Purchas his pilgrimes. part 4 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. XI. [ 20]

The description of the Ile of Trinidad, the rich Countrie of Guiana, and the mightie Riuer of Orenoco, written by FRANCIS SPARREY left there by Sir WALTER RALEIGH, 1595. and in the end taken by the Spaniards and sent prisoner into Spaine, and after long captiuitie got into England by great sute. 1602.

The description of the Ile of Trinidad. [ 30]

POrta la Spaniola lyeth North-east. The Spaniards name themselues Conquerabians. Anap••rima is the name of the Riuer, which goeth to Corona the Spanish Towne. The North part is very mountainous. The Indians of Trinidad haue foure names. 1. Those of Parico are called Iaios. 2. Those of Punta, Carao Aruacas. 3. Those of Curiadan are called Saluages. 4. Those betweene Punta Carao, and Punta de la Galera, Nepoios. But those which are seruants to the Spaniards, name them∣selues Carinapag••tos. The chiefest of the Indians, I meane the Kings and Lords of the Ilands in times past, named themselues Acarewanas, but now Captaines.

The description of Guiana, and of the great Riuer Orenoco. [ 40]

GViana beareth directly East from Peru, and lyeth almost vnder the Equinoctiall Line. The entrance to the Riuer Orenoco through the Riuer Capuri at the mouth at a full Sea hath nine foot water, and at the ebbe but fiue foot. The water floweth but a small time, but increa∣seth much; and the ebbe goeth but slowly: for it continueth sixe houres. In the bottome of the Gulfe of Guanipa there is the Riuer of Amana, which leadeth into Orenoco also. In this Riuer, which wee named the Riuer of the Red Crosse, wee tooke an old Tinitiuan for our Pilot to Orenoco.

The Riuer of Orenoco or Barequan hath nine mouthes, which lye on the North-side of the mayne land: but I could heare but of seuen mouthes vpon the South-side. So that betweene I∣lands [ 50] and broken Lands it hath some sixteene mouthes in all. The Ilands are somewhat bigge, so as I can hardly ghesse how many leagues it is from the North-side to the South-side. At the entrance of this Riuer are two great Lords Tiuitiuans, which hold warre one with the other con∣tinually: The one Nation are called the Tiuitiuans of Pallamos, and the other of Hororotomaca. He that entreth the Riuer of Amana from Curiapan, cannot possibly returne the same way hee came, by reason of the Easterly windes and the great Currents, but must of force goe in a Riuer within the Land, which is called Macurio.

To goe from the Ile of Trinidad to the great Riuer Orenoco the Riuer of Amana beareth South: But parting from that Riuer by a branch which beareth to the West we entred Orenoco. Toparimaca is the chiefe Gouernour vnder Topiawari, of the entrance of the Eastermost part of [ 60] the Riuer Orenoco. The Towne of this Gouernour is called Arwacan. These are friends to the Carapanans, Tiuitiuans, and all Nations, the Caribes excepted. Carapana lyeth in the Prouince of Emeria: and the Eastermost part of Dorado is called Emeria.

Assapana is the first Iland in Orenoco: it is but small. The second Iland is called Iwana. There is another entrance into Orenoco, which I discouered not: but the Indians name it Arraroopana. Europa is a Riuer which commeth into Orenoco; but the head of it I know not. In the middest of Orenoco there is a pretie bigge Iland, which is somewhat mountainous; and the name of it is Ocawita. One Putima commandeth vnder Topiawari, in the Confines of Morrequito, which ly∣eth in the Prouince of Arromaia. The Iland of Putapaima is farre vp within the Riuer of Ore∣noco, and standeth right against the high Mountaine, called Oecope. Ouer this Mountaine lye the Playnes of Samia. Through these Playnes you may goe to Cumana, or to the Caraca••; which are at least one hundred and twentie leagues iust North. In these Playnes are foure Na∣tions, which are held for great men. The Samias, the Assawais, the Wikeries, and the Arroras. [ 10] These Nations are something blacke.

On the left side of this Riuer Orenoco are two small Ilands, a small distance the one from the other. The one is called Aroami, the other Aio. In the morning before the Sunne bee high the winde is still Easterly in this place. Manoripano lyeth in the middle of Orenoco. Aromaio is the name of Morrequito. Orenoco reacheth to the Mountaines of Wacarimoc, which is to the East in the Prouince of Emeria, or Carapana. The Vallies are called Amariocapana, and the people by that name also. Vpon this Riuer Orenoco there is a pleasant Riuer for many kindes of victuals, which is called Caroli, and the people Cassipagotos.

This Countrie of Morrequito lyeth in some fiue or sixe degrees to the North of the E∣quinoctiall Line. At the Point of the Riuer Caroli is the small Iland called Caiama. The [ 20] Inhabitants of this Iland Caiama are enemies to the Epuremi. Here is a very great fall of Land water. Canuri lyeth in the Prouince of Morrequito. The Gouernour is called Wanuretona.

The Epuremians are richest in gold onely. These people called Epuremi haue many ene∣mies, but three especially which are very strong: which are these; the Cassipagotos, Epari∣gotos, and Arawagotos. Hee that will passe the Mountaines of Curaa shall finde store of gold; which is farre to the West.

The Riuer Arni runneth continually North, and so to the Riuer Cassipa, and from thence into Orenoco: neere vnto the Riuer Arui are two Riuers, the one is called Atoica, the other Caera: and also one branch which is called Caora. To the Westward of Caroli is a fourth Ri∣uer, [ 30] which is called Casnero: it falleth into Orenoco on the side of Amapaia.

The first Riuer that falleth into Orenoco from the North, is called Cari. Beyond it on the same side is the Riuer Limo: to the West of it is the Riuer Paoo: and beyond that are the Ri∣uers Caturi, and Voari; and another called Capuri, which is dangerous to enter. To the Westward of Capuri in the Prouince of Amapaia, is most vile, vnwholsome, and bad water to drinke: it is of a bad tawnie colour; it hath killed many a man, both Indians and others. They say this water commeth from Anebas.

On the North part of Peru is a way to enter into Orenoco, as I haue heard by the Indians. The first place whereby they are to passe, is called Guicar: the second Goan••••; and so to the Riuer of Papemena; which is the Riuer that runneth toward the Iland of the Amazones. Neere [ 40] vnto the Iland of the Amazones is the famous Iland of Athul.

The Riuer Ubra, beating to the West of Carthagena, beareth to the Southward of the Iland of the Amazones. This Riuer Vbra, if you stand to the South-west, leadeth to a part of Aro∣maijo, which is called Eregoodawe. This Countrie of Eregoodawe is very Mountainous, and no∣thing fruitfull: it is inhabited by the Coman Ibes. They haue Ginny wheat but no store, and very little Cassaui: Venison, Hogs, and Conies they haue in great abundance. The King or chiefe Gouernour of this Prouince or part of Aromaijo, which is called Eregoodawe, is one which beareth great sway in those parts, whose name is Oromona. But all are chiefly com∣manded by Tapuawary King of Morrequito.

In mine vndertaking the discouerie of the North part of Orenoco, I was aduertised by cer∣taine [ 50] Indian Pilots, that I should finde a perfect and readie way to goe to Peru. In which my trauell, I fell, by reason of a great storme, into a Riuer, which is called by the Indians Salma. This Riuer is not great: in three dayes I passed through this Riuer, and entred into the Riuer of Papemena. This Riuer of Papemena is more in my iudgement then fiue or sixe Leagues broad.

North North-west of this Riuer is the Iland of the Amazones. But leauing that course, I came to the most sweete, pleasant, and temperate Iland which is called Athul. If I had had companie to my liking, I could haue found in mine heart to haue stayed there and spent my life. Athul is not rich in mettals: but some stones I found in the fresh-water Riuers: for there are great store of fresh-water Riuers; and no want neither of Fish, Tortoyses (which the Indians [ 60] name Catsepames) Foules, nor other good things. It hath Wood great store, Fruites all the yeere in abundance, many good places to make a Towne if you will, Cotton, and Balsamum, Brasill, Lignum vitae, Cypresses, and many other sweete trees. The earth of this Iland doth pro∣mise to the eye to be good, it is very sad, and much like to Oare, which I found in diuers pla∣ces.

I cannot report of the goodnesse of the stones, because my knowledge in them is no∣thing. Athul is not inhabited by any. The Iland is small, and for feare of the Caribes, there is no body.

I returned from this good Iland Athul toward the Riuer of Orenoco, because I found my la∣bour was lost: For to finde the way to Peru that way was impossible. And to make my iour∣ney the shorter, I returned by the Riuer Papemena, but left the Riuer of Salma cleane, and came my directest way to Orenoco: which mine Indian Pilots held to bee through the Riuer of Limo; and so I came into the Riuer of Orenoco. Then I went from Orenoco, and held my course altogether Westerly: because I found the West most rich; although it was most dangerous to trauaile thither, I meane farre into the Countrie, by reason of the Epuremi, which liue con∣tinually [ 10] in armes, and hold warres against many Nations, but against three Nations especial∣ly. These are, as I wrote before, the Cassipagotos, the Eparigotos, and the Arawagotos. My desire was to goe to Curaa; and from Orenoco I first entred into the Riuer of Cosnero, and so coasted to Amapaia, where is the bad tawnie water, which before I mentioned: from thence I went to the Riuer Paoo; and within sixe weekes after I departed out of the Riuer of Orenoco I came to the rich Countrie of Curaa.

The Countrie of Curaa is in the Prouince of Guiana, or Manoa, where are the mynes of white stone; in which mynes is much naturall and fine gold, which the Indians call Callicurij. The gold in this place, I say in Manoa, or Guiana, runneth betweene the stones like veines; of which gold I had some store: but now the Spaniard is the better for it. In Curaa is also gold [ 20] in small graines, which lye in the sands in the little Riuers or Brookes. I alwayes tooke those graines for the finest gold. In these Riuers where gold lyeth, are many Aligattos or Crocodiles. I heard by the Nation of the Tiuitiuans, that a place called Tulahe, had many good things in it: but I found it nothing so. Some bad fresh-water pearles I found there: which were nothing round, Orient, nor very great. I brought of them with me to the Spaniards; and they said they were no Pearles, but Topasses.

Camalaha is a place where they sell Women at certaine times, in the manner of a Faire. And there you shall buy colours, such as the Saluages paint themselues with. In this Faire, which is called Camalaha, which is to the South of Orenoco, I bought eight young Wo∣men, the eldest whereof I thinke neuer saw eighteene yeeres, for one red-hafted knife [ 30] which in England cost mee one halfe-peny. I gaue these Women away to certaine Saluages which were my friends, at the request of Warituc the Kings Daughter of Murrequito.

Tar or Taroo is an Iland, which is to the South South-west of Orenoco. To which place I went, because they said there was neuer any that inhabited in this Iland, but that it was in the manner of a bayting place for the Caribes, when they had stollen people, which they meant to eate. One Captaine Caramatoij was my guide to this place: whither we went some∣what strong, with intent, if wee could finde any Caribes on this Iland, to kill them; but wee found none. Many houses wee found there couered with straw, which wee set on fire. And there I found close by the water side, going about the Iland, which was but small, many stones of diuers colours. [ 40]

To the West of this Riuer and Iland, which is called Tar or Taroo, is a Riuer, which is called Habuc: There are about this Riuer in most places eight, ten, seuenteene, and thirtie fathomes water. This Riuer of Habuc commeth from the Sea. The entrance of this Riuer at the mouth is barred; but at a full Sea you shall haue fourteene and fifteene foot water; but in the Channell in which the Canoas enter, which is but narrow; there is more then sixe fa∣thoms: but I doubt that ships cannot enter there. This Riuer Habuc is the best and surest har∣bour that I could finde for our ships, and freest from the danger of the enemie; and is not full eight dayes iourney from Orenoco.

The Riuer Europa lyeth to the East of Orenoco as you come from Trinidad: you may, as I certainly know, going some twentie leagues in the Riuer of great Amana, discouer the great and high Mountaine which is called Oecopa: being there you shall plainly see the Playnes or [ 50] Downes of Samia; through which Playnes you may safely march ouer the Land within ten or twelue leagues of Cumana, or to the Caracas.

From Orenoco also it is very easie to goe to the Towne of Santo Domingo, which beareth North North-west directly: but you must passe of force the Riuer Amapaia, leauing the Iland called Amazones South: and beare your course as neere as you can North-west, or North North-west. By this course you shall passe and escape the force and danger of the Towne, and land some sixe dayes iourney from Santo Domingo.

The Riuer Wiaumli is to the North of Orenoco. To goe into this Riuer, which is little worth, you may goe in the Land till you come to another small Riuer, which is called Maccah: dire∣cting [ 60] your course South, you shall within two dayes, if your Canoa bee good, enter the Ri∣uer of Wiaumli. The Land taketh the name of the Riuer. The Gouernours name is Woripur Wor∣rok Halaha. Carrabouca is in the firme Land of the great Iland, called Murrequito: it is the common trade to goe to the rich Guiana or Manoa.

Drano is a faire Riuer, but it is dangerous to goe farre in it, by reason it lyeth due South-east from Orenoco: and the Southermost part of the Moores of Anebas is very low, so that the tanie waters issue in great abundance into this Riuer of Drano. The danger for entring this Riuer is nothing, but the doubt is onely of the bad water, and most terrible dewes which fall from the Moores, which are vnhealthfull, and kill the Indians daily; for that continually when they tra∣uell they lie in the open aire.

The Eastermost part of Dorado is called Emeria. There is a small Riuer, which lyeth farre East in Emeria, and beareth North North-west. Through this Riuer called Capurisol is a sure, a perfect, and most safe way to goe to Peru: but the iourney will aske eight or ten weekes to fi∣nish it. Through these Riuers of force wee must passe with Canoas or Ship-boats, or such like: [ 10] for there is alway very little water.

The Riuer of Capurisol lyeth in eight degrees and two terces to the North of the Equinoctiall Line. But the North starre keepeth his degree and altitude 11. degrees and two terces. In this Riuer is still a fine small brise of winde, which lightly bloweth at West: but at noone you shall hardly finde any winde.

Notes

• The Riuer of Capuri.
• The Gulfe of Guanipa. The Riuer Amana. Orenoco.
• Tiuitiuas.
• The Riuer Macurio. Toparimaca a Gouernour. Arwacan. Carapana lyeth in the Pro∣uince of Eme∣ria.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iland. Iwana Iland. Arraroo••ana. Europa Riuer. Ocawit•• Iland. Morrequito. Arromaia. Putapaima I∣land. O••••••••e. The Playnes of Samia. Cumana. Aroami Iland. Aio Iland. Manoripano. A omaio. Th Riuer Caroli. Cassipagotos. Mor••equito. ••a••••ma Iland. Epuremi. Great Fall. Ca••uri. Store of gold among the E∣puremians. Cas••ipagotos. E••ar••••o••os. Arawagotos. Store of gold beyond the Mountaines of Curaa. Store of gold. Riuer Arui. Riuer Cassipa. Riuer Atoica. Riuer Caora. Riuer Casnero. Amapaia. The Riu••rs Ca∣ri, Limo, Paoo, Caturi, Voari, Capuri. The Prouince of Amapaia. Bad water. Guicar. Goauar. Papemena. The Iland of Amazones. The Iland A∣thul. Riuer Vbra. Eregoodawe. Oromona. Tapiawary.
• Riuer Salma.
• Papemena a great Riuer.
• Athul, a most sweet & plea∣sant Iland.
• He returneth from Athul.
• Papemena.
• Limo. Orenoco.
• Cosnero Riuer. Amapaia.
• Paoo Riuer. The rich coun∣trie of Curaa six weekes tra∣uell from Ore∣noco. Manoa. Gold in abun∣dance. Gold in grains found in Ri∣uers. Crocodiles in the Riuer and worse on land, keepers of gold. Tulahe. Bad pearles. Top asses. Camalaha, Women-Faire and yet no fair women. Eight women for a halfe-pe∣ny knife. Tar or Taroo, an Iland.
• Habuc a Riuer.
• Habuc scarce eight dayes iourney from Orenoco. Europa Riuer.
• Oecopa Moun∣taine.
• Santo Domingo.
• Amapaia Riuer. Amazones I∣land.
• Wiaumli Riuer. Maccah Riuer. Woripur. Carrabouca. Guiana or Manoa.
• Drano Riuer.
• A••••bas Moores.
• Vnhealthfull dewes.
• Emeria.
• Capurisol Riuer.