Chapter M (9)

The Women wear long Chains of Snail-shells, which hang down over their Shoulders; their Faces are Painted with divers colour’d Rings, surrounded with Specks; their Necks and Arms they adorn with Necklaces and Armlets of little Bones: They carry their Husbands Provisions in time of War.

Their Army they order by blowing on the Horn _Inubia_; others play on Mens Bones kill’d a little before: for going by Water they use Boats made of the Barks of Trees, each whereof being able to carry fifty Men, go exceeding swift: The strongest Men always march before, and as many as they take, whether Men, Women, or Children, they are all kill’d and roasted in their _Boucans_.

[Sidenote: Their manner of Fighting.]

Their Villages consist of Houses of eighty, ninety, or a hundred Paces long; those that lie near the Enemy are fenc’d with Walls and Pallisado’s against any Attempt. Their Field-Battels are very terrible; for as soon as they get sight of one another, they howl like Wolves; which Tone they raise as they approach nearer and nearer, and with their Horns and Pipes make also a mighty sound; then shaking their former Enemies Teeth (which they wear about their Necks) at one another, they cry, _That they shall immediately fall into each others hands for Food_: whereupon they throw their Darts at one another, which are adorn’d with all sorts of Feathers, and if any one be wounded, he pulls out the Dart, and bites the same like a mad Dog; next falling to their Clubs, they knock one anothers Brains out: which manner of Fighting lasts commonly some hours before the one or other Party leave the Field. All their Prisoners they fatten, and eat them at a Merry-meeting; at which when they have Danc’d seven hours together, three Men lead the Prisoner, ty’d with a Rope made of the Bark of a Tree call’d _Juira_, through their Village, whilest the Prisoner looking to and again, saith in a scornful manner thus unto them, _You, do ye hear? I have eaten your Fathers_: and to others, _I have roasted your Brother; your Nephew also tasted very well; my Death will be sufficiently reveng’d_: Having carry’d him about for some time, they put the Rope so strait about his Middle, that he can neither stir one way nor other; then they give him Stones in his Hands, and lay others at his Feet, saying, _Now take Revenge for your Death before you die_: then he immediately throws at those who are nearest him; and when Stones are wanting, he throws with Earth: at last comes the Executioner, adorn’d with Feathers, with a black Club in his Hand, and asks, _Have not you at several times eaten of our Relations?_ to which the Prisoner undauntedly answers, _Pa che tan tan, ajouca, atoupave_, that is, _Yes, I am he that have eaten several of your People_, and laying his Hands upon his Head, cries out, _O how valiantly did I behave my self therein!_ The Executioner replies, _And therefore shall you be kill’d by me, and serve for Food for these Spectators_: Then the Prisoner answers again, _What care I, since I know my Death will be reveng’d_: which said, his Brains are dash’d out, and falling on the Ground, he is carry’d away by his Wife (for the Conqueror commonly betroths his Sister or Daughter to the Prisoner,) who seemingly bemoans the Body, of which she hath the first Cut when it is Dress’d; then the old Women put the Corps into scalding Water, in which they let it lie till the Skin comes off; then the Owner of the Prisoner quartering the Body, distributes it amongst the Guests; the pieces laid on their Gridirons call’d _Boucans_, are turn’d by the old Women, who lick up the Dripping, desiring the By-standers to bring more such Food, and with the Blood anoint the Childrens Faces; the Meat being broyl’d every one takes a piece, and eats it up to the Bones, which are kept as Trophies.

[Sidenote: _Brasilians_ molested by an evil Spirit.]

The _Brasilians_ do not onely thus plague one another, but they are likewise tormented by an evil Spirit, which they call _Aygnan_ and _Caagerrel_, if credit may be given to _John Leerius_ a _Burgundian_, who relates, that he hath often seen them sweat out of fear; and striking their Hands upon their Thighs, cry out, _Mair autourassap, acequerey, Aygnan atoupave_, that is, _O my Fool, my Companion, I fear the Devil above all Evils_.

[Sidenote: Diseases peculiar to _Brasile_.]

Amongst several Diseases to which _Brasile_ is subject, there is one call’d _Pians_, as malignant as the _French POX_, proceeding from libinousness, the whole Body being full of Carbuncles, each about the bigness of a Man’s Thumb.

Strangers in _Brasile_ are also much troubled with a Giddiness, occasion’d by the extream Cold in the Night; as also with sore Eyes, which they get by going abroad before Sun-rising, or after Sun-setting.

The Palsie is also very common there, taking People so suddenly, that falling down stiff on the Ground, they are often in danger of losing their Breath.

Besides these there are several other Distempers that very much infest _Brasile_, as the Bloody-flux, Dropsie, Rising of the Gall, Worms, Meazles, and St. _Anthony_’s Fire.

[Sidenote: _Brasilians_ success in curing of several Distempers by their
knowledge in Herbs.]

The aged _Brasilians_ have for the most part great skill in Herbs, which they gather in the Woods, and apply them to the Sick both inwardly and outwardly; and chiefly they know how to expel Poyson. None can perswade them against the Medicines which they have learn’d from their Predecessors; nay, they will rather chuse to lose their Lives than use any other: and indeed they do not always succeed amiss, but often manifest that they understand the Vertue of Herbs better than our _European_ Physicians. The Learned _Guilielmus Piso_ relates, That he hath seen several times in the Army which _Grave Maurice_ sent against the _Portuguese_ in _Brasile_, that the _Brasilians_ in a short time cur’d those Wounds with fresh Gums and healing Herbs, which the _Netherland_ Chirurgeons judging past Cure, presently advis’d the cutting off either the Arm or Leg of the wounded Person. _Piso_ adds moreover, That he himself us’d some of _Hippocrates_’s and _Galen_’s Prescriptions in Wine, for the curing of Cancers and Swellings, which the _Brasilians_ have made well onely with the Juice of Tobacco. They also in a moment recover’d a Person given over by all _European_ Physicians, with the Juice of the Root call’d _Jaborandi_: Wherefore he always desir’d their Company when he went to visit sick or wounded Men.

[Sidenote: Their manner of curing the Sick, and bewailing the Dead.]

The Distempers in _America_ differ much from the _European_, not onely in the Signs of any Distemper, but also in the Cure; for when a Distemper cannot be cur’d by the prescribed Medicines, a Father or Mother sends for the Neighbors, to know if they can find any means to cure the Disease: Which Custom was anciently observ’d amongst the _Greeks_. They also strictly observe a Rule in their Diet, and take care to keep the Patient out of the Sun in the Day, and cold Winds in the Night: However, if their Fathers and Mothers be sick, nevertheless they leave not off their usual Dancing and Singing; but if the sick Person die, especially a Father, they lament and cry over the Corps like Wolves, calling to one another with a quavering Voice, and uttering these Expressions, _The strong Man is deceas’d, who carry’d so many Prisoners for a brave Dinner to his House. Oh what a quick Hunter and subtil Fisher hath Death bereav’d us of! we shall see him no more till our Souls are carry’d beyond the high Mountains, where our valiant Predecessors Dance in Rings._ The Women make the greatest noise, and in the midst of their howling embrace one another, which lasts six hours, and then they put the Body upright into a Grave made like a Hogshead, hanging about it divers colour’d Feathers, and other things in which the Deceased delighted most when living; upon the Grave the nearest Relations place Dishes of Meat, both Flesh and Fish, and the Liquor _Cauou-in_, that their evil Spirit call’d _Aygnan_, may be reconcil’d by these Offerings, and not carry away the Body; but when they remove from thence they cover the Grave with the Herb _Pindo_. This Custom is not observ’d by all _Brasilians_, for some eat up their deceased Relations.

SECT. XIII.
Grave Maurice _his Account of_ Brasile, _so far as it concern’d the_
West-India _Company_.

_Brasile_, so far as it concerns the _West-India_ Company, extends from the River _Real_, which divides _Seregippa_ and the Lordship of St. _Salvador_, to _Maragnan_: _Seregippa_ it self reaches along the Sea-Coast thirty two Leagues, and was first brought under the King of _Spain_’s Jurisdiction by _Christovan de Barros Cardoso_, who being order’d by the King of _Spain_ to Plant this new Countrey, invited many People from St. _Salvador_, who built four Sugar-Mills, and a Town consisting of a hundred Houses, and four hundred Sheds for Cattel; but the Town being destroy’d, hath nothing left but Heaps of Rubbish; and the Cattel either fell into the _Netherlanders_ hands, or were devour’d by Tygers; the Inhabitants fled back to St. _Salvador_: Many troubles have prevented the re-building of it.

[Sidenote: The fertility of _Pernambuco_.]

_Pernambuco_ may for its fruitfulness stand in competition with any Place in the World, except in those parts where the Soil is sandy and stonie. The Fields feed abundance of excellent Cattel; the Woods, Deer and Fowl; the Ocean and Rivers, all manner of good Fish. It is inhabited but eight Leagues into the Countrey, because the nearer the Sea, the more convenient it is for Importing and Exporting of Goods; neither could the _Portuguese_, by reason of their small number, spread themselves farther, as also in regard they found great resistance from the _Brasilians_. The _Negro_’s that work in the Sugar-Mills between the River _Grande_ and _Francisco_, amount to four thousand. The Cape _Verde_, _Mina_, _Angola_, _Ardra_, and _Calabaria_, generally provide three thousand in a year, to supply the number of the Sick, or those that run away.

SECT. XIV.
_The Councellor_ Dussen’_s Relation of so much of_ Brasile _as concerns
the_ West-India _Company_.

That part of _Brasile_ which the _West-India_ Company have subdu’d by force of Arms on the Continent of _America_, is divided into six Counties, _viz._ _Seregippa_, _Pernambuco_, _Itamarica_, _Parayba_, _Rio Grande_, and _Siara_.

The Expedition undertaken by _Gysseling_ and _Schuppe_ made _Seregippa_ desolate, the Inhabitants whereof remov’d to the Coast _Todos los Sanctos_.

Also _Siara_, which the _Portuguese_ formerly possess’d, was thinly inhabited, and had a mean Fortress there, whither some few _Brasilians_ came now and then to the _Netherlanders_ assistance.

_Pernambuco_, lying between the Rivers _Francisco_ and _Tamarica_, excells the other Countrey in fruitfulness and pleasantness. The _Brasilians_ compare it to a hollow Rock, under which fresh Water flows.

[Sidenote: Havens of _Pernambuco_.]

Moreover, _Pernambuco_ hath several Havens, _viz._ the outermost Road before _Reciffa_, which being in the open Sea, is somewhat dangerous, but the innermost is secure against all Storms; also at the Promontory St. _Augustine_, where the Mouth of the Haven is narrow and dangerous, by reason of the Rocks and shallow Grounds; the Island _Alexio_ is very fit to Crain Ships in; _Barra Grande_ hath a large and safe Inlet, convenient for all manner of Vessels, yet it is inferior to _Cororipa_; lastly, the Havens _Jaragoa_ and _Franco_ are very eminent.

[Sidenote: Rivers.]

Amongst the Rivers, the chief are _Jangades_, _Serinhain_, _Formosa_, _Porto Calvo_, _Camarigibi_, _Antonio_, _Michael_, and _Francisco_.

_Pernambuco_ also is divided into six Jurisdictions; the first and most ancient is _Igarazu_; the second and biggest, _Olinda_; the third, _Serinhain_; the fourth, _Porto Calvo_; the fifth, the _Alagoas_; and the sixth, _Rio Francisco_, which is the Boundary of _Pernambuco_ on the South.

[Sidenote: Towns of _Pernambuco_.]

_Pernambuco_ also boasts five Towns, _viz._ _Garasu_, _Olinda_, _Maurice-stadt_, to which also belongs _Reciffa_, _Bella Pojuca_, and _Formosa_. The Villages _Moribeca_, _St. Laurence_, _Antonio_, _Amaro_, and others are also not inferior to little Towns.

The Countrey is for the most part Hilly, but is exceeding fruitful in the Valleys, and near the Rivers, especially in Sugar-Canes.

Here are also a hundred and twenty Sugar-Mills, of which a great number stand still for want of _Negro_’s.

Next _Pernambuco_ lies _Tamarica_, which hath onely one Haven, one City, and twenty three Sugar-Mills, of which thirty are onely employ’d. This Island produces excellent Grapes and Melons, yet is for the most part barren, by reason of the Pismires.

The Countrey _Parayba_ hath its Denomination from the River which washeth it, being deep, and without any Rocks or Sands; on the Banks thereof stand twenty Sugar-Mills, two of which are still standing.

In the Lordship of _Rio Grande_ stands the Town _Puntael_, whose Buildings were ruin’d in the Wars; after which the Inhabitants had leave to build them another City on a fruitful Soil.

The Countrey hereabouts us’d formerly to be very full of Cattel, but was not onely bereav’d thereof by the _Hollanders_ and _Portuguese_, but also for the most part made desolate.

The River which washes the Castle Ceulen, affords a convenient and safe Harbor for all sorts of Vessels.

This Lordship of _Rio Grande_ boasts onely two Sugar-Mills, of which one is decay’d; so that in all those Parts in _Brasile_ which belong to the _West-India_ Company, are a hundred and sixty Sugar-Mills constantly employ’d, besides forty six which are about repairing. It is scarce to be reckon’d how much Sugar they make yearly, in regard, through the alterations of the annual Seasons, as also the more or less fruitful Fields, they produce one year, and in one place, more than in another.

The Inhabitants are of two sorts, _viz._ free People, and Slaves; the Slaves are _African Negro_’s, and the others, _Netherlanders_, _Portugueses_, or _Brasilians_; which last came in of their own accords, or else were absolv’d from their Oaths, and acquitted from their Martial Offices; yet are ready to venture their Lives and Estates, and to Serve either on Foot or Horseback for their Freedom against their Enemies. Those that went from the _Netherlands_ to _Brasile_ on their own Accounts, drive a Trade, or Serve the Traders, or else keep Inns, and follow Handicraft Faculties; some of which, when grown rich, buy Parts in Sugar-Mills; others live on Tilling: by all which several sorts of People _Reciffa_ is very well inhabited, and full of Houses, which yield great Rents, and are held at high Prices: wherefore _Grave Maurice_ thought good to mark out pieces of Ground on the Isle _Antonio Vaes_, which were sold for a considerable Sum of Money, insomuch that in a short time a new City call’d _Maurice-stadt_ was built on the same, and inclos’d within strong Bulwarks; yea, notwithstanding the Rumor of a great _Spanish_ Fleet in some measure abated the Courage of the Builders, yet the City was extended down to the Fort _Frederick Henrick_, and a brave Bridge laid over the Stream _Biberibi_, cross which they go from _Reciffa_ to _Antonio Vaes_, where no People were in greater esteem than Handicraftsmen, who could get their ten or twelve Shillings a day. The Labor which is requir’d in the Sugar-Mills, no Men are able to undergo but the _Negro_’s. Of the _Portuguese_ some have liv’d here a considerable time; others lately came hither, being most of them _Jews_, of whom there live a great many at _Reciffa_, and are very diligent in promoting of Trade: They possess several Sugar-Mills, and are kept very much under; their whole study and contrivance is for Gain; they conceal their Hatred against the _Christians_, as also their Covetousness, yet are mortal Enemies to the _Hollanders_. The _Brasilians_, who are the ancient Inhabitants, live apart from other People in their Villages, consisting of long Straw Huts, forty or fifty of them under one Roof sleeping on woven Hammocks; they esteem no Houshold-stuff but Nets and _Calabashes_, using the first to fish with, and the other to drink out of; about their Huts they plant _Mandihoka_ and _Brasile_ Trees; when they are not employ’d in the Wars, they spend most of their time in Hunting, but many in Idleness; they esteem wild Fruits better than those which are Planted; they Drink night and day, making their Liquor of the chew’d Root _Mandihoka_, or the Apples _Tajovis_; they esteem nothing so much as strong Drink, and to wear Linnen next their Skins; they would not value Money, could they but get Brandy and _Spanish_ Wine without it; if they are not promis’d a Reward, they will not work. Each Village, nay House, hath its peculiar Governor; but besides him there is a _Hollander_, who stirs up the Idle to work, and takes care that the Owners of the Sugar-Mills do them no injury: They never suffer themselves to be Hir’d for above twenty days, at the end whereof they demand their Wages; they are commonly employ’d to chop Wood to boyl the Sugar with; but by reason of the scarcity of _Negros_, they are often made use of for other Business, which to avoid they hide themselves; as also when they are to go to Fight; they are hard to be kept in Ranks, for they will run out of their own Fyle into another on the least occasion; but if they put their Enemy to flight, they pursue him, and spare none alive. They little regard the _Christian_ Religion, yet some of them have learn’d the _Lord’s-Prayer_ and the _Creed_ of the _Roman_ Priests. The Minister _Davil_ having learn’d the _Brasilian_ Tongue, Converted very many of them, and Baptiz’d them in their Villages.

The _Brasilian_ Women and Children usually go to Wars with their Husbands and Fathers.

The _Brasilian_ Slaves were some years since bought of the _Tapuyans_, or made Slaves, because they assisted _Boudewyn Henrickszoon_, when he Landed in the Inlet _Traluson_; but they have since obtain’d their Freedom of the _Portuguese_. The _Angolan_ Slaves can undergo greater Labor than any other.

The _Brasile_ Wood grows generally ten or twelve Leagues up in the Countrey from the Sea, not in particular Woods, but amongst other Trees.

The _Negro_’s, when the Sugar-Mills work not, are employ’d in pulling off the white Bark, three Fingers thick, from the Tree, which bears dark-green Leaves, small and prickly at the ends, and hanging on thin Stalks, but bearing neither Blossoms nor Fruit.

_Osnabrig_ Linnen is highly esteem’d amongst the _Brasilians_, as also colour’d Wax, Copper, Tin, Wine, Beer, Butter, Cheese, Meal, Stock-fish, Pork, Hung-beef, and Gammons of Bacon.

The _Papists_ Teach and observe their Religion in publick, their Spiritual Men being divided into Priests and Monks; the Monks consist of _Franciscans_, _Carmelites_, and _Benedictines_; the _Franciscans_ being the most eminent, possess six fair Cloysters, besides which they have neither Land nor other Revenues, but live on what is given them daily; their Cloysters stand in _Frederick-stadt_, _Iguaraca_, _Olinda_, _Pojuca_, _Serinhain_, and _Antonio Vaes_. But the _Carmelites_ have three Structures at _Parayba_, and as many more in _Frederick-stadt_ and _Olinda_, where they live plentifully on what they reap from Tillage, Rents of Houses, and Legacies of deceased Persons. The _Benedictins_, though they possess onely two Cloysters, one in _Frederick-stadt_, and the other at _Olinda_, yet they have the greatest Income from the Sugar-Mills of _Muserapa_, and the Countrey about _Parayba_, as also Cattel and Cane-Fields.

_Reciffa_, the Seat of War, hath two Horn-works towards _Olinda_; the first rais’d with Stone, defends the Haven with seven Brass Demi-Culverins; the other lies opposite to the River _Biberi_, and hath five Brass and two Iron Guns. _Reciffa_ also hath a strong Rail about it, and many Guns plac’d in good order. Near the Powder-house stand two Batteries with Guns.

On the Shore towards _Olinda_, lies the Stone Castle _St. Joris_, on a Hill opposite to the Haven, fortifi’d with a Bulwark and thirteen Iron Guns.

The Water-Castle, built round, rises out of the Sea, and stands at the end of the Stone Cliff, which makes an Inlet, through which the Ships Sail that come to, and go from _Reciffa_.

The Fort _Bruine_ hath four Points, seven Brass Guns, and Pallisados round about.

Somewhat farther is the Redoubt call’d _The Lady Bruine_, which hath two Brass Guns.

The Castle _Waerdenbergh_, built before the Mouth of the River _Capivaribi_, in the Bay made by the River _Biberibi_, hath three Points, each rais’d square, because the fourth Bulwark towards _Antonio Vaes_, cannot be finish’d, by reason the Earth is sunk away.

The Fort _Ernestus_ stands on the North-side of _Maurice-stadt_, on the Island _Antonio Vaez_. That part of the City which respects the Fort, lies open, with five Points and a double Horn-work; it is the more secure from any Invasion, because the Countrey round about is overflow’d at High-water. On the Horn-work stand eight Brass Guns; but the four Redoubts along the River _Capivaribi_ are decay’d.

The square Fort _Prince William_, standing in a low Ground not far from the River _Afogados_, hath four Bulwarks, and is inclos’d with a high Wall and strong Pallisado’s: the Church appearing above all other Houses in the Castle, may be seen at _Olinda_.

[Sidenote: Description of _Maurice-stadt_.]

_Maurice-stadt_ lies pleasantly along the River _Biberibi_, and is wash’d behind by the River _Capivaribi_; It hath a large Wharf, a brave Magazine, a _French_ Church, and a Guild-hall: The Buildings are not altogether so high as those in _Reciffa_, where they are commonly three Stories, because the Ground is very dear.

_Grave Maurice_’s Court lying opposite to _Reciffa_, on the Shore of _Biberibi_, rises from the middle of a Garden with two high Towers.

Not far from the Castle _Ernestus_ is a Potters Kiln, and on the other side, near the Fort _Frederick Henrick_ seven Wells, and some Morasses, and towards the Water-side, a Stone Battery.

[Sidenote: Forts of _Brasile_.]

The Fort _Orange_ at the Southern Mouth of the Haven, hath, by reason of its dry Moats, a strong Pallisado, four Bulwarks, and twelve Guns. The Bulwarks about the Church, and the Battery before the Haven, also secures _Schuppen-stadt_ against the _Portuguese_. On the Battery stand nine Iron and two Brass Guns. At the Northern Entrance of the Haven appears a Tower with three Guns.

The Fort _Margareta_ hath two Brass and forty Iron Guns.

_Restringa_, surrounded with Pallisado’s, rises near a sandy Point in the middle of the River.

The Castle _Antonio_, wash’d by the Sea, hath onely one Tower, but that sufficiently strong to defend it against an Enemy.

The _Franciscan_ Cloyster, strengthned by a Wall and Earthen Works, serve in stead of a Castle to _Frederick-stadt_, and is the more secure by reason of a Half-Moon, Moats, Rails, and a Battery at the Mouth of the Haven.

The stonie Fortification of _Ceulen_ lies near the Sea. All these are the Fortresses of the Northern _Brasile_.

To the Southward of _Reciffa_ appears the Promontory _St. Augustine_, where the Haven is secur’d by the Forts _Vander Dussen_, _Domburgh_, and a Stone Battery.

_Porto Calvo_ is fortifi’d by a Castle, built on a steep Hill forty Foot high.

The Fort _Maurice_ Commands the Ferry of _Rio Francisco_, and is built on a high and steep Hill, with five Bulwarks; the lowermost Plain is overflow’d by the River in the Summer Season. The Store-houses hereabouts are ill furnish’d, and if not suddenly supply’d, ’tis to be fear’d, that a great Famine will follow, as already it is begun, and we may thank the faint-heartedness of the Enemy that it hath increas’d no more.

The _Militia_ is distributed into all the Forts or Villages, that so they may the better procure their Provisions, watch the approach of the _Spaniards_, and prevent all Incroach-ments of the Enemy. In _Maurice_ Castle are five hundred and forty Men in Garrison; in the _Afogados_, two hundred ninety three; in _Camarigibi_ and _Porto Calvo_, four hundred and eighty; in _Serinhain_, seven hundred and eighty; in _Pojuca_, twenty five; in the Mills _Panterra_, ninety seven; at the Promontory _Antonio_, two hundred and forty; in the Castle _Vander Dussen_, a hundred and seventy; the like number is in _Amaro_ and _Moribeca_; in the Village _St. Laurence_, four hundred and twenty two; in the Fort _Prince William_, two hundred and sixty three; in _Frederick Henrick_, hath two hundred and thirty; in _Ernestus_, two hundred and eighty; in _Reciffa_, two hundred and seventy seven; in the Castle _Bruine_, a hundred and twenty five; in _Olinda_, a hundred and ninety three; in _Iguaraza_, ninety three; in _Orange_, a hundred and eighty two; in _Goyana_, a hundred and sixty five; in _Frederick-stadt_, a hundred and one; in the Fort _Margareta_, three hundred and sixty; in the Castle _Ceulen_, eighty eight; in _Antonio Vaes_ lies _Grave Maurice_’s Guard; _Siara_ is defended by forty; so that the whole Power consists of six thousand one hundred and eighty Men, too weak a number to resist the Enemy both by Land and Sea; nay, had he had Courage, the _West-India_ Companies Concerns in _Brasile_ would long since have been in a low Condition; for the _Spanish_ Fleet which came lately from _Cadis_, carry’d three thousand Men, besides seven hundred which they brought from _St. Salvador_; the Duke of _Bagnola_ was also ready with two thousand _Portugueses_, and a thousand _Brasilians_, to joyn with the Seamen, and expected also as great a number from _Parayba_, _Pernambuco_, _Seregippa_, _Itamarica_, _Rio Grande_, and _Siara_, contrary to the Oath taken in _Reciffa_: But the _Spanish_ Fleet keeping close to the Bay _Todos los Sanctos_, hath hitherto done nothing, except the sending of several Companies into the Countrey, to rob and pillage the _Brasilian_ Villages. Moreover, the _Mulatto_’s and _Negro_’s do great mischief up and down, and so much the more, because they go and come along private Ways, through which none can follow them. Most of the Ships being badly fitted, are scarce able to keep the Sea; and the Soldiers want Clothes exceedingly. The City _St. Salvador_ keeps the Countrey in a continual Alarm, so that five thousand Men are requir’d to conquer it: Eighteen great Ships, and as many Ketches, besides lesser Vessels, ought to be sent thither, the Sea being full of Pyrats. The common Treasury is so much behind-hand, that none can receive any Pay. The Owners of the Sugar-Mills will not deliver any Sugar without ready Money, because of the _Netherlanders_ removal from thence.

This Relation of the Affairs of the _Netherland West-India_ Company _in Brasile_, was deliver’d to them in Writing by _Vander Dussen_.

_A Description, of the Palace_ Freyburgh, _two Bridges, and a
Banquetting-house, all built by_ Grave Maurice.

_Grave Maurice_ before his coming away from _Brasile_, built a pleasant Palace along the River _Biberibi_, before the Fort _Ernestus_ on _Antonio Vaes_; the outmost Work whereof was shaded by a double Row of _Coco_-Trees, and had a Pond full of all sorts of Fish; and not far from thence, on one side, a second encompass’d a Coney-Warren, which respected a pell-mell; near it a Garden, curiously divided into round _Parterres_, which led into a long Park of _Bakkoven_-Trees; and at the end a great Dove-house. Next the River stood a large Stable, on one side whereof was a Field to whiten Linnen in, and a Kitchin-Garden wherein was a large Spot full of Orange-Trees, a row of Vines, which bore Grapes every three Moneths, and a delightful Walk, beset on each side with Lime-Trees. On the other side of this Palace stood a Banquetting-house, near a row of Pome-granate-Trees, and another of Fig and Cittron-Trees. Behind the Palace was a Fish-pond with two Iles, for the Swans. A Dove-house also appear’d near the Fort _Ernestus_, where the _Negro_’s watch’d the Horses, and led them to Water in a Fishpond in a large Wood. Before the Palace appear’d a Stone Pallisado, which like a Half-Moon ran into the River. The Palace it self rose with two Towers, one of which serv’d for a Sea-mark.

Moreover, _Grave Maurice_ extended his new City to the Fort _Frederick Henrick_, divided the Morassie Grounds by several Moats, and laid a Bridge cross the River _Biberibi_, between _Reciffa_ and the City _Maurice_, another cross the Stream _Capivaribi_, between the said City _Maurice_ and the Main Land.

In the time when _Albuquerque_ Govern’d _Brasile_ for the King of _Spain_, it was Disputed among the _Portuguese_, whether it were not requisite to desert the City _Olinda_, and causing the Inhabitants to remove to _Reciffa_, joyn the same with a Bridge to the Isle _Antonio Vaes_, because those Places are almost invincible, and much more convenient for Ships than _Olinda_? But the _Hollanders_ surpris’d them on a sudden, before they could bring the Business to pass, and after a while prosecuted the same Design themselves.

[Sidenote: _Grave Maurice_ his stately Bridge over the River
_Biberibi_.]

_Grave Maurice_ spent twenty four thousand _Guilders_ in laying a Bridge over the River _Biberibi_, between _Reciffa_ and _Antonio Vaes_. Having rais’d just fifteen Stone Columns from the Ground, they came to the deepest part of the River _Antonio Vaes_, when the Architect began to despair of accomplishing the same, because the Ground lay deep under Water, and the Stream ran very swift: Those which dwelt at _Reciffa_ cry’d, _That they had undertaken a Business which was not in the power of Man to effect, and that there was above ten thousand Pound already spent in vain on fifteen Pillars_: In this sort they began to clamor against _Grave Maurice_, especially the Owners of Houses in _Reciffa_, who foresaw that many would remove from thence to the pleasant Isle _Antonio Vaes_, as soon as the Bridge was finish’d; after which the Houses in _Reciffa_ would be at low Rates. But _Grave Maurice_ judging that the Disgrace would fall upon him, if the Bridge should be left half finish’d, caus’d at his own proper Charge, huge pieces of lasting Timber to be cut, forty and fifty Foot long, and so ramm’d into the Ground, some streight, others sloaping, to support the rest, and in two Moneths finish’d the same. On the first day after this new Bridge was compleated, there went so many People over it, that the Toll which they paid, amounted to above 60 l. _Sterl._ and was after that Farm’d for twenty eight thousand _Guilders_ yearly, a Citizen that pass’d over the same being to pay 2 _d._ and a Negro or Soldier 1 _d._ but a Horseman paid 4 _d._ and a Cart or Wayn 7 _d._

[Sidenote: Another over the River _Capivaribi_.]

Since this _Grave Maurice_ built a second Bridge cross the River _Capivaribi_, which joyn’d _Antonio Vaez_ to the Main Continent. This Bridge being eighty six Rods long of durable Timber, was finish’d in seven Weeks.

[Sidenote: His Pleasure-house _Bonavista_.]

Moreover _Grave Maurice_ built a pleasant Banquetting-house, call’d _Bonavista_, at his own Charge before the said Bridge, from whence he could see the Palace _Freyburgh_, _Olinda_, the Fort _Ernestus_, _Maurice-stadt_, _Reciffa_, the _French_ Church, the Ships in the Harbors, and also the Castle _Frederick Henrick_. This Banquetting-house hath at each corner a Turret, and in the middle thereof a spacious Room, crown’d with a fair Terrace.

CHAP. VIII.
Guiana.

[Sidenote: Situation and Description of _Guiana_.]

Northward of _Brasile_, over against _Maragnan_, the Countrey of _Guiana_, not improbably suppos’d to be so call’d from the River _Wia_, one of the principal Rivers of the Province, which yet is said to have more and fairer than any other part of _America_ besides: It is by some call’d _The Wild Coast_, for what reason is uncertain, it being found to be a very fruitful and pleasant Countrey: It is Bounded on the East with the _Atlantick_ Ocean, or _Mare del Nordt_; on the West, with some undiscover’d mountainous Countreys, which lie on that side of the _Andes_, on the North it hath the great River _Orenoque_; and on the South that of the _Amazons_, or _Orellana_; which last Name, as we have said before, it derives from _Francisco Orellana_, who is said to have first discover’d it in the Year 1543. It was anciently call’d _Tobo_, _Topoi_, and _Tapera_.

This Countrey lieth on both sides of the _Æquator_, extended from the fourth Degree of Southern Latitude, to the eighth Degree of Northern, yet enjoyeth a temperate and good Air, not oppressed with any excessive Heat; which is chiefly attributed to the Breezes or Easterly Winds, almost perpetually about Noon blowing upon it. Towards the Sea-side it is for the most part a flat and level Countrey, in the more Inland parts mountainous and swell’d with Hills, but in all it is generally of such a rich and fertile Soil, that for Fruits, or any outward Commodities of the Earth, it yields not to any other Province of the _New World_, but rather far excelleth the most, having as it were a continual Summer, without Winter or Autumn, the Trees never uncloth’d or made bare, Fruits always ripe, or growing to maturity, the Meadows and Pastures always verdant and green, and, as we said, so excellently well water’d with Rivers, that no Countrey in the World seems comparable to it in this respect. But since the several Occurrences of _Orellana_’s Expedition will give much light to the more particular knowledge of these Parts, we thought good to insert this following Relation thereof.

SECT. II.
_A Relation of the Journey of_ Francisco Orellana.

_Francisco Orellana_ travelling with _Gonsalvo Pizarro_ from _Quito_, to find out the Countrey _Cundirumarca_ (where the Natives, according to the information of a strange _American_, went Arm’d with Golden Plates) he came after a great deal of hardship to the River _Maranon_, where _Pizarro_ building a Brigantine, put all his sick and maimed Men into the same, as also all his Baggage under the Command of _Orellana_, whom he commanded to forage for some Provisions, of which the Army, that was to follow along the Shore, had great want; but _Orellana_ was in few days driven down so far, that he saw no hopes of getting up again in a years time, and Engag’d daily with the _Indians_, which came aboard of him in little Boats; at last he went ashore and conquer’d a Village, in which he found Provisions, some Gold, and Gems of great value: Not long after which he was in great danger, by reason of a River, which with great force fell into the Channel in which he Sail’d, and for the space of two hundred Leagues saw neither Man nor House: Next Landing at a Village, he was by the Governor thereof Presented with Turtles, Partridges, Fish, and other Provisions, and also forewarn’d of the valiant Women, the _Amazones_, which they call’d _Camapuyara_. Going from hence, he met for eighty Leagues together, nothing but steep and craggy Mountains on each side of the Shore, insomuch that he could not Land any where for Provisions. Next coming to the inhabited Province _Machiparo_, he was fiercely assaulted for two days and two nights, by the Casique _Aomagua_, who pursu’d him with several Boats: Not long after having conquer’d a Village, out of which ran several trodden Paths into the Countrey, he came to a River, in the Mouth whereof there lying three Isles, he gave it the Denomination of _La Trinidad_, which washeth a fruitful Coast, along which Sail’d divers small Vessels. Somewhat farther in the River _Trinidad_ stood a Village and Banquetting-house, where _Orellana_ took abundance of Provisions, Silver, Gold, and Earthen Ware curiously Glaz’d and Painted, but judg’d it very hazardous to travel far into the Countrey by the common High-ways, in regard of the multitudes of People that frequented them, to whose Civility he durst not trust; therefore Sailing from hence a hundred Leagues farther, he came to the Countrey belonging to the Lord of _Paguana_, who civilly Entertain’d him, and Presented him with Sheep, not unlike the _Peruvians_, and all manner of good Fruit, which the Countrey affords in great abundance. After this on his Lar-board side he discover’d a River, whose being black like Ink, and disemboguing into another, discolour’d the Water thereof for the space of twenty Leagues; he also saw several Villages, and at last found the Stream to be so broad, that he could not see from one Shore to the other: he took one of the Villages without any resistance, there being none but Women in the Huts, whither the Men came towards the Evening. Near another Village he espy’d seven Heads sticking upon Poles, from whence the Province receiv’d the Denomination _De las Picotas_, from whence ran several pav’d Ways, on each side planted with Trees, into the Countrey; where Landing, he furnish’d himself with _Maiz_, Turtles, Geese, and Parrots, and at _Can_ Island took an _American_ Prisoner, who inform’d him, that he was in the _Amazones’_ Jurisdiction, and that up in the Countrey liv’d a People not unlike the _Spaniards_, amongst whom were two white Women, brought thither up the River by a Lord. Going farther he saw divers Villages on each side of him, and at last Landing in a little Town, he found plenty of Oats, Liquor made of Oats, Cotton, Linnen, a Temple hung round about with Arms, and two Episcopal Miters of divers colours. Near a Promontory jutting out into the River, the Tide went so strong, that he was not able to Land; upon the Point stood several fair Buildings, where were also white Women, of a big stature, with long Hair, who animated the Men to fight. This Countrey, which extends it self a hundred and fifty Leagues along the Shore, with Hills, Pasture-Grounds, and Champain, and well inhabited, being discover’d on _St. John_’s Day, was call’d _The Province De San Juan_; which leaving, he came to several Isles, the biggest whereof extended fifty Leagues in length, all of them standing on high Ground, pleasant, and full of People, who in Boats, by them call’d _Periagues_, valiantly Engag’d with the _Spaniards_; but one of them not long after being taken Prisoner, inform’d them, that the _Amazones_ dwelt in Stone Houses, Wall’d Towns, had plenty of Silver and Gold, and four stately Temples enrich’d with Plates, Dedicated to the Sun. But _Orellana_ Sailing a hundred Leagues farther, along a Coast belonging to the Lord of _Caripuna_, according to the Prisoner’s Relation, the Inhabitants hereabouts shot abundance of poyson’d Arrows at the _Spaniards_, but they made a shift to escape them, and Sailing within sight of Land into the Bay of _Paria_, they came to an Anchor before the Island _Cubugua_, Anno 1541. after they had been eight hundred Leagues.

[Sidenote: The Expedition of _Orellana_.]

[Sidenote: He dies with Grief.]

_Orellana_ informing the _Spanish_ Court of his Adventures, desir’d the chief Command of the Province of the _Amazones_, which after earnest Sollicitations he obtain’d, and accordingly setting Sail from _St. Lucar_, he went to the Island _Teneriff_ with three Ships and five hundred Men, where he stay’d three Moneths, and two on _Cape de Verd_. On _Teneriff_ several of his Men ran from him, and on _Cape de Verd_ he bury’d ninety eight, and left fifty sick behind him; yet he Steer’d to _Brasile_, where, meeting with contrary Winds, he had undoubtedly perish’d for lack of Water, if the great Showers of Rain had not supply’d his Wants, one of his Ships carrying seventy Men and eleven Horses, was never heard of, with the other two he Sail’d by _Baxos de San Roque_, and from thence a hundred Leagues Northwardly beyond _Maragnan_, where a great way off at Sea they found fresh Water, in which _Orellana_ Steering, got between the Isles into the River _De las Amazones_, where he Barter’d for Provisions, Sail’d two Leagues up the River, and came to an Anchor before a few Huts, but slenderly stor’d with Provisions, where he spent three Moneths in breaking up one of his Ships, and building a Ketch. In the mean time fifty seven of his Seamen dy’d. Sailing twenty Leagues farther, he lost his best Ship; whereupon he gave order to build a Barque of the Wreck. Thus he spent thirty days in vain to find the fore mention’d Arm of the River _Amazones_: the Barque being finish’d in ten Weeks, and going beyond the Isles _Maribique_ and _Contan_, found the three great Rivers to disembogue into the River _Amazones_, which there was twelve Leagues broad; but wanting Provisions, and the Men being too weak to go farther, they came back to the fruitful Island _Comao_, where a hundred _Spaniards_ setled themselves, the rest going down with the Barque to find out _Orellana_, who, as his Wife inform’d them, dy’d with Grief.

The _English_ and _Netherlanders_, who Sail’d hither after the _Spaniards_ left off, ascribe a Breadth of fifty or sixty Leagues to the Mouth of the _Amazone_ River, which discharges its Water with such force into the Northern Ocean, that it keeps its colour and taste above thirty Leagues, according to the ocular testimony of Captain _Harcourt_. The Western Point, by the _Netherlanders_ call’d _The North Cape_, runs with a long Slip of low Land into the Sea, into which more North-Westerly fall the Streams _Taponnowyny_, _Arowary_, _Arykary_, _Cassepouri_, and _Wiapoca_; some of them wash great Wildernesses full of Trees; others glide between pleasant Meadows.

Eighty Leagues up the _Amazone_ River the _Vlussingers_ have built a Fort call’d _Nassaw_, on the narrow Island _Cogemines_, which is twenty Leagues long, and separated from the Shore by a Creek, and seven Leagues farther, on another Isle, the Fort _Orange_; from which two Forts they Trade with the Natives, _Arowaccas_ and _Apehous_, bartering _European_ Trifles for Tobacco, Cotton, Sugar, Gums, and several Tinctures.

[Sidenote: Sir _Walter Raleigh_ sends _Fisher_ to discover _Cooshebery_
Province.]

Sir _Walter Raleigh_, Anno 1595. sending Captain _Fisher_ from _Wiapoco_ to _Leonard Ragapo_, some years before Baptiz’d in _England_, and then Governor of the Province _Cooshebery_, lying between the _Amazone_ River and _Wapoco_, he receiv’d _Fisher_ very civilly, and conducted him fifty Leagues up into the Countrey, to the Mountain _Cowob_, on whose top is a deep Pool, full of well tasted Fish, and surrounded with the glittering Stones _Topaz_; which _Raleigh_ took the more notice of, because the same Ground in the _East-Indies_ where these Stones are found, incloses also Diamonds. Moreover, the Province _Cooshebery_ rises with pleasant Hills, but consists most in delightful Fields and Woods.

The River _Arocawo_, falling into the Inlet _Wiapoco_, disembogues also with the same between the Capes _Orange_ and _Comariboo_, into the Northern Ocean.

Most of the Rivers in _Guiana_ lie full of Isles, and cannot be Navigated far, by reason of the great Water-falls.

[Sidenote: The _Yayos_.]

The _Yayos_, who inhabit on the Banks of the fore-mention’d River, are People of a good Disposition, and go naked: they catch Fish after a strange manner; for they onely throw the strong smelling Wood _Ayaw_ in the Water, which works so upon the Fish, that they suffer themselves to be caught with the Hand. The well-known _American_ Root _Cassavi_ serves them for Bread, being bak’d in round Cakes on hot Stones: of the Cakes they also make the Liquor _Perrinoe_, which tastes almost like stale Beer, and is prepar’d by old Women and little Children, which chew the _Cassavi_, and spit the same into a Pot full of Water, which having stood a while, they strain the same through a Cloth, and set it a working with Potato-Roots.

They are troubled with no Vermine, not so much as the little Fleas _Niquas_, by the _Spaniards_ call’d _Chigos_, which creep in between the Nails.

On the Sea-Coast are many Tortoises, whose Flesh is of a delicious taste, but heavy to digest.

Sheep and Oxen will not thrive here, but Swine would thrive exceedingly, if their Dugs were not bit off in the Night by the Bats.

The River _Wiapoco_ hath many dangerous Water-falls, the one much higher than the other; a little way beyond the first of them the Stream _Army_ falls into _Wiapoco_.

[Sidenote: The _Marashewaccas_.]

Three days Journey Westerly dwell the _Marashewaccas_, whose Ears hang down on their Shoulders; they worship for their Deity, an Image representing a Man, who sitting flat on the Ground, with his Legs stretch’d out, leans with his Elbows on his Knees, and holding up his Hands, gapes and stares up towards Heaven.

North-West from _Wiapoco_ rises the Mountain _Gomeribo_, which produces _Maiz_, Tobacco, Cotton-Trees, and Vines.

In the same place the Creek _Wainary_ runs Westwardly with fresh Water a days Journey into the Countrey; and from the said Creek a high Mountain, fit for the production of Sugar and Tobacco, extends it self to the River _Apurwaca_, where the _Wiopocaries_ inhabit a great Tract of Land.

[Sidenote: The _Harrithiahans_.]

North-West from _Wiapoco_ flows the River _Aperwacque_, whose mountainous Shores bear _Brasile_ Wood and wild Cinamon. The Stream it self takes its original out of a large Lake, in the middle whereof lies a three-corner’d Isle. South-East from the Lake dwell the _Harrithiahans_, beyond whose Countrey are the Rivers _Cauwo_, _Wia_, and _Cajani_. On the Banks of the first dwelt, _Anno 1596._ according to the Relation of _Laurence Keymis_, a People call’d _Jaos_, driven by the _Spaniards_ from _Moruga_, and who formerly possess’d the greatest part of _Guiana_; they distinguish themselves from other People, by pricking their Faces full of Holes with the Tooth of a Beast not unlike a Rat: But at present, the _Jaos_ being departed from hence, the Countrey lies desolate.

The _Wia_, which springs a great way up in the Countrey, hath a wide Mouth, and near several Islands convenient Harbors: The biggest of the Isles, inhabited by the _Shebaios_, is full of Provisions, _viz._ Fowl, Fish, excellent Fruit, wild Hogs, and other Beasts.

The triangular Isles, lying more Westerly, are also very fruitful, but not comparable to _Gowatery_. So far as the Coast extends it self with high Mountains, it is overgrown with _Brasile_ Wood, but the lower Grounds produce Cotton, Pepper, Silk, Balsam, and the Root _Wiapassa_, tasting like Ginger, and exceeding good against a Lask, or the Head-ache.

Before the Mouth of _Cajani_ appears the high Island _Mattoory_, surrounded by the lesser Isles _Sannawony_, _Epenesari_, and _Eponeregemeræ_.

Between the Rivers _Cajani_ and _Maccaria_, lies the low Island _Muccumbro_, out of whose Center rise two Mountains, and which is inhabited, as the Main Coast by _Caribbeeans_, whose General _Arrawicary_ shew’d great friendship to the _Netherlanders_: They observe no certain Laws for Government; Adultery and Murder they punish with Death; they are very tyrannical towards their Wives, who for the least act of incivility have their Brains beat out; they esteem one another according to the number of their Wives, the eldest of which performs all Houshold-Offices.

[Sidenote: _Caribbeeans_ the Inhabitants of _Guiana_.]

The _Caribbeeans_ are accounted to have been the first Inhabitants of this Countrey, for the _Jaos_, _Sappaios_, _Arowaccas_, and _Paragotos_, were driven hither by the _Spaniards_ from _Trinidad_ or _Oronoque_.

The wild _Caribbeeans_ live farther up into the Countrey, and often fall with great rage upon the other; but since the _Netherlanders_ have furnish’d them with Arms, they have not been so much molested by them.

[Sidenote: Rivers.]

Beyond _Macavia_ lies the River _Caurora_, which is very narrow and deep; and next in order the Rivers _Manamonary_, _Sinamary_, _Cunanama_, _Juraca_, _Mawary_, _Amana_, and _Marawyny_, full of Isles, and four Leagues broad at the Mouth; along the Shore grow little Trees, whose Leaves wither as soon as touch’d by Mankind, but revives again within half an hour.

Next follow the Rivers _Sorrenam_, _Sorrenamme_, _Copanama_, _Marateca_, and _Curetiny_, where the _Netherlanders_, by virtue of a Patent granted by the _States General_, drove a Trade for several years.

Somewhat farther the _Berbice_, _Apari_, _Maycawini_, _Mabeyca_, _Mirara_ and _Essekebe_, discharge their Waters into the Ocean, twenty days Journey from their Spring-Head, where a great Lake (by the _Jaos_ call’d _The Roponowini_, and by the _Caribbeeans_, _Parime_) spreads it self a great way; and on its Northern Shore hath the Town _Manoa_.

Along the River _Essebeke_ is an excellent sort of Wood, the Dye call’d _Orellano_, and abundance of _Cassavi_: In the Mouth of the River also lies the Isle _Ottoma_.

Lastly, between _Essebeke_ and the great River _Orinoque_, glide the lesser Streams _Iwapoi_, _Pauroma_, _Gayni_, _Moruga_, _Ammacoura_, and _Parima_, before which lie several nameless Isles.

[Sidenote: The Discovery of these Parts begun by _Columbus_.]

[Sidenote: _Diego de Ordas_ his Expedition.]

_Christopher Columbus_, in his third Voyage to the _West-Indies_, discover’d the great Island _Trinidad_, where before the Mouth of the Bay _Vallena_ he was in great danger, as also the Ship Commanded by _Alonso de Ojeda_, by reason of the Waves, with which the great River _Yuyapar_, otherwise call’d _Orinoque_, coming out of the High-lands of _Paria_, falls into the Sea, which made him call the said Mouth _Bocca del Drago_; so that _Columbus_, Anno 1599. discover’d the Main Coast of _America_ to the Northward of _Guiana_, as far as the Promontory _De la Vela_, before _Americus Vesputius_; whither _Diego de Ordas_ Steer’d with three Ships, Mann’d with four hundred _Castilians_, in the Year 1531. and before _Guiana_ took four _Caribbeeans_ Prisoners in a _Canoo_, and finding an _Emerauld_ about them as big as a Man’s Hand, they inform’d him, that up the River was a Rock all of such Stones, and a Mountain on which grew high Trees, yielding store of Myrrh; but the strong contrary Tides and Water-falls prevented _Ordas_ from going thither; and being troubled at the loss of one of his Ships, he ran along the Shore to _Paria_, and took the Fort which _Antonio Sedenno_, Governor of _Trinidad_, had cast up there, and left the Command thereof to _Juan Gonsalvez_, _Ordas_ pretending that _Sedenno_ had built it contrary to the Emperor’s Order, and that he had made Slaves of the Natives. _Martin Jannez Tafur_ stay’d in the conquer’d Fort according to _Ordas_ his appointment, who went up the River _Orinoque_ not without great hardship; for his Provisions were not onely short, but he was tormented in the Day by the _Muschitoes_, and in the Night by the Bats; at last coming to a Village Commanded by _Viapari_, he was kindly Entertain’d, which made _Ordas_ contrary to the will of his Men, who would willingly have gone farther into the Countrey, stay there all the Winter; but as soon as the rainy Moneths were over, _Ordas_ went farther up the River _Orinoque_, where his Ship was stav’d against a sandy Shelf, which forc’d him with two hundred Foot and forty Horse, to travel along the Shore, where he was much scanted of Provisions, and for forty days together met none but a few poor wild Fishermen, and at last stopt at an unknown River, which fell into the _Orinoque_. The _Guianian_ Guide which _Viapari_ had given _Ordas_, advis’d him to go along the Shore of the new River; because it would lead them to a well Cloth’d and rich People: But _Ordas_ went along by the River _Oronoque_ till he came where the Water falling from the Mountains makes it so terrible rough, that _Ordas_ his Vessels, which were Toed along, were not able to be got any farther, so that after two hundred Leagues advance, he was necessitated, by reason of the fore-mention’d Water-falls, to go aboard and Sail down the Stream: His Men being weary’d with so troublesom a Journey, forsook him on the Island _Cubagua_, which made him return over _Hispaniola_ to _Spain_, where not long after he dy’d with Grief.

[Sidenote: The Expedition of _Hieronimo Ortall_.]

This unsuccessful Expedition of _Ordas_ no way daunted _Hieronimo Ortall_ from prosecuting the same Design; for setting Sail from _St. Lucas_, Anno 1533. to the Fort which _Ordas_ had taken from _Juan Gonsalves_, he Steer’d from thence over to _Cubagua_, to fetch some Men, and sent the Lieutenant _Alonso Herrera_ with five Ketches, carrying two hundred Men, the same way which _Ordas_ had been. _Herrera_ coming to the fore-mention’d Water-falls where _Ordas_ return’d, caus’d his Vessels to be unladen, then Toed them by meer force over the Water-falls, where he discover’d plain Fields without any Inhabitants, extending themselves to the Mouth of the River _Meta_, where he quitted his Vessels, and with no small trouble got over Morasses and Pools to the fruitful Countrey of the _Xaguas_, a People both cruel and valiant; whom after a sharp Conflict vanquishing, he became Master of their Village, in which he found plenty of Provisions, as also in another neighboring Town, where his tir’d, and almost starv’d Army began to take Breath, being exceedingly refresh’d with the delicious Meat of a sort of wild Dogs, which were here in great abundance. Having spent the Winter Season here, they were often set upon by the _Caribbeeans_, by whose poyson’d Arrows several of them being shot, dy’d Distracted, and amongst the rest _Herrera_ himself; after which his Successor _Alvaro Ordas_ return’d to the Vessels, which were left at the Mouth of the River _Meta_, from whence he Sail’d back without any other success, the Design being to find out the Golden City _Manoa_, on the Banks of the great Lake _Parime_.

[Sidenote: Is follow’d by _Hermandes_ and others.]

Not long after _Peter Hermandez de Serpa_ undertook the same Work with three hundred _Spaniards_, several _Brasilians_ and _Negro_’s; but before he could reach the River _Orinoque_, he was destroy’d by the salvage People _Wikiri_, eighteen of his Men onely escaping to bring the news of this sad Disaster.

_Peter de Orsua_ following the footsteps of _Gonsalvo Pizarro_, went to seek for Gold in _Guiana_; but being kill’d by _Lopes Agira_ near the _Amazone_ River, that Expedition also prov’d fruitless.

[Sidenote: _Berreo_’s Relation of his Adventures to Sir _Walter
Raleigh_.]