Purchas his pilgrimes. part 3 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. VII. A Description of the Countries of Siberia, Samoieda, and Tingoesia. Together with the Iourneyes leading vnto the same Countries to∣ward the East and North-east, as they are daily fre∣quented by the Moscouites.

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§. I. Discouerie of Siberia,* 1.1 and the subiecting of the same to the Russes.

THere is in Moscouie, a Kindred called the Sonnes of Oneeko, of a rusticke or base descent, and first sprung from one Oneeko a Husband-man. He being very rich in Lands, dwelt vpon a certaine Riuer called Wichida, or Witsogda, falling into the Riuer Duina, which about one hundred leagues beneath, neere vnto the Castle [ 20] called S. Michael the Archangel, which falleth into the White Sea. This Oneeko be∣ing rich (as is said) had also many Children, God hauing largely blessed and pro∣uided him with plentie of all things. Yet neuerthelesse, hee had an earnest desire and affection, to know what Countreyes were possessed and inhabited by those people, which yeerely came into Russia to trafficke, bringing with them costly Furres, and diuers other Merchandizes, much diffring in Language, Apparel, Religion, and Behauiour, calling themselues Samoieds, and by other vnknowne names. These people came euery yeere downe the Riuer Wichida, and exchanged their Commodities with the Russes and Moscouites, in the Townes of Osel and Vstiug, on the Riuer Duina; which at that time were the Receits and chiefe Mart Townes of all kind of Marchan∣dizes, but especially of costly Furres. Oneeko therefore (as hath beene said) was most desirous to [ 30] know, from whence these people came, or what Countreyes they did inhabit, easily conjectu∣ring, That great wealth was there to be gotten; since the Furres yeerely brought them amoun∣ted to a great summe of Money. Wherefore secretly hee got acquaintance and consorted him∣selfe with diuers of them, and sent in their company about tenne or twelue of his owne people into those parts; enjoyning them, that through what Countreyes so euer they should trauell, they should make diligent search of euery particular thing therein, and fully obserue the Manners, Rites, Dwellings, and whole course of life of those Nations; that at their returne they might bring from thence perfect knowledge thereof. Which they hauing at length performed, he en∣tertayned them bountifully at their returne, and shewed them all fauour, but with especiall charge to keepe silence. Hee likewise kept all these things close to himselfe, not reuealing them [ 40] to any man.

* 1.2And the next yeere following, he sent thither a greater number of his people, joyning with them certayne of his Kindred and Alliance. These carried with them diuers base Marchandize; as small Bels, and other like Dutch small Wares; and tooke diligent notice of euery thing in those parts, and after they had passed many Deserts, and diuers great Riuers, they came to the Riuer Obi; where making Acquaintance and Friendship with the Samoieds,* 1.3 they found that Furres were to be had for a small price, and that great wealth was there easily to be gotten; and further, that this people had not any Cities, but liued together in Companies, and peaceably, and gouerned by some of the ancientest among them; that they were lothsome in their feeding, and liued on the flesh of such beasts as they tooke: that they had no knowledge of Corne or Bread, were cun∣ning [ 50] and skilfull Archers, making their Bowes of a gentle and flexible kind of Wood, and that their Arrowes were headed with sharpened stones or fish bones: with those they killed wilde beasts, which are exceeding plentifull in those places: that they sowed also with bones of fishes, seruing them for Needles; their thred being made of the sinewes of certaine small beasts, and so they sew together the Furres, wherewith they cloath themselues: the Furrie side in Summer turned outward, and in Winter inward. That they couered their Houses with the Skins of Elkes and such like beasts, little esteemed among them. Finally, these Messengers of Oneeko, searched curiously into euery matter, and returned home stored with costly Furres.

Now when as Oneeko vnderstood by their report, that which he so much longed to know, he together with certayne others of his Friends, continued his Trafficke into those Countreyes for [ 60] diuers yeeres together:* 1.4 by meanes whereof the Oneekos grew very mightie, and bought great Possessions in all parts. Those that dwelled neere vnto them beeing ignorant from whence all this wealth arose, greatly wondred at it. For the Oneekos builded Churches in some of their

Villages. Yea, afterward they erected in the Towne of Osoil vpon the Wichida, where at that time they dwelt, an exceeding faire Church, which was raysed from the very foundations of hewen stone. Finally, they knew no end of their goods.

Now among the Russes it goeth for a common Prouerbe, that Hee which hath no friends in Court, is scarce to be accounted in the number of the liuing. For most commonly it happeneth, that they that excell others in any thing, are presently enuyed and falsly accused in the Princes Court, where if they haue not a friend to succour them, they are forth-with without hearing the cause, oppressed; yea, and vtterly ruined.* 1.5 For which cause the Oneekos beeing growne to much wealth, as is said, got into the fauour of one of the greatest in the Court, which was Bo∣risodanoua, Brother to the Wife of the Emperour Pheodor Euanowich then reigning; to whom [ 10] also he succeeded in the Empire. Vnto this Boris the Oneekos determined to reueale the whole matter: who first presenting him with gifts after the custome of the Countrey, prayed him to grant them hearing in a matter, which they had to deliuer for the benefit of the whole Empire. Boris presently liftning to this Petition, receiued them with extraordinary kindnesse: and after they had declared vnto him the situation of the Countreyes of Samoiedia, and Siberia, then what they had seene and obserued therein, and how great Riches might thence arise vnto the Empire of Moscouia. Boris presently grew into an ardent desire to set forward this businesse, enter∣tayning them as his Children, and gracing them to the vttermost of his power, procuring them from the Emperour a most ample Priuiledge, by which it was ordayned,* 1.6 That they should for e∣uer enjoy the Lands which they possessed, and might dispose of them vnto their Heires at their [ 20] pleasure. And farther, if it happened they were abiding in the Citie of Moscua, he tooke them into his owne Sled: which among the Moscouites is the greatest kind of honour, especially being offered by principall Noblemen, such as then was Boris, a man of the greatest power, and in whom the chiefe authoritie of the Empire rested. Boris pondering these things attentiuely, sig∣nified the whole matter to the Emperour, to whom it was very pleasing; And not sleeping a∣bout the matter, employed therein certayne Captaynes, and Gentlemen of small abilitie of his owne followers: commanding them to prepare themselues to goe to that Iourney, in company of such as the Oneekos should appoint vnto them, and that they should apparell themselues gallant∣ly, and like vnto Ambassadors, adding further certayne Souldiers, and Presents of small value to be distributed among the people, to which they should come: enioyning them further to note [ 30] diligently all Passages, Riuers, High-wayes, Woods, and what else they should meete with in their trauell; as also to commit to memorie the names of them; that at their returne they might make a faithfull and true report thereof: adding further that they should intreat the people with all courtesie, and that they should seeke out some conuenient place for building of Castles and Fortresses, and that in any case (if it were possible) they should bring backe with them into Moscouia, some of the Inhabitants of those Countryes.

These Messengers being sufficiently furnished with all things necessary for the Iourney,* 1.7 name∣ly, Apparell, Weapons, Money, and Presents, departing from the Moscua, not long after came to the Riuer Wichida, and to the Oneekos: who also sent some of their owne people with them. [ 40] Assoone as they were arriued into those parts, they began to performe what was giuen them in charge, shewing freely all tokens of courtesie vnto the barbarous people, and carefully obseruing who were of greatest authoritie among them, to whom they vsed reuerence and gaue gifts, such as were of small and almost no value to themselues, but which seemed so precious vnto the o∣ther, that when the Moscouites were comming a farre off towards them, they would stay for them with great dancings and clapping of their hands, and cast themselues downe at the feet of the Giuers, being so gallantly attyred, accounting them altogether as Gods. The Moscouites v∣sing the Samoieds for their Interpretors, which had continued certayne yeeres in the Villages of Moscouia, to learne their Language, began to discourse with the Barbarians concerning their Emperour of Moscouie, whom they wonderfully extolled, and made him little lesse then an Earthly God, enterlacing other things with all, whereby those people were stirred vp to wish [ 50] that they might behold these things with their eyes. These their desires were pleasing to the Moscouites, who signified that they were likewise well contented therewithall: Adding, that they would leaue certayne pledges among them, which during the Samoieds abode in Moscouia, might learne their Language: And by this meanes they drew vnto their purpose the good will of many of the people on the West-side of Obi, who of their owne accord subjected themselues to the authoritie of the Moscouites, and suffered them to lay a Taxation vpon them,* 1.8 promising yeerely of euery head (not excepting the Boyes that were but yet learning to handle the Bow) two skinnes of Sables: which to themselues were of no value, but esteemed of the Moscouites as precious as Iewels. These they promised to deliuer to such a Treasurer as the Empero••r should ordayne. Neither did they faile to performe the same.

[ 60] After this the Messengers passed ouer the Riuer Obi, and trauelled beyond it almost two hun∣dred leagues toward the East and North-east,* 1.9 hauing seene by the way many wild beasts of strong shapes, most cleere Fountaynes, extraordinary Plants and Trees, pleasant Woods, and Sa∣moieds or diuers sorts, whereof some did ride on Elkes or Loshes,* 1.10 other were drawne in Sleds by

Raine Deere, and others also were drawne by Dogges, which are equall to Harts for swiftnesse. Finally,* 1.11 many other things in their whole Iourney they met with, not before seene, and there∣fore to be maruelled at: which orderly and truly noted downe, that they might more certainly report the same at their returne. And so at length taking with them some voluntarie Samoieds, and leauing there diuers of their owne people to learne their Language, they returned backe into Moscouia; where at their first conueniencie they made knowne to Boris, and by him vnto the Emperour the whole successe of their Voyage.

* 1.12They maruelled at the Samoieds which were brought vnto them, commanding them to make some shew of their cunning in shooting; which they did so perfectly, that almost it seemed to any man incredible. For taking a piece of Coyne lesse then our * 1.13 Pennie, and fastning it to the stocke of a Tree, and then going as farre from the same, as they could very hardly discerne it, [ 10] they did euery time that they did shoot so assuredly hit the same, that they did not once misse it. Where at many of the beholders did aboue measure wonder.

And on the other side, the Samoieds as greatly wondred both at the Moscouites manner of li∣uing and fashions, as also at the statelinesse of the Citie: neither did they without a certayne terrour behold the Emperour himselfe, so richy attired and mounted either on Horse-backe, or in his Coach drawne by many Horses together, and enuironed with so many Nobles most gallantly adorned. Then with admiration they beheld the Guards furnished with their Caliuers, of whom about foure hundred waited on the Emperour at his going abroad. So oft also as they heard the ringing of the Bells, which are very many among the Moscouites, and saw so many [ 20] faire shops, and the rest of the Cities beautie, they were altogether astonished, and thought themselues to bee in some Mansion of the Gods; wishing withall, that they were a while a∣mong their Countrey-men to tell them of all things. Yea, they reported themselues to be hap∣pie, that they had the fortune to serue so glorious an Emperour, whom they altogether accoun∣ted as a Diuine power. The Meates which the Moscouites did set before them, they did gree∣dily eate: whereby it plainely appeared, that the same were more pleasant to their taste, then the raw flesh, or fish dried in the winde, wherewith they feed themselues at home. Finally, they promised to receiue the Emperour for their Lord; and to perswade their Countrey-men, inhabiting farre and wide to doe the same. They humbly also prayed the Emperour to vouch∣safe them the fauour, to send them certaine Gouernours to rule ouer them, and to whom they [ 30] might pay the aforesaid Tribute. Concerning their Idolatrie, there was no speech made thereof, but they were left to their owne customes. Notwithstanding, I thinke that the Christian Faith would easily be spred among them, if they had sufficient and godly Teachers. Neither doubt I but the Moscouites would haue taken order therein, if they had not beene hindred by these most troublesome Warres.

These things so done as is declared, the Oneekos were raised to great Honours, and endowed with great Priuiledges, as also with Supreme Authoritie ouer many places, adjoyning vnto their Lands, enjoying Possessions lying one hundred miles asunder vpon the Riuers of Duina, Whichida, and Suchana: so that they are very mighty and rich, and increase daily in greater Honours.

It was further ordayned by the Moscouites, that there should bee places chosen by the Riuer [ 40] Oby, and in the fields adioyning vnto it, fortified by the naturall situation for the building of Castles thereon, and furnishing them with Garrisons, and that there should be sent thither a chiefe Gouernour, principally for further discouering the Countrey, and bringing it vnder sub∣iection. These things so ordayned, did likewise take effect. And first of all, there were builded certaine Castles enclosed with certaine strong beames,* 1.14 cut out of the Woods thereby, and fast∣ned one in another in double rewes, filled betweene with earth, and fortified with Garrisons; And so great a multitude of men is duely sent thither, that in some places there are Cities as∣sembled,* 1.15 consisting of Poles, Tartars, Russes, and other Nations mingled together. For, into these parts are sent all that are banished, Murtherers, Traitors, Theeues, and the scumme of such as deserue death: some of which are for a time kept in prison, others enforced to continue [ 50] there for certaine yeeres, euery one according to the rate of his offence: whereby there are very populous assemblies of people growne together, who with the Castles already builded, doe al∣most make a pretie Kingdome: Many men of the meane sort, daily flocking thither, the rather for that they enioy great priuiledges, neither pay any thing for the Lands which they possesse.

* 1.16The whole Countrey is called Siberia, the Citie builded therein Siber. And in deed at the first, the Offenders among the Moscouites, did no lesse tremble at the name of Siberia, then * 1.17 doe euill persons in London, when they are threatned with New-gate: for they were forth-with sent away into Siberia. But now the often inflicting of that punishment is almost growne in∣to contempt. But Noblemen and great Personages, if at any time they incurre the Princes dis∣pleasure, doe as yet very much loath the name of Siberia. For many times both them∣selues, [ 60] with their Wiues and Families are sent away into those parts: where some Office is committed vnto them, till the Emperours anger bee asswaged, and they called home into Moscouia.

I will now shew the way by which they trauell out of Moscouia into those parts, and that

in the best manner that I could get notice thereof. Which whatsoeuer it shall seeme to bee, I haue not attayned vnto it, without great paines and ready furtherance of some friends,* 1.18 which I found in the Court, while I continued in Russia: who though they were ready to pleasure me, and that I had beene very instant with them about it, yet with much adoe were brought to com∣municate this particular Iournall vnto me. For if at any time after, when the land should bee at quiet, it should any way come to light, doubtlesse it would cost them all their liues. For such is the disposition of the Russes, that they will not indure to haue the secrets of their State to bee made knowne.

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§. II. A briefe Description of the wayes and Riuers, leading out of Moscouia toward the East and North-east into Siberia, Samoiedia, and Tingoesia, as they are daily frequented by the Russes: with further Discoueries towards Tartaria and China.

FRom the Citie Osoil vpon the Riuer Wichida, where the Oneekos dwell,* 1.19 they goe a∣gainst the streame, vntill they come to Iauinis, a little Towne built by the Russes,* 1.20 [ 20] and it is distant from Osoil almost seuenteene dayes iourney. Whither before they come, they passe many Riuers and Woods. The Riuer Wichida springeth out of the Mountaines of Iugoria, which to the South ioyne vpon Tartarie, and from thence runne North∣wards to the Ocean Sea. Out of the same Mountaines issueth the Riuer Petsora, which falleth into the Ocean Sea on this side the Streight of Waygats. From Iauinis, after three weekes iour∣ney, they come to Neem; a Riuer so named of the gentle gliding of her streames through the Woods. For Neem in English signifieth Still or Dumbe. On this Riuer they proceed about fiue dayes space with their Boats; and then, for that the Neem taketh his course another way, for shortning their iourney, they must of force cause their stuffe to be carried by Land, the space of a league: And so they come to the Wisera,* 1.21 a Riuer issuing out of certaine Rockes adioyning [ 30] to the Mountaines of Iugoria. These Rockes the Moscouites call Camenas. From hence they are carried downe the Riuer Wisera, for the full space of nine dayes, vntill they come to Soil Cam∣scoy, a small Towne builded by the Moscouites, for refreshing of Trauellers for a short space, which hence forward are to proceed on their Iourney by Land. As for the Wisera, it keeping on his course somewhat farther, at length falleth into the Cam, which passing by Viatcam, a Towne of Moscouia, falleth into the great Riuer Rha, commonly called Volga, which entreth with seuenty branches into the Caspian Sea, as I haue receiued from eye witnesses.

The Towne of Soil Camscoy is reasonably inhabited, hauing many Villages round about it.* 1.22 The Inhabitants, for the most part are Russes or Tartars. Here is great store of Cattell, and chiefly of Horses. Trauellers hauing here somewhat refreshed themselues, doe lade their carriages on Horses, and trauell for the most part through Mountaines full of Firres, Pines, and other trees of strange [ 40] sorts. Betweene these Mountaines they passe ouer the Riuers Soiba,* 1.23 and from thence ouer Cos∣na, both running toward the North-east.

Now these Mountaines are diuided into three parts: whereof the two first are passed ouer each of them in two dayes, and the third in foure dayes. The first part is called Coosuinscoy Ca∣men: The second Cirginscoy Camen: The third Poduinscoy Camen. And doubtlesse all these moun∣tainous Countries are much different from the other Countries out of which they enter into them. For the Woods vpon them, are fairer and thicker growne with trees, bearing euery where diuers sorts of Plants. These three Desarts are frequented by none in a manner but Tartars, and Samoieds, who onely hunt after those costly Furres, which are to pay their tribute to the [ 50] Emperour of Moscouia. The Mountaines of Poduinscoy Camen are higher then the rest, and for the most part couered with Snow and Cloudes, and therefore difficult for Trauellers to passe ouer: but by little and little they haue a gentle descent. From thence they come to Vergateria,* 1.24 in which Towne they must abide vntill the Spring, by reason of the Riuer Toera,* 1.25 which arising not farre from thence, is all the rest of the yeere very shallow.

But the Spring approaching, when the Snow melts from the hoary Hills, and the Land wa∣ters arise, it is passed ouer with Skiffes and small Boats.* 1.26 Vergateria is the first Towne of the Countrey of Siberia, and was begun to be builded with some other Townes within these one and twenty yeeres. It is reasonably full of buildings, and the lands about it are tilled as in Moscouia. Heere there is resident for the Emperour of Moscouia a Gouernour,* 1.27 which yeerely [ 60] at the beginning of the Spring, by way of the Riuers doth distribute great store of Corne, and Victuals among the Castles with Garrisons throughout all Siberia: furnishing also in like man∣ner the Moscouites, which remayne beyond the Riuer Oby. For in those places the ground is not yet tilled; and the Samoieds, as before is said, for the most part feed on the flesh of wilde beasts.

Downe the Riuer Toera, in fiue dayes they come to Iaphanis, a Towne builded and inhabited within these two yeeres.* 1.28 Thence againe they passe downe the Toera, and hauing proceeded two dayes thereon, they are enforced by reason of the often windings and turnings of the Ri∣uer, to cut ouer it in certaine places, for shortning of the way. In these places there now dwell here and there, Tartars and Samoieds, liuing for the most part vpon Cattell and Fishing.

* 1.29At length leauing Toera, they come to the mighty Riuer Tabab, distant from Vergateria about two hundred leagues. And from thence they proceed farther to Tinna, a populous Towne, and builded by those aboue mentioned. But many trauell also from Iaphanis to Tinna, by Sleds in the Winter time, in the space of twelue dayes. And here is vsed much buying and selling of costly Furres, betweene the Muscouites, Tartars, and Samoieds. And this is a very conuenient [ 10] place, for such as determine to stay in the Countrey not aboue sixe moneths. But many doe search the further parts, and trauell farre beyond the Oby, toward the East and South.

From Tinna they come to Tobolsca, the chiefe of all the Townes of Siberia: wherein is the seat of the chiefe Gouernour of Siberia, and of the Moscouites that are in the same. To this place yeerely are brought from the other Townes of the whole Countrey, as well on this side, as beyond Oby the tributes, which being brought together, and guarded with Souldiers, are after carried into Moscouia to the Emperour. Here also the Law is most seuerely administred: and all the other Gouernours in Samoiedia, and Siberia, are bound to obey him onely. In this Citie besides is the chiefe Market of commodities brought out of Moscouia; the Tartars out of the South parts, and almost farthest parts of Tartarie, and men of other Nations repairing thither: [ 20] who, the farther that the report of these Countries reacheth, doe in so much the greater num∣ber assemble thither: whereby there ariseth great profit to the Moscouites. Furthermore, in diuers places there are Churches and Chappels erected, wherein the Greeke Religion is exerci∣sed, which among the Russes, and other Northerne People is most vsed, although corrupted with diuers Superstitions. But howsoeuer, no man is forced against his will to their Religion: but certaine gentle meanes are vsed by the Russes, by which these people are perswaded and wonne thereunto.

* 1.30The Citie Tobolsca is situated on the Riuer Yrtis, which with a most forcible streame, and as it were another Danubius, rising from the South, taketh his course toward the Oby, through which it seemeth to runne with the same course.* 1.31 On the other side is the Riuer Tobol, of which [ 30] the Citie taketh her name. Into this falleth the Riuer Tassa, which seemeth to spring from the North-east, and from certaine Mountaines there vpon the Coast. On the side of this Riuer the Moscouites haue of late builded a Towne,* 1.32 called Pohemy, inhabited with dwellers drawne out of Siberia, for no other cause, but that it is enuironed with an exceeding fertile soyle, as also with very pleasant Woods, wherein diuers sorts of wilde beasts doe breed, as Panthers, Ounces, Foxes, Sables, and Marterns. Now Pohemy is distant from Tobolsca, about two weekes Iourney toward the North-east.* 1.33 Yrtis with almost the like distance from Tobolsca, falleth into the Oby. And at the mouth of it was builded a Towne called Olscoygorod, but afterward razed downe by commandement of the Gouernour of Siberia:* 1.34 The cause whereof was not then knowne: which notwithstanding I guesse to haue been either the extremity of the cold, or that the Towne stood [ 40] rer vnto the Sea then they thought fit, and feared lest some inconuenience might grow thereby▪ for which cause about fiftie leagues aboue that razed Towne, they builded another vpon an Iland of the Riuer Oby,* 1.35 called Zergolta. From hence sayling vp the Riuer, they vse small sayles, either because winds blow faintly, or for the highnesse of the shoare: so that, though the Oby bee al∣most euery where very broad; notwithstanding, they drew their Boats in it with ropes, altoge∣ther after the same sort that they trauell vp the Riuers of Moscouia.

* 1.36Two hundred leagues aboue Zergolta, they came to Noxinscoi, a Castle builded thirteene yeers agoe, at which time the Gouernour sent certaine men thither out of Siberia, to seeke ou•• Coun∣tries profitable for mankind, and fit to build Townes in. Wherefore at that time they builded this Castle, and furnished it with a certaine Garrison, in a very pleasant, wholsome, warme, and fertile soyle, and wherein were great store of Beasts and Fowles of rare kinds. The very Castle [ 50] being situated toward the South-east, by little and little grew to be a Citie. The Inhabitants whereof were enioyned to proceed by degrees into further and more temperate Countries, and to trafficke truely in euery place, and courteously and kindly to entreat all people that they met withall: whereby at length they might more largely extend the Dominion, and spread abroad the Russian Name. Wherefore flocking thither in great numbers, and piercing into the Inland foure hundred leagues,* 1.37 they found goodly Countries, but not inhabited. And whereas ten yeeres past, hauing sayled two hundred leagues vp the Riuer Oby, they lighted vpon a Countrey very fruitfull and pleasant, which was very temperate, and free from all discommodities, and the Winters very short, and in a manner none at all. They tooke occasion thereupon to returne into Siberia, & to send word of these things into Moscouia. Boris Godonoua was then Emperor there, [ 60] who hauing receiued such good tidings, forthwith commanded the Gouernour of Siberia, that with all speed hee should cause a Citie to bee builded there. The Gouernour obeyed, and there was a Castle builded vpon his commandement, with certaine houses adioyned; so that now it

is a large Citie. The name thereof is Tooma, because they vnderstood, that a great multitude of Tartars in times past were seated there,* 1.38 of whom this Citie tooke that name for the pleasant∣nesse of the situation thereof. And it is reported that these Tartars had at that time a King, whose name was Altin: Whereby it came to passe, that the Citie which was first builded,* 1.39 held out many assaults of sundry people that dwelt in those Champion Countreyes. And now this Citie is so mightie, that in processe of time, some reasonable great Kingdome is likely to grow out off it.

Furthermore, betweene this Castle of Noxinscoi, and the Citie Tooma, and Siberia, the Mos∣couites daily doe discouer many people dwelling in the In-land parts, some of whom call them∣selues Ostachies, and now are growne into one bodie with the Tartars, Samoieds, and Russes,* 1.40 li∣uing [ 10] friendly together; they haue many Kings among them, almost like vnto the Indians (I speake of the pettie Kings, not of the greater Kings of India.) And to bee briefe, the Moscouites haue proceeded so farre into that mayne Land, that we haue just cause to maruell thereat. More∣ouer, there are many Castles and Townes betweene the Riuers of Obi and Yrtis, builded almost at the same time when Tobolsca was, and are now proper Townes: whose Inhabitants are Mos∣couites, Tartars, and Samoieds of their kind, which we call, The tame Samoieds, in respect of those which are altogether wild.* 1.41

And the first of the Townes is Tara: from which place it is neere ten dayes iourney between Obi and Yrtis. Then Iorgoetum, builded about fifteene yeares past. Besobia, and Mangansoiscoi∣gorod, both of them builded aboue Iorgoetum toward the South. The Inhabitants that dwell on [ 20] the west side of the Riuer Obi, seeke daily to discouer more and more. On this side of Obi are seated the Cities Tobolsca, Siberia, Beresaia, and certaine others, builded vpon certaine Riuers: and more are builded daily. Beyond Obi are Narim, Tooma, and diuers other Cities, the Inhabi∣tants whereof insteed of Horses vse Reyne Deere, or exceeding swift Dogs, which they fatten with diuers kinds of fishes, and especially with Thornebacks; because they thinke they be made the stronger with that kinde of food. Iorgoetum, whereof I spake before, is builded in an Iland of the Riuer Obi.

Also aboue Narim as men trauaile toward the East, they meete with the Riuer Telta: on the banke whereof they haue builded a Castle, named Comgof-scoi. The gar••ison Souldiers of which [ 30] Castle, together with the Inhabitants of Nar••m, about seuen yeeres past, were commanded by the Gouernour of Siberia to trauell East, and diligently to search what vnknowne Nations dwelt in those parts. Therefore trauelling through certaine vast Deserts, for the space of tenne weekes or there abouts, passing in the way through many faire Countreys, many Woods, and Riuers, at length they espied certaine Cottages set vp in the fields, and certaine Hords or Companies of people. But because they had Samoieds and Tartars for their guides, which were acquainted with those places, they were not afraid. The people came vnto them reuerently, and with humble behauiour, and signified by the Samoieds and Tartars, that they were called Tingoesi, and that their dwelling was vpon the banke of the great Riuer Ieniscè, which they said did spring from the South South-east, but that they knew not the head thereof. These people [ 40] were deformed with swellings vnder their throats, and in their speech they thratled like Turkie-cocks. Their language seemed not much to differ from the Samoieds, which also vnder∣stood many of their words.

Ieniscè being a Riuer farre bigger then Obi, hath high mountaines on the East, among which are some that cast out fire and brimstone. The Countrey is plaine to the West, and exceeding fertile, stored with plants, flowers, and trees of diuers kinds. Also many strange fruits do grow therein, and there is great abundance of rare Fowles. Ieniscè in the spring ouerfloweth the fields about seuentie leagues, in like manner as they report vnto vs, as Nilus doth Egipt. Wher∣with the Tingoesi being well acquainted, doe keepe beyond the Riuer, and in the mountaines, vntill it decrease, and then returne, and bring downe their heards of Cattell into the plaines.

The Tingoesi being a very gentle people, by the perswasion of the Somoieds, without delay [ 50] submitted themselues to the same Gouernours which they obeyed, whom they reuerenced as a kind of Gods. But what God they worship, or with what rites, it is vncertaine, neither as yet can bee knowne, the Moscouites being negligent searchers into such things.

Neither hereafter will I maruell, though the Streight of Waygats bee stopped vp to the North-east, with such huge Mountaines of Ice, since the Riuers Obi and Ieniscè, and very many more, whose names are not yet knowne, powre out so huge a quantitie thereof, that in a man∣ner it is incredible. For it commeth to passe in the beginning of the spring, that in places neere vnto the Sea, the Ice through the excessiue thicknesse and multitude thereof, doth carrie downe whole woods before it. And without doubt this is the cause, that about the shoares of [ 60] the Streight of Waygats, so great abundance of floting wood is euery where seene. And where∣as in that Streight neere vnto Noua Zembla, it is extreame cold, it is no maruell, if an regard of the narrownesse of the Streight, so huge heapes of Ice are gathered and frozen together, that in the end they grow to sixtie, or at least to fiftie fathoms thicknesse, as this present yeere (1612) they measured the same, which at the cost of Isaac Lamer went thither in a small Barke, in

whose companie the said Isaac Lamer would haue sent mee, but I would not. For I am readie to proue, that this is no passible way, and that they will still lose their labour, whosoeuer shall attempt the same, vnlesse they take another course in the businesse. But let vs returne to our purpose.

* 1.42Furthermore, those whom I mentioned before, vndertooke a long Iourney beyond the Riuer Ienisce Eastward, and were somewhat afraid to turne to the South, taking with them cer∣taine Tingoesies, by whom they were informed, that many Nations dwelt toward the South, which differed much from them, whose Kings were most commonly in warre one with another. But hauing trauelled certaine dayes to no great purpose, at length they returned home; Yet be∣fore their returne they gaue order to the Tingoesies, to search those Countreys more thorowly; [ 10] who promise that they would doe so: And they renewed the league which formerly they had made with the Moscouites. The Moscouites at their departure, left diuers of their people in those parts, and also certaine Samoieds and Tartars their confederates, after they had bestowed some small gifts among the Tingoesies.

The yeere following, the Tingoesies sent diuers of their owne people Eastward: who trauelling somewhat farther then they had done before, at length found another mightie Riuer, somewhat lesser then Ienisce, but as swift as it: And following the course thereof some few dayes, they lighted vpon certaine people whom they tooke, being swifter a foot then they: But they could not vnderstand their language, sauing that by certaine signes and words of the Saluages, which often repeated om ••m, they coniectured that on the other side of the Riuer, they [ 20] heard it often thunder. They added also, that they had often heard the noyse of men in those parts: And pointing to the Riuer with their fingers, they often repeated the word Pisida: whereby the Tingoesies gathered, that that should bee the name of the Riuer; but by the voy∣ces om ••m, the Moscouites did afterward gather, that they were knollings of Bells. The Tingoe∣sies at their returne from thence, carried with them diuers of the people of that Countrey, which died all by the way, either for feare, or through change of ayre. The Tingoesies were verie sorrie for their deaths.* 1.43 For at their returne they affirmed, that they were men of good vnderstanding, well set, with small eyes, flat faced, browne colour, and enclining to tawnie.

When the Moscouites vnderstood these things by the Samoieds, which returned into Siberia out of the Countrey of the Tingoesies, eftsoones they were stirred vp with a great desire to search [ 30] out the farther parts of that Countrey, wherefore they became sutors to the Gouernour, that they might bee sent thither with some others ioyned with them. Hee presently yeelded to their request, granting vnto them a certaine companie of Souldiers, and enioyned them curiously to search out all things, and to take with them Tingoesies, Samoieds, and Tartars. So beeing about seuen hundred men, they passed the Riuer Obi, and came to the Riuer Ienisce, through the coun∣treys of the Samoieds and Tingoesies. And passing the Riuer, they marched forth Eastward, hauing the Tingoesies for their guides: which did not onely serue them as guides, but also plenti∣fully prouided all the company with victuals, taking with wonderfull dexteritie, Fowles, Goats, Reyne Deere, and such like wilde beasts: as also no small quantitie of fish out of the Riuers which they met in the way. Hauing trauailed as farre as the Riuer Pisida, they pitched their [ 40] Tents on the banks thereof, with purpose to stay there till it were passable, the Ice being short∣ly to breake vp, because the spring was at hand, at which time they came thither, yet they durst not passe ouer the Riuer Pisida; hauing now plainly heard the sound, whereof they were aduertised before: which they certainly iudged to bee nothing else but the towling of Brazen Bells;* 1.44 and when the wind blew from the farther side of Pisida, they sometimes heard the noyse of men and horses. Moreouer they saw certayne sayles, though but a few; whereby they con∣iectured that they were vessels, which sayled downe the streame. They sayd further, that the sayles were square, like the Indian sayles, as wee suppose. But seeing no people at all on that side of the Riuer where they remained, after they had staied there a certaine space, and had per∣ceiued that in the spring time the Riuer did greatly swell (which neuerthelesse they can hardly [ 50] affirme for a certaintie, since the shoare is high on both sides:) At length by very great iourneys, and yet not before Autumne they returned home to Siberia; reporting, and that vpon their oathes, That in the moneths of Aprill and May, they were very much delighted with the excee∣ding faire shew of that Countrey; And that they had seene therein many rare Plants, Flowers, Fruits, Trees, Fowles, and wild Beasts. But the Moscouites are nothing curious in such things, as men that seeke after nothing but gaine, in all things else very negligent and rude.

These newes being brought to the Court of Moscouia, the Emperour Boris, and the Noble∣men that were with him, much wondering thereat, and inflamed with a great desire to search out exactly all particulars, resolued the yeere next ensuing, to send Ambassadours thither, which should carrie presents with them, and should take Tartars, Samoieds, and Tingoesies in their com∣panie. [ 60] And they were enioyned to search out the further side of the Riuer Pisida, and to make a league of friendship with the Kings if they found any, and set downe in writing all things that they could obserue by the way, and should make report of them most exactly. But these things did not take effect, because of the breaking out of the ciuill warres, among the Moscouites in the meane season.

I am of opinion, that in this countrey is the beginning, and the bounds of the Kingdome of Cataia, which bordereth vpon China. Yet I feare the Moscouites will lose their labour,* 1.45 if they euer returne thither. But time will declare the euent hereof.

Yet for all this, by the commandement of the Gouernours, euen in the time of this warre, there was a voyage made into those parts, many Inhabitants of Siberia being employed in the same, who passing ouer the Riuer Ieniscé, trauelled further on foot, diuers of whom died by the way, being not accustomed to hardnesse.* 1.46 These also found many things agreeable to the relati∣on of the former. And they likewise did oftentimes heare the ••owling of brazen Bells. But vpon the disswasions of the Tingoesies they durst not passe the Riuer: But they stayed awhile in the Mountains, out of which they saw oftentimes flames of fire ascend; & they brought thence [ 10] some small quantitie of b••••mstone, and o•• touch-stone: so that some 〈…〉〈…〉 those hills. Moreouer▪ the Gouernour of Siberia caused certaine 〈…〉〈…〉 to bee made▪ and commanded them to ••aile downe by the shoare of the Riuer▪ Obi, in the first beginning of the spring, and to coast the same continually till they came to the Riuer of Ieniscé; wherein the•• should afterward saile certaine dayes, discharging it selfe (as hee thought) into the sea. He sen•• others likewise to trauell ouer Land: giuing commandement to both of them before they went▪ To the Land-men, that they should stay by the Riuers side vntill the Boates arriued; and that if they did not arriue there▪ then after one yeere they should returne. To them that were in the Boates, ouer whom he made one Lucas Captayne, he gaue in charge,* 1.47 diligently to discouer the Coast, and whatsoeuer thereon was worthy to bee obserued. They did as they were enjoyned. [ 20] And the Mariners arriuing at the mouth of the Riuer Ieniscé, met with certayne of them which trauelled ouer Land, which were sent before in Boats and Skiffes downe the Riuer.

In their journey, they found all things in a manner to fall out as the Gouernour had fore-told. But Lucas being dead by the way, and some others, they thought is the best course, for both of the Companies to returne the same way that they came▪ And when they came home into Sibe∣ria, they declared vnto the Gouernour the whole successe of their journey: which caused the same to be sent vnto the Emperour: And this Relation is layed vp among the Treasures of Mos∣couia vntill these Warres bee ended; and then, as it is thought, it shall bee examined. But wee feare that by this time it is perished, which if it be so, truly it i•• much to be lamented, in regard [ 30] that they haue found so many rare and sundry Ilands, Riuers, Fowles, and wild beasts, and tha•• farre beyond the Riuer Ieniscé.

Moreouer, the Riuer Taes falleth into the Riuer of Obi, springing as it seemeth,* 1.48 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of place•• neere vnto the Riuer Ieniscé, and out of a great Wood in those parts: out of which Wood ano∣ther Riuer seemeth also to haue his Fountayne not farre from the Riuer Taes and falleth into the Riuer of Ieniscé. So that euen from Obi they trauell by water along the Coast of the Samoieds, and passing only two leagues ouer Lands, they meet with the Riuer Torgalfe, downe which with the streame they fall into the Riuer Ieniscé. And this is a very easie way, and lately found out by the Samoieds, and the Tingoesies.

Doubtlesse (it is to be lamented) that the Hollanders haue not had good successe in passing the [ 40] Streight of Way-gats; but surely they know not the right way to attempt the same. For if they attempt it by shippes, though it were an hundred times, it would hardly once take effect. But if they would throughly discouer these Countreyes,* 1.49 then they should stay two or three yeares about Petsora and Way-gats, where they should not want good Hauens, nor Victu∣alls: and from thence they should send out some with small Boates to 〈…〉〈…〉 parts, by the very example of the Russes, whose Friendship if they would procure with themselues, they should easily find Guides and Pilots: and so at length all these Coasts would throughly bee discouered.

Doubtlesse goodly Countreyes would bee found out, and not only Ilands, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the May•••• Land also. Yet there is just cause to doubt, whether America aboue China joyne not with some of the three parts of the old World: As wee see Africa joyned vnto Asia, with a nar∣row [ 50] necke of Land vpon the Redde Sea. And doubtlesse, this seemeth likely to bee true. For who can affirme, that they bee separated? Sauing that they haue found some things ••n the Writings of prophane Authors, whereby it may be prooued, and bring many Arguments from thence. And though these parts bee not joyned together, yet they must needs bee diuided with some small Streight.

[ 60]

§. III. A Note of the Trauels of the Russes ouer Land, and by Water from Mezen, neere the Bay of Saint NICHOLAS to Pechora, to Obi, to Yenisse, and to the Riuer Geta, euen vnto the Frontiers of Cataia; brought into England by Master IOHN MERICKE, the English Agent for Mosco∣uie, and translated out of the Russe by RI∣CHARD FINCH.

* 1.50FRom Mezen to Pechora, is a thousand Verst••: and the same is trauelled with Reyne ••e••re. From Pechora to Montuaia Reca, or The troubled Riuer, and to the parts of Mong••sey, it is trauelled in Boats called Coaches in seuen Weekes. At this place is a certayne Ouer-hal, where the foresaid Boats or Vessels are drawne ouer by men. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 off▪ Montuaia Reca, or The troubled Riuer, passing this Ouer-hall, they enter into Zelena Re∣ca, or the Greene Riuer. From Zelena Reca, or the Greene Riuer to Obi, is three Weekes row∣ing, running downe with the Current; but with a faire wind it is no more but three dayes and three nights Iourney. From Obi to Taes Castle, is a Weekes rowing. From Taes Castle to the Riuer Yenissey vpon long Woodden Pattens through the Snow, is three Weekes trauaile. But through the deepe Channell in the afore••said Vessels, called Coaches, is foure Weekes [ 20] trauayle. It bringeth them to a place, called Toorou-hansko Zeemouia, that is, The Wintering place of one called Toorouhan. Hauing trauelled to this Toorou-hansko Zeemouia, they come out on the backe side to a place called, The Riuer of Tingoosie, being a stonie of Rocky Riuer, which falleth into the Riuer Yenisey. In that place liue the Tingo••sies, and people of the afore-said Land of Tangoosi. Beyond them liue a people called The Boulashees: And beyond the Boulashees inhabit the people of Seelahee. These people report concerning Yenisey the Great, and Tenisey the Lesser: That beyond this fore-said Yenisey inhabit the people Imbaki, and the Ostaki, which are a kind of Tartar••. Also beyond the Tingo••sies is a Riuer called Geta, which was tra∣uailed by the Russes of Vashe••, and Russes of Pechora. These men by report liued in the parts of Geta, sixe yeeres. After which one of the Russe•• of Vashe••, named Wolfe, returned into Siberia; [ 30] and he reported, that he was trauailing from Tingoosie to Geta a Summer. Likewise, this said Wolfe reported, that a Samoied told him, that in Yenisey the greater were Vessels of a great bur∣then, seene to be drawne with the Rope, by a very great number of people: but hee could not t••ll what people they were, neither whither they did intend to trauaile with the said Vessels.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The first and second Para∣graphs were published in Latine by Hessell Gerar∣dus An. 1612. here a little contracted: the last I found in M. Hakluyts Papers.

  Arica or Oneeko Wichida.

  White Sea to the North of Russia. Samoieds.

  Oysel and Vstiug Mart Townes for the Sa∣moieds.

  The first Voy∣age vnto the Samoieds coun∣treyes.
• * 1.2

  The second Voyage.
• * 1.3

  Many Deserts and diuers great Riuers. Riuer Obi. Great wealth to be gotten by the Tr••de to the Riuer of Obi.

  Conditions of the people. Gou••rnment. Dy••t.

  No Bread. Shooting. Apparell. Houses.
• * 1.4

  Great wealth obtayned by continuance of this Voyage.
• * 1.5

  L. Boris, that Theodore Em∣perour. The Russes pro∣nounce th as ph.
• * 1.6

  Imperiall pri∣uiledge.
• * 1.7

  The first Voy∣age set out by Boris Godonoua.
• * 1.8

  They submit themselues to the Moscouite••▪
• * 1.9

  Trau••il be∣yond Obi.
• * 1.10

  Elkes or L••shes.
• * 1.11

  Raine Deere. Dogs equal in swiftnesse to Harts.
• * 1.12

  Samoieds shoo∣ting.
• * 1.13

  Stiuer.
• * 1.14

  Castles buil∣ded.
• * 1.15

  Sinke of bad people.
• * 1.16

  Siberia and Siber.
• * 1.17

  Then Male∣factors of Am∣sterdam at the Prison, &c.
• * 1.18

  This Iournall to the North-east was hard∣ly obtayned by some friends in Court.

  The great dan∣ger for impar∣ting this Iour∣ney.
• * 1.19

  Osoil.
• * 1.20

  Iauinis 17. daies iourney distant from Osoil, a∣gainst the streame.

  Iugoria.

  Riuer Petsora. Neem Riuer 3. weekes iour∣ney from Iaui∣nis.
• * 1.21

  From Neem to Wisera 5. dayes iourney.

  From Wisera to Soil Camscoy 9. dayes.

  Volga by the Tartars called Etil.
• * 1.22

  Soil Camscoy.
• * 1.23

  The Riuer Soiba.

  The Riuer Cosna.

  Mountaines in three parts.

  Coouinscoy Ca∣men.

  Cirgniscoy Ca∣men.

  Poduinscoy Ca∣men.
• * 1.24

  Vergateria.
• * 1.25

  Toera Riuer.
• * 1.26

  Vergateria the first Towne of Siberia.
• * 1.27

  1590. Russian Gouer∣nour.
• * 1.28

  Fiue dayes iourney to Iaphanis.
• * 1.29

  Tabab a migh∣ty Riuer 200. leagues from Toera.

  From Iaphanis to Tinna 12. dayes iourney by sled.

  Many trauell farre beyond Oby toward the East & South. Tobolsca the chiefe Towne of Siberia.
• * 1.30

  Tobolsca on the Riuer Yrtis.
• * 1.31

  Tobol Riuer. Tassa Riuer.
• * 1.32

  Pohemy a Towne.
• * 1.33

  Yrtis Riuer.
• * 1.34

  Olscoygorod razed.
• * 1.35

  Zergolta a town builded in an Iland of the Riuer Oby.
• * 1.36

  Noxinscoy Castle 200. leagues aboue Zergolta.
• * 1.37

  They trauell 400. leagues into the In∣land beyond Noxinscoy.

  The Reigne of Boris Godonoua.
• * 1.38

  The Citie Tooma.
• * 1.39

  Tartar King.
• * 1.40

  Ostachies a people.
• * 1.41

  Tara a Towne. Iorgoetum. Besobia, Mangansoiscoi∣gorod.

  Narim and Tooma beyond Obi.

  Reyne Deere and exceeding swift Dogs vsed insteed of Horses, and fed with Fishes.

  Telta Riuer to the East be∣yond Obi. Comgof-scoi Castle.

  Ten weekes trauell East∣ward from Obi. wherein the Tingoesies were first discoue∣red.

  Tingoesie a peo∣ple dwelling in Companies vpon the great Riuer Ieniscè. The Tingoesies deformed with swellings vnder their throats: a dis∣ease attending drinkers of Snow-water. Mountaines on the East side of Ieniscè casting out fire and brimstone. The ouerflow∣ing of Ieniscè in the spring: as it may seem from melted Snow.

  Reason why Waygats is stop∣ped with Ice. Ice 60. or 50. fathoms thicke in the Streight of Waygats.
• * 1.42

  The fi••st voy∣age Eastward beyond the Ri∣uer Ienisce. Many Nations dwell toward the South▪ which are in warre one with another. Such are the Zagatay Tartars, as be∣fore in Goes is seene.

  The second voyage. East beyond the Riuer Ienisce.

  Certaine peo∣ple taken. The Riuer Pisida.

  Bells.
• * 1.43

  The descripti∣on of the peo∣ple dwelling vpon the Ri∣uer Pisida. Such are the people of the East both Tartars and Chinois. The third voy∣age beyond Ienisce East∣ward.
• * 1.44

  The ••owling of brazen Bells: of which they haue in China, and per∣haps in the North parts aboue it.

  Horses in Pisi∣da.

  Vessels sayling downe Pisida with square sayles.

  They came not home till Autumne. The plesant∣nesse of this Countrey in Aprill and May.
• * 1.45

  The opinion of th•• Author of this Story The fourth Voyage to the Riuer P••sida.
• * 1.46

  The ••owling of Brazen Bells. Mountaynes casting out flames of fire. The fift Voy∣age by Obi and the sea-coast to the Riuer Ieniscé.
• * 1.47

  Lucas Captain of the Disco∣uerie by Sea.
• * 1.48

  Taes Riuer fal∣leth into Obi. The Riuer Torgalfe falleth into Ieniscé An Ouer-hall of two leagues only.
• * 1.49

  The right way to discouer the North-east parts. Note.
• * 1.50

  Mezen. Pechora. Mont••aia Reca. The Voloc, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ouer-hall. Zelena Reca. Obi Riuer. Taes Riuer and Castle·

  Toorou-hansko ••eemouia.

  Tingo••sie Riuer. Y••nisey Riuer. The Boulashies. Seeahee.

  Yenisey the greater and lesse. Imbaki. Ostaki.

  [ 10]

  Geta Riuer. Summers tra∣uell from Tin∣gosey to Geta. Vessels of greater bur∣then drawne with the Rope a thing vsed in China.