A TRUE REPORT of a voyage made this last Summer by a fleet of 73. ships, sent forth at the command and direction of the states general of the united provinces, to the coast of Spain and the Canary-Isles: And in what sort the said fleet took the principal town, and two Castles of the Grand Canaria; as also an other town in the Island of Gomera: with the success of part of the said fleet in their return homeward.  
Which set sail for Spain the 25. of May, and returned home the 10. of Septemb. 1599  
AT LONDON Printed by P. S. for William Aspley, dwelling in Paul's Churchyard at the sign of the tigers head. 1599   

A true report of a voyage made this last Summer, by a fleet of 73. ships, sent forth at the command and direction of the states general of the united Provinces, to the coast of Spain and the Canarie-isles.  
TVesday the 25. day of May the wind being north and Northeeast, we in the fleet of Rotterdam, being 20. sail of ships, the sun being southewest and by west, came before Flushing, and anchored near unto Cleiburch; our general at his coming found the fleets North- Holland, and Zealand ready.  
Wednesday, the 26. day we remained there at anchor.  
Thursday the 27. day of May, we took into our ships (by the General's commandment) two gentlemen and four soldiers.  
Friday the 28. of May, 1599 the wind being northerly, we weighed our anchors, and sailed from the Weelings with 73 ships, having fair weather, setting our course west, south-west. We had 3. Admirals in this fleet, whereof the chief Admiral was the ship of William Derickson Cloper, wherein was embarked the honourable gentleman Peter Van Dost being general of the fleet. This ship was called the Orange, carrying in her top a flag of Orange colour, under whose squadron were certain Zelanders, with some south and north Hollanders; jan Geerbrantson carried the white flag, under whom the Zelanders and ships of the Maze were appointed. And Cornelius Gheleinson of Vlyshing wore in his main top the blue flag, under whom were appointed certain ships of the Maze with some north Hollanders. Thus were we divided into sundry squadrons, but to what end it was so done, it is to me, and many others unknown.  
Saturday the 29. of May, having sight of Calais, the ships lay to the lee ward, & stayed for the rearward. The Lord general shot off a piece, and afterward hung out the prince's flag, in sign that the captains should come aboard him, presently all the captains entered into their boats, & rowed aboard the General, at which time were two pinnaces sent out of the fleet, whereof one was the General's Pinnace, but unto what place they sailed, we were altogether ignorant. And when the boats rowed from the General, some of them went aboard the victuallers, and took out of them certain fire works. The sun south-west, the General discharged another piece of ordinance, and put out the Prince's flag, whereupon presently the captains went aboard him, and when our captain returned, he had in his hand a letter closed up, which he brought from the General, and we imagined that every captain had received the like, and then we sailed altogether toward the height of Blackness, where we anchored, (which caused us greatly to wonder, seeing we had so fair a wind,) but we perceived afterwards, that this was done, to the end we should there abide the coming of the great new ship of Amsterdam; for the soldiers which were appointed for her, were all with us in a ship of our company.  
Sunday, the 30. of May, where lying at anchor all that night, the next morning we set sail altogether having the wind at north east, we set our course west north west, the weather being fair. The same morning our captain read unto us those very articles which before had been read unto us in the prince Mauritz his Court, and afterwards we altogether, and with one accord were sworn to the keeping of them: At noon we were near unto Beversier, having a fine gale out of the east north east, the evening was calm, the foremost ships slacked their sails, attending the coming in of the hindermost.  
Wednesday, the ninth of june, by the break of day we were hard under the coast of Spain near to Vivero, the wind being westerly, we sailed north west and by north, and north northwest, the sun south-west and by west; we were over against the cape Ortegael, we sailed north west and by north, to fetch the wind: we were in 44. degrees 20. minutes, at twilight, we had the foresaid Cape of us about 5. mile's south west and by west.  
Thursday the 10. of june, the wind being at east south east, we directed our course towards the shore, and might certainly discern that it was the coast of Ortegall, 
Ortegall.  we bore in west south-west directly with the land, and ordered all things as if we presently should have had battle, and about noon we had sight of the Groin, namely the tower which standeth near the Groin.  
Friday, the 11. of june, at the break of day the wind being at north east and by east, six of our ships sailed forward south south-west, meaning to enter the Groin, and there to learn how all things stood. The sun being southeast, Cape Prior was east from us, we bare south, presently after we spied two boats coming out of Veroll to learn what ships we were, the rather because that the day before they had seen our fleet at sea: we sailed by the wind, and lay in the wind to stay for their coming. The one doubting us would not come near us, the other boat also durst not approach near us: we called to one of the Spaniards, saying we came from Hamborch laden with cordage & other goods, desiring and praying him to let us have a Pilot to bring us into the Groin, wherewith the boat came aboard us, so that by our great haste and policy we got one Spaniard, the other which remained in the boat would not come into our ship, but presently thrust off their boat, making all possible speed to get from us. Having now gotten this Spaniarde, he was presently delivered into the hands of the General, who confessed that there were about 4000 soldiers come into the town, with certain horsemen, 36. wagons with money, and 300. pipes of wine, to furnish the Spanish fleet, that he lay the night passed in the Groin, and was the king's servant. The sun south south west, we came with our whole fleet before the Groin, 
The whole fleet cometh before the Groin.  where we found the great new ship of Amsterdam under the Town.  
At 12. 13. and 10. fathom we cast anchor, so that we might behold much people both on the shore & upon the walls of the town. From the castle & town both, they shot mightily with their great ordinance into our fleet, so that there were above 200. cannon shot discharged, wherewith some of our ships were hit, but not one man lost, and little hurt done otherwise. There lay an other castle east ward from the town, which shot also most terribly, but altogether uncertainly, for we know not that they touched any one ship more than Moy Lambert, which was greatly to be wondered at, seeing our fleet lay so thick together, and so near under the castle. There lay hard under the castle 12. great Galleons, with some french ships, which also now and then shot among our fleet, but they lay so near the walls that we could do them no harm at all. The Lord General worthy of all praise, wisely bethinking himself, caused all his captains and counsel to come aboard him, that they might together confer upon this business, and what means might best be found, to invade the town and the enemy, but they concluded, not to meddle with the land there: seeing the enemy was there, strong upon his guard, and that 5. weeks past both from Amsterdam, & by a French man, they had knowledge of our coming; by reason of the calm, we were constrained to tow out our ships with the boats in despite of all their shot, thus we parted from the Groin without profit, or effecting of any thing, leaving the Papists of Groin as we found them. From thence (the wind being at south south-west) we bent our course toward Cape Saint Vincent, meaning to go to Saint Lucars, hoping to fall upon them at unawares, and ere they looked for us.  
Saturday the 12. of june, having got a fine gale we ran along the coast of Galicia, at noon we were before the Island of Cesarian, and set our course towards Cape Finister.  
Sunday the 13. of june, the lord General gave sharp commandment by his letters, forbidding all men aboard the ships to use any play, with tables, cards, or dice, either for money, or for pastime, or upon credit.  
Monday the 14. of june, the wind blew so hard out of the North, that we could not bear our topsails with our forecourse which sailed south, the sun was southward, we had Port a port of us, being in 41 degrees and 20. minutes.  
Tuesday the 15. of june, as soon as day appeared, we had sight of Cape Roxent, and then we sailed making small way, staying for the coming together of the fleet: the wind as before, we sailed south south-west, and were in 36. degrees.  
Wednesday the 16. of june, towards the evening we had sight of two strange ships eastward of our fleet, certain of our ships made towards them and took them, the one was an english man of war; the other was a Spanish bark with three missens: at his coming before the General, he said, he had already sent 2. prizes into England, and would now with this prize return home: for his victuals were almost spent.  
Thursday the 17. of june, it was very still and calm weather.  
Friday the 18. of june, the wind being at north North-east, we sailed south south-west. The Lord General caused all the Captains with the Pilots to come aboard him: demanding of them which of them was best acquainted in the Isles of Canaria: and further, by what means they might conquer and force the said islands, and land their people. And about noon the captains were chosen and appointed which should command on land. The General gave out new ensigns, to the number of 9 or 10. according to the number of the ships. The lord General appointed to each new captain, an Ancient bearer, a Lieutenant, and other officers, with 130. soldiers and mariners, and instructions howevery one of them should govern himself on the land.  
Saturday the 19 of june, the General commanded that the captains should deliver out victuals but twice a day, to wit, 6. and 6. to a mess: for 6. men, 5. cans of beer of Roterdams' measure every day, 5. pound of bread and no more, a cheese of 6. l. every week, one pound of butter weekly, likewise pease, beans, or Otemeale twice a day, according to the order. Captain Harman, and captain Pijc, had each of them commission to command on the land as captains over two companies of sailors, each company containing 130. men. Harman Thunesson was appointed Ancient to captain Henrick Pijc, and de Blomme Ancient to captain Hendricke Hertman. The ancients were delivered the same day.  
The 20. 21. 22. days, we sailed south south-west, the wind being northerly.  
Wednesday the 23. of june, the wind was north North-east. The General commanded all the captains both for the sea and land to come aboard him, where it was ordained and determined how the battle should be ordered, after they were landed. According to the altitude, we found ourselves to be 36 miles from great Canaria.  
Thursday the 24. of june, we ran our foresaid course. The sun being west northwest, we saw the land east and by south off us: we sailed east and by south, and with great labour and diligence bore all that might with the land.  
Friday the 25. of june, we continued our course to the land for our assured knowledge thereof, and perceived it to be Lancerot; we saw also a small land (which lay between both) called Allegrania, and also the Island Forteventura, which is 24. miles great, afterward we sailed south-west along the coast of Forteventura, which is a land that hath very high hills. The sun south-west, we were past the Island Forteventura, and were sailed out of sight thereof, running as yet south-west: about two. a clock in the afternoon we had sight of the Island of great Canaria, for a while we kept our way; but when the General was assured that it was the grand Canaria, 
The whole Netherlandish fleet cometh before the Island & town of Grand Canaria.  we all took in our sails, and lay to the lee ward, and so remained until it was past midnight, than we set fail again and made to the land, our course westward.  
Saturday the 26. of june, in the morning the whole fleet sailed west directly to the land, the wind north and by east, and made all things ready to land; being now near the shore, the whole fleet let fall their anchors hard by the great castle, which lieth north northwest from the town, from whence they began to shoot mightily against the ships. The lord General and the vice with the other ships that had the greatest ordinance, anchored close under the castle, & for a certain time they plied each other with their great shot; the Generals main mast, and his missen mast were shot thorough, and his vice, namely the great new ship of Amsterdam was shot thorough 6. or 7. times; so that some of the soldiers and mariners also were slain before they entered their long boats to row to the shore: But the ships for their parts, had so well bestowed their shot on the castle, that they of the castle began to faint, whereby they discharged not so thick and often as before. Our men rowed to the land in the long boats, every one full of soldiers, & the ships which could not discharge their ordinance against the castle, bent them against the shore, (for the enemy had three brass pieces lying upon the strand) and many people were there gathered together where our soldiers should land. Now as soon as the General with the most part of the long boats were come together, they all at one instant rowed toward the shore, maintaining for a while the fight on both sides with their shot. But the General perceiving that the enemy would not abandon the place, with a valiant courage made to the shore, and altogether leaping into the water up to the middle, maintained the fight with the enemy. Notwithstanding the enemy no less courageous, would not yet leave the strand, so that some of our soldiers & mariners lost their lives before the enemy would retire: for the place was discommodious, and hard to land; but most of the enemy were slain, to the number of 30. or 36. and the Governor his right leg was shot off, sitting on his horse. The lord General Peter von der Dost leaping first on land, was thrust in his leg with a pike, and had in his body 4. wounds more, and was in great danger to have lost his life, but that one of the soldiers slew the Spaniarde which meant to have done it; but his wounds were of small moment, and his ancient bearer was slain with a shot, the Lieutenant General was shot in his throat, captain Kruyc in the head, 4. soldiers were slain, & 15. hurt in the general's pinnace before they could come to land: But when our people now with one courage all together rushed upon the enemy, (leaving their ordinance behind them,) they forsook the strand, and ran together into the town, carrying with them their Governor, whose leg was shot off, & he was a Knight of the order of the cross, and leaving behind them 36. dead carcases on the strand, were presently by our people ransacked, and our dead people buried. Our men now having won the strand, put themselves presently in battle ray; the empty boats returned to the ships, but after our people had taken the strand, the castle did never shoot shot. After the boats were returned aboard, presently they rowed again to the shore full of soldiers; our people being all landed, 
Twenty four companies strong of the Netherlanders.  they which for the first time had commandment, set us in 7. troops, or battalions, being xxiiii. companies strong, of soldiers and Mariners, with twenty four ancients. At which time we marched a little forward twenty one a breast, 
The first castle taken,  and standing altogether in battle; suddenly three mariners came running to the General, (which had been at the castle) telling him that the Spaniards desired to deliver him the castle, so their lives & goods might be saved: the general with some of the captains and soldiers went first thither, and presently the castle was delivered into his possession, hoping on his pity and mercy, and leaving behind them all the great ordinance, namely 9 pieces of brass, & 6. Iron pieces, & also all their weapons. In the castle were about 80. Spaniards, some canoneers, some soldiers, and some people of the country, for the defence thereof; beside powder, shot and match accordingly, for the artillery, and also thirty small pieces or calivers. Also we found 58. prisoners, the rest were slain with shot in the fury, and some were runaway. The prisoners (which our people had taken in the road with two Barks, and a ship sunk with our ordinance, as they lay all 3. hard before the castle) were sent altogether aboard the ships: except 3. of the principals which the lord General reserved by him, to the end he might the better know the state of all things. Presently 80. soldiers were sent into the castle, who took down the king's flag, and set up the prince's colours. At the same instant two Negroes were brought to the General, which were fetched out of the mountains, they said that they had lain there a sleep, and knew nothing of any matter. But now when it began to wax dark, we marched altogether a great way towards the town, 4. companies of soldiers approached hard under the town, and other 4. companies had the rearward: those of the Maze, with the Amsterdammers remained a pretty way from the town, under the hills; and the Zelanders, with the north Hollanders lay near the waters side, so we remained all that night in order of battle.  
Sunday the 27. of june, after we had now stood all night in battle order, early in the morning we marched with all our 7. troops hard under the town of Canary, where we remained a while in that order: but because they of the castle (which lieth to the town) shot so mightily among us; 2. of the troops retired under a hill, where we were a little freed from the castle: for while our people stood imbattailed before the town, the castle did us great hurt, for sometimes they shot five or six men with one shot, ere we could entrench ourselves before the castle: but after they perceived that our people had made a small trench against the shot of the castle, they placed on the hill five or six small pieces, of brass called falconets (which shoot about a pound of powder) and sometimes they shot bowls of wood, wherewith in the beginning they slew many of our people: so advantageously had they placed their ordinance to shoot among us. Ten or twelve of our Soldiers ran up the hill, whereof the enemy took one, and presently cut him in four pieces. Our people seeing that they so tyrannously dealt with them, about the evening took a Spaniarde prisoner, and used him after the same manner. The lord General perceiving that many men were slain with the ordinance, caused five pieces of brass to be brought from the castle which we had taken the day before, and toward the evening we began to make a battery, and the same evening brought into it three pieces, whereof two were placed presently to play upon the Castle, and the hill: but that evening were but five or six shot made. While that our men made the battery, and planted or placed the ordinance, the enemy placed his ordinance in counterbattery: and before our battery could be finished, and the ordinance placed, many of our men were shot, among whom Peter vanden Eind commissioner, had his leg shot off, whereof he died within three days after. After that it was dark, all they which lay there before the town were again set in order of battle, 15. on a rank, and so remained all that night.  
The 28. of june, early in the morning every man retired to his quarter, and then were two pieces more brought to the battery, which also were presently placed on the Rampire, and so we began to shoot against the castle with 4. pieces, and with the fifth we played upon the small ordinance which lay upon the hills. The enemy in the castle laid many sacks of wool, and placed many tons or barrels filled with stones upon the castle walls, supposing thereby to make some little defence from our ordinance; but when an Iron bullet chanced to hit the barrels so filled with stones, it did them mighty hurt, for the stones would scatter marvelously abroad, whereby many of them that were in the castle were slain. Our men having now with their shot almost abated the force of the castle, 4. companies marched up the hills, intending to beat the enemy from thence, which lay there with the ordinance. But the enemy perceiving himself to be assaulted on all parts, (for most of the ordinance of the castle were dismounted and made unprofitable, the gate of the town set one fire by the General's commandment) about noon they forsook both the castle, hill, and town, and with all their wives, children, money and jewels, and all other things that they could carry with them, fled into the mountains. Which when our men perceived, they put themselves in order of battle, xv. in a rank. The lord General seeing the Spaniards shamefully to fly, caused 2. ladders belonging to the enemies, to be brought out of a church which stood without the town, whereof the one was too short, notwithstanding himself with one of the ladders climbed up the walls, one man at once followed, 
The second castle & town of Grand Canaria taken.  and by this means entered the town over the walls. About noon some of our men ran into the castle without any re-encounter: the enemy had undermined the gate, but as we approached the wall, it took fire, but not one of our people was therewith hurt. they had also scattered powder in sundry places, but our men themselves did fire the same: and as soon as our people were entered the castle, the kings colours were taken down, and the prince of Oranges set up, and we found five pieces of brass therein. When we were all entered into the town, we put ourselves again into order of battle 15. in a rank in a low ground within the town: and the soldiers which entered the town by the hills side, brought to the General a man of Flushing, which they had taken out of prison: as soon as the General saw him, he went presently with him to the prison, accompanied with some of our captains, where they found 36. prisoners, which presently were discharged. And further they declared, that the spaniards had taken with them 2. prisoners into the mountains, which were condemned to be burnt, the one was an english man, the other a dutchman, which had lain in the holy house. Thus with the help of God about noon, we won the great Island of Canaria, and the town of Allegona, battered with their own artillery, and scaled with their own ladders. Towards the evening we were quartered in the houses, those wherein the General was, were by writing freed, that no man might take out any goods, in the rest every one might go, and take what pillage he could find: but the Spaniards had carried all the best things with them into the mountains, and in the evening all our people entered the town. Every captain with his company were severally lodged, but yet we appointed watch on the hills, as well as in the town, for the enemy showed himself often upon the hills, whereby we were forced to keep very good watch.  
The 29. of june, this morning some of the mariners climbed up the hills, but the enemy (to whom the passage were better known, then to our people) suddenly set upon them, & killed 20. of them. Towards the evening some 300. of our Soldiers marched towards a small castle which lay half an hours journey from the town: but the enemy seeing our people to approach, forsook the place and fled into the mountains, our men being ascended, they found in the castle three brass pieces; and after they had appointed a Corporal with certain soldiers to keep the watch, the rest returned to the city. The same night the Spaniards took one of our soldiers appointed for a forlorn Sentinel, whom they presently put to the sword.  
The last of june, as soon as day appeared, we began to carry the pillage aboard belonging to the General, and captains, as wines and other goods. About noon 3. chief men of the Spaniards came to our people, which kept watch on the hills with a flag of truce in their hands, which were strait brought before the General, and within a while after, there were 2. more brought unto him: but after they had been a while with him they departed again towards the mountains: and in the evening came other 7. Spaniards to our watch with a flag of truce, desired to speak with the General: but they were sent back again into the Mountains.  
The first day of july, 1599 in the morning (our people being on the hills) 2. Friars with three other Spaniards came unto us, desiring to be brought to the General, which our men accomplished: but the General denied to talk with them, wherefore they were presently sent back again from whence they came, for we were then labouring to send the goods a shipboard. Also at that instant was a sermon in the great church of great Canaria, made by the preacher of Ysilmond with great devotion, and giving thanks unto God for our great victory, desiring him that it would please him daily to increase the same, to the honour of his name: at which Sermon the Lord General was present with four hundred persons.  
The second of july, 1599 we were forbidden by sound of the drum, that no man should go beyond the forlorn sentenell placed on the Mountains: and to send back again into the hills all such Spaniards which came with a flag of truce, to speak with the General, and to put all such to the sword as came with weapons. One of our Pinnaces took a Fisherman fishing under the Island Forteaventura, wherein were 7. Spaniards, which were brought before the General, and prently committed to prison.  
The 3. of july in the morning we began to send aboard our ships all the bells, ordinance & munition which the enemies had left behind them, at which time 2000 soldiers were appointed to march to the hills, to seek the enemy, which lay hid there with their wives, children & goods, as they were fled out of the town: and assoon as they approached each other, they began the fight on both sides with great courage, but the enemy was forced to fly, being better acquainted with the passages of the mountains then our people were. our men returned with the loss of some 70. persons: among whom captain jacques Dierickson with his boatson were slain: the rest came into the town again into their appointed quarters.  
The 4. of july, in the morning we began to burn the town, and with powder blewe up the castle which lay by the town, and we burned likewise all the cloisters and churches which were without the town, lying near the water side. The town burning, our people were set in battle, and in that order marched out of the town, until they came to Gratiosa, the castle, which we first took, lying about half an hours journey from the town, where the long boats received our men, and carried them again aboard. Presently after we were departed out of the town, the enemy entered, endeavouring by all means possible to quench the fire. And while we were shipping our people, the enemy showed himself some times ●or 6. in a company, but they durst not approach us. The rearward of our men being shipped, we put fire to the castle which we took first, and blew it up: This done, captain Quit embarked himself also with his soldiers, and pillage which he had taken in the road, for his ship wherein he was before was ready to sink.  
The 5. of july, lying in the road, in the morning the General discharged two pieces of ordinance, and afterward put out 2. flags of the prince's colours, thereby giving to understand, that all land captains, and sea captains also with one of their Pilots should resort to him, whereupon presently they all rowed aboard the General; the Pilots which were best acquainted with the coast, were demanded by the General which were the weakest islands, and where they might most commodiously land: Towards the evening captain Quut his ship was fired, and suffered to drive toward the strand. At which time a new captain was appointed to captain jaques Dirriksons ship aforesaid, who was slain in the mountains, namely captain Kloyers Lieutenant. And the General's Clerk of the band was appointed Lieutenant to captain Kloyer.  
The 6. of july, by reason of the contrary winds, and other inconveniences which happened at this present, and also because such ships, which before were sent to sea, and could not return by reason of the contrary winds; we remained in the road, under the castle of Graciosa. About noon 4. Spaniard's came out of the town with a flag of truce to the strand, directly over against our ships, whereof 2. were brought aboard the General in one of our long boats, (the other two with their flag of truce were left behind on the strand) which remained with the General until the evening, and then were set on shore, and so the 4. Spaniards returned to the town.  
The 7. day riding in the road, in the morning 4. Spaniards with a flag of peace, came to the shore from the town, directly over against our ships: the fleet seeing them, sent a long boat to the shore, and brought the said 4. Spaniards aboard the General, these men brought with them the ransom of certain Spaniards, which had delivered up the castle of Graciosa at the General's pleasure, which were set to ransom, every one according to his ability & office: and thus all the Spaniards which were ransomed, together with the 4. spaniards which brought the ransoms, were set on shore with a long boat, and departed to the town.  
The 8. day of july, two hours after sun rising, the General with all the ships set sail, carrying with him all the Spaniards that were not ransomed, sailing along the coast of great Canaria; in which time jan Cornelesson Zwartekeys departed this world, whose leg was shot off at the taking of the Island of great Canaria. Having now sailed from the height of the said Island, which lay southerly from us, we had sight of captain Hertmans' ship, and of 3. others which road there at anchor: who, so soon as they perceived our fleet, weighed their anchors, and sailed along the coast with us, which were the ships that the General had sent to sea. Sailing thus together until the sun was in the west, the wind began to rise more and more, so that we could not keep our direct course, but were forced to put to the south-west of the great Island of Canaria, where we anchored: we had sight of the Island Teneriffa, and of an other of the islands of Canaria, wherein is the high mountain called the pick. This hill was from us 14. miles, but by the great height thereof it seemed to be within four or five miles off us, but in the day time when the sun shined we could not see it.  
The 9 of july, lying thus at anchor, in the morning most of the long boats went a shore to fetch fresh water, such as they could there find, and carried with them the dead corpse of jan Cornelesson aforesaid, the Constable's son of the Admiralty of Roterdan, called Zwertkeys, which was there honourably buried on the high and dry land. This done, we set on fire the wood which lay on the shore piled and heaped in the woods, but in this place we found not any Spaniards.  
The tenth of july, the boats being all returned to their ships with their people, every one weighed their anchors and hoist their sails, the wind at northwest; but being under sail together, the wind slacked, & by reason of the great, calm the ships lay a drift for want of wind.  
The 11. of july, in the morning it blewe a stout gale in our topsailes out of the North-east, but as we approached the Island of Teneriffa, the wind altered often; six or seven of our ships, and the rest which were next unto the shore, had sometimes a gale in their topsailes, and sometimes again without wind: so that we lay a drift, and could keep no reckoning either of the wind or course, and were forced to alter our course more than 12. times a day.   

A declaration of the taking of Gomera one of the islands in Canaria, and how we afterwards left it.  
THe 12. day of july sailing thus with great variety of wind, under the great Island Teneriffa, the day appearing, we had the wind more certain, filling our topsailes with a full gale from the northwest: And when it was fair day light, we saw our fleet scattered far one from another, by means of the foresaid mutable winds. Some ships lay driving by reason of the calm, and other some had a little gale, but the most part of our fleet were west of us, towards whom with all speed, we with the rest of the ships made. Being all come together, we endeavoured to reach the Island Gomera, wherein is a little town: towards the evening many of our ships were near the Island, but the most part were to the lee ward; so that before it grew toward the evening none of us could come near the town. Notwithstanding in the twilight and shutting up of the evening: jan Garbrantson Admiral of the white flag, his vice, and a Pinnace following, were come near the town. Thus the Admiral sailing so near to the Island, they of Gomera discharged 2. pieces at him, but touched him not. the said Admiral seeing this, passed on a little farther with the other ships which were near him, & then took in their sails, and cast their anchors. The other ships which were behind, laboured all they might to come also under the Island to them.  
The 13. of july, the Admiral of the white flag lying thus at anchor near to Gomera, the greatest part of the fleet were yet in the morning between the Island of Teneriffa and Gomera, so that part of the ships were beyond the town, and must sometimes cast about to conduct the others in, which were in the lee of us. When we had now for the most part passed the height of the Island, the General gave a sign to all captains to come aboard him, being under sail, directing his course to the Island of Gomera, and the other ships did their endeavour to follow him, and anchored about the neck of the vality, lying north north east off the town. The ships being all come to anchor, the captains entered presently into the long boats, and rowed aboard the General to know his mind: And after they had been a while in the General's ship, they returned to their ships, and 4. companies of soldiers were chosen out, and landed in the valley. Which done, all the ships weighed their anchors, and sailed directly toward the town, and then came to anchor again. After that all our ships lay thus together in the road near the valley, before the town: we discharged certain pieces against the town, but they made no show at all of resistance; for they had buried four brass pieces as soon as they had sight of us, which lay on the strand near unto a small castle; the other six companies were also set on land in the long boats, without any resistance: for the Spaniards with their wives, children, 
The town of Gomera abandoned by the Spaniards.  and all their goods which they could carry with them were fled into the mountains. The first 4. companies that were landed, as they marched along the hills side towards the town, perceiving that the enemy fled with all his goods towards the hills, sent out a certain number of soldiers to intercept them, and to take from them the goods which they carried away. And to accomplish this enterprise, our soldiers descended the hill into the valley, meaning suddenly to set upon the Spaniards; but the enemy perceiving their intent, hide themselves in caves which were near unto them, until our soldiers were in the valley. The spaniardes perceiving that they were strong enough to encounter with our people, suddenly leapt out of their dens, and beset our soldiers on both sides. Our people seeing themselves thus compassed with their enemies, 
Eighty Netherlanders and divers Spaniards slain.  behaved themselves most valiantly, so that many of the spaniards lost their lives, and 80 of ours were slain in this valley: among whom were 2. Lieutenants (the one was Meerbecks son, and the other was Lieutenant to captain Bynon) which had received above 50 wounds in their bodies, so pitifully were they massacred, thus were these worthy champions intercepted. The rest of those 4. companies, which were not present at this fury of the spaniardes, towards the evening, descended the hills and marched into the town. Presently after this, watch was appointed in all places of the town, and some of the soldiers began to dig the ground, to seek for such goods as the Spaniards had buried, but at that instant they found nothing, except only certain pipes of wine.  
About the sun setting was brought in a spanish prisoner, which was delivered to the Provest marshal, by the General's commandment, to the end he might bring them to all such places in the Island, whereas the Spaniards had hidden their goods. But because nothing could then be effected by reason that the evening approached, and it began to be too dark, the Spaniard was committed to a keeper until the next morning for the purpose aforesaid. But the night being far spent, & the keeper taking small regard to his charge, the Spaniard secretly stole away and ran to the mouniaines.  
The 14. of july, in the morning the long boats rowed again to the shore, and carried aboard such goods as the enemy had left behind them, which for the most part were wines, for they had carried clean away all other things into the mountains, and had left almost nothing in the town, but only the wines which they had buried in the earth: In the afternoon our people found 3. bells, which they had buried in the fields, where corn had grown.  
The 15. of july, in the morning our people running up to the hills 10. or 12. in a company to hunt & seek for pillage, were suddenly environed by the enemy, and 6. or 8. of them slain; the rest saved themselves by flight. About noon there was a general muster taken of all the soldiers, to see how many we had lost: and such ships as were appointed to return home, began to deliver out the victuals. The same day were two copper pieces found: whereof the one was 16. foot and half long, and the other about 14. foot.  
The 16. day in the morning the Lord General gave notice to all captains to resort to him aboard his ship, because some of the captains had not sent victuals unto the soldiers that were on land, whereby they suffered hunger, and sundry of the soldiers had complained to the General thereof: At afternoon, the enemy came to the hill which lieth over the town, crying and calling unto our men to come and fetch again their muskets, and towards the evening many mariners with their weapons landed, and at that instant also all things were ordered to march very early the next morning up the hills to fetch again our muskets, calivers, and other weapons, which the Spaniards before had in mockery, and gibing wise willed us to fetch from them. But now when all things were ordered for this service: the same night arose a strong gale of wind, increasing more and more, that in the end it grew to a mighty tempest, that notwithstanding our fleet did ride under the Island Gomera in the road before the town, some were forced to way their anchors and to put to sea, to prevent the mischief like to happen to the ships, by reason they lay so near one another. And when those ships were a little way in the Sea, they cast their anchors, and there remained. By this occasion the generals aforesaid enterprise was kept back: we judging it as a warning, that the General should spare and preserve his people from the bloodthirsty spaniards, which had their holes and dens in the hills, and perhaps might have taken away many of our lives. And here by the way; by the name of the Island Canaria, the Spaniards may rightly be called Canarians or Canes, for Canaria is by interpretation, dogs kind, for they ran as swift as dogs, and were as tyrannical and bloodthirsty as the ravening Wolf, or any other wild beast, which they sufficiently manifested, for as soon as they could lay hands on any of our people (like unto mad curs, agreeing with their name Canarians) they would presently woary them.  
The 17. this hurtful night ended, and the tempest over passed, and alaid, the courageous soldiers were all in readiness, desirous to execute this piece of service, expecting & desiring nothing more, then to march up the hills, and to encounter their idolatrous enemies. But upon good consideration, this enterprise was stayed, and some 300. soldiers sent into the same valley, where 3. days before our people had been suddenly compassed, entrapped, and slain by the Spaniards. Our soldiers being come to the valley aforesaid found no resistance, neither could once see a spaniard; but found a small piece of brass about a fathom long, and two barrels of gunpowder; and when our soldiers perceived that there was no good to be done (forbearing to mount the hills, because they had no commission so to do) with such things as they had they returned into the town. The evening now approaching, the General commanded to carry aboard the ships, such goods as they had there found, and digged out of the ground, which was accordingly done and accomplished, among which things were three brass pieces, some bells and other goods.  
Sunday the 18. of july, we remained at anchor in the road of the Island Gomera.  
Monday the 19 of july, remaining yet in the Island Gomera, and seeing that the Spaniards continued in their secret holes, and dens of the mountains, we set fire on the town, and as near as we could burnt down all places, as Cloisters churches, hermitages and houses, remaining yet in the town until it was noon. After that all this was accomplished; we the united soldiers forsook the town, and presently the Lord General, with all his company, went aboard the ships. Thus we left the Island Gomera burning, which was never before done by any nation. The Spaniards seeing that the soldiers were departed out of the Island, with all speed possible, in great heaps came running out of their secret caves and holes, to quench the fire, like as they of Allegona in the Island of great Canaria before had done.  
Wednesday the 20. of july, we lay still in the road before Gomera, in this time 2. of our soldiers were put into captain Cloiers ship, and in lieu of them, we received out of his ship 2. others, which were hurt, with two Spaniards.   

The summary or brief declaration of the Admiral's departing towards the West-Indies.  
After that the General had left the islands, he giveth order to the fleet, taketh his leave of all the Captains and officers in most honourable sort: he advanceth the voyage to the West Indies with his Navy: the rest of the ships return into the low Countries, every one from whence he came.  
AFter that the Island of great Canaria was by the united soldiers taken, and won by force of Arms, and the Island Gomera conquered, for sundry reasons they were forsaken, after they had carried to their ships such things as they found, fired the towns, churches, cloisters, and houses, and razed their Castles. The Lord General commanded all Captains and officers of the fleet to resort unto him aboard his ship. The same principals being come accordingly, he welcomed them and showed them all friendship he could, thanking them for their good and faithful endeavours which they had showed in this service, which he performed with a singular oration, praying Almighty God that he would vouchsafe to be his only loadsman, & merciful defender, in all his enterprises, to the honour of his name, and happy success of the united Netherlandish provinces. After this, the lord General again in most friendly sort, and kind speeches, persuaded & desired all the said captains and officers, (alleging many reasons and examples) to persever in their good beginning of true and faithful service for God, and for their good Lords and principal magistrates, the honourable gentlemen and states of the united netherlands; & to the good liking of their valiant & high borne gentleman, & governor General prince Mauritz, their principal lord and commander, etc. with these and such like matters the day was spent.  
Wednesday the 21. of july, the wind was northerly: The lord General commanded all the captains and officers to resort unto him: and in most courteous manner again the second time, took his leave of them all, ordaining and appointing in his place as Admiral General over all those ships which were to return home, the valiant captain jan Gerbrantson, desiring and straightly charging them all there present, to show all obedience and duty unto him, as to his own person, and that they should make his mind known to all others which had not been there present. After these speeches, and leave taken, the Admiral jan Gerbrantson put out the prince's colours in the main top: and the honourable gentleman Peter von der Dost presently caused the prince's flag also to be spread; 
The Netherlandish fleet divide themselves into two companies, whereof the one returneth homewards, and the other proceedeth for the west Indians.  and as soon as the sun was south-west, all the ships at one instant weighed their anchors, & hoist their sails, taking leave now the third time one of an other, in most brave and triumphant sort, and in this manner departed the one from the other. The lord General with his fleet, set this course south south-west with 36. ships, and the Admiral jan Gerbrantson ran east by the wind, with 35. ships, with intent to return home.  
Wednesday the 18 of August, sixteen ships of our fleet which were sent to return home, being in company together in the latitude of 36. degrees and 10. minutes, the wind south-west sailing North-east, before it was noon, we perceived 2 strange ships under sail coming out of the northwest, towards whom we made, 
Two Spanish prizes taken.  and at afternoon we overtook them, and made them our prizes: they were both Spaniards, the one was a small Bark, and came from Cape de Blanco in 21. degrees, loaden for Woluis in the Condate where they dwelled. In the same ships was a merchant of civil with 47. men, each of their ships having two cast pieces and every man his musket, but they made no show of defence, or offending. There was also found laden in the same ships, sixty thousand dry hides or skins, esteemed to be worth 6000. ducats as they reported, there were also found two bags with money, in the one was 11. hundred single rials, and in the other 10. hundred & forty single rials, with two Butts of train oil, and two barrels of gum Arabic.  
Thursday the 19 day, we the abovesaid 16. ships were together, beside the two spanish ships, 4. ships of war of north Holland, 4 ships of Wars of Zealand and one ship of war of the Maze: the captain whereof was Antony Leonardson, all the rest were victuallers. The wind west northwest, we sailed North-east, and by north in 36. degrees and 45. minutes. The captains had been all aboard the Admiral in council advising what were best to be done in this matter of the Spaniards prizes.  
Saturday, Sunday, the 21. and 22. of August, our said fleet of 18. ships kept yet together, we found ourselves to be in 39 degrees, 6. minutes. The sun south and by west, the wind blew up at west north west, we sailed north. North-east, and north and by east, Lysborne was east of us.  
Monday the sixth of September, the wind westerly, we ran east, at noon we sounded, the depth was 50. fathom water, we found small white shells with needles therein, in the height of 49. degrees 20. minutes, the sun south-west, we had sight of Vshant, we ran North-east and by north.  
Tuesday the 7. of September, the sun east south east, we saw England, a mighty blustering gale of wind from the south south-west, we sailed north North-east. The sun south-west, came to land at Gawstert. afterward we turned and sailed east southeast: In the evening it blewe so much wind, that we were forced to strike our main top mast, and we ran the whole night with two courses by the wind.  
Wednesday the 8. of September, the foul weather continued, the sun east and by south, we had sight of the I'll of Wight north northwest of us, and ran the whole day east North-east with the foresail by the wind: as the evening approached we saw Beversier, in the night and second quarter we passed by Dover.  
Tursday the 9 of September, as soon as the day began to appear it was calm weather, and dark, the sun southeast, we lay still before Newport all the ebb. The wind easterly, in the after noon the wind came northwest, we set sail again, running all night by the wind with our foresail,  
Friday the 10. of September, 1599 by the break of day we were before the Maze, the sun south-west, we arrived by the help of God's mercy and grace before the Brill.  
Since then, there is arrived at texel another ship of war, whereof one Cater of Amsterdam was captain, the which was severed from the fleet in this voyage by tempest, and thought to be lost. The said captain met with some prizes, and in company of two english ships took a carvel of Adviso, very richly laden coming out of India, and having more men than the english, shared half of the goods with them, and so came home this present month of Octob.  
FINIS.