Africa being an accurate description of the regions of Ægypt, Barbary, Lybia, and Billedulgerid, the land of Negroes, Guinee, Æthiopia and the Abyssines : with all the adjacent islands, either in the Mediterranean, Atlantick, Southern or Oriental Sea, belonging thereunto : with the several denominations fo their coasts, harbors, creeks, rivers, lakes, cities, towns, castles, and villages, their customs, modes and manners, languages, religions and inexhaustible treasure : with their governments and policy, variety of trade and barter : and also of their wonderful plants, beasts, birds and serpents : collected and translated from most authentick authors and augmented with later observations : illustrated with notes and adorn'd with peculiar maps and proper sculptures / by John Ogilby, Esq. ...

The Kingdom of ANGOLA, or rather DONGO.

THis Countrey, by the Portuguese call'd Angola, * 1.1 lies between the Ri∣ver Danda and Quansa; the name of Angola belongs not properly to the Land, but is the Title of the Prince, who assum'd and continues it from the first King thereof, who fell off from Congo, to whom it belong'd, by right of inheritance: the right name being Dongo, although formerly, * 1.2 and still by some call'd Ambonde, and the Inhabitants Ambond's.

It spreads in the West to the Sea Coast, and then from Danda or Bengo, * 1.3 to the River Quansa, a tract of about fifteen miles, but runs about a hundred miles up into the Countrey. Jarrik gives it for borders; in the North, the Kingdom of Congo; in the South, that of Mataman; in the East, Malemba or Majemba; and in the West, the Sea; where it spreads (saith he) from the River Quansa, about ten degrees South, Latitude, and ends at the Sea near Cowes-bay, a tract of five and thirty Leagues. Pigafet adds to it all the Countreys, from Cowes-bay before∣mention'd, to Cabo Negroe; a tract of about fifty more.

This Kingdom of Angola (for so we shall stile it) is water'd by divers Rivers; as Bengo, Quansa, Lukala, and Kalukala.

The River Quansa, for Danda and Bengo, are included before in Congo; * 1.4 lying in nine degrees and twenty minutes South-Latitude; four miles and a half

Southward off The Sleepers-Haven; or six miles from Cape de Palmarinko; and five to the Northward of Cape Ledo, * 1.5 hath an uncertain original; for it is reported, that no Whites have ever been so far, as where the same rises: But the common opinion holds, that it comes out of the great Lake Zambre, by many made the head of the Rivers Zaire, Nyle, Niger, and many others.

It hath been liken'd to the River Lukar, * 1.6 in Spain, being at the entrance about half a League wide; and at the Northside, deepest to come in with Ships. It car∣ries but twelve foot in depth at high-water, ebbing and flowing about four foot; but within they find water enough, yet Navigable no higher than the Village Kambambe, by reason of the strong water-falls.

It runs up from the East to the West, very full of winding Reaches, by rea∣son whereof, from the Mouth to Motahoama, is thirty Leagues Sailing, whereas the direct way is but twenty. In Sailing by it, the opening can hardly be seen at the Sea, by means of a black and woody Island, lying right before it.

Several Islands discover themselves herein; * 1.7 for about nine miles up, it divides into two Arms, which include an Island about four miles long, and half a mile broad, call'd Massander, or Massandera.

This Island produces many sorts of Fruits, especially Mandikoka, which plan∣ted there, grows extraordinary thick; of which they make great quantities of Tharinka, or Maiz; also Mille three times a year, besides Palm-Trees, and a Fruit nam'd Gojaves.

Ten or twelve miles above this, * 1.8 lieth another, intituled Motihiama; three miles long, and half a mile broad, very low ground, excepting two Moun∣tains, beset with all sorts of Plants, and Herbs, and Feeding; there are many Goats, Sheep, Hogs, and Hens.

Some years ago five or six Families of Portuguese liv'd here, who had many Slaves, and maintain'd themselves chiefly with Mandihoka.

Lucala, * 1.9 by Pigafet call'd Luiola, comes out of Amboille, having its head near the rise of the River Danda; and running South Westward, till about six and twenty miles from the Sea, joyning with Quansa, and by that mixture loosing its name.

The small River Kalukala, runs cross the Territory of Ilamba, with such ex∣traordinary Creeks and Meanders, that there is hardly one of the two and forty Dominions, wherein this Kingdom is divided, that lieth above an hours walk from it.

Some Lakes appear at the corners of Quansa or Bengo; the chiefest whereof may be seen in the Lordships of Quihailo, Angolome, and Chame.

Angola containeth divers inferior Ditions; * 1.10 as Lovando, Sinso, Ilamba, Ikollo, Ensaka, Massingan, Embakka, Kabamba; every one of which comprehends several Provinces, rul'd by particular Jovassens or Governors, viz. Lovando contains nine and thirty Ilambas; forty two Ikollo; and Ensaka divers, but uncertain; Mas∣singan twelve, which some bring under Ilamba; Kambamba sixty; and Embakko sixty.

In Lovando, * 1.11 stands the City Lovando Saint Paulo, on the rising of a Hill, by the the Sea-Coast.

On the Northside of this, appears another Mountain, call'd Mora Saint Paulo, somewhat higher than that of the City, and so steep, that its with much diffi∣culty ascendable; yet on the sides thereof, the Jesuites have erected a Cloyster, neighbour'd by three or four adjoyning houses.

[illustration]

LOANDA•••• S. PAUL••••

This City was built by the Portuguese in the Year Fifteen hundred seventy eight, when Paulus Dias de Nevais was sent thither to be the first Governor for them in this Countrey.

The City takes in a great compass of Ground, being built with many fair Houses, Churches, and Cloysters; but neither Wall'd nor Fortifi'd. Some Forts are raised at the Water-side, for the securing of the Haven.

Before the subduing of it by the Netherlanders, in the Year Sixteen hundred forty one, the Portuguese had six Churches there; two greater, one call'd Saint Maria de la Conception, and the other Corpo Santo; and four lesser, one for the Je∣suits, nam'd Saint Antonio; one for the Blacks, stil'd Saint Gosce; one Cloyster and Church for the Franciscans, and an Alms-house, with a Church intituled Misericordia. Over this Alms-house, besides the Receptions for Poor, are four and twenty Chambers, for the Governor and other Officers, viz. a Steward, a Doctor, a Barber, an Apothecary, and others.

This House hath some Revenues of Land, which being but mean, hath been augmented by a Rate upon Ships: for every Ship which puts in there, must pay two Rees to the Treasurers of this House.

Sinso is the Countrey situate to the North of Lovando Sante Paulo, up the River Bengo.

Ilamba, or Elvama, a large Tract of Land, above an hundred Miles in length, * 1.12 beginning South-East, and East-South-East from the Territory of Ikollo, and spreading from the River Bengo to Quansa, and from Kalumba to Massinga, still growing wider the further you go; and every where so well Peopled, that in two or three Miles distance is a Village; which proceeds from the Negroes se∣parating themselves from each other by peculiar Marks: So that the whole stands divided into two and forty Dominions.

The first of these, neighbouring Ikollo, is call'd Chonso; * 1.13 and afterwards the rest lie one behind another, according to their Order, viz. Namboa, Quolomba, Bamba, Golungo, Makea, Kombi, Quitendel, Etombe, Quitalla, Kambkaita, Andalladongo, Quiambatta, Nambaquiajamba, Kangola, Quihaito, Chombe, Angolome, Gumbia, Massin∣gan, or Massagan, Kaoulo, Kahango, Karanga-Pase, Guenka-Atombe, Hiangonga, Qui∣lambe, Quapanga, Kabanga, Kabuto, Kandalla, Gongue, Kahonda, Kunangonga, Mossun∣guapose, Kamanga, Kalunga, Bagolunge, Quibilacapose, Koslakase, Nambua, Kallahan∣ga, Nimenesolo. These are the chiefest which make up Ilamba, and wherein may be rais'd ten or twelve thousand Fighting Men, arm'd with Bowes and Arrows.

The Sovasen maintain the Boundaries so exactly, that never any Complaint is heard of one wronging or incroaching upon another, unless it be in open Wars; and then the Conquerer becomes wholly Master of his Enemies Coun∣trey.

This Territory can shew neither Artificial Forts, or Natural Fastnesses of Woods for a Defence against their Enemies; some little Groves may be seen upon Hills, but so inconsiderable, as hardly worth mentioning: Yet these Peo∣ple cannot easily be conquer'd, because they use such good Discipline, shoot∣ing their Arrows either lying upon the ground, or kneeling.

From Ilamba North-west, and West-north-west, lies Ikollo. * 1.14

Ensaka takes beginning six or seven Miles Eastward of Lovando Saint Paulo, * 1.15 and situate between the two Rivers Quansa and Bengo. 'Tis but a small Juris∣diction, and may be travell'd through in half a day.

Here in some few Places the Inhabitants Till their Ground.

Two or three Miles in the Countrey, on the Hills, stands a Wood, enclosed

about with Bushes and Thorns, to the great accommodation and strengthen∣ing of the whole: For if the Inhabitants should retire thither, it were impos∣sible to force them out, save onely for want of Water, there being none but what the Rivers Quansa and Bengo bring thither.

Nine Miles Eastwards, * 1.16 and above the Island of Motchiama, in the Province of Missingan, or Massagan, stands a small Town of the same Name (where the Portuguese have a Fort) erected between Quansa and Sunda, the last of which en∣virons it on the North, as the former on the South: And about the distance of two hours walk, intermingle their Streams, from which Conjunction the Town derives its Appellation, Massingan signifying A mixture of Waters. It was at first an open but pretty large Village, but since augmented with many fair Stone-Houses, whereby at length 'tis become a City. The first Portuguese Go∣vernor of Angola, in the Year Fifteen hundred seventy eight, by command of his Master erected this City of Lovando Saint Paulo, and also the Fort there, when by the help of the Congeses he warred against the King of Angola in the Coun∣trey: And now inhabited by many Families of Portuguese, besides Mulattoes and Blacks.

Kambamba edges upon Quansa, * 1.17 where stands a Village denominated also Kam∣bamba, Eastward of Massingan about a dayes Journey. The Portuguese have a Fort here also, wherein divers Families reside, and many Free Blacks, that have good store of Slaves.

About eight days passage up the River Lukala, * 1.18 you arrive at Embakka, where is a Village of the same denomination, twelve days Journey from the Sea side. In this place the Portuguese have their Bounds, beyond it claiming no Interest.

The unwholsomness of the Air breeds divers Sicknesses, * 1.19 especially violent and burning Fevers, which kill in few Hours, unless prevented by frequent Phlebotomy.

The Pox is so common among them, * 1.20 that they think it no Disgrace; and for Remedy use Oyntments, and Physical Herbs taken inwardly; but through want of Skill, the Cure remaining imperfect, many die.

They have another frequent Distemper call'd Bitios de Kis, suprising them with Melancholy, great pain in the Head, Faintness and soreness of Limbs, and makes their Eyes stand out staring, as if they would fall out.

The Cure, which immediately must be used upon the appearance of the Symptomes, they perform by washing the Fundament very clean, and put∣ting a Pill made of a quarter of a rinded Lemmon therein, with the Finger holding it in as long as may well be endur'd; which is not done without great pain and burning, a sign of the right Bitios. This Medicine, though seeming but mean, yet proves the onely Remedy against this Disease, if time∣ly applied: But if the Distemper be grown inveterate, and far rooted (which the swelling out and opening of the end of the Gut, and a whitish loosness testifies) then a Mixture of Juyce of Tobacco-leaves, Salt, and Vinegar, steeped together two hours, then stamped in a Mortar, and so much thereof put into the Fundament as can well be done, and kept there as long as possi∣ble, reduces the Part again to its proper condition, and absolutely cures the Disease. But this Medicine is so painful, and hardly to be endured, that the sick Person must be fast held by two strong Men, else he can never receive the intended Advantage.

The Bitios also are cured by frequent Clysters, or Serringing the Fundament-Guts with the purified Decoction of the Plant Orore de Bitos, and dried Rose∣leaves

mixt, with one or two Yelks of Eggs, and a little Allom, and Oyl of Roses. For the preventing hereof, so soon as the tokens of it are perceived, the Fundament must first be well cleansed; then a Medicine made of a new∣laid Egg, well beaten with a little Rose-water and Sugar, with which mix White Lead scraped small; then dipping fine Lint into it, put it up into the Fundament. Observe here, That White Lead is taken for a rare Cure against this Evil.

Another Disease sorely afflicts them, taking away in a manner their Sight, so that they grow Pur-blind; but by applying the raw Liver of a Hey, re∣gain their former Health. Few escape the misery of sore Legs, whose malig∣nity is such as will hardly admit Cure.

They labor under another sort of Distemper, * 1.21 which the Indians call Beri∣beri, being a Lameness of all the Limbs, and supposed to have its original from the ill curing of the Bitios, and not cleansing the Blood enough.

The best Medicine against this is, to anoint the Joynts before a Fire, with an Oyl by the Indians call'd Man-Tennah, which in the Island of Sumatra drops out of the Rocks, like Stone-oyl, and proves very wholesom and serviceable against all Colds, weakness of Limbs, and Strains.

The Boasi is a Malady very common and pernicious, rotting off the Nose, * 1.22 Hands, Feet, Fingers, and Toes; spreading from Joynt to Joynt with great pain, until without Remedy it brings them to their End.

Embasser, a usual Sickness, proceeds from the hardness of the Spleen, * 1.23 which makes them grow melancholy, yellow of colour, heavy-hearted, and faint: But Broath made of the Root of the Tree Embotta, that part especially that lies to the Morning-Sun, restores their Health.

Of the Branches of this Tree, being very strong and tuff, they make Bowes.

The Small-Pox also rages here much; * 1.24 and by reason of their unskilfulness in the use of fitting Medicines, proves many times very mortal.

The Land about Lovando, for want of convenient Moisture, proves barren; * 1.25 but on the opposite side, by the River Bengo, fruitful, yielding store of Mandi∣boka, Mille, Beans, and many sorts of Fruits and Herbs; which, upon the Por∣tuguese first arrival, was over-grown with Bushes and Brambles: But the Por∣tuguese Governor of Lovando, Ferdinando de Sousa, in the Years Sixteen hundred twenty nine, and thirty, commanded the Inhabitants, every one acording to the number of Slaves they had, to take each of them a piece of Ground at the River, and clear it from the Bushes, Brambles, and Weeds, and make it fit for Sowing and Planting; by which they brought it to the present Fertility.

This Labor at first was ill resented by the Inhabitants, who were drawn to it with great difficulty; but when they tasted the Profit, and saw the Fruit∣fulness, every one sought to get a Plantation, and took so much Ground as they could Manure. In this manner the Ground was planted with Mille, Beans, and all sorts of Herbage; and by Time and Practice the People still improving, became not onely a necessary Plantation, but as it were a pleasant Garden for the whole Countrey. But afterwards, in the Year Sixteen hundred forty one, when the Netherlanders took the City Lovando Saint Paulo, all was burn'd and ruin'd: So that this Tract of Land, formerly, as we said, a Garden of Plea∣sure, became afterwards a Den for Lions, Tygers, and other wild Beasts: However, after some time a Peace being settled between the Dutch and Portu∣guese, their joynt Endeavors restor'd it to the former Beauty and Fertility.

The chiefest Products of these Parts are small and great Mille, * 1.26 whereof they make Bread; Chesnut-colour'd Beans, call'd Enkossa, a fatning and delicate Food, yet too much eating of them causes a pain in the Belly: Also Oranges, Lemons, Dates, Bananos, Ananasses, Potatoes, Cocos, Arosses, and Palm-oyl-Trees, Anones, Guajaves, Wine, or Gegos.

Anones, * 1.27 so call'd by the Portuguese, from a Duke which brought this Fruit first thither, is a pleasant Fruit, very delightful in taste, Ash-colour'd, as big as ones Hand, and almost round, like a Pine-apple.

Guajaves, * 1.28 or Gojava, so call'd by the Portuguese, by the Natives Cienko, and by the Dutch, Granate-Pears, is a Fruit very delicious in taste, but the coldness of its Quality makes it thought unwholesom.

Arosses, * 1.29 or Granate-plums, a Fruit almost like Guajaves, but smaller, whole∣som to eat, and of a pleasing sharp taste.

Gegos grows on high Trees, * 1.30 in shape like a Prune, but of a greenish yellow colour, having great Stones within, with some Pulp, sharp of taste, cooling, and wholesom; given to the Sick in stead of Refrigerative Juleps.

Tamarinds also grow here plentifully, * 1.31 and very good. Small Coco-Nuts, which by some are taken to be of the same sort, and the same nature against Poyson, as the Coco-Nuts of the Island Maldivia, lying between Madagascar and the Cape of India, call'd Komorri; and therefore call'd by the Portuguese, Coquos de Moleva.

Maginette, a sort of Grain like Pepper, but bigger, grows on Bunches, with∣in which are Seeds like those of a Pomegranate; which taken out, shew of a purple or dark red Colour; but afterwards, by drying in the Sun it grows black, and hath a biting taste like Pepper.

There grows also a small Tree, * 1.32 to the height of three or four Foot, with small and narrow Leaves, whose Fruit bears the resemblance of Coriander, at first appearing in green Knots, afterwards in Blossoms, and lastly in a kind of small Grain. These Benies grown ripe, and dried in the Sun, shrink like East-India Pepper, turning black and hard, and little differing from it in taste, one∣ly not so hot, which makes it pleasant to eat, and fit to be used in all Food. It grows much in Benyn, and many other places of Nether-Ethiopia. Cotton grows wild here; and if it were manur'd and look'd after, might be had in great abundance: It blossoms in June and July, and is ripe in December.

Both Garden and Field-Fruits spring here with little Labor; viz. Turneps, Radishes, Cabbages, but more open than those with us; Caulyflowers, Car∣rots, Purslane, Spinage, Sage, Hyssop, Thyme, Sweet Majoram, Coriander∣seed, and such like.

The Tree call'd in Portuguese, * 1.33 Poa del Cebra, that is, Serpents-wood, hath a pow∣erful Operation against Fevers, as the Mofrossasonho prevails against Poyson.

Of the Root call'd Mandihoka by the Blacks of Angola, * 1.34 and by the Islanders of New-Spain, and the West-Indies, Juca, by the Mexicans, Quauhkamotli, and by the Portuguese, Farina, yields very good Meal, whereof they make Bread, as we of Wheat or Rye, and other sorts of Dainties. No Place in Angola besides produ∣ces so much of this Grain; partly caused from the fruitfulness of the Soyl, and partly from the neerness to the City Lovando Sante Paulo, where the Markets are always ready to vend it.

This Plant is of divers sorts, which seem all one at a distance, yet both in Roots, Colour, and Worth, are known to be far differing by the Husband∣men.

The Leaves of this Plant resemble those of an Oak, of a deep Green, * 1.35 with many Veins and Prickles; the Stemm or Body shoots upright ten or twelve Foot high, spreading with many Branches: the Wood weak, like a Willow, the Blossom small, and the Seed like Palma Christi, but of no value; onely the Root may be eaten.

In the Planting and using Mandikoka they practice this method: After the Earth is prepared, by being well wrought, beaten small, and thrown up in Hills like Mole-hills, little Twigs or Slips cut off from the Branches of it, about a Foot long, and an Inch thick, are set sloaping one against another, on every Hill two or three Sticks, with the ends about a Hand-breadth above the Earth; which immediately take Root, and in nine, ten, or twelve Moneths, shoot up to the heighth of twelve Foot, with many Branches, and a Body as big as a Man's Thigh: Then to make the Root grow large, the Ground must be Weeded two or three times, and kept clean: And when it is grown to its perfect maturity, they cut the Stemm close to the Earth, being good for no∣thing but Fewel; but the small Boughs they fit for the next Planting, * 1.36 and so from time to time. Afterwards the Root being digg'd up, and the Shell taken from they make it Farina, by Grinding it in a Mill made like the Wheels of a Waggon, but a Span broad upon the Soal, Shod with Copper; in which are made many sharp Points in manner of a Grater, and underneath a Trough, into which the Meal falls. He which holds the Root to the Wheel, hath di∣vers little Boys to attend and bring him Roots, as there are Slaves to take the grinded Meal out of the Trough, to dry it in Copper Pans, which to that end like a Furnace stand over the Fire.

For this work many Houses are built, above a hundred Foot long, and thir∣ty or forty Foot broad; wherein on both sides stand the Furnances, that is, on each side ten, and three Mills unfixt, and movable upon occasion from place to place. Every Husband-man may make as much Farina, or Meal, as he thinks fit, both for his own use, and to sell; and if he hath a House with twenty Fur∣naces, useth commonly for Planting, Weeding, Howing, Grinding, and Drying, fifty or sixty Slaves. Every Alquer of Meal, or two Aroben, * 1.37 they sell sometimes in Lovando St. Paulo for two hundred and fifty, or three hundred Rees.

The Gumm Almesiga distills from a Tree, and smells like Gumm Elemi, * 1.38 be∣ing a wholsom Medicine for many Distempers, especially Colds, and bruised Limbs.

From another Plant they extract Aloes, found by experience no worse than that which comes from the Island Sokotorina.

Orore de Bitios, an Herb so call'd for its Curing the Disease Bitios.

By the Rivers side grow the Trees Mosuma, * 1.39 of which all the Canoos in that Countrey are made. This Wood hath some similitude of Cork, and sinks not though it be full of Water. On these Trees grows the Kapok, a Woody and soft Stuff, which by Sea-faring People is used in Cushions and Bolsters, in stead of Feathers.

The rest of the Trees are generally call'd Likonde, or Alikonde, * 1.40 delighting in dry Grounds. Some of these enlarge to the thickness of eight, ten, or twelve Fathom in the Body, but the Root never goes above a Foot under Ground, so that the greatest of them may easily be blown down. The Fruit resembles for bigness Palm-Nuts, but somewhat longer, having within, a white Kernel, yet never eaten by the Blacks but for hunger and want, for it is a dangerous Food,

and causeth great Mortality. The Wood of it is not fit to burn; but of the Peeling of the Rind, as we of Flax, they make Clothes, and Sacks for Mille; and of the Stems, or Bodies, Canoos and Boats.

In Marshy places grow many Sugar-Canes, * 1.41 but by report of the Inhabi∣tants unfit for use, and therefore not much Planted. The Extract of the Cane is brown, yet better than St. Thomas to make Sugar-Loaves.

On the Shore of the River of Kalukala, and Ilamba, they have many delicate Oranges and Lemons, Citrons, Pomegranates, Pears, Guayavas, Gego's, Ananasses, and in some places Vines, Planted by the Portuguese; for the Blacks take no care to propagate foreign Plants.

In the Kingdom of Angola are almost one and the same Beasts as in Congo, viz. Tygers, Leopards, Lyons, red Buffles, Bears, Wolves, Foxes, very great wild Cats, and Catamountains, the Beast Makako, Empalanga, Civet-Cats, Rhi∣nocerots, wild Bears, Emgalla, and Camelions: Besides Cattel for Provision, as Sheep, Goats, Hogs, and the like.

The Woods of this Kingdom, are much frequented by the Beast call'd by the Africans, Quoias Morrou, and by the Indians, Orang-autang, that is Satyrs, or Wood-Men, found also in the Kingdom of Quoia, as is before mention'd, and in the Island of Borneo in the East-Indies. This Beast in shape so much resem∣bles a Man, that some have held opinion, that it is of humane mixture with an Ape; which fancy nevertheless the Blacks themselves explode. Such a Crea∣ture was some years ago brought from hence into Holland, and presented to Frederick Henry Prince of Aurange. * 1.42 It was as tall as a Child of three years old, neither fat nor slender, but square-set, and well-proportion'd, very nimble and quick, with strong, and brawny Limbs: in the fore-part all over bare and naked, but behind rough, and overgrown with black Hair. The Face seem'd like a Man's at a glimpse, but the Nose flat and crooked: it had Ears also like a Man's, and on the Breasts plump Paps, (for it was a Female) and a Belly with the Navel sunk in: the Elbows had also their proper Joynts and Li∣gaments, the Hands had orderly Fingers and Thumbs, the Calves of the Legs and the Feet beyond the Heel-bone, plump and brawny, and would often go upright, and could lift heavy weights, and carry them from one place to another. When it would Drink, it lift up the Cover of the Can with one Hand, and held the other under the bottom, and afterwards wiped the Wet from his Lips with a singular comeliness: it laid it self suddenly to sleep, with its Head upon a Cushion, and cover'd the Body over with Clothes with such dexterity, that any would think it were a Man lay there.

The Blacks report strange things of this Animal, averring, that it not onely sets upon, and overpowers Women and Maids, but also dares attempt upon Armed Men: in brief, it seems to be the very Satyr of the Antients, whereof Pliny and others, by report, and Poets, in the way of Fiction, have Written so much.

The Beast Goulongo bears the similitude of a Sheep or Goat, * 1.43 and the Flesh hath the same taste. The People of Congo eat not of it, by vertue of an anti∣ent Custom imposed upon them by the Devil, or Fetisies, when they were Heathens, which yet to this day is observed by them.

They have also there Night-Owls, very fine colour'd Hens, Storks, white Ravens, and a few Ostriches, besides many Birds of Prey, as Eagles, Hawks, and such like; Ring-Doves, Geese, Ducks, Sparrows, Swallows, great Bats in abundance, Canary-Birds, Parrots, Parakito's, Magpies, two or three sorts of

[illustration]

Partridges and Pheasants, with very fine colour'd Feathers. The first sort have a Cap of Feathers on their Heads; the second is callow, or ball'd, but have blue and black Plumage upon their Bodies, with some white intermixed: black and white Pelicans, much larger body'd than a Kite, but with a streight Bill, but their Necks very long, which they can turn so round, that they open their Breasts with their Bills, and feed the Young with their Blood. There is also a certain small Bird, as in Lovango, whose Whistling or Singing, being heard by the Blacks as they Journey, is by them taken for a certain sign of the approach of some wild Beasts.

The Houses of this Territory are much infected with poysonous Vermine, * 1.44 Scorpions, Millepedes, Otters, and Serpents; among which one is by the Blacks of Quoia, call'd Minia; by those of Angola, Embamma: * 1.45 It hath a Mouth wide enough to swallow a whole Buck or Hart, lying in the Ways like a dead Trunk of a Tree, but falls upon transient Beasts or Men with great nimbleness.

Another sort of poysonous Serpents breed there, whose Back-bone they wear about their Necks as an infallible Remedy against the King's-evil.

The Lakes feed also many Creatures, especially those of Angola, Quihite, and Angolm, in the Province of Massingan; wherein, among others, is taken a Fish, by the Inhabitants nam'd Ambisangalo and Pesyengoni; by the Portuguese, Pezze Mouller; but by the other Europeans, Mere-men, and Mere-maids; they con∣tain in length full eight Spans, having two short Arms, and Hands with long Fingers, but they cannot close them fast together like Men, but onely bend them a little: their Fingers, by reason of some Flesh that grows between them, cleave together, as the Feet of Swans or Ducks: Their Heads hath an Oval shape, small Eyes, a flat Nose, wide Mouth, but without a Chin, or Ears apparent.

The Males have Genitals like Horses, and the Females two strutting Breasts, yet not distinguishable one from the other in the Water, being both of a sad gray colour: they do no hurt, neither come upon the Shore; their Flesh tastes

like Pazke in the upper part, but downwards is somewhat leaner, yet affords the Inhabitants pleasant Food, especially if broyl'd.

They take them with Nets, * 1.46 and afterwards kill them with Harping-Irons, and Lances.

In the Heads of these Monsters is a certain Bone, * 1.47 which beaten small, and taken in Wine, powerfully helps the Gravel in the Reins or Bladder: that of the Male is best. The Bone about the place of the Ear the Portuguese wear as a Soveraign Remedy against the infections of ill Air. Of the Ribs, in Angola, they make Bead-Bracelets, held to be very good for stenching of Blood, espe∣cially those made of the left Rib, lying next the Heart.

These Creatures are also caught about Sofala, on the East-Coast of Africa, and being Salted make good Food at Sea, if quickly spent, but if kept stale, grows ranck, and becomes dangerous Meat for those which have foul Diseases, as the Pox, or such like, in their Limbs.

In these Lakes breed moreover great numbers of Sea-Horses, Alligators, or Crocodiles, and many other amphibious Animals.

The Rivers Quansa, Lukala, and Bengo yield great plenty of excellent Fish; among which great Crabs. And the Sea affords almost infinite sorts, parti∣cularly Pergomoulato's, which the Portuguese style Pellado, almost like a Roach. Esquilones, Quikousses, Kussones, Syopos, Dorades, Benitos, Halbekores, Pergos de Moro∣chermes, Roukadores, Koruines, as also Mokerell; besides Oysters and Mussles.

The Blacks in Angola about Lovando St. Paulo, * 1.48 are very lazy, and will rather suffer hunger, than take pains to Plant or Sowe their Ground; and to supply the wants brought on them by idleness, buy Provisions of their Neighbors for Slaves.

In every Dominion of Angola are four sorts of People, * 1.49 the first Noble-men, call'd Mokata's; the second styl'd Children of the Dominion, being Natives, and for the most part Artificers, or Husbandmen; the third, Quisiko's, or Slaves, and so propriated and united to the Lords Dominions, as his other Goods, and inhe∣ritable as them; the fourth Mobika's, also Slaves of the Sovasen, gotten by War, or otherwise. Many times some of the second sort by misdemeanors, how small soever, become Slaves; for if Sovase have but the least notice, that one of his Vassals, or Tenants, endeavor'd to do him wrong, or sought to assist his Enemy in the Wars, he would not onely make him alone a Slave, but also his Wife and all his Friends, or Kindred, nay, and perhaps put them to death.

In all this spacious Tract of Nether-Ethiopia, * 1.50 there are no Houses with Roofs, save onely in Lovando St. Paulo, and Massingan, both Cities, and built by the Portuguese. The rest are made of Sticks and Thatch, very poorly and sleightly, though in some places stronger than other. The Houses of the Nobility have Rooms jetting out, inclosing a Court, and an outward place of Receipt.

Their Musick must needs be very mean and harsh, having but one sort of Instrument, call'd a Cas, made Basket-fashion of the Stock of the Palmito-Tree, Carved in Flowers, and cover'd with a Board, which being struck yields a Taboring sound.

Pigafet says, * 1.51 the Inhabitants have so great a love for Dogs-flesh, that they feed and fat them in great multitudes, and when kill'd, dress them as a dainty Dish.

Their Clothing comes very near to that of Congo; the Ornaments of their Necks and Arms consisting in round Glass-Beads, which they call Anzalos.

The Angolish Tongue differs from Congo's onely in the pronunciation; * 1.52 yet that makes it seem another Speech.

The Men, as we said before, may have as many Wives as they can feed, * 1.53 and the first is accounted the superior of all, if Married according to the Christian manner.

A Woman, as long her Children have no Teeth, keeps from her Husband; but as soon as it hath any, all the Friends and Acquaintance, both Men and Women, carries it in their Arms from House to House, Playing and Singing, to receive a Gift for it, and seldom or never are put off with a denial.

When any Person dies, they wind up the Corps, being first washed clean, * 1.54 then Combing out the Hair, and putting on new Clothes, they carry them to the Grave, made like a Vault, where they set them upon a Seat of Earth, with many round Glass-Beads, and other Goods about them. Among the better sort Blood is sprinkled upon the Earth, and Wine poured out for a remem∣brance of the Deceased.

The punishment of Offences is done in one and the same manner, that is, * 1.55 the Offender, together with his Wife and Children, and their whole Stock, are made Slaves to the Sova's. But sometimes they accuse not one another, but work their own revenge, by poysoning of their Adversary.

In the Enquiry they take no care whether the Party be guilty, or punisha∣ble indeed, but the Saying of the Sova's, or Averment of one single person, car∣ries the Cause.

In stead of Money they use, as in Lovando, * 1.56 the small Clothes call'd Libon∣ges, and Panos Sambos, whereof we gave you there a full account.

Of these some are single marked, with the Arms of Portugal; others double marked; and some unmarked.

The single-marked Clothes, as also four unmarked, ty'd together, go for a half Tester, and one alone for two Pence; but every double-marked Cloth is worth ten or eleven.

None of the Portuguese may bring those Clothes into Lovando, but onely the Factor of the Merchant who dwells at Lisbon, and sent thither to buy them up, whereof he makes no small Gain.

Out of Benyn come blue Cotton-Clothes, by them call'd Mouponoqua, but by the Portuguese, Panos res gatto de Berre; they are five Clothes together, and a a Yard and a half, or two yards broad. There is another sort, in Portuguese call'd Pannos de Komma de Figures, of blue and some white mingled, with Fi∣gures, about six or seven Yards long, and above a Yard broad. Both these sorts the Portuguese Vend in great quantities, and at high Prices in Congo, Amboille, the Kingdom of Gingo, and other Places.

The like small Clothes are brought from the Island St. Thomas; but the Dye is not so good, and the Stuff courser. These they exchange for Slaves, to send into Portugal.

They have two sorts of Simbo's, which serve in lieu of Money, viz. * 1.57 pure Simbo's, taken under the Island of Lovando, and used for Trade in Punto; and impure, or Brazile, brought from Rio de Janero, and used in Songo and Pinda, and in the Countreys of Anna Xinga, beyond Massingam, and among the Jages.

The Simbo's of Lovando are also of two sorts, a finer and a courser, separated by Sifting, the latter they name Simbos Sisado's; the other, Fonda and Bomba. Both these they send to Congo, being carried thither upon the Heads of the Blacks, in Sacks made of Straw, every Sack weighing two Aroba's, that is, three∣score and four Pound.

They use also in Lovando, in stead of Money, the red Takoel Wood of Ma∣jumba, and Pio de Hikongo, brought from Benguella; which cut into Pieces of about a Foot long, have their set value, which every one knows.

The Fruit Cola is there commonly sold for Clothes, four Fruits for one Li∣bongo, or unmarked Cloth.

The chiefest Trade of Portuguese and other Whites, * 1.58 consists in Slaves, carried from thence by Shipping to several Places in the West-Indies, as to the Islands of Porto, Rico, Rio Plata, Santo Domingo, Havana, Carthagena, and to the Main Land, especially to Brazile and other Places, to labour in the Engines and Sugar-Mills, and to dig and work in the Mynes; which toyl these Angolian Blacks, and no Whites can undergo: so that the Portuguese and Spaniards must thank the la∣bour of Slaves for most of their Riches which they possess in the Indies. It is certain the Spaniard used heretofore to send over upon his own account to the West-Indies every year above fifteen thousand Slaves for those Works; and 'tis judg'd, that the Portuguese to this day send no fewer.

All those Slaves the Portuguese cause to be bought by their Pombero's, as is be∣fore related, above a hundred and fifty, and two hundred miles up in the Countrey; from whence they bring them down to the Sea-Coast.

These Slaves get but little Food on the Way, and lie on the bare Ground every Night under the open Heaven, without any other Covering, by which means they grow poor and faint: but the Portuguese in Lovando, before they Ship them away, bring them first into a great House, which they have built there for that purpose, and give them their fill of Meat and Drink, and likewise Palm-Oyl to refresh and anoint themselves withall: But if it happen that there be no Ships ready, or that they have not Slaves enough to send away, then they use them for tilling the Ground, and to plant or cut Mandihoka: but at last when they put them on Board, they take great care to preserve them from Sickness; and that they may come safe and sound to their intended Port, provide Medicines, especially Lemons and white Lead, to use against the Bitios; and if by chance any fall sick, they separate him from the rest, and lay him alone to be Cured, where he is well provided for with warm Diet.

In the Ships they have Mats to lie on; of which they take great store with them, especially when they go over to the West-Indies, to give every ten or twelves days a fresh Mat.

But the Hollanders take no such care in transporting their Slaves to Brazile, but strip them poor and faint, without any Provision of Mats or other things, by which means many die at Sea.

In the Village Kambamba the Portuguese deal for many Slaves, but not so much as in Massingan and Embakko; for there when the adjacent Blacks want any Mer∣chandise, they bring their Slaves to the Portuguese Colonies for exchange.

The Commodities which the Portuguese and other Whites carry thither, are amongst others of all sorts,

• Cloth with red Lists.
• Great Ticking, with long Stripes, and fine wrought.
• Red Kersie.
• Sleasie, and other fine Linnen.
• Fine Velvet.
• Small & great Gold & Silver Laces.
• Broad black Bayze.
• Turkish Tapestry, or Carpets.
• White, and all sorts of colour'd Yarn.
• Blue and black Beads.
• Stiching and Sowing Silk.
• Canary Wines.

• Brandy.
• Linseed-Oyl.
• Seamens Knives.
• All sorts of Spices.
• White Sugar, and many other Com∣modities and Trifles:
• As great Fish-Hooks.
• Pins of a finger long.
• Ordinary Pins.
• Needles, and great and small Hawks-Bells.

The Inhabitants in general gather no great Riches, being content with a lit∣tle Mille, and a few Cattel, together with Palm-Wine and Oyl.

Their Arms consist in Bowes and Arrows, but the chiefest have Lances, Axes, and Chopping-Knives; which last they wear in their Girdles on their left sides: in short, they use almost the same Arms, as those of Congo, and ob∣serve the same order in Fighting.

This Countrey is so populous, that the King can in a very short time bring a hundred thousand men all Volunteers into the Field; and if occasion requires, ten hundred thousand press'd Souldiers; so that if they were as valiant as nu∣merous, they might well be dreaded: but their little courage, and less conduct hath appear'd in several Encounters with the Portuguese; particularly, in the year Fifteen hundred eighty four, twelve hundred thousand Angolians were put to flight by five hundred Portuguese, and some few Congians: And the following year, Six hundred thousand Angolians, by two hundred Portuguese, and ten thou∣sand Blacks.

The Territory of Ilamba can raise twelve thousand men, Arm'd with Bowes and Arrows, who Fight very circumspectly, and Shoot lying or creeping on the ground.

The Kingdom of Angola, or rather Dongo, hath at present a particular Gover∣nor or Prince, who acknowledges no kind of subjection to the King of Congo; although formerly, when divided into divers Lordships, the several Sovasen shew'd all due obedience to that King.

But a hundred and fifty years since, one of these Sovasen call'd Angola, with assistance of the Portuguese, Trading with him, made Wars with the other, and overcame them one after another, till he made them all Tributaries; yet he let them still remain in possession, each of his own Dominion.

This was he that afterwards came to the Crown, and nam'd himself Incue, from the great multitude of people under his subjection; and was not inferior in Power (saith Pigafet) to the King of Congo: to whom (as Linschot writes) he sends Presents, though he be not his Vassal.

After this Angola Incue, in the year Fifteen hundred and sixty, his Son Dambi Angola, a great enemy of the Portuguese, was chosen King, who Deceas'd in the year Fifteen hundred seventy eight, and his youngest Son, Quilonge Angola, or Angolaire, that is, Great Lord, was left his Heir and Successor to the Crown.

He renew'd the old League made by his Predecessors with the Portuguese, and Paulus Dias de Nevais their Governor; but afterwards without cause, cut off thir∣ty or forty of them on the way, going with several Merchandizes to the Royal City; whereupon Dias made War upon him, and took many places, subject∣ing them to the Crown of Portugal, which ever since, together with many other, from time to time subdu'd, have remain'd under them.

The King deceasing in the year Sixteen hundred and forty, * 1.59 without Male∣issue, left three Daughters, and a Nephew; the eldest of these call'd Anna Xin∣ga, notwithstanding she was Baptiz'd a Christian, would assume the Crown

after the Heathenish manner: But the Portuguese favour'd the Nephew, and so helped him with assistance of Arms, that by force he gat the Throne; whereupon Anna Xinga, with many Grandees, fled, but hath never ceas'd to claim the Kingdom as her Inheritance, alledging her Nephew but an Usurper.

In this Quarrel she fought three several Battels, * 1.60 and was as often routed and vanquish'd, and hath since kept her self an hundred and fifty miles up into the Countrey, beyond Embatta; where, notwithstanding her former ill successes, making new Wars towards the Wilderness Jages, she has gotten many Cities, Villages, and Countreys; whereby gathering fresh Vigor, she came again up∣on the Portuguese, by whom, under the Command and Conduct of Major Pa∣vo Darouva, Conquer'd, and two of her Sisters taken Prisoners; one of which Baptiz'd Dama Maja, of her own free will continu'd among the Portuguese, and kept her self stately according to her manner, oftentimes receiving many Slaves for her maintainance.

According to the last accompts, this Xinga can be little less than sixty years of age, and oftentimes for some past years, hath been reported dead; yet the Subjects conceal'd, * 1.61 and kept it so secret, that notwithstanding the Portuguese consign Commodities thither for Trade by several persons, they cannot by ours or others attain the certainty thereof: For all Decrees, Orders, and Trans∣actions relating to Government, are still Proclaim'd in her Name.

She is a cunning and prudent Virago, * 1.62 so much addicted to Arms, that she hardly uses other exercise; and withal so generously valiant, that she never hurt a Portuguese after Quarter given, and Commanded all her Slaves and Souldiers the like.

She and her People (for the most part) lead an unsetled life, * 1.63 roving up and down from place to place, like the Jages: Before any enterprize undertaken, though of meanest concern, they ask councel of the Devil; to which end they have an Idol, to whom they sacrifice a living Person, of the wisest and com∣liest they can pick out.

The Queen against the time of this Sacrifice, Clothes her self in mans appa∣rel, (nor indeed does she at any time go otherwise habited) hanging about her the Skins of Beasts, before and behind, with a Sword about her Neck, an Ax at her Girld, and a Bowe and Arrows in her Hand, leaping according to their Custom, now here, then there, as nimbly, as the most active among her Attendants; all the while striking her Engema, that is, two Iron Bells, which serve her in stead of Drums.

When she thinks she has made a show long enough, * 1.64 in a Masculine manner, and thereby hath weary'd her self; then she takes a broad Feather and sticks it through the holes of her boar'd Nose, for a sign of War.

She her self in this rage, begins with the first of those appointed to be sacri∣fic'd; and cutting off his head, drinks a great draught of his blood.

Then follow the Stoutest Commanders, and do as she hath done; and this with a great hurly-burly, tumult, and playing upon Instruments about their Idol.

Among all her most pretious things, she bestows no such care on any, as the Bones of one of her Brothers, who Raign'd before her, which lie together in a costly Silver Chest, long before gotten of the Portuguese.

The Queen keeps fifty or sixty young men in stead of Husbands, each of which may have as many Wives as they please, with this proviso, that if any of them be with Child, themselves must kill the Infant as soon as born.

[illustration]

In the year Sixteen hundred forty eight, the four and twentieth of June, the third day after the New-Moon, according to the relation of one Fuller, a Com∣mander in the Service of the Netherlanders; who was appointed with sixty men to assist this Queen against the Portuguese; and in that regard, stay'd so long time with her, that one of these her Gallants had a hundred and thirteen Wives, without any offspring; for that after the manner of their Devillish Superstition and Idolatry, he cursedly made away, or kill'd their Children.

The Queen us'd this very Custom at that time; neither dare any of those se∣lected young men own their Sex, or mention hers: And for the more orderly concealing thereof, she clothes them in Womens Apparel, according to her man∣ner, and goeth her self in Mans Habit; giving out, that they are Women, and she a Man. All these have Womens names, but the Queen (her self) a Mans, especially in the Army, and will acknowledge no otherwise; nay her Favorites dare not say the contrary, upon the peril of their Heads: and as a testimony herein of their obedience and constancy to her, permits them to go freely among her women; and if they fail in their obligations, they seldom escape to tell further news.

In the year Sixteen hundred forty six, she over-ran with her Army, * 1.65 and spoyl'd all the Villages of Oanda, and made the Inhabitants Slaves.

But the Quisamens residing on the South-side of the River Quansa, send every year Tribute to her, for an acknowledgment both of their Friendship and Sub∣jection.

After her death, the Portuguese set another of her Family as King of Dongo, * 1.66 by name Angola Sodesie, who always privately sent Presents to them, in token of submission.

The King holds his residence a little above the City Massingan, * 1.67 in a Stony Mountain, above seven Leagues in compass; inclosing within it many rich Pa∣stures, Fields, and Meadows, yielding a plentiful Provision for all his Retinue: into which there is but one single passage, and that (according to their method)

well Fortifi'd; so that he needs neither to fear any Enemies from the Queens side, nor from the Jages.

The King here, * 1.68 as he of Congo, keeps a great many Peacocks; a peculiar one∣ly to the Royal Family, and of so high esteem, that if any one should adven∣ture to come to take but one Feather from a Peacock, with intention to detain it, he should immediately be put to death; or else be made a Slave, with all his Generations.

This Kingdom stands divided into several Provinces, * 1.69 and every Province sub∣divided into inferior Lordships, Commanded by a particular Sovas.

Every Sovas hath a certain number of Makottes or Councellors, * 1.70 who in all addresses fall down on their Knees, clapping their hands; with whom he con∣sults of all weighty Concerns.

These Sovasens live privately in Villages, * 1.71 inclos'd with thick Hedges, and have onely some narrow ways for entrance; and the Habitations cannot pro∣perly be term'd Houses, but sleight Huts, made of Rushes and Straw, after the Countrey manner.

The Governors of all the Territories which the Portuguese hold in Angola by force of Arms, * 1.72 are bound to pay a Tribute of Slaves to them yearly; and to do them other services, under the Title of Vassals.

The Portuguese Governor of Lovando, use to Farm this Tribute of the Sovasens to some of their own Nation, who were not content with what was the setled Revenue of Slaves, but oftentimes take as many more, which made the Natives bear a mortal hatred to them.

The Sovasens moreover are bound to appoint Carriers for the Portuguese, when they travel through the Countrey, to bear them in Seats from one place to an∣other: For if a Portuguese be minded to travel from Lovando Saint Paulo, to Mas∣singan, when he comes at Evening into a Village where he intends to Lodge, he sends to the Sova to let him know, he hath an occasion for so many of those Carriers; who must not fail to provide them: And this they do every Even∣ing, to have fresh Men for the next days Journey.

In the year Sixteen hundred forty one, * 1.73 the Netherlanders, under the Com∣mand of Cornelius Cornelisen Jol, otherwise call'd Houtebeen, took from the Portu∣guese the City of Lovando Saint Paulo, upon this account, and in this manner:

Grave Maurice of Nassaw, * 1.74 or General of the Netherlanders in Brasil, taking in∣to consideration, that the State of Brasil could not consist without many Blacks from the Coast of Africa, not onely to work in the Sugar-Mills, and to Plant the Cane-Fields and cleanse them of Weeds; but also to Manure more Ground for the Planting of Mandihoka, and all manner of Fruits; and that this Work could not be done better by any, than these African-Slaves: And besides that, there were not Slaves enough brought from the Coast of Arder, Kalbarine, Rio del Rey, and other places thereabouts; concluded on, to set out a Fleet un∣der the Conduct of the foremention'd Houtebeen; and some Land-Forces under the Command of one James Hinderson, to take Angola from the Portuguese.

The Fleet consisted of twenty Ships, great and small, Man'd with two thou∣sand Souldiers, nine hundred Seamen, and two hundred Brasilians, which set Sayl from Fernabuck the thirtieth day of May, * 1.75 in the year Sixteen hundred for∣ty one; and after many oppositions, to come about to the South, the nine∣teenth of July, in eight and twenty degrees South-Latitude, the Fleet began to want fresh water.

The fifth of August the Fleet came to Cabo Negro, in sixteen degrees; * 1.76 from thence to Flies-Bay, in fifteen degrees; and on the one and twentieth day, they overcame, and took a Portuguese Carvill sailing along the Coast, laden with Wines from the Maderas, call'd the Jesu-Maria-Joseph, the people of which serv'd them for Pilots, to bring them into the Haven of St. Paulo.

The four and twentieth, the Fleet came within sight of Land, and Hinderson went the same day with his Souldiers, set in order against the City, ordering the Snap-hances to March in the Van. The Portuguese Governor, Caesar de Mene∣ses, stood not far from thence on the Shore, with nine hundred Whites, and Arm'd Inhabitants, and a great many of Blacks; besides two Pieces of Ordnance, in a Fighting Posture.

But so soon as the Netherlanders came near, and began to fall on, * 1.77 the Blacks first betook themselves to flight; afterwards the Portuguese; and at last the Go∣vernor follow'd, leaving behind them the Ordnance; and soon after the City, with all Forts and Batteries, without further resistance; so that none was found therein, but one drunken Souldier, and a very old Man.

The Booty there, consisted of nine and twenty Brass-Pieces, * 1.78 and sixty nine of Iron; besides store of Arms, Ammunition, and provision of Victual, as Meal, Wine, and thirty Sheep, small and great.

But because there was no fresh water, the Netherlanders after their Conquest Fortifi'd a House lying near the River Bengo, for conveniency of fetching Wa∣ter; upon which the Blacks made an assault, but were beaten off with loss of eighty men.

Two days before the appearance of the Dutch Fleet, the Governor had some notice of it, but supposing the Netherlanders had come onely to fetch a Booty of Slaves and other Goods, and so to return; gave order, that his Wives and Children, with the best Goods and readiest Merchandize, * 1.79 should be brought and hidden in convenient places. But when he saw that they aim'd at the con∣quering of the City, and all the Forts by War, and to keep them for their own; he by Letters complain'd to Jol of injury, and put him in mind, That the States of the United Netherlands, and the King of Portugal were agreed, and in League with each other; and therefore expected the Surrender of the City.

Notwithstanding this expostulatory Letter, and friendly Summons, * 1.80 the Dutch within the City return'd answer, That they were not acquainted with the Agreement of the Portuguese, nor had heard of it; but if the Governor had in truth known any such matter, he should have given them timely notice before the City was subdu'd, and they had not been dealt with as Enemies.

At last, when the Portuguese Governor, who was retir'd to Massingan, found that the unwholesomness of the Air kill'd many of his Souldiers, and that he could not expect to regain Lovando by complaint or fair means; and knowing himself too weak to attain it by force, sent a Messenger, desiring a Truce for eight days; intending in that time, either to joyn with the Netherlanders, and declare himself for the States; or to depart: * 1.81 But when he propos'd unequal matters, he was requir'd to depart with his Souldiers sixteen miles from Lovan∣do, and make a mutual agreement; and to declare in nine moneths, whether he would submit, or depart. Hereupon Caesar de Meneses drew to the River Bengo, and sitting down there with his people, began a new Plantation, and manag'd it with such industry, that in short time he Planted Gardens, and could not onely himself eat the Fruit of the Ground, but also afford some to those of Lovando.

The Dutch therefore grew jealous of him, * 1.82 as having heard farther, that he to strengthen himself, had taken away all the Ammunition from Massingan, doubled his Guards in Bengo, and deliver'd out Powder and Ball to his Souldiers, expecting an addition of two hundred men out of Bahia: And therefore to pre∣vent any future inconveniencies, it was concluded to send a Party of Souldi∣ers privately to surprize the Leaguer of the Portuguese; And to that end, in May, Sixteen hundred forty three, there went out about a hundred men, who in the Evening came near the Camp: the Centinel, upon the first discovery of them gave fire, and was seconded by the rest of the Souldiers; whereupon the Dutch fell on: * 1.83 and being come to the Market-place, the Guard lying before the Go∣vernors House, Sally'd out upon them, as also did the Moradores, with their Snap-hanses, but were quickly routed, and twenty kill'd, and as many woun∣ded: The rest, among which the Governor himself was one, were taken pri∣soners, and with the Plunder and Spoil of all brought to Lovando Saint Paulo, and from thence sent to Taernabock in Brasile; onely the Governor Petro Coesar de Meneses, with some of the chiefest they kept prisoners there.

The Portuguese seem'd highly discontent at these Transactions, * 1.84 which they shew'd in their Declarations and Letters sent to Lisbon; firmly maintaining them to be contrary to their ten years Truce, concluded in the year Sixteen hundred forty one; which according to the first, second, and eighth Articles was instantly to begin in Europe, and beyond Europe, as soon as tidings could come of it: Adding further, that they had accordingly sent notice, but on the contrary, the Hollanders sent instructions to Houtebeene their Admiral in Ame∣rica, to subdue all they could.

Till the year Sixteen hundred forty eight, * 1.85 the Netherlanders possess'd this Ci∣ty; at which time the Portuguese regain'd it by Treaty, on the one and twen∣tieth of August; and accordingly on the four and twentieth of the same Moneth, the Dutch march'd from thence.

While the Hollanders held it, * 1.86 they erected a Fort on the Northside of the Ri∣ver Quansa, to hinder the Portuguese going up and down; to which they gave the name of Molls, being two and thirty paces long, and twenty broad, made up with Planks and Pallisadoes, and fill'd with Earth; the top about four foot thick, furnish'd with Port-holes, and grown round about with Bushes, where were Planted four Pieces of Ordnance, with a Guard of Souldiers.

¶ MOst of the Inhabitants are Idolaters, * 1.87 and have their Moquisies and Idols made of Wood, in the midst of their Cities and Towns; giving them particular names, and swearing by them usually, but in their more particular Adjurations, they follow the Customs and Frantick Humors of the Ganga: whereof we spake not long since, with this onely addition, That at last the Conjurer or Ganga takes a red hot Iron, and strokes every one with it over their Arms or Legs; yet the place touch'd therewith, receives no damage by burn∣ing in the body of any, but the guilty: And this Superstition hath so won up∣on their infidelity, that the very Children of the Countrey in trivial matters put it in practice: But the Fathers of the Christian Religion, would severely punish the same, if it should come to their knowledge.

Most of their woodden Idols are made up in the shape of a Goat, with a Tor∣toise head, feet of Beasts, and small bones of Elephants, which they call by a ge∣neral name Ganganjumba, through which (they say) the Devil speaks to them.

For the service of these Idols they have Priests call'd Ganga's, which they

adore like gods, for they think, that their lives, health, * 1.88 nay the preservation of all things lies in their power; as that they have the command of Rain and Wind, cause fertility or barrenness upon the ground; inflict sicknesses, and restore health, for indeed they know how in some manner to administer Phy∣sick.

In short, all the Blacks of Angola (till of late) liv'd in Paganism, using a Dance, by them call'd Quimboara, in which they say the Devil certainly en∣ters one of them, and out of him informs them of future, and answers to past events. But now many of them, by the endeavour of the Portugal Jesuites, * 1.89 have been brought to the Catholick Religion, especially in the year fifteen hundred eighty four; at which time many thousands receiv'd Baptism: inso∣much, that in Fifteen hundred and ninety, there were above twenty thousand Families of Angolians found that were Christians; and in the same year, fifteen hundred more were converted; the Portuguese to this day labour very much in the same good Work.

Every Sova hath a Chaplain in his Banza or Village, to Christen Children, and Celebrate Mass, which on many works effectually to their confirmation; though others in publick appearing Christians, yet in private adhere to their damnable Idolatry.

The Supervising and Command of Lovando Sante Paulo, * 1.90 and the rest of An∣gola, subject to the King of Portugal, in matters of State, lies in the hands of a Governor, two Bradores; or Burgesses, and one Ovidor, or Chief Justice, for matters Criminal, and two Judges call'd Jeuses, with one Secretary.

The King of Portugal hath great Revenues from Angola, * 1.91 partly by the yearly Tributes of the Sovasen, and partly by the Customs and Taxes set upon Expor∣ted and Imported Goods and Slaves. This Revenue, for all Rights and free Transportation to Brazil, Rio dela Plata, and other places, is said to amount to a great summe of Money yearly; which in Lisbon is Farm'd to one, or more, by the name of Contractadore, who keeps his Factor in Lovando, in the nature, and with the authority of Consul; deciding all matters of Trade, and Money∣businesses: He hath to attend him one Secretary, two Notaries, and two Porte∣ras, or Door-keepers.

The Church-Government of the Portuguese in Lovando a Bishop manages, * 1.92 who is Suffragan of him of the Island of Sante Thombe, by reason that Island pre∣scribes antiquity, and as shewing the first claims to be there the Mother-Church of the Christians.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Angola is the name of the Governors, and not of the Countrey.
• * 1.2

  It is rightly call'd Dongo.
• * 1.3

  Borders.
• * 1.4

  The River Quansa.
• * 1.5

  Its original.
• * 1.6

  Course.
• * 1.7

  The Island Massander.
• * 1.8

  Motchiama.
• * 1.9

  The River Lucala.
• * 1.10

  Territories of the King∣dom of Augola.
• * 1.11

  The City Lovando Saint Paulo.
• * 1.12

  Ilamba.
• * 1.13

  Dominions of the Terri∣tory of Ilamba.
• * 1.14

  Ikollo.
• * 1.15

  Ensaka.
• * 1.16

  Massingan.
• * 1.17

  The Tertltory of Kam∣bamba.
• * 1.18

  The Territory of Em∣bakka.
• * 1.19

  Constitution of the Air, and Sicknesses.
• * 1.20

  Pox.
• * 1.21

  Beriberi.
• * 1.22

  Boasi.
• * 1.23

  Embasser.
• * 1.24

  Small Pox.
• * 1.25

  The nature of the Soil
• * 1.26

  Plants.
• * 1.27

  Anones.
• * 1.28

  Guajaves.
• * 1.29

  Arosses.
• * 1.30

  Gegos.
• * 1.31

  Tamarinds.
• * 1.32

  Pepper.
• * 1.33

  Pon del Colra.
• * 1.34

  Mandihoka.
• * 1.35

  The Shape.
• * 1.36

  How the Root Mendi∣koka is ground to Meal.
• * 1.37

  One Aroben is thirty two Pounds.
• * 1.38

  The Gumm Almesiga.
• * 1.39

  The Tree call'd Mo∣suma.
• * 1.40

  The Tree Likonde.
• * 1.41

  Sugar-Canes.
• * 1.42

  Gestait. Tulp. Obs. 3. ••. 56.
• * 1.43

  Goulongo.
• * 1.44

  Poysonous Beasts.
• * 1.45

  Minia, or Embamma.
• * 1.46

  How they are taken.
• * 1.47

  A Medicine in them.
• * 1.48

  The Inhabitants are Idle.
• * 1.49

  Several sorts of People.
• * 1.50

  Their Houses.
• * 1.51

  Their Food.
• * 1.52

  Language.
• * 1.53

  Marriage.
• * 1.54

  Funeral.
• * 1.55

  The punishment of Of∣fences.
• * 1.56

  Clothes are their Money.
• * 1.57

  Simbo's, or little Horn-Shells.
• * 1.58

  Trade.
• * 1.59

  Anna Xinga cannot come to the Crown.
• * 1.60

  She is several times over∣••••••••••.
• * 1.61

  She keeps her self secret.
• * 1.62

  She is warlike.
• * 1.63

  Her Idolatry.
• * 1.64

  She sacrificeth men.
• * 1.65

  Ruin'd Oando.
• * 1.66

  Angola Sodesie is chosen King.
• * 1.67

  Dwelling plac•• of the Kings.
• * 1.68

  The King onely may keep Peacocks.
• * 1.69

  The Dominions of Ango∣la are govern'd by Senasea.
• * 1.70

  Their Command.
• * 1.71

  Their dwelling places.
• * 1.72

  The co••quer'd Sovasen must pay tribute to the Por∣tuguese.
• * 1.73

  The City Lovando Sante Paulo overcome.
• * 1.74

  For what reason it was undertaken by the Nether∣landers.
• * 1.75

  The Fleet set Sail from Fernabuck.
• * 1.76

  They come to Cabo Negro.
• * 1.77

  The enemy leaves the City
• * 1.78

  Booty.
• * 1.79

  Meneses complains of wrong.
• * 1.80

  The answer of the Nether∣landers.
• * 1.81

  An agreement between the Enemy and the Nether∣landers.
• * 1.82

  The Enemy began to be supported.
• * 1.83

  They were deseated.
• * 1.84

  The discontent of the Por∣tuguese upon subduing the City.
• * 1.85

  Lovando subdu'd again by the Portuguese.
• * 1.86

  The Fort Molls.
• * 1.87

  Religion.
• * 1.88

  Ganga's, or worshippers of the Devil.
• * 1.89

  The Angolians become Christians.
• * 1.90

  Government of the City Lovando Sante Paulo by the Portuguese.
• * 1.91

  The Revenues of the King of Portugal from Angola.
• * 1.92

  Church-Government.