Purchas his pilgrimes. part 1 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part.

CHAP. III. The first Voyage made to East-India by Master IAMES LANCASTER, now Knight, for the Merchants of London, Anno, 1600. With foure tall Shippes, (to wit) the Dragon, the Hector, the [ 50] Ascension and Susan, and a Victualler called the Guest.

§ I. The preparation to this Voyage, and what befell them in the way till they departed from Saldania.

THe Merchants of London, in the yeare of our Lord 1600. ioyned together, and [ 60] made a stocke of seuentie two thousand pounds, to bee imployed in Ships and Merchandizes, for the discouery of a Trade in the East-India, to bring into this Realme, Spices and other Commodities. They bought foure great Ships to bee imployed in this Voyage: the Dragon, of the burthen of six hundred tunne, the Hector, of the burthen of three hundred tunnes, the Ascentic•• of the burthen of

two hundred and threescore tunnes. These ships they furnished with men, victuals and muni∣tion for twentie monethes, and sent in them, in Merchandise and Spanish money, to the value of seuen and twentie thousand pounds: all the rest of their stocke was spent and consumed about the shippes, and other necessaries appertayning to them: with money lent to the Mariners and Saylers before-hand, that went vpon the Voyage.

The Merchants were Suters to her Maiestie, who gaue them her friendly Letters of com∣mendation, written to diuers Princes of India, offering to enter into a league of Peace and Ami∣tie with them, the Copies of which Letters shall hereafter appeare in their places. And because no great action can well be carryed, and accomplished without an absolute authoritie of Iustice: Shee granted to the Generall of their Fleet Master Iames Lancaster, for his better command and [ 10] gouernment, a Commission of Martiall Law.

* 1.1The said Master Iames Lancaster the Generall, was placed in the Dragon, the greatest shippe being Admirall: Master Iohn Middleton Captaine in the Hector, the Vice-admirall: Master William Brand chiefe Gouernour in the Ascention: and Master Iohn Heyward in the Susan: and more in euery of the said ships, three Merchants to succeed one the other, if any of them should be taken away by death.

These ships were readie and departed from Wolwich in the Riuer of Thames, the thirteenth of February after the English accompt, 1600. with foure hundred and fourescore men in them. In the Dragon, two hundred and two men. In the Hector, an hundred an eight. In the Ascention, fourescore and two. And in the Susan, fourescore and eight. The Guest, a ship of a hundred and [ 20] thirtie tunnes, was added as a Victualler.

These ships stayed so long in the Riuer of Thames, and in the Downes for want of wind, that it was Easter day before they arriued at Dartmouth, where they spent fiue or sixe dayes in taking in their bread and certaine other prouisions appointed for them. From thence they departed the eighteenth of Aprill, 1601. and road in Tor Bay, till the twentieth in the morning. While wee roade there, the Generall sent aboord all the shippes, instructions, for their better company kee∣ping, at their comming to the Seas: and further gaue directions, if any of the Fleet should bee separated the one from the other, by stormes of wind, tempests, or other casualties, what * 1.2 places to repaire vnto, for their meeting together againe.

The second of Aprill, 1601. the wind came faire and wee hoysed our Anchors, and departed [ 30] out of Tor Bay, directing our course towards the Ilands of the Canaria. The wind holding faire, the fift of May in the morning, we had sight of Alegranza, the Northermost Iland of the Ca∣narias, and directed our course betweene Forteuentura, and the Grand Canaria: and comming to the South part of the Grand Canaria, thinking to water there, wee fell into the Calmes, which proceed by reason of the high-land that lyeth so neere the Sea-side.

The seuenth of May, about three of the clocke in the afternoone, wee departed from the Grand Canaria, hauing the wind at North-east, and we directed our course South-west by South, and South South-west, till wee came into 21. 1/••. degrees. From the eleuenth to the twentieth, our course was for the most part South, till we came into eight degrees: the wind being alwayes Northerly, and North-east. In this heigth, we found the Calmes and contrarie winds, which vp∣pon [ 40] this Coast of Ginney, at this time of the yeare, are very familiar with many sudden gustes of wind, stormes, thunder and lightening, very fearefull to be seene and dangerous to the shippes: vnlesse a diligent care be had, that all sayles be stricken downe vpon the sudden, perceiuing the ayre neuer so little to change or alter. And yet many times, although the Masters of ships were carefull, and looked vnto it with great diligence: the suddennesse was such, that it could hardly be preuented. From the twentieth of May, till the one and twentieth of Iune, wee lay the most part becalmed, and with contrarie winds at South, and turning vp and downe with this contrary wind, with much ado••, we got into two degrees of the North side of the Line: where wee es∣pyed a ship, to the which, the Generall gaue chase, commanding all the rest of the ships to fol∣low him: and by two of the clocke in the afternoone, we had set her vp and tooke her. She was [ 50] of the Citie of Viana in Portugall, and came from Lisbone in the companie of two Carrackes, and three Gallions bound for the East-India, which ships she had lost at Sea. The three Gallions were ships of warre, and went to keepe the Coast of the East-India, from being traded with other Na∣tions.

Wee tooke out of her an hundred sixe and fortie Buts of Wine, an hundred threescore and sixteene Iarres of Oyle, twelue Barrels of Oyle, and fiue and fiftie Hogsheads and Fats of Meale, which was a great helpe to vs in the whole Voyage after. The Generall diuided these Victualls indifferently to all the ships, to euery one his proportion without partialitie.

The last of Iune about mid-night, we doubled the Line, and lost the sight of the North-star, hauing the wind at South-east, and we held our course South South-west, and doubled the Cape [ 60] of Saint Augustine some sixe and twentie leagues to the Eastwards. The twentieth of Iuly, we were shot into nineteene degrees, fortie minutes to the Southward of the Line, the wind inlarge∣ing daily to the East-ward. Here wee discharged the Guest, the ship that went a long with vs to carry the Prouisions, that our foure ships could not take in in England. After wee had discharged

her, we tooke her Masts, Sayles and Yards, and brake downe her higher buildings for fire-wood, and so left her floting in the Sea: and followed our course to the South-ward. The foure and twentieth of Iuly, we passed the Tropick of Capricorne, the wind being North-east by North, we holding our course East South-east. Now, by reason of our long being vnder the Line, (which proceeded of our late comming out of England, for the time of the yeare was too farre spent by six or seuen weekes, to make a quicke Nauigation) many of our men fell sicke. Therefore the nine and twentieth of Iuly being in 28.1/••. degrees, hee wrote a remembrance to the Gouernour of each ship, either to fetch Saldauia or Saint Helena for refreshing.

Thus following on our course, the first of August we came into the height of thirtie degrees,* 1.3 [ 10] South of the Line: at which time we met the South-west wind, to the great comfort of all our people. For, by this time, very many of our men were fallen sicke of the Scuruey in all our ships, and vnlesse it were in the Generals ship only, the other three were so weake of men, that they could hardly handle the sayles. This wind held faire, till wee came within two hundred and fiftie leagues of the Cape Buena Esperanza, and then came cleane contrarie against vs to the East: and so held some fifteene or sixteene dayes to the great discomfort of our men. For now the few whole men we had, beganne also to fall sicke, so that our weaknesse of men was so great, that in some of the ships, the Merchants tooke their turnes at the Helme: and went into the top to take in the top-sayles, as the common Mariners did. But God (who sheweth mercy in all distresses) sent vs a faire wind againe, so that the ninth of September wee came to Salda∣nia, [ 20] where the Generall before the rest bare in, and came to an anchor,* 1.4 and hoysed out his Boats to helpe the rest of the ships.

For now the state of the other three was such, that they were hardly able to let fall an An∣chor, to saue themselues withall. The Generall went aboord of them, and carryed good store of men, and hoysed out their Boats for them, which they were not able to doe of themselues. And the reason why the Generals men stood better in health then the men of other ships, was this: he brought to Sea with him certaine Bottles of the Iuice of Limons,* 1.5 which hee gaue to each one, as long as it would last, three spoonfuls euery morning fasting: not suffering them to eate any thing after it till noone. This Iuice worketh much the better, if the partie keepe a short Dyet, and wholly refraine salt meate, which salt meate, and long being at the Sea is the only cause of the breeding of this Disease. By this meanes the Generall cured many of his men, [ 30] and preserued the rest: so that in his ship (hauing the double of men that was in the rest of the ships) he had not so many sicke, nor lost so many men as they did, which was the mercie of God to vs all. After the Generall had holpen the rest of the ships to hoyse out their Boats, they began all to be greatly comforted. Then, he himselfe went presently a-land to seeke some refreshing for our sicke and weake men, where hee met with certaine of the Countrey people, and gaue them diuers trifles, as Kniues, and peeces of old Iron, and such like,* 1.6 and made signes to them to bring him downe Sheepe and Oxen. For he spake to them in the Cattels Language, which was neuer changed at the confusion of Babell, which was Moath for Oxen, and Kine, and Baa for Sheepe: which Language the people vnderstood very well without any Interpreter. After hee had sent the people away very well contented with their presents, and kind vsage order was presently gi∣uen, [ 40] that certaine of euery ships companie should bring their sayles a-land, and build Tents with them for their sicke men: and also to make fortifications of defence,* 1.7 if by any occasion the peo∣ple should take any conceit of offence against vs, and thereby offer vs any violence. And the Ge∣nerall prescribed an order for buying and s••lling with the people, which was,* 1.8 that at such times as they should come downe with the Cattell, only fiue or sixe men, appointed for that purpose, should goe to deale with them and the rest (which should neuer bee vnder thirtie Muskets and Pikes) should not come neere the Market, by eight or ten score at the neerest: and alwayes to stand in their ranke in a readinesse, with their Mu••kets in their Rests, what occasion soeuer. should befall. And this order was most strictly obserued and kept, that no man durst once goe to speake with any of the people without speciall leaue, and I take this to be the cause, why we li∣ued [ 50] in so great friendship and amitie with them, contrary to that which lately had befallen the Hollanders, which had fiue or six of their men slaine by their treacherie.

The third day after our comming into this Bay of Saldania, the people brought downe Beefes and Muttons, which we bought of them for pieces of old Iron hoopes, as two pieces of eight inches a piece, for an Oxe, and one piece of eight inches for a Sheepe, with which they seemed to be well contented. VVithin ten or twelue dayes, we bought of them a thousand Sheepe, and two and fortie Oxen, and might haue bought many more, if wee would. Now within twelue dayes they ceased to bring vs any more Cattell, but the people many times came downe to vs afterward, and when we made them signes for more Sheepe, they would point vs to those wee had bought, which the Generall caused to be kept grazing vpon the Hilles about our Tents, and [ 60] was the cause (as we iudged) they thought we would haue inhabited there, and therefore brought vs no more. But (God be thanked) we were well stored to satisfie our need, and might then, ve∣ry well forbeare buying. These Oxen are full as bigge as ours, and were very fat, and the sheepe many of them much bigger, but of a very hairie wooll, yet, of exceeding good flesh, fat and

sweet,* 1.9 and to our thinking, much better then our sheepe in England. The people of this place are all of a tawnie * 1.10 colour, of a reasonable statute, swift of foot, and much giuen to picke and steale: their speech is wholly vttered through the throate, and they clocke with their tongues in such sort, that in seuen weekes, which wee remained heere in this place, the sharpest wit among vs, could not learne one word of their language: and yet the people would soone vnderstand any signe wee made to them.

While wee stayed heere in this Bay, wee had so royall refreshing, that all our men recouered their health and strength, onely foure or fiue excepted. But, before our comming in, and in this place, wee lost out of all our Ships one hundred and fiue men, and yet wee made account, wee were stronger at our departure out of this Bay, then wee were at our comming out of England, our men were so well inured to the Southerne Climates. [ 10]

§. II. Their departure from Saldania, and proceeding in their Voyage to Achen in Sumatra, with their trading at Saint MARIES, Antongill, Nicubar: the strange Plant of Sombrero, and other occurrents.

* 1.11THE foure and twentieth of October, the Generall caused all our Tents to bee taken [ 20] downe and our men to repaire aboord the Ships: and being fitted both of wood and fresh water; The nine and twentieth of October, wee put to Sea, and went out by a small Iland, that lieth in the mouth of the said Bay: which is exceeding full of Seales and Pengwines, so that if there were no other refreshing, one might very well refresh there. Ouer the Bay of Saldania standeth a very high Hill, flat like a Table, and is called the Table: such an∣other plaine marke to find an Harbour in, is not in all that Coast, for it is easie to be seene seuenteen or eighteene leagues into the Sea.

* 1.12Sunday, the first of Nouember in the morning, wee doubled the Cape of Buena Esperança, hauing the wind West North-West a great gale.

The sixe and twentieth of Nouember, wee fell with the Head-land of the Iland of Saint Lau∣rence, somewhat to the East of Cape Sebastian, and being within fiue miles of the shoare, wee [ 30] sounded, and found twenty fiue fathome: the variation of the Compasse, being little more or lesse sixteene degrees. For in an East and West course, the variation of the Compasse helpeth much, and especially in this Voyage.

* 1.13From the sixe and twentieth of Nouember, till the fifteenth of December, wee plyed to the Eastward, the neerest our course wee could lie, alwayes striuing to haue gotten to the Iland of Cirne,* 1.14 which in some Cardes is called Diego Rodriques, but wee found the wind alwaies after our comming to the Iland of Saint Laurence, at East, and East South-East, and East North-East, so that wee could not obtaine it: and to striue long in hope of change of windes wee could not, for now our men began againe to fall sicke of the Scuruy. Then, the Captaine of the Vice-Admi∣rall called to the Generall, and thought it best to beare into the Bay of Antongile, and there to re∣fresh [ 40] our men with Oranges and Limons, to cleere our selues of this disease, which was by him and the whole counsell called for that purpose well approoued.

The seuenteenth of December, wee had sight of the Southermost part of the Iland of Saint Mary,* 1.15 and the next day wee anchored betweene Saint Mary, and the great Iland of Saint Lau∣rence: and sent our Boats aland to Saint Maries, where wee had some store of Limons and Oran∣ges, which were precious for our diseas••d men, to purge their bodies of the Scuruy. Now, as we roade heere, buying Oranges end Limons, there arose vpon vs a very great storme, so that three of our Ships were put from their Anchros: but within some sixteen houres, the storme ceased, and the ships returned, and weighed their Anchors againe. The Generall thought it not good to make any longer stay there, seeing the vncertaintie of the weather, and that there was vpon this Iland [ 50] so little refreshing to be had: only these Orenges and Limons, a little Goates milke, and some small quantitie of Rice: we sawe onely one Cow, and that they draue away, assoone as they saw vs come on Land. Seeing this place so dangerous to ride in, the Generall gaue present order to sayle to∣ward the Bay of Antongile, the time of the yeere being spent, the Easterly winds come against vs, and our men sicke.

* 1.16This Iland of S. Mary is high land, and full of woods, the people are blacke, very handsome and tall men, and of curled haire, onely before in their foreheads they stroke it vp, as the women doe here in England: so that it standeth some three inches vpright. They are wholly without apparell, onely their priuy parts couered, they are very tractable to conuerse withall, yet seeme to be very valiant. The most of their food is Rice, and some Fish: yet at our being there, wee [ 60] could buy but small store of Rice, for the time of their store was farre spent, and their Haruest was at hand. There are two or three watering places on the North part of this Iland: but none of them very commodious, yet with some trauell there is water enough to be had.

The twentie third of December, we departed from this Iland of S. Mary, and the twentie fift being Christmas day, we came into the Baye of Antongill,* 1.17 and came to an anchor in eight fa∣tham water, betweene a small Iland, and the Mayne, lying in the bottome of the Baye, a very good, and a safe roade. But, the best riding, is neerest vnder a small Iland, for the defence of the winde that bloweth there: for while we abode in this Baye, there blew an exceeding great storme, and those of our shippes, that road neerest the small Iland, beeing vnder the wind sped best: for two of our ships droue with three anchors ahead, the ground being Ozy, and not firme. At our going a land in the little Iland, we perceiued by writing vpon the rockes, of fiue Holland ships which had beene there, and were departed about two monethes before our comming in: [ 10] and had had some sicknesse among their men, and had lost (as we perceiued) betweene one hundred and fiftie, and two hundred men while they roade in that place.

The next day after our comming to an anchor, we went a land to the Mayne Iland, where the people presently repaired to vs, and made vs signes of the fiue Holland ships departed, and that they had bought the most part of their prouision. Yet, they entred into barter with vs, for Rice and Hennes, Oranges and Limons, and another fruit called Plantans, and held all at high rates, and brought but a pedlars quantitie. Our market was neere to a great riuer, into which we went with our boats, and some men that were app••inted to be buyers, went ashore: the rest remained in the boates, alwaies readie with their weapons in t••eir hands: and the boates some fifteene or twentie yardes off into the water, where the people could not wade to them: and [ 20] were readie at all times (if they a shore had had any need) to take them in. So, we trif••ed off some daies, before (as aforesaid) we could bring them to any reall trade: for all these people of the South, and East parts, are very subtill, and craftie, in their bartering, buying and selling, that vnlesse you hold a neere hand with them▪ you shall hardly bring them to trade in any plaine sort. For, they will ••ift you continually to giue a little more, and t••en, no man will sell with∣out that price: so that you must not inlarge to any one, more then another: for, in so doing,* 1.18 all will haue that price, or none. The Generall seeing this, commanded measures to be made of (almost) a quart, and appointed how many glasse beades should be giuen for euery measure: and he that would not deale in this manner, should not deale at all. The like order was set downe for Oranges, Limons, and Plantans, how many for euery beade, or else not. Our Merchants [ 30] after a little holding off, consented, and our dealing was francke, and round, without any contra∣diction, or words. So, that while we abode heere, we brought 15.¼. tunnes of Rice, fortie or fiftie bushels of their Pease, and Beanes, great store of Oranges, Limons, and Plantans, and eight Beeues, with many Hennes. While we roade in this Baye, we reared a Pinnace, which we brought in peeces in our shippes out of England: and cut downe trees, of which there were very great, and great store, which trees we sawed out in boordes, and sheathed her. This Pin∣nace was of some eighteene tunnes, and very necessary, and fit to goe before our shippes, at our comming into India. In the time we stayed heere, there died out of the Generalls shippe, the Masters Mate, the Preacher, and the Surgeon, with some tenne other common men. And out of the Viceadmirall there died the Master, with some other two. And out of the Ascention, by a [ 40] very great mischance, were slaine the Captaine, and the Boatswaines mate. For, as the Masters Mate, out of the Generalls shippe was carried a land to be buried, the Captaine of the Ascen∣tion tooke his boate to goe aland to his buriall: and as it is the order of the sea, to shoote off cer∣taine peeces of Ordnance at the buriall of any Officer, the Gunner of the Ordnance shotte off three peeces, and the bullets being in them, one stroke the Ascentions boate, and slue the Cap∣taine, and the Boatswaines Mate starke dead,* 1.19 so that they that went to see the buriall of another, were both buried there themselues. Those that died heere, died most of the Flux, which (in our opinion) came with the waters which we drunke: for it was the time of win∣ter, when it rained very much, which caused great flouds to ouerflowe the Countrie: so that the waters were not wholsome, as in most places in these hot countries, they are not, in the [ 50] times of their raines. This disease also of the Flux, is often taken, by going open, and cold in the stomacke, which our men would often doe when they were hot.

We set saile out of this Baye the sixth of March, an•• h••ld on our course toward the India, and the sixteenth we fell with an Iland called Rogue-Pize, which lyeth in 10.••/••. degrees, to the South of the Equinoctiall Line. To this Iland the Gener••ll sent his boate,* 1.20 to see whether there were any safe riding for the shippes: but the boate (for the most part) found deepe water, where the shippes could not safely ride. As we coasted along this Iland, it seemed very faire, and pleasant, exceeding full of foule, and Coco nut-trees: and there came from the land such a pleasant smell, as if it had beene a garden of flowers. And surely, if there be any good riding for shippes in this Iland, it must needes be a place of very great refreshing. For as our boates [ 60] went neere the land, they saw great store of fish, and the foules came wondering about them in such sort, that with the Oares, wherewith the Mariners rowe••, they killed many which were the fattest, and the best that we tasted all the voyage. And of these, there was such excee∣ding great abundance, that many more shippes then we had with vs, might haue refreshed themselues therewith.

* 1.21 The thirtieth of March 1602. being in sixe degrees to the South of the Line, wee happened vpon a ledge of Rockes, and looking ouer-boord, and seeing them vnder the shippe about fiue fa∣thome deepe, it much amazed vs, falling vpon the sudden, and vnexpected. Then, as wee were presently casting about the ship, wee found eight fathome: and so held on our course East. One of our men, being in the top saw an Iland South-east of vs, some fiue or sixe leagues off, being but low land:* 1.22 this we iudged to be the Iland of Candu, although in our course we could not (by com∣putation) find our selues so farre shot to the Eastward. Bearing on our course some thirteene or fourteene leagues,* 1.23 we fell vpon another flat of Rockes. Then wee cast about to the Southward, and sayling some twelue leagues, found other Rockes: so that, prouing diuers wayes, wee found flats of Rockes round about vs: and twentie and thirtie, and in some places, forty and fiftie fa∣thome [ 10] water in the middest of the flats. Here we were for two dayes and an halfe in exceeding danger, and could find no way to get out. But at last, wee resolued to seeke to the Northward, and in sixe degrees, fortie three minutes (God bee thanked) wee found sixe fathome water: the Pinnasse alwayes going before vs, and sounding with commandement, to make signes what depth she had, that thereby we might follow her. Thus (thankes be to God) being deliuered out of this pound, we followed our course with variable windes, till the ninth of May about foure of the clocke in the afternoone.* 1.24 At which time we had sight of the Ilands of Nicubar, and bare in, and anchored on the North-side of the Channell. But the wind changing to the South-west, wee were forced to hoyse our Anchors, and to beare ouer to the South-side of the Channell: and so came to an Anchor, vnder a small Iland, that lyeth on the said shore. Here wee had fresh water, [ 20] and some Coco Nuts, other refreshing wee had little. Yet the people came aboord our shippes in long Canoas, which would hold twentie men, and aboue in one of them: and brought Gummes to sell in stead of Amber, and therewithall, deceiued diuers of our men: For, these people of the East, are wholly giuen to deceit. They brought also Hennes and Coco Nuts to sell, but held them very deare: so that we bought few of them. We stayed here ten dayes, placing of our Ord∣nance, and trimming of our ships: because we would be in all readinesse at our arriuall, at our first Port, which we were not (now) farre from.

* 1.25The twentieth of Aprill, in the morning, we set saile to goe toward Sumatra, but the wind blew so hard at South, South West, and the Currant was against vs, that we could not proceed: but beating vp and downe, our ships fell into two leakes, so that wee were forced to goe to the [ 30] Iland of Sombrero,* 1.26 some ten or twelue leagues to the Northward of Nicobar. Heere, we in the Admirall lost an anchor, for the ground is foule, and groweth full of counterfeit Corrall, and some Rockes: which cut our Cable asunder, so that we could not recouer our anchor.

The people of these Ilands goe naked, hauing onely the priuities bound vp in a peece of Lin∣nen cloath, which commeth about their middles like a girdle, and so betweene their twist. They are all of a tauny colour, and annoint their faces with diuers colours; they are well limmed, but very fearefull: for, none of them would come aboord our Shippes, or enter into our Boates. The Generall reported, that he had seene some of their Priests, or Sacrificers, all apparelled, but close to their bodies, as if they had beene sewed in it: and vpon their heads, a paire of hornes turning backward, with their faces painted greene, blacke and yellow, and their hornes also [ 40] painted with the same colour. And behind them, vpon their buttocks, a taile hanging downe, very much like the manner, as in some painted cloathes, we paint the Diuell in our Countrey. He demaunding, wherefore they went in that attire, answer was made him, that in such forme the Diuell appeared to them in their sacrifices: and therefore the Priests, his seruants were so apparelled.* 1.27 In this Iland grow trees, which for their talnesse, greatnesse, and straightnesse, will serue the biggest shippe in all our Fleete, for a maine Mast: and this Iland is full of those trees.

Heere, likewise we found vpon the sands, by the Sea side, a small twigge growing vp to a young tree, and offering to plucke vp the same, it shruke downe into the ground: and sinketh, vnlesse you hold very hard. And being plucked vp, a great Worme is the roote of it: and looke how the tree groweth in greatnesse, the Worme diminisheth. Now, as soone as the worme is [ 50] wholly turned into the tree, it rooteth in the ground, and so groweth to be great. This trans∣formation was one of the strangest wonders that I saw in all my trauailes. For, this tree, being plucked vp little, the leaues stripped off, and the pill, by that time it was dry, turned into an hard stone, much like to white Corrall: so that this worme was twice transformed into diffe∣rent natures: Of these we gathered, and brought home many.

§. III. Their entertainement and trade at Achen. [ 60]

* 1.28THE nine and twentieth of May, we set saile from this Iland of Sombrero, and the se∣cond of Iune, we had sight of the land of Sumatra, and the fifth of Iune we came to anchor in the Roade of Achen, some two miles off the Citie. Where we found sixteene

or eighteene saile of shippes of diuers Nations, some Goserats, some of Bengala, some of Calicut, called Malabares, some Pegues, and some Patanyes, which came to trade there.

There came aboord of vs two Holland Merchants, which had beene left there behind their shippes, to learne the language, and manners of the Country. These told vs, we should be very welcome to the King, who was desirous to intertaine strangers: and that the Queene of England was very famous in those parts, by reason of the warres, and great victories,* 1.29 which she had got∣ten against the King of Spaine. The same day, the Generall sent Captaine Iohn Middleton, Captaine of the Vice-admirall, with foure or fiue Gentlemen, to attend vpon him to the King: to declare vnto him, that he was sent from the Generall of those shippes, who had a message, and a letter, from the most famous Queene of England, to the most worthy King of Achen, [ 10] and Sumatra. And that it would please his royall Maiesty, to giue to the said messenger, audi∣ence to deliuer his message, and letter: with a sufficient warrant for the safety of him and his people, according to the law of Nations, holden in that behalfe. This messenger was very kindly entertained by the King, who when he had deliuered his message, gladly granted his re∣quest, and communed with him about many questions: and after, caused a royall banquet to be made him. And at his departure gaue a robe, and a Tucke of Calico wrought with Gold, which is the manner of the Kings of this place, to those he will grace with his speciall fauour. And withall, sent his commendations to the Generall, willing him to stay one day aboord his ships, to rest himselfe after his comming from the disquiet seas▪ and the next day to come a land, and [ 20] haue kind audience, and franke leaue, with as great assurance, as if he were in the kingdome of the Queene his Mistris. And, if he doubted of any thing of this his royall word, such honoura∣ble pledges should be sent him, for his further assurance, as he should rest very well satisfied therewith.

The third day, the Generall went a land very well accompanied, with some thirtie men or more, to attend vpon him. And first at his landing, the Holland Merchants met him, and carried him home to their house, as it was appointed. For as yet, the Generall would make choyce of no house of his owne, till he had spoken with the King: but stayed at the Hollanders house, till a Noble man came from the King, who saluted the Generall very kindly, and declared, that he came from his Maiestie, and represented his person. Then, he demaunded the Queenes letter of [ 30] the Generall, which he refused to deliuer: saying, he would deliuer it to the King himselfe. For it was the order of Embassadours, in those parts of the world from whence he came, to deliuer their letters to the Princes owne hands: and not to any that did represent the Kings person. So, he demaunded to see the superscription, which the Generall shewed him, and he read the same, and looked very earnestly vpon the seale, tooke a note of the superscription, and did like∣wise write her Maiesties name: and then, with courtesie tooke his leaue, and repaired to the Court, to tell the King what had passed. Who presently sent sixe great Elephants,* 1.30 with many Trumpets, Drums, and Streamers, with much people, to accompany the Generall to the Court: so that the presse was exceeding great. The biggest of these Elephants was about thirteene, or foureteene foote high, which had a small Castle, like a Coach vpon his back, couered with Crim∣son [ 40] Veluet. In the middle thereof, was a great Bason of Gold, and a peece of Silke exceeding richly wrought to couer it: vnder which her Maiesties letter was put. The Generall was moun∣ted vpon another of the Elephants: some of his attendants rode, others went a foote. But, when he came to the Court gate, there a Noble man stayed the Generall, till he had gone in, to know the Kings further pleasure. But, presently the said Nobleman returned, and willed the Generall to enter in. And when the Generall came to the Kings presence, he made his obey∣sance after the manner of the Country: declaring that hee was sent from the most mightie Queene of England, to congratulate with his Highnesse, and treat with him concerning a peace and amitie with his Maiestie, if it pleased him to entertaine the same. And therewithall began to enter into further discourse, which the King brake off, saying: I am sure you are weary of the [ 50] long trauaile you haue taken, I would haue you to sit downe and refresh your selfe. You are very welcome, and heere you shall haue whatsoeuer you will in any reasonable conditions demaund, for your Princesse sake: for she is worthy of all kindnesse, and franke conditions, being a Prin∣cesse of great Noblenesse, for Fame speaketh so much of her. The Generall perceiuing the Kings mind, deliuered him the Queenes letter, which he willingly receiued: and deliuered the same to a Noble man standing by him. Then the Generall proceeded to deliuer him his present, which was a Bason of Siluer, with a Fountaine in the middest of it, weighing two hundred and fiue ounces, a great standing Cup of Siluer, a rich Looking-Glasse, an Head-peece with a Plume of Feathers, a case of very faire Dagges, a rich wrought embroidered Belt to hang a Sword in,* 1.31 and a Fan of Feathers. All these were receiued in the Kings presence, by a Nobleman of the Court: [ 60] onely, he tooke into his owne hand, the Fanne of Feathers: and caused one of his Women to fanne him therewithall, as a thing, that most pleased him of all the rest. The Generall was commanded to sit downe in the Kings presence, as the manner is, vpon the ground:* 1.32 where was a very great banquet prouided. All the dishes, in which the meate was serued in, were, either of pure Gold, or of another Mettall, which (among them) is of great estimation, called Tam∣baycke,

which groweth of Gold and Brasse together. In this banquet, the King (as he sate a∣loft in a Gallery, about a fathome from the ground) dranke oft to the Generall in their Wine, which they call Racke. This Wine is made of Rice, and is as strong as any of our Aquauitae: a little will serue to bring one asleepe. The Generall, after the first draught, dranke either wa∣ter mingled therewithall, or pure water, the King gaue him leaue so to doe: for the Generall craued his pardon, as not able to drinke so strong drinke. After this feast was done, the King caused his Damosels to come forth, and dance, and his Women to play Musicke vnto them: and these Women were richly attired, and adorned with Bracelets and Iewels: and this they ac∣count a great fauour, for these are not vsually seene of any, but such as the King will greatly ho∣nour. The King also gaue vnto the Generall, a fine white Robe of Calico, richly wrought with Gold, and a very faire girdle of Turkey worke, and two Creses, which are a kind of Daggers, all [ 10] which a Noble man put on in the Kings presence: and in this manner he was dismissed the Court, with very great curtesies, and one sent along with him, to make choyce of an house in the Citie, where the Generall thought most meete. But, at this time he refused this kindnesse, and rather chose to goe aboord his Ships: and left the King to consider of the Queenes Letter, the tenor whereof, hereafter followeth.

ELIZABETH by the grace of God, Queene of England, France and Ireland, defendresse of the Christian Faith and Religion.

[ 20]

To the great and mightie King of Achem, &c. in the Iland of Sumatra, our louing Brother, greeting.

THe eternall God, of his diuine knowledge and prouidence, hath so disposed his blessings, and good things of his Creation, for the vse and nourishment of Mankind, in such sort: that not∣withstanding they growe in diuers Kingdomes, and Regions of the World: yet, by the industrie of Man (stirred vp by the inspiration of the said omnipotent Creator) they are dispersed into the most remote places of the vniuersall World. To the end, that euen therein may appeare vnto all Nations, his maruelous workes, hee hauing so ordained, that the one land may haue need of the other. And there∣by, not only breed intercourse and exchange of their Merchandise and Fruits, which doe superabound in [ 30] some Countries, and want in others: but also ingender loue, and frendship betwixt all men, a thing natu∣rally diuine.

Whereunto wee hauing respect (Right noble King) and also to the honorable, and truly royall fame, which hath hither stretched, of your Highnesse humane and noble vsage of Strangers, which repaire into that your Kingdome, in loue and peace, in the Trade of Merchandise, paying your due Customes. Wee haue beene mooued to giue Licence vnto these our Subiects, who with commendable and good desires, saile to visite that your Kingdome: Notwithstanding, the dangers and miseries of the Sea, naturall to such a Voyage, which (by the grace of GOD) they will make, beeing the greatest that is to be made in the World: and to present trafficke vnto your Subiects. Which their offer, if it shall bee accepted by your Highnesse, with such loue and grace, as wee hope for, of so great and magnanimious a Prince: Wee, for them, doe pro∣mise, [ 40] that in no time hereafter, you shall haue cause to repent thereof, but rather to reioyce much. For their dealing shall be true, and their conuersation sure, and wee hope, that they will giue so good proofe thereof, that this beginning shall be a perpetuall confirmation, of loue betwixt our Subiects on both parts: by carrying from vs, such things and merchandise as you haue need of there. So that your Highnesse shall be very well serued, and better contented, then you haue heretofore beene with the Portugals and Spaniards, our Enemies: who only, and none else, of these Regions, haue frequented those your, and the other Kingdomes of the East. Not suffering that the other Nations should doe it, pretending themselues to be Monarchs, and absolute Lords of all these Kingdomes and Prouinces: as their owne Conquest and In∣heritance, as appeareth by their loftie Title in their writings. The contrarie whereof, hath very lately appeared vnto vs, and that your Highnesse, and your royall Familie, Fathers, and Grandfathers, haue (by the grace of GOD, and their Valour) knowne, not onely to defend your owne Kingdomes: but also [ 50] to giue Warres vnto the Portugals, in the Lands which they possesse: as namely in Malaca, in the yeere of the Humane Redemption 1575. vnder the conduct of your valiant Captaine, Ragamacota, with their great losse and the perpetuall honour of your Highnesse Crowne and Kingdome.

And now, if your Highnesse shall be pleased, to accept into your Fauour and Grace, and vnder your royall Protection and Defence, these our Subiects, that they may freely doe their businesse now, and continue yeerely hereafter: This Bearer, who goeth chiefe of this Fleet of foure Ships, hath order (with your Highnesse Licence) to leaue certaine Factors, with a setled House of Factorie in your Kingdome, vntill the going thither of another Fleet, which shall goe thither vpon the returne of this. Which left Fa∣ctors, [ 60] shall learne the Language, and customes of your Subiects, whereby, the better and more louingly to conuerse with them.

And the better to confirme this Confederacie, and Friendship betwixt vs, wee are contented, if your Highnesse be so pleased, that you cause Capitulations reasonable to be made: and that this Bearer doe

the like in Our name. Which wee promise to performe royally, and entirely, as well herein, as in other Agree∣ments and Arguments which he will communicate vnto you: to whom, wee doe greatly desire your High∣nesse to giue intire faith and credite, and that you will receiue him, and the rest of his companie, vnder your Royall protection, fauouring them in what shall be Reason and Iustice. And we promise on our behalfe, to re-answere in like degree, in all that your Highnesse shall haue need, out of these our Kingdomes, And wee desire, that your Highnesse would be pleased to send vs answere, by this Bearer of this our Letter, that wee may thereby vnderstand of your Royall acceptance of the Friendship and League, which wee offer, and greatly desire, may haue an happie beginning, with long yeeres to continue.

[ 10] AT his next going to the Court, hee had long Conference with the King, concerning the effect of the Queenes Letter, wherewith the King seemed to be very well pleased, and said: if the contents of that Letter came from the heart, he had good cause to thinke well thereof. And, for the League, Her Maiestie was desirous to hold with him, hee was well pleased there∣with. And, for the further demands the Generall made from Her, in respect of the Merchants trafficke: he had committed all those points to two of his Noblemen▪ to conferre with him, and promised, what her Maiestie had requested, should by all good meanes bee granted. With this contented answere, after another Banquet appointed for the General, he departed the Court. And the next day, he sent to those Noblemen, the King had named to him, to know their ap∣pointed time, when they would sit vpon this Conference. The one of these Noblemen [ 20] was the chiefe Bishop of the Realme, a man of great estimation with the King,* 2.1 and all the peo∣ple: and so he well deserued, for he was a man very wise and temperate. The other was one of the most ancient Nobilitie, a man of very good grauitie: but, not so fit to enter into those Con∣ferences as the Bishop was.

A day, and a meeting was appointed, where many questions passed betwixt them, and all the Conferences passed in the Arabicke Tongue, which both the Bishop and the other Nobleman well vnderstood. Now, the Generall before his going out of England intertained a Iew, who spake that language perfectly, which stood him in good steed at that time. About many de∣mands, the Generall made touching Freedomes for the Merchants, the Bishop said vnto him: Sir,* 2.2 what reasons shall we shew to the King, from you, whereby he may (the more willingly) grant [ 30] these things, which you haue demanded to be granted by him? to whom the Generall answered with these reasons following.

Her Maiesties mutuall Loue. [ 1]

Her worthinesse in protecting others against the King of Spaine the common Enemie of these parts. [ 2]

Her noble mind which refused the offer of those Countries. [ 3]

Nor will shee suffer any Prince to exceed her in kindnesse. [ 4]

Whose Forces haue exceeded the Spaniards in many Victories. [ 5]

And hindred the Portugals attempts against these parts. [ 6]

The Grand-Signor of Turkie hath alreadie entred into League with her Maiestie on honorable conditions. Reasons of another kind. [ 7]

[ 40] Moreouer, it is not vnknowne to the King, what prosperitie, Trade of Merchandise bringeth [ 8] to all Lands: with increase of their reuenues, by the Custome of these Commerces.

Also Princes grow into the more renowme and strength, and are the more feared, for the wealth [ 9] of their Subiects, which by the concurse of Merchandises grow and increase.

And the more kindly that Strangers are entertained, the more the Trade doth grow. The [ 10] Prince is thereby much enriched also.

And for Achem, in partic••lar, this Port lieth well, to answere to the Trade of all Bengala, Ia∣ua, [ 11] and the Moluccas, and all China. And these places hauing vent of their Merchandise, will not let to resort hither with them. So that, by this meanes, the royaltie of the Kings Crowne, will greatly increase, to the decrease, and diminishing of all the Portugals Trade, and their great [ 50] Forces in the Indies.

And, if it shall happen, that his Maiestie wanteth any Artificers, hee may haue them out of our Kingdome, giuing them conten•• for their trauaile: and free course to goe, as they haue good [ 12] will to come. And any other necessarie, that our Countrie bringeth forth, and may spare, shall be at the Kings command and seruice.

But, I hope his Maiestie will not vrge any demands more, then her Maiestie may willingly consent vnto: or that shall be contrarie to her Honour and Lawes, and the League she hath made with all Christian Princes her neighbours.

Further, the Generall demanded, that his Maiestie would cause present Proclamation to be made for our safetie, and that none of his people should abuse any of ours: but that they might [ 60] doe their businesse quietly. And this last request was so well performed, that although there were a strict order, that none of their owne people might walke by night: yet ours, might goe both night and day, without impeachment of any. Onely, if they found any of ours abroad at vnlawfull houres, the Iustice brought them home to the Generals house, and there deliuered them.

After these conferences ended, the Bishop demanded of the Generall, notes of his reasons in writing, as also of his demands of the priuiledges he demanded in her Maiesties name for the Merchants, and hee would shew them to the King: and within few dayes, he should haue his Maiesties answere to them. And with these conferences, and much gratulation, and with some other talke of the affaires of Christendome: they broke vp for that time.

The Generall was not negligent, to send his demands to the noble men, which (for the most part) were drawne out before hand: for, he was not vnreadie for these businesses, before he came aland in the Kingdome.

* 2.3At his next going to the Court, and sitting before the King, beholding the Cock-fighting (which is one of the greatest sports this King delighteth in) hee sent his Interpreter with his [ 10] obeisance to the King, desiring him to be mindfull of the businesse, whereof hee had conferred with his Noblemen. Whereupon, he called the Generall vnto him, and told him, that hee was carefull of his dispatch: and would willingly enter into Peace and League with her Maiestie, and (for his part) would hold it truely. And for those Demands and Articles, he had set downe in writing, they should be all written againe, by one of his Secretaries, and should haue them au∣thorized by him. Which within fiue or six dayes, were deliuered the Generall, by the Kings owne hands, with many good and gracious words: the Tenor of which League and Articles of Peace, are too long to be inserted. According to their desires, was to the English granted, First, Free entry and trade. Secondly, Custome free, whatsoeuer they brought in, or carried forth: and assistance with their vessels and shipping, to saue our ships, goods, and men from wracke in any [ 20] dangers. Thirdly, Libertie of Testament to bequeath their goods to whom they please. Fourthly, Stability of bargaines and orders for payment by the subiects of Achen, &c. Fiftly, Authority to execute iustice on their owne men offending. Sixtly, Iustice against iniuries from the Natiues. Se∣uenthly, Not to arrest or stay our goods, or set prizes on them. Eightly, Freedome of Conscience.

This League of Peace and Amitie being setled, the Merchants continually went forward, pro∣uiding Pepper for the lading of the ships: but there came in but small store, in respect of the last yeeres sterility. So by some of them he vnderstood of a Port, about an hundred and fiftie leagues from thence, in the South part of the same Iland, called Priaman, where he might lade one of his smaller ships.* 2.4 Then he prepared the Susan, and placed for Captaine and chiefe Merchant in her, M. Henry Middleton.

He was also not a little grieued, that Captaine Iohn Dauis his principall Pilot, had told the [ 30] Marchants before our comming from London, that Pepper was to be had here for foure Spanish royals of eight the hundred; and it cost vs almost twentie. The Generall, daily grew full of thought, how to lade his shippes to saue his owne credit, the Merchants estimation that set him a worke, and the reputation of his Countrey: considering what a foule blot it would be to them all, in regard of the nations about vs, seeing there were merchandise enough to bee bought in the Indies, yet he should be likely to returne home with empty ships.

Besides the Portugall Embassador had a diligent eye ouer euery steppe we trode, but was no whit accepted of the King. For the last day of his beeing at the Court, he had demanded of the King, to settle a Factorie in his Countrey, and to build a Fort at the comming in of the Harbour: his reason was, for the more securitie of the Marchants goods, because the City was subiect to [ 40] fire.* 2.5 But the King perceiuing what he meant, gaue him this answer backe againe: Hath your Master (saith he) a Daughter to giue vnto my Sonne, that he is so carefull of the preseruation of my Countrey? He shall not neede to be at so great a charge, as the building of a Fort: for I haue a fit house about two leagues from this Citie, within the Land, which I will spare him to supply his Factorie withall: where they shall not need to feare either enemies or fire, for I will protect him. Hereupon the King was much displeased at this insolent demand: and the Embassadour went from the Court much discontented.

§. IIII. [ 50] Portugall wiles discouered, a Prize taken neere Malacca.

* 2.6SHortly after this, there came to our house, an Indian (to sell Hennes) which was appertai∣ning to a Portugall Captaine, who came to that Port with a Ship laden with Rice, out of the Port of Bengala. This Captaine lay in the Embassadors house, and the Generall mi∣strusted, he came only for a Spy to see, and perceiue what we did: and yet he gaue commandement, he should be well intreated, and they should alwayes buy his Hennes, and giue him a reasonable price for them. At last, he himselfe tooke occasion, pleasantly to commune with the Indian, whence hee was, and of what Countrey▪ saying, A young man of his presence, merited some better meanes then buying and selling of Hennes. Sir, said he, I serue this Portugall Captaine, [ 60] yet am neither bound, nor free: but beeing free borne, I haue beene with him so long time, that now he partly esteemeth me as his owne: and so great they are, that wee cannot striue with them. Then said the Generall vnto him; If thy liberty be precious vnto thee, thy person me∣riteth it. But what wouldst thou doe for him, that would giue thee thy libertie without pleading

with thy Master for it? Sir, said the Indian, Freedome is as precious as life, and my life I would aduenture for him that should do it. Prooue me therefore in any seruice that I can doe for you, and my willingnesse shall soone make good what I haue said. Well, said the Generall, thou hast wil∣led me to prooue whether thou meanest truely, or no. I would aske of thee, What the Embas∣sador saith of me, and my shipping which I haue in this place; and what pretences he hath? Sir, said the Indian, he hath had a Spie aboord of all your Ships, a Chinese,* 2.7 who is continually con∣uersant with your people: so that he hath a draught drawne, not onely of your ships, and their greatnesse; but also of euery Piece of Ordnance that each ship hath, and how they are placed, and the number of your men that are in them. And he findeth your ships strong, and well appointed; But by reason of the sickenesse that hath been in them, they are but weake of men, and easie to be [ 10] taken, if any force come vpon them on the suddaine: and within few dayes, he meaneth to send his draughts to Malacca, for force to attempt your ships as they ride. The Generall laughed plea∣santly to heare these things, saying; The Embassador was not so idle as he thought him: for hee well knoweth (said he) that I care little for all the forces of these parts. It is but to make thee, and the rest that are about him beleeue, that you are stronger then you be. But goe thy way, and be here once in a day or twaine, and tell me whether the Embassadour goe forward in his pro∣ceedings, and when those Messengers shall depart with the plots thou speakest of. And although it will benefit me little to know these things, yet I will giue thee thy libertie for thy good will thou shewest therein, as I haue promised thee to doe. This Indian went away very well conten∣ted, as any man might easily perceiue by his countenance, and the lightnesse of his pace. Now, [ 20] when he was gone, the Generall turned about, and said to me: We haue met with a fit man to betray his Master, if we can make any benefit of the treason. And surely, he was not deceiued in his opinion: for by this meanes, whatsoeuer the Embassadour did all the day, we had it either that night, or (at the furthest) the next day in the morning. And this Fellow carried the matter so warily, that he was neither mistrusted of any of the Embassadors house, nor knowne to any of ours, what businesse he went about. For he had the right conditions of a Spie, being wily, feare∣full, carefull, subtill, and neuer trusting any to heare what conference he had with the Generall: but deliuered his minde vnto him alone, and that in such carelesse sort, as if hee had answered the Generall idlely, whatsoeuer he demanded of him: for he stood in feare of our owne people, least they would bewray the selling of his Hennes, which couered all his comming and going to our [ 30] House.

The next day, the Generall was sent for to the Court, and the King had conference with him,* 2.8 about an Embassage that the King of Siam had sent him touching the conquest of Malacca: and with what force he would assist him by Sea, if he vndertooke that seruice. For this King of Su∣matra, is able to put a very great force of Gallies to Sea, if he may haue but some foure or fiue moneths warning before-hand, to make them ready. This conference the Generall furthered with many reasons, and tooke an occasion to enter into talke of the Spanish Embassadour, how in∣solently proud he carried himselfe: and that his comming into his Maiesties Kingdome and Court, was for no other purpose, but onely as a Spie, to see and discouer the strength of his Kingdome. I know it well (said the King,) for they are enemies of mine, as I haue beene to them: but what [ 40] causeth thee to see this? The Generall answered him; That he could take nothing in hand, but his Spies attended vpon him, to marke what he went about, and to what ende. And among o∣ther things (saith he) he had taken a draught of his ships, and meaneth to send it to Malacca: and to procure forces to set vpon him at vnawares. The King smiled to heare the Generall mention these things, and said; Thou needest not feare any strength that shall come from Malacca: for all the strength they haue there, is able to doe thee no harme. The Generall answered, I doe not (said he) feare their strength, what they can doe to me: but it may be much to my hinderance, that they vnderstanding the time I meane to goe to Sea, they shall thereby bee aduised to keepe themselues within their Ports, so that I shall not be able to offend them. Is it so, said the King? Yea, said the Generall, and therefore I would intreat your Maiestie, to make stay of two of the [ 50] Embassadors seruants that are now going to Malacca, within these few dayes, who take not their passage from hence: but will goe to another Port of yours, and there hire a Barke, to transport them thence, because they will be sure not to be intercepted. And if your Maiestie intercept them there, you shall be priuy to some of their plots and pretences. Well, said the King, let me vnderstand of their departure from hence, and thou shalt see what I will doe for thee. So, the Generall tooke his leaue of the King, well contented, and had daily conference with his Mer∣chant that sold Hennes: so that there was not any thing done, or said in the Embassadors house, but he was priuy to it.

Now the time was come, that the Embassodors two seruants were to depart with their plots, [ 60] and their Masters Letters: and they went down to a Port about fiue and twentie leagues from A∣chen. But the Generall was not slacke to aduise the King thereof, who had giuen order before: so that at their comming thither, and when they had hired their passage, and had imbarked them∣selues with all their Letters, and were going ouer the Barre, a mile from the Citie, a Frigget went after them, and caused the Barke to strike sayle, that the Iustice might see, what their la∣ding

was. And when the Iustice came aboord, and saw two Portugals there, he asked them from whence they came, and whether they were going: they answered, They came from Achem, and belonged to the Portugall Embassadour. Nay, said the Iustice, but you haue robbed your Master, and runne away like theeues with his goods: and therefore I will returne you againe to him, from whom you are fled, and there you shall answer it. But in this hurly-burly, and searching of them, they lost their plots, and their letters, and their Trunkes were broken open: and they sent to A∣chem, bound backe againe to the Court, to be deliuered to the Embassador, if they did belong vn∣to him. The Generall had some intelligence of these things, and the next time he came to the Court, the King called him vnto him, and said: Now what sayest thou, art thou contented? The Generall made him obeisance, and gaue him humble and heartie thanks for his clemencie, and [ 10] kindnesse towards him: and with some other conference, the Generall departed for that time. The Marchant of Hennes came daily following his Merchandize, and as the Generall suspected, and he himselfe afterward confessed, not without his Masters consent; to aduise from vs, as well as he aduised from his Master.

But now the Summer was past, and September came, the time that the Generall meant to goe to sea to seeke meanes to supply his necessities: and now fell out the greatest Crosse of all to his pretence. The Embassador himselfe had his dispatch from the King to be gone. Which the Ge∣nerall knowing, went to the Court, and where the King sate, seeing the sports that were made be∣fore him, he sent his Interpreter to him, desiring that it would please him to heare a certain request which he had vnto his Maiestie. Whereupon the King immediately called for him, and deman∣ded [ 20] what he would haue him to doe. It hath pleased your Highnesse, said the Generall, to doe me many curtesies, and therefore I am further imboldened, to proceed to request one kindnesse more at your Maiesties hands. What is that (said the King, smiling) are there more Portugals going to Malacca, to hinder thy pretences? Yea, said the Generall the Embassador himselfe (as I am giuen to vnderstand) hath your Maiesties dispatch to be gone at his pleasure: and is deter∣mined to depart within fiue dayes. And what wouldst thou haue me to doe, said the King? Only stay him but tenne dayes, till I be gone forth with my ships. Well, said the King, and laughed, thou must bring me a faire Portugall maiden when thou returnest, and then I am pleased. With this answer the Generall tooke his leaue, and departed; and hafted all that he could to be gone. For he had left the Merchants behind him, and vnder the protection of the King till his returne: and in the meane time to buy what Pepper they could, to helpe to furnish the Ascentions lading, [ 30] which was now more then three parts laden. But the Generall would not leaue her behind him, riding in the Port, but tooke her in his company: for she road but in an open place, All the three ships were made readie,* 2.9 and there was a Captaine of a Dutch ship in the road, who desired the Generall that he might goe to sea in his company, and take part of his aduenture; his ship was a∣boue two hundred Tunnes, but had as little money to lade himselfe, as we; and therefore refused no consort. So the Generall was contented to giue him ½. of what should be taken, and hee re∣sted therewith contented. The Generall hauing taken his leaue of the King, and presented two of the chiefe Merchants vnto him, M. Starkie, and M. Styles, the King graciously tooke them into his protection and safeguard: for these Merchants with some others, were left behind (as I said be∣fore) [ 40] for the prouiding of such Pepper, as was there to be had, against the returne of the ships from the Sea. The ships being ready, we set sayle the eleuenth of September, toward the Straights of Malacca.

Now, let me tell you how the King dealt with the Embassadour of Portugall, after our de∣parture, which euery day vrged his dispatch to be gone: but still, vpon one occasion or other, his passage was deferred.* 2.10 At last (foure and twenty daies after our departure) the King said vnto him: I maruaile you are so hasty to be gone, seeing the English Embassadour is abroad at the Sea with his shipping? If he meete you, he will be able to wrong you, and doe you vio∣lence. I care little for him, said the Embassadour, for my Friget is so nimble with Saile and Oares, that if I haue but her length from him, I will escape all his force. Well, said the King: I am the more willing you should depart, because I see you rest so assured of your owne safety: [ 50] and so he had his dispatch to be gone. This seruice came well to passe for vs, for if he had gone away in time, such aduice would haue beene giuen from Malacca, by Frigots into the Straights, that all shippes would haue had warning of vs: but (by this meanes) we lay within fiue and twentie leagues of Malacca it selfe, and were neuer descryed, whereby to be preuented. The third day of October, we being in the Straights of Malacca, laying off and on, the Hector espyed a Sayle,* 2.11 and calling to the rest of the shippes, we all discried her. And being toward night, a present direction was giuen, that we should all spread our selues a mile and an halfe, one from another, that she might not passe vs in the night. The shippe fell with the Hector, that first e∣spied her, and presently she called vnto her, and shot off two or three peeces of Ordnance: so [ 60] that the rest of the shippes had intelligence, and drew all about her, and began to attempt her with their great Ordnance, and she returned shot againe. But when the Admirals ship came vp, he discharged sixe peeces together out of his Prow: and then her maine yard fell downe. After that she shot no more, nor any of our shippes, fearing least some vnfortunate shot might light

betweene wind and water, and so sinke her, (for the Generall was very carefull) so the fight ceased till the morning. At the breake of day, the Captaine with some of the rest, entred their Boate, and the Hector being next her, called them to come aboord him: and Maister Iohn Middleton the Captaine, being Vice-Admirall,* 2.12 brought the Boate and Captaine aboord the Ge∣nerall, to whom they rendered their shippe and goods. The Generall presently caused all the chiefe men of the Prize, to be placed aboord our shippes, and onely placed but foure of our men aboord the Prize: for feare of rifling, & pillaging the good things that were within her; and those foure suffered none other to come aboord. And their charge was, if any thing should be missing, to answer the same out of their wages and shares: for when the shippe was vnladen, the Boate-swaine [ 10] and the Marriners of the same shippe, did wholly vnlade her, and none of ours came within her to doe any labour. Onely they receiued the goods into their Boates, and carried them aboord such shippes, as the Generall appointed them to doe: so that by this order,* 2.13 there was neither rifling, theeuing, pillaging, or spoiling, which otherwise would hardly haue beene a∣uoyded in such businesse as this. Within fiue or sixe daies, we had vnladen her of nine hundred and fiftie packes of Calicoes, and Pintados, besides many packets of Merchandize: she had in her much Rice, and other goods, whe••eof we made small account. Now a storme arising, all their men were set aboord, and we left her, riding at an Anchor. This shippe came from a place called Saint Thoma, that lyeth in the Bay of Bengala, and was going for Malaca. When we in∣tercepted her, she had in her aboue sixe hundred persons, Men, Women, and Children: her bur∣then [ 20] was nine hundred tons. The Generall would neuer goe aboord to see her,* 2.14 and his reason was, to take away suspicion, both from the Mariners that were there, and the Merchants that were at London, least they might charge, or suspect him for any dishonest dealing, by helping himselfe thereby. He was very glad of this good hap, and very thankfull to God for it, and as he told me, he was much bound to God, that had eased him of a very heauy care, and that hee could not be thankfull enough to him for this blessing giuen him. For, saith he, he hath not one∣ly supplied my necessities, to lade these ships I haue: but hath giuen me as much as will lade as many more shippes as I haue, if I had them to lade. So that now my care is not for money, but rather, where I shall leaue these goods that I haue, more then enough, in safety, till the returne of the ships out of England.

[ 30] The one and twentieth of October, our shippes returned out of the Straights of Malaca for Achen, where by the way a great Spout of water came powring out of the Heauens,* 2.15 and fell not farre from our ship, which we feared much. For these Spouts come powring downe like a riuer of water, so that if they should light in any ship, she were in danger to be presently sunck downe into the Sea: it falleth with such an extreame violence, all whole together, as one drop, or as water powred out of a vessell: and sometimes dureth a quarter of an howre together, so that the Sea boyleth with froth, of an exceeding height, by the violence of the fall of the Spoute.

[ 40] §. V. Their Present to and from the King: His Letters to Queene ELIZABETH: Their departure for Priaman and Bantam, and setling a Trade there.

THE foure and twentieth of October,* 2.16 we cast our Anchors in the Port of Achen in Sumatra, where the Generall went a shore, and found all the Merchants well, and in safety: who gaue great commendations of their good, and kind entertainment receiued from the King, in the Generals absence. Wherefore, the Generall willing [ 50] to gratifie the King, with such things as he had taken in the Prize, sorted out a present of diuers things, that he thought might be most to his liking: and at his first going to the Court, presen∣ted them vnto him. The King receiued the Present, and welcomed the Generall, and seemed to be very ioyfull, for the good successe he had against the Portugall: and iestingly said, hee had forgotten the most important businesse that he requested at his hands, which was, the faire Por∣tugall Maiden, he desired him to bring with him at his returne. To whom the Generall answe∣red: that there was none so worthy, that merited to be so presented. Therewithall the King smiled, and said: If there be any thing heere in my kingdome may pleasure thee, I would be glad to gratifie thy good will. After this, the Generall commaunded the Merchants to put aboord the Ascention, all such Pepper, Cinamon, and Cloues, as they had bought in his absence: which [ 60] was scarcely the ships full lading, but at that time there was no more to be had, nor that yeare to be hoped for. And therefore, he willed the Merchants to put all their things aboord the ships, for his resolution was to depart from thence, and goe for Bantam in Iaua maior, where he vn∣derstood both of good sale for his commodities, and great returne of Pepper to be had, and at a much more reasonable price, then they could buy it at Achen. This determination once knowne,

all men hasten to put their things aboord. So the Generall made the King priuy to his depar∣ture, and went to the Court, and had long conference with him, who deliuered him a Letter for her Maiestie, written in the Arabian tongue: The Tenor whereof, is as followeth.

The Letter of the King of Achen, to the Queene of England.

GLorie be to God, who hath magnified himselfe in his Workes, glorified his Dominion, ordained Kings and Kingdomes, exalted himselfe alone in Power and Maiestie: he is not to be vttered by word of mouth, nor to be conceiued by imagination of the heart, he is no vaine phantasme: no bound may con∣taine [ 10] him, nor any similitude expresse him: his blessing and his peace is ouer all his goodnesse in the Crea∣ture: He hath beene proclaimed by his Prophet heretofore, and since that often, and now againe by this writing at this present, inferiour vnto none. For this Citie, which is not slacke to shew their loue, hath manifested it, in the entertainment of that societie, which filleth the Horizons with ioy, and hath con∣firmed it to the eye by a signe, which bringeth knowledge of remembrance of it generally and particular∣ly. And for that their request is iust, with purpose for exchange; and they themselues of honest carri∣age, and their kindnesse great in doing good in generall to the Creatures, helping the Creature in prospe∣ritie and aduersitie ioyntly, giuing liberally vnto the poore, and such as stand in neede of their abundance, preseruing the Creature to their vttermost with a willing mind: which for them now is extended vnto India and * 3.1 Arach; sending forth the chiefest men of discretion and note, calling also the best of the [ 20] creatures to counsaile herein.

This is the Sultana which doth rule in the Kingdome of England, France, Ireland, Holland, and Friseland: God continue that Kingdome, and that Empire long in prosteritie.

And because that he which hath obtained the writing of these Letters, from the King of the King∣dome of * 3.2 Ashey, who doth rule there with an absolute power; And for that there came vnto Vs a good report of you, declared and spread very ioyfully by the mouth of Captaine Iames Lancaster, (God conti∣nue his welfare long.) 1 And for that you doe record that in your Letters, there are commendations vnto vs. and that your Letters are Patent Priuiledges. Almightie God aduance the purpose of this Honorable consociation, and confirme this worthy league.

And for that you doe affirme in them, that the Sultan of * 3.3 Afrangie is your enemy, and an enemy to [ 30] your people, in what place soeuer he be, from the first vntill now, and for that he hath lift vp himselfe proudly, and set himselfe as King of the world: yet what is he, besides his exceeding pride and haughtie mind? In this therefore is our ioy increased, and our societie confirmed: for that he and his Company are our enemies in this world, and in the world to come: so that we shall cause them to die, in what place soeuer we shall meete them, a publicke death.

And moreouer, you doe affirme, that you desire peace and friendship with vs. To God be praise and thankes for the greatnesse of his Grace. This therefore is our serious Will, and Honourable Purpose true∣ly in this Writing, That you may send fr••m your people vnto Our * 3.4 Ports, to Trade and to Traffique; and that whosoeuer shall be sent vnto Vs in your Highnesse Name, and to whomsoeuer you shall prescribe the time, they shall be of a ioynt Company, and of common priuiledges. For this Captaine and his Company, so soone as they came vnto vs, we haue made them of an absolute societie: And we haue incorporated [ 40] them into one Corporation and common Dignities: And we haue graunted them Liberties, and haue shewed them the best course of Traffique: And to manifest vnto men, the loue and brother-hood betweene vs and you in this world. There is sent by the hand of this Captaine, according to the custome, vnto the famous * 3.5 Citie, a Ring of Gold, beautified with a Ruby, richly placed in his sete, two vestures wouen with Gold, embroidered with Gold, inclosed in a red Boxe of * 3.6 Tzin.

Written in * 3.7 Tarich of the yeere 1011. of Mahomet.

Peace be vnto you.

Translated out of the Arabick, by WILLIAM BEDVVEL. [ 50]

FOr a Present to her Maiestie, he sent three faire Cloathes richly wrought with Gold, of very cunning worke, and a very faire Rubie in a Ring: and gaue to the Generall another Ring, and a Rubie in it. And when the Generall tooke his leaue, the King said vnto him: haue you the Psalmes of Dauid extant among you?* 3.8 the Generall answered: yea, and wee sing them daily. Then said the King: I, and the rest of these Nobles about me, will sing a Psalme to God for your prosperitie, and so they did very solemnly. And after it was ended, the King said: I would heare you sing another Psalme, although in your owne language. So there being in the company some twelue of vs, we sung another Psalme; And after the Psalme ended, the Generall tooke his [ 60] leaue of the King, the King shewing him much kindnesse at his departure: desiring God to blesse vs in our iourney, and to guide vs safely into our owne Countrey, saying, if hereafter your ships returne to this Port, you shall find as good vsage as you haue done. All our men being shipped, we departed the ninth of Nouember, being three ships, the Dragon, the Hector, and the Ascen∣tion.

We kept company two dayes, in which time the Generall dispatched his Letters for Eng∣land, and sent away the Ascention, she fetting her course homeward, toward the Cape of Buena Esperanza, and we, along the Coast of Sumatra, toward Bantam: to see if wee could meere with the Susan, which had order to lade vpon that Coast.

As we sayled along the Coast of Sumatra, we sodainly fell among certaine Ilands in the night:* 3.9 and the day approching, wee maruelled how wee came in among them, without seeing any of them. They were all low landed, and full of Flattes and Rockes, so that wee were in great dan∣ger, before we could cleere our selues of them: but thankes be to God, who deliuered vs from many other dangers, as he did also deliuer vs from these. So holding on out course from Priaman,* 3.10 we passed the Equinoctiall Line the third time, and came thither the six and twentieth of No∣uember, [ 10] and found the Susan there, which the Generall had sent before from Achen, to lade there. Now, when they saw vs, they were very glad of our comming, and had prouided to∣ward their lading, some six hundred Bahars of Pepper, and sixtie sixe Bahars of Cloues. Heere our Pepper cost vs lesse then at Achen, but there is none growing about this Port, but is brought some eight or ten leagues out of the Countrey, from a place called Manangcabo.* 3.11 This place hath no other Merchandise growing there; only, there is good store of Gold in Dust, and small graines, which they wash out of the Sands of Riuers: after the great flouds of Raine, that fall from the Mountaines, from whence it is brought. This is a place of good refreshing, and is very wholsome and healthfull, and yet it lyeth within fifteene minutes of the Line. At this Port hauing refre∣shed our selues with the good ayre, fresh victuals and water, the Generall gaue Commission to [ 20] the Captaine of the Susan, to make what haste he could for his lading,* 3.12 which would bee accom∣plished with some hundred Bahars of Pepper, and so to depart for England. And the fourth day of December, we tooke our course toward Bantam, in the Iland of Iaua maior: and we entred the Straights of Sunda, the fifteenth of December, and came to an anchor vnder an Iland, three leagues from Bantam, called Pulopansa.

The next day in the morning, we entred the Road of Bantam, and shot off a very great peale of Ordnance out of the Dragon, being our Admirall, and out of the Hector: such an one as had neuer beene rung there, before that day. The next day in the morning, the Generall sent his Vice-Admirall, Captaine Iohn Middleton aland, with a Message to the King: declaring, that hee was sent by the Queene of England, and had both a Message and a Letter to deliuer to his Maie∣stie [ 30] from her and required his Maiesties safe conduct and warrant to come a-land, to deliuer the same. The King returned him word, that hee was very glad of his comming, and sent backe a Nobleman with Captaine Middleton, to welcome the Generall, and to accompany him a-land. The Generall tooke some sixteene men in his company, and went a-land with the Nobleman to the Court:* 3.13 where he found the King (being but a child of ten or eleuen yeares of age) sitting in a round-house; with some sixteene or eighteene Noblemen of the Countrey about him, in some reasonable esta••e. The Generall did his obeysance, and the King welcommed him very kindly. And after the Generall had had some conference about his message, hee deliuered to the Kings hand, her Maiesties Letter, with a Present of Plate, and some other things withall: which the King receiued with a smiling countenance, and referred the Generall (for further conference) to [ 40] one of his Nobles, who was then Protector. After some houre and an halfes conference had of many things, the said Nobleman (as from the King) receiued the Generall vnder the Kings pro∣tection, and all his Company: willing him to come a-land, and buy and sell, without any kinde of molestation, for there he should be as safe, as if he were in his owne Countrey: and to this, all the Nobles agreed with one consent. There passed many speeches of diuers things,* 3.14 which (for breuities sake) I omit to trouble the Reader withall: for, my purpose is to shew the effect of this first setling of the Trade in the East-Indies, rather then to particularize of them. The Generall, after his kind welcome and conference had, took his leaue of the King, and the rest of his Nobles: and presently gaue order for the prouiding of housing, whereof the King willed him to make his best choice wheresoeuer he would. So, within two dayes, the Merchants brought goods ashore, [ 50] and beganne to sell: but, one of the Kings Nobles came to the Generall, and said, it was the cu∣stome of that place, that the King should buy, and furnish himselfe, before the Subiects should buy any thing. The Generall was well contented, for he was aduised, that he would giue a reasonable price, and pay very well. The King being serued, the Merchants went forward in their sales: so that within some fiue weekes, much more was sold there in goods, then would haue laden our two shippes:* 3.15 and yet they brought away from thence two hundred and seuentie sixe bagges of Pepper. These contayned sixtie two pound waight a piece, and cost at first penny 5. ½. Rials of eight the piece, beside our anchorage, and the Kings Custome, which anchorage for our two ships cost vs (by agreement the Generall made with the Sauendar, or Gouernour of the Citie) fifteene [ 60] hundred Rials of eight, and one Riall of eight vpon euery bagge of custome. Wee traded heere very peaceably, although the Iauians be reckoned among the greatest Pickers and Theeues of the World. But the Generall had commission from the King (after hee had receiued an abuse or two) that whosoeuer he tooke about his house in the night, he should kill them: so, after foure or fiue were thus slaine, we liued in reasonable peace and quiet. But, continually, all night, wee kept a

carefull watch. As we went buying Pepper, we sent it aboord, so that by the tenth of Februa∣ry, our ships were fully laden, and readie to depart, But, in this meane time, the Captaine of the Hector, Master Iohn Middleton, fell sicke aboord his ship, in the Roade (for the Generall obser∣ued this from the beginning of the Voyage, that if he himselfe were ashore, the Captaine of the Vice-Admirall kept aboord, because both should not be from their charge at one time. The Gene∣rall hearing of his sicknesse, went aboord to visit him, and found him weaker, then hee himselfe felt, which experience had taught him to know in these hot Countries. And so it happened with Captaine Middleton then walking vp and downe,* 3.16 who dyed about two of the clocke next morning.

Now, the Generall began to put all things in order, and hasten his departure, and appointed a [ 10] Pinnasse of about fortie tunnes (which he had) to bee laden with Commodities, and put in her twelue men with certaine Merchants,* 3.17 and sent her for the Moluccas: to trade there and settle a Factorie, against the returne of the next shipping out of England. Moreouer, he left eight men▪ and three Factors in Bantam, the chiefe of which Factors, was Master William Starkey, whom he appointed to sell such Commodities as were left them: and to prouide lading for the shippes, a∣gainst the next returne. Also the Generall went to the Court to take his leaue of the King, where he receiued a Letter for her Maiestie, and a Present for her, of certaine Bezar-stones, very faire, and to the Generall he gaue a very faire Iaua Dagger, which they much esteeme there, and a good Bezar-stone with some other things. And thus the Generall tooke his leaue of the King, with many kind countenances and good words. [ 20]

§ V. Their departure for England, and occurrents in the way.

* 3.18THe twentieth day of Februarie, we went all aboord our ships, shot off our Ordnance, and set sayle to the Sea toward England, with thankes to God, and glad hearts, for his blessings towards vs. The two and twentieth and three and twentieth of the [ 30] same moneth, wee were in the Straights of Sunda, and the sixe and twentieth wee were cleere of all the iles that lye in those Straights, and cleere of all the land, holding our course South-west, so that the eight and twentieth, wee were in eight degrees and fortie minutes to the South of the Line. Vpon Sunday the thirteenth of March, wee were past the Tropicke of Capricorne,* 3.19 holding our course, for the most pare, South-west, with a stiffe gale of wind at South-east. The fourteenth day of Aprill, wee were in thirtie foure degrees, iudging the Land of Madagascar to be North of vs. The eight and twentieth day we had a very great and a fu∣rious storme, so that we were forced to take in all our Sayles. This storme continued a day and a night, with an exceeding great and raging Sea, so that, in the reason of man no shippe was able to liue in them: but God (in his mercie) ceased the violence thereof, and gaue vs time to [ 40] breath:* 3.20 and to repaire all the distresses and harmes we had receiued, but our ships were so shaken, that they were leakie all the Voyage after.

The third of May, wee had another very sore storme which continued all the night, and the Seas did so beate vpon the ships quarter, that it shooke all the Iron worke of her Rother: and the next day in the morning, our Rother brake cleane from the sterne of our shippe, and presently sunke into the Sea.* 3.21 This strooke a present feare into the hearts of all men, so that the best of vs, and most experienced, knew not what to doe. And specially, seeing our selues in such a tempe∣stuous Sea, and so stormie a place, so that, I thinke, there bee few worse in all the World. Now our ship draue vp and downe in the Sea like a wracke, which way soeuer the wind carried her: so that sometimes we were within three or foure leagues of the Cape Buena Esperanza, then [ 50] commeth a contrary wind,* 3.22 and driueth vs almost to fortie degrees to the Southward into the hayle and snow, and sleetie cold weather. And this was another great miserie vnto vs, that pin∣ched vs exceeding sore, so that our case was miserable and very desperate. Yet all this while the Hector kept by vs carefully, the company whereof was some comfort vnto vs: and many times the Master of the Hector came aboord our shippe, so at the the last, it was concluded to take our misen Mast, and put it forth at the sterne Port, to proue if wee could steere our shippe into some place where we might make another Rother to hang it, to serue our turnes home. But this de∣uice was to small purpose, for when we had fitted it, and put it forth (the Seas being somewhat growne with lifting vp the Mast) it did so shake the sterne, and put all in such danger, that it was needfull to make all conuenient haste, to get the Mast into the ship againe: which we were [ 60] very glad when we had brought it to passe. Now we were without all remedie, vnlesse we made a new Rother, and could bring it to passe to hang it in the Sea: which to performe let euery man iudge how easie a thing it was, our ship being of seuen or eight hundred t••nnes, and in so dange∣rous a Sea as this was: but necessitie compelleth to prooue all meanes. Then the Generall com∣manded

the Carpenter to make a Rother of the said misen Mast, to prooue what wee could doe: but this barre fell in our way; that, at such time as wee lost our Rother, wee lost also the most of our Rother irons, wherewith to fasten the Rother. But yet, wee went forward, and made all the haste we could, and one of our men diued, to search what Rother irons remayned, who found but two, and one that was broken, to helpe vs withall. Yet, by Gods helpe, finding a faire day, wee made fast the said Rother, and sailed on our course homewards: But, within three or foure houres, the Sea tooke it off againe, and wee had much adoe to saue it, and with the sauing of it, wee lost an other of our irons, so that now, we had but two to hang it by: and our men began to be desirous to leaue the Ship, and goe into the Hector to saue themselues. Nay, said [ 10] the Generall, wee will yet abide Gods leasure, to see what mercie he will shew vs: for I de∣spaire not to saue our selues, the Ship and the goods, by one meanes or other, as God shall ap∣point vs. And with that, he went into his Cabbin, and wrote a Letter for England, purposiing to send it by the Hector, commanding her to depart, and leaue him there: but, not one of the companie knew of this command. The Letter was very briefe, and the tenour litle more or lesse, as followeth.

RIght worshipfull, what hath passed in this Voyage, and what Trades I haue settled for this companie,* 4.1 and what other euents haue befallen vs, you shall vnderstand by the bearers hereof, to whom (as occa∣sion hath fallen) I must referre you. I will striue with all diligence to saue my ship, and her goods, as you [ 20] may perceiue, by the course I take in venturing mine owne life, and those that are with mee. I cannot tell where you should looke for mee, if you send out any Pinnace to seeke mee: because I liue at the deuotion of the wind▪ and seas. And thus fare you well, desiring God, to send vs a merrie meeting in this world, if it be his good will and pleasure.

The Passage to the East India lieth in 62.1/••. degrees, by the North-west on the America side.

Your very louing friend, IAMES LANCASTER.

[ 30] THis Letter being deliuered, the Generall thought they would haue beene gone in the night, according to their Commission: but, when he espied the ship in the morning, he said to me, these men regard no Commission. Now, the ship kept some two or three leagues from vs, and came no neerer: for the Master was an honest and a good man, and loued the Generall well, and was loth to leaue him in so great distresse. And now, it was time for vs, to seeke all meanes that could be to saue our selues and the ship. Then, the Carpenter mended the Rother we had saued, and within two or three dayes, the weather began to bee somewhat faire, and the seas smooth. So, we put out a signe to the Hector to come neere vs, out of which the Master, Master Sander Cole came, and brought the best swimmers, and diuers that he had in his ship,* 4.2 who hel∣ped vs not a little in the businesse wee had to doe. Thus, by Gods good blessing, wee hung our [ 40] Rother againe, vpon the two hookes that were left: so that, we had some good hope to obtaine one Port or other, to relieue our selues withall. Now, wee had beene beaten to and fro, in these mightie seas, and had many more stormes of weather, then are here expressed, somtimes for one whole moneth together, so that our men began to fall sicke and diseased: and the wind fell so short, that wee could fetch no part of the coast of Africa, which was neerest to vs. Commit∣ting our selues therefore to God, we set saile straight for the Iland of Saint Helena: for, we knew we had doubled the Cape of Buena Esperanza, by the height wee were in to the Northward. As we were in our course, the Maine-yard fell downe, and strooke one of our men into the sea, and he was drowned. This was the end (God be thanked) of all our hard fortunes.

The fift day of Iune, wee passed the Tropicke of Capricorne, and the sixteenth in the mor∣ning [ 50] wee had sight of the Iland of Saint Helena: at the sight whereof, there was no smale reioy∣cing among vs. Wee bare close along by the shoare, the better to get the best of the Road,* 4.3 in the Harbour, where wee came to an anchor, right against a small Chappell, which the Portugals had built there, long since. Our ships rode in twelue fatham water, which is the best of the Harbor. At our going a shoare, we found by many writings, that the Carrackes of Portugall had departed from thence, but eight dayes before our comming. In this Iland, there is very good refreshing of water, and wild Goats, but they are hard to come by, vnlesse good direction be giuen for the getting of them. And this course our Generall tooke, he appointed foure lusty men, and of the best shot he had, to goe into the Iland, and make their abode in the middest of it, and to euery shot, he appointed foure men to attend him, to carrie the Goats that hee killed, to the Rende∣uous: [ 60] thither went (euery day) twentie men, to fetch home to the ships, what was killed▪ So there was no hoyting or rumour in the Iland to feare the Goats withall. And by this meanes, the ships were plentifully relieued, and euery man contented. While wee stayed here, wee fit∣ted our shipping, and searched our Rother, which wee hoped, would last vs home. All our sicke men recouered their health, through the store of Goats and Hogs, wherewith wee had refreshed

our selues, hauing great need of good refreshing: For, in three moneths, wee had seene no land, but were continually beaten in the sea.

The fift day of Iuly, we set saile from this Iland, our course being Northwest. The thirteenth day,* 4.4 wee passed by an Iland called the Ascention, which standeth in eight degrees. No ships touc•• at this Iland, for it is altogether barraine, and without water: onely, it hath good store of Fish about it, but deepe water, and ill riding for ships. From hence wee held our course still North∣west,* 4.5 the wind being South and South-east, till the nineteenth day, and then, we passed the Aequi∣noctiall-Line. The foure and twentieth day wee were six degrees to the Northward, at which time, wee iudged our selues to be an hundred and fiftie leagues from the Coast of Ginney. Then wee steered away North and by West and North till the nine and twentieth, at which time, wee had sight of the Iland of Fogo.* 4.6 Here, wee were becalmed fiue dayes, striuing to passe to the East∣ward [ 10] of this Iland, but could not: for the wind changed, and came to the North-east, so we stood West North-west.

* 4.7The seuenth day of August, wee were in sixteene degrees, and the twelfth day wee passed the Tropicke of Cancer, that lieth in 23.1/••;. degrees, holding our course Northerly. But the three and twentieth, the wind came Westerly. The nine and twentieth, wee passed the Iland of Saint Marie, the wind faire.

The seuenth day of September, wee tooke sounding, iudging the Lands end of England to be fortie leagues from vs. The eleuenth day, wee came to the Downes, well and safe to an an∣chor: for the which, thanked be almightie God, who hath deliuered vs from infinite perils and dangers, in this long and tedious Nauigation. [ 20]

Notes

• * 1.1

  The thirteenth of February, 1600.
• * 1.2

  April, 1601. These places were the Calmes of Ca∣narie, and if weaknesse per∣mitted not to double the Cape So••danha, the third Cape Saint Roman in Madagascar, to Cirne, and so to Suma••ra their first place of Trade. May the fift.
• * 1.3

  August.
• * 1.4

  They arriue at S••ldania.
• * 1.5

  The best reme∣dy for the Scuruey.
• * 1.6

  The most Vni∣uer••all lan∣guage.
• * 1.7

  Defence ne∣cessarie.
• * 1.8

  Manner of tra∣ding with the Sauages.
• * 1.9

  This Bay is in 34. degrees South of the Line.
• * 1.10

  Qualities of the people, and their difficult language.

  The healthful∣nesse of this Bay.
• * 1.11

  1601.
• * 1.12

  Nouember. 1. The Cape dou••led. Nouemb. 26.
• * 1.13

  Decemb. 15.
• * 1.14

  Ile of Cirne, or D. Rodrigues.
• * 1.15

  Iles of S. Mary and S. Laurence
• * 1.16

  People of S. Mar••e
• * 1.17

  Decemb. 23. The bay of Antongill.
• * 1.18

  The want of this discretion in Virginia (whiles one out of need, or seeming boun∣tie, would giue a greater price then another, to the S••uages for their com∣modies) so heigthned the prizes, and made them ouer-value their corne, &c that it proued much hinde∣rance to the Plantation. A Pinnace reared.
• * 1.19

  How vaine a thing is Man?
• * 1.20

  The Isle of Rogue-Pize.
• * 1.21

  1602. Dangerous Rockes.
• * 1.22

  Thisle of Candu.
• * 1.23

  Other Rocks.
• * 1.24

  The Iles of Nicubar.
• * 1.25

  April 20.
• * 1.26

  The Ile of Som∣brero.
• * 1.27

  Trees suffici∣ent for maine Masts.

  A strange Plant.
• * 1.28

  29. Of May. 1602. Sumatra.
• * 1.29

  The Fame of Q. Elizabeth.
• * 1.30

  The honora∣ble entertain∣ment of the English Gene∣rall by the King of Achen.
• * 1.31

  The Queenes Presents sent to the King of Achen.
• * 1.32

  A mettall of gre••t esteeme, called Tam∣bayck.
• * 2.1

  As the Turke hath his Mufti, so other Ma∣humetan Prin∣ces haue their Chiefe Priests in all Coun∣tries of that profession.
• * 2.2

  Great vse of the Arabian Tongue.
• * 2.3

  Cock-fighting in Achen.
• * 2.4

  Henry Middle∣ton. Captaine Iohn Da••is.

  This was his second voyage to the Indies. In the third with Sir E. Mich. he was slaine, as be∣fore is shew∣ed.
• * 2.5

  Discontent be∣twixt the Por∣tugals and the King.
• * 2.6

  Portugal subtle∣ties retorted.
• * 2.7

  A Spy for the Portugal disco∣uered.
• * 2.8

  The forces of the King of Su∣matra.
• * 2.9

  This was Cap∣taine of a ship of Holland, cal∣led Speilberge. English fauour to the Hollan∣der.
• * 2.10

  The Kings sub∣tile dealing with the Por∣tugals.
• * 2.11

  This was the Carack of S. Thome in India.
• * 2.12

  The Caracke yeelded to the English.
• * 2.13

  Care to auoyd rifling and spoile. Goods taken in the Prize.
• * 2.14

  His cate to preuent suspi∣cion.
• * 2.15

  A great Spout of water.
• * 2.16

  Returne to Achen.
• * 3.1

  Or Carmania.
• * 3.2

  Or Achen.
• * 3.3

  Or Spaine.
• * 3.4

  Or Bandar.
• * 3.5

  Of London.
• * 3.6

  Or China.
• * 3.7

  That is, by Computation of time.
• * 3.8

  Psalmes of Da∣uid knowne to the Mahume∣tans.
• * 3.9

  Dangerous Flats.
• * 3.10

  Priaman.
• * 3.11

  Manangcabo. S••ore of Gold in Dust.
• * 3.12

  The Susan first sent home. December the fourth, 1602. they depart from Priaman. They arriue in the Road of Bantam.
• * 3.13

  The King of Bantam a child of 10. or 11. yeares of age. The Queenes Letter and Present to the K. of Bantam.
• * 3.14

  Trade began.
• * 3.15

  A Riall of 8. is ••oure shil∣lings six pence sterling.
• * 3.16

  The death of Captain Iohn Middleton.
• * 3.17

  A Pinnasse of 40. tunne, with 12. men ••ent to the Moluccas. A Factory set∣led▪ in Bantam. A Letter and Present from the King of Bantam to the Queene.
• * 3.18

  The twentieth of Februarie, they returne for England.
• * 3.19

  They double the Tropick of Capri••orne.
• * 3.20

  A terrible storme.
• * 3.21

  They lose their Rother in a storme.
• * 3.22

  Almost 40. de∣grees o•• South Latitude.
• * 4.1

  A Letter in a desperate case sent for Eng∣land.
• * 4.2

  Master Sander Cole Master of the Hector.
• * 4.3

  They arriue at Saint Helena.
• * 4.4

  The Ile of Ascention.
• * 4.5

  They passe the Aequinoctiall.
• * 4.6

  The Ile of Fogo.
• * 4.7

  The seuenth of August. 1603.