Licenced JUNE 22. 1664. Roger L'Estrange. A RELATION OF A Discovery lately made on the Coast of FLORIDA, (From Lat. 31. to 33 Deg. 45 Min. North-Lat.) By William Hilton Commander, and Commissioner with Capt. Anthony Long, and Peter Fabian, in the Ship Adventure, which set Sail from Spikes Bay, Aug. 10. 1663. and was set forth by several Gentlemen and Merchants of the Island of BARBADOES. Giving an account of the nature and temperature of the Soil, the manners and disposition of the Natives, and whatsoever else is remarkable therein. Together with Proposals made by the Commissioners of the Lords Proprietors, to all such persons as shall become the first Setlers on the Rivers, Harbours, and Creeks there. LONDON, Printed by J. C. for Simon Miller at the Star near the West-end of St. Paul's, 1664. A true Relation of a Voyage, upon discovery of part of the Coast of FLORIDA, from the Lat. of 31 Deg. to 33 Deg. 45 m. North Lat. in the Ship Adventure, William Hilton Commander, and Commissioner with Captain Anthony Long and Peter Fabian; set forth by several Gentlemen and Merchants of the Island of Barbadoes; sailed from Spikes Bay, Aug. 10. 1663. AFTER Sixteen days of fair weather, and▪ prosperous winds, Wednesday the 26 instant, four of the clock in the Afternoon, God be thanked, we espied Land on the Coast of Florida, in the lat. of 32 deg. 30 min. being four Leagues or thereabouts to the Northwards of Saint Ellens, having run five hundred and fifty Leagues; and to the Westward of the Meridian of Barbadoes, three hundred thirty and one Leagues. This Evening and the Night following we lay off and on: Thursday the 27th instant, in the morning, we stood in with the Land, and coasted the Shoar to the Southward, Ankering at Nights, and sending our Boat out a Mornings, till we came into the lat. of 31 deg. but found no good harbour that way. On Sunday the 30th instant, we tacked, and stood Northward: and on Wednesday the second of September, we came to an Anchor in five fathoms at the mouth of a very large opening of three Leagues wide, or thereabouts, in the lat. of 32 deg. 30 min. and sent our Boat to sound the Channel. On Thursday the third, we entered the Harbour, and found that it was the River Jordan, and was but four Leagues or thereabouts N. E. from Port Royal, which by the Spaniards is called St. Ellens: within Land, both Rivers meet in one. We spent some time to sound the Channels both without and within, and to search the Rivers in several branches, and to view the Land. On Saturday the fifth of September, two Indians came on Board us from the N. E. shore, whom we entertained courteously, and afterwards set them on shore. On Sunday the sixth, several Indians came on Board us, and said they were of St. Ellens; being very bold and familiar; speaking many Spanish words, as, Cappitan, Commarado, and Adues. They know the use of Guns, and are as little startled at the firing of a Piece of Ordnance, as he that hath been used to them many years: they told us the nearest Spaniards were at St. Augustins, and several of them had been there, which as they said was but ten days journey; and that the Spaniards used to come to them at Saint Ellens, sometimes in canoas within Land, at other times in small Vessels by Sea, which the Indians describe to have but two Masts. They invited us to come to St. Ellens with our Ship, which they told us we might do within Land. Monday the 14 September, our Longboat went with twelve hands within Land to St. Ellens. On Wednesday the 16th, came five Indians on board us; one of them pointing to another, said, he was the Grandy Captain of Edistow: whereupon we took especial notice of him, and entertained him accordingly, giving him several Beads, & other trade that pleased him well: He invited us to bring up our Ship into a branch on the N. E. side, and told us of one Captain Francisco, and four more English that were in his custody on shore; whereupon we showed him store of all Trade, as Beads, Hoes, Hatchets and Bills, etc. and said, he should have all those things if he would bring the English on board us; which he promised should be done the next day. Hereupon we wrote a few lines to the said English, fearing it to be a Spanish delusion to entrap us. In the dark of the same Evening came a Canoa with nine or ten Indians in her with their Bows and Arrows, and were close on board before we did discern them: We haled them, but they made us no answer, which increased our jealousy: So we commanded them on board, and disarmed them, detaining two of them prisoners, and sending away the rest to fetch the English; which if they brought, they should have theirs again. At length they delivered us a Note written with a coal, which seemed the more to continue our jealousy, because in all this time we had no news of our longboat from St. Ellens, which we feared was surprised by the Indians and Spaniards. But to satisfy us that there were English on shore, they sent us one man on board about twelve of the clock in the Night who related to us the truth of the matter, and told us they were cast away some four or five leagues to the Northward of the place we then road, on the 24th of July past, being thirteen persons that came on shore, whereof three of them were killed by the Indians. On Thursday the 17th of September the Longboat returned from St. Ellens, which presently we sent on shore to fetch the other English, the Indians delivering us three more; and coming abroad themselves, we delivered them their two men. Then we demanded of the chief Commander where the rest of our English were: he answered, Five were carried to St. Ellens, three were killed by the Stonohs, and the other man we should have within two days. We replied to him again, That we would keep him and two more of his chief men, till we had our English that were yet living; and promised them their liberty, with satisfaction for bringing us the English. Now to return to the business of our Design; the entertainment we had at S. Ellens put us in great fear of the Indians treachery; for we observed their continual gathering together, and at last began with stern-looked countenances to speak roughly to us, and came to search our men's Bandeliers and Pockets; yet inviting us to stay that night with them: but we made a sudden retreat to our Boat, which caused the Indian King to be in a great rage, speaking loud and angry to his men; the drift of which discourse we understood not. That which we noted there, was a fair house builded in the shape of a Dove-house, round, two hundred foot at least, completely covered with Palmeta-leaves, the wal-plate being twelve foot high, or thereabouts, & within lodging Rooms and Forms; two pillars at the entrance of a high Seat above all the rest: Also another house like a Sentinel-house, floored ten foot high with planks, fastened with Spikes and Nails, standing upon substantial Posts, with several other small houses round about. Also we saw many planks, to the quantity of three thousand foot or thereabouts, with other Timber squared, and a Cross before the great house. Likewise we saw the Ruins of an old Fort, compassing more than half an acre of land within the Trenches, which we supposed to be Charls' Fort, built, and so called by the French in 1562, etc. On Monday, September 21. one English youth was brought from St. Ellens aboard us by an Indian, who informed us that there were four more of their company at St. Ellens, but he could not tell whether the Indians would let them come to us: For saith he, Our Men told me, that they had lately seen a Friar and two Spaniards more at St. Ellens, who told them they would send Soldiers suddenly to fetch them away. This day we sailed up the River with our Ship to go through to St. Ellens. On Tuesday the 22 instant, three Indians came on board; one of them we sent with a Letter to the English Prisoners there. On Wednesday the 23d. we sent out Boat and Men to sound the Channel, and find out the most likely way to St. Ellens with our Ship by Combeheh. In the mean time came many canoas aboard us with Corn, Pumpions, and Venison, Deer-skins, and a sort of sweet-wood. One of our men looking into an Indian basket, found a piece of Spanish Rusk: it being new, we demanded of the Indian where he had it; who said, Of the Spaniards. In the interim, while we were talking, came a Canoa with four Indians from St. Ellens, one standing up, and holding a paper in a cleft stick; they told us they had brought it from the Spanish Captain at St. Ellens. We demanded how many Spaniards were come thither; who said, Seven, and one Englishman: We received their Letter writ in Spanish, but none of us could read it: We detained two of the chiefest Indians, one of them being the King's Son of S. Ellens, and that kept one of the English prisoners▪ the other two we sent away with a Letter to the Spaniard, wherein we gave him to understand, that we understood not his letter; and told the Indians, when they brought the English, they should have their men again, with satisfaction for their pains. On Thursday, 24 instant, we sailing further up the River to go through, at last came to a place of fresh water, and Anchored there, sending our Boat ashore with a Guard to get water. Towards night came the first Indian that we sent to St. Ellens with a letter to the English, who brought us another letter from the Spaniards, and an Answer of ours from the English, writ in the Spaniards letter. The Spaniard sent us a quarter of Venison, and a quarter of Pork, with a Compliment, That he was sorry he had no more for us at that time. We returned him thanks, and sent him a Jug of Brandy; and withal, that we were sorry we understood not his letter. This night about twelve of the Clock we had a most violent gust of wind, but of no long continuance. On Friday 25 September, we weighed, and returned down the River six leagues, or thereabouts, because we perceived the Indians had gathered themselves in a Body from all parts thereabouts, and moved as the Ship did: and being informed by an Indian, that the Spaniards would be there the next day; we took in Firewood, and continued there that night, at which time one of our Indian Prisoners made his escape by leaping overboard in the dark. On Saturday the 26. we weighed, and stood down to the Harbour's mouth, and stayed there till Monday the 28. In all which time came no one to us, though we stayed in expectation of their coming continually; therefore put out to Sea, concluding their intentions not to be good. Being out of the River Jordan, we directed our course S. W. four leagues or thereabouts for Port-Royal, to sound the Channel without from the points of the Harbour outwards; for we had sounded the Harbour within from the points inward when our Boat was at St. Ellens: And now being athwart the Harbour's mouth, we sent our Boat with the Mate and others, who found the N. E. and E. N. E. side of the opening of Port-Royal to be Shoals and Breakers to the middle of the opening; and three leagues or thereabouts into the Sea, from the side aforesaid, is unsafe to meddle with: but the S. W. and W. side we found all bold steering in N. N. W. two or three miles from the S. W. shore, sailing directed with the S. W. head-land of the entrance of Port-Royal: the said head-land is bluft, and seems steep, as though the trees hung over the water: But you must note, that if you keep so far from the S. W. side, that you stand in N. N. W. with the bluft head aforesaid, you shall go over the Out-skirt of the E. N. E. sholing, and shall have but three or four fathom for the space of one league or thereabouts, and then you shall have six and seven fathoms all the way in: But if you borrow more on the S. W. side, till you have brought the S. W. head of the Entry to bear N. N. E. you shall have a fair large Channel of six, seven, and eight fathoms all the way in, and then five, six, seven and eight fathoms within the Harbour, keeping the Channel, and standing over to the Northward: we supposed that it flows here as at the River Jordan, because they are but four leagues asunder, and flows S. E. and N. W. seven foot and half, and sometimes eight foot perpendicular: the Mouth of Port-Royal lies in 32 deg. 20 min. lat. Now as concerning the entrance of the River Jordan, lat. 32 deg. 30 min. or thereabouts, you shall see a range of Breakers right against the opening, two or three leagues off the S. W. Point; which you must leave to the Northward, and steer in with the said S. W. Point, giving a range of Breakers that runs from the said Point a small birth, and you shall have two, three, and four fathoms at low water; and when you come one mile from the Point aforesaid, steer over directly to the N. E. Point, and you shall have six or seven fathom all the way. Within the N. W. Point is good Anchoring: you shall have five fathoms fair aboard the shore: and you shall have five, six, seven, and eight fathoms, sailing all along upon the River, ten leagues, and a large turning Channel: It flows here S. E. and N. W. seven foot and a half, and eight foot at common Tides. The River Grandy, or as the Indians call it Edistow, lies six leagues or thereabouts from the River Jordan, and seems to be a very fair opening: but because the chief Indian of that Place was on board us, and the Country all in Arms, we not knowing how the wind might cross us, it was not thought fit to stay there: But some of those English that had lived there, being Prisoners, say, that it is a very fair and goodly River, branching into several branches, and deep, and is fresh water at low Tide within two leagues of the Mouth; it seeming to us as we passed by, a good entrance large and wide, lat. 32 deg. 40 min. in or thereabouts. Now our understanding of the Land of Port-Royal, River Jordan, River Grandie, or Edistow, is as followeth: The Lands are laden with large tall Oaks, Walnut and Bayes, except facing on the Sea, it is most Pines tall and good: The Land generally, except where the Pines grow, is a good Soil, covered with black Mould, in some places a foot, in some places half a foot, and in other places less, with Clay underneath mixed with Sand; and we think may produce any thing as well as most part of the Indies that we have seen. The Indians plant in the worst Land, because they cannot cut down the Timber in the best, and yet have plenty of Corn, Pumpions, water-melons, Musk-melons: although the Land be overgrown with weeds through their laziness, yet they have two or three crops of Corn a year, as the Indians themselves inform us. The Country abounds with Grapes, large Figs, and Peaches; the Woods with Deer, Coneys, Turkeys, Quails, Curlues, Plovers, Teile, Herons; and as the Indians say, in Winter, with Swans, Geese, Cranes, Duck and Mallard, and innumerable of other water-Fowls, whose names we know not, which lie in the Rivers, Marshes, and on the Sands: Oysters in abundance, with great store of Muscles; A sort of fair Crabs, and a round Shel▪ fish called Horse▪ feet; The Rivers stored plentifully with Fish that we saw play and leap. There are great Marshes, but most as far as we saw little worth, except for a Root that grows in them the Indians make good Bread of. The Land we suppose is healthful; for the English that were cast away on that Coast in July last, were there most part of that time of year that is sickly in Virginia; and notwithstanding hard usage, and lying on the ground naked, yet had their perfect healths all the time. The Natives are very healthful; we saw many very Aged amongst them. The Air is clear and sweet, the Country very pleasant and delightful: And we could wish, that all they that want a happy settlement, of our English Nation, were well transported thither, etc. FRom Tuesday the 29th of September, to Friday the second of October, we ranged along the shore from the lat. 32 deg. 20 min. to the lat. 33 deg. 11 min. but could discern no Entrance for our Ship, after we had passed to the Northwards of 32 deg. 40 min. On Saturday the third instant, a violent storm came up, the wind between the North and the East; which Easterly winds and fowl weather continued till Monday the 12th. By reason of which storms and fowl weather, we were forced to get off to Sea to secure ourselves and ship, and were horsed by reason of a strong Current, almost to Cape Hatterasse in lat. 35 deg. 30 min. On Monday the 12th aforesaid we came to an Anchor in seven fathom at Cape Fair-Road, and took the Meridian-Altitude of the Sun, and were in the lat. 33 deg. 43 min. the wind continuing still Easterly, and fowl weather till Thursday the 15th instant; and on Friday the 16th, the wind being at N. W. we weighed, and sailed up Cape Fair-River, some four or five leagues, and came to an Anchor in six or seven fathom; at which time several Indian came on Board, and brought us great store of Fresh-fish, large Mullets, young Bass, Shads, and several other sorts of very good well-tasted Fish. On Saturday the 17th, we went down to the Cape to see the English cattle, but could not find them, though we rounded the Cape: And having an Indian Guide with us, here we road till the 24th instant; the wind being against us, we could not go up the River with our Ship; in which time we went on shore, and viewed the land of those quarters. On Saturday we weighed, and sailed up the River some four leagues or thereabouts. Sunday the 25th, we weighed again, and towed up the River, it being calm, and got up some fourteen leagues from the Harbour's mouth, where we mored our Ship. On Monday the 26 October, we went down with the Yoal to Necoes, an Indian Plantation, and viewed the Land there. On Tuesday the 27th, we rowed up the main River with our longboat and twelve men, some ten leagues or thereabouts. On Wednesday the 28th, we rowed up about eight or nine leagues more. Thursday the 29th was foul weather, of much rain and wind, which forced us to make Huts, and lie still. Friday the 30th, we proceeded up the main River, seven or eight leagues. Saturday the 31, we got up three or four leagues more, and came to a Tree that lay athwart the River: but because our Provisions were near spent, we proceeded no further, but returned downward the remainder of that day; and on Monday the second of November, we came aboard our Ship. Tuesday the third, we lay still to refresh ourselves. On Wednesday the 4th, we went five or six leagues up the River to search a branch that ran out of the main River towards the N. W. In which branch we went up five or six leagues: not liking the Land, we returned on board that night about midnight, and called that place Swampy-branch. Thursday the fifth instant, we stayed aboard; on Friday the 6th we went up Green's River, the mouth of it being against the place we road with our Ship. On Saturday the 7th, we proceeded up the said River some fourteen or fifteen leagues in all, and found that it ended in several small branches; the Land for the most part being marshy and swamps, we returned towards our ship, and got aboard in the night: Sunday the 8th instant we lay still, and on Monday the 9th we went again up the main River, being well provided with Provisions and all things necessary, and proceeded upwards till Thursday noon 12th instant, at which time we came to a place where two Islands were in the middle of the River, and by reason of the crookedness of the River at that place, several Trees lay athwart both branches, which stopped up the passage of each branch, that we could proceed no further with our Boat; but we went up the River side by land some three or four miles, and found the River to enlarge itself: So we returned, leaving it as far as we could see up a long reach running N. E. we judging ourselves from the River's mouth North near fifty leagues; we returned, viewing the Land on both sides the River, and found as good tracts of land, dry, well wooded, pleasant and delightful as we have seen any where in the world, with great burden of Grass on it, the land being very level, with steep banks on both sides the River, and in some places very high, the woods stored with abundance of Deer and Turkeys every where; we never going on shore, but saw of each also Partridges great store, Crane's abundance, Comes, which we saw in several places; we heard several Wolves howling in the woods, and saw where they had torn a Deer in pieces. Also in the River we saw great store of Ducks, Toil, Widgeon, and in the woods great flocks of Parrakeetoes; the Timber that the woods afford for the most part consisting of Oaks of four or five sorts, all differing in leaves, but all bearing Acorns very good: we measured many of the Oaks in several places, which we found to be in bigness some two, some three, and others almost four fathoms; in height, before you come to boughs or limbs, forty, fifty, sixty foot, and some more, and those Oaks very common in the upper parts of both Rivers; Also a very tall large Tree of great bigness, which some do call Cyprus, the right name we know not, growing in Swamps. Likewise Walnut, Birch, Beech, Maple, Ash, Bay, Willough, Alder and Holly; and in the lowermost parts innumerable of Pines, tall and good for boards or masts, growing for the most part in barren sandy ground, but in some places up the River in good ground, being mixed amongst Oaks and other Timber. We saw several Mulberry-trees, multitudes of Grape-Vines, and some Grapes which we did eat of. We found a very large and good tract of Land on the N. W. side of the River, thin of Timber, except here and there a very great Oak, and full of Grass, commonly as high as a man's middle, and in many places to his shoulders, where we saw many Deer and Turkeys; also one Deer with very large horns, and great in body, therefore called it Stag-Park▪ it being a very pleasant and delightful place, we traveled in it several miles, but saw no end thereof. So we returned to our Boat, and proceeded down the River, and came to another place some twenty five leagues from the River's mouth on the same side, where we found a place no less delightful than the former▪ and as far as we could judge, both Tracts came into one. This lower place we called Rocky-point, because we found many Rocks and Stones of several bigness upon the Land, which is not common. We sent our Boat down the River before us; ourselves travelling by Land many miles, were so much taken with the pleasantness of the Land, that travelling into the woods so far, we could not recover our Boat and company that night. On Sunday the morrow following we got to our Boat, and on Monday the 16th of November, we proceeded down to a place on the East-side of the River some twenty three leagues from the Harbour's mouth, which we called Turkie-Quarters, because we killed several Turkeys thereabouts. We viewed the Land there, and found some tracts of good Land, and high, facing upon the River about one mile inward, but backwards some two miles all Pine-land, but good pasture-ground: we returned to our Boat, and proceeded down some two or three leagues, where we had formerly viewed, and found it a tract of as good Land as any we have seen, with as good Timber on it. The banks of the River being high, therefore we called it High-Land Point. Having viewed that, we proceeded down the River, going on shore in several places on both sides▪ it being generally large Marshes, and many of them dry, that they may more fitly be called Meadows: the wood-land against them is for the most part Pine, and in some places as barren as ever we saw Land, but in other places good Pasture▪ ground, And on Tuesday the 17th instant, we got aboard our Ship, riding against the mouth of Green's River, where our men are providing wood, and fitting the Ship for the Sea: In the interim, we took some view of the Land on both sides of the River there, finding some good Land, but more bad, and the best not comparable to that above. Friday the 20th instant was foul weather, yet in the Afternoon we weighed, and went down the River some two leagues, and came to Anchor against the mouth of Hilton's River, and took some view of the Land there on both sides, which appeared to us much like unto that at Green's River. Monday 23. we went with our Longboat well victualled and manned up Hilton's River; and when we came three leagues or thereabouts up the said River, we found this and Green's River to come into one, and so continued for four or five leagues, which causeth a great Island betwixt them. We proceeded still up the River, till they parted again, keeping up Hilton's River on the Lar-board side, and followed the said River five or six leagues further, where we found another large branch of Green's River to come into Hilton's, which maketh another great Island. On the Starboard side going up, we proceeded still up the River some four leagues, and returned, taking a view of the Land on both sides, and now judge ourselves to be from our ship some eighteen leagues W. and by W. One league below this place came four Indians in a Canoa to us, and sold us several baskets of Acorns, which we satisfied for, and so left them; but one of them followed us on the shore some two or three miles, till he came on the top of a high bank, facing on the River, we rowing underneath it, the said Indian shot an Arrow at us, which miss one of our men very narrowly, and stuck in the upper edge of the Boat, which broke in pieces, leaving the head behind. Hereupon we presently made to the shore, and went all up the bank except four to guide the Boat; we searched for the Indian, but could not find him: At last we heard some sing further in the Woods, which we thought had been as a Challenge to us to come and fight them. We went towards them with all speed, but before we came in sight of them, we heard two Guns go off from our Boat, whereupon we retreated with all speed to secure our Boat and Men: when we came to them, we found all well, & demanded the reason of their firing the Guns: they told us that an Indian came creeping on the Bank as they thought to shoot at them, therefore shot at him a great distance with Swan-shot, but thought they did him no hurt, for they saw him run way. Presently after our return to the Boat, while we were thus talking, came two Indians to us with their Bows and Arrows, crying Bonny, Bonny: we took their Bows and Arrows from them, and gave them Beads, to their content. Then we led them by the hand to the Boat, and showed them the Arrow-head sticking in her side, and related to them the business; which when they understood, both of them manifested much sorrow, and made us understand by signs, that they knew nothing of it: so we let them go, and marked a Tree on the top of the bank, calling the place Mount-Skerry. We looked up the River as far as we could discern, and saw that it widened itself, and came running directly down the Country: So we returned, and viewed the Land on both sides the River, finding the banks steep in some places, but very high in others. The banks sides are generally Clay, and as some of our company doth affirm, some Marl. The Land and Timber up this River is no way inferior to the best in the other, which we call the main River: So far as we discovered, this seems as fair, if not fairer than the former, and we think runs further into the Country, because there is a strong Current comes down, and a great deal more drift-wood. But to return to the business of the Land and Timber: We saw several plaits of Ground cleared by the Indians after their weak manner, compassed round with great Timber-Trees; which they are no ways able to fall, and so keep the Sun from their Cornfields very much; yet nevertheless we saw as large Corn-stalks or bigger, than we have seen any where else: So we proceeded down the River, till we found the Canoa the Indian was in who shot at us. In the morning we went on shore, and cut the same in pieces: the Indians perceiving us coming towards them, run away. We went to his Hut, and pulled it down, broke his pots, platters, and spoons, tore his Deer-skins and Mats in pieces, and took away a basket of Acorns: So we proceeded down the River two leagues, or thereabouts, and came to another place of Indians, bought Acorns and some Corn of them, and went downwards two leagues more: at last we espied an Indian peeping over a high bank: we held up a Gun at him; and calling to him, said, Skerry: presently several Indians appeared to us, making great signs of friendship, saying, Bonny, Bonny, and running before us, endeavouring to persuade us to come on shore; but we answered them with stern countenances, and said, Skerry, taking up our guns, and threatening to shoot at them; but they cried still Bonny, Bonny: And when they saw they could not prevail, nor persuade us to come on shore, two of them came off to us in a Canoa, one paddling with a great Cane, the other with his hand; they came to us, and laid hold of our Boat, sweeting and blowing, and told us it was Bonny on shore, and at last persuaded us to go ashore with them. As soon as we landed, several Indians, to the number of near forty lusty men, came to us, all in a great sweat, and told us Bonny: we showed▪ them the Arrow-head in the Boats-side, and a piece of the Canoa which we had cut in pieces: the chief man of them made a large Speech, and threw Beads into our Boat, which is a sign of great love and friendship; and made us to understand, when he heard of the Affront which we had received, it caused him to cry: and now he and his men were come to make peace with us, making signs to us that they would tie his Arms, and cut off his head that had done us that abuse; and for a further testimony of their love and good will towards us, they presented to us two very handsome proper young Indian women, the tallest that we have seen in this Country; which we supposed to be the King's Daughters, or persons of some great account amongst them. These young women were ready to come into our Boat; one of them crowding in, was hardly persuaded to go out again. We presented to the King a Hatchet and several Beads, also Beads to the young women and to the chief men, and to the rest of the Indians, as far as our Beads would go: they promised us in four days to come on board our Ship, and so departed from us. When we left the place, which was presently, we called it Mount-Bonny, because we had there concluded a firm Peace. Proceeding down the River two or three leagues further, we came to a place where were nine or ten Canoa's all together; we went ashore there, and found several Indians, but most of them were the same which had made Peace with us before: We made little stay there, but went directly down the River, and came to our Ship before day. Thursday the 26th of November, the wind being at South, we could not go down to the River's mouth: but on Friday the 27th, we weighed at the mouth of Hilton's River, and got down one league towards the Harbour's mouth. On Sunday the 29th, we got down to Crane-Island, which is four leagues or thereabouts above the Entrance of the Harbour's mouth. Now on Tuesday the first of December, we made a purchase of the River and land of Cape-Fair, of Wattcoosa, and such other Indians as appeared to us to be the chief of those parts: they brought us store of Fresh-fish aboard, as Mullets, Shads, and other very good Fish: this River is all Freshwater fit to drink. Some eight leagues within the mouth, the Tide runs up about thirty five leagues, but stops and riseth a great deal farther up; it flows at the Harbour's mouth S. E. and N. W. six foot as Neap-Tides, and eight foot at Spring-Tides: the Channel on the Easter-side by the Cape-shoar is the best, and lies close aboard the Cape-land, being three fathoms at High-water, in the shallowest place in the Channel just at the Entrance; but as soon as you are passed that place half a Cables length inward, you shall have six or seven fathoms, a fair turning Channel into the River, and so continuing four or five leagues upwards; afterwards the Channel is more difficult in some places six or seven fathoms, four or five, and in other places but nine or ten foot, especially where the River is broad. When the River comes to part, and grows narrow, there is all Channel from side to side in most places; in some places you shall have five, six, or seven fathoms, but generally two or three, Sand and Oaze. We viewed the Cape-land, and judged it to be little worth, the Woods of it shrubby and low, the Land sandy and barren; in some places Grass and Rushes, and in other places nothing but clear sand: a place fitter to starve cattle in our judgement, then to keep them alive; yet the Indians, as we understand, keep the English Cattle down there, and suffer them not to go off the said Cape, as we suppose, because the Country- Indians shall have to part with them, and as we think, are fallen out about them, who shall have the greatest share. They brought aboard our Ship very good and fat Beef several times, which they could afford very reasonable; also fat and very large Swine, good cheap pennyworths: but they may thank their friends of New-England, who brought their Hogs to so fair a Market. Some of the Indians brought very good Salt aboard us, and made signs, pointing to both sides of the River's mouth, that there was great store thereabouts. We saw up the River several good places for the setting up of Corn or Saw-mills. In that time as our business called us up and down the River and Branches, we killed of wildfowl, four Swans, ten Geese, twenty nine Cranes, ten Turkeys, forty Duck and Mallard, three dozen of Parrakeetoes, and six or seven dozen of other small Fowls, as Curlues and Plovers, etc. Whereas there was a Writing left in a Post at the Point of Cape-Fair River, by those New-England-men that left cattle with the Indians there, the Contents whereof tended not only to the disparagement of the Land about the said River, but also to the great discouragement of all those that should hereafter come into those Parts to settle: In Answer to that scandalous writing, We whose names are under-written do affirm, That we have seen facing on both sides of the River, and branches of Cape-Fair aforesaid, as good Land, and as well Timbered, as any we have seen in any other part of the world, sufficient to accommodate thousands of our English Nation, lying commodiously by the said River. On Friday the 4th of December, the wind being fair, we put out to Sea, bound for Barbadoes; and on the 6th day of January, 1663/4, we came to Anchor in Carlisle-Bay; and after several known apparent dangers both by Sea and Land, have now brought us all in safety to our long-wished-for and much desired Port, to render an Account of our Discovery, the verity of which we aver. Anthony Long. William Hilton. Peter Fabian. A Copy of the Spaniard's first Letter. I Am come to this Town of Infidel- Indians, to seek some English, which my Governor and Captain-General, Don Alonso de Arangows, de Colis, Cavalier, and Knight of the Order of St. James, for his Majesty, had notice that there was a Ship lost in that Port in which you are, that the men might not run any hazard of their lives, as those with me here have. Don Adeleyers, with the Governor of the Garrison of S. Augustine, are gone to ransom and free the Subjects of the King your Master, CHARLES' the Second: Wherefore I advise you, that if these Indians (although Infidels and Barbarians) have not killed any of the Christians, and do require as a gift or courtesy for those four men, four Spades, and four Axes, some Knives, and some Beads, and the four Indians which you have there, you deliver them, and that for their sakes that shall sail on this Coast: you may send a Boat, who when she comes athwart the Port of St. Ellens, may hoist an Ancient twice or thrice, and I will do the same. The shortness of the dispatch I desire, for I want provision for my Soldiers, and the way is large. Your Servant desires you would give me a speedy Answer; and what may be done in your service, I shall do very willingly: And if you have none that can interpret the Spanish Tongue, you may write in your own, for here are your Countrymen that can understand it: but if you can, let it be in Spanish. From the Capt. Alanso Argucles. From St. Ellens the 22 of Septemb. 1663. The Copies of our Letters sent to the ENGLISH and SPANIARDS at St. Ellens, with the Answer of Mr. William Davis, and the Spaniards also, here enclosed. Loving Friends and Countrymen, We are come up the River with our Ship, and are resolved to come through by Combiheh, to St. Ellens, and to get you away by fair means, or otherways. If that will not do, we have five of your company already: and the Captain of Edistow, and one more are Prisoners with us, whom we intent to keep till we have rescued all the English Prisoners out of the hands of the Indians. Send us word by this Bearer what you know concerning the Spaniards; for the youth Morgan tells us, that the Spaniards are come with Soldiers to fetch you away. Fail not to inform us how things are. Nothing else at present, but remain Your friend and Servant WILL, HILTON. From on Board the Adventure, Septemb. 21. 1663. An Answer to the Spaniards Letter not understood. Honoured Sir, WHereas we received a Letter from you the Contents whereof we understand not, because none of us could read Spanish: Our business is to demand and receive the English Prisoners from the hands of the Indians, and then they shall have their Indians which we have detained on Board, with satisfaction for their pains. We understand not at present that we have any business with you. Not else at present, but remain Your Friend and Servant in what I may, WILL. HILTON. From on Board the Adventure, Septemb. 23. 1663. To his honoured Friend the Spanish Captain at St. Ellens. An Answer to Mr. William Davis his Lines written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Spaniard's Letter, Viz. Mr. William Davis, We received your Lines in the Spanish Letter, but hear nothing of your coming to us▪ Let your Keepers send you, and that without delay; for you may assure them, That we will be gone, and carry the Indians away with us, except they send the English suddenly on Board, and then they shall have their Indians upon our receipt of the English. Not else at present, but thank the Spanish Captain for the Pork and Venison he sent us. Remain Your loving Friend WILL. HILTON. From on Board the Adventure, September 24. 1663. To Mr. William Davis at St. Ellens: SIR, We have received your second Letter▪ and give you no Answer, for the Reason mentioned in our former Letter to you. Please to inform the Indians, That if they bring not the English Prisoners on Board us without further delay, we are resolved to carry their Indians we have on Board away: But if they will bring the English, they shall have theirs, with satisfaction. Also we thank you for your Venison and Pork. Not else at present, but remain SIR, Your Friend and Servant in what I may WILL. HILTON. From on Board the Adventure Septemb. 24. 1663. To his Honoured Friend, the Spanish Captain at St. Ellens. A Copy of the Spaniard's second Letter. MY Governor and Capt. General, as soon as he had News that a Ship, by Nation English, was lost in that Port in which you now are, sent me with Soldiers of the Garrison of St. Augustine in Florida, as they have at other times done, to free them from death; for which cause I came to this Port of St. Ellens, where I found all these Indians in a fright, fearing that you will do them some mischief: So having found four men of those that were lost, I thought good to advise you, that you might carry them in your company, giving some gifts to those Indians which they desire; which is, four Spades, four Axes, some Knives, and some Beads. This they desire, not as payment, but only as an acknowledgement of a kindness for having saved their lives; which they have always done as Naturals who have given their obedience to the King our Master. And they do also desire you to let go those four Indians which are there: You may send a Boat when you discover the Points of St. Ellens; may hoist an Ancient two or three times, and I will do the same. I desire your Answer may be sudden; for I am scarce of Provisions, and the way is somewhat long: and if you have no body who understands Spanish, you may write in English, for here are your Countrymen who will interpret it. By the Captain Alanso Arguiles. From St. Ellens, Septemb. 23. 1663. Proposals made to all such Persons as shall undertake to become the first Setlers on Rivers, Harbours, or Creeks, whose Mouth or Entrance is Southwards or Westwards of Cape St. Romana in the Province of Carolina, and execute the same at their own hazard and charge of Transportation, Ammunition, and Provision, as is hereafter expressed, etc. I. IMprimis, It is agreed and consented to by us Thomas Mudyford, and Peter Colleton, Esquires, who are impowered by the Lords Proprietors to treat in their behalf; That in consideration of the good service which Captain Anthony Long, Captain William Hilton, and Mr. Peter Fabian have done in making so clear a Discovery on that Coast, They shall each of them enjoy to them and their Heirs for ever one thousand Acres of Land apiece upon the said River, Harbour, or Creeks, on such places as they shall desire, not taken up before. II. Item, To Master Pyam Blowers, and Master John Hancock, five hundred Acres apiece, in manner as 〈…〉 Ship, one hundred Acres apiece in manner as aforesaid. Item, 〈…〉 Ship, one hundred Acres apiece in manner as aforesaid. IV. Item, 〈◊〉 every person that hath subscribed and paid, or hath subscribed and shall pay within two month's next after the Date hereof, unto the Treasurer appointed by the Committee for defraying the Charge of the 〈◊〉 Discovery, and towards the public Stock, five hundred: Acres of Land, besides what they are otherways to receive and enjoy each▪ for every thousand pounds of Sugar, and so for greater or lesser quantity proportionably, to possess and enjoy the same in manner as aforesaid▪ the said Adventurers having promised, That the several and respective Persons above-intended, shall within five years' next ensuing, have one Person white or black, young or 〈◊〉 transported at their Charge as aforesaid, on that or 〈◊〉 other parcel of Land in the Province, for every hundred of Acres of Land that is or shall be due to them for their adventures as aforesaid: But when once taken up, to settle the same within one year after it is once taken up, or lose the Land. V. Item, To every Person that goes, or sends an Agent at his or their own cost with the first Ship or Fleet, or within six week's next after the first Ship or Fleet that shall be set out from this Island (none to be accounted as first Setters but such as do send in the first Fleet) Armed with a good Firelock, ten pounds of Powder, and twenty pounds of Bullet, or Led, and Victualled for six months, shall have one hundred Acres of Land, and the like quantity of Acres for every Man servant that he carrieth so armed and provided, to the person at whose charge they shall be transported as aforesaid. VI Item, To every person that shall second the first undertakers, that is to say, shall go within two months went after those that are accounted as first Setlers, armed and provided as aforesaid, seventy Acres of Land, and seventy Acres for every Manservant that he or they shall carry or send Armed and provided as aforesaid. VII. Item, To every person provided as aforesaid, that shall go within two years after the first Undertakers, fifty Acres of Land, and as much to him or them for every Manservant he or they shall carry or send, armed and provided as aforesaid. VIII. Item, To every Freewoman above the age of twelve years, that shall go, or be carried thither within the first five years, forty Acres of Land. IX. Item, To all Male-childrens above the age of fourteen years▪ the same quantity that is allowed to Freemen, and on the same Conditions. X. Item, The Lords Proprietors will grant unto every Parish one hundred Acres of Land for the Church and other public uses. XI. Item, To every person that hath subscribed, and shall pay to the above mentioned Discovery, who shall go or send an Agent within the first five years' next after the first Setlers, forty Acres of Land; and as much to them for every Manservant they shall carry or send within that time armed and provided as aforesaid, and the like quantity for all others so transporting themselves or servants within the first three years, who are not Subscribers. XII. Item, To every Manservant that shall go with the first Undertakers, fifty Acres of Land; and to such as go with the second Adventurers thirty Acres, and for all other servants that shall go within the first five years, twenty Acres, and for every Woman-servant ten Acres, to become due at the Expiration of the first Term of their servitude in that Country. XIII▪ Item, To the Owner of every Negro-Man or Slave, brought thither to settle within the first year, twenty acres; and for every Woman-Negro or Slave, ten acres of Land; and all Men-Negro's, or slaves after that time, and within the first five years, ten acres, and for every Woman-Negro or slave, five acres. XIV. Item, That all the beforementioned parcels of Land given, or to be given, allotted or granted to any person or persons whatsoever, shall be held and enjoyed to them, their Heirs and Assigns for ever, in free and common Soccage, according to the Tenure of East▪ Greenwich within the County of Kent, within the Kingdom of England (and not in Capite, or by Knights-service) paying as a fine once for all to the Lords Proprietors, or their Agents impowered to receive the same, one halfpenny per acre for every Acre of Land that is or shall be taken up as aforesaid, or the value of the said halfpenny per Acre, when the person who is to receive it shall receive his Deed or Copy of Record for his Land so taken up; and in lieu of all, and all manner of Rents, Services, Fines, Taxes and Impositions whatsoever, one ear of Indian Corn for every hundred acres of Land so taken up, at a certain time and place prescribed, if lawfully demanded. XV. Item, It is further agreed, That every person shall or may take up their Land, or any part thereof, where they please, in any place not before taken up: Provided they do therein submit to such Method as the Governor and Council for the time being shall judge most safe and convenient. XVI. Item, That the Lords▪ Proprietors shall grant to the Freeholders' the Privilege of choosing an annual Assembly, wherein by the consent of the said Lords, or their Delegates, they shall be impowered to make Laws, and them confirm, publish, and abrogate, as in the great Charter is expressed; and that the Assembly may lawfully, without the consent of the Governor, complain to the said Lords of such Grievances as lie upon the People. XVII. Item, That for as much as the Lords Proprietors or their Delegates may not be at all times there present, to consent to such Laws as are or shall be thought necessary; In such Case all Laws and Orders made by the Governor, Council and Assembly, shall be in fort until the Denial thereof by the Lords Proprietors shall be to them signified under their Hands in Writing. XVIII. Item, That the said Freeholders' shall have the freedom of Trade, Immunity of Customs, and Liberty of Conscience, and all other Privileges made good unto them as amply and as fully as is at large expressed in the great Charter granted to the said Lords Proprietors from His Majesty. FINIS,