Chapter XVI: Front Matter (16)

After this miserable Adventure, the Business of _Florida_ lay dead for eleven years, till _Ferdinandus Sottus_, chosen Governor of _Cuba_, obtain’d so much of the Emperor _Charles_ the Fifth, that he ventur’d one Expedition more for _Florida_: Besides Seamen he carried five hundred Foot, and three hundred and fifty Horse; with which Landing in the Bay _Del Espirito Santo_, he march’d against the Casique _Vitacucho_, whom he took Prisoner, with a thousand of the Natives, whom he either put to the Sword, or caus’d them to be torn in pieces by Dogs; and staying all the Winter in _Apalache_, fortifi’d that place, and furnish’d himself with Provisions; he was inform’d, that thirteen days Journey from thence lay the Kingdom of _Cofachiqui_, abounding with Gold, Silver, and Pearls, which made every one of the _Spaniards_ very desirous to go thither, notwithstanding the Way was very dangerous; for the valiant _Floridans_ lying in Ambuscade in the Corn-Fields, wounded and kill’d many of them by Shooting from thence. _Sottus_, so soon as _March_ approached, set forward on his Way. In the poor Province of _Achalaqui_ he found a few young People, and the old most of them blind. From _Cofachiqui_ he was follow’d by four thousand Natives, who carried the _Spaniards_ Luggage, and serv’d them as Guides through Woods and Wildernesses. The seventh day they stopp’d at a great River, whither _Sottus_ sent four Companies to seek out a Passage over, whereof three return’d without any effect, but the fourth, Commanded by Captain _Annasio_, and a Colonel of a thousand _Cofachiquians_, came to a Village built along the River; in which they made a miserable Rout, killing all they lighted on, and hanging the Sculls of the Dead by their sides: this done, they march’d back. _Sottus_ at last espying a Village on the other side of the River, beckned to the Natives to come over to him; whereupon six came immediately; who understanding that he desir’d their friendly Assistance and Trade, promis’d to acquaint their Governess, being a young Maiden: who soon after came over to _Sottus_, and presented him with a String of Pearl: he complain’d to her for Provisions, which she promis’d in part to store him with. Crossing the River he found a brave Countrey, where were Pearls as big as gray Pease, Copper of a golden colour, but no Gold. Out of the Tombs of their Princes the _Spanish_ Officers, with the leave of the fore-mention’d Maid their Governess, got an incredible Treasure in Pearls. In the Village _Tolomeco_ they did the like. But here their Provisions growing scarce, the Army was divided into two Bodies, _Balthasar de Gallegos_ leading one, and _Sottus_ the other; yet the Design of them both was on the Province of _Chalaque_; whither marching, they were surpris’d by such a violent Storm, that few would have been left to relate their Adventures, had not the Trees bore it off from them; for it not onely Thundred and Lightned as if Heaven and Earth would have met, but also Hail-stones fell down as big as Eggs, which beat down the Boughs of Trees. In the pleasant Valley _Xualu_, belonging to the Kingdom of _Cofachiqui_, they rested fifteen days, and then march’d through Countreys of _Guaxale_, _Acostes_, and _Coza_, where above a thousand _Indians_, adorn’d with Plumes of Feathers and rich Furr Cloaks, came to meet and welcom them, and to desire them from the _Casique_ to stay there all the Winter; but _Sottus_ resolving to go to the Haven _Achusi_, refus’d the same. After this he view’d _Talisse_, fortifi’d with woodden and earthen Bulwarks; where the Casique _Tascalusa_, a Man as big again as an ordinary _Spaniard_, receiv’d _Sottus_ with great civility, and conducted him to _Mavilla_, lying in a pleasant place. The City, surrounded with double Pallisado’s, fill’d up with Earth between, (where also at eighty Paces distant from one another, stands a Tower to contain eighty Soldiers) hath two Gates, eighty Houses, in every one of which dwell a thousand Men, and a large Market-place in the middle; where whilst the _Spaniards_ were in the midst of their Mirth, they on a sudden heard a great cry of Arms; the first Assault was made by seven thousand, which still increased by fresh Supplies; but the _Spaniards_ at last setting the City on fire, broke through them, and left above eleven thousand slain, either by the Smoak and Flame, or by their Bullets, Swords, Horses Heels and Dogs; the _Spaniards_ also lost eighty three Men and forty three Horses. Thence going to _Chicora_ they were stopt by the Natives before a deep River with high Banks, which at last crossing, not without great trouble and blood-shedding, they Winter’d in the Village _Chicora_, where the Inhabitants let them rest very quietly for two Moneths; at the end of which, joyning together in the Night, they shot fire into the Straw Roofs, and maintain’d a Fight of two hours long, in which the _Spaniards_ lost forty Men, fifty Horses, and all their Hogs, which were burnt in the Houses. From thence going to _Chicacolla_ they were resisted in most places, and in the Fort _Alibamo_ Engag’d by four thousand _Floridans_, who waited for their coming; but those were so shrewdly handled, that half of them were slain, and _Sottus_ became Master of the Fort, as also of _Chisca_, which he Storm’d and took unawares. With no less trouble and danger did he get over the River _El Grande_, where he discover’d a Village that contain’d above four hundred Houses, and many delightful Fruit-Trees. The Casique _Casquin_, maintain’d the _Spanish_ Army six days in this place, and taking five thousand of his Subjects, march’d with them to _Capaha_, which hath a deep and broad Moat on three sides thereof: the fourth was fortifi’d with strong Pallisado’s, through which the _Spaniards_ breaking, made way for _Casquin_, who put all to the Sword, the Governor onely escaping in a _Canoo_ to a neighboring Isle. The Entrance being thus taken by the _Spaniards_, _Casquin_ return’d home. After which _Sottus_ concluded a Peace with _Capahaes_ the Governor, and took up his Quarters in the Village _Vitangue_, where he receiv’d continual Sallies; but taking fifteen _Casiques_ Prisoners, threatned to burn them alive, unless they would procure them some Gold; yet not being able to get any, they had only their Hands cut off and were sent away. Moreover, _Sottus_ help’d the _Guachacoya_’s, to ruine those of _Anilco_; which Design prov’d successful, yet not according to _Sottus_’s desire, for he found not the Gold-Mines which he expected, but spent in this five years Progress the great Treasure which he took out of _Atibaliba_’s Palace; and the Pearls which he got in _Florida_, for the Oysters being open’d against the Fire, and the Pearls drill’d through with a hot Iron, lost much of their lustre, neither would his People consent to build a City in the Haven _Achusi_. In the midst of these Transitions _Sottus_ died of the Bloody-flux, and his Body was Interr’d in the River _El Grande_. After which his Successor _Ludovicus de Alvarado_ had worse success, for half of the Army being wasted by the excessive heat, the rest resolv’d to desert _Florida_, utterly despairing to be ever able to resist the valiant Natives. In the Province of _Auche_ they procur’d a Guide, whom, because he mis-led them in their Way, they caus’d to be torn in pieces by their Dogs: after which they march’d without a Guide through such bad Ways, that they lost a hundred of their Men and eighty Horses, besides many _Floridans_ that carried their Luggage: At last coming to the River _El Grande_ they conquer’d two Villages; which fortifying, they took up their Winter Quarters in them. But this being the fourteenth year, in which the River us’d generally to overflow and drown all the adjacent Countreys, on a sudden, to their great amazement, the Wood which they had gather’d for the building of Barques to carry them home, was wash’d away, their Provisions spoil’d, and their Habitations drown’d: and to this Inconvenience was added another yet greater; for the Governors round about rais’d all the Forces they could possibly, to revenge themselves on the _Spaniards_ for their great oppression. But _Alvarado_ being inform’d of this Design by the Casique _Anilco_, caus’d thirty of the Abettors of the Plot to have their Hands cut off. Not long after this the _Spaniards_ set Sail, when a thousand _Canoos_ that came to Engage them lay sixteen days amongst them, killing and wounding several of the Seamen, and sunk a Barque with forty eight Men, and also kill’d many Horses which were yet on the Shore; the Prisoners they took were strappado’d to death, and the Horses shot: yet some of them got safe from _Panuco_ to _Mexico_.

[Sidenote: Expedition of _Ahumada_ and _Samano_.]

These above-mention’d Expeditions to _Florida_, notwithstanding they fell out unfortunately, nevertheless by the permission of _Philip_ the Second, King of _Spain_, _Peter Ahumada_ and _Julius Samano_, with five _Dominican_ Monks, made another Attempt, and Landed with several great Crosses, that thereby they might reduce the _Floridans_, whose Language they understood not, to their Faith: But they fearing treachery, resisted them, and kill’d the Monks with Clubs, flay’d them, and hung their Skins in their Temples.

[Sidenote: The Expedition of _Menendez_.]

Notwithstanding these and many worse Accidents that hapned, yet the _Spanish_ King ventur’d once more, and sent _Peter Menendez_ to _Florida_; whither he was follow’d by three _Jesuits_ from _Rome_, _viz._ _Peter Martinius_, _Joan Roger_, and _Francis Villaregius_: The Master of the Ship in which they went being ignorant where he was, judg’d it convenient to Land; whereupon nine _Netherlanders_ and four _Spaniards_, amongst which was _Martinius_, went ashore on _Florida_, whilst a Storm arising drove the Ship to _Cuba_; by which means those that were Landed were left in a miserable condition, having no Food but wild Herbs, on which they fed twelve days: so that this Expedition also came to nothing.

[Sidenote: Voyage of _Ribald_ and _Laudoniere_.]

At last the _French_ following the foot-steps of the _Spaniards_, _John Ribald_ and _Rene Laudoniere_ having Sail’d several times to _Florida_, discover’d several Coasts; but their Men were often set upon by the _Spaniards_, and cut off.

[Sidenote: The Expedition of _Dominicus Gurgius_.]

[Sidenote: Valiant Exploit of _Gurgius_.]

_Anno 1567._ _Dominicus Gurgius_ set Sail thither with three Ships, which carried two hundred Soldiers and eighty Sea-men; with which entring the River _Tacatucouru_ he Landed, and found a Youth call’d _Peter du Bre_, who escap’d when the _Spaniards_ cruelly massacred the _French_ in the Garrison _Carolina_; after which _du Bre_ ranging up and down, at last serv’d _Saturiona_, Governor of _Florida_; whom deserting, and now meeting with the _French_ his Countrey-men, he brought several _Casiques_ to joyn with them against the _Spaniards_, whom they drove out of three Forts, which were all by the Command of _Gurgius_ dismanteled.

[Sidenote: City _Augustine_.]

_Florida_ is call’d by the Natives, _Irquasa_. The _Spaniards_ have built two Forts on the same, the one erected on the Promontory _Helena_, is Consecrated to the Apostle _Matthew_. The City and the Fort _Augustine_ lies near the River _May_. Both City and Fort stand on a Hill, which is pleasant and well set with Trees. Between the _Foreland_ is a deep and wide Channel, which washes the City and Fort; it is eight-square, at each corner there stands a round Tower, in which the Soldiers keep Guard; the Countrey is water’d by two Rivers, which gliding between the _Main_ and the _Foreland_, are great Safeguards to the Fort. The City is almost square, onely against the Fort it is much closer built than in any other place, and divided into four Streets. The Church stands without of the City, and before it the _Augustine_ Cloyster.

[Sidenote: Constitution of the _Floridans_.]

[Sidenote: Their strange Consultation.]

[Sidenote: Their Food in time of War.]

[Sidenote: Their Priests are Sorcerers.]

[Sidenote: Strange actions.]

[Sidenote: Cruelty on the conquer’d.]

[Sidenote: Remarkable Mourning for the Dead.]

The Inhabitants of _Florida_ are an Olive colour, tall, and without any deformity; their Skins generally painted, and their Bodies naked, onely a Deer’s Skin about their middle, their Hair long and black, hanging down to their Hams, but most of them tie it in a Knot on the top of their Heads; two small Boards cover their Breasts, and six lesser hang on their Arms, two Bells at each Ear, and a Cap on their Head, with a Feather: Their Quivers, which are always full of Arrows, sharpned with Fish Bones, hang by their Sides; In their left-Hand they hold a great Bowe, with which they go to War, the King walking before with a Club. They Consult daily about warlike Affairs in the King’s Palace, where he himself sits on a high Seat; the Grandees salute him first with their Hands lifted over their Head, crying _Ha, He, Ya_, at which the rest cry _Ha, Ha_; then every one sits down on a Stool round about the Room. If they have any Business of Consequence to debate, then the King sends for the ancientest Persons and Priests, call’d _Jawas_; this done, they give a Cup of _Cassine_ (which is a hot Drink made of Herbs) to the King; after which every one drinks in order out of the same Cup. This Liquor occasions Sweat, quenches Thirst, and satisfies the Appetite for twenty four hours. When they March against their Enemies they live on _Indian_ Wheat, Honey, smoak’d Fish, and divers sorts of wild Roots, amongst which they mix Sand and Cinders, to preserve them the longer. No sooner are the two Armies come within sight one of another, but the Kings of both Parties roll their Eyes about in their Heads, mutter something to themselves, and make strange Gestures and Exclamations; which is answer’d by a general Cry of the whole Army: then each King turning himself with great Reverence to the Sun, takes a woodden Platter with Water, which he throws over his Army so far as he is able, and begs of the Sun to grant him, that he may spill his Enemies Blood in like manner; then throws another Dish-full into the Fire, wishing that his Soldiers may thus Offer the Bodies of their Foes to the Flames; then step forth the Priests, who are always skill’d in the Art of Necromancy, and seating themselves on a Shield in the midst of the Army, draw a Circle, in which they make many strange Gestures, not without muttering to themselves, and seemingly say a Prayer of a quarter of an hour long; during which they deport themselves so strangely, that they rather seem to be Devils themselves, than Charmers of the Devil: They turn their Eyes quite round, and their Bodies as if without Joynts; at length being wearied they leap out of the Circle, and inform the King of the number and condition of the Enemies Army. Those whom they take Prisoners they flay alive, and drying their Skins at the Fire, tie them to long Poles, and carry them home as Trophies of their Victory, and afterwards set them up in some Field or spacious place, putting both Men and Women to watch them; then comes the Priest with a woodden Image, and utters Execrations against the slain Enemies; at a corner of the Fields kneel three Men, one of which striking with great force on a Stone, gives as many Blows as the Priest pronounces Curses, whilst the other two shake their _Calabashes_ fill’d with Stones, and Sing many strange Songs: No sooner is this ended, but the Women whose Husbands are slain in the Battel, walking to the King, cover their Faces with their Hands, make many strange Gestures, and desire liberty to take what revenge they can, and licence also to Marry at the limited time; all which the King permitting, they return thus comforted home crying. Not long after they go to the place where their Husbands lie buried, where they crop their Hair up to their Ears, and throw it on the Grave, as also the Arms and Drinking-Cups which the Deceased us’d in their life-time; after which they may not Marry before their Hair be grown again to their Shoulders. The same Custom is also observ’d when their King is buried but then also all his Subjects Fast and Howl three days together, stick his Grave full of Arrows, and burn his House and all his Goods.

[Sidenote: _Floridans_ differ amongst themselves.]

The _Floridans_ differ amongst themselves very much, for those that inhabit the Province _Panuca_, which borders upon _New Spain_, are valiant and cruel People, Offering their Prisoners to their Idols, and eating them. The Men pluck up the Hair of their Beards by the Root, make holes through their Nose and Ears, and Marry not till their fortieth Year.

Next to these follow the Realms of _Aranaris_ and _Albardaosia_, inhabited by a People, which exceed all others in subtilty.

The Natives of _Jaquazia_ run faster than a Deer, and tire not though they travel a whole day.

[Sidenote: Hermophrodites.]

The best Swimmers are found in _Alpachia_, _Authia_, and _Someria_, where the Women Swim through deep and great Rivers with their Children in their Arms. Here also are many Hermophrodites, which carry all the Luggage when an Army is upon a March.

[Sidenote: Their manner of taking Crocodiles.]

[Sidenote: As also their Deer.]

We find mention’d also two other Provinces of note, _viz._ _Colas_ (which lies near the Point call’d _Cape Florida_) and _Tegista_, or _Florida_ properly so call’d, being that long _Peninsula_, which pointing upon the Isle _Cuba_, by the Cape _Los Martyres_, stretcheth it self North and South about a hundred Leagues in length, but not above thirty in breadth where it is largest. In this Province is the _Rio de lo Spirito Santo_. The Soyl, though it produces _Indian_ Wheat twice a year, yet it is never Dung’d, but when the Corn (which is planted in _March_ and _June_) is in, they burn the Weeds; the Ashes of which serves them in stead of Soil. The King divides the Corn according to every Mans Family. In the Winter they dwell four Moneths in the Woods, where they build small Huts of Palm-boughs, feed on Venison, smoak’d Fish, and Crocodiles, which have pure white Flesh, and are caught after this manner: On the Shore of the Rivers they build little Houses full of round Holes, in which they place a Watch, who is to give notice to ten or twelve Associates, cover’d all over with Boughs full of little sharp Prickles, which they thrust into the Crocodiles Throat, who with open Mouth comes running at them, and so throwing him on his Back, stick his Belly full of Arrows, and kill him with Clubs. But with more subtilty and art they take their Deer, _viz._ They hide themselves under a Stags Skin, so cunningly, that it seems as if living, which they place near the Rivers where the Deer generally come to drink, when on a sudden they shoot them.

[Sidenote: _Floridans_, though libidinous, yet live long.]

Their Priests serve in stead of Chirurgeons, wherefore they always carry a Bag full of Herbs about with them, which are chiefly good against venereal Distempers; for these People are exceeding libidinous; nay, Sodomy and defiling of young Children is accounted no sin: Yet though they are much inclin’d to Women, they attain to a great Age.

_Rene Laudoniere_ Landing not far from the City _Augustine_, situate on the Banks of the River _May_, met with the _Floridan_ Governor _Saturiona_, who conducted him to the _French_ King’s Court of Arms, erected two years before, which _Saturiona_, as a testimony of his zeal to the _French_, had Crown’d with Laurel and Flowers. _Saturiona_ had with him also his Son _Atoreus_, who had begotten divers Children on his Mother; whom his Father after that time no more acknowledging, resign’d her up wholly to him: At which time also his great Grandfather being then living, was above a hundred and fifty years old, and saw his Childrens Children to the fifth Generation.

[Sidenote: Their horrid Religion.]

The Religion in _Florida_ is abominable, wicked, and cruel: When they return Conquerors from a Battel, the old Women rake off the dry’d Hair from the fore-mention’d Poles, hold it aloft, and thank the Sun for their Victory. But the Offerings of their first-born Sons are terrible, for they knock out their Brains with a Club in the presence of the King. Their annual worshipping of the Sun is also very ridiculous; for filling the Skin of a Stag full of sweet-smelling Herbs, they hang the Horns and Neck with Garlands, and carry it with the noise of their kind of Vocal and Instrumental Musick, to a high Trunk or hollow Body of a Tree, on which they place the stuff’d Stag, with his Head towards the Sun; which done, they falling down, desire that he would please to afford them plenty of all such Fruit as they Offer to him; after which taking their leave, they let the fore-mention’d Skin remain there till the following Year.

The _Spaniards_ since their Defeat in the Fort _Carolina_, and their Engagement with Sir _Francis Drake_, _Anno 1585._ have had little disturbance on _Florida_.

[Sidenote: _Drake_’s Exploit on _Florida_.]

_Drake_ having burnt and plunder’d _Domingo_ and _Carthagena_, steer’d along the Coast of _Florida_, and discover’d a Beacon on the same; whereupon he sent out Spies, who sail’d a League up a River, on whose Banks they saw a Fort, and somewhat higher the Town _Augustine_, built full of woodden Houses; all which being related to him, he steer’d thither, fir’d his Guns twice against the Fort _St. John_; which the _Spaniards_ answering onely with one Volley, fled, with their Commander _Peter Menendez_; when the _English_ prepar’d to Storm, a Prisoner, being a _French_-man, came in a Boat from them to _Drake_, and inform’d him that the _Spaniards_ had left the City _Augustine_ and Fort _St. John_; to which _Drake_ going, found there Pallisado’s of pleited Boughs, cover’d with Earth, and a Chest with two thousand Pound, for the payment of the Soldiers, and fourteen Brass Guns, with which he set Sail from thence.

The Mountains of this Countrey are onely the _Apalatei_, suppos’d by the Natives to have rich Mines of Gold in them, and which the _Spaniards_ saw, but had not time, nor other accommodation to stay and search them, by reason they were so much wearied and wasted with a long March before they gat thither, and found the People so stout and obstinate thereabouts, that in stead of entertaining them with their Hens and Fowl, as other places had done, they were welcom’d with Blows, and made to return, leaving not a few of their best Soldiers behind.

Rivers there are many, and those very large and commodious, as 1. _Rio Secco_, or _The Dry River_, so call’d by the _Spaniards_ (as some think) because they could find no Gold in it. 2. _Rio Grande_, or _The Great River_. 3. _Ligeris._ 4. _Garunna._ 5. _Sequana_, _&c._ These last, so nam’d by the _French_, who, after the _Spaniards_, for some time had, but never held any long possession of the Countrey. There are also _Rio de Flores_, _Rio de Nieves_, and _Rio de Spirito Santo_, lesser Streams, yet all of them, with the rest, falling at several places into the great Lake of _Mexico_; and some of them not a little haunted by the _Caymans_ or _West-Indian_ Crocodiles, a Creature, as hath been said before, dangerous both at Sea and Land.

The Natives, who as yet hold Possession and Command of it for the most part, are themselves generally sorted into certain Tribes or great Families; all which are Govern’d severally by Chiefs of their own, whom they call _Paracoussi_, and by reason thereof are almost continually in Feud and War one with another.

The Towns and Places most known in this Province, are 1. _St. Helens_, seated on or near unto a Promontory of the same Name, where this Countrey bordereth on _Virginia_. 2. _Fort Charles_, or _Arx Carolina_, built and so nam’d by the _French_ King, but afterwards ruin’d by the _Spaniards_. 3. _Port Royal_, a well frequented Haven, at the Mouth of a River which beareth the same Name. More within Land there is, 1. _Apalache_, an old Town of the Natives, formerly a Place of great resort, but now a poor thing of about forty or fifty Cottages; and yet as poor as it is, _Pamphilius Narvaez_, as before related, when he search’d the Countrey, found the Natives not willing to part with it: for though he took it from them, it was not without some resistance, and they quickly recover’d it again: and at the 2. nam’d _Aute_, another old Town of theirs, nine days March from the other, they overtook him, and fell so resolutely upon him, that he left not a few of his best Soldiers dead upon the place, and was content himself to march quietly away with the rest. 3. _Ochalis_, a Town consisting of about five or six hundred Sheds and Cottages likewise of the Natives. 4. _Vittacuche_, a Burrough of two hundred Houses.

There is also on the Eastern Shore of this _Peninsula_, _St. Matthews_, a Place possess’d and well fortifi’d by the _Spaniards_; and _St. Augustines_ on the same Shore, but lying somewhat more Southerly than the other, at the Mouth of a River of the same Name, taken and sack’d by Sir _Francis Drake_ in the Year 1585.

SECT. II.
Jucatan.

_Jucatan_ is a _Peninsula_, or half-Island, being encompass’d with the Sea on all sides, save onely to the South-West, where it is joyn’d to _Guaxata_, its farther and more Easterly Point looking towards _Cuba_. The knowledge of, when, and by whom this Province was discover’d, is included in that of _New Spain_, of which some will have it to be a part. The whole Province contains in compass nine hundred Miles or more, and lies between eighteen and twenty two Degrees of Northern Latitude, or thereabouts, the Air somewhat hot, and the Soil not altogether so fertile as some other parts of _New Spain_ are; but in recompence thereof the People are so much the more industrious, living for the most part by Handicraft Trades. Neither is it altogether unstor’d with Corn and divers sorts of Fruits, besides what it hath of Fowl and Beasts, as Geese, Hens, Deer, _&c._ particularly it yieldeth plenty of Wax and Honey, by reason of its frequent Swarms of Bees. They report some special things of this Province, as namely, that the People of the Countrey us’d generally, and long before the _Spaniards_ came thither, a certain Ceremony of Religion, not much unlike to our Baptism, and which they call’d by a Name that in their Language signifi’d _Regeneration_, or _A Second-Birth_; that they observ’d it so diligently, that few or none amongst them omitted to initiate themselves by it, believing, that thereby the Seeds and Ground-work of all Goodness was laid in them, and that they were fortifi’d by it against the assaults and temptations of evil Spirits; that after they were three or four years old, till they came to twelve, they usually thus Wash’d and Baptiz’d themselves; and that none were permitted amongst them to Marry, that were not first initiated after this manner; that they chose likewise a solemn Day upon which to do this; and that the Friends and Relations (especially the Father and Mother) of the Parties to be initiated, as well as the Parties themselves, always Fasted three days before the said Initiation; and that a great many of the Natives had a Tradition, or general Report amongst them, that of ancient time this Province of _Jucatan_ was possess’d and cultivated by a certain People which came thither from the East, after a tedious long wanderring, and many hardships endur’d at Sea, having escap’d the Hands of their Enemies onely through the power of the Deity they worshipp’d; who help’d them, and made them to pass securely, even through the Waves of the Sea. All which, if true, seems not a little to confirm the Report which goeth for currant in the _Welsh_ Chronicles, of one _Madoc ap Owen_, the Son of _Guineth_, a Prince of that Countrey, who is said to have fall’n upon a far Countrey this way in his Travels; which he lik’d so well, that having secur’d to his Companions their safe abode there during his absence, he return’d himself into _Wales_ for more Men; and that he transported thither as many as he could carry in ten Barques full fraught. This he is said to have done about the Year of our Lord 1170. but neither he nor any of his Men were ever heard of since; and the success of the Expedition, it seems, little enquir’d after by the _Welsh_. However, the Relation seems not altogether incredible.

The chief Towns of the Province are, 1. _Merida_, in the Navel of the Countrey, and the Seat of the Governor, twelve Leagues distant from the Sea on either side. 2. _Valladolidt_, thirty Leagues distant from _Merida_. 3. _Campeche_, a great Town, consisting of about three thousand Houses or more, when first conquer’d by the _Spaniards_; who found such Monuments of Art and Industry in it, as did clearly argue, that the Place had been once possess’d by some People that were not barbarous. It is now call’d _St. Francisco_, and was surpriz’d in the Year 1596. by Captain _Parker_, an _English_-man, who took the Governor himself and some other Persons of Quality with him, together with a Ship richly laden with Gold and Silver, besides other Commodities of good value. 4. _Tabasco_, by the _Spaniard_ now call’d _Villa de Nuestra Sennora de Victoria_, and commonly _Victoria_ onely, in memory, as ’tis thought, of the first great Victory which _Cortez_ obtain’d over these People at the Battel of _Potonchan_, as hath been said. 5. _Cintla._ 6. _Potonchan._ 7. _Salamanca._

All along the Coast of this Countrey there lie certain Islands, some within the Bay or Gulph call’d _Honduras_, pertaining to the next Province, as 1. _La Zarza._ 2. _La Desconescida._ 3. _Vermeia._ 4. _Los Negrillos_; and some without it, as 1. _Zaratan._ 2. _Pantoia._ 3. _De Mugeres_, or _The Island of Women_; so nam’d by the _Spaniards_, who at their first Discovery of these Parts, for a long time together could meet with none but Women. The chief of them is call’d _Acusamil_, commonly _Cozamul_, and is fifteen Leagues in length, and about five in breadth, and was as it were the Thorow-fare, or Common Road of the _Spaniards_, when they first discover’d the Countreys of _New Spain_: For first here Landed _Ferdinando de Corduba_; after him _John de Grialva_, and others; and last of all the fortunate _Cortez_. It is now call’d _St. Crux_.

CHAP. IV.
Guatimala.

[Sidenote: Its Situation and Bounds.]

_Guatimala_ stretcheth to the _Isthmus_, or Neck of Land, which, as we said, joineth the Northern and Southern parts of the _New World_ together.

This Countrey is bounded Northward with the _Peninsula_ of _Jucatan_ abovesaid, and part of the Gulph or Bay of _Honduras_; on the South, with _Mare del Zur_; on the East and South-East, it hath _Castella Aurea_; and on the West, _New Spain_. The length of it lieth upon the Coast of _Mare del Zur_, and is said to be little less than three hundred Leagues; but the breadth not half so much, and in some places very narrow. It is generally a fertile and good Countrey in all respects, but especially abounding in Cattel and good Pastures; it is subdivided into seven inferior Provinces or Countreys, which are 1. _Chiapa._ 2. _Verapaz._ 3. _Honduras._ 4. _Nicaragua._ 5. _Veragua._ 6. _Costa Rica_; and 7. _Guatimala_, specially so call’d: all differing in Language and Customs one from another.

The Bishoprick (as it is now call’d) of _Chiapa_ is border’d on the West with _New Spain_; on the East with _Vera Paz_; and on the South with _Mare del Zur_. It is a Countrey much shaded with Woods, and those replenish’d with many fair and goodly Trees, of divers sorts, and of the largest size, as Oaks, Pines, Cedar, Myrtle, and Cypress-Trees, besides others which yield them a good kind of Rozen, precious Gums, _&c._ also several sorts of Balsom, as white, red, green, and black, not onely pleasant to the Scent, but an excellent Remedy for all manner of green Wounds: the best of it drops out of the cut Bodies of the Trees; and the worst is press’d out of the Wood and Leaves.

[Sidenote: Trees and Plants.]

There are also proper to this Countrey several other kinds of Trees and Plants, as that whose Fruit tastes like Pepper and Cloves, being of a great heighth; a Tree whose Leaves cure all ulcerated Sores, or the bitings of any poysonous Beast.

There is a sort of Cabbage call’d _Ilantas_, which grows to the heighth of a Tree, so that Birds make their Nests in them; they are eaten likewise like other common Cabbages.

There is also an Herb with narrow Leaves, which is no sooner touch’d, but it shrinks up to nothing; but at the going away of those which touch it, it obtains its former vigour.

[Sidenote: Birds.]

Here are likewise Quails, Ducks, Geese, Pheasants, Parrots, Turtle-Doves, Pigeons, and the like, in great abundance.

Amongst the several sorts of Falcons which breed in this Countrey, there is one sort which hath one Foot proper to its kind, the other like that of a Goose; it feeds on Fish along the Rivers.

The Bird _Toto-Queztall_, which is somewhat smaller than a Pigeon, with green Feathers and a long Tail, is taken onely for its Tail, which when the _Indians_ have pull’d out, they let the Bird fly again, there being a Law amongst them, that whosoever kills one of them, is to suffer death.

The Cranes here are of a dark Gray; the biggest of them have a tuft of Feathers like a Crown upon their Heads.

[Sidenote: Birds.]

The Birds _Guacamayes_, which are red and blue, are like a _Peruan_ Goose.

[Sidenote: Beasts.]

Moreover, the Countrey yields brave Horses, Goats, Sheep, Rabbets, and Foxes; also wild Dogs, Leopards, Lyons, and Tygers.

The wild Hogs which breed here have their Navels on their Backs, and have no Tails, they smell exceeding strong, and feed together in great Companies.

The _Taquatrin_, a certain Beast proper to those Parts, hath a Bag under its Belly, in which it generally carries seven or more young ones, and hath also a bald Tail; it creeps into Houses in the Night to steal Hens.

Here is also a certain Beast (whose Name we find not) about the bigness of a Rabbet, and like a Rat, and carries its young ones on its back whensoe’re it comes abroad.

The Serpents, which are very numerous here, trouble the Inhabitants exceedingly, especially near the Village _Ecatepeque_, where there are such an abundance on two little Hills, that none dares approach them; some of them are very poysonous, for if touch’d with a Stick, the Poyson runs up the same: and whoever are anointed with the Blood of a dead Serpent, die a lingring Death. _John de Laet_ relates, that the _Indians_ took one which carried thirty young ones, which being a Finger long, crep up and down immediately; and the old one, being above twenty Foot long, serv’d the Natives for Venison.

Amongst other Beasts is also the _Teuthlacokauhqui_, or _Fortress of the Serpents_; it hath a Head like an Adder, thick Belly, glittering Scales, a black Back, sprinkled with white Crosses; at its Tail there grows yearly a Bone, with which it makes a noise when it stirs; its poysonous Teeth destroy those which are bit therewith in twenty four Hours, unless the part which is wounded be held in the Earth so long till the pain be over. Notwithstanding the noise, terrible aspect, and gestures of this Animal, the _Indian_ Hunters make nothing to take the same by the Tail, and wrap it up in Linnen, and carrying it home make it tame. It is able to live a whole Year without either Meat or Drink; its Head when cut off grows to the bigness of a Man’s Thigh in ten days time.

No less resolute are the Indians in taking the _Ibitobaca_, which is an Ell long, of a crimson Colour, full of black and white Specks, the Bones whereof they wear about their Necks in stead of Chains.

[Sidenote: The Serpent _Iquanna_.]

The _Iquanna_ is a Serpent which doth no manner of hurt, though terrible to look upon to those which know it not, having a Bag under its Chin, a glittering Comb on its Head, and on its Back sharp Bones, which stand like a Saw, and a long Tail: It lays fifty Eggs at a time as big as Acorns, of a very good taste, and fit to eat when boyl’d: It also lives both in the Water and on the Land.

[Sidenote: Baboons.]

Here are also many Baboons, which are big and heavy, with ugly Heads, short Legs like a Man, and Tails standing upwards; they eat all sorts of Fruit, but chiefly covet after Wine and Bread; and are so lascivious, that they often set upon Women: The Females generally bring forth two, one Male, and the other Female. There is also another sort, whose Skins, being red, are full of little Spots.

The ancient Inhabitants of _Chiapa_ (divided into the _Chiapaneca_’s, the _Zeques_, the _Zeltates_, and the _Quelenes_) are very Civil and Witty, also skilful in Painting, Singing, Breaking of Horses, and many other Trades.

[Sidenote: Towns and Villages of Note.]

The Places of more principal note in this Countrey, inhabited by the _Spaniards_, are 1. _Ciudad Real_, pleasantly seated in the midst of a round Vale or Plain, and almost encompass’d with Hills representing the form of an Amphitheatre; also at the Foot of one which stands in the midst of the rest, the City is built. It is a City specially Priviledg’d by the King of _Spain_, having a Court of Justice, Cathedral, and _Dominican_ Cloyster; of a pure and temperate Air, and the Countrey round about plentifully abounding both in Corn and Fruit, onely somewhat too cold to produce Lemmons and Oranges; but for Pears, Apples, Peaches, Quinces, Cherries, and the like, they grow here in great abundance.

2. _Chiapa_, which giveth Name to the Valley aforesaid; It is a Bishop’s See, and famous, if but for one of its Prelates, _viz._ _Bartholomeo de las Casas_, of the Order of _Predicants_, who was Bishop of this City, and his Memory justly precious amongst the poor _Americans_ at this day, for his Charity towards them, and for the stout and zealous opposition which he made against the _Spaniards_ cruel and inhumane dealings with the Natives at the beginning of their Conquests: by which at last, notwithstanding much difficulty and resistance made by interested Persons of the other Side, he procur’d them liberty, and an Edict from the Emperor in favor of them; whereby they were declar’d to be a Free People, and not Slaves, and the _Spaniards_ forbidden to use them any longer as such, or to force them to any kind of Labour against their wills, or otherwise than by agreement with them, which Liberty they enjoy to this day; and though the _Spaniards_ are said to give them very small Wages in some places, and for their Work in their Sugar-Mills (which is no small Labor) not above five _Reyals_, or Two shillings six pence a Week, for the Maintenance of themselves, their Wives and Children, yet by reason it is with Consent, and in a Countrey where all things are plentiful and cheap, their Condition is much better than it was, and the favor which that good Bishop did them, never to be forgotten. It is at present a great and populous City, and lieth almost in the mid-way betwixt the Cities of _Mexico_ and _Guatimala_.

3. _St. Bartholomews_, in the Countrey of the _Quelenes_.

4. _Tecpatlan_, the chief of twenty five Villages, said to belong to the _Zoques_. Here the _Dominicans_ have another Cloyster.

The _Zeltates_ possess a fruitful Countrey, have thirteen Villages planted with Trees that yield _Cochenile_, being under a Common-wealth Government.

The chief Place of the _Quelenes_ is _Copanavatzla_, where there is good Cheese, and store of brave Cattel: The River _Chiepa_ gliding through the midst thereof, loseth it self in the Northern Ocean. In this part of the Country are Beasts not unlike Apes, with long Tails, which they wind about the Legs of those whom they find swimming and so pull them under Water; wherefore they that go to Swim take Axes along with them, to cut off their Tails.

The Water of the River _Blanco_ is clear and wholsom, running for the most part through Rocky Grounds, which nevertheless are overspread with Trees.

In the highest Ground of _Chiapa_, a League and a half from the City _Reall_, spring clear Fountains, whose Water ebbs and flows every six hours.

Near the Village call’d _Afixa_ is one which runs three years together, though in the driest Season, and is dry three years, though it Rain never so much.

Not far from the Village _Cinacatan_ is another Spring, whose Water cures several Sicknesses, but kills all Birds and Beasts which drink of the same.

Here are likewise divers Baths.

The Rivers which run out of the Valley _Chiapa_, fall into two great Pits.

Near the Village _Bartholomew_, in the Province _Quelenes_, is a strange Cavern, out of which by the throwing of a stone into the same, are heard mighty noises like claps of Thunder.

Not far from the Village _Chicomucolo_, appears a Cavern, in which is a great Plain on one side, and a standing Lake, whose Water is like Sand, on the other.

The _Spaniards_, if they wanted not Slaves, might dig good store of Gold, Silver, Copper, Lead, Tin, and Quicksilver, out of the Mynes on the Mountain _Ecatepeck_, which is in nine Leagues compass: The Wind blows so strong after Sun-rising, that no Man is able to travel for it, but in the Night.

SECT. II.
Vera Paz.

[Sidenote: Situation and Bounds.]

_Vera Paz_, or _The Countrey of True Peace_, was so nam’d by the _Spaniards_, as they say, because it was never conquer’d by the Sword, but reduc’d to Obedience onely by the Preaching of the _Dominican_ Fryers. It is bounded on the West and South-West with _Chiapa_; on the East with some part of _Guatimala_ and _Honduras_; and on the North with _Jucatan_. It contains about thirty Leagues in length, and almost as much in breadth, being a woody and mountainous Countrey for the most part, yet well distinguish’d with Valleys and lower Ground. It is much subject to Rain, which ’tis said to have for nine Moneths of the Year almost continually; by reason whereof the Countrey, being otherwise hot, is much annoy’d with a kind of _Mosquit_, or great sort of Gnats, which spoil the Fruit very much, and are otherwise not a little trouble to the People. Moreover, there happen oftentimes terrible Earthquakes and Storms, with Thunder and Lightning.

[Sidenote: Commodities of the Countrey.]

The chief Commodities of this Countrey, are a kind of Amber, which some call _Liquid Amber_, which drops from divers of their Trees, and is said to be a Commodity very precious, and of much use; _Mastick_, _Sanguis Draconis_, _Gum Anime_, _Sarsaparilla_, _China-Wood_, and divers other Medicinal Drugs, which it affordeth in great plenty. The Woods afford a sweet smell, and the Trees in the same grow a wonderful heighth.

The Canes which grow here, being a hundred Foot long, and proportionably thick, serve for Timber.

There is also a hard Wood call’d _Iron-Wood_, either from its hardness or colour, or both, which never rots.

The abundance of Flowers which grow here afford nutriment to innumerable swarms of Bees, which are about the bigness of small Flies. Their Honey, which is somewhat tart, they hide in the Roots of Trees, or in the Earth. Another sort, which is made by the Wasps, bereaves those that taste of their Senses.

[Sidenote: Beasts.]

The noted’st Beast in this Countrey is the _Danta_, which resembles a Mule, hath no Horns, but Ash-colour’d long Hair, short Neck, hanging Ears, thin Legs, with three Claws before and two behind, long Head, narrow Forehead, little Eyes, a Nose hanging over its Mouth, little Tail, sharp Teeth, and a Skin which is six Fingers thick, and scarce penetrable by any Weapon. This Beast is taken in Traps, Holes, or else with Dogs, which he often kills when hunted towards the Water. They say that this Beast taught Men first to Let-blood; for if it be too full of Blood, it pricks it self against a sharp Cane, and stops up the Orifice again very carefully. The Flesh thereof is good Meat, as also that of the _Ross_-Lyons, which in the day-time sleep on a high Tree, where they are shot by the _Indians_.

The Tygers are much more dangerous to be taken; yet the _Indians_ Hunting them, eat them in stead of Beef; and also through all _New Spain_.

The Bears, which make the Ways very dangerous to travel, have black frizled Hair, broad Tails, Feet like Mens Hands: but since the _Indians_ have made use of Guns, which they learn’d from the _Spaniards_, they have much lessen’d the number both of Bears and Tygers.

There are likewise many Leopards, Apes, and wild Goats (whose Skins serve the Natives for Drums) Hogs, and _Armadillo_’s.

Amongst their Fowls, are Eagles and Parrots.

The Countrey is so well stor’d with Water, that in three Leagues space are above thirty Rivulets, and as many Fountains.

[Sidenote: Medicinal Plants.]

On the Mountains grow great quantities of _Sarsaparilla_, _Mechoacan_, and the _China-Root_, which being yellowish hath several Saffron-colour’d Knobs on the top. The _Sarsaparilla_ grows with many Stalks, creeping along over the Ground; the Body thereof is tough and full of Prickles, the Leaves broad and sharp at the ends, and are of a bluish colour on one side, and green on the other, and bear Clusters of Flowers, which close like Buds, and are first green, next vermilion-red, and lastly blackish: within are two hard Stones, which inclose a white Kernel, by the _Indians_ call’d _Juapecanga_.

The Bay _Golfo Dulce_, which pours its muddy Water into the Sea, feeds the great Fish _Monati_, and a great number of Crocodiles.

Several Rivers abounding with Fish fall also into the same, having their Banks set all along with Trees, in whose Boughs, joyn’d together on the top, those sort of Birds make their Nests which prey on Fish.

The Women in this place are much shorter Liv’d than the Men, so that there are often thirty Widowers to one Widow. Women with Child are Deliver’d by themselves in the High-way; and from thence they go to the next River to wash themselves and the Child.

[Sidenote: Places of note.]

As for any Towns or Places of much Traffick or Note, inhabited by the _Spaniards_, we find not any nam’d, save onely _St. Augustines_; near unto which there is said to be a Cave and Fountain within Ground, which converts the Water that falleth into it out of several lesser Springs, into a kind of Alabaster or Stone, perfectly white, and fashions it likewise into Pillars, Statues, and other artificial Forms of very curious Workmanship, as _Laet_ reporteth.

SECT. III.
Honduras.

[Sidenote: Situation and Bounds.]

_Honduras_ hath on the South, _Guatimala_ abovesaid; on the West, a certain Bay, or Arm of the Sea, which they call _Golfo Dulce_, from the abundance of fresh Waters which run into it from all Parts; on the North and North-East, the _Atlantick Ocean_; and somewhat to the South-East, _Nicaragua_. It contains in length, _viz._ from East to West, Coasting along upon the Sea, about a hundred and fifty Leagues, and in breadth eighty. The Countrey is rich both in Corn and Pasturage, being said to be very much advantag’d that way by the constant overflowings of the Rivers, which are very many, about _Michaelmass_-time, and which the People order so well, that they water their Gardens, and exceedingly fertilize the whole Champain, or lower part of the Grounds by them.

The fruitful Valleys of this Countrey were anciently very well inhabited, till vast multitudes of the Natives were destroy’d by the _Spaniards_ Cruelties, of which the Bishop _Bartholomeo de las Casas_, in his Letter to the Emperor _Charles_ the Fifth, gives this Relation:

[Sidenote: Cruelties of the _Spaniards_.]

“The young Children (saith he) they murder’d, beating out their Brains against the Stones; the Kings and Princes of the Countrey they either scorch’d to death, or threw them to the Dogs to be torn in pieces; the poor People they drove into their Houses, and then set them on fire; those that remain’d were condemn’d to the greatest slavery imaginable, being us’d in stead of Mules and Horses, and having greater Burdens laid upon them than they were able to carry, insomuch that thousands of them fell down dead under them; some out of despair running into the Woods were famish’d, after they had kill’d and eat their Wives and Children for Hunger. In this one Province onely they massacred above twenty hundred thousand Men, and amongst others, Persons of Quality, which had civilly Entertain’d them: nay, they tortur’d the poor innocent Natives all the ways they could possibly invent, onely to know of them where their Gold lay; particularly _Diego de Valasco_ spar’d none that ever fell into his hands; insomuch that in a Moneths time above ten thousand were slain by him: He hang’d thirteen Noble-men, to twelve of whom he gave the Denomination of _The twelve Apostles_; and the chiefest of them he call’d in a derision, _Jesus Christ_. Some they suffer’d to starve to death, with their Heads compress’d between the cloven Barks of wild Vines; some also they buried alive, and leaving onely their Heads to appear above Ground, bowl’d Iron Bullets at them, and forc’d them to eat one another; besides infinite other hellish Cruelties, too horrid and dreadful to be recounted.”

[Sidenote: Commodities of the Countrey.]

This Countrey produces much _Maiz_, Wheat, Honey, and great _Calabashes_, from whence the first Discoverers call’d that Sea _Golfo de las Ybueras_, because they met with abundance of _Calabashes_, floating on the Water, which at _Santo Domingo_ bear the Name of _Ybueras_.

This Countrey is water’d by three Rivers, the first _Chamalucom_, which glides by the City _San Pedro_; the second _Ulva_, inhabited on both Shores; the third _Haguaro_, the Grounds adjacent to which would prove very fruitful, were the Inhabitants not too lazy. In stead of a Plough they use a long Pole, with two crooked Staves at the end, one bent downwards and the other upwards, with which they cut and turn the Earth. The Natives feed on several Roots, Flesh, and Vermine.

At their Feast they make themselves Drunk with a Drink made of Honey, Noble-men heretofore onely drinking the Liquor of _Cacao_; of late it is common, and made by all People, though never so mean. They speak several Languages, the chiefest whereof is that of the _Chontales_, a salvage People. They divide their Year, call’d _Joalar_, that is, _Passing_, into eighteen Moneths, and each Moneth into twenty Days. They formerly measur’d the Year by the Nights, and began the Year forty days sooner than the _Europeans_.

[Sidenote: _New Valladolid._]

The Towns in this Province are 1. _New Vallodolid_, by the _Indians_ nam’d _Comayagua_, lying in a pleasant Valley under a temperate Climate. The Cattel brought hither from _Spain_ increase exceedingly. The Silver-Mynes are also so well stor’d, that they keep the Melting-house in the Town always employ’d.

The Governor of this Place hath his Residence next to the Treasury-Chamber.

_Anno 1588._ the Bishop’s See was translated hither from _Truxillo_: Nineteen years before which _Francisco de Monteio_ sent his Lieutenant _Alphonso de Cacenes_ thither, to build a Village half way between the Southern and Northern Ocean; who accordingly erected the Town _Santa Maria de Camoyagua_, near a River Navigable for _Canoos_, which disembogues in _Puerto de Cavallos_. The remaining part of the Way to the Haven _Fonseca_ being passable for Carrs (which was a means to prevent many Inconveniences which us’d to happen to Travellers on the Way between _Panama_ and _Nombre de Dios_) the _Spanish_ King was so much concern’d at the first proposal hereof, that he sent the famous Surveyor _Baptista Antonello_ thither, and he rather, because he received information, that the new Way, along which they carried the Merchandise from _Peru_, _Mexico_, and other Countreys along the South Sea, lay very pleasantly, by reason of the brave Vineyards, Corn-Fields, Fruit-Trees, Pastures, Streams abounding with Fish, Herds of Deer, and Cony-Warrens; yet _Antonello_ meeting with many troubles, would not undertake the Business.

_New Valladolid_ is adorn’d with a great Church, a Cloyster, belonging to the Monks _De la Merced_, and handsom Streets.

[Sidenote: _Gratias a Dios._]

2. Thirty Leagues Westward from this City lies another call’d _Gratias a Dios_, begun by Captain _Gabriel de Royas_, _Anno 1530._ that so he might be near the Gold-Mines: But because the Natives kept the new Inhabitants in continual alarm, and daily Storm’d the unfinished Fortifications, _Royas_ was necessitated to leave off building any farther, the rather, because none came to his assistance from the neighboring Garrison.

Six years after _Gonzales de Alvarado_ undertook this Work, and built the City on a Rocky Mountain; which, though otherwise barren, produc’d lusty Horses and strong Mules.