A TRUE RELATION of the most prosperous voyage made this present year 1605, by Captain George Waymouth, in the Discovery of the land of Virginia: Where he discovered 60 miles up a most excellent River; together with a most fertile land. Written by JAMES ROSIER. a Gentleman employed in the voyage. LONDINI Impensis GEOR BISHOP. 1605. TO THE READER. BEing employed in this Voyage by the right honourable Thomas Arundel Baron of Warder, to take due notice, and make true report of the discovery therein performed: I became very diligent to observe (as much as I could) whatsoever was material or of consequence in the business, which I collected into this brief sum, intending upon our return to publish the same. But he soon changed the course of his intendments; and long before our arrival in England had so far engaged himself with the Archduke, that he was constrained to relinquish this action. But the commodities and profits of the country, together with the fitness of plantation, being by some honourable Gentlemen of good worth and quality, and Merchants of good sufficiency and judgement duly considered, have at their own charge (intending both their private and the common benefit of their country) undertaken the transporting of a Colony for the plantation thereof; being much encouraged thereunto by the gracious favour of the KING'S MAJESTY himself, and divers Lords of his highness most Honourable Privy Council. After these purposed designs were concluded, I was animated to publish this brief Relation, and not before; because some foreign Nation (being fully assured of the fruitfulness of the country) have hoped hereby to gain some knowledge of the place, seeing they could not allure our Captain or any special man of our Company to combine with them for their direction, nor obtain their purpose, in conveying away our savages, which was busily in practice. And this is the cause that I have neither written of the latitude or variation most exactly observed by our Captain with sundry instruments, which together with his perfect Geographical Map of the country, he intendeth hereafter to set forth. I have likewise purposedly omitted here to add a collection of many words in their language to the number of four or five hundred, as also the names of divers of their governors, aswell their friends as their enemies; being reserved to be made known for the benefit of those that shall go in the next Voyage. But our particular proceed in the whole Discovery, the commodious situation of the River, the fertility of the land, with the profits there to be had, and here reported, I refer to be verified by the whole Company, as being eye-witnesses of my words, and most of them near inhabitants upon the Thames. So with my prayers to God for the conversion of so ingenious and well disposed people, and for the prosperous successive events of the noble intenders the prosecution thereof, I rest. Your friend I. R. A TRUE RELATION of Captain George Waymouth his Voyage, made this present year 1605: in the Discovery of the North part of Virginia. Upon Tuesday the 5 day of March, about ten a clock afore noon, we set sail from Ratcliff, and came to an anchor that tide about two a clock before Gravesend. From thence the 10 of March being Sunday at night we anchored in the Downs: and there road till the next day about three a clock after noon, when with a scant wind we set sail; and by reason the wind continued Southwardly, we were beaten up and down: but on Saturday the 16 day about four a clock after noon we put into Dartmouth Haven, where the continuance of the wind at South & south-west constrained us to ride till the last of this month. There we shipped some of our men, and supplied necessaries for our Ship and voyage. Upon Easter day, being the last of March, Upon Easter day we put to sea. the wind coming at North-North-East, about five a clock after noon we weighed anchor, and put to sea, In the name of God, being well victualled and furnished with munition and all necessaries: Our Company 29 persons. Our whole Company being but 29 persons; of whom I may boldly say, few voyages have been manned forth with better Seamen generally in respect of our small number. Monday the next day, being the first of April, by six a clock in the morning we were six leagues South-South-East from the lizard. At two a clock in the afternoon this day, the weather being very fair, our Captain for his own experience and others with him sounded, Sounding. and had six and fifty fathoms and a half. The sounding was some small black perrie sand, some reddish sand, a match or two, with small shells called Saint james his Shells. The fourteenth of April being Sunday, between nine and ten of the clock in the morning our Captain descried the Island Cueruo: which bare south-west and by West, about seven leagues from us: by eleven of the clock we descried Flores to the Southward of Cueruo, We fell with the islands of Azores. as it lieth: by four a clock in the afternoon we brought Cueruo due South from us within two leagues of the shore, but we touched not, because the wind was fair, and we thought ourselves sufficiently watered and wooded. Here our Captain observed the Sun, and found himself in the latitude of 40 degrees and 7 minutes: so he judged the North part of Cueruo to be in 40 degrees. After we had kept our course about a hundred leagues from the islands, by continual Southerly winds we were forced and driven from the Southward, whither we first intended. And when our Captain by long beating saw it was but in vain to strive with winds, not knowing God's purposes herein to our further blessing, (which after by his especial direction we found) he thought best to stand as nigh as he could by the wind to recover what land we might first discover. Monday, the 6 of May, being in the latitude of 39 and a half about ten a clock afore noon, we came to a riplin, which we discerned a head our ship, which is a breach of water caused either by a fall, or by some meeting of currents, which we judged this to be; for the weather being very fair, and a small gale of wind, we sounded and found no ground in a hundred fathoms. Monday, the 13 of May, about eleven a clock afore noon, our Captain, judging we were not far from land, sounded, and had a soft oaze in a hundred and sixty fathoms. At four a clock after noon we sounded again, and had the same oaze in a hundred fathoms. From 10 a clock that night till three a clock in the morning, our Captain took in all sails and lay at hull, being desirous to fall with the land in the day time, because it was an unknown coast, which it pleased God in his mercy to grant us, otherwise we had run our ship upon the hidden rocks and perished all. For when we set sail we sounded in 100 fathoms: and by eight a clock, having not made above five or six leagues, our Captain upon a sudden change of water (supposing verily he saw the sand) presently sounded, and had but five fathoms. Much marveling because we saw no land, he sent one to the top, who thence descried a whitish sandy cliff, which bare West-North-West about six leagues off from us: but coming nearer within three or four leagues, we saw many breaches still nearer the land: at last we espied a great breach a head us all along the shore, into which before we should enter, our Captain thought best to hoist out his ship boat and sound it. Which if he had not done, we had been in great danger: for he bore up the ship, as near as he durst after the boat: until Thomas Cam, his mate, being in the boat, called to him to tack about & stand off, for in this breach he had very should water, two fathoms and less upon rocks, and sometime they supposed they saw the rock within three or four foot, whereon the sea made a very strong breach: which we might discern (from the top) to run along as we sailed by it 6 or 7 leagues to the Southward. This was in the latitude of 41 degrees, 20 minutes: wherefore we were constrained to put back again from the land: and sounding, (the weather being very fair and a small wind) we found ourselves embaied with continual showldes and rocks in a most uncertain ground, from five or six fathoms, at the next cast of the lead we should have 15 & 18 fathoms. Over many which we passed, and God so blessed us, that we had wind and weather as fair as poor men in this distress could wish: whereby we both perfectly discerned every breach, and with the wind were able to turn, where we saw most hope of safest passage▪ Thus we parted from the land, which we had not so much before desired, and at the first sight rejoiced, as now we all joyfully praised God, that it had pleased him to deliver us from so imminent danger. Here we found great store of excellent Cod fish, and saw many Whales, as we had done two or three days before. We stood off all that night, and the next day being Wednesday; but the wind still continuing between the points of South south-west, and West-South-West: so as we could not make any way to the Southward, in regard of our great want of water and wood (which was now spent) we much desired land, and therefore sought for it, where the wind would best suffer us to refresh ourselves. Thursday, the 16 of May, we stood in directly with the land, and much marveled we descried it not, wherein we found our sea charts' very false, putting land where none is. Friday, the 17 of May, about six a clock at night we descried the land, which bore from us North-North-East; but because it blew a great gale of wind, the sea very high, and near night, not fit to come upon an unknown coast, we stood off till two a clock in the morning, being Saturday: then standing in with it again, we descried it by eight a clock in the morning, bearing north-east from us. The description of the Island. It appeared a mean high land, as we after found it, being but an Island of some six miles in compass, but I hope the most fortunate ever yet discovered. About twelve a clock that day, we came to an anchor on the North side of this Island, about a league from the shore. About two a clock our Captain with twelve men rowed in his shipboat to the shore, where we made no long stay, but laded our boat with dry wood of old trees upon the shore side, and returned to our ship, where we road that night. This Island is woody, grown with Fir, Birch, Oak and beech, as far as we saw along the shore; and so likely to be within. On the verge grow Gooseberries, Strawberries, Wild pease, and Wild-rose bushes. The water issued forth down the Rocky cliffs in many places: and much fowl of divers kinds breed upon the shore and rocks. While we were at shore, our men aboard with a few hooks got above thirty great Cod and Haddocks, which gave us a taste of the great plenty of fish which we found afterward wheresoever we went upon the coast. From hence we might discern the main land from the West-South-West to the eastnortheast, and a great way (as it then seemed, and as we after found it) up into the main we might discern very high mountains, though the main seemed but low land; which gave us a hope it would please God to direct us to the discovery of some good; although we were driven by winds far from that place, whither (both by our direction and desire) we ever intended to shape the course of our voyage. The next day, being Whit-Sunday; because we road too much open to the sea and winds, we weighed anchor about twelve a clock, and came along to the other islands more adjoining to the main, and in the road directly with the mountains, about three leagues from the first Island where we had anchored. When we came near unto them (sounding all along in a good depth) our Captain manned his shipboat and sent her before with Thomas Cam one of his Mates, whom he knew to be of good experience, to sound & search between the islands for a place safe for our ship to ride in; in the mean while we kept aloof at sea, having given them in the boat a token to weffe in the ship, if he found a convenient Harbour; which it pleased God to send us, far beyond our expectation, in a most safe birth defended from all winds, in an excellent depth of water for ships of any burden, in six, seven, eight, nine, and ten fathoms upon a clay oaze very tough. We all with great joy praised God for his unspeakable goodness, who had from so apparent danger delivered us, & directed us upon this day into so secure an Harbour: in remembrance whereof we named it Pentecost-harbor, Whitsund●y. we arriving there that day out of our last Harbour in England, from whence we set sail upon Easter-Day. About four a clock, after we were anchored and well moored, our Captain with half a dozen of our Company went on shore to seek fresh watering, and a convenient place to set together a pinnace, which we brought in pieces out of England: both which we found very fitting. Upon this Island, as also upon the former, we found (at our first coming to shore) where fire had been made: and about the place were very great egg shells bigger than goose eggs, fish bones, and as we judged, the bones of some beast. Here we espied Cranes stalking on the shore of a little Island adjoining; Cranes. where we after saw they used to breed. Whitsun-munday, the 20 day of May, very early in the morning, our Captain caused the pieces of the pinnace to be carried a shore, where while some were busied about her, others digged wells to receive the fresh water, which we found issuing down out of the land in many places. Here I can not omit (for foolish fear of imputation of flattery) the painful industry of our Captain, who as at sea he is always most careful and vigilant, so at land he refuseth no pains; but his labour was ever as much or rather more than any man's: which not only encourageth others with better content, but also effecteth much with great expedition. In digging we found excellent clay for brick or tile. The next day we finished a well of good and wholesome clear water in a great empty cask, which we left there. We cut yards, waste trees, and many necessaries for our ship, while our Carpenter and Cooper laboured to fit and furnish forth the shallop. This day our boat went out about a mile from our ship, We fished. and in small time with two or three hooks was fished sufficiently for our whole Company three days, with great Cod, Haddock, and thornback. And towards night we drew with a small net of twenty fathoms very nigh the shore: Abundance of many good fishes. we got about thirty very good and great Lobsters, many Rockfish, some Plaise, and other small fishes, and fishes called Lumps, very pleasant to the taste: and we generally observed, that all the fish, of what kind soever we took, were well fed, fat, and sweet in taste. Wednesday, the 22 of May, we felled and cut wood for our ships use, cleansed and scoured our wells, and digged a plot of ground, wherein, amongst some garden seeds, we sowed pease and barley, Corn sowed. which in sixtéen days grew eight inches above ground; and so continued growing every day half an inch, although this was but the crust of the ground, and much inferior to the mould we after found in the main. Friday, the 24 of May, after we had made an end of cutting wood, and carrying water aboard our ship, with fourteen Shot and Pikes we marched about and thorough part of two of the islands; the bigger of which we judged to be four or five miles in compass, and a mile broad. The profits and fruits which are naturally on these islands are these: The fruits of the islands. All along the shore and some space within, where the wood hindereth not, grow plentifully Raspberries. Gooseberries. Strawberries. Roses. Currant. Wild vines. Angelica. Within the islands grow wood of sundry sorts, some very great, and all tall: Birch. beech. Ash. Maple. Spruce. Cherry-trée. Yew. Oak very great and good. Firre-trée, out of which issueth Turpentine in so marvelous plenty, and so sweet, as our Chirurgeon and others affirmed they never saw so good in England. We pulled off much Gum congealed on the outside of the bark, which smelled like Frankincense. This would be a great benefit for making Tar and Pitch. We stayed the longer in this place, not only because of our good Harbour (which is an excellent comfort) but because every day we did more and more discover the pleasant fruitfulness; insomuch as many of our Company wished themselves settled here, not expecting any further hopes, or better discovery to be made. Here our men found abundance of great muscles among the rocks; and in some of them many small Pearls: and in one muscell (which we drew up in our net) was found fourteen Pearls, Pearl. whereof one of pretty bigness and orient: in another above fifty small Pearls: and if we had had a Drag, no doubt we had found some of great value, seeing these did certainly show, that here they were bred: the shells all glistering with mother of Pearl. Wednesday, the 29 day, our shallop being now finished, and our Captain and men furnished to departed with her from the ship: A Cross erected. we set up a cross on the shore side upon the rocks. Thursday, the 30 of May, about ten a clock afore noon, our Captain with 13 men more, in the name of God, and with all our prayers for their prosperous discovery, and safe return, departed in the shallop: leaving the ship in a good harbour, which before I mentioned, well moored, and manned with 14 men. This day, about five a clock in the afternoon, The savages came first to us. we in the ship espied three Canoes coming towards us, which went to the island adjoining, where they went a shore, and very quickly had made a fire, about which they stood beholding our ship: to whom we made signs with our hands and hats, weffing unto them to come unto us, because we had not seen any of the people yet. They sent one canoe with three men, one of which, when they came near unto us, spoke in his language very loud and very boldly: seeming as though he would know why we were there, and by pointing with his oar towards the sea, we conjectured he meant we should be gone. But when we showed them knives and their use, by cutting of sticks and other trifles, as combs and glasses, they came close aboard our ship, as desirous to entertain our friendship. To these we gave such things as we perceived they liked, when we showed them the use: bracelets, rings, peacock feathers, which they stuck in their hair, and Tobacco pipes. After their departure to their company on the shore, presently came four other in another canoe: to whom we gave as to the former, using them with as much kindness as we could. The shape of their body is very proportionable, they are well countenanced, not very tall nor big, but in stature like to us: Three sorts of colours of painting. they paint their bodies with black, their faces, some with red, some with black, and some with blue. Their clothing is beavers skins, or deer's skins, cast over them like a mantle, and hanging down to their knees, made fast together upon the shoulder with leather: some of them had sleeves, Their clothing and buskins. most had none: some had buskins of such leather tewed: they have beside a piece of beavers skin between their legs, made fast about their waste, to cover their privities. They suffer no hair to grow on their faces, but on their head very long and very black, which those that have wives, bind up behind with a leather string, in a long round knot. They seemed all very civil and merry: showing tokens of much thankfulness, for those things we gave them. We found them then (as after) a people of exceeding good invention, quick understanding and ready capacity. Their boats. Their Canoes are made without any iron, of the bark of a birch tree, strengthened within with ribs and hoops of wood, in so good fashion, with such excellent ingenious art, as they are able to bear seven or eight persons, far exceeding any in the Indies. One of their Canoes came not to us, wherein we imagined their women were: of whom they are (as all savages) very jealous. When I signed unto them they should go sleep, because it was night, they understood presently, and pointed that at the shore, right against our ship, they would stay all night: as they did. The next morning very early, came one canoe aboard us again with three savages, whom we easily then enticed into our ship, and under the deck: where we gave them pork, fish, bread and pease, all which they did eat: and this I noted, they would eat nothing raw, either fish or flesh. They marveled much and much looked upon the making of our can and kettle, so they did at a headpéece and at our guns, of which they are most fearful, and would fall flat down at the report of them. At their departure I signed unto them, that if they would bring me such skins as they ware I would give them knives, and such things as I saw they most liked, which the chief of them promised to do by that time the Sun should be beyond the midst of the firmament; this I did to bring them to an understanding of exchange, and that they might conceive the intent of our coming to them to be for no other end. About 10 a clock this day we descried our Shallop returning toward us, which so soon as we espied, we certainly conjectured our Captain had found some unexpected harbour, further up towards the main to bring the ship into, or some river; knowing his determination and resolution, not so suddenly else to make return: which when they came nearer they expressed by shooting volleys of shot; and when they were come within Musket shot, they gave us a volley and haled us, than we in the ship gave them a great piece and haled them. Thus we welcomed them, who gladded us exceedingly with their joyful relation of their happy discovery, which shall appear in the sequel. And we likewise gave them cause of mutual joy with us, in discoursing of the kind civility we found in a people, where we little expected any spark of humanity. Our Captain had in this small time discovered up a great river, trending alongst into the main about forty miles. The pleasantness whereof, with the safety of harbour for shipping, together with the fertility of ground and other fruits, which were generally by his whole company related, I omit, till I report of the whole discovery therein after performed. For by the breadth, depth and strong flood, imagining it to run far up into the land, he with speed returned, intending to flank his light horseman for arrows, lest it might happen that the further part of the river should be narrow, and by that means subject to the volley of savages on either side out of the woods. Until his return, our Captain left on shore where he landed in a path (which seemed to be frequented) a pipe, a brooch and a knife, thereby to know if the savages had recourse that way, because they could at that time see none of them, Trifles left on shore. but they were taken away before our return thither. I return now to our savages, who according to their appointment about one a clock, came with 4 Canoes to the shore of the island right over against us, where they had lodged the last night, and sent one canoe to us with two of those savages, who had been a board, and another, who then seemed to have command of them: for though we perceived their willingness, yet he would not permit them to come aboard: but he having viewed us and our ship, signed that he would go to the rest of the company and return again. Presently after their departure it began to rain, and continued all that afternoon, so as they could not come to us with their skins and furs, nor we go to them. But after an hour or there about, the three which had been with us before came again, whom we had to our fire and covered them with our gowns. Our Captain bestowed a shirt upon him, whom we thought to be their chief, who seemed never to have seen any before; we gave him a brooch to hang about his neck, a great knife, and lesser knives to the two other, and to every one of them a comb and glass, the use whereof we showed them: whereat they laughed and took gladly; we victualled them, and gave them aqua vitae, which they tasted, but would by no means drink; our beveridge they liked well, we gave them Sugar Candy, which after they had tasted they liked and desired more, and raisins which were given them; and some of every thing they would reserve to carry to their company. Wherefore we pitying their being in the rain, and therefore not able to get themselves victual (as we thought) we gave them bread and fish. Thus because we found the land a place answerable to the intent of our discovery, The intent of our kind usage of the savages. viz. fit for any nation to inhabit, we used the people with as great kindness as we could devise, or found them capable of. The next day, being Saturday and the first of june, We traded with the savages. I traded with the savages all the forenoon upon the shore, where were eight and twenty of them: and because our ship road nigh, we were but five or six: where for knives, glasses, combs and other trifles to the value of four or five shillings, we had 40 good Beavers skins, Otters skins, Sables, and other small skins, which we knew not how to call. Our trade being ended, many of them came aboard us, and did eat by our fire, and would be very merry and bold, in regard of our kind usage of them. Towards night our Captain went on shore, to have a draft with the Sein or Net. And we carried two of them with us, who marveled to see us catch fish with a net. Most of that we caught we gave them and their company. Then on the shore I learned the names of divers things of them: and when they perceived me to note them down, they would of themselves, fetch fishes, and fruit bushes, and stand by me to see me write their names. Our Captain showed them a strange thing which they wondered at. His sword and mine having been touched with the Loadstone, took up a knife, and held it fast when they plucked it away, made the knife turn, being laid on a block, and touching it with his sword, made that take up a needle, whereat they much marveled. This we did to cause them to imagine some great power in us: and for that to love and fear us. When we went on shore to trade with them, Their Bows and Arrows. in one of their Canoes I saw their bows and arrows, which I took up and drew an arrow in one of them, which I found to be of strength able to carry an arrow five or six score strongly: and one of them took it and drew as we draw our bows, not like the Indians. Their bow is made of Which Hazel, and some of beech in fashion much like our bows, Their Bows. but they want nocks, only a string of leather put through a hole at one end, and made fast with a knot at the other. Arrows. Their arrows are made of the same wood, some of Ash, big and long, with three feathers tied on, and nocked very artificially: headed with the long shank bone of a Dear, made very sharp with two fangs in manner of a harping iron. They have likewise Darts, Their Darts. headed with like bone, one of which I darted among the rocks, and it broke not. These they use very cunningly, to kill fish, fowl and beasts. Our Captain had two of them at supper with us in his cabin to see their demeanour, and had them in presence at service: who behaved themselves very civilly, neither laughing nor talking all the time, and at supper fed not like men of rude education, neither would they eat or drink more than seemed to content nature; they desired pease to carry a shore to their women, which we gave them, with fish and bread, and lent them pewter dishes, which they carefully brought again. In the evening another boat came to them on the shore, Tobacco excellent. and because they had some Tobacco, which they brought for their own use, the other came for us, making sign what they had, and offered to carry some of us in their boat, but four or five of us went with them in our own boat: when we came on shore they gave us the best welcome they could, spreading fallow deer's skins for us to sit on the ground by their fire, and gave us of their Tobacco in our pipes, which was excellent, and so generally commended of us all to be as good as any we ever took, being the simple leaf without any composition, strong, and of sweet taste: they gave us some to carry to our Captain, whom they called our Bashabes: neither did they require any thing for it, but we would not receive any thing from them without remuneration. Here we saw four of their women, who stood behind them, as desirous to see us, but not willing to be seen: for before, whensoever we came on shore, they retired into the woods, whether it were in regard of their own natural modesty, being covered only as the men with the foresaid Beavers skins, The description of their Women and Children. or by the commanding jealously of their husbands, which we rather suspected, because it is an inclination much noted to be in savages; wherefore we would by no means seem to take any special notice of them. They were very well favoured in proportion of countenance, though coloured black, low of stature, and fat, bare headed as the men, wearing their hair long: they had two little male children of a year and half old, as we judged, very fat and of good countenances, which they love tenderly, all naked, except their legs, which were covered with thin leather buskins tewed, fastened with strops to a girdle about their waste, which they gird very straight, and is decked round about with little round pieces of red Copper; to these I gave chains and bracelets, glasses, and other trifles, which the savages seemed to accept in great kindness. At our coming away, we would have had those two that supped with us, to go aboard and sleep, as they had promised: but it appeared their company would not suffer them. Whereat we might easily perceive they were much grieved: but not long after our departure, they came with three more to our ship, signing to us, that if one of our company would go lie on shore with them, they would stay with us. Then Owen Griffin (one of the two we were to leave in the Country, if we had thought it needful or convenient) went with them in their canoe, and 3 of them stayed aboard us, whom our whole company very kindly used. Our Captain saw their lodging provided, and them lodged in an old sail upon the Orlop; and because they much feared our dogs, they were tied up whensoever any of them came aboard us. Owen Griffin, which lay on the shore, reported unto me their manner, The ceremonies of the savages in their idolatry. and (as I may term them) the ceremonies of their idolatry: which they perform thus. One among them (the eldest of the Company, as he judged) riseth right up, the other sitting still, and looking about, suddenly cried with a loud voice, Baugh, Waugh: then the women fall down, and lie upon the ground, and the men all together answering the same, fall a stamping round about the fire with both feet, as hard as they can, making the ground shake, with sundry outcries, and change of voice and sound. Many take the fire-sticks and thrust them into the earth, and then rest awhile: of a sudden beginning as before, they continue so stamping, till the younger sort fetched from the shore many stones, of which every man took one, and first beat upon them with their fire sticks, then with the stones beat the earth with all their strength. And in this manner (as he reported) they continued above two hours. They lie with their wives secretly. After this ended, they which have wives take them apart, and withdraw themselves severally into the wood all night. The next morning, assoon as they saw the Sun rise, they pointed to him to come with them to our ship: and having received their men from us, they came with five or six of their Canoes and Company hovering about our ship: to whom (because it was the Sabbath day) I signed they should departed, and at the next Sun rising we would go along with them to their houses: which they understood (as we thought) and departed, some of their Canoes coursing about the Island, and the other directly towards the main. This day, about five a clock after noon, came three other Canoes from the main, of which some had been with us before; and they came aboard us, and brought us Tobacco, which we took with them in their pipes, which were made of earth, very strong, black, and short, containing a great quantity: some Tobacco they gave unto our Captain, and some to me, in very civil kind manner. We requited them with bread and pease, which they carried to their Company on shore, seeming very thankful. After supper they returned with their canoe to fetch us a shore to take Tobacco with them there; with whom six or seven of us went, and carried some trifles, if peradventure they had any truck, among which I carried some few biscuits, to try if they would exchange for them, seeing they so well liked to eat them. When we came at shore, they most kindly entertained us, taking us by the hands, as they had observed we did to them aboard, in token of welcome, and brought us to sit down by their fire, where sat together thirteen of them. They filled their Tobacco pipe, which was then the short claw of a Lobster, which will hold ten of our pipes full, and we drank of their excellent Tobacco as much as we would with them; but we saw not any great quantity to truck for; and it seemed they had not much left of old, for they spend a great quantity yearly by their continual drinking: and they would sign unto us, that it was grown yet but a foot above ground, and would be above a yard high, with a leaf as broad as both their hands. They often would (by pointing to one part of the main Eastward) sign unto us, that their Bashabes (that is, their King) had great plenty of Furs, and much Tobacco. The dwelling of Bashabes is Eastward from the great River. When we had sufficiently taken Tobacco with them, I showed some of our trifles for trade; but they made sign that they had there nothing to exchange; for (as I after conceived) they had been fishing and fowling, and so came thither to lodge that night by us: for when we were ready to come away, they showed us great cups made very wittily of bark, in form almost square, full of a red berry about the bigness of a bullis, A red berry which they feed on. which they did eat, and gave us by handfuls; of which (though I liked not the taste) yet I kept some, because I would by no means but accept their kindness. They showed me likewise a great piece of fish, whereof I tasted, and it was fat like Porpoise; and another kind of great scaly fish, broiled on the coals, much like white Salmon, which the Frenchmen call Aloza, for these they would have had bread; which I refused, because in manner of exchange, I would always make the greatest esteem I could of our commodities whatsoever; although they saw aboard our Captain was liberal to give them, to the end we might allure them still to frequent us. Then they showed me four young Goslings, We had young Goslings of the savages. for which they required four biscuits, but I offered them two; which they took and were well content. At our departure they made sign, that if any of us would stay there on shore, some of them would go lie aboard us: at which motion two of our Company stayed with them, and three of the savages lodged with us in manner as the night before. june 3. Early the next morning, being Monday the third of june, when they had brought our men aboard, they came about our ship, earnestly by signs desiring that we would go with them along to the main, for that there they had Furs and Tobacco to traffic with us. Wherefore our Captain manned the light-horseman with as many men as he could well, which were about fifteen with rowers and all; and we went along with them. Two of their Canoes they sent away before, and they which lay aboard us all night, kept company with us to direct us. This we noted as we went along, they in their canoe with three oars, Their canoe outrowed us. would at their will go ahead of us and about us, when we rowed with eight oars strong; such was their swiftness, by reason of the lightness and artificial composition of their canoe and oars. When we came near the point where we saw their fires, where they intended to land, and where they imagined some few of us would come on shore with our merchandise, as we had accustomed before; when they had often numbered our men very diligently, they scoured away to their Campany, not doubting we would have followed them. But when we perceived this, and knew not either their intents, or number of savages on the shore, our Captain, after consultation, stood off, and wefted them to us, determining that I should go on shore first to take a view of them, and what they had to traffic: if he, whom at our first sight of them seemed to be of most respect among them, and being then in the canoe, would stay as a pawn for me. When they came to us (notwithstanding all our former courtesies) he utterly refused; but would leave a young Salvage: and for him our Captain sent Griffin in their canoe, while we lay hulling a little off. Griffin at his return reported, they had there assembled together, as he numbered them, 283 savages. two hundred eighty three savages, every one his bow and arrows, with their dogs, and wolves which they keep tame at command, and not any thing to exchange at all; but would have drawn us further up into a little narrow nook of a river, for their Furs, as they pretended. These things considered, we began to join them in the rank of other savages, who have been by travelers in most discoveries found very treacherous: never attempting mischief, until by some remissness, fit opportunity affordeth them certain ability to execute the same. Wherefore after good advice taken, we determined so soon as we could to take some of them, lest (being suspicious we had discovered their plots) they should absent themselves from us. Tuesday, the fourth of june, Fish in the Harbour. our men took Cod and Hadocke with hooks by our ship side, and Lobsters very great: which before we had not tried. About eight a clock this day we went on shore with our boats, to fetch aboard water and wood, our Captain leaving word with the Gunner in the ship, by discharging a musket, to give notice if they espied any canoe coming: which they did about ten a clock. He therefore being careful they should be kindly entreated, requested me to go aboard, intending with dispatch to make what haste after he possibly could. When I came to the ship, there were two Canoes, and in either of them three savages; of whom two were below at the fire, the other stayed in their Canoes about the ship; and because we could not entice them aboard, we gave them a Can of pease and bread, which they carried to the shore to eat. But one of them brought back our Can presently and stayed aboard with the other two; for he being young, of a ready capacity, and one we most desired to bring with us into England, had received exceeding kind usage at our hands, and was therefore much delighted in our company. When our Captain was come, we consulted how to catch the other three at shore, which we performed thus. Our manner of taking the savages. We manned the light horseman with 7 or 8 men, one standing before carried our box of Merchandise, as we were wont when I went to traffic with them, and a platter of pease, which meat they loved: but before we were landed, one of them (being too suspiciously fearful of his own good) withdrew himself into the wood. The other two met us on the shore side, to receive the pease, with whom we went up the Cliff to their fire and sat down with them, and whiles we were discussing how to catch the third man who was gone, I opened the box, and showed them trifles to exchange, thinking thereby to have banished fear from the other, and drawn him to return: but when we could not, we used little delay, but suddenly laid hands upon them. And it was as much as five or six of us could do to get them into the light horseman. For they were strong and so naked as our best hold was by their long hair on their heads: and we would have been very loath to have done them any hurt, which of necessity we had been constrained to have done if we had attempted them in a multitude, which we must and would, We caught five savages, two Canoes, and their bows and arrows. rather than have wanted them, being a matter of great importance for the full accomplishment of our voyage. Thus we shipped five savages, two Canoes, with all their bows and arrows. The next day we made an end of getting our wood aboard, and filled our empty cask with water. Thursday, the 6 of june, we spent in bestowing the Canoes upon the orlop safe from hurt, because they were subject to breaking, which our Captain was careful to prevent. Saturday, the eight of june (our Captain being desirous to finish all business about this harbour) very early in the morning, with the light horseman, coasted five or six leagues about the islands adjoining, and sounded all along wheresoever we went. He likewise diligently searched the mouth of the Harbour, and about the rocks which show themselves at all times, and are an excellent breach of the water, Sounded about the rocks and mouth of the Harbour. so as no Sea can come in to offend the Harbour. This he did to instruct himself, and thereby able to direct others that shall happen to come to this place. For every where both near the rocks, & in all soundings about the islands, we never found less water than four and five fathoms, which was seldom; but seven, eight, nine and ten fathoms is the continual sounding by the shore. In some places much deeper upon clay oaze or soft sand: so that if any bound for this place, should be either driven or scanted with winds, he shall be able (with his directions) to recover safely his harbour most securely in water enough by four several passages, more their which I think no man of judgement will desire as necessary. Upon one of the islands (because it had a pleasant sandy Cove for small barks to ride in) we landed, and found hard by the shore a pond of fresh water, A Pond of fresh Water. which flowed over the banks, somewhat overgrown with little shrub trees, and searching up in the Island, we saw it fed with a strong run, which with small labour, and little time, might be made to drive a mill. In this Island, as in the other, were spruce trees of excellent timber and height, able to mast ships of great burden. While we thus sounded from one place to another in so good deeps, our Captain to make some trial of the fishing himself, caused a hook or two to be cast out at the mouth of the harbour, Great plenty of Cod fish. not above half a league from our ship, where in small time only, with the baits which they cut from the fish and three hooks, we got fish enough for our whole Company (though now augmented) for three days. Which I omit not to report, because it showeth how great a profit the fishing would be, they being so plentiful, so great, and so good, with such convenient drying as can be wished, near at hand upon the Rocks. This day, about one a clock after noon, came from the Eastward two Canoes aboard us, wherein was he that refused to stay with us for a pawn, and with him six other savages which we had not seen before, who had beautified themselves after their manner very gallantly, though their clothing was not differing from the former, yet they had newly painted their faces very deep, some all black, some red, with stripes of excellent blue over their upper lips, Their ornaments of gallantness. nose and chin. One of them ware a kind of Coronet about his head, made very cunningly, of a substance like stiff hair coloured red, broad, and more than a handful in depth, which we imagined to be some ensign of his superiority: for he so much esteemed it as he would not for any thing exchange the same. Other ware the white feathered skins of some fowl, round about their head, jewels in their ears, and bracelets of little white round bone, fastened together upon a leather string. These made not any show that they had notice of the other before taken, but we understood them by their speech and signs, that they came sent from the Bashabes, and that his desire was that we would bring up our ship (which they call as their own boats, a Quiden) to his house, being, as they pointed, upon the main towards the East, from whence they came, and that he would exchange with us for Furs and Tobacco. But because our Company was but small, and now our desire was with speed to discover up the river, we let them understand, that if their Bashabes would come to us, he should be welcome, but we would not remove to him. Which when they understood (receiving of us bread and fish, and every of them a knife) they departed; for we had then no will to stay them long aboard, lest they should discover the other savages which we had stowed below. Tuesday, the 11 of june, We went up with our ship into the River. we passed up into the river with our ship, about six and twenty miles. Of which I had rather not write, then by my relation to detract from the worthiness thereof. For the River, besides that it is subject by shipping to bring in all traffics of Merchandise, a benefit always accounted the richest treasury to any land: for which cause our Thames hath that due denomination, and France by her navigable Rivers receiveth her greatest wealth; yet this place of itself from God and nature affordeth as much diversity of good commodities, as any reasonable man can wish, for present habitation and planting. The first and chiefest thing required, is a bold coast and fair land to fall with; the next, a safe harbour for ships to ride in. The first is a special attribute to this shore, being most free from sands or dangerous rocks in a continual good depth, with a most excellent land-fall, which is the first Island we fell with, named by us, Saint George's Island. For the second, by judgement of our Captain, who knoweth most of the coast of England, and most of other Countries, The profits of the River. (having been experienced by employments in discoveries and travels from his childhood) and by opinion of others of good judgement in our ship, here are more good harbours for ships of all burdens, than England can afford, and far more secure from all winds and weathers, than any in England, Scotland, France or Spain. For beside without the River in the channel, and sounds about the islands adjoining to the mouth thereof, no better riding can be desired for an infinite number of ships. The River itself as it runneth up into the main very nigh forty miles toward the great mountains, The breadth of the River. beareth in breadth a mile, sometime three quarters, and half a mile is the narrowest, where you shall never have under 4 and 5 fathoms water hard by the shore, but 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 fathoms all along, and on both sides every half mile very gallant Coves, some able to contain almost a hundred sails, The ground soft oaze and clay. where the ground is excellent soft oaze with a tough clay under for anchor hold, and where ships may lie without either Cable or Anchor, only moored to the shore with a Hauser. What flow of water. It floweth by their judgement eighteen or twenty foot at high water. docks to grave and carine ships. Hear are made by nature most excellent places, as Docks to grave or Carine ships of all burdens: secured from all winds, which is such a necessary incomparable benefit, that in few places in England, or in any parts of Christendom, art, with great charges, can make the like. The Land. Besides, the bordering land is a most rich neighbour trending all along on both sides, in an equal plain, neither mountainous nor rocky, but verged with a green bordure of grass, doth make tender unto the beholder of her pleasant fertility, if by cleansing away the woods she were converted into meadow. The wood. The wood she beareth is not shrubbish fit only for fuel, but goodly tall Fir, Spruce, Birch, beech, Oak, which in many places is not so thick, but may with small labour be made feeding ground, being plentiful like the outward islands with fresh water, which streameth down in many places. As we passed with a gentle wind up with our ship in this River, any man may conceive with what admiration we all consented in joy. Many of our Company who had been travelers in sundry countries, and in the most famous Rivers, yet affirmed them not comparable to this they now beheld. Some that were with Sir Walter Ralegh in his voyage to Guiana, in the discovery of the River Orenoque, which echoed fame to the world's ears, This river preferred before Orenoque▪ and why. gave reasons why it was not to be compared with this, which wanteth the dangers of many Shoules, and broken ground, wherewith that was encumbered. Others before that notable River in the West Indies called Rio Grande; some before the River of Loyer, the River Seine, and of Bordeaux in France; which although they be great and grodly Rivers, yet it is no detraction from them to be accounted inferior to this, which not only yieldeth all the foresaid pleasant profits, but also appeared infallibly to us free from all inconveniences. I will not prefer it before our river of Thames, because it is England's richest treasure; but we all did wish those excellent Harbours, good déeps in a continual convenient breadth, and small tide gates, to be aswell therein for our country's good, as we found them here (beyond our hopes) in certain, for those to whom it shall please God to grant this land for habitation; which if it had, with the other inseparable adherent commodities here to be found; then I would boldly affirm it to be the most rich, beautiful, large & secure harbouring river that the world affordeth. Wednesday, the twelfth of june, our Captain manned his light-horseman with 17 men, and ran up from the ship riding in the river up to the cod▪ thereof, where we landed, leaving six to keep the light-horseman till our return. Ten of us with our shot, and some armed, with a boy to carry powder and match, marched up into the country towards the mountains, which we descried at our first falling with the land. Unto some of them the river brought us so near, as we judged ourselves when we landed to have been within a league of them: but we marched up about four miles in the main, We marched up into the land about 4 miles. and passed over three hills: and because the weather was parching hot, and our men in their armour not able to travel far and return that night to our ship, we resolved not to pass any further, being all very weary of so tedious and laboursom a travel. Good pasture In this march we passed over very good ground, pleasant and fertile, fit for pasture, for the space of some three miles, having but little wood, and that Oak like stands left in our pastures in England, good and great, fit timber for any use. Some small Birch, Hazle and Brake, which might in small time with few men be cleansed and made good arable land: but as it now is will feed cattle of all kinds with fodder enough for Summer and Winter. The soil is black, bearing sundry herbs, grass, and strawberries bigger than ours in England. In many places are low Thicks like our Copisses of small young wood. And surely it did all resemble a stately Park, wherein appear some old trees with high withered tops, and other flourishing with living green boughs. Upon the hills grow notable high timber trees, masts for ships of 400 tun: and at the bottom of every hill, a little run of fresh water: but the furthest and last we passed, ran with a great stream able to drive a mill. Dear. Hares. Hogs. We might see in some places where fallow Dear and Hares had been, and by the rooting of ground we supposed wild Hogs had ranged there, but we could descry no beast, because our noise still chased them from us. We were no sooner come aboard our light-horseman, returning towards our ship, but we espied a canoe coming from the further part of the Cod of the river Eastward, which hasted to us; wherein, with two others, was he who refused to stay for a pawn: and his coming was very earnestly importing to have one of our men to go lie on shore with their Bashabes (who was there on shore, as they signed) and then the next morning he would come to our ship with many Furs and Tobacco. This we perceived to be only a mere device to get possession of any of our men, to ransom all those which we had taken, which their natural policy could not so shadow, but we did easily discover and prevent. These means were by this Salvage practised, because we had one of his kinsmen prisoner, as we judged by his most kind usage of him being aboard us together. Thursday, the 13 of june, by two a clock in the morning (because our Captain would take the help and advantage of the tide) in the light-horseman with our Company well provided and furnished with armour and shot both to defend and offend; we went from our ship up to that part of the river which trended Westward into the main, to search that: and we carried with us a Cross, to erect at that point, which (because it was not daylight) we left on the shore until our return back; when we set it up in manner as the former. We set up another cross. For this (by the way) we diligently observed, that in no place, either about the islands, or up in the main, or alongst the river, we could discern any token or sign, that ever any Christian had been before; of which either by cutting wood, digging for water, or setting up Crosses (a thing never omitted by any Christian travelers) we should have perceived some mention left. But to return to our river, further up into which we then rowed by estimation twenty miles, the beauty and goodness whereof I can not by relation sufficiently demonstrate. That which I can say in general is this: What profit or pleasure soever is described and truly verified in the former part of the river, Conveniency of transportation. is wholly doubled in this; for the breadth and depth is such, that any ship drawing 17 or 18 foot water, might have passed as far as we went with our light-horsman, and by all our men's judgement much further, because we left it in so good depth and breadth; which is so much the more to be esteemed of greater worth, by how much it trendeth further up into the main: for from the place of our ships riding in the Harbour at the entrance into the Sound, to the furthest part we were in this river, by our estimation was not much less than threescore miles. From each bank of this river are divers branching streams into the main, whereby is afforded an unspeakable profit by the conveniency of transportation from place to place, which in some countries is both chargeable, and not so fit, by carriages on wain, or horseback. Here we saw great store of fish, some great, leaping above water, which we judged to be Salmon. All along is an excellent mould of ground. The wood in most places, especially on the East side, very thin, chief oak and some small young birch, bordering low upon the river; all fit for meadow and pasture ground: and in that space we went, we had on both sides the river many plain plots of meadow, some of three or four acres, some of eight or nine: Meadow and Grass. so as we judged in the whole to be between thirty and forty acres of good grass, and where the arms run out into the Main, there likewise went a space on both sides of clear grass, how far we know not, in many places we might see paths made to come down to the watering. The excellency of this part of the River, for his good breadth, depth, and fertile bordering ground, did so ravish us all with variety of pleasantness, as we could not tell what to commend, but only admired; some compared it to the River Severne, (but in a higher degree) and we all concluded (as I verily think we might rightly) that we should never see the like River in every degree equal, until it pleased God we beheld the same again. For the farther we went, the more pleasing it was to every man, alluring us still with expectation of better, so as our men, although they had with great labour rowed long and eat nothing (for we carried with us no victual, but a little cheese and bread) yet they were so refreshed with the pleasant beholding thereof, We were loath to leave this River. and so loath to forsake it, as some of them affirmed, they would have continued willingly with that only fare and labour 2 days; but the tide not suffering us to make any longer stay (because we were to come back with the tide) and our Captain better knowing what was fit than we, and better what they in labour were able to endure, being very loath to make any desperate hazard, where so little necessity required, thought it best to make return, because whither we had discovered was sufficient to conceive that the River ran very far into the land. For we passed six or seven miles, altogether fresh water (whereof we all drank) forced up by the flowing of the Salt: which after a great while ebb, where we left it, by breadth of channel and depth of water was likely to run by estimation of our whole company an unknown way farther: the search whereof our Captain hath left till his return, if it shall so please God to dispose of him and us. For we having now by the direction of the omnipotent disposer of all good intents (far beyond the period of our hopes) fallen with so bold a coast, found so excellent and secure harbour, for as many ships as any nation professing Christ is able to set forth to Sea, discovered a River, which the All-creating God, with his most liberal hand, hath made above report notable with his foresaid blessings, bordered with a land, whose pleasant fertility bewrayeth itself to be the garden of nature, wherein she only intended to delight herself, having hitherto obscured it to any, except to a purblind generation, whose understanding it hath pleased God so to darken, as they can neither discern, use, or rightly esteem the unvaluable riches in midst whereof they live sensually content with the bark and outward rind, as neither knowing the sweetness of the inward marrow, nor acknowledging the Deity of the Almighty giver: having I say thus far proceeded, and having some of the inhabitant nation (of best understanding we saw among them) who (learning our language) may be able to give us further instruction, concerning all the premised particulars, as also of their governors, and government, situation of towns, and what else shall be convenient, which by no means otherwise we could by any observation of ourselves learn in a long time: our Captain now wholly intended his provision for speedy return. For although the time of year and our victual were not so spent, but we could have made a longer voyage, in searching further and trading for very good commodities, yet as they might have been much profitable, The cause of our speedy return. so (our company being small) much more prejudicial to the whole state of our voya 〈…〉 which we were most regardful now not to hazard. For we supposing not a little present private profit, but a public good, and true zeal of promulgating Gods holy Church, by planting Christianity, to be the sole intent of the Honourable ●, 〈…〉 rth of this discovery▪ thought it generally most expedient, by our speedy return, to give the longer space of time to make provision for so weighty an enterprise. Friday, the 14 day of june, early by four a clock in the morning, with the tide your two boats, 〈…〉 an● a little help of the wind, We ank●rd at the mouth of the River. we rowed down to the rivers mouth and there came to an anchor about eleven a clock. Afterward our Captain in the light horseman searched the sounding all about the mouth and coming to the River, for his certain instruction, of a perfect description. The next day, being Saturday, we weighed anchor, and with a briese from the land, we sailed up to our watering place, and there stopped, went on shore and filled all our empty cask with fresh water. Our Captain made his certain observation. Our Captain upon the Rock in the midst of the harbour observed the height, latitude, and variation exactly upon his instruments. 1 Astrolabe. 2 Semisphere. 3 Ring instrument. 4 Cross staff. 5 And an excellent compass made for the variation. The certainty whereof, together with the particularities of every depth and sounding, aswell at our falling with the land, as in the discovery, and at our departure from the coast; I refer to his own relation in the Map of his Geographical description, which for the benefit of others he intendeth most exactly to publish. The temperature of the Climate (albeit a very important matter)? The temperature of the Climate. had almost passed without mentioning, because it afforded to us no great alteration from our disposition in England; somewhat hotter up into the Main, because it lieth open to the South; the air so wholesome, as I suppose not any of us found ourselves at any time more healthful, more able to labour, nor with better stomachs to such good fare, as we partly br〈…〉 ught, and partly found. Sunday, the 16 of june, the wind being fair, and because we had set out of England upon a Sunday, made the islands upon a Sunday, and as we doubt not (by God's appointment) happily fell into our harbour upon a Sunday; so now (beseeching him still with like prosperity to bless our return into England our country, and from thence with his good will and pleasure to hasten our next arrival there) we weighed Anchor and quit the Land upon a Sunday. Tuesday, the 18 day, being not run above 30 leagues from land, and our Captain for his certain knowledge how to fall with the coast, having sounded every watch, and from 40 fathoms had come into good déeping, to 70, and so to an hundred: this day the weather being fair, after the four a clock watch, when we supposed not to have found ground so far from land, and before sounded in above 100 fathoms, we had ground in 24 fathoms. Wherefore our sails being down, Thomas King boatswain, presently cast out a hook, and before he judged it at ground, was fished and haled up an exceeding great and well fed Cod: then there were cast out 3 or 4 more, and the fish was so plentiful and so great, as when our Captain would have set sail, we all desired him to suffer them to take fish a while, because we were so delighted to see them catch so great fish, so fast as the hook came down: some with playing with the hook they took by the back, and one of the Mates with two hooks at a lead at five draughts together haled up ten fishes; all were generally very great, some they measured to be five foot long, and three foot about. This caused our Captain not to marvel at the shoulding, A fishing bank. for he perceived it was a fish bank; which (for our farewell from the land) it pleased God in continuance of his blessings, to give us knowledge of: the abundant profit whereof should be alone sufficient cause to draw men again, if there were no other good both in present certain, and in hope probable to be discovered. To amplify this with words, were to add light to the Sun: for every one in the ship could easily account this present commodity; much more those of judgement, which knew what belonged to fishing, would warrant (by the help of God) in a short voyage with few good fishers to make a more profitable return from hence than from Newfoundland: the fish being so much greater, better fed, and abundant with train; of which some they desired, and did bring into England to bestow among their friends, and to testify the true report. After, we kept our course directly for England & with ordinary winds, and sometime calms, upon Sunday the 14 of july about six a clock at night, we were come into sounding in our channel, We came into sounding. but with dark weather and contrary winds, we were constrained to beat up and down till Tuesday the 16 of july, when by five a clock in the morning we made Silly; from whence, hindered with calms and small winds, upon Thursday the 18 of july about four a clock after noon, we came into Dartmouth: which Haven happily (with God's gracious assistance) we made our last and first Harbour in England. Further, I have thought fit here to add some things worthy to be regarded, which we have observed from the savages since we took them. First, although at the time when we surprised them, they made their best resistance, not knowing our purpose, nor what we were, nor how we meant to use them; yet after perceiving by their kind usage we intended them no harm, they have never since seemed discontented with us, but very tractable, loving, & willing by their best means to satisfy us in any thing we demand of them, by words or signs for their understanding: neither have they at any time been at the least discord among themselves; insomuch as we have not seen them angry, but merry; and so kind, as if you give any thing to one of them, he will distribute part to every one of the rest. We have brought them to understand some English, and we understand much of their language; so as we are able to ask them many things. And this we have observed, that if we show them any thing, and ask them if they have it in their country, they will tell you if they have it, and the use of it, the difference from ours in bigness, colour, or form: but if they have it not, be it a thing never so precious, they will deny the knowledge of it. They have names for many stars, which they will show in the firmament. They show great reverence to their King, and are in great subjection to their Governors: and they will show a great respect to any we tell them are our Commanders. They show the manner how they make bread of their Indian wheat, and how they make butter and cheese of the milk they have of the Rain-Déere and Fallo-Déere, which they have tame as we have Cows. They have excellent colours. Indigo and other excellent colours in the country. And having seen our Indigo, they make show of it, or of some other like thing which maketh as good a blue. One especial thing is their manner of killing the Whale, which they call Powdawe; and will describe his form; how he bloweth up the water; and that he is 12 fathoms long; and that they go in company of their King with a multitude of their boats, Their kill of the whale. and strike him with a bone made in fashion of a harping iron fastened to a rope, which they make great and strong of the bark of trees, which they veare out after him: then all their boats come about him, and as he riseth above water, with their arrows they shoot him to death: when they have killed him & dragged him to shore, they call all their chief lords together, & sing a song of joy: and those chief lords, whom they call Sagamoes, divide the spoil, and give to every man a share, which pieces so distributed they hang up about their houses for provision: and when they boil them, they blow off the fat, and put to their pease, maiz, and other pulse, which they eat. A brief Note of what profits we saw the Country yield in the small time of our stay there. TREES. Oak of an excellent grain, straight, and great timber. Elm. Beech. Birch, very tall & great; of whose bark they make their Canoes. Wich-Hazell. hazel. Alder. Cherrytree. Ash. Maple. Yew. Spruce. Asp. Fir. Many fruit trees, which we knew not. FOWLS. Eagles. Hernshawes. Cranes. Ducks great. Geese. Swans. Penguins. Crows. Sharks. Ravens. Mews. Turtle-doves. Many birds of sundry colours. Many other fowls in flocks, unknown. BEASTS. Raine-Deere. Stags. Falo-deer. Bears. Wolves. Beaver. Otter. Hare. Coney. Hedge-Hoggs. Polecats. Wild great Cats. Dogs: some like Wolves, some like Spaniels. FISHES. Whales. seals. Cod very great. Haddock great. Herring great. Plaise. thornback. Rockefish. Lobstar great. Crabs. Muscles great, with pearls in them. Cockles: Wilks. Cunner fish. Lumps. Whiteing. Soles. Tortoises. Oysters. FRVITS, PLANTS, and HERBS. Tobacco, excellent sweet and strong. Wild-Vines. Strawberries abundance. Raspberries' abundance. Gooseberries abundance. Hurtleberries abundance. Currant trees abundance. Rose-bushes. Pease. Ground-nuts. Angelica, a most sovereign herb. An herb that spreadeth the ground, & smelleth like Sweet Marjoram, great plenty. Very good Dies, which appear by their painting; which they carry with them in bladders. The names of the five savages which we brought home into England, which are all yet alive, are these. 1. Tahánedo, a Sagamo or Commander. 2. Amóret Gentleman. 3. Skicowáros' Gentleman. 4. Maneddo Gentleman. 5. Sassacomoit, a servant.