A PLAIN AND TRUE RELATION, OF THE going forth of a Holland Fleet the eleventh of November 1623., to the Coast of Brasile.  
With The taking in of Saluedoe, and the chief occurrences falling out there, in the time of the Hollanders continuance therein.  
As also, The coming of the Spanish Armado to Saluedoe, with the beleaguering of it, the accedints falling in the Town the time of the beleaguering.  
And also, The base delivery up of the said Town by cowardly Officers, with the great loss of honour and riches, and the hopeful expectation of a Princely Land: the excellency thereof is truly (yet briefly) discovered.  
Lastly, The Reasons and Motives moving the Author to the publishing thereof.  
All which are briefly, truly, and plainly set down, without fraud or favour.  
By I. B. that hath been an eye and earwitness of this subject.  
Printed at Rotterdam by M. S.   

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL ROBERT JOHNSON Alderman of the Honourable City of London, Governor of Virginia and Bermoda: and to that Honourable Company of Virginia and Bermoda. I. B. unfeignedly wisheth honour to your person and persons, and flourishing prosperity to you in your affairs.  
Right Worshipful,  
IF not over bold, yet very bold I am, without your licence to shelter a weather beaten book under your protection, being a stranger to you and remote from you, but those which better know (than I) your readiness in the well acceptation of a weak man's willingness, hath emboldened me to present it at your serucie, if it may be serviceable to you it hath it desire, it requires no further wages: your wisdom may find what I aimed at, by the reading of it: you are in authority to make choice (with the rest of the Honourable Company) of Officers to be remote in foreign parts: behold as in a map the danger of discoragous', unwise, yea foolish Officers: that so in those great affairs you may have (if you have not) Officers that are wise, courageous, and feareing God, so shall prosperity be to you, (maugure the power, malice, and treachery of foreign Enemies or home borne slaves: which may be feared, for reasons which to some of your Company I have discovered, but now silence:) yet easily defeated, by wise, religious, and careful Officers: and this will be your wisdom: such wisdom crown all your affairs, so shall Barmodus be still truly styled Summer-Ilands, pleasant and fruitful to our Nation.  
Rottardam this 19 of january 1626. A well willer to his Country and Countrymen, I. B.   

To The Reader.  
EXspectest thou from hence a matter beautified with Learned phrayses, or adorned with Scholar like terms, thy expectation is frustrated: grapes may not be had from a thorny hedge. Reader, in this ensuing vollomne, the writer chiefly desires to manifest the true proceed of a matter not truly, not faithfully, nor yet not wisely carried. The taking in of Saluedoe in Brasile by the Hollanders, and the giving of it up again to the Spaniard, by understandlesse and cowardly Officers: a rumour of which hath been hard of in all parts of Christendom, and in particular in England. part whereof hath been truth, but another part untruth; for parties in their own cases are commonly parshall, as some in this thing hath been: if an officer of Bay should write of this matter, soldiers of the same place would say he writ to lesson (if not to nullify) officers faults and false dealings, if a soldier should take in hand the discovery of all the proceed in these affairs, presently would the Commanders say, envy (not love to his Country) did stir him up to write, what the soldiers would have go for truth, not what is truth indeed; if any should write hereof that hath not been eye witness of all things that hath been passed, he might unwitingly and unwillingly write contrary to the truth, I being not on officer in Saluedoe, let not any think I have masked the matchless baseness of these officers: nor being a soldier I may not be suspected to have drawn a curtain before the condemned faults of soldiers, I have not been a stranger to these things, that any should challenge me of ignorance, but I have en an eye witness of all things from the going out of the Fleet from Taxsel in Holland, which went forth the 13 of December 1623., till our coming forth from Bay the 18 of july 1625. And further to take away all suspicion of double dealing in my proceed concerning the officers, I do unfeignedly acknowledge, that I have been above my cauling respected of all the officers, and most kindly and friendly used of them all, so small is my hatred to them, that I could wish (with a proviso) that they were in the like honoured estate as I have seen them in Saluadoe. Beloved Countrymen, I do ass in the presence of God intent to write the true proceed of the Brasilian Voyage, not feareing the frowns or yet the fury of base officers: only I desire that all that reads will not be curious in prying into the manner of my writing, for I know it is faulty: I see it myself, how then may it appear faulty to iudissiall judgements: to go to amend it will require as much time and pains as to make a new one: and if I should so do I should still make my apology to excuse my faults: wherefore as it is I send it forth, desiring thee good Reader is bear with small faults: and leave the grater to my correcting, so I leave thee to wisdom's direction, and the Lords protection,  
I. E.   

A PLAIN AND TRUE Relation of the going forth of a HOLLAND Fleet the leventh of November 1623., to the Coast of Brasile.  
BRasile is a Continent so great and large that it is not yet by any wholly discovered, yet as by a pattern of stuff or  the whole piece is known, so by the relation of part thereof you may gather what the whole is. The Land, namely those parts which ye near to the Bay, is a Land very fruitful and healthful. Saluadoe which is the name of the Town, it lieth in thirteen degree; it is a Land that consisteth of hills and valleys, the hills are not so high, but the highest bears trees and fruit of many sorts, the valleys and plain Land is not so low but that it avoids all waters, and brings forth grass, fruits, and herbs in abundance; the fruits of the Land as they are many for variety, so is their abundance of every sort, and generally they are pleasant to eat, and very healthful to the body; there are a numberless number of Oranges and Lemons, the Oranges are generally sweet (yet there be some sour) gre●t in proportion, like unto a 2 penny lose, the Lemons are ordinary smal●r than the Lemons that come to England, yet they be of an excellent relish and taste, there be also very many Planting of two or three sorts, they are called in Spanish Bonantoes, in one cluster there grow some 250, there is also a fruit which we call an apple, it is excellent against the bloody flux, which disease is subject to those who distemper themselves with drinking of wine and eating of grapes, it cots like to a Pomegranate, Pomgranets there be many and extraordinary great, there be also many other sorts of fruits like to Cherries and Plums, there is a fruit like in proportion to an Artichoke called Annanasses, it is twice so great, it hath the most excellent taste in my judgement of any fruit that is, at hath a little taste like to a Strawberry, but far more savoury, there be also Pine Apples, Muskemillons, Potatoes, Water-millions, Cucumbers, Radishes, and all sorts of herbs, and many sorts of Hours, it bringeth forth a berry which is stronger in taste then pepper, I am not able to call to mind the particulars of fruits which it brings forth, there be also many Grapes: some of these fruits are all the year to be got, some three times a year, others twice a year, the Land hath very much cattill, as Bulls, Kine, Sheep, and Swine. When as the Town Saluades was given up to the Spaniard by the Hollanders, and the Spaniard did victual the hollanders, I did hear of credit (and I do believe it) that one husbandman did se'l to Don Frederico General to the Spanish Armado 18000 Beefs, besides Goats, Swine, and Sheep, and of them there be great store, also there be many Hens, Turkeys, Peacocks, and other sorts of small fowls, there be many wild fowl, as Parrots and Perrecitoes, the Land breeds many good Horses, the Brasillians and Portugals employ themselves and their Negers chiefly to the planting of Sugarcanes and Tobacco, and to the making of both, the goodness of both, and the quantity of both I need not relate of, for England hath good knowledge of both, the best Tobacco is but worth a Royal a pound, which is six pence English. It hath plenty of diverse sorts of woods and roots fi● for the use of Apothecaries and Dyers: the Land hath in it many great deep and long Rivers of fresh water, in which R●uers there is a great quantity of fresh fish, likewise the Sea runs up into the Land by cricks 40, 60, 100, mile● in some places, within one days sail there be Towns and Villages thought to be richer than Saluadoe. Some 140 miles from the Bay lieth the River Dela●plato, uhere there be mines very rich; one of Bay that was a slave told me, that in that place there is not one in ten but hath their chests and doors with locks of silver; by the r●●e of reason and proportion you may conceive whether that place may not 〈◊〉 called the River of Plate. Some three months after we had taken the Town of Bare, there came a Ship from that place which was taken price, that had in it all kind of kitchen vessels of silver.  
160. Leagues from Bay lieth Fernaborke, by land it may be marched to in 25 days as hath been reported to me, the Town is not strong on the Land side, but by Sea it hath three strong Castles, having this but by report I will not further insist upon it.  
The people that are the natural inhabitants thereof are the Brasillians, they which are now the chiefest are the Portugals. The Spanish King claims Sovereign, though by some denied, and by the rest unwillingly acceped of. The Brasillians are of complexion tawny, of condition beastly, like unto ravenous beasts they will eat the bodies of dead men, and for that cause they are called men-eaters: some of them are brought up to the profession of the Romish religion, they are a people very laborious, which is contrary to the desire and disposition of the Portugals and bastard Spaniards. The Portugals which there inhabit are a people proud by nature, and haughty in their carriage in time of prosperity, but in time of adversity a flattering and crouching people, they are very idle people, desirous to command but cannot endure to put a finger to work, and that is one main reason that makes Negars to be so well sold in that part, they are very curious in their apparel, and so in their diet, the women for daintiness may not set a foot on the ground, they must have their Negars to carry them in Caroches and Chairs, the meanest of them in Emackos (yet I saw the time when they were glad to make use of their feet to save their lives.) The Town of Saluadoe had in it many whores, some of them being left behind remained in the Town all the time we remained there, which was a snaire to our Commanders and a main cause to the Lord to recompense us according to all he did to the former adulterous people that were cast out before us; These Portugals are partly jewish partly Romish, and a great part of them are very A theists (having no outward reformation to any religion.)  
This people hath had long peace, every one sitting under his own vine, having plenty of all things, but considered not from whence they enjoyed them, they looked not to the giver of them. But though they would not look up to God in way of thankfulness and true obedience, yet God (after long forbearance did in justice look upon them, their pride, their whoredom, their Sodome-like idleness, and their Romish Idolatry (in steed of their prayers) hath pierced the heavens, and did make way for the wrath of God to come upon them which came upon them suddenly in a moment, which struck fear and terror to their hearts, and paleness in their faces, distraction and desperation in their minds. A Nation out of the North came upon them, a people whose language they understood not hastily assaulted them, so that though their pots were on boiling, their Negars' cooking, yea though their tables were covered, their wine drawn, yet had they no stomaches to eat, not hearts to inui●e the strangers that were come upon their Coast, yet those strangers fell a board having good stomaches, not having the manners to stay till they were bidden, but it was likely the meat would have been cold had they stayed till they had been invited, for they were gone in haste out of the Town, but made no haste to return in again, their haste was such that they left their jewels, Rings, their Gold and Silver behind them, yea some unnatural Mothers left their Children in their cradles. Behold and wonder: Behold for thy instruction, thou Land, City or Man, which art lifted upon glory, what the Lord did unto this people, the Lord gave them riches, yea great riches, peace and plenty was in their borders, they had their heart's desire, so far as naturally they could have.  
The Merchandise of the West-India was not wanting in her, the curious works of Turkey was the adorning of their houses, the fine  of England and Spain, with Wine, Oil, and Fish, and much fine flower was in her, the fine linen and thread of Holland and Flauders was found in her, the jewels of the Sea precious stones with the bones of Fishes and Beasts were there, there was not wanting Musk, Sivet, Coral, Amber, Ambergris, Pomander, in a word what Merchandise and commodity that may be had in that honourable City of London, fit for the Nobility and Gentry but was there for people of mean condition, I say the Lord did give to them these and greater things in abundance, but in that they spent them to pride, idolatry and whoredom, and the satisfying of their fleshly and wicked desires, the Lord hath stripped them naked and taken their glory from them, putting them into the hands of an other people, our neighbour Nation Hollanders by name; I say the Lord put them into their hands, but they trampled them under feet, I do not say the Lord gave those things to them, for the following Treatise will truly and plainly discover, that for the Hollanders great abuse of that great glory the Lord put into their hands, the Lord took it again out of their hands, and hath placed it in the power of the Spaniard, but let the Spaniard take heed, the bird hath wings that is in their hands. So much for the discovery of Brasile, wherein I must acknowledge I have been much wanting, and on maruile. For first I have not been in the Land, because we were in a manner beleaguered all our being there. Secondly, because I had not the use of the Portugals tongue, whereby I might have made further enquiry. Thirdly, because of an accident that fell out being homeward bound, I had my book of remembrance taken out of my Cabbine by some as had no great love to an Englishman.   

THE taking AND LOSING OF SALVADOR IN THE BAY, BY A FLEET OF HOLLANDERS.  
THe leventh of November 1623., there was a Fleet of the Hollanders weighed anchor at Taxell, pretending to go for the West-India, the Fleet was 25 ships in number, having a strong wind there was some dispertion of the Shipping, so that we lost our Colonel's ship, which came not to us until we had taken in the Town of Saluado. After some month's sail, we came to an Island called S. Vinsons' Island, adjoining to S. Anthony's Island, some 20 Leagues from the South Lands, where the Fleet stayed 13 weeks, in which time there was divers sloopes made, this Island hath an excellent Harbour & there is very good watering. The Island is very barren, yet it hath (as I guess some 20. thousand Goats in it. The soldiers going on land, would catch some 400. at a time by compassing them in. I leave this digression. The Fleet weighing Anchor made their course for Brasil, contrary to the expectation of the Soldiers. In twenty days the Fleet passed the line, and with a fair gale of wind discovered on Tuesday the twenty of April the coast of Brazil, where the ten Companies of soldiers were put into four Ships. On Wednesday we were seeking but could not find the Bay of Saluadoe. On Thursday the 30. of April we found it, and with a fair wind we went into the Bay. At our coming in St. Anthony's Castle saluted the Admiral with two or three shot, who had the like gratulation from the Fleet. Where one of our Ships did send a shot that uncapped the Castle. Before which Castle the Ships which had the Captains and land soldiers anchored; the Admiral, the four Ships did go some two miles below the town, the rest of the Ships cast Anchor before the town, where we were welcomed by the battery and Ships of the towns who for two hours, did very manfully defend their place and discharge their pieces, but the Hollanders did over man them, and over match them, that within three hover, they had sunk some eleven of their Ships and burnt some of them, the Vice Admiral himself in a shallop went very boldly to the Fort, and he with his sword and Pistol, set foot on the battery, upon which the portugals left the water side, and fled up into the town, so that the seafaring men made plunder of the town the same night.  
In the mean space the soldiers were landed, the Castle made many shots at the floopes and boats of the soldiers, but not any was touched, notwithstanding they made some forty shots, but when a few of the Soldiers were landed, they fled and left their goods for their enemies. The army marched to the town without any interruption, we came before the town about nine of the clock at night, they made some 100 shot at our Army, yet our soldiers made not any shot to them, but came under the Port by the order of a guide, who did purpose to go a back way into the town, when the enemy could do no good from the Port with their Muskets to our people, because they were under the wall they cast stones. The Lieutenant Colonel wheled the Army on, marching in a narrow lane, the enemy contrary to the expectation of the guide, had made a little breast work: from whence they did play upon our Army, at which instant their were killed the Lieutenant Colonel and a gentleman next to him, upon the which the soldiers retreated, at their retreat there came out of a house by the gate some 30 Musketters and made a volley of short at our soldiers, at which there fell an Englishman one Philip rowland's and a Dutch Canoner, which Musketeers went into the Port, we being to my knowledge within forty yards of the gate, Captain Maior Scoutton commanded a Retreat to a Cloister, half a Musket shot from the town, whereupon the soldiers did lay down their Arms, and went to Plander the outhouses and Cloisters, and finding much wine, half of the soldiers were drunk, and also some of the commanders lay scattering on the ground, but the enemies not thinking how to do any exploit on us, took not advantage thereat, but with all speed in the night time made their flight from the town, only their remained some forty soldiers with the Governor.  
At the break of day there was Arm, Arm, all to their colours and places, intending to go on the town, the Captains not knowing what the Ships had done, nor what the town had done, whilst we were preparing for the making of an assault on the town, the white flag from the town was discovered, which was brought out to Captain Maior, who marched into the town to the market place where all the Companies were drawn in batalio, and so commanded to several parts of the town, The Governor with some twenty more, with two jesuites: were presently sent prisoners into the Ships. The soldiers leaving their Arms, made boot of all things they could come to in the town, where there was much spoil of breaking of Tables and Chests wherein there was much riches, and great spoil of wine, so that I have gone to the ankles in wine in cellars, I suppose that there was spoilt, twenty thousand pounds, which might have been well saved by careful Officers. I think that the value that Officers, Soldiers, and seafaring men got, was more in value then that which came into accounts for the Masters of the Voyage, and yet it was credibly reported, that the booty which was got then: was five Millions. Two days after the taking in of the town, the Governor, the Colonel and the Lord of Dort came with his Ships and Slopes, who understanding that the town of bay was taken in, he stormed and took on mightily that he had lost the honour of the day in not taking the town himself.  
The portugals which were in the town were kindly entreated, and their houses and goods they possess freely, all that came into the Town had passes from the Colonel, they promising to use their best for the bringing in of the Portugals to traffic, but the Portugals had not sooner obtained their end, namely the fetching out of their hid riches in the Town, but they shown themselves treacherous; for some 26 days after the Town was taken in, two of the soldiers going into the Land were killed by the Portugals, the Colonel was much in censed thereat, and going out of the Town he took five Portugals whom he caused to be shot to death without the Town.  
The same morning the Colonel with some twelve horsemen went out of the Town, with some twenty Negars and a squadron of men, the Colonel riding before some twenty yards in a narrow path, and woods on both sides, the Portugals lying in ambush got about the Colonel, a Negar shot him in the breast, and the Portugals pulled him of his horse, who killed him and cut of his head and other parts, the most of the horsemen & soldiers retired to the Town, yet an Englishman brought in his head, upon which there was a great alarm, but nothing done worth the writing. In his place there was made Colonel Captain Alden Soulton, his brother William Soulton was made Captain Maior.  
Some ten days after, the Admiral with two ships made his course for Holland.  
Three days after, the Vice-admiral with seven ships 250 soldiers hesides sailors went for Angoly, which was a hart-smart to some, and a weakening to the Town, as also an encouragement to the Spaniard to hear of the weakening of the Town.  
The same day their went also four ships to the Salt Lands, and so for Holland. So that there was left in the Town but four men of war, and some five small ships besides the prizes.  
Some five weeks after the Town was taken in, there came in a ship into the Bay from Lishorne which the Sloopes took, in it was Oil and Flower, and other Merchandise.  
The same week there came two ships from Angolia with some 1200 Negars, they came among our ships before that they found the Town was the Hollanders, the one yielded and cast anchor, the other loward his sails and made as if they would cast anchor, but passing by our ships into the Land-ward, hoist sail and away into the Land, our sloopes and ships followed her but came back without her.  
The latter end of july there came another ship from Fernabuck, who making in, our sloopes with a pinnace and ship made out, she suspecting something made out but the wind was against her, the sloopes got to the wind of her and made fight, yet she would not strick sail, till the man of war gave her a shot, than she struck, there was Tobacco and Sugar in her, with Silver and other commodities to a good value.  
The beginning of August there came another ship in the morning amongst ours, yet she got away into the Land: It was reported by a Negar that came from the Enemy that the ship had eight iron pieces and other munition, with wine and other provision,  
About the twelfth of August 1624., there came a ship into the Bay, having a forewind and ready to cast anchor, a 〈◊〉 from us boarded them, the Admiral of our ships was in the sloop (who now remains with the Spaniards, the reason whereof I shall after show) he coming into the Cabin found the Governor of Reginero Deplato, his wife and three daughters and two sons in law, the Admiral Captain Cherk most badly went to search the Ladies, which was very grievous to the Governor, he told him in Spanish, that there was no need of that straightness, for there were chains, jewels, and plate enough beside. In which ship all their pots and vessels were of silver. I myself had the weight of the vessels of silver which came to 150000 pound. Certainly it was a rich prize. The Governor was well entertained, with his wife and daughters, one of them was thought to be over kindly used, if it be not true, yet the Colonel was much to be blamed for his private entertainment of some of them into his chamber, and in that he was truly condemned for a whoremaster, for he was not ashamed to go in the middle of the day to an open whore-house, which whore he caused to be married to a Dutch Merchant or Factor, to whom he gave a horse that he might ride abroad whilst he had the key of the Factours house at home. This Colonel was also a great drunkard, his brother Williams Scoulton Maior, did divers times reprove him for his wickedness.  
In September 1624. he sent a party of 25 soldiers and some Negars, to gather Planting and Oranges for his whores two miles out of the Town; their Commander was the Lieutenant to Captain Isanack with a Sergeant of the same Company, when they came to the place where the Oranges and Planting were, the soldiers with the Negars left their arms on the ground and went unto the trees, the Portugals coming on them with some 200, fell upon them killed nine soldiers and the Lieutenant, took prisoners the Sergeant with some Negars, the rest went into the woods and hide themselves: some of the Negars came into the Town and made a great alarum, 200 went forth to relieve them, and did fetch of the nine dead men, but not the Lieutenant. Some ten days after that, the Enemy came to a by-gard and killed two, and the rest escaped into the woods.  
About the latter end of September 1624. Colonel Al. den Scoulton died suddenly being much swollen with drinking.  
The next day after, the Counsel made choice of William Scoulton for Colonel, and Captain Kyfe for Maior.  
The former Colonel did show himself more careful in fortifying the Town than his brother William Scoulton: for the former would yield to advice of those who had better understanding than he in those particulars, but this man would have his words without counsel for Law though it were contrary to all reason: this man did much reprove his brother in his life time, for whoring and drunkenness, and he himself when he was Colonel, did fare worse in those particulars.  
In October, their came a Ship of some 140. Tun from Holland with a prize in it, it brought tidings that the Merchants of the West India, had provided a great Fleet for our relief, and was ready to come out of Taxell. In the Christmas holidays, the Colonel with most of his Captains & Skippers, were for four days together feasting in their four men of War, and at every health, they had three pieces of Ordnance shot off out of every Ship, in those four days it was counted, there was shot off, 1600. shot by water and land, somewhat too much to be wasted especially in that foreign land, the want of it was felt not long after.  
In three weeks after, there came three Ships and each of them got a prize, they likewise brought tidings of the Fleet, there were also letters sent that the Spanish Fleet would be at the (Bay) at the beginning of May; yet to my knowledge there was not any extraordinary making of provision there.  
On Friday morning the 3. of April, there were discovered some 12. Ships upon the coast, but not descried what they were, at 12. of the clock there was a rumour that they saw a 100, sail that the sea was full of Shipping, all was in a maze, yet nothing done, at four of the clock their Fleet came to Anchor without the Bay some League to the North of S. Authonies' Castle, than they were told to be some 50 Ships, there was great talk what Fleet it should be, some said it was the Spanish others the Hollanders.  
Saturday the 4 of April there came betimes in the morning, nine small sail out of the land ward, who did pass our Ships and so went to the Fleet, the sloopes and Ships might have prevented that, but thy did not, what there reason was I know not, I guess but I will not writ.  
About eleven of the clock the same day, the Fleet weighed Anchor and came with a fair wind and tide into the bay, and cast Anchor some mile from the Town altogether, than the doubt was resolved, the Spanish colours proclaimed that our enemies were arrived, them might you have seen paleness in faces, and amazement in most countenances, such were the distractions of them, that no speedy resolution could be resolved one, at this time we had in our Harbour four men of war, two great Merchant Ships, Six Youghts, three sloopes, three fire ships. We had Sailors and Soldiers some 2200. fit for to bear Arms, besides some 700. Negers: It was thought by some, that had they sent forth then their fiery ships with their Youghts, and sloopes, they might have made a good piece of service on their enemies, for we had a fare fore-wind and a dark Evening, and men fit and willing to have gone on that service, but the Colonel would not admit of any such thing. The next day, the enemy landed their Land-man: two miles from the Town, and came marching within Musket shot of the Town, yet our commander lay still: only they then began to fortify the Town. The same Sunday night, the Soldiers which were in the Castle some six miles from the towme, came in a sloop to the Town: by the command of the Colonel, they made that hast away, that they left fourteen days provision for 30. men behind them, power & shot, four pieces of Ordnance with diverse Musketts, yet the Lieutenant was not blamed for it.  
On Monday the 6 of April, the enemy did fall down with his Shipping below the Town, where they landed their bag and baggage, and the sick men with their Pee●es and Churchmen. At Eleveen a clock the same day there went out some 300. soldiers under the command of Captain Maior Kife, and Captain Hellman●, at which time we had taken from us one English man, and their was killed one Dutchman and a Scotchman wounded, they were not out one hour but they came in again, with many buff coats, and gilt Rapiers and Poniards, with the slaughter of many chief commanders and soldiers,.  
An English Constable told me on the Spanish side (after the Town was deliveréd up,) that in that out fall there were killed and wounded some 170, had they been but seconded with 300 more out of the Town, it had been a good days work indeed.  
The Enemy after this was some six days still, only their ships now and then did make a shot, but our Ordnance from the Fort did shoot them through and through, that made them way anchor and lay farther from the place.  
Some ten days after they came to besidge us, they sunk three pieces of Ordnance on the side of an hill to the seaward upon our ships, and hardly did they make a shot but they shot into the ships, where they killed and wounded many of our sailors, yet they drew the ships near to the shore, I could not conceive nor cannot apprehend to what purpose they did leave their Munition and provision in their ships, with some 250 sailors, whereas they could not do any thing to the Enemy from their ships, either by sea or land; not long had the Enemy played at our ships but the Enemy had wounded and killed some 70 of our sea-fayring-men, and brought to ground some sour of our small ships and the Admiral, to the great loss of provision and Munition, than somewhat late they commanded the sailors to forsake the ships, and in the night they got some of their Pieces with some of their provision on land.  
Within 16 days after the beleaguering, our people had planted on the sea side in Forts and other places 36 pieces of Ordnance, they had 300 Musqueters on the water side.  
The Enemy had planted against the Town to the new Port ward called jasanaks Port three half Cannons, the bullets was 28 and 36 pound, the first shot that did hit the new Port went through and through, it might have been fit called a baubell then a Port, fit for banqueting then battering. The Town lay so low, and the hills without so high, that the Enemy did not make Forts, but sunk their Ordnance in the gronud. The Enemy did begin to make a battery near to the same side of the Town, the Constable of jasanacks Port perceiving the same, did make divers shot (he was an Englishman) to the great disturbance of the Enemy, but the Colonel did come and command him that he should not shoot at all: the like was commanded to the other Constables, to the wonder of all: all that was alleged by this Colonel was the want of Munition, if it was true, how worthy of reproof was he, that would waste so much before in jesting, as I have noted before: but if there was Munition enough (as there was) I think there was just suspicion of treachery. The Enemy had within five days placed in that battery five half Cannons and presently dismounted our Ordnance on that side of the Town, than they would but could not play with their Ordnance, and when the Colonel was required to suffer to take sacks of cotton and pieces of bays to stop the the breaches that they might remount their Pieces, he would not yield thereto.  
It was also reported that ●●e Colonel had three several Letters from the Spanish General, but there was on good proof thereof, yet after the Town was delivered up, the man that said he brought the Letters did testify the truth of it, nominating the time and place, where and when he met the Colonel: this I had from Captain Deshen one that was of the Counsel who is with the Spaniard now.  
It was likewise reported that the Colonel with two other Captains, did intent to fly away in a small Ship.  
Some three weeks after the Leaguer, the enemy had planted nine Pieces of Ordnance at the other Port, and four in another place, and five in another place, so that there was in all thirty seven half Cannons.  
We had mounted in the Town 61. Pieces, but after the Enemy had mounted and planted their Ordnance, they dismounted ours, so that we had not four Pieces mounted, than they began to make new Forts in the Town, and blinds: upon those reports of the Colonel above named, the Soldiers began to speak and mutter many things against the Colonel, and Council and Captains. The Soldiers reported, that th●ir Captains, nor Lieutenants, would not in the day time come in the works and tronches, It is some what credible, for they are like unto those Captains, which were known by their rich attire, not by their wounds.  
The Soldiers some five days before the Town was given over, went and complained to the Captains that the Colonel was treacherous to the Town, and the desired that they would make another Colonel, and they would spend their lives in defence of the Town, otherwise they said, they would kill him and make another of their own choice, this was one Saturday morning the 25. of April, at Eleven of the clock on Saturday, there was a great alarm, so that we thought verily that they would have made an assault on the Town, we had killed and wounded in two hours some fourteen men. At the same time there was a Soldier, going to fill his Bandaleroes with Powder, he having his light match in his hand did foolishly set fire on the Powder, to the burning of some sixteen men, some to death, all to great misery, at two of the clock the Alarm ceased, so that every man was commanded to his Colours.  
At four of the Clock, there went to the market place some fifty soldiers (as they say) by some Captain's private assents, the Colonels seeing them marching towards him comes to them, demands the cause of their coming, one answered that they came to put out such a treacherous fellow as he, and to make choice of one that would be faithful: for their Master and for the Town, but before he could reply (as I was told) one struck him down with his Musket, and other with their swords, but he got from them into the house wounded, the soldiers presently turned to the Major Captain Kyfe: and required of him to take the protection of the Town, and them and they with all they soldiers would die with him, he accepted the same and promised the same.  
On Monday the 27 of April, there was one from the enemy which called to the Centrie on the Port that they would send a Drum forth, presently it was told to the Colonel together with the Council, who speedily sent forth a Drum, when the Enemy saw the Drum, they required the cause of the Drums coming forth, it was answered because they called for one, they replied that they did not call, but seeing there was one come, he was commanded to be brought to the general, who returned an answer to us, that his Commission was to destroy all the Hollanders, and to put the English and French to the Galleys, yet if they would seek for mercy, he would in his own Clemency, give us all our lives; upon this truce was taken for 6. hours, no sooner was this noised, but that the Enemy came over their works, and brook some pales down, and the Soldiers on both sides did ralke friendly together, two from the Enemy was let in blindfold and led to the Colonel. There were conditons propounded on our part, but thought to great to be granted by the Enemy. Truce was continued for 24. hours, and two from our Captains sent to the General of the Enemy, others also came from the Enemy, in the mean time, I saw the Enemy working (contrary to order.)  
Truce was continued till Wednesday. On Wednesday, their went a soldier to the Council, and told them that the soldiers did understand, they would not yield unto those conditions the enemy propounded, so that it would be the loss of all their lives, for which reason he said that the soldiers were purposed to give up the Town, if they would not make composition, they thanked the soldier for his speech, but did not enquyer from whom he had heard the same conspiracy.  
The Council upon this one man's speech (and a common drunkard too) resolved to deliver up the town upon any conditions, the Truce being continued again till Thursday, the Mayor went to every Court of Guard: and demanded whether the soldiers would be content with that agreement as the Council should determine off, which should not be dishonourable, they all assented to the same. Whereupon the conditions were agreed upon, but not such as the soldiers liked off for it was ordered that the soldiers should the next morning go to Ship, and they should either send their Arms before them to the Shipping, or they going before should be sent after aboard. Further it was agreed upon, that the Town with all the riches: should be left there, and the Officers should have their Chests with wearing apparel only, (I mean Captains, Skippers, Preachers, Readers and Merchants) the rest only with their Knapsacks on their backs. The same night about five of the Clock, there was let into on of the Ports: a squadron of the enemies & many Officers. The next morning, the Enemy came in at seven of the clock in the morning, and our soldiers leaving their Arms in the market place, were commanded down to the water side.  
The same day being Friday the last of April, there came the Enemy down to the waters side in their Arms, their match light, and did march in the midst of us. Such a ragged Regiment did I never see, half of them had no shoes to their feece, their Arms were like to them, some had half a Rapier, others had them tied in match, not one in twenty, was in his full Arms fix, they were lodged in the strongest houses at the water's side, where they kept their Courts of Gard.  
Don Frederico commanded upon pain of death that there should no wrong nor violence be offered to us, which was carefully looked unto by his Officers.  
Eight days after, there came a command that we should go aboard, so the seat cheers came down and the sailors were searched very strictly to the ripping up of their shoes and all suspected places about them, this search was continued a day and a half, so that most of the sailors and a company of soldiers were searched. But Don Frederico came down to the water side, and gave way that all the rest of the soldiers should to the ships without searching. The fifteenth of May came the Hollanders Fleet before the Bay 34 in number, with their bloody colours. The next morning they came sailing into the Bays mouth. The Spaniard seeing that, hoist sail, and with some 30 sail went forth towards them. The Admiral from the Spaniard made a shot at the Hollander, the Admiral from the Hollander returned him the like again, and so went back with the whole Fleet to sea. At this time were the Spaniards ships much unprovided, had the Hollander known so much I suppose they would have come in and overthrown the whole Fleet.  
There were many reports concerning that Fleet of the Hollanders, but nothing so credible as for truth I will write.  
After we were put into the ships, some half Musket shot from the Town, the General Don Frederico, did give order, that every soldier of ours should have a pound of beef a day, besides wine and bread, for 2000 was this ransom given, but the neglect of most of our Officers was great, in somuch that many times for 3, 5, and 8 days together, the soldier's ransoms were neglected by them, they lying drinking on Land, and the poor soldiers famishing on ship board, and this is the main cause why our soldiers came home so bare and naked, for they were forced to sell their apparel for daily provision. They were put to such a strait, that they were forced to swim, and with pipes to fetch themselves water to drink, whilst their Officers must have the boats to attend them at their whorehouses and wine-houses. It is true that the Officers have been taxed for this there, but they would excuse it, but in truth they cannot, they be but mere excuses. Our Enemies did much blame them for this thing: and worthy of blame they were.  
After the delivering up of the Town we stayed thirteen weeks four days in the Bay, and that was by Don Ferderico his entreaty, as Captain Francisco told me; why Don Frederico did so, was, because he knew not where the Hollanders Fleet was, and he seared lest we going forth should join with them. In the mean time, they trimmed up seven of the Hollanders ships, and by entreaty (if not by command) got 250 sailors from us, to manage their ships to Spain.  
At the latter end of our being there victuals grew scarce, so that Don Frederico wished that our ships should wait on him to Fernabocke, and there he would be liberal to us. Friday the twenty-two of july, we with the Spanish Armado hoist sail. But let me note one thing here which is worth the observation, concerning the Portugals. The Prince Don Frederico a little before his going away sold to the Portugals their houses, which before were their own, and at his going away did not only take away all goods till it came to old stools and doors, but also stripped them naked of all Arms and Munition, and did take away all their Ordnance that was planted to sea or land-ward. So that the Town is now more weak than it was when the Hollander took it in. More may be said of this But I will not.  
We with the Spanish Fleet hoist sail (as I said before,) the Spanish Fleet was some 42 of their own ships, & leaven ships which they had of ours that they trimmed up, namely, the Samson, the Tiger, the ●ricke, the Gringe, King David, Saul, and the House, we had seven ships but such ships as n●u●r●a●y made such a Voyage in, they had not been trimmed in two years, they had no good tackle at all, some of them had but an anchor a piece, they were all exceeding leakey. In the ship that I myself came in, our soldiers pumped 20 and 24 thousand strokes a day: our ship was courted the best, and yet such it was, that mad the Skipper to say to me, that he covid wish himself in 〈◊〉, to play cross and pile for his life. The provision in our ships was small, there was but for ten weeks, such small allowance as many could well have eaten it up in two days: their weekly ransom was 4 pound of bread or veryva, half a pound of beese, 4 ordinary spoonful of oyie, a quart or a pint of wine and a quart of water a day: let all men that reads or hears, judge if our Officers w●… not much faulty herein, or the Spaniard, if not both. Our Officers will not deny but that the Town was delivered up upon conditions, but what conditions few knows, base conditions all knows. The soldiers disarmed, left to the mercy of the Spaniard, their Apparel., their vittals, and their goods, given to the Enemy, they put in ships as captives taken by the Enemy, and turned to the Sea: that if God had not extraordinary preserved us, we had never seen our native Country. Nor to the Spaniard nor yet to our officers do we give the praise of our safe arrival, but unto our good God. As all dew is, so do we give the foole honour and praise of our preservation, from all those manifold dangers.  
One Friday night having a cross wind, we cast Anchor at the Bays mouth, at which time four of our 7. Ships (in the night time) made away from the Fleet, the next day at Evening, the Admiral from the Spanish Armado weighed Anchor with the rest of the Fleet, and went into the Bay again, with our 3 Ships went in with them. On the next day at 6 in the Evening, there came command from Don Frederico, that Captain Cherke, and Captain Deshene, should go into two Spanish ships, the reason why it was thus commanded: was thought to be, because the 4 ships went away without the General's leave, but I rather believed their was greater reasons. For this Captain Cherke did as I have writ before, dealt very basely in searching of the wife and daughters to the Governor of Regturo de Plato, then was the time or never for them to repay him his baseness, the other Captain was he that was our guide to the Country of Brasil and to the Town of Saluedoe, for he was there three year's prisoner as he told me, the Spaniard it may be thought, that such a man was not for their profit to be returned to Holland.  
On Monday morning the 25 of july, the Admiral shot and weighed anchor, and we with them went out: some five days we kept with the Fleet, but in the night time the sixth day we lost (if it may be called a loss) the Spanish Fleet, which was bound for Fernabocke, so that we made for Holland, and notwithstanding the leaking of our ships, the shortness and scarceness of our victuals, by God's protection all our seven ships came safe for England and Holland: not looseing 22 men in all our 1650 men. In that ship I was in we lost but one, and that on the English coast, for which, all glory and praises be given to God, of us which have been so miraculously delivered, and of all that wisheth well unto us.  
If any enqnire or require a reason or reasons why I have caused to be published this small book, it might be answered, that it is a book of news, and is not that a sufficient reason? But I answer, the main reasons which have moved me to publish this book are these.  
First: By the earnest persuasion of some Merchants of London and others, which in part heard the relation thereof.  
Secondly: That the reading and consideration of this might be a motive to all in authority that put men in office, to beware of advancing base minded men, men that regard goods more than God, their own profit more than the honour of their Prince and Countries, especially to beware of advancing such into offices as respect not their own credit, but will defaime their name by whoring and drunkenness and beastly Boorish carriages as was some, and a great some of their Officers. And this kind of doings did so besot them, that they became understandlesse in these weighty affairs, (for I presuppose that those which chose them saw something in them worthy the choice.) I am fully persuaded, had they been such commanders as jethroe had advised Moses to make choice of, men that seared God, and men of courage, ha●ing covetousness, Saluadoe had borne Orange colours this day; but these men feared not God, had they feared God, they would have done as good Ezechiah did in time of danger, sought to the Lord for help, not Saul-like to a Soothsayer as did Colonel William Scoulton with others, these men were so forre from hating of covetousness that they loved covetousness; that is plain, not only by their engrossing of Gold, Chains, and jewels in their chests, but in that they too unworthy men gave places of office for money; and it is most plain, and now evident, that they were not men of courage, by two or three witnesses may a truth be affirmed, but I can bring forth two or ten hundred to confirm this, who have been eye witnesses of their cowardly carriages. But let that serve to prove this which is known of all, their base delivery up of the Town: they had at their command 2000, besides 600 Negars; this they cannot deny, for they received ransom after the Town was given up for so many.  
Let them plead for their baseness as they will, and say they had not ammunition and provision, I partly know the contrary (by one of their secret council,) they had to serve for three months credibly so reported, but a badge of their cowardliness, was this their keeping of house, when they should have kept their works, and encouraged their Soldiers; If search should be made, you might indeed find soldiers which have lost some their arms, some their eyes, some their legs, with other demonstrations of soldiers of courage, but let all the Officers that came from Bay be searched: and one will not be found (save the Engineer M. Iose Middleburghe) to my knowledge that hath received there, any wound or scar by their Enemy. I will not deny but they may have a wound, some of them which might be received in the wine-house of the Portugeses, after the Town was given up: but that rather demonstrate their baseness then their courage, their not coming into their works was a great occasion to discourage the soldiers, for I did hear the soldiers much complain of this very thing. How may Holland be grieved that so great and Princely a thing fell into the hands of such base cowardly Officers, double dishonour have they done, to that Noble Prince, & Honourable States of the Nether-Lands, if they pay their lives for their great baseness, what is that to so great loss? The best that can be made of this loss is to make choice of Officers for the like enterprises as are men of understanding, fearing God, loving the Honour of the Prince and Country, more regarding a good name and credit, than an evil reproach with life.  
The third reason of my writing is to set a looking glass for base and cowardly Officers to look in, wherein they may see their future shame and disgrace, if they will persist in such wicked courses, such may ride on horses having gold and scarlet to adorn their persons, they may have command of others, imprisoning & hanging whom they will, but look one our Captains of Bay, they were such; but what are they now? The day of account is come, they are in prison, their honours is come down, they would be (I think) now content to go on foot, and all their comfort is now, they have more merciful judges than themselves were, wherefore all that know yourselves to be such, in time captivate your baseness, least being yourselves captivated your baseness be discovered.  
The last Reason of my writing: and yet not the least cause, is to publish to all (that will take notice) the wonderful works of God, in these particulars whereof I have written, by the which we may see God's proceed against a people. These portugals had peace and plenty: abundance of outward blessings, and these were continued to them for many years, but the abuse of these blessings: did provoke the Lord to anger, and though he did spare them long, yet they did not consider it, & laid it not to heart, & turn from their wickedness, therefore the Lord took his own cause in hand, and while they were sacrificing to their Nets, the Lord cetch them in his Net. He sent the Hollanders one them, who suddenly came against them, and laid their honour & pride in the dust. We were but a handful in regard of them, it was reported they were in the Town 9000. able to bear arms among them, and provision they had for 12. months. They had a battery in the water for 9 pieces, some of which pieces weighed 41110 pound, they had besides 8 Castles & great Forts on the water side: they had some 70. Pieces of Ordnance in all, yet all could not help. God was against them, and they thought the whole world was come upon them. For among themselves they made report, that 10000 thousand was landed, whereas there was not landed 2300. God the Captain of our host went before us, who took a way from our enemies all courage and boldness, as he took off the Chariot's wheels of Pharaohs host, the enemies of Israel, before we had once compassed Saluadoe before our Trumpets did sound, or our Drums make an alarm, like jericho to Israel, so Saluadoe to us was delivered up. True was and is that saying which some hath said, namely, that we took not in Saluadoe, but Saluadoe took us in. Hear was God's work and it is worthy to be taken notice off: and to be had in everlasting remembrance, it is good for Cities and Countries to take notice of this work of God, take heed least Pharasaically you justify yourselves (without just reason) and say you are not such sinners as they, lest an handwriting come against you, & the words be read, except you amend you shall likewise drink of the cup of God's wrath, which cup of trembling hath been put into our hands: and we have drunk deep thereof. And justly hath the Lord dealt with us, he gave us (we got it not by our own harm) honour, riches and victory, he took from our enemies all their glory, and put it into our hands, but we have trampled them under our feet. Our glory is become our shame, thougth we have been better taught than they, yet indeed we have done worse than they, they sinned in curiosity and daintiness of diet, but we in gluttony and drunkenness, if it could be we excelled them in pride, the sin of whoredom, me thinks was more abominable in our time amongst us, than before amongst our enemies, for their religion gives a dispensation in some cases, ours not, they could have pardons before the committing of it, but we by our conscience & the rule of God tells us, that whoremongers shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven, without God give repentance and pardon. And me thinks, the sin of our whoremasters was the greater, in that they prostrated themselves to their captivated harlots, and to Heathenish Blackamoors. I doubt I should be tedious, if in each particular I should make comparison betwixt our enemy's sins, and the sins of our Army, only this I will writ, that two things hath been special motives to cause the Lord to be wrath with us. Our not consideration of God's great judgements on our Enemies for their sins, and our great unthankfulness for so many, so rich & undeserved favours bestowed on us, well may it be said to us, that we have been a foolish and unwise people, so evelly to requite the Lord our God, who gave us so many things and hopes of greater matters. While we be humbled for these things, let other people before warn to take due notice of God's judgements and his se●●ritle on sinful people: and in time repent, so shalt thou prevent a future repentance, and destruction shall not be thy ruin. In the last place, I bend my exhortation to all these, whom God hath given honour, glory and riches above their brethren; be sure to abound in thankfulness to God, as God hath abounded in mercies to you above others, thanks is the least thou canst return to God, being the least, if thou neglect it, me thinks it is one of the greatest motives, to strip thee naked to thy shame, and disgrace: and to make thee an ensample to others, as we that have benin Saluadoe, examples to others.  
Let not any misconstrue my meaning, nor misapply my writing, as if I should writ in the disgrace of Hollanders, our neighbour Nation and professed friends, though it be true that most of the Commanders in this voyage were Dutchmen, yet they were but few in regard of the whole Nation, and therefore injustice it is to condemn a Nation for a few false persons, and if we should thus censure, we should happily condemn ourselves. Lay the fault where it ought to be laid, and then drunkards, whoremasters, and understandlesse persons shall justly be condemned, not the fault less Nation.  
FINIS