A TRUE AND LARGE DISCOURSE OF THE VOYAGE OF THE WHOLE FLEET OF SHIPS SET forth the 20. of April 1601. by the Governors and Assistants of the East Indian Merchants in London, to the East Indies. WHEREIN IS SET down the order and manner of their traffic, the description of the Countries, the nature of the people and their language, with the names of all the men dead in the Voyage. AT LONDON Imprinted for Thomas Thorpe, and are to be sold by William Aspley. 1603. A TRUE AND LARGE DISCOURSE OF THE EAST INDIA VOYAGE DEparting out of England the 20. day of April 1601. THe 20. of April 1601. we weighed Anchor and set sail out of Torbay by Dartmouth. The 2. of May one of our Admiralles men fell overboard from the main yard and was drowned. The 7. of May we came to the Canares, where the General determined to renew our water: but altering his purpose, we weighed our Anchors and departed with a fair wind. The 10. of May being Sunday the General, Captains and Masters dined a board the Hector. Where the general delivered them articles to be observed and kept both by sea and land, and what punishment should be inflicted upon the offenders. The 12. of May we passed the Tropic with a fresh gail. The 24. we had a great storm. The 25. we had a storm with great store of rain. The 27. we had another storm continuing two hours. The 21. of june we took a Porting all whose lading was Wine, Oil, and Meal, being about the burden of 100 tun; who not resisting was discharged of his Merchandise in four days, to every ship according to his proportion. The 29. of june we passed the Equinoctial, with a fresh gale of wind. The 12. of july our master Gunner of the Ascension died, who was the first that died in that ship: Here we took many flying fishes in the Air. The 16. of july we doubled the shoals of Braseele, and for joy thereof, every mess had a can of Wine to supper. The 20. of july we cast off the Gift, being about 18. degrees to the South of the Equinoctial, here we took more fish than we could eat. About the first of August many of our men in every ship fell sick of the scurvy, so that many died, and few were free of the infection throughout the fleet: so that there died 80. men in the fleet before we came to land. The 9 of September, it pleased God after our long distresses, to send us to the sight of land at Soldania 16. leagues from the Cape de bona Esperance, and because it was in the night, and all our men very weak, we were in great danger, being very near the shore, but God strengthened us, so that by his help, and the help of some of our Admiralles men when they had moored their ship, we were preserved not being able to help ourselves. The 10. day our General went a shore to see if he could get some fresh victuals, and after he had talked with the country people they made signs that they would bring Oxen and Sheep within two or three sleeps. The 14. day every ship sent provision on shore for the building of Tents, and this day the inhabitants of the country brought bullocks and sheep and so continued day lie for 12 days together, so that there were bought about 900 or 1000 sheep and bullocks in that time, The price of a bullock was two pieces of Iron hoops of 6. inches long a piece, and the price of a sheep one piece of the same length, provided that the oxen and sheep were fat, or else we would not buy them. The people are black and go naked, saving that they wear short coats of seals skin, and a piece of the same skin about their members, they are tall of stature, flat nosed, swift in running, they will pick & steal, although you look on them: Their language is very hard to be pronounced by reason of a kind of clacking with the tongue, so that we could not learn one word of their language: The country is full of pleasant rivers, there is also Dear, Quails, and Partridges: In this bay there is a small Island not inhabited nor any good thing groweth: Thither did the general sand 6. sheep and two rams, for the relief of strangers that might come thither, which shortly after was found there by certain Flemings to their relief, because they could get no cattle of the country people. In this Island, there is great abundance of Seals, and Penguines, in such number as is almost incredible? The Seals, some be iusset & some are black, both ugly & fearful to look on, the old ones which are as big almost as a Bear, cry like a Bear, and the young ones cry like unto Lambs, they have but two feet, yet they use their hinder parts in going, by which means, they will go or climb up any rock a great pace, some of these we killed and made oil of them, and some of the youngest we did eat, which to us seemed good meat. They lay partly on land, and partly in the water, for there is their refuge. The Penguine is as strange as the other, being a bird which hath a strange and a proud kind of going, they are of the bigness of a Duck, they have finny wings with which they swim a great pace, but cannot fly, and these are in such abundance that you may take them up with your hands as many as you will, the eggs of these Penguines was there in such abundance as we could not almost go for them, so that we laded our boat with Seals, Penguines, and eggs in two hours; In this Bay likewise as it is credibly reported by the Flemings, there is another Island of Coneys, in as great abundance as the other of Seals and Penguines. Before our departure from hence we had a Sermon and a Communion one a Sunday in the forenoon, and afternoon one of our men which was a jew, was christened and called john, our General being his godfather. The 29. of October we weighed our Anchors, and set sail, there being dead in the whole fleet at this time 107. and others that were sick recovered to health. The first of November we doubled the Cape debona Esperance with great store of wind, rain, and hail. The 26. we saw Saint Laurence. The 2. of December we had so many huge and great Grampoyses about our ship as was strange and wonderful. The 4. of December we had great storms which continued all day and the same night, so that we were in danger to lose some of our company. The 16. we saw the land of Madagascar, and the Island of Saint Marie, and the next day we cast an Anchor between both lands, and sent our boats to Saint Maries to see what was to be gotten; but could get nothing there but Oranges & Lemen of which we made good store of water, which is the best remedy against the scurvy, here we continued 3. or 4. days but could get no other things, but lemons, some honey combs, some milk, and some rice which we bought for beads, we saw but only one Cow, which they drove away as soon as they saw us, whereby we imagined they had small store. The people of this Island are of a tall stature and very well limmed and proportioned such as we have not seen in these parts of the world, they go naked saving about their members they wear made of the barks of trees, and the women wear of the same stuff from their breasts to their feet. The 21. we had a mighty storm both of wind and rain, so that our ship lost an Anchor, the Hector let slip her Anchor, and the Susan broke her bow spirit, and here we were in great danger, by reason we were in such a strait between two lands: here our ship was almost aboard the Admiral, but God delivered us, this storm continued 12. hours very forcible, in which time two of our Admiral's men fell from the main yard, whereof one was saved and the other drowned, and as the wind was vehement, so the air was very thick and misty which made it the more dangerous. The 26. day we Anchored in the Bay of Antogill, and the next day our boats were sent on shore and meeting with the people of the Country, we bought of them Rice, lemons & Plantons, in great quantity and number, for we bought a measure of Rice which weighed two pounds and a half, for a bloodstone, or a blue Bead, and twenty Lemons, or twenty Plantons for a Bead. In this place they have small store of cattle, but they went with us unto another Bay, where there was more store, of whom we bought two or three, giving five and thirty Crystal Beads for a Bullock, and afterwards because they would sell us no more, we went and took some from them perforce, giving them in Beads as we paid for the other, to the value of ten shillings. The first of january we began to build our Pinnace. The 7. of january, five of the Susan's company, being some boys, and some youths, stole away the Boat from the ships stern, thinking to have gone to the Main to have lived there, but by chance were espied, so that they were feign to put themselves on shore upon a small Island not inhabited, where they continued two or three days, and being weary of their fair and lodging, came again aboard, and were punished for their offences. The 17. of january, one Christopher Newchurch our Surgeon of the Ascension poisoned himself, but it did not work his death: yet was he grievously tormented for three or four days, for which cause he was dismissed of his place, and should have been left in this place a shore, had not Master Havers entreated for him who took him into his ship to live as an ordinary man. The 4. day of February we had a great storm of wind and rain, which continued all day and the same night. The 20. day Master Brodbancke, Master of the Admiral died. The 23. day of February, Master Pullin our preacher died. The 23. day Master Napper Master of the vice Admiral died, and the same day one of our Admiral's men being sick of the calenture, leapt overboard and was no more seen. The 27. day being Saturday, the lamentablest accident happened, that happened since we departed England, and thus it was, Master Winter the masters Mate of the Admiral dying, the rest of the Captains and Masters went to his burial and according to the order of the sea, there was 2. or 3. great ordinances discharged at his going a shore, but the master Gunner of the Admiral being not so careful as he should have been, unfortunately killed Master Brand Captain of the Ascension and the Boatswaines mate of the same ship, to the great danger of the Master, his mare and another Merchant who were hurt and besprinkled with the blood of these massacred men, so these men going to the burial of another were themselves carried to their own graves. Thus did we lose a man religious, wise & provident; such a one as the whole fleet will miss, both for good husbandry, care, and good advice: Upon these alterations Roger Haukin was made master of the Admiral, master Indeck master of the vice Admiral, for master Napper was dead, master Coale master of the Ascension, master Pope was made Captain of the Ascension and some of the other Merchants removed some to one ship, some to another. The 4. day of March, we set sail out of this tempestuous and unfortunate Bay, where there was many men died of the flux out of the Admiral. So that we continued here two months and eight days, having for the most part every day fearful thunder, rain and lightenning, as the like is not heard in our country, for they have many slain with the thunder which maketh them make haste to get home before night. The people are very industrious and take great pains, both in setting of Rice which groweth there in great quantity, so that there is whole stacks thereof, as also in beating and winnowing the same. They weave such things as they wear about their bodies being made of the bark of trees. Their houses are but mean, standing half a yard from the ground and covered with leaves, with a hole at one end of the same house to creep in at on their knees. They love Wine exceedingly, with which they will be very drunk: As there is many small towns, so there is many Governors which are known from the other, both by the reverence is given them of the people, and their ornaments of brass Rings, and Beads: they are marvelous nimble with their Lawnces and Targets, but very fearful of our Pieces. The chief Governor came aboard of us with his wife to dinner, where we might perceive their manner of feeding to be very homely, and for their assurance of safety, there was so many sent a shore as came aboard, and after dinner, Captain Middleton gave the principal man a thin shoot of Manchester stuff, which pleased him well. Certain words of their language. Taughu, Wine. Rano, Water. Herinco, Fish. Bedehang, Beads. Kissow, a Knife. Totombar, Rice. Lemona, Lemons. Eeno, Full. Semiss●, no more left. Matty, Thunder. Sungo Funsho, ripe Plantons. Essa, One. Roe, Two. Tellu, Three. Effa, Four. Demi, Five. Ena, Six. Ceto, Seven. Vallo, Eight. Civi, Nine. Foolo, Ten. Beginning again and reckoning to ten. The 17. day of April, we passed the Equinoctial line which is the second time that we passed it. The 30. day of March we were on the shoals of Adu which is nine degrees to the South of the Equinoctial and at the first sight of ground (being full of rocks) our ship had but 4. fathom and a half, here we were in great danger, being enclosed & compassed round with rocks as in a pound, and having spent 2. days and nights in turning and returning but could find no way out, at the length the Pinnace was sent before to find where there was least danger, and having found 7. or 8 fathom we all followed her and having passed this danger, we gave God the praise which had mercifully delivered us. The 7. day of May, we had sight of Nicombar, which is about 40. leagues from Sumatra, this night following we had a great storm, and in this storm if God had not delivered us wonderfully our ship or the Hector, or both had sunk in the sea, being almost aboard of one another in lying of those islands: this night also we lost company with the Pinnace, but within 2. or 3. days she came to us in that habor, here we stayed 9 or 10. days to water and ballast our ships and to mount our ordinance. The people of the country brought us aboard Coaker nuts, Cassado roots, Pounceatrones, and Lemons, and some hens, but they made dainty of their hens, for they would not sell them under two Counters a piece, taking them for gold, although they sold other things for old pieces of Linen, and small pieces of Iron hoops, some of these people speak Portugal, who told us that the Portugals use to put into this harbour as they go to Mallacca, and that two Galleons were there two months before our coming thither, which had bought all the Amber-Greese was to be gotten. The 18. day we set sail from hence, but by reason of fowl weather, and contrary winds, our Admiral lost his boat, and sprung a leak, and therefore would have fetched that harbour again, but could not. So we went to other islands called Sombrai, 10. or 12. leagues to lewward Nicombar. Hear our Admiral lost an anchor, for the ground is rocky, and full of counterfeit Coral. The people of this Island go naked, having only their privities bound up in a narrow piece of Linen cloth, which cometh about their middle like a girdle, and so between their twist: they are of a tawny colour, they anoint their faces with divers colours, they are well limmed, but very fearful, for they would neither come aboard our ships, nor come into our boats: There groweth in this Island Trees, that for the tallness, greatness, and straightness thereof, they will serve the biggest Ship in our Fleet for a main Mast, and the Island is full of these Trees. Hear likewise we did find upon the Sands a small twig growing up green like a young tree, and offering to pull the same up it shrinketh into the ground, and sinketh, unless you hold very hard, but being pulled up, a great worm growth about the root thereof, very strange to see, of these I gathered many. We departed from hence the 29. of this month. The 2. of june, we anckored in the road of Dachen, where we had of the country people came aboard of us with their Canoes, greater than any we had seen before, having rafters of each side of them, so that they cannot sink. The next day, there came some of the Factors for the Flemings aboard of us, to welcome us into that Country. And the same day our Vize-Admirall went a shore to the King, with a message from our General, accompanied with Master Salter, Master januerme, and Master Grove, who hearing of their landing, sent them Elephants to ride to his court, being about a mile from the landing place, where they were kindly entertained, and giving too the Vize-Admirall, a Robe and a Tuck of calico embroidered with gold. The 4. of june being Saturday, the General went on shore, accompanied with Captain Havers, Captain Pope, and many other Merchants, to deliver the Queen's letter, and to give him presents, which were a Basin & Ewer of silver, a standing cup of silver, a headpiece, a pair of Hangers, a Fan of Feathers, & a Looking-glass: these being delivered by the Merchants, none pleased him so well as the Fan of Feathers, with which he caused his women to Fan him. First at the General's landing, the Flemings met him and carried him to their house, where he stayed until the King sent for him: In the mean while there came a Nobleman called Curcon, who would have received her majesties letter to have delivered it to the King, but our General refused to deliver it to any, but to the King himself. Then did the King send six Elephants for the General and his attendants, whereof there was one Elephant which was the greatest that carried a canopy covered with Red cloth, in which canopy was a piece of Silk, and a piece of cloth of gold to carry her majesties letter in, and upon this Elephant none did ride but he that carried the letter. The General rid upon another with a guide before him, and upon the rest some did ride and some did not, for it is very uneasy riding upon them, their backs are so broad, and they so great and tall. The King did likewise send his Trumpets and other Music which played before the General to the Court, and there was twenty other that carried streamers of silk of divers colours, according to that country manner. So the General entering into the first gate of the Court rested himself there, until the King had notice of his coming, who presently sent for him, and four other of the principal men about the General, who when they had brought him to the King, came back for the presents, which were carried in by the Merchants appointed for that purpose. And after they had passed three courts, they came into a place covered with canopies, adjoining to the King's Gallery, where the King sat, and after they had given Doulat to the King, and the King resaluted them according to their Country fashion, which is by lifting both their hands above their heads, they sat down to dinner, where they had great cheer, and to the number of two or three hundredth several dishes of meat, baked, roasted, and boiled: The Dishes and Cups wherein they were served, were most of gold, and of a metal much like to Bell metal, which is dearer than gold, every dish covered, some with Purslain of China. Their drink is called Aracke, and is very strong, and is not to be drunk without water, yet that which is generally drunk in the country is nothing so strong, nor so wholesome. The King asked our General if our Queen were married, & how long she had reigned, which when the General had answered by his interpreter, the King wondered. The King likewise told the General, if the words in her majesties letter came from the heart, he had cause to think well thereof. Dinner being ended, the King caused his Damsels to dance, and his women to play Music unto them, who were richly adorned with Bracelets and jewels, and this was a great favour: for he doth not usually let them be seen to any. The King did likewise give unto our General a fine white Robe, and a Tuck, embroidered with gold very richly: also a great Girdell and two Crises, all which one of his Noblemen put on in the King's presence, and in this manner he departed the Court and went aboard; and the King sent him aboard a Bullock, and great store of fresh fish. So that to conclude, he did receive her majesties letter with great kindness, and entertained our General with greater state than he is accustomed to do to other nations, as we might perceive by divers Ambassadors that came thither whilst we were there. The 5. of june Captain Pope went a shore for one of our men which was lest in the town all night by his own negligence, for the General did fear because he spoke Portugal, and that there were Portingalls in the town, that he might make known unto them something which might be prejudicial to the Fleet, Master Pope dined this day with the King, who gave him a Heyffer to carry aboard with him. The 7. day of june, after the General had licence under the King's hand both for the safe landing of all our merchandise, without paying any custom or toll, as also that we might buy & sell of the country people, without let or molestation: then did Captain Havers, Master Pope, Henry Middleton, & Master Starkey take a house, wherein to lay their Merchandise. The 8. day of june, the General went a shore to lodge there. The 11. day of june, the King did anoint the General with rich ointment, and called him his son. About this time one Thorowgood in our Admiral was arraigned, and found guilty of mutiny and comtempe, and therefore was condemned to be hanged; but by great entreaty he was forgiven. The 13. day the General went to the young Prince, which dwelleth half a mile from his father, and the General gave him a piece of plate, A pair of hangers and a sword, the Prince entertained him kindly, gave him a robe and a crises, and gave unto them which came in with him ruckes of calico Lawn. The 17. day of june, one Curcon a principal man in that country & divers others, came aboard our ships to see them, but especially to see the Susan, whom the General had offered to the King to sell, for a certain quantity of Pepper, but could not agree, so after they had banqueted aboard the Admiral, and dined aboard the vice Admiral, they departed with a peal of ordinance. The 19 day the Admiral received a boats lading of Pepper which was the first was bought, the price was 64. Rialles of eight the Bahar, which is of our weight, reckoning two hundred Catties to a Bahar and every Catty thirty one Ounces, is three hundred eighty seven pound and a half, five score to the hundred. During the time we were at Dachem the King desired to have our Pinnace go to Pedeir, accompanied with a Portugals frigate, to take if they might rovers at sea, which did rob his subjects, and did send to the value of 100 Marks in gold, for those that should be employed in that business, and because the General sent the Pinnace with 14. or 15. men (of whom Gabriel Towerson was Captain) but did no service. Therefore the General would have given the King that money again but he would not receive it by any means, saying what he gave, he gave, and would not take again. And at the same time there was seven or eight hundred houses burnt at sundry times in Dachem while we were there. Therefore the General bought an old stone house built it and covered it with slate, and at our coming away gave it the king, the ground & house cost almost one hundred pound starling. The General having intelligence of the price and goodness of Pepper at Priaman and seeing the small quantity that was to be gotten at Dachem, sent the Susan thither with our small Pinnace to bring news of her success, and because Captain Haverd was lately dead, Henry Middleton was appointed Cape Merchant in his place. The 24. day of june there came into the road of Dachem a Flemish Pinnace which had lost her Admiral, of which Fleet one Spilbacke of Middle-bourough was General, she was of the burden of fifty tun, and had but three men and two boys in her, which Pinnace our General bought, for they mistrusted they should not hear of their General again. There came also into the road of Daehem a great ship of Saint Mallos in France of the burden of four hundred tun. The General his name was Mounser de Bardeler, they lost their vice Admiral by Shipwreck upon the Maldeus & departed from Dachem for France with about 14. tun of Pepper, some small quantity of Cinnamon, and some Indigo, so that he had not half of his lading. The 8. day of September, came into this road two flemish ships from Seylon with Cinnamon unto whom did belong the Pinnace that our General bought, and because our General had resolved to go for Malacca, he did take the Admiral of the flemings with him being about 200, tun and very well manned, and in consideration thereof to have the 8. part of what was taken, & for our own fleet the General had compounded that the company should have the sixth part. The 11. day of September, our Admiral, vice Admiral, Rear Admiral, & the flemish ship and Pinnace departed hence for the straights of Malacca our general dangerously sick. Captain Pope died. During the time of the generals absence, the French men had raised the price of Pepper, from 24. Tayes the Bahar to 27. and 30. and 32. so that we were forced to buy some of that price. The 3. day of October, being in the straits of Mallacca the Hector espied a great ship towards evening which came from S. Thoma, & was bound for Malacca, and the next morning yielded themselves without any resistance, or so much as any one man hurt, this day we began to unlade her, and had out of her 950. packs of Calico, and Pentadoes, besides many great chests with Merchandise, all which was upon her orlops, But her hold was full of Rice, and because of a storm, that did arise we were forced to leave her with that great abundance of Rice, and with store of victuals as Pork, Butter, Cheese, Ruske, conserves, suckets, hens in pickle, hens preserved with store of Cinnamon water, and palmeto Wine: the name of this ship was the Saint Anthony, and of the burden of 700. tun: and it was strange to see the number of men, women and children that were in her not so few as 600. persons whereof there was but a few Portugal's, the rest passengers and People of these countries. And in 6. days we had discharged her of the best of her lading, and would have taken more if we had had time and place. Thus our fleet returning to Dachin the 28 of October, our General gave order, for the shipping as well of such Merchandise as came out of England and was unsould, as also all such Pepper, and Sinnamon as was bought in the absence of the fleet, and made what speed possible might be for our departures thence. At this time came our Pinnace from Priaman with letters to our General, where was good news, both for the price and quantity of Pepper, upon the receipt whereof the General sent the Pinnace which we bought of the flemings to Priaman, with some of the prised goods and other commodities. The King of this Country is very rich intreasure, and strong in the number of men, he hath great store of Ordinance of Brass, and those very great and Massey, their Laws are severely inflicted upon them that offend, either by delivering them to the Elephants to be devoured or cutting of their Noses, and ears, according to the heinousness of the offence. They bury their dead with great solemnity, & mourn over their graves certain days, setting up at each end of their Graves either one or two stones, carved according to the ability of the person, and they are buried together in families. The people are very subtle and cunning in bargaining, and unconstant in all their words, for they will sell one thing to divers men, and take earnest of them all; and if another will give any thing more, he shall have it. Their coin is gold and lead, that of gold they call Mass, six of them for a Royal of eight: Those of Lead they call Cash, whereof 2100. maketh a Mass, so that a Copaine is the fourth part of a Mass, being 525. Cash, for which you may buy Herbs and Fruits, and Fish: every day in the week is a market day for victuals, not so much as Friday which they call their Good-day; but they keep no shops open for Merchandise on that day. There is great store of Hens, Buffles and Bullocks, yet very dear, a Hen at nine pence or twelve pence, Buffels at two Tayes and a half, which is thirty shillings starling, Eggs, eighteen or twenty for nine pence: and at our coming away, fourteen for nine pence: Rice is brought from other places thither, as good Merchandise, and is sold by the Bambue, six or seven Bambues for nine pence, every Bambue being an Ale quart; So that in this place there is neither merchandise nor any thing else good cheap of itself, the country is very unwholesome, that almost it may be said of it, as it is said of Malacca, few come thither, but either lose hide or hair: here we lost ten or twelve men out of our ship. There are Elephants in greater number and bigger stature, then in any of those parts, which are the chief strength of this land, the greatest is ruled with a little Boy, having a stick with a hook at the end, and is of the greatest understanding of any beast living: as for their strength, I did see one draw the King's Frigate laden with Pepper, which was a ground, being ten or twelve tun, very easily. The King taketh pleasure to see them fight, as likewise in , at which game they lay a hundred pound, or a hundred & fifty pound Starling on a cocks head. Their Ships, Sails, Masts, Anchors, and Cables, are all of wood. Malies speech, such as is used in these Indies. 1. Satu. 2. Dua. 3. Tiga. 4. Vmpat 5. Lema. 6. Nam. 7. Toufeurs. 8. Delapan. 9 Simbalan. 10. Sapula. 11. Sablas. 12. Duo blas.. 13. Tiga blas. 14. Vmpat blas, etc. 100 Saratus. 1000 Sariba. Pege, Go. Marre, Come hither. Barapa, How sell you. jam, A Hen. Tellor, Eggs. Deduc, Sat down. Mana peg, whether go you. Harry, A day, Campan, A Ship. Praw, A Boate. Barass, Rice. Ladda, Pepper. Ladda sula, White Pepper. Tanna, Earth. Roma, A house. Macan, Eat. Babbe, Porcke. Pedang, A Sword. Cheremin, A Glass. Baick, Good. Teda baick, Not good. Carron, A bag. Tally, A Cord. Suda, Quickly. Isuc, To morrow. Bree, Give me. Rotan, that which they bind their houses with. Cringe, dry. air, Water. Appe, Fire. Attowan, Sir. Rogue, Sultan, The King. Taw, I understand you. Tida tau, I do not understand. Gyngo, A jews Harp. Sussu, Milk. When we were ready to departed this Road, we had a hundred and fourscore men dead in the whole Fleet. The 11. of November we weighed anchor altogether, and the 13 of the same month, we parted with our General and Vize-Admirall, they went to Priaman where the Susan did lad, and from thence to Bantam (for there is the best sail for such commodities as were taken in the Prize, of any place in all the Indies) and we for England: Deus vortat bene. The 11. of December we had the Moonsoon or trade wind, and so continued sailing before the wind unto the first of januarie, after which time we found the wind variable, being in the height of 20. degrees to the South of the line. The 11. of january having a storm in the night, we had six Corpus Sanctus, so called by the Portugeses; whereof three were upon our Main top mast head, two on our foretop, and one upon our flag staff, they seemed to us to be as big as the biggest Stars, and are never seen but in storms, and vanish away before the storm endeth: if they be seen in the chains or shrouds of the ship, it is a sign the storm is of longer continuance, if in the highest tops, it is likewise a sign the storm is ended, and so we found it for certain. About this time our Master Gunner, and an other of the Gunner room died. The 13. day we saw two Mermaids, and as we judged them, they were Male and Female, because the Moss of one of their heads was longer than the other, their heads are very round, and their hinder parts are divided like two legs, they say they are signs of stormy weather; and so we found it, For the 17. day following we had a great storm with a contrary wind which continued 4. days. The 22 the French ship which we left at Dachem overtook us, being in the height of 33. and a half and about 250 or 300 leagues from Cape de bona Esperance who was glad of our company, both in regard their ship was so leak, that they were feign to pump almost continually, as also they had hope to be relieved of us with victuals for they had nothing but Rice and water: we caught daily for six weeks space great store of fish more than we could eat, as of Albecores, Bonitos and Dolphins. From the 22. to the 30. we had a fair wind at E. S. E on which day being in 34 and a half we had a great storm, and as it was great, so it was sudden before we could take in our sails which maketh them dangerous, we lay at Hull two days, after which time we had a fair wind at E and by S. being about 60. leagues from Cape de bona Esperance. The 3. of February one of our men going to the top mast head espied the Cape de bona, etc. as also two Holland ships, to our great joy and comfort, for whom we stayed, and whereas before, the French and we had resolved to go into Soldania road the next morning, by reason of their company, we shaped our course for S. Helena. These two ships had been at Paetania where they laded pepper, and at the Molucos where they had Cloves, & upon the coast of China where they bought Silks both raw & twisted, so that their lading was very rich. The Admiral being of the burden of 600. tun, and the other 200. tun, both well appointed with men and Ordinance, saving that some of their men were sick, and when we had told them that our Admiral, and vice Admiral, were gone to Bantam, they told us of a certain they should soon be laden, and at a low price, for they came from thence, and at their first coming thither, the Country thought they had come thither to buy Pepper, but when they saw they were laden already, they would have sold it for any price, so that in regard of the Merchandise our general carrieth with him (which is the prize goods) and the great quantity of Pepper which they have no means to utter, there is no doubt by the grace of God, but they shall be laden good cheap, and in very short time, Amen. The 20. day of Februarye we had sight of saint Helena and the twenty one day we anchored in the road, where we delivered unto the Frenchmen, and unto the Hollanders such victualies to relieve them as we could spare, which was six hogsheads of Pork, two hundredth of Stockfish, one hogshead of beans, and five hundred of bread, whereof the hollanders were in great want. This Island is not an earthly Paradise as it is reported, but it is a place of good water, & some lemon trees, & Fig trees, planted by the Portugal's, & great store of goats and hogs, and partridges, but not to be gotten without great labour and pains, for they are wild, and the Island full of great high hills. The greatest refreshing in this place is fish in great abundance, so that all our ships have taken in one day four hundred fish, here did one Moor die, which was one of our Master his mates, he was sick ever since we came from Dachin. The 9, day of March, the Frenchmen departed this road. The 14. day of March, the General of the flemings Anchor came home, which caused us to departed thence the same day, for their men were well recovered and refreshed. The 21. day of March, we had sight of the Ascension Island which lieth in eight degrees to the South of the Equinoctial. The 28. and 29 very little wind. The 30. day of March, we pasled the Equinoctial line, with a fine gale which is the fourth time we passed it. The first of April calm. The 3.4. and 5. very calm, much rain, and the wind very mutable being in 2. degrees to the Northward of the line. The 6.7.8. and 9 a fresh gail. The 21. day of April, we entered the Saragoss sea being in 19 degrees. The 25. day we passed the tropics, the same day one of our men died. The last of April we were in 30. degrees, and the next day we had a great gail with some rain. The 15. day of May, we were in 40. degrees and in the height of Flore, and Corues, here the winds were variable and very cold. The 25. day we saw a small ship but could not speak with her. The first of june, we were in 44. degrees ⅓. having a good gail of wind at the south-west, we holding our course north-east. The 5. day we sounded, and found ground at 94. fathom. The eight day of May, we had sight of the Lizard, and so with out stay to the Downs, & from thence into the river to Woolwich, God be praised for it, and send the rest home in safety. Certain words of Pegu language. Mugaru, what call you it. Kidnan tivan, Give me bread. Fegoe, a Cat. Boon, A Knife. Tobacu, A Pen. Slappoit, A Book. Pappoit, A Table book. Memuru, What is your name? Talla, A Chest. Tene, A Pillow. Tayongabalon, a Mast. Pomeé, Breeches. Cheochum, Stockings. Botoway, A Thumb. Toway, a fist. Cadup, a head. Suck, hair of the head. Slagota, the ear. Thou, thou, I, I Moat, eyes. Tegla, By and by. Ciniaut, Let me see. Catu, The Moon. Shenon, A Star. Yacata, The morning. Keka, Good. Kecho, sit down. Cacadòe, The palm of the head. Sanimbodoway, the nail of the hand. Nepóe, Sir. Mucherow, how sell you. Cabang, A Ship. Aw, awe, what say you? Braw, A Woman. True, A man.. Fekeé, A Whoore. Oiara, I will go. Tamonra, Farewell. Keag, God. Cling, Clang, Much. Nung, nung, come hither Cook, Come hither, Cleá, Dog. Cle, By't. Kleg, A Hog. Togatu, Noon. Daick, Water. Carrow toway, wash hands Ksole, To spit. Stcake, Sleep. Notada, Arise. Tarangcatu, A door. Poctarang, open the door. Dotarang, shut the door. Chulay, let it down. Downang, Take up. ❧ A note of the men's names deceased out of the Dragon. 1 William Thomson. 2 job: Harket. 3 William Allin. 4 Ralph Arden. 5 Christopher Scot 6 Edward Maior. 7 Thomas May. 8 john Pegoune. 9 john johnson. 10 Philip Salisbury. 11 Edmund Davies. 12 Richard joanes. 13 Daniel Richardson. 14 john Clackson. 15 Robert Poppe. 16 john Webbe. 17 john Humber. 18 William Burrowes. 19 Matthew Perchet. 20 Edward Keall. 21 Nicholas William's. 22 Peter Bennet. 23 Leonard Nichols. 24 Robert Dame. 25 john judson. 26 William Barker. 27 William Barret. 28 William Ridge. 29 Ralphe Salter. 30 jeremy Gaufe. 31 Henry Thickpenny. 32 Henry Brigges. 33 Rice Williams. 34 Martin Topsail. 35 M. Willi. Bradbanke 36 Richard Androwes. 37 M. Tho: Pullen preach. 38 Ieames Fullar. 39 William Winter. 40 William Hall. 41 john Hankin. 42 Richard Exame. 43 Robert Hill. 44 john Woodall. 45 john Ieane. 46 Robert Keachinman. 47 Ieames Caverly. 48 john Hope. 49 john Trincall. 50 john Duke. 51 Martaine Cornelison. 52 Launslet Taylor. 53 john Settell. 54 William Burrowes. 55 Percevall straddling. 56 john Harrice. 57 Francis Pormoth. 58 Edward Baddiford. 59 Thomas Price. 60 Philip Goulding. 61 Roger Morrice. 62 Stephen Burdall. 63 Nicholas Ragwood. 64 George Wattes. 65 Miles Berry. 66 William Mounke. A note of the men's names deceased out of the Hector. 1 john Robinson. 2 Thomas Dassell. 3 Ieames jefferes. 4 Morris Webbe. 5 Matthew Starkey. 6 john Middleton. 7 Thomas Appollow. 8 john Fishaker. 9 George Parsons. 10 Walter Cobbe. 11 Edward Holte. 12 Richard Martial. 13 john Ossever. 14 Morris Hammont. 15 Thomas Wilkinson. 16 William jones. 17 Edmund Faurcliffe. 18 Roger Moor. 19 Robert Ashplie. 20 Peter johnson. 21 Adam Children. 22 Robert Burche. 23 Henry Great. 24 Nicholas Franke. 25 William Predam. 26 Emanuel Sims. 27 john Harris. 28 Maist. Henry Napper. 29 Christopher Caddee. 30 Thomas Pinchbanke. 31 Rowland Hills. 32 Oliver adam's. 33 john Endick, Master. 34 john Russell. 35 john Martin. 36 john Coman. 37 john holiday. A note of the men's names deceased out of the Ascension. 1 William Leake. 2 William Pizing. 3 William Whitting. 4 Gabriel Stone. 5 William Hambling. 6 Edward Carricke. 7 Arnold Malyn. 8 William Morgan. 9 Robert Savage. 10 john Verker. 11 Richard Burrice. 12 john Griffeth. 13 Michael Nicholson. 14 john Far. 15 Thomas Daurell. 16 john row. 17 Robert Double. 18 Robert Cooper. 19 john Hampton. 20 Thomas Cocklim. 21 William Betty. 22 Robert Batman. 23 john Badby. 24 Richard Horton. 25 john Syclemore. 26 William Williamson. 27 Richard Hamond. 28 Thomas Eueret. 29 Augustin jordan. 30 Thomas Way. 31 Methewsalem Mountioy 32 William Brune Capt. 33 Thomas Ward. 34 Thomas Scriven. 35 William Maler. 36 Robert Pope, Captain. 37 john Reddoe. 38 Thomas Salter. A note of the men's names deceased out of the Susan. 1 Henry Page. 2 Christopher Scult. 3 john Church. 4 john Foster. 5 Edward Seely. 6 Martaine joxes. 7 Gilbert Crippin. 8 Richard Pope. 9 john Smith. 10 Marchus Flood. 11 Nicholas Sims. 12 Edward Steele. 13 Richard Bowyer. 14 Michael Allen. 15 Richard Smally. 16 Thomas Wilson. 17 Richard Spencer. 18 Thomas joanes. 19 Ieames Sket. 20 Richard Whitehead. 21 Robert Michael. 22 john Earl. 23 Christopher Androws 24 jacob johnson. 25 Anthony Younger. 26 Robert powel. 27 john Bishop. 28 Morgan Priddis. 29 William Haward. 30 Richard Sprat. 31 Henry johnson. 32 Richard Egleston. 33 Ieames Vpgrave. 34 john Goulding. 35 john Browne. 36 john Haward Cap. 37 Philip Winscombe. 38 john Salmon. 39 john Fousticke. FINIS.