A summary AND TRUE DISCOURSE OF SIR FRANCES DRAKES West Indian Voyage.  
Wherein were taken, the Towns of Saint jago, Sancto Domingo, Cartagena & Saint Augustine.  
With Geographical Maps exactly describing each of the towns with their situations, and the manner of the Armies approaching to the winning of them.  
Imprinted at London by Richard Field, dwelling in the Blackfriarss by Ludgate. 1589.   

The Reader must understand, that this Discourse was dedicated, and intended to have been imprinted somewhat before the coming of the Spanish Fleet upon our coast of England: but by casualty the same was forgotten and slacked for a time of some better leisure.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE ROBERT DEUREUX, EARL OF ESSEX AND EWE, VISCOUNT of Hereford and Bourchier, Lord Ferrer of Chartley, Bourchier and Louvain, Master of the Queen's majesties horse, and knight of the most honourable order of the Garter, T. C. wisheth increase of all honour and happiness.  
RIght Honourable, having by chance recovered of late into my hands (after I had once lost the same) a copy of the Discourse of our late West Indian voyage, which was begun by Captain Bigges, who ended his life in the said voyage after our departure from Cartagena, the same being afterwards finished (as I think) by his Lieutenant Master Croftes, or some other, I know not well who. Now finding therein a most true report of the services and other matters which happened in the said voyage, the sight whereof is wonderfully desired by many honest and well disposed persons. I have presumed to recommend the publishing thereof, unto your Lordship's protection and favour, for these two causes. The one, for that your Lordship's Honourable disposition is in the knowledge of all men that know yourself most thirstingly affected to embrace in your own person, the bravest enterprises, if the time would once afford any such fit occasion, as might be agreeable to her majesties resolution: who wisely (and long may she do it) governeth all things to the greatest advantage of herself and people. The other, because myself having been a member in the said actions, and was Lieutenant of Master Carleils own company, whereby I can well assure the truth of this report: I thought it my bounden duty, having professed my service to your Lordship before all men, to dedicate the same rather unto your Lordship then to any other. And although it be now a year and a half sithence the voyage ended, whereby some man will say, that it is now no new matter: yet the present time considered, how doubtful some of our meaner sort of people are of the Spanish preparations, I think this Discourse a very fit thing to be published, that they may see what great victories a few English men have made upon great numbers of the Spaniards, even at home in their own countries. The beholding whereof will much encourage those, who by fame and bare words are made to doubt much more than there is cause why they should. Upon which point, as there may be much said: so myself being no Discourser, do desire to be held excused therein: and therefore do only commend the truth of this report unto your Lordship: which will be also avowed by divers Captains that were in the said voyage. And so in all humbleness do take my leave, ready to do your Lordship all faithful service.  
Your Lordship's soldier and humble servant. THOMAS CATES.   

A summary AND TRUE DISCOURSE OF SIR FRANCES DRAKES WEST INDIAN VOYAGE, wherein were taken the towns of Saint jago, Sancto Domingo, Cartagena and Saint Augustine.  
THIS worthy knight for the service of his Prince and country, having prepared his whole fleet, and gotten them down to Plymouth in Devonshire, to the number of five & twenty sail of ships & pinnaces, & having assembled of soldiers and mariners to the number of two thousand and three hundred in the whole, embarked them and himself at Plymouth aforesaid the twelfth day of September 1585. being accompanied with these men of name and charge, which hereafter follow.  
Master Christopher Carleill Lieutenant General, a man of long experience in the war as well by sea as land, & had formerly carried high offices in both kinds in many fights, which he discharged always very happily, and with great good reputation.  

Anthony powel Sergeant Maior.  
Captain Matthew Morgan, and Captain john Samson Corporals of the field.   
These principal officers had commandment over the rest of the land Captains, whose names hereafter follow.  

Captain Anthony Plat.  
Captain john Merchant.  
Captain Edward Winter.  
Captain john Goring.  
Captain Robert Pew.  
Captain George Barton.  
Captain William Cecil.  
Captain Walter Bigs.  
Captain john Hannam.  
Captain Richard Stanton.  
Captain Martin Frobusher Vice-admiral, a man of great experience in sea faring action, and had carried chief charge of many ships himself, in sundry voyages before, being now shipped in the Primrose.  
Captain Francis Knolles, Rieradmirall in the Gallion Leicester.  
Master Thomas Venner Captain in the Elizabeth Bonaduenture under the General.  
Master Edward Winter Captain in the Aid.  
Master Christopher Carleill the Lieutenant general, Captain in the Tigar.  
Henry White Captain of the sea Dragon.  
Thomas Drake Captain of the Thomas.  
Thomas seely Captain of the Minion.  
Bailie Captain of the Bark Talbot.  
Robert Cross Captain of the Bark Bond.  
George Fortescute Captain of the Bark Bonner.  
Edward Careless Captain of the Hope.  
james Erizo Captain of the white Lion.  
Thomas Moon Captain of the Francis.  
john Rivers Captain of the Vantage.  
john Vaughan Captain of the Drake.  
john Varney Captain of the George.  
john Martin Captain of the Benjamin.  
Edward Gilman Captain of the Scout.  
Richard Hawkins Captain of the Galliot called the Duck.  
Bitfield Captain of the Swallow.   
After our going hence, which was the fourteenth of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand five hundred eighty and five: and taking our course towards Spai●e, we had the wind for a few days somewhat scant, and sometimes calm. And being arrived near that part of the coast of Spain, which is called the Mores, we happened to espy diverse sails, which kept their course close by the shore, the weather being fair and calm. The General caused the Vice-admiral to go with the Pinnaces well manned to see what they were, who upon sight of the said pinnaces approaching near unto them, abandoned for the most part all their ships (being Frenchmen) laden all with salt, and bound homewards into France, amongst which ships (being all but of small burden) there was one so well liked, which also had no man in her, as being brought unto the General, he thought good to make stay of her for the service, meaning to pay for her, as was accordingly performed at our return, which bark was called the Drake. The rest of these ships being eight or nine, were dismissed without any thing at all taken from them. We being afterwards put somewhat further off from the shore, by the contrariety of wind, we happened to meet with some other French ships, full laden with Newland fish, being upon their return homeward from the said New found land: whom the General after some speech had with them, and seeing plainly that they were Frenchmen, dismissed without once suffering any man to go aboard of them.  
The day following standing in with the shore again, we descried an other tall ship of twelve score tons or thereabouts, upon whom Master Carleill the Lieutenant general being in the Tiger, undertook the chase, whom also anon after the Admiral followed, and the Tiger having caused the said strange ship to strike her sails, kept her there without suffering any body to go aboard until the Admiral was come up: who forthwith sending for the Master, and diverse others of their principal men, and causing them to be severally examined, found the ship and goods to be belonging to the inhabitants of S. SEBASTIAN in Spain, but the mariners to be for the most part belonging to S. john de LUCE & the passage. In this ship was great store of dry Newland fish, commonly called with us Poor john, whereof afterwards being thus found a lawful prize, there was distribution made into all the ships of the Fleet, the same being so new and good, as it did very greatly bestead us in the whole course of our voyage. A day or two after the taking of this ship, we put in with the Isles of BAYON, for lack of favourable wind, where we had no sooner anckered some part of the Fleet, but the General commanded all the Pinnaces with the ship boats to be manned, and every man to be furnished with such arms as was needful for that present service, which being done, the General put himself into his Galley, which was also well furnished, and rowing towards the City of BAYON, with intent, & the favour of the Almighty to surprise it. Before we had advanced one half league of our way, there came a messenger being an English Merchant from the Governor, to see what strange Fleet we were, who came to our General, and conferred a while with him, and after a small time spent, our General called for Captain Samson, and willed him to go to the Governor of the City, to resolve him of two points. The first, to know if there were any wars between Spain and England. The second why our Merchants with their goods were imbarred or arrested. Thus departed Captain Samson with the said messenger to the city, where he found the Governor and people much amazed of such a sudden accident.  
The General with the advise and counsel of Master Carleill his Lieutenant general, who was in the galley with him, thought not good to make any stand, till such time as they were within shot of the City, where they might be ready upon the return of Captain Samson, to make a sudden attempt if cause did require before it was dark.  
Captain Samson returned with his message in this sort. First, touching peace or wars, the Governor said he knew of no wars, and that it lay not in him to make any, he being so mean a subject as he was. And as for the stay of the Merchants with their goods, it was the king's pleasure, but not with intent to endommage any man. And that the kings conter commandment was (which had been received in that place some seven-night before) that English Merchants with their goods should be discharged: for the more verifying whereof, he sent such Merchants as were in the town of our Nation, who trafficked those parts: which being at large declared to our General by them, counsel was taken what might best be done. And for that the night approached, it was thought needful to land our force, which was done in the shutting up of the day, & having quartered ourselves to our most advantage, with sufficient guard upon every strait, we thought to rest ourselves for that night there. The Governor sent us some refreshing, as bread, wine, oil, apples, grapes, marmalade and such like. About midnight the weather begins to overcast, insomuch that it was thought meeter to repair aboard, then to make any longer abode on land, and before we could recover the Fleet, a great tempest arose, which caused many of our ships to drive from their anchor hold, and some were forced to sea in great peril, as the bark Talbot, the bark Hawkins and the Speedwell, which Speedwell only was driven into England, the others recovered us again, the extremity of the storm lasted three days, which no sooner began to assuage, but Master Carleill our Lieutenant general, was sent with his own ship and three others: as also with the galley and with divers Pinnaces, to see what he might do above VIGO, where he took many boats and some caravels, diversly laden with things of small value, but chief with household stuff, running into the high country, and amongst the rest, he found one boat laden with the principal Church stuff of the high Church of VIGO, where also was their great Cross of silver, of very fair embossed work, and double gilt all over, having cost them a great mass of money. They complained to have lost in all kind of goods above thirty thousand Ducats in this place.  
The next day the General with his whole Fleet went up from the Isles of BAYON, to a very good harbour above VIGO, where Master Carleill stayd his coming, aswell for the more quiet riding of his ships, as also for the good commodity of fresh watering, which the place there did afford full well. In the mean time the Governor of GALLISIA had reared such forces as he might, his numbers by estimate were some two thousand foot, and three hundred horse, & marched from BAYON to this part of the country, which lay in sight of our Fleet, where making stand, he sent to parley with our General, which was granted by our General, so it might be in boats upon the water: and for safety of their persons, there were pledges delivered on both sides, which done, the Governor of GALLISIA put himself with two others into our vice-admiral's skiff, the same having been sent to the shore for him: And in like sort our General in his own skiff, where by them it was agreed, we should furnish ourselves with fresh water, to be taken by our own people quietly on the land, and have all other such necessaries, paying for the same, as the place would afford.  
When all our business was ended, we departed, & took our way by the Islands of CANARIA, which are esteemed some three hundred leagues from this part of Spain, & falling purposely with PALMA, with intention to have taken our pleasure of that place, for the full digesting of many things into order, and the better furnishing our store with such several good things as that affordeth very abundantly, we were forced by the vile sea gate, which at that present fell out, and by the naughtiness of the landing place, being but one, and that under the favour of many Platforms, well furnished with great ordinance, to departed with the receipt of many their Canon shot, some into our ships, and some beside, some of them being in very deed full Canon high. But the only or chief mischief, was the dangerous sea surge, which at shore all alongst, plainly threatened the overthrow of as many Pinnaces and boats, as for that time should have attempted any landing at all.  
Now seeing the expectation of this attempt frustrated by the causes aforesaid, we thought it meeter to fall with the Isle FERRO, to see if we could find any better fortune, and coming to the Island, we landed a thousand men in a valley under a high mountain, where we stayed some two or three hours, in which time the inhabitants, accompanied with a young fellow borne in England, who dwelled there with them, came unto us, showing their state to be so poor, that they were all ready to starve, which was not untrue: and therefore without any thing gotten, we were all commanded presently to embark, so as that night we put off to sea South Southeast along towards the coast of Barbary.  
Upon Saturday in the morning, being the thirteenth of November, we fell with Cape Blank, which is a low land & shallow water, where we catched store of fish, & doubling the Cape, we put into the Bay, where we found certain French ships of war, whom we entertained with great courtesy, and there left them. The after noon the whole Fleet assembled, which was a little scattered about their fishing, & put from thence to the Isles of Cape Verde, sailing till the sixteenth of the same month in the morning, on which day we descried the Island of S. IAGO, and in the evening we anckered the Fleet between the town called the PLAY or PRAY and S. IAGO, where we put on shore a thousand men or more, under the leading of Master Christopher Carleill Lieutenant General, who directed the service most like a wise commander. The place where we had first to march did afford no good order, for the ground was mountains and full of dales, being a marvelous stony & troublesome passage, but such was his industrious disposition, as he would never leave, until we had gotten up to a fair plain, where we made stand for the assembling of the Army. And when we were all gathered together upon the plain, some two little miles from the town, the Lieutenant general thought good not to make attempt till day light: because there was not one that could serve for guide or giving knowledge at all of the place. And therefore after having well rested, even half an hour before day, he commanded the Army to be divided into three special parts, such as he appointed, whereas before we had marched by several companies, being thereunto forced by the naughtiness of the way as is aforesaid.  


Saint jago.  A 
The place where the whole Fleet first anchored.  B 
The place where the Pinnaces and Shipboates did set the soldiers on shore, which might be some five miles from the town of S. jago.  C 
The way which the army did pass over the mountains.  D 
A l●rge plain and place where the army was martialled in order of battel●, and so marched towards the town.  E 
A troop of shot sent before the vanguard to discover.  F 
A troop of shot belonging to the vanguard, and was lead a little before the squadron of pikes of the said vanguard.  G 
The squadron of pikes which had the vanguard, which squadron with the troops of shot belonging unto it consisted of three companies.  H 
Two troops of shot which marched as the right wing or flank of the vanguard.  I 
Two troops of shot marching on the left wing or flank of the vanguard.  K 
A troop of shot being also of the vanguard and followed the pikes.  L 
The first troop of shot belonging to the battle, and is the lesser of the twain that march before, appointed expressly to discover and to take knowledge of any thing before.  M 
The second troop of shot being the greater belonging to the main battle, and marched next before the same.  N 
Troops of shot belonging to the main battle.  O 
The great squadron of pikes which carried the place of main battle, which with the troops of shot belonging unto it, consisted of four companies of one hundred and fifty men to each ensign.  P 
The squadron of pikes which made the riergard, which with the troops of shot thereunto belonging, consisted of th●ee ensigns or companies.  Q 
Troops of shot belonging to the riergard.  R 
A place fortified without the town of Saint jago, by the which we entered the same being upon a high hill or mountain, and easily overlooking all the town, unto the which town● from thence there lieth a way by that sloping part of the hill which 〈◊〉 towards the sea, but the rest of the said town lieth in a low bottoms a valley between two hills and the hills being cliffed on both sides of ●●e said valley which valley continueth a great way up into the country● in the which valley doth grow many pleasant fruits, which are warred at pleasure by means of a small fine brook of running water issuing out of the mountains of the Island country.  S 
The valley aforesaid wherein do grow ●●th many excellent herbs and sundry most delicate fruits, as Dates Cochus' nuts, Planten●, Oranges, Lemon●, Sugercanes and divers owers.  T 
The market place.  V 
The Church.  X 
The middle platform, standing to the s●warde furnished with very good artillery.  Y 
The platform on the west part of the town furnished in like sor●  Z 
The platform on the East part well planted with great ordinance as the rest.  AA 
A place upon the height of the mountain standing on the west side of the valley, and was fortified as the other over against it by the which we entered.  BB 
A little Chapel that stood on the point of land on the West side of Saint jago.  CC 
The town people being Portugeses and flying from thence.  DD 
The way which we marched into the country towards the village called Saint Domingo, where it was said the Bishop and governors were fled, but upon our approach thitherwards, they also fled from thence before us.  EE 
The village of Saint Domingo being twelve English miles, that is, six leagues of France distant from Saint jago into the heart of the Island country.  FF 
The town of Prayo standing by the sea side, which upon our going away was burned with fire as the town of Saint jago was.  GG 
The purtraicture of a flying fish, drawn very like to the living fish, whereof we saw great store, and had many by falling into the ships, for they fly not above ten or twelve score paces and so fall into the sea again, out of the which they rise & take their flight commonly in flocks together when they be hardly chased, and even ready to be devoured of the Dolphin and a fish called Bonito. This picture of the flying fish is well nigh as big as the living fish, of which kind there hath not been seen any in my knowledge to carry above double the length of this pictured fish.    
Thus we continued in the city the space of fourteen days, taking such spoils as the place yielded, which were for the most part, wine, oil, meal, and some other such like things for victual, as vinegar, olives & some other trash, as merchandise for their Indian trades. But there was not found any treasure at all, or any thing else of worth beside.  
The situation of Saint IAGO is somewhat strange in form like to a triangle, having on the East and West sides two mountains of Rock and cliffy, as it were hanging over it, upon the top of which two mountains was builded certain fortifications to preserve the town from any harm that might be offered. From thence on the South side of the town is the main sea, and on the North side, the valley lying between the foresaid mountains, wherein the town standeth: the said valley and town both do grow very narrow, insomuch that the space between the two cliffs of this end of the town is estimated not to be above ten or twelve score over.  
In the midst of the valley cometh down a riveret, rill, or brook of fresh water, which hard by the sea side maketh a pond or pool, whereout our ships were watered with very great ease and pleasure. Somewhat above the town on the North side between the two mountains, the valley wageth somewhat larger than at the towns end, which valley is wholly converted into gardens and orchards well replenished with divers sorts of fruits, herbs & trees, as lemons, oranges, sugar canes, cochars or cochos nuts, plantens, potato roots, cocombers, small and round onions, garlic, and some other things not now remembered, amongst which the cochos nuts and plantens are very pleasant fruits, the said cochos having a hard shell and a green husk over it, as hath our walnut, but it far exceedeth in greatness, for this cochos in this green husk is bigger than any man's two fists, of the hard shell many drinking cups are made here in England, and set in silver as I have often seen.  
Next within this hard shell is a white rind resembling in show very much even as any thing may do, to the white of an egg when it is hard boiled. And within this white of the nut lieth a water, which is whitish and very clear, to the quantity of half a pint or thereabouts, which water and white rind before spoken of, are both of a very cool fresh taste, and as pleasing as anything may be. I have heard some hold opinion, that it is very restorative.  
The plantain groweth in cods, somewhat like to beans, but is bigger and longer, and much more thick together on the stalk, and when it waxeth ripe, the meat which filleth the rind of the cod becometh yellow, and is exceeding sweet and pleasant.  
In this time of our being there, happened to come a Portugal to the Westermost fort, with a flag of truce, to whom Captain Samson was sent with Captain Goring, who coming to the said Messenger, he first asked them what nation they were, they answered Englishmen, he then required to know if wars were between England & Spain, to which they answered that they knew not, but if he would go to their General he could best resolve him of such particulars, and for his assurance of passage and repassage, these Captains made offer to engage their credits, which he refused for that he was not sent from his Governor. Then they told him, if his Governor did desire to take a course for the common benefit of the people and country, his best way were to come & present himself unto our Noble and merciful Governor Sir Frances Drake: whereby he might be assured to find favour, both for himself and the inhabitants. Otherwise within three days we should march over the land, and consume with fire all inhabited places, and put to the sword all such living souls as we should chance upon: so thus much he took for the conclusion of his answer, and departing, he promised to return the next day, but we never heard more of him.  
Upon the four and twentieth of November, the General accompanied with the Lieutenant general and six hundred men, marched forth to a village twelve miles within the land, called S. DOMINGO, where the Governor and the Bishop with all the better sort were lodged, and by eight of the clock we came to it, finding the place abandoned, & the people fled into the mountains: so we made stand a while to ease ourselves, and partly to see if any would come to speak to us. After we had well rested ourselves, the General commanded the troops to march away homewards, in which retreat the enemy showed themselves, both horse & foot, though not such force as durst encounter us: and so in passing some time at the gaze with them, it waxed late and towards night, before we could recover home to S. IAGO.  
On Monday the six & twentieth of November, the General commanded all the Pinnaces with the boats, to use all diligence to embark the Army into such ships as every man belonged. The Lieutenant general in like sort commanded Captain Goring and Lieutenant Tucker, with one hundred shot to make a stand in the market place, until our forces were wholly embarked, the Vice-admiral making stay with his Pinnace and certain boats in the harbour, to bring the said last company aboard the ships. Also the General willed forthwith the Galley with two Pinnaces to take into them the company of Captain Barton, and the company of Captain Bigs, under the leading of Captain Samson, to seek out such munition as was hidden in the ground, at the town of PRAY or PLAY, having been promised to be showed it by a prisoner, which was taken the day before. The Captains aforesaid coming to the PLAY, landed their men, and having placed the troop in their best strength, Captain Samson took the prisoner, and willed him to show that he had promised, ●he which he could not, or at least would not: but they searching all suspected places, found two pieces of ordinance one of iron, an other of brass. In the afternoon the General anckered the rest of the Fleet before the PLAY, coming himself a shore, willing us to burn the town and make all haste a board, the which was done by six of the clock the same day, and ourselves embarked again the same night, and so we put off to sea south-west.  
But before our departure from the town of S. IAGO, we established orders for the better government of the army, every man mustered to his Captain, and oaths ministered to acknowledge her Majesty supreme Governor, as also every man to do his uttermost endeavour to advance the service of the action, and to yield due obedience unto the directions of the General and his officers. By this provident counsel, and laying down this good foundation before hand, all things went forward in a due course, to the achieving of our happy enterprise.  
In all the time of our being here, neither the Governor for the king of Spain, which is a Portugal, neither the Bishop, whose authority is great, neither any of the inhabitants of the town or Island ever came at us (which we expectected they should have done) to entreat us to leave them some part of their needful provisions, or at the least, to spare the ruining of their town at the going away. The cause of this their unreasonable distrust (as I do take it) was the fresh remembrance of the great wrongs they had done to old Master William Hawkins of Plymouth, in the voyage he made four or five years before, when as they did both break their promise, and murdered many of his men, whereof I judge you have understood, and therefore needless to be here repeated. But since they came not at us, we left written in sundry places, as also in the Spittle house (which building was only appointed to be spared) the great discontentment and scorn we took at this their refraining to come unto us, as also at the rude manner of killing, and savage kind of handling the dead boy of one of our boys, found by them straggling all alone, from whom they had taken his head and his heart, and had straggled the other bowels about the place, in a most brutish and most beastly manner.  
In revenge whereof at our departing we consumed with fire all the houses, aswell in the country which we saw, as in the town of S. IAGO.  
From hence putting over to the West Indies, we were not many days at sea, but there began amongst our people such mortality, as in few days there were dead above two or three hundred men. And until some seven or eight days after our coming from S. IAGO, there had not died any one man of sickness in all the Fleet: the sickness showed not his infection wherewith so many were strooken, until we were departed thence, and then seized our people with extreme hot burning and continual ague, whereof some very few escaped with life, and yet those for the most part not without great alteration and decay of their wits and strength for a long time after. In some that died were plainly showed the small spots, which are often found upon those that be infected with the plague, we were not above eighteen days in passage between the sight of Saint IAGO aforesaid, and the Island of DOMINICA, being the first Island of the West Indies that we fell wi●ha●l, the same being inhabited with savage people, which go all naked, their skin coloured with some painting of a reddish tawny, very personable and handsome strong men, who do admit little conversation with the Spaniards: for as some of our people might understand them, they had a Spaniard or twain prisoners with them, neither do I think that there is any safety for any of our nation, or any other to be within the limits of their commandment, albeit they used us very kindly for those few hours of time which we spent with them, helping our folks to fill and carry on their bare shoulders fresh water from the river to our ships boats, and fetching from their houses, great store of Tobacco, as also a kind of bread, which they fed on, called Cassado, very white and savoury, made of the roots of Cassania. In recompense whereof, we bestowed liberal rewards of glass, coloured beads and other things, which we had found at Saint IAGO, wherewith (as it seemed) they rested very greatly satisfied, and showing some sorrowful countenance when they perceived that we would departed.  
From hence we went to another Island Westward of it, called Saint CHRISTOPHER'S Island, wherein we spent some days of Christmas, to refresh our sick people, and to cleanse and air our ships. In which Island were not any people at all that we could hear of.  
In which time by the General it was advised and resolved, with the consent of the Lieutenant general, the Vice-admiral, and all the rest of the Captains to proceed to the great Island of HISPANIOLA, as well for that we knew ourselves then to be in our best strength, as also the rather alured thereunto, by the glorious fame of the City of S. DOMINGO, being the ancientest and chief inhabited place in all that tract of country there abouts. And so proceeding in this determination, by the way we met with a small Frigate, bound for the same place, the which the Vice-admiral took, and having duly examined the men that were in her, there was one found by whom we were advertised, the haven to be a barred haven, and the shore or land thereof to be well fortified, having a Castle thereupon furnished with great store of artillery, without the danger whereof, was no convenient landing place with ten English miles of the City, to which the said Pilot took on him to conduct us.  


Saint Domingo.  A 
Fires made by the Spaniards dwelling in the Country upon sight of our ships, to give notice unto those of the Town.  B 
The place where our Pinnaces & Shipboates landed our soldiers, which might be some ten miles from the city of Saint Domingo.  C 
A woody way which our Army marched along the country, to the city of Saint Domingo the same being a beaten broad high way.  D 
A large pl●●● and place where the Army was martialled into order of b●ttel●, and so marched towards the city.  E 
A tro●pe of shot sent before the vanguard to discover.  F 
A troop of shot belonging to the vanguard, and was lead a little before the squadron of pikes of the said vanguard.  G 
The squadron of pikes which had the vanguard, which squadron with the troops of shot belonging unto it● consi●●ed of three companies.  H 
Two troops of shot which marched as the right wing or flank of the vanguard.  I 
Two troops of shot marching as the le●t wing or frank of the vanguard.  K 
A Troop of shot being also o● the v●tgard, & followed the pikes.  L 
The first troop of shot belonging to the battle, and is the lesser of the twain that march before● appointed expressly to discover and to take knowledge of any thing before.  M 
The soland troop of shot being the greater belonging to the main battle and marched next before the same.  N 
Troops of shot belonging to the main battle.  O 
The great squadron of pikes which carried the place of main battle, which with the troops of shot belonging unto it consisted of four Companies o● 150. men to each company or there about.  P 
The squadron of pikes which made the riergard, which with the troops of shot thereunto belonging, consisted of three ensigns or companies.  Q 
Troops of shot belonging to the riergard.  R 
The gate where M. Car●eill the Lieutenant General entered with his companies, where was placed and discharged against us three pieces of ordinance.  S 
The gate where Captain powel entered with the vanguard.  T 
A great drove of kine and oxen of a huge bigness, which the enemy had driven upon us to p●t us out of order, that then their horsemen might the better assail us.  V 
Two troops of horsemen of the enemy, which sometime charged our vanguard, but were quickly made to retire.  X 
Two troops of Spaniards which sometime we saw in sight.  Y 
A troop of shot of the enemy which lay in ambush, and discharged their volley of shot upon us hard by the gate where the Lieutenant General with his troops entered the city pel● mell with them.  Z 
The place where the whole Fl●ete anckered.  AA 
The market place of the city.  BB 
The great church being very finely built & sumtuously furnished.  CC 
The castle wherein they had planted some 50. pieces of ordinance which commanded all the harbour, as well to seaward as also to the inward part thereof, being walled about with freestone, and was kept by the Spaniards after the town was lo●t the space of twelve hours, until they saw us ready to enter it by force, and they fled over the river by little boats.  DD 
Ships which they purposely drowned in the mouth of the harbour, because our Fleet should not enter into the said harbour.  EE 
A goodly great Galley which the Spaniards had in their harbour which at our departure from the city we burned.  FF 
Ships of the Spaniard● in the inner harbour, which upon our departure we consumed with fire.  GG 
Gardens which were very pleasant being very full of many excellent sorts of fruits, which belonged to the indwellers of the city.  HH 
A Friary on the top of a hill called Saint Barbara.  TWO 
The way which a messenger went from the General up into the country to the Lord Precedent of Saint Domingo, being some 12. miles distant fro● the city.  KK 
A place called the white Tower.  LL 
A strange beas● drawn after the life, & is called by our English mariners Aliga●ta, by the Spaniards Ca●man, which liveth both at sea and land, he watcheth the Tortoise when she layeth eggs, & when the Tortoise is gone from them he will hunt them out, & devour them all that he findeth. He hath been seen by the Spaniards to take hold of an ox or cow by the tail and so to draw them forcibly into the sea, and there devour them: & so likewise a man whom he hath surprised a sleep or otherwise at unwares: for it he be in time espied a man may well escape by flight, for he runneth not so fast as a man, but with pieces & pikes we killed many in desolate Islands and eat them, whose flesh is most like to veal in sight, but the old are somewhat rammish in taste: the young of half growth are very special good meat, his back is well armed with a strong scale, but his belly soft, and between the forlegge and the body is the best place to strike him with a pike, they are of eight or nine foot long and some less, his back of a darkish grey colour, his belly whitish yellow.  MM 
A Tortoise is a fi●h that liveth in the sea, but cometh to the land to lay his eggs in breeding time, and going upon her sins which are strong and tough, cometh to the sand some 40. or 50. paces from the sea, there with her sore sins scrapeth a hole in the sand, and so turning her hinder part in the said hole layeth her eggs, which at one time are about on● hundred, and so scraping the sand over the eggs again to hide them goeth her way to the sea and never cometh again, the eggs by the heat of the sun are in a due time hatched, and the young go presently to the sea one following of an other, with whom i● the A●●garta do meet, he devoureth them one after an other as they come. This Tortoises flesh is good meat, & is like unto beef both in taste and show, the eggs are also very good, saving that they have a little rammish taste (as to me seemeth) but many others liked them well, the scale of the back which is but one shell is about three foot long, and two foot and a half broad, whereof many are used for targets against arrows, or any other edged weapon. In the Islands of Ca●nanes we killed a hundred in two nights, where we killed also many Aligartas aforesaid, & therewith refreshed our people greatly. The Tortoise in the night coming up to lay eggs as is aforesaid, is watched by us, who purposely walking along by the sea side, as soon as we can espy them on land either going up or coming down, we run to take hold of them, who runneth but slowly, and so overturn them by the side of the back shell, and lay them o● their backs, and so leaving them go on to seek more until the morning, and then gather them all together, for they can not possibly turn themselves on their belly again, the back is blackish, the belly hath also a scale, but it is softer than the b●cke, and yellow of colour, and between the two shells they will draw in their head and feet as it were between t●o boards, when they be afraid of any thing.    
Their ordinance had no sooner discharged upon our near approach, and made some execution amongst us, though not much, but the Lieutenant general began forthwith to advance both his voice of encoragment and pace of marching, the first man that was slain with the ordinance being very near unto himself, and thereupon hasted all that he might to keep them from the reaching of the ordinance. And notwithstanding their Ambuscadoes, we marched or rather ran so roundly into them, as pell-mell we entered the gates with them, and gave them more care every man to save himself by flight, than reason to stand any longer to their broken fight, we forthwith repaired to the market place, but to be more truly understood a place of very fair spacious square ground before the great Church, whither also came as had been agreed, Captain powel with the other troup, which place with some part next unto it we strengthened with Barricado's, & there as the most convenient place assured ourselves, the City being far too spacious for so small and weary a troup to undertake to guard. Somewhat after midnight they who had the guard of the Castle, hearing us busy about the gates of the said Castle, abandoned the same, some being taken prisoners, and some flying away by the help of boats, to the other side of the haven, and so into the country.  
The next day we quartered a little more at large, but not in the half part of the town, and so making substantial trenches, and planting all the ordinance, that each part was correspondent to other, we held this town the space of one month.  
In the which time happened some accidents more than are well remembered for the present, but amongst other things it chanced that the General sent on his message to the Spaniards a negro boy with a flag of white, signifying truce as is the Spaniards ordinary manner to do there, when they approach to speak with us, which boy unhappily was first met withal, by some of those who had been belonging as officers for the king in the Spanish galley, which with the town was lately fallen into our hands, who without all order or reason, & contrary to that good usage wherewith we had entertained their messengers, furiously struck the poor boy through the body with one of their horsemen's staves, with which wound the boy returned to the General, and after he had declared the manner of this wrongful cruelty, died forthwith in his presence, wherewith the General being greatly passioned, commanded the Provost martial, to cause a couple of Friars, than prisoners, to be carried to the same place where the boy was strooken, accompanied with sufficient guard of our soldiers, and ther● presently to be hanged, dispatching at the same instant another poor prisoner, with this reason wherefore this execution was done, and with this message further, that until the party who had thus murdered the General's messenger, were delivered into our hands, to receive condign punishment, there should no day pass, wherein there should not two prisoners be hanged, until they were all consumed which were in our hands.  
Whereupon the day following, he that had been Captain of the king's galley, brought ●he offendor to the towns end, offering to deliver him into our hands, but it was thought a more honourable revenge, to make them there in our sight, to perform the execution themselves, which was done accordingly.  
During our being in this town, as formerly also ●t S. IAGO there had passed justice upon the life of one of our own company for an odious matter: so here likewise was there an Irish man hanged, for the murdering of his Corporal.  
In this time also passed many treaties between their commissioners and us, for ransom of their City, but upon disagreements, we still spent the early mornings in firing the outmost houses: but they being built very magnificently of stone, with high lofts, gave us no small travel to ruin them. And albeit for divers days together, we ordained each morning by day break, until the heat began at nine of the clock, that two hundred mariners did nought else but labour to fire and burn the said houses without our trenches, whilst the soldiers in a like proportion stood forth for their guard: yet did we not or could not in this time consume so much as one third part of the town. And so in the end, what wearied with firing, and what hastened by some other respects, we were content to accept of five and twenty thousand Ducats, of five shillings six pence the piece, for the ransom of the rest of the town. Amongst other things which happened and were found at S. DOMINGO, I may not omit to let the world know one very notable mark and token, of the unsatiable ambition of the Spanish King and his nation, which was found in the king's house, wherein the chief Governor of that City and country is appointed always to lodge, which was this. In the coming to the hall or other rooms of this house, you must first ascend up by a fair large pair of stairs, at the head of which stairs is a handsome spacious place to walk in, somewhat like unto a gallery, wherein upon one of the walls, right over against you as you enter the said place, so as your eye can not escape the sight of it, there is described & painted in a very large Scutcheon, the arms of the king of Spain, & in the lower part of the said Scutcheon, there is likewise described a globe, containing in it the whole circuit of the sea and the earth, whereupon is a horse standing on his hinder part within the globe, and the other fore part without the globe, lifted up as it were to leap, with a scroll painted in his mouth, wherein was written these words in Latin NON SUFFICIT ORBIS: which is as much to say, as the world sufficeth not, whereof the meaning was required to be known of some of those of the better sort, that came in commission to treat upon the ransom of the town, who would shake their heads, and turn aside their countenance in some smiling sort, without answering any thing, as greatly ashamed thereof. For by some of our company it was told them, that if the Queen of England would resolutely prosecute the wars against the king of Spain, he should be forced to lay aside that proud and unreasonable reaching vain of his, for he should find more then enough to do, to keep that which he had already, as by the present example of their lost town they might for a beginning perceive well enough.  
Now to the satisfying of some men, who marvel greatly that such a famous & goodly builded City so well inhabited of gallant people, very bravely appareled (whereof our soldiers found good store for their relief) should afford no greater riches than was found there, wherein it is to be understood that the Indian people, which were the naturals of this whole Island of HISPANIOLA (the same being near hand as great as England) were many years ●ince clean consumed by the tyranny of the Spaniards, which was cause, that for lack of people to work in the Mines, the gold & silver Mines of this Island are wholly given over, and thereby they are feign in this Island to use copper money, whereof was found very great quantity. The chief trade of this place consisteth of sugar & ginger, which groweth in the Island, and of hides of oxen and kine, which in this waste country of the Island are bred in infinite numbers, the soil being very fertile: and the said beasts are fed up to a very large growth, & so killed for nothing so much, as for their hides aforesaid. We found here great store of strong wine, sweet oil, vinegar, olives and other such like provisions, as excellent wheat meal packed up in wine pipes and other cask, and other commodities likewise, as woollen and linen cloth, and some silks, all which provisions are brought out of Spain and served us for great relief. There was but little plate or vessel of silver, in comparison of the great pride in other things of this town, because in these hot countries they use much of these earthen dishes finely painted or varnished, which they call Parsellina, and is had out of the East India, and for their drinking, they use glasses altogether, whereof they make excellent good and fair in the same place. But yet some plate we found, and many other good things, as their household garniture very gallant and rich, which had cost them dear, although unto us they were of small importance.  
From S. DOMINGO we put over to the main or firm land, and going all alongst the coast, we came at the last in sight of CARTAGENA, standing upon the sea side, so near as some of our barks in passing alongst, approached within the reach of their Culverin shot, which they had planted upon certain platforms. The harbour mouth lay some five miles to the Westward of the town, wherinto we entered about three or four of the clock in the after noon without any resistance, or ordinance or other impeachment planted upon the same. In the evening we put ourselves on land towards the harbour mouth, 〈◊〉 the leading of Master Carleill our Lieutenant general, who after he had digested us to march forward about the midnight, as easily as foot might fall, expressly commanding to keep close by the sea wash of the shore for our best and surest way, whereby we were like to go through, and not to miss any more of the way, which once we had lost within an hour after our first beginning to march, through the slender knowledge of him that took upon him to be our guide, whereby the night spent on, which otherwise must have been done by resting. But as we came within two miles of the town, their horsemen which w●re some hundred, met us, and taking the Alarm, retired to their towneward again upon the first volley of our shot that was given them: for the place where we encountered being woody and bushy even to the water side, was unmeet for their service.  


Cartagena.  A 
The place where the whole Fleet first anckered.  B 
The place where the Pinnaces and Shipboats did set the soldiers on shore● which might be some four or five miles distant from the to●ne of Cartagena.  C 
The way which our Army marched along the sea side towards the town●.  D 
Small sticks in great numbers of half a yard long being sharp pointed at both ends, the one end being thrust into the ground in the common high way as we should have marched, & the other ends sticking upwards, & as it were been against us, and were all dressed with a most villainous and mortal poison: so as it did but break the skin of any part of a man either in the leg or otherwise, there was no remedy to be had to preserve his life. But the direction which was given us by Master C●rleill Lieutenant general to march close by the sea side, was cause that very few of our men wer● touched with them.  E 
The troop of pikes as 〈◊〉 which had the vanguard of our Arm●.  F 
A Fortification ●uilt of stone work clean over the nacke of the land, very orderly done each part answering and flancking the other, having a ditch or trench without it, and within were five pieces of great ordinance, sakers and demiculuerins, which did beat right in front upon our approach, and within the said wall for the guard thereof were also three hundred men, pikes and shot, the said neck of land being but fifty paces over from one sea water to the other.  G 
Two great Galleys which were within the haven, were placed as you see without the stone wall aforesaid, of purpose to beat cross the strait of land: and so to flank us in our approach, in which Galleys were planted eleven pieces of ordinance and 400. soldiers, which of ordinary did belong unto them & were all small shot, which ordinance & final shot as well on land as in the Galleys, was wonderfully employed that it was strange to hear the same. But God who hath appointed the means, preserved our troops above all expectation: for by the direction which was given by Master Carleill the Leiutenaunt General to march close by the sea side, which was also lower than all the rest of the ground and by the advantage of the darkness, the day light being not as yet broken forth, we escaped the most danger of all their thundering, and made our approach with v●ry s●all loss to speak of. And so finding at one end of this Fortifica●tion a little place for their horses to sally, which was also made up with a good Barikado of wine pipes filled with earth, we attempted the same, and finding our pikes longer than theirs, our bodies better armed, and our minds more resolutely prepared, we plucked the same do●ne with our hands to the ground, and will they nill, we entered perforce, in which fight the Captain of the place being a very gallant parsonage, was first hurt and then taken prisoner, and almost all his officers slain, with divers others of his company.  H 
A great Galleass well furnished with ordinance, which she implo●ed as well as she might, but not to any purpose because she could not come so near the shore, which was not deep enough of water for her.  I 
The Spaniards flying away after our entry into the Fortification aforesaid, and having quickly afterwards lost their town also, they passed through the s●me, and by the bridge on the other side do take their ●light into the country.  K 
Certain Pinnaces of ours which entertained a little skirmish with the fort of the haven, but returned to the Fleet without being able to do any matter of importance.  L 
The Fort which kept the inner haven, which was built of fair free stone, and had in it both good store of ordinance and men to defend it, but it was abandoned the day after we had won the town, upon intelligence they had gotten of an attempt which was intended against it the same night following.  M 
The place where the two Galleys were burned.  N 
The place where our Fleet anckered the second time, which was after the town was won.  O 
Ships of theirs which we burned.  P 
The market place of the town.  Q 
The Church which was newly builded of very fair stone work which by us was much reined again, by a chance in shooting a piece of ordinance at the setting of the watch, the bullet whereof being a great culverin or rather a demi-canon, happening to take the top of a main pillar, made one part after an other to fall down.  R 
A bridge by the which the Spaniards took their flight into the country after they had lost their town.  S 
The place where our ships ancke●ed the third time being upon our departure.  T 
An Island wherein is planted as is in an orchard a great number of delicate fruits, more than can be well remembered, as Oranges, Lemons, Plantens, Mamey, Apples, Sugercanes. etc. In the said Island is also a very great well of fresh water, where we furnished the whole Feet of fresh water.  V 
A beast called a Guana bearing this shape and fashion as is here truly purtraicted, it liveth on the land in the woods and desert places, and is caught by the savage or Indian people who sell them to the Spaniards, they are of a sad green colour, and their body of the bigness of a cony, they are eaten by the Indians and Spaniardes● and so likewise by us for a very delicate meat, in the breeding t●me the female is full of eggs in great number, and they of all the rest are esteemed the most delicate.  X 
Two lakes of standing water being brackish.    
The troops being now in their march half a mile behither the town or less, the ground we were on grew to be strait, and not above fifty paces over, having the main sea on the one side of it, and the harbour water or inner sea (as you may term it) on the other side. This strait was fortified clean over with a stone wall and a ditch without it, the said wall being as orderly built with flanking in every part, as can be set down. There was only so much of this strait unwalled, as might serve for the issuing of the horsemen, or the passing of carriage in time of need: but this unwalled part was not w●●●out a very good Barricado of wine butts or pipes, filled with earth, full and thick as they might stand on end one by other, some part of them standing even within the main sea.  
This place of strength was furnished of six great pieces, demi-Culverins and Sakers, which shot directly in front upon us as we approached. Now without this wall upon the inner side of the strait, they had brought likewise two great galleys with their prowess to the shore, having planted in them eleven pieces of ordinance which did beat all cross the strait, and flanked our coming on. In these two galleys were planted three or four hundred small shot, and on the land in the guard only of this place three hundred shot and pikes.  
They in this their full readiness to receive us, spared not their shot both great and small. But our Lieutenant general, taking the advantage of the dark (the day light as yet not broken out) approached by the lowest ground, according to the express direction which himself had formerly given, the same being the sea wash shore, where the water was somewhat fallen, so as most of all their shot was in vain. Our Lieutenant general commanded our shot to forbear shooting until we were come to the wall side, & so with pikes roundly together we approached the place, where we soon found out the Barricadoes of pipes or butts, to be the meetest place for our assault, which notwithstanding it was well furnished with pikes and shot, was without staying attempted by us: down went the butts of earth, and pell-mell came our sword and pikes together, after our shot had first given their volley, even at the enemy's nose. Our pikes were somewhat longer than theirs, and our bodies better armed, for very few of them were armed, with which advantage our sword and pikes grew to hard for them, and they driven to give place. In this furious entry, the Lieutenant general slew with his own hands, the chief ensign bearer of the Spaniards, who fought very manfully to his lives end.  
We followed into the town with them, and giving them no leisure to breath, we wan the market place, albeit they made head, and fought a while before we got it, and so we being once seized and assured of that, they were content to suffer us to lodge within their town, and themselves to go to their wives, whom they had carried into other places of the country before our coming thither.  
At every streets end they had raised very fine Barricadoes of earth works, with trenches without them, as well made as ever we saw any work done: at the entering whereof was some little resistance, but soon overcome, it was with few slain or hurt. They had joined with them many Indians, whom they had placed in corners of advantage, all bow men, with their arrows most villainously empoisoned, so as if they did but break the skin, the party so touched died without great marvel: some they slew of our people with their arrows, some they likewise mischieved to death with certain pricks or small sticks sharply pointed, of a foot and a half long, the one end put into the ground, the other empoisoned, sticking fast up, right against our coming in the way, as we should approach from our landing towards the town, whereof they had planted a wonderful number in the ordinary way, but our keeping the sea wash shore, miss the greatest part of them very happily.  
To overpass many particular matters, as the hurting of Captain Samson at sword blows in the first entering, unto whom was committed the charge of the pikes of the Vanguard by his lot and turn, as also of the taking of Alonso Bravo the chief commander of that place by Captain Goring, after the said Captain had first hurt him with his sword, unto which Captain was committed the charge of the shot of the said Vanguard.  
Captain Winter was likewise by his turn of the Vanguard in this attempt, where also the Lieutenant general marched himself, the said Captain Winter through a great desire to serve by land, having now exchanged his charge by sea with Captain Cecil for his band of footmen.  
Captain powel the Sergeant mayor had by his turn, the charge of the four companies which made the battle.  
Captain Morgan, who at S. DOMINGO was of the Vanguard, had now by turn his charge upon the companies of the Riergard.  
Every man aswell of one part as of another, came so willingly on to ●he service, as the enemy was not able to endure the fury of such hot assault. We stayed here six weeks, & the sickness with mortality before spoken of, still continuing among us, though not with the same fury as at the first, and such as were touched with the said sickness, escaping death, very few or none almost could recover again their strength, yea many of them were much decayed in their memor●e, insomuch that it was grown an ordinary judgement, when one was heard to speak foolishly, to say he had been sick of the Calentour, which is the Spanish name of their burning ague: for as I told you before, it is a very burning & pestilent ague. The original cause thereof, is imputed to the evening or first night air which they term La serona, wherein they say and hold very firm opinion, that who so is then abroad in the open air, shall certainly be infected to the death, not being of the Indian or natural race of those country people: our people by holding their watch, were thus subjecteth to the infectious air, which at S. IAGO was most dangerous and deadly of all other places.  
With this inconvenience of continual mortality, we were forced to give over our intended enterprise, to go with NOMBRE DE DIOS, and so overland to PANNANIA, where we should have strooken the stroke for the treasure, and full recompense of our tedious travails. And thus at CARTAGENA we took our first resolution to return homewards.  
But while we were yet there, it happened one day, that our watch called the Sentinel, upon the Church steeple, had discovered in the sea a couple of small barks or boats, making in with the harbour of CARTAGENA, wherepon Captain Moon and Captain Varney, with john Grant the Master of the Tiger, and some other seamen, embarked themselves in a couple of small Pinnaces, to take them before they should come near the shore, at the mouth of the harbour, lest by some straggling Spaniards from the land, they might be warned by signs from coming in, which fell out accordingly, notwithstanding all the diligence that our men could use: for the Spanish boats, upon the sight of our Pinnaces coming towards them, ran themselves a shore, and so their men presently hid themselves in the bushes hard by the sea side, amongst some others that had called them by signs thither. Our men presently without any due regard had to the quality of the place, and seeing no man of the Spaniards to show themselves, aboorded the Spanish barks or boats, and so standing all open in them, were suddenly shot at by a troup of Spaniards out of the bushes, by which volley of shot there were slain Captain Varney, who died presently, and Captain Moon, who died some few days after, besides some four or five others that were hurt: & so our folks returned without their purpose, not having any sufficient number of soldiers, with them to fight on shore. For those men they carried were all mariners to row, few of them armed, because they made account with their ordinance to have taken the barks well enough at sea, which they might full easily have done, without any loss at all, if they had come in time to the harbour mouth, before the Spaniards boats had gotten so near the shore.  
During our abode in this place, as also a S. DOMINGO, there passed diverse courtesies between us and the Spaniards, as feasting, and using them with all kindness and favour: so as amongst others there came to see the General, the Governor of CARTAGENA, with the Bishop of the same, and diverse other Gentlemen of the better sort.  
This town of CARTAGENA we touched in the out parts, and consumed much with fire, as we had done S. DOMINGO upon discontentments, and for want of agreeing with us in their first treaties touching their ransom, which at the last was concluded between us, should be a hundred and ten thousand Ducats for that which was yet standing, the Ducat valued at five shillings six pence sterling.  
This town (though not half so big as S. DOMINGO) gives as you see, a far greater ransom, being in very deed of far more importance, by reason of the excellency of the harbour, and the fit situation thereof, to serve the trade of NOMBRE DE DIOS and other places, and is inhabited with far more rich merchants. The other is chief inhabited with Lawyers and brave Gentlemen, being the chief or highest appeal of their suits in law of all the Islands about it, and of the main land coast next unto it. And it is of no such account as CARTAGENA, for these and some other like reasons, which I could give you, over long to be now written.  
The warning which this town received of our coming towards them, from S. DOMINGO, by the space of twenty days before our arrival hither, was cause that they had both fortified & every way prepared for their best defence. As also that they had carried & conveyed away all their treasure and principal substance.  
The ransom of an hundred and ten thousand Ducats thus concluded on, as is aforesaid, the same being written, & expressing for nothing more than the town of CARTAGENA, upon the payment of the said ransom, we left the said town, and drew some part of our soldiers into the Priory or Abbey, standing a quarter of an English mile below the town upon the harbour water side, the same being walled with a wall of stone, which we told the Spaniards was yet ours, and not redeemed by their composition: whereupon they finding the defect of their contract, were content to enter into another ransom for all places, but specially for the said house, as also the block house or Castle, which is upon the mouth of the inner harbour. And when we asked as much for the one as for the other, they yielded to give a thousand crowns for the Abbey, leaving us to take our pleasure upon the block house, which they said they were not able to ransom, having stretched themselves to the uttermost of their powers: and therefore the said block house was by us undermined, and so with gun powder blown up in pieces.  
While this latter contract was in making, our whole Fleet of ships fell down towards the harbour mouth, where they anchored the third time, & employed their men in fetching of fresh water aboard the ships for our voyage homewards, which water was had in a great well, that is in the Island by the harbour mouth, which Island is a very pleasant place as hath been seen, having in it many sorts of goodly and very pleasant fruits, as the orange trees and others, being set orderly in walks of great length together. Insomuch as the whole Island being some two or three miles about, is cast into grounds of gardening and orchards.  
After six weeks abode in this place, we put to sea the last of March, where after two or three days a great ship which we had taken at S. DOMINGO, and thereupon was called the New years gift, fell into a great leak, being laden with ordinance, hides, and other spoils, and in the night she lost the company of our Fleet, which being miss the next morning by the General, he cast about with the whole Fleet, fearing some great mischance to be happened unto her, as in very deed it so fell out, for her leak was so great, and her men were all tired with pomping. But at the last having found her and the Bark Talbot in her company, which staying by great hap with her, was ready to take their men out of her, for the saving of them. And so the General being fully advertised of their great extremity, made sail directly back again to CARTAGENA with the whole Fleet, where having stayed eight or ten days more, about the unlading of this ship, and the bestowing thereof and her men, into other ships, we departed once again to sea, directing our course towards the Cape S. ANTHONY, being the Eastermost part of CUBA, whither we arrived the seven & twentieth of April. But because fresh water could not presently be found, we weighed anchor and departed, thinking in few days to recover the MATTANCES, a place to the Eastward of HAVANA.  
After we had sailed some fourtee●●●yes, we were brought to Cape S. ANTONI● again, through lack of favourable wind: but then our scarcity was grown such, as need made us look a little better for water, which we found in sufficient quantity, being in deed, as I judge, none other th●n rain water newly fallen, and gathered up by making pits in a plot of marish ground, some three hundred paces from the sea side.  
I do wrong if I should forget the good example of the General at this place, who to encourage others, and to hasten the getting of fresh water aboard the ships, took no less pain himself then the meanest, as also at S. DOMINGO, CARTAGENA and all other place, having always so vigilant a care and foresight in the good ordering of his fleet, accompanying them, as it is said, with such wonderful travel of body, as doubtless had he been the meanest person, as he was the chiefest, he had yet deserved the first place of honour: and no less happy do we account him, for being associated with Master Carleill his Lieutenant general, by whose experience, prudent counsel, and gallant performance, he achieved so many and happy enterprises of the war, by whom also he was very greatly assisted, in setting down the needful orders, laws, and course of justice, and for the due administration of the same upon all occasions.  
After three days spent in watering our ships, we departed now the second time from this Cape of S. ANTHONY the thirteenth of May, and proceeding about the Cape of FLORIDA, we never touch●● any where, but coasting alongst FLORIDA, and keeping the shore still in sight, the eight and twentieth of May early in the morning, we descried on the shore a place built like a Beacon, which was in deed a scaffold upon four long masts, raised on end for men to dicover to the seaward, being in the latitude of thirty degrees, or very near thereunto. Our Pinnaces manned, and coming to the shore, we marched up alongst the river side, to see what place the enemy held there: for none amongst us had any knowledge thereof at all.  
Here the General took occasion to march with the companies himself in person, the Lieutenant general having the Vanguard, and going a mile up or somewhat more by the river side, we might discern on the other side of the river over against us, a fort, which newly had been built by the Spaniards, and some mile or three about above the fort, was a little town or village without walls, built of wooden houses: we forthwith prepared to have ordinance for the battery, and one piece was a little before the evening planted, and the first shot being made by the Lieutenant general himself at their Ensign, struck through the Ensign, as we afterwards understood by a French man, which came unto us f●om them. One shot more was then made, which struck the foot of the fort wall, which was all massive timber of great trees like masts. The Lieutenant general was determined to pass the river this night with four companies, and there to lodge himself entrenched as near the fort, as that he might play with his muskets and smallest shot upon any that should appear: and so afterwards to bring and plant the battery with him, but the help of mariners for that sudden to make trenches could not be had, which was the cause that this determination was remitted until the next night.  
In the night the Lieutenant general took a little rowing skiff, and half a dozen well armed, as Captain Morgan, and Captain Samson, with some others besides the rowers, and went to view what guard the enemy kept, as also to take knowledge of the ground. And albeit he went as covertly as might be, yet the enemy taking the Alarm, grew fearful that the whole Force was approaching to the assault, and therefore with all speed abandoned the place after the shooting of some of their pieces. They thus gone, and he being returned unto us again, but nothing knowing of their flight from their fort, forthwith came a French man being a Phipher (who had been prisoner with them) in a little boat, playing on his phip the tune of the Prince of Orange his song, and being called unto by the guard, he told them before he put foot out of the boat, what he was himself, and how the Spaniards were gone from the fort, offering either to remain in hands there, or else to return to the place with them that would go.  
Upon this intelligence the General, the Lieutenant general, with some of the Captains in one skiff, and the Vice-admiral with some others in his skiff, and two or three Pinnaces furnished of soldiers with them, put presently over towards the fort, giving order for the rest of the Pinnaces to follow. And in our approach, some of the enemy bolder than the rest, having stayed behind their company, shot off two pieces of ordinance at us: but on shore we went, and entered the place without finding any man there.  
When the day appeared, we found it built all of timber, the walls being none other then whole masts or bodies of trees set upright and close together in manner of a pale, without any ditch as yet made, but who intended with some more time, for they had not as yet finished all their work, having begun the same some three or four months before: so as to say the truth, they had no reason to keep it, being subject both to fire and easy assault.  
The platform whereon the ordinance lay, was whole bodies of long pine trees, whereof there is great plenty, laid a cross one on another, and some little earth amongst. There was in it thirteen or fourreene great pieces of brass ordinance, and a chest unbroken up, having in it the value of some two thousand pounds sterling, by estimation of the King's treasure, to pay the soldiers of that place, who were a hundred and fifty men.  
The fort thus won, which they called S. john's fort, and the day opened, we assayed to go to the town, but could not by reason of some rivers and broken ground which was between the two places: and therefore enforced to embark again into our Pinnaces, we went thither upon the great main river, which is called as also the town by the name of S. AUGUSTINE.  
At our approaching to land, there was some that began to show themselves, and to bestow some few shot upon us, but presently withdrew themselves. And in their running thus away, the Sergeant mayor finding one of their horses ready saddled and bridled, took the same to follow the chase, and so overgoing all his company, was (by one laid behind a bush) shot through the head, & falling down therewith, was by the same and two or three more, stabbed in three or four places of his body with swords and daggers, before any could come near to his rescue. His death was much lamented, being in very deed an honest wise Gentleman, and a soldier of good experience, and of as great courage as any man might be.  


Saint Augustine.  A 
The place where the whole Fleet came to anchor.  B 
The place where the Pinnaces and Shipboats did set us on shore.  C 
A Beacon or high scaffold standing on the sand hills, wherein the Spaniard● did use to discover ships at sea.  D 
The way which our army marched along the sand by the sea side towards their fort.  E 
The place where our Pinnaces put our ordinance on land.  F 
A love plain or meadow ground through the which our troops pass●●, to go towards the woods right over against the Spaniards so●●e.  G 
A wood growing hard by the river side, having between it and the river side a high bank of sand, in which wood our men encamped themselves, and in the said great bank of sand, being fitted for the purpose was placed also two pieces of ordinance to beat the Spanish sort, which was done with such expedition as they were planted and discharged twice or thrice the same day we landed, meaning the next day to have had more ordinance brought, and to have it planted on the same side of the river wherein the sort is, whither Master Carleill our Lieutenant general was minded the same night to transport himself & some part of the army, to lo●ge himself in some trenches close by the fort, but the Spaniards perceiving the approach abandoned the place before the day.  H 
A Pinnace which the Spaniards had lying hard by their ●orte in the little river.  I 
The fort which the Spaniards had made of the bodies of Cedar trees, they placed therein some fourteen great and long pieces artillery, which at our arrival there to the s●nd bank played upon us, the fort was called Saint john de Pinos which afterward we burned.  K 
On Pinnaces as they rowed up the river being all full of men, who because the way was not passable were feign to embark themselves to take th● town of Saint Augustine, which being won was at our departure burned to the ground.  L 
The town of Saint Augustine were dwelled a hundred and ●fty Spanist soldiers.  M 
T●e town house.  N 
A ●igh scaffold for a watchman.  O 
T●e Church.  P 
The lively pu●traicture of a fish called the Dolphin, which is of three several colours the top of his back and all his fins be blue, all his sides are of light green, the belly white, his head almost all blue, the tail one part blue, and the lower part green, he is very pleasant to behold in the sea by day light, and in the night he seemeth to be of the colour of gold, he taketh pleasure as other fishes do by swimming by the ship, he is excellent sweet to be eaten, this fish liveth most by chase of the flying fish and other small fishes, they are caught most commonly by our mariners with harping iron● or fisgigs.    
Here it was resolved in full assembly of Captains, to undertake the enterprise of S. HELENA, and from thence to seek out the inhabitation of our English country men in VIRGINIA, distant from thence some six degrees Northward.  
When we came thwart of S. HELENA, the shols appearing dangerous, and we having no Pilot to undertake the entry, it was thought meetest to go hence alongst. For the Admiral had been the same night in four fathom and half three leagues from the shore: and yet we understood, that by the help of a known Pilot, there may and doth go in ships of greater burden and draft than any we had in our Fleet.  
We passed thus alongst the coast hard aboard the shore, which is shallow for a league or two from the shore, and the same is low and broken land for the most part.  
The ninth of june upon sight of one special great fire (which are very ordinary all alongst this coast, even from the Cape FLORIDA hither) the General sent his skiff to the shore, where they found some of our English country men (that had been sent thither the year before by Sir Walter Raleigh) & brought one aboard, by whose direction we proceeded along to the place, which they make their Port. But some of our ships being of great draft unable to enter, we anchored all without the harbour in a wild road at sea, about two miles from shore.  
From whence the General wrote letters to Master Ralph Lane, being Governor of those English in VIRGINIA, and then at his fort about six leagues from the road in an Island, which they call ROANOAC, wherein specially he showed how ready he was to supply his necessities and wants, which he understood of, by those he had first talked withal.  
The morrow after Master Lane himself and some of his company coming unto him, with the consent of his Captains, he gave them the choice of two offers, that is to say: Either he would leave a ship, a Pinnace, and certain boats with sufficient Masters and mariners, together furnished with a months victual to stay and make farther discovery of the country and coasts, and so much victual likewise that might be sufficient for the bringing of them all (being an hundred and three persons) into England if they thought good after such time, with any other thing they would desire, & that he might be able to spare.  
Or else if they thought they had made sufficient discovery already, and did desire to return into England, he would give them passage. But they as it seemed, being desirous to stay, accepted very thankfully, and with great gladness that which was offered first. Whereupon the ship being appointed & received into charge, by some of their own company sent into her by Master Lane, before they had received from the rest of the Fleet, the provision appointed them, there arose a great storm (which they said was extraordinary and very strange) that lasted three days together, and put all our Fleet in great danger, to be driven from their anchoring upon the coast. For we broke many Cables, and lost many anchors. And some of our Fleet which had lost all (of which number was the ship appointed for Master Lane and his company) were driven to put to sea in great danger, in avoiding the coast, and could never see us again until we met in England. Many also of our small Pinnaces and boats were lost in this storm.  
Notwithstanding after all this, the General offered them (with consent of his Captains) another ship with some provision, although not such a one for their turns, as might have been spared them before, this being unable to be brought into their harbour. Or else if they would, to give them passage into England, although he knew he should perform it with greater difficulty than he might have done before.  
But Master Lane with those of the chiefest of his company he had then with him, considering what should be best for them to do, made request unto the General under their hands, that they might have passage for England: the which being granted, and the rest sent for out of the country and shipped, we departed from that coast the eighteenth of june.  
And so God be thanked, both they and we in good safety arrived at Portesmouth the eight and twentieth of july 1586. to the great glory of God, and to no small honour to our Prince, our country and ourselves.  
We lost some seven hundred and fifty men in the voyage. The men of name that died and were slain in this voyage, as I can presently call to my remembrance, are these.  

Captain powel.  
Captain Varney.  
Captain Moon.  
Captain Fortescute.  
captains Bigges.  
Captain Cecil.  
Captain Hannam.  
Captain Greenefield.  
Thomas Tucker a Lieutenant.  
Alexander Starkey a Lieutenant.  
Master Escot a Lieutenant.  
Master Waterhouse a Lieutenant.  
Master Nicholas Winter.  
Master Alexander Carleill.  
Master Robert Alexander.  
Master Scroop.  
Master james Dier.  
Master Peter Duke.   
With some other, who for hast I can not so suddenly think on.  
The ordinance gotten of all sorts brass and iron were about two hundred and forty, whereof the two hundred and some more were brass, and were thus found and gotten.  
In S. IAGO some two or three & fifty pieces.  
In S. DOMINGO about four score, whereof was very much great ordinance, as whole Cannon, Dimi-Cannon● Culverins and such like.  
In CARTAGENA some sixty and three pieces, and good store likewise of the greater sort.  
In the fort of S. AUGUSTINE were fourteen pieces.  
The rest was Iron ordinance, of which the most part was gotten at S. DOMINGO, the rest at CARTAGENA.   

Pag. 21. lin. 24. within. 23.20. recharging. 30.4. of ordinance. 36.11. Pannama.