BOOK IV.
These Endeavours us’d by Spain to shut out the Monsters of Heresy, dispell’d the Dread spread abroad by Drake, and his Reasons for Digressions. Example in the North and South Seas. And since his coming to Ternate, oblig’d us to write all these Particulars, we could not, once they began to have any Place in this Relation, forbear making it perfect by delivering the Success of them. A compleat History is the Witness of Times, the Light of Truth, the Life of Memory, and in fine the Mistress of Life. Therefore, to perform the Duty incumbent on it from such important Employments, it is not to spare any notable Digressions; especially when they deviate but little from the main Subject, and have some Connexion with it. This here is due to a most prudent Action of King Philip IId. and his Ministers; and shows his Catholick Indignation against Sectaries, and his Zeal for preserving the Faithful of his Indies untainted, and improving the Disposition in the Souls of Idolaters, towards drawing them to the Faith. It demonstrates how he compass’d the whole World by Means of his Commanders, that he might introduce the said Faith in all Corners thereof; to the Reputation of his Watchfulness in the Service of this Mistical Empire, which is now Militant, in order to its being Triumphant. For this Reason it is absolutely Necessary, not to conceal Sarmiento’s Resolution, nor to leave him in those remote Seas, till we have brought him back to Spain, and then we will return to the Molucco Islands, which were in the mean while busy about their own Destruction.
Sarmiento did not go up to the great City he discover’d at a Distance, because he would not depart from his Ship, to which he return’d, leaving us still desirous to be throughly satisfi’d of so strange a Thing. By the Way he found two extraordinary long Cloaks, or Barbarian Blankets, made of Sheep-Skins, with the Wooll on, and a pair of Shoes made of raw Hides to bind about the Feet, which the Indians could not carry off, thro’ the fearful Precipitation of their Flight. They continu’d their Discovery, South Coast. and the Wind oblig’d them to strike over to the Southern Coast, five Leagues distant from Our Lady of the Vale; and tho’ the cold Winds blew, they found this Country more Temperate than the others. It is inhabited by proper People, has wild and tame Cattel, and Game, as was declar’d by Philip, so they call’d an Indian they brought over, in Honour to King Philip. It produces Cotton, a certain Sign of its being Temperate; and Cinnamon, by them call’d Cabea. The Air is very serene, and the Stars appear bright, so that they are plainly to be observ’d, lay’d down, and describ’d. Sarmiento says it is useful in those Parts to observe the Crozier, which is 30 Degrees above the Antartick Pole, and that he made use of it, for taking of Latitudes, as we do in our Hemisphere of the North Star, Observations for Sailors. tho’ with another Sort of Computation. And in Regard that the Crozier does not serve all the Year, he sought out another Polar Star, nearer to the Pole, of a shorter Computation, but general and perpetual; and he us’d such Industry, that he discover’d, and ascertain’d it by Observations, and Experiments of several clear Nights. He settled the Stars in the Crozier, and two other Croziers, and two other Polar Stars, which take a very small Compass; this he did for the common Benefit of curious Sailors. Notwithstanding all these Tokens, and the Incouragement of humane Curiosity, no Man has ever gone to those Towns, which had such promising Signs of Civility; tho’ those rude Giants did not seem to confirm those Appearances of a well-settled Country. Sarmiento ran along the Streight, Sarmiento comes into the North Sea. never ceasing to sound, and lay it down till he came to a Cape, he call’d, Of the Holy Ghost, from which to that of the Virgin Mary, there are 110 Leagues from the South to the North Sea. Here they began to order their Course with due Difference. They saw Whales, and on the Shores, Thickets of several unknown Plants. They ran thro’ Storms and Dangers, surprizing even to such experienced Sailors as they were. They all vow’d Offerings to Churches, Alms, and Pilgrimages to Places of Devotion in Spain, with other solemn Engagements, on which fearful Mortals in Danger, devoutly ground and encourage their Hopes. The Tempest ceas’d, and on the 25th of March, about Midnight, Sarmiento saw a low white Rainbow, opposite to the Moon, which was moving against it; and it was occasion’d by Repercussion of her Rays, which fell by Refraction on the opposite Clouds. He says, That neither he nor any other Person, ever saw, heard, or read of the like; but by his good Leave, in Albericus Vespusius’s Epitome of Voyages, we read that the same happen’d in the Year 1501, in that same Place, where both of them taking the Sun’s Altitude, they found him in 23 Degrees large, which is as good as 15 Leagues. This Day they were within the Tropick of Capricorn. Proceeding forward, they lost their Reckoning, and the Hopes of recovering it, for Want of Mathematical Instruments; but on the first of April, 1580, at Night, they discover’d, and observ’d the Polar-Star of the Triangle in 21 Degrees; and on the 10th of the same Month, they saw the Anchors at the Island Ascention. Island of the Ascention, at eight Leagues Distance. They anchor’d there, found Water, and saw several Crosses, erected by some Portugueses, who in their Way to India, were cast away there by a Storm, and the Living, out of Devotion, set them up on the Graves of those that dy’d. On one of them they found a Board nail’d, with this Inscription, Don John de Castel Rodrigro, Commodore, arriv’d here with five India Ships, on the 13th of May, 1576. Near to it, Sarmiento set up another, as a Memorial, that the first Ship coming from Peru, touch’d there, having pass’d thro’ the Streight from the South to the North-Sea, on the King’s Account, with the Occasion of his Voyage. This Island abounds in Sharks, which are Ravenous Birds. Sea-Monsters, Fish, and a Sort of such greedy and troublesome Fowl, that they make at whatsoever they see. They took the Ensigns Hat off his Head, to snatch away a Letter he had stuck in it. He sav’d his Hat, by clapping up his Hand immediately, but lost the Letter, which they pull’d away by force; and afterwards they saw a Fray in the Air, the others endeavouring to take it from that Harpy, which first snatch’d it away. This Island lies in 7 Degrees and a half of South Latitude, and it is very observeable, that tho’ the Spaniards were very attentive to their Compass, and took so many Precautions for their Security, yet such was the Force of the several Currents, that when they thought they were 60 Leagues from Pernambuco East and West, at the River of Virtues, on the Coast of Brazil, they found themselves 400 Leagues to the Eastward; so that the Currents deceiv’d, and drove them 340 Leagues from the Point they had settled by the Degree of Latitude. Sarmiento discourses largely upon this Effect, charging the Sea-Charts with Falshood, and being ignorantly laid down. Dreadful Tempests ensu’d, till on the 28th of April, on the Coast of Guinea he discover’d Sierra Liona, abounding in Gold, and Blacks. Then the Islands they call of Idols, and beyond them those of Vixagaos, inhabited by stout Black Archers, who shoot poison’d Arrows, wherewith, such as are wounded, presently dye raving. On the 8th of May they all fell sick on the Coast of Guinea, of Fevers, Lameness, Swellings, and Imposthumations in their Gums, which in that Country prove Mortal, by Reason of the Excessive Heat, and then for Want of Water; but Heaven reliev’d them with seasonable Rain. When they labour’d to make the Islands of Cabo Verde for some Refreshment, the Winds drove them off. They bore up without finding Land, or any Ship, till on the 22d of May, being in 15 Degrees 40 Minutes of North Latitude, they descry’d two Sail. Sarmiento believ’d they had been Portugueses, and was desirous to make up to hale them; but upon better Observation perceiv’d, the one was a Tall Ship, the other a Sloop, both of them French, who pursu’d and endeavour’d to get to Windward of him. The Sloop came foremost to view our Ship, which made good its Advantage. When they Fight with the French. were come in Sight of the Island of Santiago, the French held up a Naked Sword, and then fir’d some Shot. The Spaniards answer’d with their Muskets, which was then done by both Sides, and several French Men fell, tho’ on our Side never a Man was kill’d, but some wounded, and then they fled more swiftly than they had pursu’d. Those on the Island beheld the Ingagement, and thinking it had been Counterfeit, and both the Ships French, they stirr’d not out to Succour either. When the Pirate was quite fled, a Caravel of Algarve arriv’d coming from Portugal, which discover’d the Pirate’s Name, and Strength; declaring he had 85 Men in the Ship, and 25 in the Sloop, and among them a Portuguese Pilot. That he had plunder’d four other Ships, and the said Caravel, at Cape Blanco, on the Coast of Africk; and at the Island of May, not far from Santiago, had sunk another Caravel, belonging to the Royal Navy, which was sailing for Brazil, in order to People Paraguay; where the English had of late Years built Towns, intermarrying with, and being attracted by the Love, and Children they had by the Tapuyer Indian Women.
Sarmiento at Cabo Verde. Sarmiento Landed at Cabo Verde, the Custom-House of which City yearly is worth to the King 100000 Ducats. There are always in it 20000 Blacks, because of the settled Trade for them. Before he Anchor’d, there came Boats from the Shore, to view his Ship, and he telling them, he came from Peru, through the Streights of Magellan, they were amaz’d. They return’d to give an Account to their Governor Gaspar de Andrade, and told him, That those that came in the Ship, were Men of several Shapes, Deform’d, and Ill-look’d, and others with long tangled Hair and Locks. These were some Indians of Peru and Chile. As for the Rest Sarmiento has these Words, As to our being Ill-look’d, they did not wrong us; for besides that we had no effeminate Countenances, the Powder and Sweat of our Volleys of small Shot, a little before, had not set us off to any Advantage; and, in short, we had more mind to some Water than to look like Beaus. However, neither he nor his Men went Ashore, till they had satisfy’d a Pratick Master that none of them were infected with the Plague. The next Day they Landed bare-Foot, in Procession, with Crosses, and Images, repairing to the Church of our Lady of the Rosary, where they gave Thanks, Alms, and other effects of their Vows, with extraordinary Joy; for every Storm is so much Honour, when recounted in safe Harbour. They Confess’d, and receiv’d the Blessed Sacrament at a Mass they had Vow’d to cause to be said. The Governor, Don Bartholomew Leytao, Entertain’d, and made much of them, tho’ at first he would not believe they had pass’d the Streight. The Sick were Cured, and the Ship and Boat which were much shatter’d, re-fitted. The main Design of this Voyage, which was to Fight Drake, and provide the proper Defence against the Designs of the Enemy, had not been compass’d; and therefore Sarmiento, having Fought the French Ship, and Sloop, which appear’d again, alarming that Coast, and both of them flying back with all speed, after being Shatter’d and Beaten, to the Island Mayo, or of May, the common Shelter of Robbers; He redoubled his Watchfulness, and went on to get Intelligence of the English, as well those that pass’d the Streight with Drake, as of those new Planters in Brazil, or Paraguay; as also of the Inclination of the Subjects of the Crown of Portugal, to submit to King Philip, or Don Antony. A Pilot of Algarve inform’d him, That the Intelligence he receives. Year before, betwixt Ayamonte and Tavira, two English Merchants, speaking of the Indies, assured him, that Drake was gone thro’ into the South Sea; and by the Time, the News agreed with what the Indians of the Streight had signify’d to him by Signs; and that he arriv’d safe in England, with two Ships fraught with Gold and Silver of that notable Robbery, which he presented to the Queen. She fitted out five other Ships, with three Years Provision, to return to the Streights of Magellan, to seek out those that had been lost there; and Drake eight more. That the first five were already gone in Decemb. last. That the Merchants had entrusted him with that Secret, taking him for a Portuguese, and who, as such, would not discover it to the Spaniards. By the French he was informed, That as soon as they had brought off some Ships with Blacks from Castro Vedre, they would go over to the Island Margarita, and thence to the North-ward, from the Island of Santo Domingo to Yaguana, whence they came not above four Months since, Loaded with Hides, and Sugar. That they had kill’d Captain Barbudo, in the Island Margarita, in Revenge for the English he had slain. That having taken the Governor of Brazil, they again set him at Liberty. That all their Pilots are Portugueses. He was also told by others who came from thence, and by Captains of Reputation, who were English in Paraguay. returning thither, that in the Bay of Paraguay, near Rio de Janeyro, which is in 21 Degrees, 12 Minutes South Latitude, there had been for eight Years last past, Colonies of English among the Tapujers; with whom for the three last Years, the Portuguese were at War, and had kill’d most of them.
That it is suppos’d the Natives, who are Man-Eaters, had devour’d most of those that fled up the Country. He pick’d up other Intelligence from England, concerning their Navies, their Colonies in those Parts, and Design of Usurping the Molucco Islands with all their Strength, and to render themselves Invincible Masters of the Spice. They dispatch’d a Boat, with these Advices to the Viceroy of Peru; for Sarmiento could not return himself by the way of Brazil and Paraguay, because the force of the Currents had drove him away into the Main Sea, East-ward. Before his Departure, Sarmiento Strangles his Ensign, and Punishes others. he caus’d his Ensign to be Strangled, as a Traytor to his King, to the Dishonour of his Post, and an Obstructor of the Discovery. Two other Soldiers he Bannish’d, one of them from the Indies, and shew’d Severity to some of the Company, on Account of the same Crime, which, it was believ’d, had not been so fully prov’d upon them, as is requisite for inflicting the usual Punishment.
From this Port he sail’d to the Westward, till he came to the Channel between the Island Fuego and that of Santiago, where one of the Ships that came out with him stay’d. Steering Norwest, one Point over or under, Advice-Boat sent the Viceroy of Peru. for that is the Course to the Island S. Anton, he thence dispatch’d the Advice Boat for the Viceroy of Peru, with eight Men, commanded by Ferdinand Alonso. In thirteen Days more he pass’d betwixt the Island Graciosa, one of the Azores, small, but fruitful, and populous, and that of S. George, in which he saw prodigious high Fires. Those he afterwards found verified Conflagration in the Island of S. George. by the Bishop, at Angra, where he resides. That on the first of June that same Year, there were dreadful Earthquakes in the Island of S. George, Voices of Devils were heard, and among other wonderful Effects, the Earth open’d in three Places, whence Streams of Fire ran as far as the Sea. Those continu’d, and seven more broke out, casting forth as many Rivulets of Liquid Fire; one of which ran round an Hermitage, and nine Men running to save some Bee-Hives from being burnt, another Mouth open’d, which swallow’d seven of them, and sing’d the other two. So much Ashes fell like Rain upon the Earth, that it was cover’d a Span deep, and in short, all the Island was on Fire. Sarmiento held on his Course, and on the 18th of June, arriv’d at the City Angra, on the Island Tercera, the Chief of the Azores, where also came in a Ship from the Town of Bernambuco, and another from Baya de todos os Santos, in Brazil. These being ask’d, What they knew of the English, assur’d him, That in November last past there came five White Men, with fifteen Indians, who were going to Isleos, and the Portuguese Towns by Land; and going along the Shore, they on a sudden, at Rio de las Cuentas, lighted upon an English Sloop. Seven of the Some English in Brazil. Men were ashore drying their Sails, and as soon as they saw the Travellers they fled. The Portuguese persisted pursuing them; but the English letting fly some Arrows, held on their Flight, two of them up the Mountain, and the other five along the Coast, till they got into the Sloop. They cut their Cables, and left behind them two large Carriages for Guns.
The Travelers desir’d them to come ashore, and offer’d them Meat, and all other Necessaries, assuring them they meant no Harm. They answer’d, they would not come, and show’d Muskets, Cross-bows and Pikes, pointing a small Gun, to fire at them. It was then Ebb, and they departed six Leagues from thence, to sail near the River de las Cuentas. That at the Island Cape, over-against Camamu, another Portuguese Ship, that knew nothing of this Sloop, lighted on it, when there were only three English Men left in her, the rest being kill’d ashore, with Arrows by the Natives. In short, the Sloop was cast away, five Men of it being taken, who declar’d, that it came with a Squadron of ten Ships, in which a certain great Englishman An English Squadron. pass’d the Streights of Magellan. That they return’d thence Coasting along, to plant a Colony in the most convenient Place for their Purpose, the Admiral having 500 Men aboard for that End. Four Hundred of them were Soldiers, the rest Seamen, and other Mechanicks. That all this Squadron Anchor’d in an Island of Cainbals, or Man-Eaters, and a Storm rising, nine of them sail’d away, but the Admiral not being able to get from her Anchors time enough, was Cast away, none being sav’d but those that came The Admiral cast-away. in the Sloop, and they escap’d by being then gone to Water. One of these five was 35 Years of Age, and an able Mathematitian. He affirm’d, That those who escap’d the Storm, would soon return to the Coast of Brazil, with a numerous Fleet. Among other Particulars, he told them, that they found an Inscription with the King of Spain’s Arms, in that part of the Island Cananca, where they were, which their Commander in chief took away, and set up in the Place of it another, with those of England. Besides all this, three of those Ships that escap’d the Storm, coming before the Portuguese Town of Rio de Janeiro, to make the Cape, and find out the other six, the Governor of that Place, sent out four Canoes to take Cognisance of them, which on a sudden fell in with another Long-Boat belonging to the English, who, as soon as they spy’d the Canoes, made away, but could not do it so fast as to save all. They took Three, and the Governor sent them to Bahia; but the Ships made away with all their Sails. The Prisoners own’d, That in case they met with their Ships at the Cape, they English at Brazil. were resolv’d to go to Parayba, or Pernambuco. In other Respects they agreed with the Account given by those in the Sloop. The English arriv’d at Brazil about November, 1579, at the same Time that Sarmiento was seeking for the Streight; and this agrees with the confuse Signs the Brutish Indians of those Parts made to him, as he Touch’d on their Coasts. His chief Care being to enquire into these Matters, he was inform’d by the Ship of theirs cast-away. Corregidor, that is the Governor in Civil Affairs of Angra, that on the second of November, that same Year, another English Ship was Cast-away at Gualva, a Town two Leagues distant from that City, with six Men in it, two whereof, and a Black were sav’d. It appear’d there had been 300 Men in the Ship, and much Wealth, which was thrown into the Sea, during the Storm. That they were going to plant Colonies in India, and most of the Men dy’d on the Coast of Guinea; and perhaps this might be one of the nine Ships aforesaid. The People of Gualva drew out of the Sea fifteen heavy pieces of cast Iron Cannon, but could not get out several others. The fifteen are of an extraordinary Magnitude, as it were for some settled Fort. To conclude, he was inform’d, and Time has since verified it, that they were preparing in those Northern Parts to rob us of the Treasure of Metals, and Spice there is in those Countries, and in exchange to Introduce their Sects. The final Success of both the Spanish and the English Admirals, was that they arriv’d safe in their respective Countries, forsaken Drake’s Treasure seiz’d. by the Vice-Admirals. Drake return’d to London, with an immense Treasure, which the Queen seiz’d, alledging, That Don Barnardino de Menoza, then the Spanish Embassador at that Court, demanded Restitution, as belonging to his K. and the rest of it taken from his Subjects; but she adjudg’d it to her own Cofers, in Recompence for the Dammage sustain’d, when the Spaniards supported her Rebels in Ireland. Drake was not enrich’d by his Robberies, nor did he gain any Reputation by his Actions; but on the contrary he was slighted in England, either because they knew what he did was not Honourable, or that generally a Man’s own Country is Sarmiento in Spain. ungrateful to him. Sarmiento departing from Angra with a fair Wind, discover’d the Coast of Spain on the 7th of August, and arriv’d at Cape S. Vincent, full of Intelligence and News from so great a Part of the World, and of the Designs of several Nations, and the Crown of Portugal. His Arrival, and Account produc’d the fitting out of other Fleets, and fresh Preparations in Spain, and in the Indies, which extended to the Relief of the remotest Parts. One of them was the Reducing of Ternate, and the sending over one hundred Spanish Families, arm’d, provided and examin’d, as to Quality and Virtue, to be the first Inhabitant of those Desarts upon the Streight. They carry’d Tools, Arms, Instructions, and all Necessaries to fortifie the narrow Parts of it. Sarmiento went as Chief, and Governour of those Dominions. This Project prov’d unsuccessful, and in the general Opinion of all Men, it was through the Fault of the Genéral Sancho Flores. Afterwards Sarmiento was taken, and set at Liberty in England where he had Conferences with the Queen and Drake upon this Subject, whence he drew Information for the Execution of greater Designs.
King Henry of Portugal dyes. This Year King Henry Dy’d in Portugal, when he had Reign’d but thirteen Months. Five Governours had the Administration during the Interregnum, and were disturb’d by the Arming of Don Antonio, within the Kingdom, and by King Philip’s Forces already advancing into the Frontiers. So that neither Government could do any more than consult about the present Exigencies; which at that Time were neither perfect Peace nor open War, there being Hopes that they would lay down their Arms, and joyn with their true Prince, whom the Portuguese is wont to Love, as a Father, rather than as a King. However there were some Troubles, and Commotions. Private Discord is an inseparable incident to all Governments, and that draws the Thoughts of Men after it, and is often the Original of general Calamities, tho’ it be moderated, or justify’d by a sincere Zeal.
King Philip enter’d Lisbon supporting his Right by his Power, and King Philip the II. at Lisbon. whilst the other Provinces, which compose that Monarchy in Spain, Africk, Asia, and the East-Indies submitted to him, he bestow’d Favours, gave Laws, confirm’d the Old, ratified Priviledges, and gain’d Affections by his Presence, and a General Pardon, which he extended to those who had offended him. On the 15th of November 1582, he swore to observe those Laws establish’d by his Predecessors, and particularly by King Emanuel, as then next Heir to the Crowns of Spain, for himself and his Son, Prince Michael, whom God took to a better Kingdom in his Infancy. Those Laws were afterwards sworn to by King Sebastian, and all of them imported, that all Honours, Employments, Benefices, and the Management of the Revenue of the Crown, with all other Commands by Sea and Land, in Portugal, Africk, India, the Islands and all other Parts already conquered, or to be conquer’d by that Crown, shall be in the Hands of Natural born Portugueses. And by the 24th Chapter of these Laws, it was establish’d, that in fitting out Fleets He Swears to maintain the Laws. for India, or otherwise for Defence of the Kingdom, or suppressing of Pyrates, the King should take the necessary Measures with the Kingdom of Portugal, though he should use the Assistance of his Majesties other Dominions. They were sensible that this favourable Law, without infringing the Antient Laws, made way for employing the Forces of the Crown of Castile, in the Recovery, or Preservation of the Kingdoms of the Eastern Archipelago, where at that Time the Christians suffer’d Martyrdom, without any Opposition. And the King for the Recovery of Ternate, especially consider’d the Conveniency of the Philippine Islands, which lie more opportune than India; the Justness of which Reflection has been confirm’d by the Event.
India at this Time was govern’d by the Viceroy Fernan Tellez, to whom King Philip the second Writ, representing how favourable an Opportunity he had to do God good Service, to secure the Tranquility of Christendom, and settle Peace, which inestimable Advantages would be owing to his Fidelity and Care, if through them those Provinces should be united to the Monarchy, without any Trouble, by continuing Loyal, and providing that the Tributary Kings should do the same. He put him in Mind that Services India submits to him. become the more valuable by the surmounting of the greatest Difficulties, and gave him good Hopes of a Reward, which would have been fulfill’d, had he come home to see the Effects of them and his Services. But Fernan Tellez had no need of any such Promises, or of the Perswasions which are as good as Commands, contain’d in Letters from Ministers of State, and sent with the King’s Letter. These being sent over Land, came Tellez the Viceroy Loyal. to his Hands in six Months, and he either preserving, or gaining their Affections had so much Forecast as to confirm the King, Princes, and Sangiacks, who, in those remote Parts, pay subjection to the Crown of Portugal; before he knew any thing of the Orders sent him, or of the additional Estate the King was pleas’d to confer on him. By his Authority he disappointed some Projects of Confederacies, set a foot for the recovering of their Former Liberty, hoping by the Example of the King of Ternate, that the Revolutions in Europe might turn to their Advantage. But in despight of these Contradictions and Changes, Fernan Tellez so far prevailed, as that the Religious Mendicants, and the Jesuits, continu’d the preaching of the Gospel, with such Fervour, that they defy’d even Tyranny it self. The Conversions of Idolater Princes are truly and elegantly related in the Writings and Books of the Missions of the Society, and other Ecclesiastical Histories; so that they excite, and inflame Devotion in the Breasts of such as read them. There may be seen, how the Truth was embrac’d, with all possible Affection; how hastily, and eagerly they learn’d the Catechism; what Rejoycings the Catechumens made on the Day they were baptiz’d; Queens, and Princesses worshipping the Images of Saints; and sweeping the new Churches, and Chappels with their own Hands; with what Attention, and Exactness they honour’d the Ceremonies of the Church, and lastly, how they frequented the Sacraments, and improv’d in Christianity.