Chapter III: Front Matter (3)

Our last and chiefest Testimony is _Moses_, who says thus in _Genesis_, _Cursed be_ Canaan, _a Servant of Servants shall he be unto his Brethren. Moreover he said, Blessed be the Lord God of_ Shem, _and_ Canaan _shall be his Servant: God shall inlarge_ Japhet, _and he shall dwell in the Tents of_ Shem; _and_ Canaan _shall be his Servant._ And in the next Chapter, _Canaan_ begat _Sidon_. These Scriptures are explain’d as a Testimony of the _Americans_ Extract from the _Phenicians_, which they ground on these following Reasons: The _Phenicians_ are _Canaan_’s Successors from _Sidon_, who gave name to their chief City. _Tubal_ the Issue of _Japhet_, whose Tents God promis’d to enlarge, and that _Canaan_ should be his Servant, planted _Spain_. The _Phenicians_, descendants from _Sydon_, (say they) Peopled _America_; the _Spaniards_ sprung from _Tubal_, of _Japhet_, have subjected the _Americans_, descended from _Sydon_, of _Canaan_; wherein is fulfill’d that Prophecy of _Moses_, _That_ Canaan _should be Servant to_ Japhet; but it seems a great mistake, so to derive the _Phenicians_ from _Canaan_, for they are Extracted from _Shem_, _Heber_, _Abraham_, and _Esau_, sirnam’d _Edom_, from his saying, _Adom, Adom_, when he ask’d of _Jacob_, _That Red, That Red_, because he knew not how to call the prepared Pottage by its proper Name; And _Edom_ setling himself on Mount _Seir_, a part of the Stony _Arabia_, and on the Coast of the _Red-Sea_, gave denomination to it, because that Sea was much frequented and Navigated by his Successors. The _Greeks_ call it _Erythreum_, from _Erythros_, who is the same with _Esau_, and likewise signifies _Red_. Hereto is added, That _Phænix_ and _Erythros_ have the same signification in the _Greek_; So then, these _Idumeans_ taking the name of _Phenicians_, from the great _Phœnix_, spread themselves far and near under mighty Kings, by Navigation in the _Red-Sea_, and from thence Planted several Coasts and Islands, removing at last to _Syria_.

[Sidenote: Gen. 36. 39.]

[Sidenote: _Com. in_ Jer. l. 4. c. 25.]

[Sidenote: _In_ Ps. 136. _Voss. Orig. Idol._ l. 1. c. 31.]

[Sidenote: _Punick_ Tongue.]

[Sidenote: _Hebrew._]

The seventh King of _Edom_, _Moses_ reckoneth to be _Baal-hanan_, which name, by transposing the Syllables, the famous _Carthaginian_ General _Hannibal_ bare. Moreover, it may easily be demonstrated, that the _Phenicians_ Extracted from _Heber_, have formerly spoke _Hebrew_, and since _Arabick_; for they dwelt before their removing, in the Stony-_Arabia_. St. _Jerom_ saith, the _Punick_ Tongue agrees for the most part with the _Hebrew_: And St. _Austin_ tells us, that many, nay, most of the _Carthaginian_ words are _Hebrew_. _Elisa_, _Dido_, the first Foundress of _Carthage_ proves this, for _Elisa_ or _Elissah_, with the _Hebrews_, denotes _A Lamb of my God_; and _Dido_, _A Lover_. But who can find the least likeness, between the _Hebrew_ or _Arabick_ Tongue with the _Americans_? Lastly, Since the _Phenicians_ acknowledge _Esau_ for a Father, what then concerns the _Americans_, the curse of _Canaan_, since they are no more Extracted from _Canaan_, than the _Phenicians_? Thus much concerning the _Phenicians_.

[Sidenote: If the _Americans_ were deriv’d from the _Jews_, or the ten
Tribes of _Israel_.]

[Sidenote: Is contradicted.]

Some would derive the _Americans_ from the _Jews_; others, from the ten Tribes of _Israel_, carry’d into captivity. The ground of which Opinions is, That the _Jews_ and _Israelites_ were scatter’d amongst all Nations; therefore they conclude, that _America_ was also Peopled by them, the rather, because the antient _Jews_ and _Americans_ were of one Complexion, and went a like Habited, both going without Shooes, onely wearing Sandals, and an upper Coat over a shorter Linnen Vest. Both are humble, quick of apprehension, and obliging, yet Valiant: But it is certain, they cannot be like the _Jews_, because the _Americans_ change their Habit, according as they live in cold or hot Countreys, and go not in the least like one another.

Father _Immanuel_ relates, That he saw a _Brasilian_, not onely stoutly make his party good against three _Portugal_ Soldiers, but had it not been by meer chance, worsted them.

Lastly, What Ceremonies of Religious Rites are observ’d by the _Americans_, which are used in _Judaism_? The _Jews_ indeed have transplanted their Circumcision amongst divers Eastern People, and have they onely forgot the first Ceremony and signal Badge of their Religion in _America_, which yet not onely they, but those _Mahumetans_ and other Sectaries punctually observe?

[Sidenote: _Jews_ distribution.]

[Sidenote: 1 Pet. 1. 1. _Scaliger in Notes ad N. T._]

[Sidenote: Joh. 7. 35.]

[Sidenote: _L. de Idolo. vanitate._]

This makes evident their scatterings about the Face of the Earth, but will not bring them to reach _America_. The Sacred Text sets forth a two-fold description of the _Jews_; The one before the Birth of our Saviour, when they liv’d as strangers in _Pontus_, _Galatia_, _Cappadocia_, _Asia_, and _Bythinia_. _Jerusalem_ was their Metropolis, although others had their chief residence in _Babylon_, and _Alexandria_; for there was an _Asiatick_ and a _European_ dispersion; those of _Asia_ had _Babylon_ for their chief City, and us’d in their Synagogues the _Chaldean_ Translation of the Bible. The _Europeans_ kept their Seat at _Alexandria_, where they had a Temple like that of _Jerusalem_; and whilst they employ’d themselves in the _Greek_ Version of the Holy Scripture, by the seventy two Interpreters, under _Ptolomeus Philadelphus_, they were call’d _Wandering Greeks_: Therefore, certainly the _Americans_ are not deriv’d from these _Jews_, and with as little reason from those, which by _Titus Vespasian_, after the destruction of _Jerusalem_ were driven into several Countreys, for they were never permitted (that I may borrow the words of St. _Cyprian_) to set forward one step, though but as Pilgrims, towards their Native Countrey, but strictly forbidden not to assemble or meet together in any considerable number, which would have been necessary, if they intended to Plant a new World.

[Sidenote: 2 Reg. 17. 5.]

[Sidenote: 4 Esd. 13. 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46.]

A small seeming Testimony is added, being taken out of the fourth Book of _Esdras_, that the ten Tribes of _Israel_ that were carry’d away by _Salmanassar_ with their King _Hosea_ to _Nahalah_, _Habor_, the River _Gozan_, and the Cities of the _Medes_, might be acknowledged for the first Planters of _America_: Concerning which, _Esdras_ saith thus, _The ten Tribes brought over into another Countrey, consulted that they should forsake the multitude of the_ Heathens, _and travel to a remoter Countrey, where no Generation of Mankind had ever liv’d before, there they would maintain their Laws, which they had not observ’d in their Countrey: Whereupon they went thither thorow the narrow entrances of the River_ Euphrates, _for the Almighty stopt the Vains of the River, till they were past over; for thorow the Countrey was a way of a year and halfs Journey: wherefore that Tract of Land is call’d_ Assareth, _then they liv’d there till the last time._

But since these Books of _Esdras_ were not Written by a Prophet, either in the _Hebrew_ Tongue, or allow’d by the _Jews_ to be the Word of God, or any where taken notice of in the _New Testament_; wherefore then is _Assareth_ more _America_ than any other remoter Countrey?

[Sidenote: _L. 5. in Ezek. & l. 6. in Jerom._]

[Sidenote: 4 Esd. 6. 49, 50. & 14. 21. & 4. 41.]

St. _Hierom_ (who certainly had a peculiar knowledge of the condition of the ten Tribes of _Israel_, because he liv’d in _Asia_, and held Correspondence with the _Jews_, that he might perfectly learn the _Hebrew_ Tongue,) relates, “That the ten Tribes (St. _Hierome_ liv’d about the Year four hundred, under the Emperor _Theodosius_) underwent great slavery in the Cities of _Medes_ and _Persians_; so that this strange Voyage to _Assareth_, which must have happen’d long before St. _Hierom_’s time, may be Recorded amongst the other Legends of the Rabbies, concerning their _Behemoth_ and _Leviathan_, who lock’d up the Souls of those that sleighted their Laws, in Caves under ground, as _Esdras_.”

[Sidenote: Antient condition of the _Persians_.]

[Sidenote: _Melchior Soiterus de Reb. Turc._]

And how little opportunity the _Israelites_ had to remove since his time, may appear by the horrible Destruction that was made for several Ages together in _Persia_ and _Media_; for although the _Persians_ became Masters again of the Realm, Conquer’d by _Alexander_ the Great, whilst _Alexander_’s Successors invaded one another, yet they were continually in War, either against the _Romans_, or else the _Indians_, and other Eastern People; nay, the _Saracens_ wrested the Scepter out of their hand, though but for a small time; for soon after, breaking out into Factions amongst themselves, _Muchumet Subictigenes_, _Imbrael_’s Son, establish’d his Throne on their Ruines, and incourag’d by such success, Arm’d himself against the _Indians_, and made use of the _Turks_ assistance, with which he subdu’d the _Babylonian Arabians_: After which, the _Turks_, not without great slaughter see the _Persian_ Crown on their Head, which, immediately totter’d by bloudy Commotions; for _Tangrolipix_ being King of _Persia_, clashing with his Brother _Cutlumuses_, made _Persia_ swim in the Blood of a Civil-War, till at last _Zengis Chan_ brought from _Tartary_ so great an Army, _Anno 1200._ that none durst stay to make opposition; for the _Turks_ forsook _Persia_ after a Conquest of six Ages, and made their own way for new Quarters into _Carmania_, _Phrygia_, and _Bithynia_, whence they made such incursions on the _Greek_ Empire, that at last they became sole Masters thereof. Who cannot but easily judge by this, how little opportunity the ten Tribes had, to be assembled together from remote Countreys, and to go long Journeys through untrack’d ways, and full of Enemies, to travel to _America_?

[Sidenote: _Mora_’s opinion concerning the _Americans_ Extract.]

_Immanuel de Moraes_, who had gotten peculiar knowledge of the _Americans_ by his long Conversation with them, judgeth that they are not deriv’d from one People, but from the _Carthaginians_ and _Jews_, and that at several times, and places, they Landed in this New World; for the _Carthaginians_ Sailing thither, found the Soyl so fertile, that many forsook their Native Countrey to dwell there: Whereupon, it was forbidden upon pain of Death, to send no more thither, lest if _Carthage_ should be invaded by a foraign Enemy, it should want People for a Home-defence: From this occasion it happen’d, that those that were already Transported, became rude, and of a Salvage Disposition, and spreading their Families, planted the desolate Countreys in a ranging manner, without acknowledging any Supreme Head or Governor.

Thus being scatter’d up and down, every one invented to himself a new Language, which should neither agree with the _Carthaginians_, or any other: But this Opinion is before at large contradicted.

[Sidenote: Customs and Constitutions of the _Brasilians_ are several.]

Moreover, _Moraes_ endeavors to shew, that the _Brasilians_ are of a _Hebrew_ Extract, because that according to the example of the _Jews_, they might not Marry, but in their own Tribes; they also call their Unkles, Fathers, and their Aunts, Mothers; both mourn for the Dead a Moneth together, and wear long Garments down to their Ankles. But these Arguments seem to us of small consequence, for indeed the _Brasilians_ differ in their Marriages from the _Jews_, for they not onely Marry in their own Tribes, but frequently commix with their Sisters, and Daughters, or other their nearest Relations. Moreover, the _Jews_ call’d them Fathers, from whose Loyns they sprang many Ages before, as well as their Unkles, which the _Americans_ do not.

The Mourning for the Dead hath been an old Custom, and is not observ’d by many People, but the time of a Moneth was not setled amongst them, but was observ’d after a more unusual manner, seventy days, as in the Fields of _Moab_ for _Moses_, and elsewhere for the Patriarch _Jacob_. Lastly, all people know, that the _Romans_ and _Persians_ girt themselves about with long Clothes. Besides, the _Jews_ were strictly bound to observe Circumcision, without which they were not accounted _Jews_, which the _Brasilians_ use not, as neither their Language or Letters. How is it possible, that in _America_ they should at once have forgotten their Extract, Laws, Circumcision, Language, and other Ceremonies, when the rest of them observ’d nothing more strictly in all parts of the Earth?

[Sidenote: _Grotius_ is of opinion that the _Americans_ belong’d to
_Norway_.]

The Learned _Hugo Grotius_, in his Enquiry after the original of the _Americans_, brings them with many Circumstances to belong to _Panama_, situate opposite to the Northern Parts of _Norway_, because something of their Languages agrees, and the Way thither easie and nearest to be found: for first they travell’d from _Norway_ to _Ysland_, over which the _Norwegians_ Rul’d above a thousand years since; so from _Ysland_ through _Friezland_ to _Groenland_, and from thence to _Estotiland_, being a part of the Main Continent of _America_.

[Sidenote: This Opinion is largely contradicted.]

From _Friezland_ some Fishers went thither (as he says) two Centuries before the _Spaniards_ touch’d that Shore; which _John de Laet_ contradicts. And indeed what Reasons can be given, Why the _Americans_ of the _Straights_, between _Panama_ and _Nombre de Dios_, lying Northerly, should have another original than those that live to the South, seeing the same _Straights_ are neither divided by Mountains nor Rivers; and the _Spaniards_ found no alteration in the Customs and Languages betwixt them that liv’d above or below these _Straights_. And who will believe that _Norway_, which was but indifferently peopled, could afford such numerous Colonies as could plant the Northern _America_, which far exceeds the South, and chiefly, when the great Islands that lie near the East and West, are added to it? Moreover it is certain, (if the Yslander _Angrim Jonas_ is to be credited) that some Families fled out of _Norway_ from their enraged King to _Ysland_ in the Year 874. which at that time was but meanly inhabited.

[Sidenote: _Isaac Pontanus de Reb. Danicis._]

Forty years before, _Lewis_ the Just put the _Yslanders_ under the protection of Pope _Gregory_ the fourth, who gave the Government of the _Ysland_ Church to _Ansgar_ Archbishop of _Hamburgh_. But how comes it that there is not the least spark of _Christianity_ found amongst the Northern _Americans_, if they are deriv’d from the _Ysland Christians_? and why did the _Yslanders_ remove to colder Countreys than _Groenland_ and _Friezland_, or their own native Soil, and for the most part not inhabited?

Concerning _Groenland_ and _Friezland_, it is known by our _English_ Navigators, that they are joyn’d together, and both to the Northern _America_; but not without vast Bays and Inlets, which betwixt _Groenland_ and _America_ are obstructed with floating Castles of Ice; so that the Passage is very dangerous. And full as troublesom, if not altogether impossible, would the Journey be by Land, because the Earth lies so thick cover’d with Ice and Snow, especially the Valleys, that no Traveller is able to get through.

[Sidenote: The Voyage of two _Zeno_’s.]

[Sidenote: _Relatio Marc. Zenonis._]

Moreover, that which _Grotius_ says farther of the Fishers which first discover’d _Estotiland_, is grounded on the Relation of the _Venetian_ Knights, _Nicholas_ and _Marcus Zeno_, two Brothers. _Anno 1380._ _Nicholas Zeno_ suffer’d Shipwrack on the _Friezland_ Coast; _Marcus_ inform’d thereof, steer’d his Course thither; fourteen years they spent before they came to _Estotiland_: at last they return’d again to _Friezland_, where _Nicholas_ died: But _Marcus_ returning home publish’d his Journal, wherein he relates, That _Estotiland_ is above a thousand Leagues distant from _Friezland_, and was discover’d by _Friezland_ Fisher-men that were driven thither by Storm. But he hath set down many things that have little resemblance of truth, according to what is since found by credible Navigators; and therefore we cannot depend on _Zeno_’s Discovery.

[Sidenote: The _American_ Tongue is nothing like the _Norwegian_.]

_John de Laet_ accounts it a great mistake in _Grotius_, that as a testimony of the _Americans_ original out of _Norway_, he compares their Languages. He reckons up some Places to be Northward of _Panama_, which end their words with the syllable _Lan_ instead of _Land_, because the _Spaniards_ have left out the Letter D at the end thereof. It is certain, that in the Northern _America_ lie _Cimatlan_, _Coatlan_, _Guescolan_, _Artlan_, _Quaxutatlan_, _Icatlan_, _Tapatlan_, _Cinacatlan_, _Tenuchitlan_, _Comitlan_, _Metzitlan_, _Guatitlan_, _Necotitlan_, _Curcatatlan_. Besides, that most of these Names are not of Countreys, but of Towns and Villages, and therefore no ways fitting to have the termination of _Land_: and it is well known that many _American_ words end with _Lan_, which signifie nothing less than Land: for the _Mexicans_ say _Puertatitlan_, which signifies _At the Gate below_; _Ochachitlantzitlan_, _Yet lower_; _Tenoxtitlan_, (this City is also call’d from her Founder _Mexis_, _Mexico_) that is, _Rests on a Rock_. Moreover, it may not without reason seem strange to any, that the Northern _Americans_ have remembred but three Cities out of all the _Teutonick_ Tongue, _viz._ _Lan_ in stead _Land_.

[Sidenote: _Groenland_ when discovered.]

[Sidenote: _Serm. 3. Antiq. Danic._]

Concerning _Groenland_, through which the _Norwegians_ are thought to have travell’d to _America_, _Lysander_ witnesseth, That it was accidentally discover’d by one _Eric Rauder_, _Anno 987_, and planted thirteen years after.

_Olaus_, King of _Norway_, plac’d two Bishops over the new Inhabitants, as Substitutes to the Archbishop of _Dronthen_. For four Ages they Sail’d frequently to _Groenland_; but since their King was impoverish’d by War, they left off that Trade.

We find not in any Author, that the _Norwegians_ which liv’d along the Sea-shore, ever went to seek a Way over the inaccessible Snowy Mountains of _Groenland_, to this our _New World_.

Besides, _Grotius_ stands for the _Norwegians_ as Planters, upon testimony of the _Mexicans_ themselves, who told the _Spaniards_, That their Ancestors which planted there came from the _North_, first setling themselves on _Estotiland_, where to this day there are not improbable proofs by several remarks, that they were a _Norwegian_ Colony.

[Sidenote: The opinion concerning the City _Norumbega_ in _America_.]

In the _American_ City _Norumbega_, live a People that speak the same Language, and observe the same Customs with the _Mexicans_.

In this by-Corner are found also some _Alavards_, or _Longobards_, or _Lombards_, as they say. Now the _Spaniards_ call that _New Mexico_ because last discover’d, though indeed the old, cramm’d with People eight hundred years since: for the _Mexicans_ of _New Mexico_ do not lie so far Northerly, as to the North-west: for this _Mexico_ lies in sight of _California_, which is believ’d to border on _Tartary_, or at least separated from it by a narrow Channel. But _Norumbega_ (if ever such a Place was) must, according to the _West-Indian_ Records, have been situate where a part of _New France_ lies, now planted by the _English_: between which and _New Mexico_ lies an almost unmeasurable vast Tract of Land. Mean while here is not the least sign of this City _Norumbega_ to be found: neither do the Inhabitants dwell in Cities, but live in Tents, or moveable Villages, which change their Names as oft as their Governors. Moreover, the _Norwegians_ could not get to this _Norumbega_ by Land through _Ysland_ and _Groenland_ to _Estotiland_, because of the vast Bays, and great _Midland-Sea_, discover’d by the _English_ in their North-western Discoveries; so that leaving _Estotiland_, it was altogether impossible for them to come to _Norumbega_.

[Sidenote: _Chichimecen._]

Hereto may be added what the _Mexicans_ say of themselves, who acknowledge, That travelling from the _North_, they did not find an un-inhabited Countrey before them, but were forc’d to make their Way by a long and bloody War with the _Chichimecen_, a salvage People, that knew neither Laws or Religion.

The People also dwelling opposite to _California_, differ from the Customs of the _Mexicans_, being divided into several People of contrary Constitutions, and as different Languages.

[Sidenote: Customs and Constitutions of the _Mexicans_.]

_Grotius_ scrues up his Arguments from the likeness of the _American_ Speech and Customs with the _Norwegian_: for (says he) there is little difference between _Pagod_ and _by-God_, or _like God_; _Guaira_ and _Waeijer_, that is, _A Fan_; _Ilama_ and _Lam_, in _English_, _Lamb_; _Peko_ and _Beke_, a _Brook_ or _Rivulet_. Both Customs and Constitutions have also great resemblance. The _Mexicans_ relate, that their Predecessors onely follow’d Hunting; that they divided and reckon’d the Time, not by Days, but by Nights, and wash’d their Children as soon as they were born in cold Water.

They are so much inclin’d to Gaming, that they venture their Liberty at it. Every one is satisfi’d with one Wife, except some of the Nobility, which oftentimes have more. They throw up high Banks in several places to damm out the Sea; believe the Immortality of the Soul; every one eats at a peculiar Table; most of them go naked, onely cover their _Pudenda_ with a Cloth; some Sacrifice and eat Mans-flesh: all which, according to _Tacitus_, _Pliny_, _Lucan_, and other _Roman_ Writers, was observ’d by the antient _Germans_; from whom those that inhabit between the _Norwegian_ Mountains were extracted.

These Allegations, to make the _Norwegians_ to be the Parents of the Northern _Americans_, _John de Laet_ thus contradicts: “It no ways follows that one People take original from the other, because here and there are several words found, that have the same signification and found in divers Countreys; much less when they must either add, change, or diminish several Letters. Moreover, there is no small mistake in the compar’d words: for _Pagod_ is not us’d all over _America_; the _East-Indians_ about the River _Indus_, call their Idol-Temples _Pagod_, or _Pagode_, the word _Guaira_ is no where us’d in _America_, but by the _Peruvians_, and with them not signifying a _Fan_, but a little _Oven_; neither is _Ilama_ a _Lamb_, (for before the coming of the _Spaniards_ thither, neither Sheep nor Lambs were ever seen in _Peru_) but a Wool-bearing Beast, thus describ’d by _Joseph de Acosta_:

[Sidenote: A description of the strange Beast _Ilama_ in _Peru_.]

“_Ilama_ (says he) a four-footed Creature, furnishes its Master with Meat and Clothing, and supplies the office of a Beast for Burthens, and at no charge for Hay nor Provender, well satisfi’d with what he finds in the Ways or Mountains. But the _Ilama_’s are of two sorts, either woolly, or shorthair’d: the first go by the Name _Pacos_, the other _Moromoro_, being not much less than a Calf, with a long Neck like a Camel, but of several colours; for some are white, some black, and others speckled, having an odd Look, especially when they are ty’d, and stand still without any motion, staring with goggle-eyes on their Owners: Sometimes in a moody humor, upon a sudden taking a freak, they run up to the top of almost inaccessible Mountains, where both the frantick Beast and his Burthen are lost. The _Pacos_ sometimes likewise takes sudden Pets, and fustian Fits, often doing the forward _Supersalt_, tumbling over and over with their Goods, and will not be rais’d, their moodiness continuing, with beating, nay though they cut them to pieces: but the best way is to sit down by them, and wait some hours till their humor being spent they rise again of their own accords. These Beasts are much inclin’d to a Disease call’d _Carashe_ or the _Mange_, of which they generally die: and because the Disease is very catching, they straight bury the infected alive, so the better to preserve the rest.”

_Grotius_ also mistakes, when he compares the _Mexican Peke_ with the _Dutch Beke_; for though many _Mexican_ Places, Mountains, and Rivers, terminate in _Peke_, yet it signifies not a _Brook_ or _Rivulet_, for that they call _Atlauhtli_.

[Sidenote: _De Orig. Gentium Americ._]

_John de Laet_ tells also, That with great diligence he found a _Mexican_ Dictionary, Printed by the _Spaniards_ in _Mexico_, to find if there were any words in it which agreed with any of those _European_ Languages that he understood, but found not one.

It is the same case with the Customs and Constitutions between the _Norwegians_ and Northern _Americans_: for what concerns Hunting, how many People have formerly liv’d by it? The antient _Germans_, and to this day the _Tartars_ make it their whole business, excelling in that Art all other Nations. Besides, that the more serious sort of the _Mexicans_ many Ages since scorn’d to derive themselves from a Hunting Ancestry, but affirm that they found the _Chichimecen_ in those Countreys, who were great _Venators_.

[Sidenote: Customs of the _Americans._]

[Sidenote: Their Clothing.]

The accounting of Time by the Nights, extracted from the _Hebrews_, is observ’d by divers Eastern People: and although the _Germans_ dipt and wash’d their children in cold Rivers, or Brooks, so soon as they were born, yet the _Mexicans_ never did it, but the Mother lays the Child on the fourth day after its Birth, in an open place of the House, in the middle whereof stands a Pot full of Water cover’d with Broom, in which they wash the Infant. Neither are the _Americans_ so much addicted to the Vice of Gaming as other Nations, so that _Grotius_ taxeth them too severely as to that point: as on the contrary, he too much clears them of Polygamy, whereas the _Mexicans_ Marry as many Wives as they please, or are able to maintain. Father _Martyn Perez_ relates the same of the _Cinaloans_, and other _Americans_; as also _Quarterius_ of the Natives in _Nova Francia_, which lie nearest to _Norway_. And what need the _Americans_ have the _Germans_ their Teachers, to make Dams and Banks against Floods, since Nature and Necessity it self instructs it? and where are any People so ignorant, as to ascribe the same event to Men and Beasts after death? ’Tis true, their manner of eating in _America_ is several, because the People do not much converse together: but they did not go naked; for the _Spaniards_ found them not onely neatly Habited, but had a proper Name for every thing they wore. The _Virginians_ us’d long Shirts; the _Floridans_ Skins of wild Beasts; and towards the North they cover’d themselves from Head to Foot in hairy and undress’d Hydes. The sacrificing of Men was in former Ages spreading far and near over the World, and how far it was practis’d here, hath been already declar’d at large. Lastly, all the _Americans_ are not guilty of eating of Man’s-flesh, but that salvageness is confin’d to the Southern _America_.

Thus much we have said, to prove that the _Norwegians_ had no hand in planting the Northern _America_, we shall now proceed to enquire who planted the Southern Parts, from the _Straights_ between _Panama_ and _Nombre de Dios_, to the _Straights_ of _Magellan_.

The _Peruvians_, possessing a large Tract of Land along the Coast of the _South-Sea_, _Grotius_ would thus derive from _China_:

[Sidenote: Relation of _Mancocapacus_.]

“The _Peruvians_, being of a subtile Wit, and quick of Apprehension, argue sufficiently that they are not extracted from the more Northern _Americans_, but rather from the _Chineses_, which the several Wrecks of _Chinese_ Ships found on these Coasts sufficiently evidence: and no wonder, if curiosity or accident brought the _Chineses_ expert Navigators to this Countrey, separated onely by one Sea from them. To this we may add their Rites of Religion; for both worship the Sun, and call their King the Son of the Sun; they write no Letters but make Characters downwards. _Mancocapacus_ was a _Chinese_ of strange Policy; who being inform’d that his Countrey-men inhabited fruitful Countreys on the other side of the _South-Sea_, but without Laws or Government, Sail’d over thither, and gather’d the scatter’d Multitudes in a Body, and establish’d an hereditary Kingdom after the _Chinese_ manner, to him and his Successors.”

[Sidenote: The _Americans_ are not extracted from _China_.]

To which _John de Laet_ answers thus: “Though the _Peruvians_ exceed the other _Americans_ in Policy, and at the arrival of the _Spaniards_ liv’d in a handsom Order of Government, yet they can no ways be compar’d to the sharp-witted, and noble-spirited _Chineses_; nay, there are in no Place of _Peru_ found such Artificers as those of _China_, that bear the praise of all the World; no where such manner of Buildings or Cities, nor the least likeness of the _Chinese_ Curiosities. As concerning the Wrecks found in _Peru_, I find no credible Author that gives an account thereof: for certainly the _Chineses_ could much easier, and a nearer way have come through the _Atlantick Sea_ to the Coasts of _America_, lying to the East of _Peru_, than steer along the vast, and much greater _South Sea_, and endure the horrible Storms and vast Waves, which the _European_ Ships are scarce able to endure, much less the _Chinese_ Vessels, which are not so good. The _Spaniards_ which Sail yearly from _Acupulco_ to the _Philippines_ are sensible of the great danger which they endure, chiefly by the great gusts of Wind near _California_. Besides, the _Peruvians_ before the arrival of the _Spaniards_, were utterly ignorant of great Ships, and the use of Sails. How could they at once have forgotten that Art, which they brought with them thither, Moreover, it is easier to Sail from _Peru_ to _China_, than from _China_ to _Peru_, because the Winds under the Equinoctial Line commonly blow Easterly. And it is the greater wonder, that the _Chinese_ Jonks accidentally by Storm should be driven to _Peru_, because they were never stor’d with Provisions but for a short Voyage, whereas this ask’d nine Moneths. But if any one will suppose, that they purposely directed their Course thither, how came the _Chineses_ to Sail just to _Peru_, and not to _New Spain_, which is much closer to _China_? why were there no Merchandises of the _Chineses_ found in _Peru_, since they went thither for Trade? how came they to neglect that Navigation they had once found? Nor is their Sun-worship (which was formerly practis’d in most Parts of the World) of any validity to derive them from _China_? But the contrary is most apparent, for the _Peruvians_ worship for their chief God, _Viracocha_, that is, _God Almighty_, or _The Creator of all things_.

“The _Chineses_, if Confutius an eye-witness may be credited, are divided into three Sects of Religion: The first follow the Learn’d _Trigantius_, and acknowledge a King of the Heavens, which must onely be serv’d as the _Chineses_ sole Governor; to which purpose, two Temples are built in the Royal Cities _Nankin_ and _Pekin_, one Consecrate to Heaven, and the other to the Earth. The second Sect hath the name of _Sciequia_, and serve the Idol _Omyto_. The third nam’d _Lanzu_, imploy themselves in Magick and Exorcisms, Conjuring up, and laying Evil-Spirits, whose horrid representations, when they have stuck upon the Walls, they make an artificial and dreadful noise, as if Hell were broke loose, and the House full of Devils; sometimes also force the Evil-Spirits to enter into Images, from whence they receive no impertinent answers to their questions: Therefore, who will compare this Superstition of the _Peruvians_ worshipping of the Sun, to the _Chinese_ Religion, which do no such things?

[Sidenote: Embassy to the _Cham_, l. 2. c. 2.]

“The _Peruvians_ call’d their King, _A Lord of the Realm_, and not _The Son of the Sun_, as in _China_: Though the _Mexicans_ otherwise worship the Sun, and in their manner of adulation, styl’d _Hernando Cortez_, their Conqueror, _Son of the Sun_: As to what concerns the manner of writing, it is very well known, that the _Chineses_ words are all Monosyllables, so that they have as many Letters as Words, which they joyn so together, that they reckon eighty thousand, but with ten thousand they are able to express themselves in most matters. These Characters are contain’d in their _Halpien_ or Dictionary. The antient _Chineses_ us’d seventeen several sorts of Characters in their writing, some consisting of Serpents, that by several Wreathes and contortious Windings, signify’d several things; others, of all sorts of agrestick Tools belonging to Husbandry; some Characters of the Feathers of the Bird _Fum-hoar_; others of Oysters and Worms, or of Roots, of Herbs, or Birds Claws, or of Turtles, or of Herbs and Birds Feathers mingled, or of Planets, and such like; but what manner of Writing or Hieroglyphick of theirs resembles those, who by their own testimony know neither Pen, Paper, Ink, nor any manner of Writing, but reckon the antiquity of time by strung Beads, which was observ’d many ages since among several Nations.”

[Sidenote: Original of the _Americans_ very obscure.]

[Sidenote: What we may believe concerning them.]

[Sidenote: The _Americans_ are derived from several people.]

Hitherto we have discover’d the several Opinions concerning the Original of the _Americans_, or first Plantation of _America_, from all which, having receiv’d no clear or demonstrative satisfaction, we must open our way to a further scrutiny: But first, we must needs confess, that contradiction is not difficult; but it is something of Work, when we have beaten down a well-fortifi’d Opinion, to set up somewhat in stead thereof, to stand a permanent and undeniable truth, which will be the harder, in regard the Inhabitants of this new World have no old Chronologies concerning their Antiquities, and first settling there; yet if we cannot go so far absolutely to assert, yet some probabilities, grounded (as we suppose) upon better reasons, may give more satisfaction; for none will deny, but that the Generations of Mankind being strangely multiply’d after the Flood, they then living five times our Ages, and Wars not beginning till the known part of the Earth was over-stock’d, justling for Territories, and some thrust quite out, at last found _America_; which spreading it self to a vast extent, and now found almost every where well inhabited, may be guess’d, that it was not onely Planted from the first, but several times replenish’d since by various Nations; Why may not several Planters, and at several times make room for their Colonies, incroaching one upon another, either by force or compact; as the _French_ themselves upon the _Gauls_, the _Normans_ upon them, the _Goths_ among the _Spaniards_, and the _Saxons_ among the _Brittains_, and the _Normans_ again upon them?

Several people may easily Sail over thither, the _Azores_ or the _Canary_ Isles lye so, that they are ready (as if design’d) for Transportation to _America_; from whence _Acosta_ made a Voyage in fifteen days. Also _Pliny_ gives us an account, that these Islands lay uninhabited in his time; yet is it well known, that after _Pliny_’s time, Ruins of Buildings were found there, signifying, they had been formerly Planted; and why might not those ancient Inhabitants Sail thence to the neighboring _America_?

[Sidenote: _Marian. de Reb. Hisp._ l. 1. c. 18.]

_Tercera_ lying half way between _Spain_ and _America_, was frequented by Navigators before the Birth of our Savior; and it seems as easie to Sail from thence to _America_, as from the Main Land of _Spain_ thither: Add this, that necessity forc’d the _Spaniards_ to look about them from other Countreys, for since they lost their Victorious Champion _Baucius Gapetus_, they were every where beaten, being tired out by the _Phenician_ Forces, and that oppression over, suffer’d as much under the _Roman_ Yoke: Wherefore it seems not strange, if a considerable number remov’d from thence, that they might live some where else in quiet; for which purpose they wanted no conveniencies to Rig and set forth stout and sufficient Vessels, able to live in those Seas, having had long experience from the _Phenician_ Voyagers, whose Fleets Sail’d daily to and again in several Expeditions, from _Cadiz_ and _Gibraltar_ towards these Western Countreys: Nay, _Hanno_ himself their first Navigator that way, who gives an account of the _Gorgons_, or the Isles of _Cape Verd_, a good part of the way to _America_.

[Sidenote: _English_ famous Sea-men.]

[Sidenote: _Barat-anac_, or, _Tinland_, the _Phenician_ name, and
_Brittania_ the _Greek_ name of _Brittain_.]

And though _Brittain_, _Ireland_, and the _Brittish Orcades_ lay further from _America_, yet something may be said particularly to prove, That many Ages since, Expeditions had been made from thence to the New World; and that the Inhabitants of these our Isles, in former Ages, were peculiarly famous for their skill in Navigation; insomuch, that the _Cretans_ and _Phenicians_ emulous of their skill, and jealous of their danger, made several Attacques and Invasions upon these Isles, which is the more probable, many remarks of the _Phenician_ and _Greek_ Language, remaining in the denominations of the Countrey: Of which, take first this account:

[Sidenote: Old Voyage of _Madok_ to _America_; for which see _Vet. Hist.
Brit._]

_Anno 1170._ When _Owen Guyneth_, Prince of _Wales_, having Raign’d long and happily in his setled Dominions, dying, left several Sons, who quarrelling, their elder Brother, as not contented with their shares of the Principality, nor to be under him, having gotten no mean Interests and Claims to the whole by their struglings, so weakned one another, that they open’d a way to the loosing of all.

[Sidenote: _David Powel in Historia Cambriæ._]

Amongst these Brothers, _Madok_, a Prince of a milder disposition, weary of such unnatural Dissentions, threw up his share, better contented to seek new Fortunes abroad; whereupon there were many soon perswaded to venture their lives with him, where ever he would please to Transport: So Rigging a small Fleet, he Sail’d Westward, far beyond _Ireland_, where at last he discover’d an unknown and un-inhabited Countrey, but wondrous pleasant, the Air being temperate, and the Soyl most fertile: Glad of this good success (as the Story says) he returning, spreading the Fame of this his New-Found-Land, which they might exchange for a barren Soyl, hatter’d and harass’d with an endless Civil-War.

No small number flock’d to these Summons, as a most acceptable Undertaking; so that soon after he was able to send forth ten good Ships, Freighted only with Men, Women, and Children, and all other Materials fit for a new Plantation; which not long after Landed in _Acuzamil_, a Countrey in the North of _America_, as _Francis Lopez de Gomara_ believes, because there he onely found some remaining Tracks of Christianity, a People that worshipp’d the Cross, but knew no reason why or wherefore they ador’d that sign of our Redemption. Now, some will say, that this Worship of the Cross is no argument to prove, that the _Brittish_ Christians first Planted in the North of _America_; but what will not time and change of place do, where Transplanted People keep no Records, so they forget not onely Religion, Laws, and Customs, but who they were, and from whence they came, Oblivion first mutilating, and at last swallowing up all; of which, take this one late president.

[Sidenote: Strange occasion of _De la Roche_.]

_Anno 1598._ The Duke _De La Roche_ obtain’d leave of the _French_ King, to transport a Colony of Volunteers to _New France_; in his way he Landed fifty Men on the Island _De Sable_, to rest his Passengers, and that he might the better, and with more ease explore the Countrey, and when resolv’d where to settle, then to fetch them off; who accordingly, as design’d, soon after, returning thither, was met with so violent a Storm, that not being able to Weather the Isle of _Sable_, where he left his People, he lost his whole Expedition, and was driven back to a _French_ Harbor, where no sooner arriv’d, he was so highly charg’d, that he was cast into Prison, when those he had left neglected upon the Isle, were not once so much as thought of; in this interim, they never expecting to hear more of their Captain, liv’d in a wild and miserable condition, feeding upon Fish, and sometimes wild Swine, without Bread, Drink, or Salt.

When the Baron of _Leri_ went with Letters Patents, to be Governor of _Nova Francia_, and by stress of Weather in his Voyage, was forc’d to put in at _Sable_, where he found the remainder of _La Roches_ People, who being from fifty reduced to twelve, having clad themselves in Sea-Wolves Skins, they had not onely lost their former _French_ Civilities, but forgot in a manner their Religion, much of their Language, and what they were, being as if Metamorphos’d into bestial Salvages.

[Sidenote: If some did not come accidentally to _America_.]

And although we have already controverted the improbability of Peopling _America_, either by accident of Storm, or set purpose; yet it may be possible that so it might happen, for as the several vertues of Plants, Herbs, Precious-Stones, and Minerals, though strangely occult, and so altogether unknown, that what could never be found by Art, meer chance hath brought to light, and their wondrous qualities, some casual accident hath made apparent; so strange and remote Countreys never to be found in our Charts, or Maps, nor Registred in any Story, Seamen bound to their intended Harbors, have stumbled on by chance, either Hood-wink’d by blind Mists, or forc’d upon by pertinatious Weather; of which _America_ may be her own witness, for how was _Columbus_ stirr’d up, but by incitations of the Journals of a Sea-Captain, dying in his House, driven on the _American_ Islands by foul Weather.

[Sidenote: _America_ was Peopled presently after the Flood.]

[Sidenote: Giants in _America_.]

[Sidenote: _Conjurati fratres_, _Virg. Georg._]

[Sidenote: The Flood acknowledg’d there.]

Although from the foremention’d places, and after the same manner, _America_ might be furnish’d with Inhabitants; so it also gives us a more certain assurance, that the Planting of _America_ was not onely soon after the Flood, but that they came also thither by Land: And how strangely would it be against the Majesty and Wisdom of Divine Providence, to leave half the Universal Globe, a World fully supply’d with all sorts of Creatures, fit for Food and Service, Plants, Herbs, and the richest Minerals, like a House new built, and well furnish’d, without a Master or any Inhabitant, _viz._ Man, who being of Celestial Extract, should be able to acknowledge and glorifie the Creator, by admiring the Creature in his great Works: Besides, the confus’d Notions and Fables of Giants, Perpetrators of all manner of Crimes, and wallowing in all kind of sensual Debaucheries, are always remembred among the Antiquities of the _Americans_, and that they had some slender hints of antient Truth, not onely of the Giants before the Flood, but of those that soon after the rank fatness of the Earth, produc’d and fed to that pitch of Arrogance, that the covenanting Brethren defi’d God, fortifying themselves to fight him by the advantage of that their long congested Pile, _Babel_, which in a short time was transverted by the _Heathen_ Poets into their _Gigantomachia_, heaping Hills on Hills, like the _American_ Traditions: From which we may conjecture, that they came thither in the time of _Noah_; for why may not any believe, when _Noah_ liv’d three hundred years after he Landed on Mount _Ararat_, that he took care to People the World? And who will make him ignorant of this New World, who living five hundred years before, might not improbably by his own industry and the help of the former long-liv’d _Patriarchs_, been well able to make a general Survey of the Old; and he could better furnish _America_, it being nearer Mount _Ararat_, than supply _Italy_, _Spain_, _Germany_, or any Northern Territories in _Europe_, so that _America_ might be known to the first people after the Flood, nay, inhabited by them, though since that, the knowledge was lost.

_Pliny_ complaining of the Supine negligence, and stupendious sloth which reign’d then and long before as he had observ’d, among all people, and in every place, who were so far from making inquiry after discoveries of Lands for new Plantations, that they lost the old, when they had begun to settle, though under the greatest serenity of Peace; The Sea by that means lying open beyond what any juncture of former times could be proud of.

[Sidenote: _Canary Islands_, by whom discover’d.]

[Sidenote: _Hesperian_ Gardens, what they signifie.]

Yet the _Fortunate_, or _Canary_ Islands were in the first ages after _Noah_, frequented with Vessels, which in later times were altogether neglected, till _Guillaum Betancourt_, a Gentleman of _Picardye_, brought them again to be taken notice of by a fresh Trade. The Fable of the _Hesperian_ Gardens, and the Dragon that kept the Golden Fruit, with constant Vigils, is nothing but an allusion to the Sea, which with Serpentine Embraces, not onely secur’d these scatter’d Isles, but swallow’d up several Adventurers that too hardy made their unhappy approaches for discovery.

Another Allegation for the Planting of _America_ by Land, both whose sides are wash’d on the East and West, by the South and Atlantick Ocean, may be thus probably made out: The Atlantick rowls over with almost Fathomless Waters, three thousand Leagues of Ground; the South-Sea not much less, which well may be, being indeed but one continu’d Sea, encompassing, till meeting there, the Universal Ball; whence springs a more likelyhood, that _America_ might be Planted from the Southern parts, from the _Straights_ of _Magellan_, and _Le-Mayr_.

[Sidenote: _Relatio de Terra Australe._]

[Sidenote: The Description of the unknown South.]

_Peter Fernandes de Quir_ relates, That he and a Commander, _Lodowick Paes le Torres_ saw a part of the South Countrey, and in it innumerable Inhabitants, _Whites_, _Blacks_, _Sallows_, with long, black, curl’d, Woolly, and yellow Hair. They know no Walls or Fortresses for Defence, Laws or Kings, but are divided into Tribes: They use indeed Bows, Arrows, Clubs, and a kind of Spears: Their Houses are cover’d with Palm-Tree-Leaves; their Housholdstuff consists onely of a few Earthen Pots, and such Trinkets; yet they have some little skill in Weaving, and though they go naked, pride themselves in Neck-Laces and Bracelets, made of Mother of Pearl: But these for their Complexions and Constitution of Body, Customs, and manners, are rather deriv’d from the _Americans_, than they from them, and therefore we must seek for their Original from the North; from which are but two ways, one from _Ysland_ and _Groenland_, which _Grotius_ endeavors to prove, but contradicted; the other out of _Tartary_, which certainly was the first Nursery, from whence the _Americans_ were Transplanted.

[Sidenote: Description of _Tartary_.]

_Tartary_ or _Tattary_, so call’d from the River _Tatter_, which runs thorow the Countrey _Mongul_ into the Northern Ocean, covers a great part of the Terrestrial Globe; the lesser _Tartary_ makes out a considerable part of _Europe_; the greater is _Asia_.

This great _Tartary_, which is a thousand Leagues long, and six hundred broad, reckons five chief Provinces, _viz._ the wild _Tartary_, inhabited by Herdsmen; _Sagatai_, of which the Metropolis is _Samarcand_, famous for the mighty _Tamerlane_; next _Turkestan_; then _Kitai_, which the great _Cham_ Commands; and lastly, _Old Tartary_, according to _Andreas Cæsariensis_, the habitation of _Gog_ and _Magog_.

Now we must enquire from what _Tartars_ the _Americans_ are Extracted:

[Sidenote: _Thrian_ l. 67.]

[Sidenote: If the _Israelites_ were _Tartars_.]

_Mornæus_, _Postellus_, _Genebrardus_, _Poterus_, and others are of opinion, That the _Tartars_, which about the year 1228. under the Command of _Zingis Cham_ overspread the Earth like a deluge, were the Successors of the ten Tribes of _Israel_, which were carry’d into captivity to _Assyria_ by _Salmanazar_. The name _Tartary_, or rather _Tattaria_, seems to be some testimony thereof, because it signifies in the _Syrian_ or _Hebrew_ Tongue, _Remnants_ or _Remainders_, as seemingly, because these _Tartarians_ were remainders of the foremention’d Tribes; nay, the Northern _Tartary_ Herdsmen preserve to this day the Names _Dan_, _Zabulon_, and _Naphthali_: Wherefore we need not to admire, why so many _Jews_ are found in _Russia_, _Sarmatia_, and _Liefland_; nay, the nearer to _Tartary_, the more _Jews_ there are.

Circumcision hath a long time been observ’d among them, before _Mahomet_ brought in his new Law; it seems, that _Mahomet_ order’d the Circumcision and other Laws, according to _Moses_, to be observ’d by the Northern people, because that in his time, they began to Rebel, that so they might the better be kept in awe by their new Religion.

[Sidenote: _Pand. Hist. Turcica._]

_Joannes Leonclavius_ relates, That in _Liefland_ near _Riga_, he heard the wilde Natives call’d _Letti_, not without great admiration, go crying along the High-Ways and Fields, with a doleful voice, _Jeru, Jeru, Masco lou_: It is believ’d that they mourn for _Jerusalem_ and _Damascus_; but by their long continuance in the vast Wildernesses, they have forgot their Religion and Laws, and what else might enable to tell us who they were. Several learned Authors question this removal of the _Israelites_ out of _Assyria_ to _Tartary_, though to our Judgement their Arguments are too weak, to take from them of the footing they have gotten there; yet nevertheless, the _Israelites_ are not to be taken for the Planters of _America_, for why else is not _Judaisme_ as well found in _America_ as in _Tartary_. But it is already shewn, that _America_ was inhabited long before the dispersion of the _Israelites_.

[Sidenote: _Americans_ are not deriv’d from _Africa_ nor _Europe_.]

[Sidenote: But _Asia_, and chiefly out of _Tartary_.]

Now to shut up all, it is evident, that the first Planters of _America_ were not _Europeans_ from the dissimilitude of the People, both in their Complexions, Language and Persons; nor _Africans_, because that in all the far-spreading Countrey of _America_, not one _Negro_ is to be found, except a few near the River _Martha_, in the little Territory _Quarequa_, which must by Storm be drove thither from the _Guinny_ Coast: So that _Asia_, the Mother of all People, onely remains to be Implanter of our _America_, whose Western Coast, opposite to _Asia_, is more inhabited than to the East, where it respects _Europe_.

[Sidenote: _Tartary_ is not parted from _America_ by the _Straights_ of
_Anian_.]

Moreover, _Armenia_, out of which, by _Noah_’s Progeny, the whole Earth was re-peopled, borders on _Scythia_, now call’d _Tartary_, and _Tartary_ faces _America_, separated onely by the _Straights_ of _Anian_; though some are of opinion, that out of the South into the Frozen Sea, there is no passage thorow these _Straights_, else (as we have already prov’d the contrary) how came all those Voracious and Poysonous Beasts into _America_, if it be clearly separated from _Asia_ by Sea?

It deserves here to be related, what happen’d to _Henry Cornelison Schaep_, and _William Byleveld_, Sailing from _Batavia_ to discover the _Tartarick_ River _Polysange_, but were taken and carry’d Prisoners to the _Japan_ Court at _Jedo_; being Commanded there by Order of the Councel to give an account of a _Japan_ Map or Card, which was laid before them, and contain’d the Provinces of _Japan_, _Amboina_, the _Molucca_ Islands, _Manilha_, the _South-Sea_, _Borneo_, _Celebes_, _Malacca_, _Tartary_, _Formosa_, _Corea_, and the vast and Mountainous Countrey or Desart of _Jesso_, separated from _Japan_ by the _Straights_ of _Sungar_; though toward the North, it joyns to _Japan_ in the Province of _Ochio_; and beginning in forty seven degrees, run North-East towards _America_, but they could not possible find the _Straights_ of _Anian_; but on the contrary, the Promontory of _Tartary_, _viz._ the Province _Kataya_ or _Katui_ lay in the same parallel with the Northern _America_.

[Sidenote: _Ennead_ 9. l. 6. Testimonies that the _Americans_ are
_Tartars_.]

Hereto may be added, that _Asia_ hath no Territory any where, which may more easily with numerous Colonies supply _America_ than this part of _Tartary_, as well for the vastness of the Countrey, to which no other can compare, as for the increasing of the Inhabitants: Who doth not admire, that according to _Michalon Lithouwer_, there is scarce a City in _Tartary_ that boasted less than a thousand Temples? and to see _Canguista_ first King of _Tartary_, about the Year 1200. in Arms; and his Successor _Hoccata_ following his Fathers bloody Footsteps, whilst he prepar’d his Sons with three vast Armies? The eldest Son, _Jachis_, March’d Westward with thirty thousand Horse; _Batho_ drew with as great an Army towards the North; _Tagladais_ being the youngest fell into the _Moores_ Countrey above _Egypt_. _Hoccata_ himself March’d victoriously into the North _America_, subdu’d great part of the _Persian_ Kingdom, and beat the _Turks_, led by the General _Goniata_ with a great Army, _Anno 1241._ as _Jacob Planensis_ and _Benedictus Sarmata_, two _Monks_, sent by Pope _Innocent_ to _Hoccata_, witness: The great number of the _Tartars_ or _Scythians_, may appear by the several people, spread far and near over _Tartary_; _Pliny_ reckons some of them, _viz._ _Auchetes_, _Neuri_, _Geloni_, _Thussagetes_, _Budini_, _Basilides_, _Agathyrsi_, _Nomades_, _Anthropophagi_, _Hyperborei_, _Arimphei_, _Cimmerij_, _Cicianthi_, _Georgi_, _Sacores_, and others: What number would the Inhabitants make up that live in _America_, in _Teneneuf_, _Virginia_, _Florida_, _New Spain_, _Guadalaiara_, _Guatemala_, _Terra firma_, _New Granada_, _Peru_, _Chili_, _Rio de la Plata_, _Brasil_, _Guaiana_, _New Andaluzai_?

It will be worth our time, to compare the likeness between the _Scythians_ and Northern _Americans_; both of them are differenc’d with special Marks of a more than ordinary and natural distance between the Eyes, which much alters the whole Air of the Face, and the plumpness and swelling of their Cheeks summits above the Cheek-bone; most of these are of a middle stature, having downy Hair upon their Chin, like the Callow Feathers of an unfledg’d Bird. Lastly, as the _Tartars_, they differ amongst themselves in their Customs, yet in several things they agree one with another, according as they are govern’d by others, and yet other Princes, some powerful, and some weaker, according as every ones power be more or less. The Inhabitants of _Lucaja_ bear so great a respect, and stand so much in awe of their Governor, that if commanded to leap from a Rock, and break their Necks, they instantly obey.

The same is observ’d by the _Tartars_; the first King _Canguista_ Commanded the seven Princes of his Realm to Murder their Sons with their own Hands, which they all readily perform’d.

[Sidenote: Constitutions of the _Tartars_ and _Americans_ agree.]

In _Popaina_ they live to this day like some _Tartars_, without Laws or Law-givers, who change their places by turns, from the great increase of the _Tartars_, the _Americans_ no ways differ.