn upon them their forraign Invadour.
(16) Florida lyeth near the Gulf of Mexico, and bordereth upon the Mare del Nort. A pleasant Region it is, and was discovered by our English under Sebastian Cuhbot 1497. out left for the Spani∣ard to posses, which for a while he did: and after him the French, but neither in quiet. For they warred upon each other, till they left neither of them men enough to hold it. The French built the City called Ara Corobina. The Spanish Est Hevens, and S. Matthews, and planted there three Forts, Page 51 Saint Iames, Saint Philip, Saint Augustine, which was burnt by Sir Francis Drake 1586. but recovered again,
(17) Virginia carries in her name the happy memory of our Elizabeth, On the East it hath Mare del Nort, on the North Norumbega, Florida, on the South, and Westward, the bounds are not set. It was first entred by Sir Walter Raleigh 1584. and some at that time left there to discover the Coun∣try till more were sent, but they perished before the second supply. Since there have been many Co∣lonies planted out of England, which have there manured the ground, and returened good Commo∣dities to the Adventurers. For indeed it is a rich Country, in Fruits Trees, Beasts, Fish, Fowle, Mines of Iron and Copper, Viens of Pitch, Allum and Tar, R•zin, Gums, Dies, Timber, &c. The Plantation went on with good success till the year 1622. And then by the treachery of the Inhabitants there were murdered near upon three hundred of our men. The Natives are very vile people, horrible Ido∣laters, adore the creature which they most fear, and hate them which keep them not in awe: they were kindly entreated by our English, and invited by all friendly means to Christianity. The North parts are most inhabited by our men, and is therefore called New E•gland. It hath but one entrance by Sea at a fair Bay. Her Capes are called Cape Henry, and Cope Charls. The chief Towns are Ianus Town, Regnoughton, and Balesguift.
(18) Norumbega on the North of Virgi•ia, lyeth toward the Mare del Nort, and is a very fertile Re∣gion. It is inhabited by the Spanish and French. The Seas are shallow, and endanger many ships. So full of Fish, that the Boats cannot have free passage, saith Maginus.
(19) Nova Francia is further North-ward from Norumbega: a barren Country, and the people bar∣barous; some Anthropophagi. A few French there are besides the Natives.
(20) Terra Laboratoris or Conterialis, still more North-ward upon the Sea-coast, and is divided from Norumbega by the River Lanada. It reacheth into the Sea in form of a P•niusula. The men are Page 52 barbarous, live in Caves, run swiftly, and are good Archers. The chief places are Bresto, Cabo, Marzo, and South Maria.
(21) Estotiland the last Province of the Northern Peninsula, still creeps by the edge of the Atlan∣tick: and on the North hath the Straits called Fretum Daveissii an English man, who this way at∣tempted the North-west unto Cathai and China. And in regard it was adventured in the name of our Queen, the Promontory is called Elizabeths Fore-land: and the Sea running by it is likewise named Forbishers Straights, from another of our worthy Country-men, that were interested before in the same service. This Region is held to be the first discovered of the New world. The North of it is still un∣known. It yields plenty of gold, but is exteam cold. The people ingenious and good Artificers in most kinds, they are cloathed with Beasts Hides; and are skilled to make themselves Boats of Sea Calves skins, which they venture into the main Sea without danger.
(22) Peninsula Peruviana, is the South tract of America from the Isthmus to the Magellanick Straights. The same Seas are the bounds upon the East and West, which were of the other Mexicana, by which she is divided from Africa on the East, and on the West at a large distance from the most Southren Islands of Asia. The compass of it is 17000 miles. From North to South, there runs a conti∣nued course of high Mountains, whose tops the very Fowls of the air cannot reach by flight. And from thence descend many admirable Rivers, among which Maragno and Argenteus are most famous. The one for his extent, and the other for his plenty of silver. The Country is exceeding rich, but the people differ not much from the worst of Beasts. They devour mans flesh, filthy worms, and what else comes in their way. The chief Provinces are numbred thus; (1) Castella Aurea. (2) Guiana. (3) Peru. (4) Brasil. (5) Chile.
(23) Castella Auren is the first, named from her plenty of gold. She lieth part in the Isthmus. The •est is the Northern tract of Peru: (1) Castella del oro in the very Isthmus, which is by some measu∣red Page 53 to be seventeen miles in breadth, by others twelve, the Merchandise sent from Spain is unladen at Nombre de Dios, and conveyed cross the Isthmus by land to Panamais: from thence shipped again for the North-west of Peru: Near these parts was an admirable atchievement performed by our valiant Country-man Iohn Oxenham, who by the direction of Moors skilled in the Country, went to the Land of Pearls, and took from the Spaniards an incredible weight of gold and Silver. (2) Nova Andalusia South-ward from Castella del oro. The chief Towns are Tocoio and Sancta Espritia. (3) Nova Granata a rich Region with Mines of gold and silver, part of it lyeth under the Aequinoctial. And this is S. Foy, one of the Arch-Bishops Sees. (4) Carthagena a fruitful Country, which yielded (when time was) to out still renowned Sir Francis Drake, store of prize, and 240 pieces of Ordnace.
(24) Guiana is the second Province of the Peninsula Peru Maria, situated just under the Aequino∣ctial. On the North it hath the main River Oronoque or Raliana from Sir Walter Raleigh, who went further than any before him into the Country. This River is navigable by report above 1000 miles, On the South it hath likewise another great River of the Peninsula called Maragnon, which exceeds the former, and is navigable 600 miles in length. In this province stands the largest City of America called el Dorodo, or the guilded City: For indeed there is plenty of gold. The length, as it is spoken by some Travellers, will exceed belief. The second memorable Town is S. Thome: not so much for her own worth, as the disastrous fortunes of Sir Walter Raleigh, who there first lost his eldest son, and after returned home with that ill success, as it cost him his own life.
(25) Peru the third in rank, yet by name it seems to be the chiefest Province of this Southern Tract. It is contained almost betwixt the Aequator and the Tropick of Capricorn. On the North it hath Castella del oro. on the South Chila, on the West mare del Zur, and on the East the Mountains of Peru. It is a very rich Country, aboundeth with gold and silver, little esteemed among the Inhabitants. For by report the Spaniard ordinarily shooed their Horses with gold: Another great Commodity is To∣bacco, Page 54 a toy to play withall, but yields a great Revenue to the King of Spain. In this Province stands Lima the Arch-Bishops See, and place of residency for the Vicer•y Cusco, where the Native Kings of Peru had wont to keep their Court. The Inhabitants are strange Idolaters, and worship a black Sheep, Serpents, and other ugly creatures.
(26) Brasile on the North hath the great River Maragnon. and on the South and West Argenteus, on the East Mare del North. The •ongitude from North to South is accounted 150, the breadth 500, the compass about 3000. The Inhabitants are rude, live for the most part in the Bodies of trees. They swim excellently, and are able to keep under the water for a long space. Their chief Commodities are Sugar and Brazile wood. The people are covered with natural hair, cruel, lascivious, false, and what not? In this Region is an herb, called Viva, which if you touch, it will shut up, as a Dasie in the night, and will not open till the party that injured it be out of sight. Here are few Towns of note, St. Anna, Equitum, Ascensio, Pernanbuco.
(27) Chile is the last of the Peninsula, and on the North hath Peru, on the West the Mare del Zur, on the South the Magellanick Straits, on the East the Virginian Ocean, She hath her name from her ex∣tream cold temper, in so much that many are frozen to death, and hardned like marble. It is a rich Country as well for Gold as other Commodities of worth. The Rivers are fed with Snow that falls from the tops of high Mountains. The people are of large stature, and very valiant. The chief City is St. Iames, where a Colony of Spaniards keep hold.
And thus we are travelled from the Basis to the very Pyris, at the South America. The utmost poynt of it is called Caput victoriae from Magellanus ship. The rest must be performed by Sea. Our best Cour•e will be from the East Atlantick Ocean round by the Magellanick Straits into the Pacifick Sea. For with∣in this compass lyeth all the Islands that belong to this new world, and those were my second part in the general division of the whole Hemisphere.
Page 55(28) The Islands of America in the Atlantick Ocean are, (1) Margarita not far from Castella delor• It is very barren in provision for victuals, but exceeds in plenty of precious stones of the greatest va∣lue: And so doth her neighbour. (2) Aubagna. (3) Trinidado stored with Tobacco. (4) Bacala•• over against Terra Laboratoris. (5) Boriqu•n North-ward from Guiana; Her principal Cities are S. Iolas and Port Rico, ruined by our Earl of Cumberland 1597. (6) Iamaica, spoiled by the Spaniards cruelty of most of her Natives: Insomuch that the mothers strangled their babes in their womb to prevent their servitude under so hard a Master as the Spanish Governour. (7) Laba a rich Isle: In this there is a Bishops See called Ingo. (8) Lucaiae insulae in number a 130. and is best commended for the beauty of her women. (9)Barmudae, many in number; discovered by Sir Thomas Summers, and thence have the name of Summers Islands, possest by a Plantation of English, and agreeth well with their temper. (10) Hispaniola or Haitie, the first that was described by Columbus in the beginning of his attempt: An excellent Island for temper of air, fertility of soil, rich Mines, Amber, Sugar, and Roots medicinal. One of the chief Towns in D•mingo, ransackt by Sir Francis Drake 1585. The rest are S. Isabella, S. Thome, S. Iolius, &c. (11) There are a rank of Islands neer the Basis of the South America, that are called Insulae Car•lum or Canibalorum, part of them are Canibals and wild people; yet they yield Commodities, especially the Guia•um or lignum Sanctum.
(26) The Islands of America on the West in the Pacisick Sea are not many of much account. (1) The chief is Califormia, an Island of about 500 leagues from the North Cape, Mendocina to the South S. Lucas, which enters a little within the Tropick of Cancer. (2) Insulae Salemonis, supposed by some to be the Land of Ophir. (3) Insulae L•tronum, named from the Natives theft, who stole Magellanus Coch-boat when he first entred in.
