Full text of "The three voyages of Martin Frobisher, in search of a passage to Cathaia and India by the North-west, A.D. 1576-8. Reprinted from the first ed. of Hakluyt's Voyages, with selections from manuscript documents in the British Museum and State Paper Office. By Rear-Admiral Richard Collinson"

&l^'

H^.^
^■3^

REPORT FOR 1867.

The Hakluyt Society lias now readied tlie twentietli year
of its existence. Since tlie second year, two volumes have
regularly been delivered to Members ; and their value is
established by the price they fetch_, when, on rare occasions,
a complete set gets into the market. At a recent sale, the
whole series was purchased for £16. 16s., the price charged
to Members being then only £15. 15s.

But, besides attaining the main objects of the Society,
namely, the supply of carefully edited editions of rare or
unpublished voyages, travels, and other geographical
records, to subscribers, the Council may congratulate the
Members on the high position that many of their volumes
have attained in English literature, both as regards intrinsic
merit and practical usefulness. The Society^s labours have
been pretty equally distributed over the great divisions of
the world. Out of the thirty-eight volumes forming the
series, twelve relate to discoveries and explorations in the
New World, twelve to the continent and islands of Asia,
six to the Arctic Regions, three to Russia, one to Aus-
tralia, and four to general voyages or circumnavigations.
Most of these volumes are of such a character that no
future students or authors who write upon the subjects to
which they relate can fail to consult them. Thus, Sir
Robert Schomburgk^s Guiana is essential to any author
who treats of Sir Walter RaleigFs life and acts; the "World

Encompassed^^ to tlie biogi'aplier of Drake; the ''^Select
Letters^^ to any future life of Columbus. Tlie historian of
Arctic exploration will find the only carefully edited editions
of the voyages of Barentz, Hudson, and Frobisher in the
Society^s series. Mr. Major^s ^''Voyages to Terra Aus-
tralis^^ is the main source whence histories of the future
wealthy states of the southern Continent will take their
rise. And Colonel Yule^s laborious and admirably edited
work will in future be the standard authority on all ques-
tions relating to the early intercourse between Europe and
the far East.

With regard to practical usefulness the works of the
Hakluyt Society stand equally high. In the Report for
1865 it will be remembered that the great practical value of
one of the Society's volumes in navigating a ship through
intricate channels, was noticed. Captain Penny, who is
well known as the commander of one of the expeditions
which went in search of Sir John Franklin, reported that,
when Parry's chart failed him, he was enabled to guide his
ship through the Savage Group into Fox's Channel by the
aid of the volume on Hudson's Bay, edited by Mr. Barrow.
Explorers in the Amazon Valley and the region of the
Andes, are furnished, by Mr. Markham, with portable
editions of the leading discoverers of former times, whose
footsteps they are following. Equally important to the
traveller in the East are the editions of Galvano, Middleton,
Jordanus, Yarthema, Conti, and others.

The Society's volumes are quoted by historians, such as
Helps and others ; by those who write the lives or portions
of the lives of great explorers, of Hawkins or Drake, Colum-
bus or De Soto, Raleigh or Frobisher or Hudson; by travel-
lers and explorers ; and by those who study the antiquities
of India or South America ; and the use of these volumes is
essential to the adequate treatment of their respective sub-
jects.

These are facts wMcli may be verified by any one, and
tliey afibrd just cause for congratulation to tlie Members of
the Hakluyt Society. The results of twenty years of labour
have, we believe, been alike satisfactory to subscribers and
practically useful both to students and to explorers.

In looking forward, the Council are happy to be able to
report that several valuable works have been undertaken by
editors. Many others have been suggested for publication,
and indeed the mine from which these rich ores are ex-
tracted is practically inexhaustible.

The two volumes of Colonel Yule^s ^^ Cathay and the Way
Thither", have been delivered to Members since the last
General Meeting.

The following work is nearly ready and will shortly be
delivered: — ^^The Three Voyages of Sir Martin Frobisher,"
with a selection from his letters now in the State Paper
Office. Edited by Rear-Admiral E. Collinson, C.B.

Several other works have been undertaken by editors,
but the next that will be ready for delivery will probably
be — "Events in the Philippine Islands," by the Doctor Anto-
nio de Morga, Alcalde of the Royal Audience of New Spain,
published at Mexico in 1609. To be translated and edited
by the Houble. Heniy Stanley.

Mr. Stanley has lately discovered that the description of
the coast of East Africa and Malabar (the volume issued in
1866) which was attributed, in the title-page, to Duarte
Barbosa, on the authority of Ramusio, was in reality written
by Magellan. A brief notice on the subject by Mr. Stanley
will be issued to Members with the next delivery, for inser-
tion into their copies of the volume in question.

The Council regret to have to announce that, owing to
the lamented death of the well known traveller Dr. Barth,
the important work by Leo Africanus, the great repository
of African geographical knowledge, is again without an
e litor.

The following Six Members retire from the Council, viz. —

1. E. W. Grey, Esq.

2. John W. Kaye, Esq.

3. Count de Lavradio.

4. Thomas K. Lynch, Esq.

5. Sir C. Nicholson, Bart.

6. Major-Gen. Sir Henry Eawlinson, K.O.B., M.P.

Of this number, the three following are proposed for re-
election, viz. —

1. Sir C. Nicholson, Bart.

2. R. W. Grey, Esq.

3. Major-Gen. Sir Henry Eawlinson, K.C.B., M.P.

And the names of the following gentlemen are proposed
for election —

1. Sir Walter Elliot, K.S.I.

2. Eear- Admiral Alfred Eyder, E.N.

3. W. E. Frere, Esq.

STATEMENT OF THE ACCOUNTS OF THE SOCIETY
FOR THE YEAR 1866-67.

Balance at Banker's at last Audit. £468 12 Mr. Richards, for Printing JE331 15

Received by Bankers during the [ ]\[r. 'Weller, for Maps 61 6

year 241 19

£710 11

Transcriptions 6

AVoodcut for "Frobisher's Voyages" 8 8

Gratuity to Agent's Foreman 5

Expended in Petty Cash 3 14 3

416 3 9

Present Balance at Banker's 293 1 6

Present Balance in Petty Cash .. 15 9

£710 11

Examined and approved May 23rd, 1867.

CHAELES BAGOT PHILLIMORE.
WILLIAM NEVILLE STUET.

THE

HAKLUYT SOCIETY.

President.

SIR RODERICK IMPEY MURCHISOX, Bart., K.C.B., G.C.St.S. F.R.S., F.R.G.S., D.C.L.
Mem. Imp. Acad. So. St. Petersburg, Coit. Mem. Inst. Fr., <fcc. &c.

Vice-Presidents

Re.\r- Admiral C. R. DRTNKWATER BETHT'NE, C.B.
The Rioht Hon. SIR DAVID DUND.VS.

Council.

The Right Hon. H. V. ADDIXOTON.
Key. G. p. BADGER, F.R.G.S.
J. BARROW, Esq,, F.R.S.
E. H. BUNBUKY, Esq.
P1.EAR-ADMIKAL R. COLLINSON, C.B.
Sir WALTER ELLIOT, K.S.T.
Sir henry ELLIS, K.H., F.R.S.
General C. FOX.
W. E. FRKRE, Esq.

R. W. GREY, Esq.

JOHN WINTER JONES, Esq., F.S.A.

R. H. MAJOR, Esq., F.S.A.

Sir CHARLES NICHOLSON, B.art.

Captain SHERARD OSBORN, R.N., C.B.

M.vtor-Generai. Sir HENRY C. RAW-

LINSON, K.C.B.. M.P.
REAR-.\nMiRAL ALFRED RYDER, R.N.
Viscount STRANGFORD.

Honorary Secretary— c R. markham, Esq.

Bankers— Mr.-^sns. I;.\N>;0M^ BOrVERIE. and Co.. 1, Pai.t. Mai.t. East.

ji)e l^akltlgt ^OCietp, which is eftabUnied for the
purpofe of printing rare or unpubhfhed Voyages
and Travels, aims at opening by this means an eafier access
to the fources of a branch of knowledge, which yields to
none in importance, and is fiipcrior to moft in agreeable
variety. The narratives of travellers and navigators make
us acquainted v^ith the earth, its inhabitants and pro-
du6lions ; they exhibit the growth of intercourfe among
mankind, with its effe6ls on civilization, and, while inftruft-
ing, they at the fame time awaken attention, by recounting
the toils and adventures of thofe who firft explored unknown
and diftant regions.

The advantage of an Affociation of this kind, confifts not
merely in its syftem of literary co-operation, but alfo in its
cconom}'. The acquirements, tafte. and difcrimination of

1 866.

a number of individuals, who feel an intereft in the fame
purfuit, are thus brought to a6l in voluntary combination,
and the ordinary charges of publication are alfo avoided, fo
that the volumes produced are diftributed among the
Members (who can alone obtain them) at little more than
the coft of printing and paper. The Society expends the
whole of its funds in the preparation of works for the
Members ; and fince the coft of each copy varies inverfely
as the whole number of copies printed, it is obvious that
the members are gainers individually by the profperity of
the Society, and the confequent vigour of its operations.

Gentlemen defirous of becoming Members of the Hakluyt
Society fhould intimate their intention to the Secretary,
Mr. Clements R. Markham, 21, Ecclejlon Square, S. IV.,
or to the Society's Agent for the delivery of its
volumes, Mr. Richards, 37, Great Queen Street, Lincoln s
Inn Fields ; when their names will be recorded, and, on
payment of their fubfcription of ;^i : i to Islx. Richards,
they will receive the volumes iffued for the year.

Neiv Members have, at prefent (1867), tJie privilege of
pnr chafing the complete fet of the publications of the Society
for previous yeaj^s for sixteen guineas, biit have not the pozuer
of f electing ajiy particular volume.

The Members are requefted to bear in mind that the
power of the Council to make advantageous arrangements,
will depend, in a great meafure, on the prompt payment of
the subscriptions, which are payable in advance on the
1st of January, and are received by Mr. Richards, 37,
Great Queen Street, Lincoln's Inn Fields. Poft Office
Orders fhould be made payable to ]\IR. THOMAS RICHARDS,
at the Wefl Central Office. High Holborn.

WORKS ALREADY ISSUED.

1— The Observations of Sir Richard Hawkins, Knt.

In his Voyage into the South Sea in 1593. Reprinted from the edition of
1622, and edited by Capt C. R. Drinkwater Bethune, R.N., C.B.

Iffiiedfor 1848.

2— Select Letters of Columbus.

With Original Documents relating to the Difcovery of the New World. Tranf-
lated and Edited by R. H. Major, Esq., of the Britifh Mufeum.

IJfiiedfor 1849,

3— The Discoverie of the Empire of Guiana,

By Sir Walter Ralegh, Knt. Edited, with copious Explanatory Notes, and a
Biographical Memoir, by SiR Robert H. Schomburgk, Phil.D., etc.

Iffucdfor 1850.

4— Sir Francis Drake his Voyage, 1595,

By Thomas Maynarde, together with the Spanifh Account of Drake's attack
on Puerto Rico, Edited from the Original MSS., by W. D. Cooley, Esq.

If tied for 1850.

5— Narratives of Early Voyages

Undertaken for the Difcovery of a Paffage to Cathaia and India, by the North-
weft, with Selections from the Records of the worlliipful Fellowfhip of the
Merchants of London, trading into the Eaft Indies ; and from MSS. in the
Library of the Britifli Mufeum, now firft publiflied; by Thomas Rundall, Esq.

/Jfiied Jori^Si.

6— The Historie of Travaile into Virginia Britannia,

Expreffmg the Cofmographie and Commodities of the Country, together with
the manners and Cuftoms of the people, gathered and obferved as well by
thofe who went firft thither as collected by William Strachey, Gent., the firil
Seci'etary of the Colony ; now firfl Edited from the original manufcript in the
Britifh Mufeum, by R. H. Major, Esq., of the Britifh Mufeum.

IJfued for 1851.

7— Divers Voyages touching the Discovery of America

And the Islands adjacent, colle(51:ed and publifhed l)y Richard Hakluyt,
Prebendary of Briftol in the year 1582. Edited, with Notes and an intro-
duction, by John Winter Jones, Esq., of the Britifh Mufeum.

Ifuedfor 1852.

8— A Collection of Documents on Japan.

With a Commentary by Thomas Rundall, Esq.

Ifiu'dfor 1852.

9— The Discovery and Conquest of Florida,

By Don Ferdinando de Soto. Tranflated out of Portuguefe by Richard
Hakluyt; and Edited, with notes and an introdudion, by W. B. Rye, Esq.,
of the Britifh Mufeum. IJfued for 1853.

10— Notes upon Russia,

Being a Tranflation from the Earlieft Account of that Country, entitled Reruni
Muscoviticarum Commentarii, by the Baron Sigifmund von Herberftein,
Ambaffador from the Court of Germany to the Grand Prince Vafdey Ivanovich,
in the years 15 17 and 1526. Tavo Volumes, Tranflated and Edited, with
Notes and an IntroducT:ion, by R. H. Major, Esq., of the Britifn Mufeum.

Vol. 1. Tffncdfv 1853.

11— The Geography of Hudson's Bay.

Bemg the Remarks of Captain W. Coats, in many Voyages to that locality,
between the years 1727 and 175 1. With an Appendix, containing Extrac1:s
from the Log of Captain Middleton on his Voyage for the Difcovery of the
North-west Passage, in H.M.S. "Furnace," in 174 1-2. Edited by John-
Barrow. Esq., F.R.S., F.S.A.

12— Notes upon Eu&sia. Vol. 2.

13— Three Voyages by the Northeast,

Iffued fo7- 1854.
Iff lied for 1854.

Towards Cathay and China, undertaken by the Dutch in the years 1594, 1595,

and 1596, with their Difcovery of Spitzbergen, their refidence often months in

Novava Zemlya, and their safe return in two open boats. By Gen-it de Veer.

Edited by C. T. Beke, Esq., Ph.D., F.S.A.

Iffuedfo) 1855.

14-15— The History of the Great and Mighty Kingdom of China and
the Situation Thereof.

Compiled by the Padre Juan Gonzalez de Mendoza. And now Reprinted

from the Early Tranflation of R. Parke. Edited by SiR George T.

Staunton, Bart. With an Introduclion by R. H. ^NI.ajor, Esq. 2 vols.

Iffuedfor 1855.

16— The World Encompassed by Sir Francis Drake.

Being his next Voyage to that to Nombre de Dios. Collated, with an
unpublifhed Manufcript of Francis Fletcher, Chaplain to the Expedition.
With Appendices illuftrative of the fame Voyage, and Introduclion by W. S.
W. Vaux, Esq., M.A. Iffuedfo riSs^.

17— The History of the Tartar Conquerors who Subdued China.

From the French of the Pere D'Orleans, 1688. Tranflated and Edited by the
Earl of Ellesmere. With an IntroducT:ion by R. H. Major, Esq.

IfTuedfor 1856.

18— A Collection of Early Documents on Spitzberge-n and Gree-nland,

Confifting of: a Tranflation from the German of F. Martin's important work
on Spitzbergen, now very rare ; a Tranflation from Isaac de la Peyrere's
Relation de Greenland; and a rare piece entitled "God's Power and Pro-
vidence fhowed in the miraculous prefervation and deliverance of eight
Engliflimen left by mifchance in Greenland, anno 1630, nine months and
twelve days, faithfully reported by Edward Pelham." Edited, with Notes, by
Adam White, Esq., of the Britifh Mufeum.

Iffiied for 1857.

19- The Voyage of Sir Henry Middleton to Bantam and the Maluco Islands.

From the rare Edition of 1606. Edited by Bolton Corney, Esq.

Iffuedfor 1857.

20-Eussia at the Close of the Sixteenth Century.

Comprifing "The- Ruffe Commonwealth" by Dr. Giles Fletcher, and Sir

Jerome Ilorfey's Travels, now firft printed entire from his manufcript in the

Britifli Mufeum. Edited by E. A. Bond, Esq., of the Britifli Mufeum.

Iffuedfor 1858.

21— The Travels of Girolamo Benzoni in America, in 1542-56.

Tranflated and Edited by Admiral W. H. Smith, F.R.S., F.S.A.

Iffuedfor 1858.

22— India in the Fifteenth Century.

Being a CollecHon of Narratives of Voyages to India in the centuiy preceding

the Portuguefe difcovery of the Cape of Good Hope ; from Latin, Perfian,

Ruffian, and Italian Sources, now firfl tranflated into Englifli. Edited, with

an Introduclion by R. H. Major, Esq., F.S.A.

Iffuedfor 1859.

23— Narrative of a Voyage to the West Indie- ani Mexico,

In the years 1599- 1602, with Maps and Illuflration.s. By Samuel Champlain.

Tranflated from the original and unpublifhed Manufcript, with a Biographical

Notice and Notes by Alice Wilmere.

Iffuedfor 1859.

24— Expeditions into the Valley of the Amazons

During the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries : containing the Journey of
Cionzalo Pizarro, from the Royal Commentaries of Garcilaffo Inca de la Vega ;
the Voyage of Francifco de Orellana, from the General Hiftory of Herrera ;
and the Voyage of Criftoval de Acuna, from an exceedingly fcarce narrative
written by himfelf in 1641. Edited and Tranflated by Clements R.
Markham, Esq. Iffuedfor i866.

25— Early Indications of Australia.
A Colledlion of Documents (hewing the Early Difcoveries of Auflralia to the
time of Captain Cook. Edited by R. H. ' Major, Esq., of the Britifli
Mufeum, F.S.A. I//ued for 1^60.

26— The Embassy of Ruy Gonzalez de Clavijo to the Court of Timour, 1403-6.

Tranflated, for the firft time, with Notes, a Preface, and an Introductory Life

of Timour Beg. By Clements R. Markham, Esq.

Iffuedfor 1861.

27— Henry Hudson the Navigator.
The Original Documents in which his career is recorded. Collecfled, partly
Tranflated, and Annotated, with an Introduclion by George Asher, LL.D.

Iffuedfor iS6\.

28— The Expedition of Ursua and Aguirre,

In search of El Dorado and Omagua, A. D. 1560-61. IVanflated from the

" Sexta Nolicia Hiflorical" of Fray Pedro Simon, by W. Bollaert, Esq.;

with an Introduclion by Cle:ments R. Markham, Esq.

Iffuedfor 1862.

29— The Life and Acts of Don Alonzo Enriquez de Guzman.

Tranflated from a Manufcript in the National Library at Madrid, and edited,
with Notes and an Introdudlion, by Clements R. Markham, Esq.

Iffitcdfor 1862.

30— Discoveries of the World by Galvano

From their firfl original unto the year of our Lord 1555. Reprinted, with the
original Portuguefe text, and edited by Vice- Admiral Bethune, C. B.

IJftiedfor 1863.

31— Marvels described by Friar Jordanus,

Of the Order of Preachers, native of Severac, and Bifliop of Columbum ; from

a parchment manufcript of the Fourteenth Century, in Latin, the text of which

has recently been Tranflated and Edited by Colonel H. Yule, C.B.,

F.R.G.S., late of H.M. Bengal Engineers.

Iffiiedfor 1863.

32— The Travels of Ludovico di Varthema

In Syria, Arabia, Perfia, India, etc., during the Sixteenth Century. Tranflated

by J. Winter Jones, Esq., F. S.A., and edited, with Notes and an Intro-

du6lion, by the Rev. George Percy Badger.

I[fuedfor\%b^.

33 -The Travels of Cieza de Leon in 1532-50

From the Gulf of Darien to the City of La Plata, contained in the firfl part of

his Chronicle of Peru (Antwerp 1554). Tranflated and edited, with Notes

and an Introdu6lion, by Clements R. Markham, Esq.

Ifftiedfor\%6^.

34— The Narrative of Pascual de Andagoya.

Containing the earlieft notice of Peru. Tranflated and edited, with Notes and
an Introdudlion, by Clements R. Markham, Esq.

Iffuedfor 1865.

35— The Coasts of East Africa and Malabar

In the beginning of the Sixteenth Century, by Duarte Barbofa. Tranflated
from an early Spanifh manufcript by the Hon. Henry Stanley.

I/fjiedfor 1865.

36— Cathay and the Road Thither.

A Collection of all mmor notices of China, previous to the Sixteenth
Century. Tranflated and edited by Colonel H. Yule, C.B. Vol. i.

IJfiudfor 1866.

37— Cathay and the Road Thither. Vol. 2.

IJjfuedfor 1866.

38— The Three Voyages of Sir Martin Frobisher.

With a Seledlion from Letters now in the State Paper Office. Edited by
Rear- Admiral Collinson, C.B.

Iffuedfor 1867.

OTHER WORKS UNDERTAKEN BY EDITORS.

Events in the Philippine Iflands by Dodlor Antonio de Morga, Alcalde of the
Royal Audience of New Spain, publifhed at Mexico in 1609. Tranflated
and edited by the Hon. Henry Stanley.

Journeys of Caterino Zeno and other Italians to Perfia in the Fifteenth and
Sixteenth Centuries. Tranflated and edited by Charles Grey, Esq.

The Travels of Jofafa Barbaro and Ambrogio Contarini in Tana and Perfia.
Tranflated from Ramufio by E, A. RoY, Esq., and edited, virith an
Introdudlion, by Viscount Strangford.

The Royal Commentaries of the Ynca Garcilaffo de la Vega ; tranflated and
edited by Clements R. Markham, Esq.

The Voyages of Davis and Baffin in fearch of a North Wefl Paffage, together
w^ith the "Seaman's Secrets" of Davis. Edited by Captain Sherard
OsBORN, R.N., C.B.

Hans Stade. Adventures in Brazil in the Sixeeenth Century. Tranflated
and edited by Captain R. F. Burton, H.M. Conful at Santos.

Pigafetta's Narrative of the Voyage of Magalhaens, from the Italian text of
Amoretti. Tranflated and edited by M. Frederick de Hellwald.

"The Seyyeds of the Al Boo Said" ; an account of Oman from the immigra-
tion of the Azdites from Mareb in a.d. 118; containing information
refpe(5ling Oman, the coaft of Mekran, the Perfian Gulf, and the eaft
coafl of Africa during the i6th and 17th centuries; to be tranflated
from the Arabic, and edited by the Rev. George P. Badger, F.R.G.S.

The Fifth Letter of Hernan Cortes, describing his Voyage to Honduras in
1525-26. Tranflated and edited by Don Pascual Gayangos.

Rofmital's Embaffy to England, Spain, etc., in 1466. Edited by R. C.
Graves, Esq.

WORKS SUGGESTED TO THE COUNCIL FOR PUBLICATION.

Voyages of Alvaro de Mandana and Pedro Fernandez de Quires in the South
Seas, to be tranflated from Suarez de Figueroa's " Hechos del Marques
deCaiiete," and Torquemada's "Monarquia Indiana."

Inedited Letters, etc., of Sir Thomas Roe during his Embaffy to India.

John Huigen van Linschoten. Difcourfe of a Voyage mi to the Eaft Indies;
to be reprinted from the Enghfh tranflation of 1598,

The Voyage of John Saris to India and Japan in 161 1 -13, from a manufcript
copy of his Journal, dated 161 7.

The Topographia Chriftiana of Cosmas Indicopleufles.

Bernhard de Breydenbach, 1483-84, a.d. Travels in the Holy Land.

Felix Fabri, 1483. Wanderings in the Holy Land, Egypt, etc.

Vova"-e of Du Quefne to the Eaft Indies in 1692, from a manufcript Journal
' "^by M. C. * ^ * *'

El Edrifi's Geography.

Narrative of Giovanni da Verrazzano, a Florentine, concerning the land called
New France, difcovered by him in the name of his Majefty : written at
Dieppe, A.D. 1524.

Voyage made by Captain Jaques Cartier in 1535 and 1536 to the ifles of
Canada, Hochlega, and Saguenay.

Nicolo and Antonio Zeno. Their Voyages to Frifland, Eftotiland, Vinland,
Engroenland, etc.

Ca da Mofto. Voyages along the Weftern Coaft of Africa in' 1454 : tranllated
from the Italian text of 1507.

The Difcovery and Conquefh of the Canary Illands, by Bethencourt in 1402-25.

Leo Africanus.

L dos Santos. The Hillory of Eallern Ethiopia. 1607.

Joam de Caftro. Account of a Voyage made Ijy the Portuguefe m 1541,
from the city of Goa to Suez.

Bethencourt. The Difcovery and Conqueft of the Canary Iflands, A. D. 1 402-25.

John and Seballian Cabot. Their Voyages to America.

Willoughby and Chancellor. Their Voyages to the North-east.

Icelandic Sagas narrating the Difcovery of America.

The Voyage of Vafco de Gama round the Cape of Good Hope in 1497.
Tranflated from a contemporaneous manufcript, accompanied by other
documents, forming a monograph on the life of De Gama.

La Argentina. An account of the Difcovery of the Provinces of Rio de la
Plata from 1512 to the time of Domingo Martinez de Irala; by Ruiz
Diaz de Guzman.

LAWS OF THE HAKLUYT SOCIETY.

I. The oljject of this Society fliall be to print, for diflribution among its
members, rare and vaUiable Voyages, Travels, Naval Expeditions, and other
geographical records, from an early period to the beginning of the eighteenth
century.

II. The Annual Subfcription fliall be One Guinea, payable in advance on
the ist January.

III. Each member of the Society, having paid his Subfcription, fhall be
entitled to a copy of every work produced by the Society, and to vote at the
general ineetings within the period fubfcribed for ; and if he do not fignify,
before the clofe of the year, his wifh to refign, he fhall be confidered as a mem-
ber for the fucceeding year.

IV. The management of the Society's affairs fhall be vefted in a Council
confifling of twenty-one members, viz., a Prefident, two Vice-Prefidents, a
Secretary, and feventeen ordinaiy members, to be elected annually ; but
vacancies occurring between the general meetings fliall be filled up "by the
Council.

V. A General Meeting of the Subfcribers fhall be held annually. The
Secretary's Report on the condition and proceedings of the Society fhall be then
read, and the Meeting fhall proceed to elect the Council for the enfuing year.

VI. At each Annual Election, fix of the old Council fhall retire, of whom
three fhall be eligible for re-eleclion.

VII. The Council fliall meet every month, excepting Augufl, September
Odlober, and November, for the difpatch of bufinefs, three forming a quorum,
including the Secretary, and the Chaimian having a cafling vote.

VIII. Gentlemen preparing and editing works for the Society, fhall receive
twenty-five copies of fuch works refpeclively, and an additional twenty-five
copies if the work is alfo tranflated.

RULES FOR THE DELIVERY OF THE SOCIETY S VOLUMES.

I. The Society's produ(5lions will be delivered without any charge, within
three miles of the General Pofl Office.

II. They will be forwarded to any place beyond that limit, the Society
paying the cofl of booking, but not of carriage ; nor will it be anfwerable in
this cafe for any lofs or damage.

III. They will be delivered by the Society's agent, Mr. Thos. Richards,
37, Great Queen Street, Lincoln's Inn Fields, to perfons having written
authority of fubfcribers to receive them.

IV. They will be fent to the Society's correfpondents or agents in the prin-
cipal towns throughout the kingdom ; and care fhall be taken that the charge
for carriage be as moderate as poffible.

IJST OF MEMBERS

THE HAKLUYT SOCIETY.

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Admiralty (The), 2 copies^

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Anderson, H. L., Esq., 5, Leinster-gardens, Bayswater.

Antiquaries, the Society of.

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Batho, J. A., Esq., 49, Upper Charlotte-street, Fitzroy-square.

Bell, Rev. Thomas, Berbice.

Benzon, E. L. S., Esq., Sheffield.

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Bibliotheque Imperiale, Paris.

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Bowring, Sir John, LL.D., Athenaeum Club,

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Broughton, Lord, 42, Berkeley-square.

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Brown, J. M., Esq., Portland, U.S.

Brown, R., Esq., King's Langley, Herts.

Brown, W. H., Esq., Chester.

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Berkeley-square.
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Royal Society, Burlington House.

Rushout, The Hon. Miss, 26, Onslow-square, Brompton.
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Rye, W. B., Esq., British Museum.

Sassoon, David, Esq., F.R.S., 17, Cumberland-terrace, Regent's-park.

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WORKS ISSUED BY

CJe llafelugt 0otitt^.

THREE VOYAGES OF ilARTIN FROBISHER.

M.DCCC.I.XVir.

T. RICHARDS, '^7 , GREAT QUKKN STREET. W.

MARTINUS FROBISHERUS, EQUES AURATTJS.

THE

THREE VOYAGES

MARTIN FROBISHER,

IN SEARCH OF A PASSAGE TO

CATHAIA AND INDIA BY THE NORTH-WEST,

A.D. 1576-8,
Itepinnltb from ih Jfirst €Mtioit of Ijaklugt's 0oj)agi;s,

WITH SELECTIONS FROM

MANUSCEIPT DOCUMENTS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM
AND STATE PAPER OFFICE.

Kear-Admiral RICHARD COLLINSON,

LONDON:
PRINTED FOR THE HAKLUYT SOCIETY.

M.DCCC.LXVU.

■^.'

C^ ( t o<

HENRY GRIXNELL, ESQ.,

OF NEW YORK,

THIS EDITION OF MARTIX FROBISHER's THREE VOYAGES IN SEARCH

OF A PASSAGE TO CATHAIA BY THE N.^W.

IS DEDICATED,

AS A TRIBUTE OF RESPECT AND ADMIRATION,

NOT OXLY FOR HIS CORDIAL AND GENEROUS CO-OPERATION

IN THE SEARCH FOR SIR JOHN FRANKLIN AND HIS COMPANIONS,

BUT ALSO FOR THE

INTEREST HE HAS SHOWN IN, AND THE AID HE HAS AFFORDED TO,

POLAR EXPLORATION IN THE PRESENT DAY,

BY MIS OBEDIENT SERVANT,

RICHARD COLLINSON.

107201

COUNCIL

THE HAKLUYT SOCIETY.

SIR RODERICK IMPEY MURCHISON, Bart., K.C.B., G.C.St.S., F.R.S., D.C.L.. Corr.
Mem. Inst. F., Hou. Mem. Imp. Acad. Sc. Petersburg, etc., etc., Prestdknt.

Rear-Admiral C. R. DRINKWATER BETHUNE, C.B. \

[ Vice-Presidents.
The Rt. Hon. Sir DAVID DUNDAS, M.P. )

The Right Hon. H. U. ADDINGTON.

Rev. G. p. BADGER, F.R.G.S,

J. BARROW, Esq., F.R.S.

E. H. BUNBURY, Esq.

Rear-admiral R. COLLINSON, C.B.

Sir henry ELLIS, K.H., F.R.S.

General C. FOX.

R. W. GREY, Esq.

JOHN WINTER JONKS, Esq., F.S.A.

JOHN W. KAYE, Esq.

His Excellency the COUNT DE LAVRADIO.

THOMAS K. LYNCH, Esq.

R. H. MAJOR, Esq., F.S.A.

Sir CHARLES NICHOLSON, Bart.

C.\PTAiN SHERARD OSBORN, R.N. , C.B.

M-UOR-General Sir HENRY C. RAWLINSON, K.C.B

Viscount STRANGFORD.

CLEMENTS R. MARKHAM, Esq., F.S.A., Honorauy Secretary.

INTEODUCTION.

Five years after the discovery of America by Columbus,
the Englisl], baffled in their attempts to reach Kathay
by the N.E., turned their attention in another direc-
tion, and on the morning of the 24th of June, 1497,
Newfoundland was discovered by John Cabot. Thus
began those series of memorable voyages which have
been continued, unto our day, with but short inter-
ruption, until the northern seaboard of the American
continent has been perfectly discovered. The annals
of these Arctic voyages have been read and re-read,
published and re-published, evincing the deep interest
which generation after generation has taken in these
touching records of skill and daring, perseverance and
long-suffering ; and well may we turn to them with
pride and pleasure, exhibiting as they do such proof of
that spirit of maritime enterprise which always has been
Great Britain's boast and glory.

In the year 1500 the discovery of the Cabots was
followed up by Caspar de Cortereal, in two ships from
Lisbon, and attention was attracted to the value of
the fisheries on the coast of Newfoundland, and in
1504 small vessels from Biscav, Bretap'ne, and Nor-

Yin INTRODUCTION.

mancly resorted thither for this purpose. In 1506
Jean Denys drew a map of the Gulf of St. Lawrence ;
and in 1517 no less than fifty Spanish, French, and
Portuguese ships were employed in this fishery. In
1527, E. Thorne of Bristol (who assisted the Cabots in
the equipment of their vessels for the first voyage)
sailed with two ships for the discovery of the N.W.
passage, but was never after heard of.

in 1534 Jacques Cartier sailed from St. Malo with
two ships, and explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In
1536 an attempt was made by one hundred and twenty
Englishmen to form a settlement on Newfoundland,
but they suffered the extremity of famine.

In 1548 the English fishery on the American coast
had become an object of national importance and legis-
lative encouragement.

The result of these discoveries was published to the
world in Gerard Mercator's Mappe Monde, in 1569 ;
and as this date will bring us to the period when we
are told (see p. 70) " Captaine Frobisher began first
with himself to devise and then with his friendes to
conferre, and layd a plaine platte unto them that that
voyage was not only possible by the Northweast, but
also, as he coulde prove, easie to bee performed," this
Avill be the place to describe the arrangement which
has been adhered to in this edition of Frobisher s
voyages. The text is taken from the first edition of
Hakluyt's voyages (1578), in the Grenville library at
the British Museum, an extremely rare book, with two
maps, to be found in only one other copy. On the
requisition of our President, and by the kindness of

INTRODUCTION. IX

the gentlemen in charge of the manuscripts at the British
Museum and at the public Eecord Office, access has
been obtained to several important documents hitherto
unpublished, and which have been arranged previous
and subsequent to the several voyages to which they
refer. George Beste, the author, served in the second
and third voyages ; and in his preface to the first
voyage will be found a curious account of the know-
ledge of the world at that period, which will greatly
interest those who are not already familiar with
Hakluyt's volumes.

I am indebted to Mr. W. B. Eye, of the British
Museum, for the following account of the expenses of
the first voyage, which is abstracted from the report of
the Commissioners on the Public Eecords, folio, 1837.

The amount of subscription to the first voyage amounted to
£875,

Bill for Maps and Nautical Instruments.

£ s. d.
Paid for a book of cosmographie in French of Andreas

Thevet . . . . .240

Paid to Humphry Cole and others —

For a greate globe of metal in blanke in a case . 7 13 4
For a great instrument of brasse named Armilla

Tolomei or Hemisperium . . ,468

For an instrument of brasse named Sphera Nautica 4 6 8
For a great instrument of brasse named Compassum

Meridianum . . . ,468

For a great instrument of brasse named Holometrum

Geometricum , , . .400

For a great instrument of brasse named Horologium

Universale . . • .268

For a ringe of brasse named Annulus Astronomicus 1 10
For a little standing level of brasse . ,068

For an instrument of wood a stafe named Balestetta lo 4

INTKODUCTION.

£ s.

. 5

3 1 6

. 6

. 2

. 1

()

. 10

()

. 6

. 3

. 1

. 3 3

. 17

. 3 10

For a very great carte of navigation

For a great mappe nniversall of Mercator in prente

For three other small mappes prented

For 6 cartes of navigation written in blacke parcli

ment whereof 4 ruled playne & 2 rounde
For a Bible Englislie great volume
For a cosmograpliical glasse & castell knowlege
For a new World of Andreas Thevett Englishe &

French .
For a Regiment of ^ledena (Spanishe)
For Sir John Mandevylle (EngHshe)
For 20 compasses of divers sorts
For 18 hower glasses
For a astrolalmim

The following drugs shew the contents of a shijo's medicine
chest in Queen Elizabeth's reign: — Ambra Grisi oriental, Cibetti,
Masche oriental, Agallorbi, Eigne Aloes, Rubarbi agarisi, Tur-
penti, Dragridii, Cipri India, Turmerick, Calam aromatica, Irios,
Galanga, Myrrha fine, Mastichus, Ai^genti ^4ti, Ladderi, Aumne
Gomme, Oppoponax, Oppen, Allocs, Bellzonica, Styrax Calmuc,
Myrobboralia chebue BeUerichi, Indioru citrini, Ledoria, Spica
Is'ardi, Cardamomi, Ligne Rhode, Colucuthes, Magarite, Boli
oriental, Lapis Lazuli, Cantatri Citemi, Corralina, Coralli Rubili,
Borax, Camphora, Castorium.

Among the payments made l)y Michael Lok for the
furniture of the first voyage the following occur —

For bote byre of Mr. Furbisher following his bussy-

ness alle this tyme . . .10 lO

Paid to Ducke upholster for beddinge for Mr. Cap-

tayne Frobiser . . . . 3 16 5

Paid for a bottell of aqua^-ite for Mr. Frobiser paid it

to his manne Borrowes . . .0 10

Paid to Mr. Frobiser on accompte as followithe for
beare and breade at launchinge of the Gabriell and
for maryners djmers then , . .0 I'J

Paid to ivicholas Cooke for aquavite 3 hogsheads paid

to Anthonye Duffildc bruer . . . 13 18

INTEODUCTION,

l^ii(.l for V tonne of beui'e at 42s. boiiglit of my Lord

Admiral by Arthm- Pett . . .10 1<)

Paid to Mr. Frobiser at divers tymes for his paynes
takeing on this voyage & his endevor untill his
retorne which was paid to clere him out of Eng-
land one the voyage . . . 8()
Paid for divers implements of houshold necessarye for
the shippes furniture as folio withe : —

For a great kettle pan brasse with 3'ron ball

For a great bassone of brasse to bake one

For a bakinge pan of 3'ron with cover

For a chaffinge dish of brasse .

For a skimer of brasse

For a greate jDotte of yron for meat

For a little pane brasse with handle yrone

For a tryvet yrone

For ij fringe joanes

For a drippinge pane yron

For a grydyron

For ij spyttes

For a payre of potte hokes

For a slyse of yron

For a fleshoke of yron

For ij hokes yron flat

For a clever great choppinge knyfe of jron

For iij wooden platters Muskovia painted

For a great bassone or ewar of pewtar

For iij pynte bottes of beare & wjjie

For a saltesellar of pewtare
Summe of all the said charges of furnyture of the
said shippes outwardes coste as followithe : —

For implements howshold

For wages of men

For instrumentes of navigatione

For vyttelles

For ordonans munition

For tackelinge of shippes

For buyldinge the shippe Gabriell & the pynace
(newe) ....

For the shipe MicJcael with furnitur of her bought

Sommc outwardes of shippinge... £1205 11 8

. 18

. C>

. 2

. (J 4

. 1

. 6

. 1

. 5

() 2

. () 1

. 3

. 1

. 6

. 5

. 1

8 11

213 17

50 14

387 14

100 8

172 5

152

120

xil INTRODUCTION.

In the State Papers subsequent to the first voyage
will be found —Michael Loks account of his connection
with Captain Frobiser, p. 87 ; Mr. Lockes discours
touching the cure, p. 92 ; and an account of the cost
provision, together with the names of the venturars in
the second voyage, p. 103.

The subscriptions for the second voyage amounted
to £5,150. The expedition consisted of 143 persons,
viz., 36 officers and gentlemen, 14 mynars and fynars,
64 mariners on board the Ayde, 16 in the Michael,
and 13 in the Gabriel.

The account of the second voyage will be found at
p. ] 1 7. The collection of State Papers subsequent to
the second voyage contains, among other things — The
bryefe account of the expenses of the second voyage,
and the names of the venturars, p. 164 ; the trials of
the ore, p. 170.

The third voyage was undertaken upon a much
larger scale, consisting of the ships Ayde, Michael,
Gabriel, and Judith, belonging to the Company, to-
gether with nine other ships hired for the voyage, and
arrangements were made for Captain E. Fenton, with
one hundred men, to establish a fort at Meta Incog-
nita. The ships brought home 1,296 tons of ore, which
were deposited at Dartford, and considerable works
seem to have been carried on there in smelting and
refining the ore.

The State Papers relative to the outfit for the third
voyage contain — A proportion of the charges for a
thyrd voyage, p. 209 ; the inventorie of the ship Ayde
(a curious document describing her rig and furniture),
p. 218.

INTRODUCTION. xiii

The third voyage commences at p. 225. The State
Papers subsequent to the third voyage relate princi-
pally to the difficulty experienced in collecting the
subscriptions, pp. 319-321 ; Mr. Lok's accounts and the
answers thereto, pp. 325, 326, 332 ; all the stock of
the venturers in all the three voyages, p. 358 ; the abuses
of Captain Furbisher against the Company e, p. 359.

On the conclusion of the third voyage, when it was
discovered that the ore would yield no return, Messrs.
Neale and WiUiam Baynham were appointed, by letters
dated August 12th, 1580, and May 6th, 1581, to audit
the accounts. This report recapitulates the names of
all the sul)scribers for the three voyages and the build-
ings at Dartford. The subscriptions for the three
several voyages amounted to £20,345, of which the
Queen advanced £4,000. In the account of the pro-
perty of the Company it is mentioned that Thomas
Allen received of Captain Frobisher two ingots of fine
gold, weighing 9 pennyweights 8 grains, and two in-
gots of fine silver, weighing 7 ounces 1 8 pennyweights,
which said gold and silver proceeded of the melting
and working of four cwts. of the ore brought from
Meta Incognita in the second voyage. That of the
foresaid workes done at Dartford in the melting and
rifining 16 tonnes of ore whereof proceeded 210
ounces of fine silver mixed with gold, which was de-
livered to Eichard Young.

Amongst the assets of the Company is stated to be
at Dartford 1,300 tons of ore remaining, valued at
£13 : 6 : 8 per ton = £l,733 : 6 : 8. No further in-
formation can be collected respecting the ore, but it is

XIV TNTEODUCTTON.

to be presumed that it did not turn out so valuable,
1)eeause we find it subsequently recited that the like
ore may be obtained for £6 a ton, whereas this cost
the Company £16.

In the appendix will be found a list of the relics of
the Frobisher expedition brought home by Mr. C. F.
Hall in 1863, wdiich are now deposited at the Eoyal
Geographical Society ; and I am one of those who believe
that his exertions in exploring King AYilliam's Land
for the journals and records of the Franklin expedition
will be attended with success. When this island was
visited by Sir L. McClintock and Captain Hobson, the
ground was covered with snow. Mr. Hall intends
passing the summer upon it, and the knowledge he
has obtained of the Esquimaux language and character
during his two years' residence in Frobisher Sound
will enable him to gain their confidence.

The two maps which accompany the narrative are
facsimiles of those in the first edition of Hakluyt (1578).
The island " Croc land,'' in the N.W. corner of the
second map, is in all prol)ability a misprint in the
original, as in Mercators " Mappe Monde" (1569)
there appears an island called Groetland in this posi-
tion.

The portrait is taken from the Herwologia, and has
been engraved by Mr. Scott.

In Watts' Bibliotheca Britannia, ed. 1824, the fol-
lowing account is given of Frobisher's voyages : —

" A true report of Mr. Martin Frobisher his third
and last voyage, 334 o, 1577.

" A true report of the last voyage into the west and

INTRODUCTION. XV

nortliern regions, etc., worthely atcheiued by Captaine
Frobishor, of the said voyage the first Finder and
General!, 846 ?', 1578.

" A Prayse k reporte of Maister Martin Frobishers
Voyage to Meta Incognita, 225 g, 1579.

" A Welcome home to Mr. M. Frobisher & all those
gentlemen and souldiers that have been with him this
last ioiirney in the countrey called Meta Incognita,
which welcome was written since this booke was put
to the printing & ioyned to the same booke for a true
testimony of Cliurchyardes good will for the further-
ance of Maister F.'s fame, 225 f"

In the Bihliotlieca Grenvilliana, under Frobisher,
p. 259, vol. i, is the following : —

" A true discourse of the late voyages of discoverie
for the finding of tlie passage to Cathaya by the Nortli-
weast, vnder the conduct of Martin Frobisher, Generall :
Deuided into three bookes, London, by Henry Bynny-
man, maps, 4 to., 15 78.''

This is the first account of all the three voyages of
Frobisher in 1576-77-78 by George Beste, who sailed
with him : it is extremely rare ; a separate and differ-
ent narrative of the second voyage only by Settle, who
likewise sailed with Frobisher, was printed in 1577, in
1 2mo., and is also extremely rare ; but the peculiar
value of this copy is in its possessing the two maps.*

"La Navigation du Cap. Martin Forbisher Anglois es
regions de west et nordwest en I'annee 1577. Pour
Antoine Chuppen." 1578, woodcut, 8vo.

This French translation is of great rarity.

* These are the two maps which are o-iven in this edition.

XVI INTRODUCTION.

"De Martini Forbisseri Angii Navigatione in regione
occidentis et septentrionis. Narratio Historia ex Gal-
lico sermon e in Latinum translata por Joan. Tho.
Frugium Noribergse in off. Catharine Gerlachen." 1580,
8vo.

This is the first Latin edition of Frobisher's second
Voyage.

"Historia navigationis Martini Forbisseri Angii Prae-
toris sive Capitanii A.c. 1577 ex Angiia in septentrionis
et occidentis tractum suscepta ephemerides sive diarii
more conscripta et stilo triennioque post ex Gallico in
Latinum sermonem a J. T. Freigio translata Hamburgi
sumptibus J. Naumanni." 1675, plate, 4to.*

It appears that the account of the voyage was also
translated into Italian, as in Lowndes' Biographical
Manual there is the following : — " Sco^Dumento dello
Stretto Artico et de Meta Incognita dar Geo. Lor.
Anania." Naples, 1582, 8vo.

In the Restituta, by Sir Egerton Brydges, vol. ii,
will be found " A Eythm Decasybillical upon this last
luckie voyage of worthie Captaine Frobisher," of which
the following are the first and third verses : —

" Through sundrie foming frefces and storming streiglites,
That venturous knight of Ithac's soyle did sayle ;
Against the force of S3a'en's cauhned heightes
His noble skill and courage did prevaile.
His hap was hard, his hope yet nothing fraile ;
Not ragged rocks, not sinking sertes or sands,
His stoutness stayed from viewing foreign lands.

* I am indebted to our Vice-President, the Right Hon. Sir
David Dundas, for the loan of a copy of this curious volume,
as well as for references, which have assisted me greatly in
drawing up this account. Ed.

INTRODUCTION. Xvii

III.

" A right heroical heart of Britanne blood,
Vlysses' match in skill and martial might,
For Princes fame and conntries special good,
Through brackish seas where I^Teptune reignes by right,
Hath safely sailed in perils great despight.
The golden fleece like Jason hath he got.
And rich retourned saunce losse or lucklesse lot."

Abkaham Fleming.

In conclusion, I have to acknowledge the assistance
and ready help which I have received from Mr. E. H.
Major of the British Museum, whose knowledge, not
only of what was required, but where it was to be
obtained, has been of the greatest service to me in
preparing this edition.

Sm MAETIN FROBISIIER, Knt.

" A most valourous man, and one that is to be reckoned
amongst the faraousest men of our age for counsell and glory
gotten at sea." Camden, ord edition, 1635, p. 438.

The following account of the life of Sir Martin
Frobislier has been derived from Fuller's Wortliies,
Camden, Campbell's Lives of the Admirals, Barrow's
Naval Worthies of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, Notes and
Queries, p. 478, June 11th, 185.9, History and Anti-
quities of Doncaster, by Dr. Miller, and MS. papers in
the British Museum.

Dr. Miller says — "It appears that Francis Frobisher*
was mayor of Doncaster in 1535, and was probably
the father of Martin. Unfortunately, the parish re-
gister does not commence the baptisms until 1558.
However, I have found the baptism of several of his
relations, viz.: 1561, May 30th, Christian, daughter of
William Frobisher; 1564, March 2nd, Darcye, son of
the same; 1566, March 18th, Matthew, son of the
same; 1567, Jan. 18th, Elizabeth, daughter of the
same. In Manerser's Account of Yorkshire Families
it is stated that the father of Sir Martin Frobisher re-
sided some time at Finningley; his mother was daugh-
ter to Mr. Rogers of Everton. His grandfather Wil-

* llistortj and Aniiqu.itics of Doncaster.

XX THE LIFE OF

liam married Margaret, daughter of AVilliam Boynton,
of Burmston, Esq. His great great grandfather,
Francis, was recorder of Doncaster, and married
Christian, daughter of Sir Brian Hastings, Knt."

Campbell, in his Lives of the Admirals, tells us that
his father bred him to the sea, but we have little
account of his early years.

In the State Paper Office {Domestic, Elizaheth, vol.
xl, June 11th, 1566) there is a paper entitled Exami-
nation of Martin Frobisher, of Normanton, co. of York,
on suspicion of his having fitted out a vessel to go to
sea as a pirate ; and there is little doubt but that he
was engaged on a voyage to Guinea about this time.

Campbell continues — "He distinguished himself first
by undertaking the discovery of the north-west pas-
sage, wherein he had no success ; yet it gained him
great reputation, as he discovered a new promontory
or cape, which he called the Queen's Foreland. In
1577 he undertook a second expedition, and in 1578
a third, in all which he gave the highest proof of his
courage and conduct in providing for the safety of his
men, and yet pushing the discovery he went upon as
far as it was possible ; so that, notwithstanding his
disappointment, he still preserved his credit in spite of
a little accident, which would certainly have over-
turned the good opinion entertained of a less esteemed
commander."

Among the State Papers [Domestic, Elizabeth, cxlvi,
1580) there is a grant to M. F. (Martin Frobisher) of
the office of clerk of H.M. ships ; and in the same
scries, vol. cli, 17, 1581, is a j^etition of Isabel Fur-

SIE, MARTIN FROBISHER. XXI

Lusher, complainiDg that Capt. F. (whome God forgive)
had spent all the money left her and her children by
Thomas Euggat, her first husband. It is however to
be hoped that he was not long in getting over the
difficulties occasioned by the failure of the north-west
ore, for we find him in 1585 commanding the Prim-
rose as vice-admiral, Sir F. Drake being admiral in the
Elizaheth Bonaventiire, in the fleet that was sent to
the West Indies, when the booty brought home was
£60,000 and two hundred pieces of brass cannon; and
there is no doubt that in this expedition he must have
added to the reputation which he had already gained,
for when the country was threatened with invasion by
the Spanish Armada, the Lord High Admiral, in
writing to the Queen, says — " Sir F. Drake, Mr. Haw-
kins, Mr. Frobisher, and Mr. T. Fenner are those
whom the world doth judge to be men of the greatest
experience that this realm hath." Hoisting his flag on
board the Triumj^h, one of the lai'gest ships in the
navy, he, in company with Sir F. Drake in the lie-
venge, and Sir J. Haw^kins in the Victory, made the
first attack on the Spaniards, and took an important
part in each of the actions which led to the dispersion
of the Armada, and therein did such excellent service,
that he was among the number of the few knights
made by the Lord High Admiral on that signal occa-

* A.D. 1588. Stowe's Aimals, p. 1255. Upon Friday there-
fore, being the 26 of the moneth of July, ceasing from fighting,
the Lord Admiral (as well for their good deserts and honorable
service, as also to encourage others to the hke valor) was desirous

Xxii THE LIFE OF

He then appears to have remained in the Triumph
to watch the Narrow Seas, as several documents in the
State Paper Office prove the exertions which were
made to provision the fleet under Sir M. Frobisher.
In 1590 he commanded an expedition to the coast of
Spain and the Islands, and in 1592 he took charge of
the fleet fitted out by Sir Walter Raleigh ; and though
he had but three ships, yet he made a shift to burn
one rich galleon and to bring home another. In 1591
the King of Spain sent 3,000 troops to the neighbour-
hood of Brest, where they had taken up a strong posi-
tion. Queen Elizabeth being applied to for assistance,
ordered a squadron to be prepared under the command
of Sir Martin Frobisher, and in the course of the opera-
tions against Fort Crozon, addressed him the following
characteristic letter : —

" Elizabeth E.

" Trustie and welbeloved, wee greet you well : wee
have seen your letter to our Threasuror and our Ad-
myrall, and thereby perceive your love of our service,
also by others your owne good carriage, whereby you
have wonne yourself reputation ; whereof, for that wee

to advance certaine personages to the degree of knigbthood, for
that, behaving themselves manfully, as well ^^nth their ships as
their good advice, the^^ were worthie that degree of honor, and
so much the more worthie in that, being farre separated from all
courtly favour, which manie times imparteth the chiefest honours
unto the least deserving men, they declared their valour in the
eyes of either fleet.

Therefore the two Lords, viz., the Lord Howard and the Lord
Sheffield, Roger Townesend, John Hawkins and Martin Fro-
bisher were called foorth, and the order of knighthood given
them bv the Lord H, Admirall as their general!.

SIR MARTIN FROBl.SHER. XXlll

imagine it wil be comfort unto you to understand, wee
have thought good to vouchsafe to take knowledge of
it by our owne hande writinge.

"Wee know you are sufficiently instructed from out*
Admyrall, besides your owne circumspection, howe to
prevent any soddaine mischeife by fire or otherwise
upon our fleete under your charge ; and yet do wee
thinke it will worke in you the more impression to be
by ourselfe againe remembred, who have observed by
former experience that the Spaniards, for all their
boaste, will truste more to their devices than they dare
in deed with force look upon you. For the rest of my
directions, we leave them to such letters as you shall
receave from our Counsaile.

" Given under our privie signet at our mansion of
Richmond the 14th of November, in the thirty-sixth
yeare of our reigne, 1594.

" L. S.

" To our trustie and welbeloved

" Sir Martine Furbussher, knight."*

This letter can only have reached him on his return
to Plymouth after the fort was taken, when Campbell
tells us, "The garrrison defended themselves bravely
till such time as Sir Martin landed his sailors, and
desperately storming the place, carried it at once, but
with the loss of several captains. Sir Martin himself
received a shot in his side, and this, through want of
skill in his surgeon, proved the cause of his death,
which happened at Plymouth within a few days after
his return."

* Cottonian MS., Otho, 2, 9.

XXIV THE LIFE OF

The followino' letter to the Lord Hioh Admiral must
have been written fourteen days before his death.

" Englan[d]. — My humble dutie my honorable good
L[ord] the viith [of this] mounth by a batterie, under-
mininge and a verie dan[gerous] assault wee have
taken this fort with the losse [of ] of our people

but non of any accoumpt. They [defended] it verie
resolutlie. And never asked mercie. S[o] [they] were
put all to the swoord savinge five or six th[at] hid
themselfes in the rockes, many of them were slaine
[with] our Cannonn and greatt ordenaunce in defend-
inge o[f the] breatch with there Captaine one Perithos :

" It was tyme for us to goa through with it for Don
[John] is advanst within six leagges of our armie with
a[n] intente to have succoured them. Sir John No[rris]
doth rise this daie and doth martch towarde th[em] to
a place called old Croydon : —

"Wee are about to gett in our ordenaunce as fast as
w[e] can and so to make our repaire homewardes. Sir
J[ohn] Norris would willinglie have some five hundred
of [the] sayllers for his bettar streinght against the
da[ie] of meetinge with don John w[hi]ch I would
verie willinglie have don yf we had vittles to con-
tin [ent all] our fleett heare for the tyme : —

"I was shoott in with a bullett at the bat trie alons^st
[the] huckell bone. So as I was driven to have
an ins[ision] made to take out the bullett. So as
I am neither [able] to goa nor ride. And the mari-
ners are verie unwiplinge] to goa except I goa with
them my self e : yett [yf] I find it to come to an ex-
tremitie we will [try] what we are able : yf we had

SIR MARTIN FROBISHER. XXV

vittles it were [verie] easilie done but heare is non to
be had. I ha[ve sente] accordinge to you"" honours
derections tow shipp[es to] Plymouth and Dartmouth,
we most presentlie s[ailej away yf they come not to
us with vittles : —

" This bearer is able to certiffie you' honours [with]
all thinges at large. So with my humble p[rayers] to
the Almyghtie for you'" increasse in hon[our].

" Croydon this viiith of Novembre, 1594.

" Your honours most h[umble]
" to comande

"Mr. Mondaie arived the xxviiith of Octobre at
Breste and brought with him a thousand crownes for
our vittlinsfe the which was distributed amongst the
shippes.

" Martin Froobiser.''*

In the register of St. Andrew's parish, Plymouth,
1594, there appears the following : —

"Nov. 22nd. Sir Martin Frobisher, knight, being
at the fort built against Brest by the Spaniards, de-
ceased at Plymouth this day, whose entrails were here
interred, but his corpse was carried hence to be buried
in London."

"Thus fell," says Camden, "a man of undaunted
courage, inferior to none of that age in experience and
conduct, or the reputation of a brave commander."

Fuller, in his Worthies of England, says he w^as
" verie valiant, but withal harsh and violent t (faults

* Caligula, E ix, Pars i, f. 206.

t In the State Paper Office, Domestic, Elizabeth, ecxix, August
10th, there is the following evidence of unbecoming words

XXVI LIFE OF SIR MARTIN FROBISHER.

which may be dispensed with in one ot his profession),
and our chronicles loudly resound the signal service in
'88 for which he was knighted/'

Camden, in the third edition, 1635, p. 433, thus
speaks of him : — " Neither was this victory gotten by
the English without bloud, very many valliant souldiers
being slaine, and Sir Martine Fourbisher hurt with a
small shot in the hip, who, when he had brought back
the fleet to Plimmouth, dyed, a most valorous man, and
one that is to be reckoned amongst the famousest men
of our age for counsell and glory gotten at sea, as by
the things which I have before spoken plainly ap-
peareth."

Campbell concludes thus : — " He was one of the
most able seamen of his time, of undaunted courage,
great presence of mind, and equal to almost any
undertaking, a true patriot, yet in his courage blunt,
and a very strict observer of discipline, even to a de-
gree of severity, which hindered his being beloved."

spoken by Sir Martin Frobislier against Sir Francis Drake,
calling him a cowardly knave and traitor.

STATE PAPERS PREVIOUS TO THE FIRST
VOYAGE.

I. NOTE OP NAVIGATIONS HERETOFORE ATTEMPTED.

II. A DISCOVERY OF LANDS BEYOND THE EQUINOCTIAL.

III. A DISCOURSE CONCERNING A STRAIGHTE TO BE DISCOVERED
TOWARDE THE NORTHWESTE.

IV. A REPLY TO THE ABOVE DISCOURSE.

STATE PAPERS PREVIOUS TO TH'E" MBST YOYA^xli}

[Colonial, No. 21. Domestic, cvi, No. 77. ^^iz., 1575 ?]

A NOTE OP CERTAYNE NAVIGATIONS HERTOFFORE ATTEMPTED
FOR THE DTSCOVERTE OF A PASSAGE THROUGHE THE
STRAIGHTES OAVT OF THE NORTHE SEA INTO THE SOUTH SEA.

In the countrey of America towardes the northe, aboute the sixtie
degree, there is an elbowe of a land lying verie farre into the sea, which
is called the head of Laborer. And on the southe side there is a verie
broade bay lying towardes the weste, and of suche a breadth that it
semeth, bothe in the verie entry and after, to be a greate sea, ffor yt
lyeth oute aboute three or foure hundred myles, and hathe verie many
ilandes, and all the yere throughe there are in the same huge heapes of
ise, which bay is called Dusmeudas.

Anno 1496. In the yere of our Lord 1496, in the reigne of kyng
Henry the Seventh, Sebastian Cabotte, who afterward was chieffe pilot
of Spayne, was sent oute of England by the said king, with two shippes,
to fynd oute the passage oute of the Northe Sea unto the South, that
the way into the countrey s which are called Mangi Sepango and Cataya
might be opened ; which Sebastiane Cabotte, going furth on his voyage
by the coastes of the ilandes, that so he might come into America about
the sixtie degree, found greate mountains of ise and ilandes covered
with snowe in the moneth of Julie when he was but under the sixtie
degree onlie towardes the north, which countrey, finding contrary to his
expectacion, he went round aboute, and beholding so greate abundance
of ise, was in doubte that he should find any waye, and therfore re-
tourned into England again, which hilles of ise there growe because
dyvers rivers of swcete waters round downe from either side of the pro-
montory which is not of the salte sea water ; ffor this is to be noted,
that the sea it self never freesethe. This daylie experience which we
have by the shippes which yerelie go oute of England into Moscovia
teacheth us whiche in the somer season retorne from thence into Eng-
land in fyve monethes space. At which tyme of the yere oure countrey
men fynd no suche ise or snowe there. Althoughe they passe under the
72 or 73 degree which is xij. or xiij. degrees nerer the Pole than Cabot was.

Anno 1500, Moreover, in the yere of our Lord 1500, one Gaspar
Cortesreales, a pilot of Portingale from the northe parte of America was
in these ilandes with two shippes, and brought with hym from thence
threescore captyves or slaves.

But to find oute the passage oute of the North Sea into the Southe
we must sayle to the 60 degree, that is, from 66 unto 68. And this pas-

B 'i

4 STATE PAPERS

sage is called tli^, X^rowe Sea or Streicte of the three Bretheren ; in
which passage, at no t jme in the yere, is ise wonte to be found. The
.ikii^se '|S ,ihe £wifte;ro,na,yng downe of sea into sea. In the north side of
this passage, John Scolus,i a pilot of Denmerke, was in anno 1476.

The southe side also of this passage was found of a Spanyard in anno
1541, who, travayling oute of Newe Spayne with a certain band of
souldiers, was sent by the vice roy into this coaste ; who, when he was
come to this coaste, found certain shippes in a certain haven which
came thither oute of Cataya laden with merchandise, having in theire
ffiagges hanging oute of the foreshippes certain burdes paynted called
alcatrizge. The mariners also declared by signes that they came oute of
Cataya into that port in xxx. dayes.

[Lansdowne MS., C, fol. 142-6.]

A DISCOVERY OF LANDS BEYOND THE EQUINOCTIAL.

1. The matter hit selfe that is oflfred to be attempted.

2. That hit is feisible.

3. What meanes we haue commodiously to attchiue yt.

4. The Commodities to grow of hit.

5. An awnswere of suche difficulties and matters as maie be obiected.

6. That there is no injurie offred to any Prince or countreye, nor any
offence of amitie.

7. The offer for performinge therof withoute her Majestie's chardge.

8. Matters thought vppon to be praied for her Majestie's good allow-
ance of the Enterprise and direction of the procedinge, alwaies both re-
ferring the particularities therof to further consideration and to your
Lordships' advice and judgement.

1. The matter hit self that is offred to be attempted.

The discouerie, traffique and enioyenge for the Queues Majestic and
her subiectes of all or anie landes, islandes and countries southe-
wardes beyonde the sequinoctial, or where the Pole Antartik hathe
anie elevation above the Horison, and which landes, islandes and
countries be not alredie possessed or subdued by or to the vse of anie
Christian Prince in Europe as by the charts and descriptions shall appere.

2. That hit is feisible.

The seas and passage, as farre as Bresill and Magellanes streight and
the Portugal's navigations to the Moluccas, which all doe lie beyonde
the zona torrida, beinge ofte and dailie passed bie theise nations and
knowen to oure owen mariners doe shew hit possible. And the more for

1 The person here referred to is the Polish pilot John Szkolny, whose name
is misspelt Scolvus by "NVytfliet (Descript. Ptol. Augmentum, Lovanii, 1597,
p. 188) ; Pontanus (Eeriim. Danicarum Historia, Amst., 1631, p. 703); and
Horn {Ulyssea, Ludg. Bat., 1671, p. 335). He was, as here stated, in the
service of Christian II, King of Denmark in 1476, and is said to have landed
on the coasts of Labrador, after passing Norway, Greenland, and the Fries-
land of the Zeni.

PREVIOUS TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. D

that the landes which we seke lieng not onelie beyonde the said zone,
but also beyonde the course of the Portugalls saylynge, and approch-
inge more to the Pole, from the sequinoctial draweth stylle more to the
temper of Englonde and the knowen regions of Europe.

3. The meanes that we haue to attchiue hit.
Ships of our owen wel prepared.

The weste contrie lienge the apteste of all partes of Englonde for
navigation southewarde.

]\Iarriners and sailers to whome the passage as most thither is knowen.

The good and welkome commodities that from Englond shalbe caried
to that people, who, lienge in the temper of Englond and other partes
of Europe, cannot but lyke well of clothe wherin we most habounde,
and the transportation wherof is most necessarie for our people at home.

4. The commodities, etc.

The enlarginge of Christian faithe which those naked barbarous
people are most apte to receiue, and especiallie when hit shal not carie
with hit the unnaturall and incredible absurdities of papistrie.

The grete honor to her Majestic to have encresed the faith and her
d[ominions].

The aptnes and, as hit were, a fatall convenience that since the Por-
tugall hathe atteined one parte of the newefounde worlde to the Este,
the Spaniarde an other to the Weste, the Frenche the thirde to the
Northe, nowe the fourthe to the southe is by God's providence lefte for
Englonde, to whom the other in tymes pastgi rauc b cB ^ fyrste offred.

The encrese of the nauigation of Englonde, of which commoditie,
both for welthe and safFetie, euoughe can not be saide.

The lyklihoode of bringinge in grete tresure of gold, sylver and perle
into this relme from those countries, as other Princes haue oute of the
lyke regions.

The enrichinge of the relme with all other sortes of commodities that
the same landes doe beare, which are lyke to be infynite and had with
small price and for the onelie fetchinge ; and accordinge to the diversy-
ties of clymes, yt is moste lykelie that the manifolde diversytie of com-
modities wilbe fownde and muste nedes habunde, for that by traffique
and exportance they haue not hitherto bene wasted.

The settinge of our idle and nedie people to worke and providinge for
theim bothe in the travaile of the navigation and the worke of clothes
and thinges to be caried thither.

The avoydinge of discommodities and perills that we be nowe sub-
iecte vnto, when the welthe and worke of our laude and people de-
pendethe partlie vpon the will of our skante trustie neighbours for
ventinge our clothes and commodities.

The abatinge of the prices of spices and suche commodities that we
now haue at the Portugals and Spauiardes handes, wherby they encrese
their riches vppon our losse, when much spices and suche lyke here

6 STATE PAPERS

spente and bought deare of theim do with the lesse quantitie consume
the vallewe of our clothes that thej receiue.

The encrese of the quantitie of golde and sylver that shalbe brought
cute of Spaine hit self into Englond when the commodities cominge
oute of Spaine, becominge this waie cheper, and so lesse countervailing
the vallewe of our clothes caried thyther, the ouerplus shal come more
plentifullie hither in treasure.

That we shall receiue lesse of spices and suche commodities from
Spaine havinge them from elswhere : and so the more of the retorne of
our commodyties from theim in gold and sylver, which nedes muste be
a grete commoditie when at this daie recevinge muche of our spices and
southerne wares from Spaine and at dere prices : yet the sylver brought
from thence is said to be the chief furniture of her Majesties mynte.

5. Answere to the difficulties, etc.

The passinge of the vjJiote [Jiot] clyme or zona torrida. This hathe
bene passed vi tymes by Magellans. The zona torrida is yerlie in everie
voyage of the Portugalle to the Moluccas passed iiij tymes, and everie
voyage of the Spaniardes to Brasyle hit is passed twice. Sondrie of our
owen nation and some suche as are to goe in these voyages haue passed
hit to Guynie, Brasyle and other places.

The Portugals whole navigation to the Moluccas, besydes his iiij tymes
in everie voyage passinge vnder the aequinoctial, liethe whollie nigh the
same lyne.

The contries that we seke soe lie that our course contiuuethe not nere
the lyne, but crossinge the same, styll hastethe directlie to the temper
of our owen regions.

5. The perils of the Portugals or Spaniards violence that shall envie
our passage. Our strengthe shalbe suche as we feare hit not, besydes
that we meane to kepe the Ocean and not to enter in or nere any their
portes or places, kepte by their force.

The dispeopling of Englonde. It is no dispeoplinge. The people
abonde as apperethe by the nomber greter then can welbe provided for:
and the dailie losse by execution of lawe, and no evill pollicie to dis-
burthen the land of some excesse of people.

The wastinge of marriners and furniture of shippinge. It is the
encrese of marriners and the skylfulleste sorte and the provisyon of
shippinge as by the ensample of Spaine and Portugal!, and the Frenche
is sene who haue by meanes of their traffique to the Indies and the
Newfondlande a grete nomber of grete ships more then ere that tyme
they had or could set on work.

The absence of merriners and shippinge in farre voyages when we
male nede them at home. This reason is generall against all naviga-
tion to forren partes which yet is the verie true defense of the relme.

And in all theise reasons is to be noted that none are to passe withowt
her Majestie's permission, and as to her heighnes and her counsell
from tyme to tyme shall apere mete to be spared.

PREVIOUS TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 7

6. That there is no injurie, &c. ;

The Ffrenche have their portiou to the northwarde directlie contrarie
to that which we seke.

For the places alredie subdued and inhabited by the Spaniard or
Portugall Ave seke no possession nor interest. But if occasion be free
frendlie traffique with theim and their subiectes which is as lawful! as
muche wjthout iniurie as for the Quenes subiectes to traffiques as
merchants in Portugall or Spaine hit self.

The passage by the same seas that they doe, offringe to take nothing
from them that they haue or clayme to haue ; is not prohibited nor can
be without iniurie or offense of amitie on their parte that shall forbyd hit.

The voyages to Guynea and traifikinge in Mexico and in the verie
places of the Spaniards possession hathe in the president of Hawkyns
voyage bene defended by her Majestic and counsell as frendlie and
lawfull doenges ; much more this which is but passinge in the open sea
by theim to places that they nether hold nor knowe. Besyde that not
onelie trafyke but also possession, plantinge of people and habitation
hathe bene alredie iudged lawfull for other nations in suche places as
the Spaniardes or Portugals haue not alredie added to ther possession.
As is proved by her Majesties most honorable and lawfull graunte to
Thomas Stucle and his companie for terra Florida. Also the Ffrenche
mens inhabitynge in Florida and Bresile, who albeit they acknowledge
the Pope's authoritie in suche thiuges as they grant to perteine to him,
yet in this vniuersall and naturail right of traffique and temporall
dominion they haue not holden them bounde by his power ; but do
expounde his donation to the Spaniardes and Portugals either as a
matter not perteyninge to the Pope's authoritie, or at leste not byndinge
any other persons princes or nations but the Spaniards or Portugals
onelie, who onelie submitted themselues, and were parties to the Pope's
judgment in that behalf. s

7. The offre for performinge, &c.

The gentlemen that offre this enterprise shall at their charge and
adventure of them selves and suche as shall willinglie ioyne themselves
to their companie performe the whole voyage at their owen chardges
and toward the same shall set forward iiij good ships, wherin they will
emploie v. Mil., viz., 2,00Ull. in shippinge and furniture, 2,00011. in
victails and necessaries for the companie, and one 1,00011. in clothe and
merchandise fytte for the people ; wherwithe we truste hit wille
atchived. And afterward as God shall prospere or sende occasion they
will at their owen charge pursue the same.

8. Matters thought vpon, &c. :

That her Majestic wilbe plesed to give her letters patentes to the
authors and fellowship of this voyage in nature of a Corporacion.

That hit will please her Majestye in the same letters patentes to [put]
wordes of her good allowance and Ijkinge ef their good meaninge [and]

8 STATE PAPERS

add suche francbize and priveledge as in this case is requisyte [and]
in the lyke bathe bene graunted.

That hit will plese her Maiestie by the same letters patentes to
stablishe some forme of gouernance and authoritie in some persons of
the companie of this adventure so as by some regimente, obedience,
quiet vnitie and order male be preserved.

That hit will also plese her Majestic to give her Highnes speciall
letters bothe of testimonial! that these adventures be her h[ighnes]
subiectes enterprisinge this voyage with her favore and also her letters
of commendations to all princes and peoples for their lovinge and
favorable enterteinement and traffique.

That some speciall rules and orders suche as the companie shall
thincke mete to be kepte emongste theim male be confirmed by her
Maiesties authorytie, and further supplie of lyke ordinances to be
made from tyme to tyme by the gouerners of her Highnes, to be
appointed for the direction of the voyage ; for the agreement and
obedience of the parties, for the contribution and charge, for the
equallitie and partytion ; and severallie orders to be appointed by her
I\Iajestie for the stablishinge of her Majesties domynion and amitie in
suche places. as the shall arrive vnto, where the same shalbe to be donne,
and for the rate and trew answering of her Majesties portion. Theise
thinges brieflie at the fyrste we haue thought mete to exhibite to your
honore, who are hable therof to judge muche better then we are hable
to shewe. Howbeit yf your l[ordship] shall not be satisfied in any-
thinge concerninge this matter, hit male plese you to assigne the same,
that w[e] male attende upon you wythe suche resolucion as we can give
therin.

[Lansdoxcne 21S., C, No. 4.]

A DISCOUKSE CONCEKNINGE A STRAIGHTE TO BE DISCOVERED
TOWAKDE THE NORTHWESTE, PASSINGE TO CATHAIA AND
THE ORIENTALD INDIANS, AVITH A CONFUTACION OF THEIR
ERROIJR THAT THINKE THE DTSCOYERYE THEROF TO BE
MOSTE CONVENIENTLYE ATTEMPTED TO THE NORTHE OF BAC-
CALAOS.

Consideringe Groynelande is well knowen to be an ilande, and that
it is not conioyned to America in any parte, there is no cause of doubte
but that upon the northe of Baccalaos the seas are open and no straighte
to be there discovered, neither was it ever doubted but that America
v/as an ilande if it were not ioyned with Oathaia. So that the straighte
is there and not upon the Baccalaos to be fownde. And this is also by
Sebastian Cabottos navigacion to be moste manifestly approved, who
sailinge to the northweste of Nona Francia founde the seas open many
dales sailinge, till by the mutynie of the mariners he was caused to
retorne.

PREVIOUS TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 9

This straighte that disioynethe Asia and America of Gerardus Mer-
cator and other moderne cosmographers is called the Straighte of Anian,
and liethe by their descriptions at the leaste northweste. So that from
Inglonde it is not lesse then 200 grades distaunte.

Now let vs consider which were the more conveniente waie to dis-
cover the said straighte, either passinge vnder the congeled Artike
circle, for so highe the maine of America rechethe, or by passinge the
straighte of Magilianus to ascendo from the equinoctiall alonge the
westerne course of that Atlanticali Ilande, as Plato semethe in his
Timzeo to terme it.

The which shall the better apeare if the comoditie and discomodities
of the one and the other be compared.

Ffirst therfore of the southerne voiadge, the discomodities are only
these :

The lengthe of the jorneye and the crossinge twise of Zona Torrida.

The lengthe of the jorneye is easilie examined, considering Magilianus
Straite is not above 120 grades distaunte from the west of Inglonde,
and from this straighte to Anian Straighte, as they are by cosmo-
graphers supposed, are not so many grades more, so that the vttermoste
of that voiadge is not above 240 grades sailinge. By the other northerne
passadge we shall, as is before shewed, be enforced to saile 200 grades
in longitude and in latitude 10 grades at the leaste to ascende to the
climate of the Baccalaos, northerne Cape, and then 10 degrees more
descendinge to the supposed place of Anian Straighte. So that there
diiTer not betwene these courses above 20 grades in true computacion.
It wilbe obiected that the grades in the one are acompted in circle of
position which are equall to grades equinoctiall, and in the other by
grades of paralelle not 30 grades distaunte from the pole, so that al-
thoughe in nomber of grades they smally differre, yet in quantitie the
southerne voiadge is farre the greater. Heere I awnswere, true it is
that the degrees of the equinoctiall differ in quantitie from the degrees
of a paralelle in CO grades of latitude, for so is the paralelle that is like
in the northerne navigacion to be passed, and the difference is exactlie
to be knowen ; and by supputation the proportion is fownde dupla,
every grade of the one being doble in quantitie to a degree in the
other, so as the one voiadge maie be truly saide to be doble to the other
at the leaste. But consideringe that in discoverye of newe unknowen
seas I muste neither beare stiffs saile by nighte ne yet in the dale when
fogges or mistes shall happen (which in these partes are almoste con-
tynuallye) wheras contrarywise in the other, passinge altogether by
seas knowen and alredy discovered, even till we come to the straighte
soughte, I nede not refuse nighte or dale to packe on saile for my* moste
speede, being no lesse cleere in those whote and temperate zones then
darke and mistie in the other. And therfore albeit in quantitie the
grades differ, yet all circumstaunces dulye waied I may well affirme that

10 STATE PAPERS

in one natural! daie, and so consequently in one weeke or mouethe, I will
passe more grades of my southerne voidage then can be passed of the
other.

But more particularly to examine the trothe, admitte (the soone being
in the tropique of Cancer,) I hoise saile departinge Inglonde folowinge the
soone before he come to the equinoctiall lyne, I maie easilie reache
Magilianus Straightes and bestowe three weekes at the leaste in plat-
tinge and discoveringe the ilandes and other commodities for fortifica-
tion of the said straightes if neede were. And then before the soone
aryve to the Brumale tropique I maie withe facilitie aryve to the
Straightes of Anian. So haue I nowe one whole quarter of a yeare to
discover the said straighte and to make plattes of every bale, roade,
porte or chanell therein, and to sounde all suche places as in that pas-
sadge maie cause perill. In which tyme the soone wilbe arrived againe
to the equinoctiall, aprochinge to the congeled Artike circle. And so
haue I the whole Summer to retorne from the Northerne Seas, and the
3 firste monethes to employe in trafique with Cathaia or any other
ilandes to the saide straighte adioyninge, which may sufficiently occupie
the fleete till the seas be resolued. But contrariewise by the northe, it
is vtterly iupossible or not without extreme perills of liefe and expence
of victualles, without any advauntage in the meane, to discover the said
straighte, as by the reasons ensuinge shalbe manifeste.

The distante of the Straightes of Anian to the northweste course
beinge 200 grades in longitude maketh COuO myles, alowinge 30 miles
to a grade, for suche is the quantitie of a grade in 60 of latitude.
Herto if we maye adioyne 1200 myles, which is the quantitie of 10
grades ascendinge and 10 desceudinge tofore mencioned, there amount-
ethe 7200 myles.

Nowe consideringe the seas and ayre vnder the Artike circle are so
congeled that they are navigable only 3 monethes in the yeare, wherof
it is requisite to reserve at the leaste one monethe to retorne, if the said
passadge if the said passadge^ sholde not be mette withall. Then ex-
am3'ne howe farre in the moyetie of that quarter a man maie passe, and
the possibilitie of this voiadge will soone apeare.

It cannot be (consideringe the nighte muste not be navigate for
daunger of the coaste, and many tymes in the dale we muste beare
slacke saile by reson of mistes and ffogges) that in one dale we sholde
saile above one grade or two at the vttermcste, and so in the meane
tyme before lymyted not possible to reache the thirde parte of the waie
to the desired straighte, the winde being alwaie favorable. I omitte
infynite impedymentes that maie lette, as newe landes, ilandes, capes
or other, also bayes entering into the contynente, which muste be
thoroughly searched, or els the thinge we seeke mighte easilie be pre-
termitted. Seing therfore without thies impedimentes there is no tyme

1 Sic dnplicatur in MS.

PREVIOUS TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 11

sufficieute, howe impossible it is, all circumstances considered, to doe
any good this waie, any man male easilie judge.

Again e the discomodities by reason of the heate in the one are
nothinge so manye nor so extreame in the Southe as those of the colde
preceding in the l^orthe. The one beinge tempered by the coole of the
nighte, which are alwaies nighe equall to the dale. And the dietinge of
rnen so well knowen in those partes that no daunger is to be feared.
But in the Northe bothe dale and nighte being freesing colde, not only
men's bodies, but also the very lynes and tacklinge are so frosen, that
with very greate difficultie maryners can handell their sailes, I omytte
the rages of the seas and tempestuous wether, wherwith we shalbe farre
more ofte endaungered in the Northe then in the Southe. Then seinge
by this that hathe bene saide it manifestlye apearethe that by the
Southe in one yeare, the straighte maie be discovered, and by the
Northe it cannot be in a furre longer tyme, let vs also examyne,
whether in the meane tyme, the one or the other voiadge, for any other
accident, maye happen to be more serviceable or commodious. Wherin
this is apparaunte, that whatsoever Northerne Ilande shalbe discovered,
there is no other commoditie to be expected from it then only sutche as
our Moscovian adventurers bring from Ruscia, seinge they are bothe
subiecte to the artike cirkell. But from any lande that shall in the
other voiadge be founde, we are assured to expecte, golde, siluer, pearle,
spice, riche grayne, and suche moste precious marchaundize, besides
countreis of moste excellente temperature to be inhabited, if we thinke
it necessary, and if we aryve to tymely to enter the said straighte
of Anian, yet haue we Cathaia, and all the Orientall Indians open vnto
vs for trafique, besides the waste occeane to the Southe, which cannot
but be replenished with numbers of Ilandes, the leaste wherof mighte
aboundantly suffice to furnisheour navie with the forenamed comodities.
If gemmes, turkesses, rubies, and other precious juells sholde not be there
fownde, wherof there cannot but be greate abouudaunce in somme of
them. Considering that in the ilande of Ormus and St. Laurence
lyinge in the same temperature and clymate there was of olde tyuie
great plentie ; and in this our age in these barbarous ilandes more
likely to be founde, being not yet ever soughte and sifted by men of
knowledge.

By this conference it maie apeare that as by the Southerne voyadge
this Straighte of Auian may more sooner and withe farre lesse perill
and exspence be discovered then by the Northerne ; so dothe it also
for comodities if this streighte were not founde, as farre excell the other
as golde, siluer, and spice dothe waxe tarre and tallow, and in ease and
safetie to the travailer as furre excedinge as the dale dothe the nighte,
or the somer the winter ; and yet I denie not that after the straighte
shall once be founde, and all the chanels and roades sounded, the capes,
fforlands, and bayes perfectly discovered, the enterchaungeable course of

12 STATE PAPERS.

curante tried, perfecte plattes and cartes of every goolfe and passadge
made, and every parte and harboroughe in his due longitude and
latitude, situate in such sorte that both daie and nighte in the cleere and
ffogge a man neede not feare to packe on saile with all celeritie to
exploicte his voyadge without any doubte or scrupule, but that this
waie he maie safelye comodiouslie and most spedelye passe into that
' reatche ' riche and bountifull sea abounding with innumerable ilandes
of incomperable ritches and unknowen treasure. But whosoever shall
before suche exacte discouerye made that waies attempte the same I
a.verre he shall proceade to the shame and dishonor of him selfe to the
destruction and ruyne of his ' countrey ' companye, and to the vtter
discouradgmente of this nation ffurther to adventure in this gainfull
honeste honorable enterprise. And reporte me to the judgment of the
wise, these reasons before alleaged well weyed.

[Otko B., viii, fol. 216 (225). Colonial, 23.]

KEPLY TO THE DISCOURSE.

North passage or straighte of

67 degrees, and is not so daungerous as [the passage to] [Mus]covia is
which is in 72 degrees and the[rfore] [moste] [da]ngerous for coulde
and ise and notwithstaudeing [that the] passage to Muscovia is traded
V. monethes in the [yeare].

And this passage by the northwest at 67 degrees [oughte] to be
searched, and the same may be sayled in xxx"e da[ies from] England
to the said passage of 67 degrees.

The which passage beinge knowne wolde make a grete tra[de in] those
weste partes, where be manye riche merchandizes, and [the] passage lyeth
farre from anye prince that might hinder y[t].

And I thinke verely that with the value of ccc'i of mon[nye] this
passage might be knowne and truely certefied by mea[nes] of some of
the shippes that trade yerely to Iselande for fyshe.

Ffor this passage is to be sayled from Iselande in viii. or x. dai[es],
and they havinge ccc^i allowed them towards their charges wolde wil-
lingly searche the said passage, and ii. or iii. to be sent from hence in
the said shippes to bringe true knowledge of the same.

And be yt remembered this passage at 67 degrees to Catayo is but
6,000 leagues, and to passe by the streight of Magilanus to the said
Catayo is 15000 leagues. As also the passage of 67 degrees in the
moneth of June ther is no darke nightes, but is brighte daye all the
24 howers.

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SOVTH

HAKLoyr. s. I. T. irmii

A TRUE DISCOURSE

OF THE

LATE VOYAGES OF DISCOVERIE FOR

FINDING OF A PASSAGE TO CATHAYA, BY THE

NORTH-WEAST, UNDER THE CONDUCT OF

MARTIN FROBISHER GENERAL.

DEVIDED INTO THREE BOOKES.

/;/ tJie First whereof is shewed, his first voyage. Wherein

also by the way is sette out a Geographicall description of the

Worlde, and what partes thereof have bin discovered by the

Navigations of the Englishmen. Also, there are annexed

certayne reasons, to prove all partes of the Worlde

habitable, with a generall Mappe adjoyned.

Ill the Second, is set out his second voyage, with the
adventures and accidents thereof

/;/ the third, is declared the strange fortunes which

hapned in the third, with a several! description of the countrey

and the people there inhabiting. With a particular Card

thereunto adjoined of Meta Incognita, so farre forth as

the secretes of the voyage may permit

A T L O N D ON,

Imprinted by Henry Bynnyman, servant to the right Honourable Sir
Christopher Hatton, Vizchamberlaine.

AnJio Domini 1578,

I rcu ivts d(p< i no rUa&O^

r'l

A TRUE DISCOURSE

OF THE

LATE VOYAGES OF DISCOVERIE FOR

FINDING OF A PASSAGE TO CATHAYA, BY THE

NORTH-WEAST, UNDER THE CONDUCT OF

MARTIN FROBISHER GENERAL.

DEVIDED INTO THREE BOOKES.

Ill the First whereof is shewed, his first voyage. Wherein

also by the way is sette out a Geographicall description of the

Worlde, and what partes thereof have bin discovered by the

Navigations of the Englishmen. Also, there are annexed

certayne reasons, to prove all partes of the Worlde

habitable, with a generall Mappe adjoyned.

Ill the Second, is set out his second voyage, with the
adventures and accidents thereof.

In the third, is declared the strange fortunes which

hapned in the third, with a several! description of the countrey

and the people there inhabiting. With a particular Card

thereunto adjoined of Mcta Incognita, so farre forth as

the secretes of the voyage may peraiit.

uMiVERSlTY

\ OF

A T L O N D ON,

Imprinted by Henry Bynnyman, servant to the right Honourable Sir
Christopher Hatton, Vizchamberlaine.

Attno Domini 1578,

AVHAT COMMODITIES AND INSTRUCTIONS

MAY BE REAPED BY DILIGENT READING

THIS DISCOURSE.

1. First, by example may be gathered, how a discoverer
of new countries is to procecde in his first attempt of any
discoverie.

2. Item, how he shoulde be provided of shipping, victuals,
munition, and choice of men.

3. Howe to proceede and deale with straunge people, be
they never so barbarous, cruell and fierce, eyther by lenitie
or otherwise.

4. How trade of marchandize may be made withoute
money.

5. How a pilot may deale, being environed wyth moun-
taines of ise in the frosen sea.

6. How lengths of dayes, chaunge of seasons, sommers
and winters, do differ in sundry regions.

7. How dangerous it is to attempt new discoveries, either
for the length of the voyage or the ignorance of the lan-
guage, the want of interpreters, newe and unaccustomed
elementes and ay res, straunge and unsavery meats, daunger
of theeves and robbers, fiercenesse of wilde beasts and fishes,
hugenesse of wooddes, daungerousnesse of seas, dreade of
tempestes, feare of hidden rockes, steepenesse of moun-
taines, darknesse of sodaine falling fogges, continuall paines
taking withoute anye reste, and infinite others.

16 WHAT INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE REAPED.

8. How pleasaunt and profitable it is to attempt new dis-
coveries, either for the sundry sights and shapes of strange
beastes and fishes, the wonderful workes of nature, the dif-
ferent manners and fashions of diverse nations, the sundry
sortes of gouernmente, the sight of straunge trees, fruite,
foules, and beastes, the infinite treasure of pearle, gold and
silver, the newes of new found landes, the sundry positions
of the sphere, and many others.

9. How valiaunt captaines use to deale upon extremitie,
and otherwise.

10. How trustie souldiers dutifully use to serue.

11. Also here may be seene a good example to be ob-
serued of any priuate person, in taking notes, and making
obseruations of al such things as are requisite for a dis-
couerer of new countries.

12. Lastly, the reader here may see a good paterne of a
well governed service, sundrye instructions of matters of
cosmographie, geographic, and navigation, as in reading
more at large may be seene.

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, MY SINGULAR GOOD MAYSTER,

SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON, KNIGHT, CAPTAINE OF THE

QUEENES MAJESTIES GARDE, VIZCHAxMBERLAINE TO

HIR HIGHNESSE, AND ONE OF HIR MAJESTIES

MOST HONOURABLE PRIVIE COUNSALE.

Right honorable, when I first entencled the voyaore of dis- r^be

' ^ o F.^istle De-

coverie wyth Mr. Frohislier, for the finding of the passage to ^^''^^^'^^•^
Cataya (beyng a matter in oure age above all other notable)
I applyed myselfe wholy to the science of cosmographie, and
secrets of navigation, to the ende, I might enable myselfe the
better for the service of my countrie,not only to understande
what I read and heard others speake, but also to execute in
efifect, and practise with my owne hands, the dutie and office
appertayning to a marriner : and so thereby be better able to
make a true reporte of al occurrents in the same voyage.
And for that now the common reporte thereof is so vaine and
uncertaine, by cause some men rather contendyng what they
are able to say, than considering what in truth they should
and ought to say, whereby, by sundrie men's fantasies, sundry
untruths are spred abroad, to the gret slaunder of this so
honest and honorable an action, I have thought good to lay-
open to your honorable judgement, the plain truth, and ful
discourse of the whole service, which I have taken upon me
(though altogether unable) to write, and to dedicate unto
your Honor especially, for these speciall causes following.
Firste, the world doth witnesse, and I myselfe by good proofe

18 THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY.

have tasted and found, being a man by your honorable good-
nesse and good countenance, specially supported, and even
(as it were) the handy worke of your owne hands, how-
honorable a regard you beare to vertue, howe readye to
countenance the meanest man that truely serveth his countrie,
howe willing to give unto suche both grace and opinion with
hir Majestic, howe ready to procure rewarde there, for those
that shall justlye merite the same. And there withall con-
sidering the sounde judgement you have to discern, as wel
in this, as in al other causes of waight. And knowing wel
what place you hold with hir highnesse, (who for the faith-
full service you dayly doe hir, as wel in courte, as common
weale, whyche nowe by the true tuchstone of time, and long
experience, shee hath founde, and therefore conlirmeth
a faste and sure opinion in you wyth the chiefest) I have
specially thought it necessarye, besides my dutie (whiche
above all the worlde my alleageaunce reserved, I owe
you moste) for these respects to make relation of this
service unto your Honoure above others. And for that this
action, both for the worthinesse of the attempt, for the good
and quiet government, for the greate and marvelous daun-
gers, for the straunge and unknowne accidents of the un-
knowne corners of the worlde, above all others, may appeare
moste notable and famous : I have bene the rather desirous to
take some pain therein, and what I have a ship-boorde
rudely and unorderly framed or observed, to commend to
your honourable construction the same : being willing rather
to hazarde mine own shame, by shewing my selfe an insuffi-
cient writer which perchance maye seeme somewhat besides
my profession) than that so honest and worthy attempts of
our owne nation, with the example of so wel a governed
service, should lye hidden from your Honour's sight. And
for that I will be injurious to no man, whyche in this action
hath borne place, and well discharged the same, and that
those men with the manor of their dayly proceedings there,
by name may be knowen unto you, I have in their place

THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 19

remembred them in order as becommeth : and have not onely
named each principall, but everye private person (if by any
speciall service hee hath merited the same) to the ende, that
the wel deserving man, receyving the due commendation of
his deserte, may be encouraged to continue, and take pleasure
in wel doing after, and others being animated by like ex-
ample, may for hope of like reward also, desire to deserve
wel.

By this discourse, it may please your Honour to behold
the greate Industrie of oure present age, and the invincible
mindes of our Englishe nation, who have never lefte anye
worthy thing unattempted, nor anye parte almoste of the
whole world unsearched, whome lately, neyther stormes
of seas by long and tedious voyages, danger of darke fogs
and hidden rockes in unknown coastes, congealed and frozen
seas, with mountains of fleeting ise, nor yet present dayly
before their face, coulde anye white dismay, or cause to desiste
from intended enterprises ; but rather preferring an honour-
able death before a shameful retourne, have (notwithstanding
the former dangers,) after many perillous repulses, recovered
their desired port. So that, if now the passage to Cataya
thereby be made open unto us, (which only matter hytherto
hath occupied the finest heades of the world, and promiseth
us a more riches by a nearer way than eyther Spaine or
Portugale possesseth) whereof the hope (by the good Indus-
trie and great attemptes of these men is greatly augmented)
or if the golde ore in these new discoveries founde out, doe
in goodnesse as in greate plenty aunswere expectation, and
the successe do foUowe as good, as the proofe thereof hitherto
made, is great, we may truely infer, that the Englishman in
these our dayes, in his notable discoveries, to the Spaniard
and Portingale is nothing inferior : and for his hard adven-
tures, and valiant resolutions, greatly superior. For what
hath the Spaniarde or Portingale done by the southeast and
southweast, that the Englishman by the northeast and north-
weast hath not countervailed the same ? c 2

20 THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY.

And albeit I confesse that the Englishe have not hytherto
had so ful successe of profit and commoditie of pleasaunt
place (considering that the former nations have happily
chanced to travel by more temperate clymates, where they
had not onlye good meates and drinkes, but all other things
necessarie for the use of man) all whiche things, the English,
travelling by more intemperate places, and as it were with
mayne force, making waye throughe seas of ise, have wanted,
which notwithstanding argueth a more resolution : for Biffi-
ciliora imlcliriora, that is, the adventure the more hard the
more honorable : yet concerning the perfecter knowledge of
the world, and geographicall description, (wherein the pre-
sent age and posteritie also, by a more universal understand-
ing is much furthered, as appeareth by my universall mappe
with pricked boundes here annexed) herein, the Englishman
deserveth chiefe honour above any other. For neyther
Spaniard nor Portugale, nor anye other besides the English,
have bin found, by so great dangers of ise, so neare the Pole,
to adventure any discoverie, whereby the obscure and un-
knowen partes of the world (which otherwise had laine hid)
have bin made knowen unto us.

So that it may appeare, that by our Englishmen's indus-
tries, and these late voyages, the world is grown to a more
fulnesse and perfection ; many unknowen lands and ilands,
(not so much as thought upon before) made knowen unto us :
Christ's name spred : the Gospell preached; infidels like to
be converted to Christianitle, in places where before the name
of God had not once bin hearde of: shipping and seafaring
men, have bin employed : navigation and the navie (which
is the chief strength of our realm) maintayned : and gentle-
men in the sea service, for the better service of their country,
wel experienced. Al whiche things are (no doubt) of so
gret importance, as being wel wayed, may seeme to counter-
vayle the adventures charges ; although the passage to
Cataya were not found out, neither yet the golde ore prove
good, wher of both the hope is good and gret. But not-

THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 21

withstanding all these, even in this (if no otherwise) hyr
most excellent Majestic hath reaped no small profit, that she
may now stand assured, to have many more tried, able and
sufficient men against time of need, that are (which without
vaunt may be spoken) of valour gret, for any great adven-
ture, and of governement good for any good place of service.
For this may truly be spoken of these men, that there hath
not bin seene in any nation, being so many in number, and
so far from home, more civill order, better governement, or
agreement. For even from the beginning of the service
hitherto, there hath neither passed mutinie, quarrel, or
notorious fact, either to the slaundcr of the men, or daunger
of the voyage, although the gentlemen, souldiers, and mar-
riners (whiche seldome can agree) were by companies matched
togither.

But I may perchance (right Honourable) seeme to dis-
course somewhat too largely, especially in a cause that (as a
partie) somewhat concerneth my selfe ; which I doe, not for
that I doubt of your honorable opinion already conceived of
the men, but for that I know, the ignorant multitude is rather
ready to slander, than to give good encouragement by due
commendation to good causes, who, respecting nothinge but
a present gaine, and being more than needefully suspitious
of the matter, do therwithall condemn e the men, and that
without any further respect, either of their honest intents,
either of their wel performing the matter they dyd undertake
(which according to their direction, was specially to bring
home ore) either else of their painful travel (which for their
Prince, and the publicke profile of their countries cause they
have sustained.)

But by the way, it is not unknown to the world, that this
our native country of England in al ages hath bred up (and
specially at this present aboundeth w4th) many forward and
valiant minds, fit to take in hand any notable enterprise ;
wherby appeareth, that if the Englishman had bin in times
paste as fortunate and foreseeing to acceot occasion offered,

^2 THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY.

as he hath bin always forwarde in executing anye cause once
taken in hand, he had bin worthily preferred before all
nations of the worlde, and the Weast Indies had now bin in
the possession of the Englishe.

For Coliimhus, the firste Discoverer of the Weast Indies,
made firste offer thereof, with his service, to King Henrij the
seaventh, then Kyng of Englande, and was not accepted :
Whereuppon, for want of entertainement here, hee was forced
to go into Spaine, and offered there (as before) the same to
Ferdinajido, Kyng of Castyle, who presently acceptyng the
occasion, did first himselfe, and now his successors, enjoy the
benefite thereof.

Also Sehastian Cabota, being an Englishman, and born in
Bristoioe, after he had discovered sundrie parts of new found
lande, and attempted the passage to Cataya by the North-
west, for the King of England, for lacke of entertainment
here, (notwithstanding his good desert) was forced to seeke
to the Kinge of Spaine, to whose use hee discovered all that
tract of Brazil, and about the famous river Rio de la Plata,
and for the same, and other good services there, was after-
wards renowmed, by title of Piloto Maggiore, that is Graunde
Pylote, and constituted chiefe officer of the Contractation
house of Sivilla : in whiche house are handled all matters
concerning the Weast Indies, and the revenues therof ; and
further, that no Pylot shoulde be admitted for any discoverie
but by his direction.

But there hath bin two speciall causes in former age, that
have greatly hindered the English nation in their attempts.
The one hath bin, lacke of liber alitie in the nobilitie, and the
other want of skill in the cosmographie, and the arte of navi-
gation. Whiche kinde of knowledge is verye necessary for
all oure noblemen, for that wee being ilanders, our chiefest
strength consisteth by sea. But these twoo causes are nowe
in this present age (God be thanked) very well reformed ; for
not only hir majestie now, but all the nobilitie also, having

THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 23

perfect knowledge in Cosmographie, doe not only with good
wordes countenance the forward minds of men, but also with
their purses do liberally and bountifully contribute unto the
same, whereby it cometh to passe, that navigation, whiche in
the time of King Henry the 7th was very rawe, and toke (as
it were) but beginning (and ever since hath had by little and
little continuall increase) is now in hir Majestie's raign
growen to his highest perfection.

Thus right Honorable, as I have in these my first travels
in these late voyages, upon such occasions as passed there,
nowe rendered your honour this bare and true accompte :
so being further resolved to offer myself a continual sacrifice
with the first, for hir Majestic and my country, in thys or
any other like service, I intend (God willing) according to
this beginning, if any thing hereafter fall out worth the
memorie to present your honoure therewithall, and from time
to time to advertise you of every particular. And in all
these things which I deliver now, or shal hereafter advertise,
1 humbly praye, your honour would vouchsafe to give some
credit thereunto, and rather to thinke, I may be deceived,
than that I meane to deceive, colour, or conceale any thing,
for I neither can, nor wil, use any flourish in the matter, but
a bare truth in all : and thereupon I give my poore credite
unto your honour in pawne. And herein I humbly pray
pardon, for my rude order of writing, which proceedeth from
the barren brayne of a souldier and one professing armes,
who desireth rather to be wel thought of with your honour,
for his well meaning, than for anye hys cunning writing
at all.

And thus, having presumed to present these untimely and
unripe fruites to your honoures beste and favourable con-
struction, I humbly take my leave, beseeching God to blesse
you, as I do faithfully serve, and will honor you ever.

The handie worke.of your Honours handes and faithfully
to serve you ever,

George Reste.

THE PRINTER TO THE READER.

Forasmuch as (gentle Reader) these three voyages lately
made by our countrymen performed, do both for the matter
of discoverie, for the strange and unknown accidentes, for
the rare and hard adventures, and also for the good and dis-
crete order of government, appeare above all others most
notable and famous : I have bin specially desirous, by all
meanes possible 1 could, to procure the publication thereof,
thinking it too great an injurie to our common wealth, to
burie in oblivion so worthy attemptes of our owne nation, and
to hide the ensample of so good and so well a governed ser-
vice. And for that (as I understand) many trifling Pamphlets
have bin secretly thrust out, not only without the consent of
the captaynes and executioners of the same, but also rather
to the great disgrace of the worthy voyage, than otherwise,
I having intelligence of a substantial! discourse w^hiche was
diligently written thereof, and privately dedicated to my very
Honourable Mayster, Sir Christopher Hatton Knight, by a
gentleman of his own, who was personally present a captain
in all the same service ; I have, without making privie the
authour, procured his coppie out of the handes of a friende
of mine, w^ho had the writing and perusing therof, and have
presumed to publish and imprint the same, to the ende that
thereby I mighte (gentle reader) as well satisfye thy greedy-
expectation, by unfolding these newe and unknowen matters,
whereof the nature of man is most desirous, as also to per-
forme that dutie whiche I owe unto my sayde Honourable
Mayster, in publishing such things as are directed unto him.
And for that the mater is worthy to passe under the protec-
tion of his honourable name, I have heerein bin willing,
rather to beare the burthen of the authores private dis>

THE PRINTER TO THE READER. 25

pleasure, if therewith he should afterwards be offended, than
not by publishing the same, seeme not only to do a publicke
injarie unto my native countrey, but also shew a lighte
regarde of my duetie, in obscuring the doyngs and travels of
him, or anye of his, whose honour (as I am chiefely bound")
I tender more than my owne safetie. And albeit I have in
a fewe places somewhat altered from my copie, and wronged
therby the authoure, and have soughte to conceale upon good
causes some secretes not fitte to be published or revealed to
the world (as the degrees of longitude and latitude, the dis-
tance, and true position of places, and the variation of the
compasse,) and whiche neverthelesse, by a generall, and par-
ticular mappe concerning the same, heereunto annexed, is so
sufficiently explained, that easilie anything apperteyning
unto the voyage, or in this discourse mentioned, may sensibly
be understode ; and though the matter be entirelie the
authours owne, yet am I contented (for thy sake) rather than
the same shoulde not be published, to beare the burthen of
blame, and to abide the reprofe of the faultes escaped, taking
upon me that reproche of presumption, and hazarding my
name to the world, all which things the author peradventure
taketh for so great disgraces, as willingly he would not ad-
venture in his owne name the publishing thereof. But
specially, for that the commendation of a historic consisteth
in truthe and playnenesse, I have desired to bring forth, and
prefer (before other pamphlets) the same, knowing that the
authore thereof, in nothing more than in truth, desireth to
maynteyne credite with this honourable personage, unto
whome with his owne hand written, he hath privately dedi-
cated the same, as by the epistle dedicatorie may appeare.
If therefore thou shalte accept my well meaning in good
parte, and yeelde but deserved prayse to the authoure for
doing, and thankes to me for publishing the same, it shall
suffice to make me thinke my travell well therein employed.
And so fare you well.

THE FYRST BOOKE

OF THE FIRST VOYAGE OF MARTIN FROBISHER, ESQUIER,

CAPTAYNE GENERALL FOR THE DISCOVERIE OF THE

PASSAGE TO CATAYA AND THE EAST INDIA, BY

THE NORTHWEAST,

FIRST ATTEMPTED IN ANNO BOM. 1576, THE 15. OF MAY.

Man is borne not only to serve his owne turne (as Tullie
sayeth), but his kinsfolke, friends, and the common wealth

offi^^ib ■ ^^P^cially, loke for some furtherance at hys handes, and some
frutes of his laboure : where upon sundry men finding them-
selves as it were tyed by this bond and dutie of humane
society, have willinglye endeavoured sundry wayes to shew
themselves profitable members of their common weale. Some
men by study of the minde, have employed themselves to
give out good lawes and ordinances for governement, as Solon,
Lycurgus, and others. Some have spente their time in de-
vising artes and sciences, for the better sharpening of man's
witte, and the easier expressing his conceytes, as in time past
Aristotle for Logicke and Philosophic, Cicero and Demos-
thenes for Rethoricke, Euclide and others for Arithmeticke
and Geometric. Others againe by long and diligent obser-
vation, have found out the motion and courses of the celestiall
Orbes, that thereby man might have the distinction of

Astronomie. timcs and seasous, the better to direct his doings both for
taking paynes and rest, as occasion and circumstances doth
require. Some delight in feates of armes, thereby to be
better able to defend their countreys from the force of the
enimie, and rightfully (when occasion is) to enlarge their

THE FIRST VOYAGE, ETC. 27

dominions. And many others in sundrie faculties and
sciences, have both heretofore, and especially now in these
later dayes do so bestow and employ their time, that
rightly they may be sayd to have deserved the name of pro-
fitable members in the common wealth ; so that now by con-
tinuall practise, and exercising of good wittes, the world is
waxed finer, and growen to more perfection, not only in all
the speculative artes and sciences, but also in the practicall
application of the same, to man's use, whereof as the one
doth exceedingly delighte the inward mind, in seeing the
sequele of things by arte and reason, so the other in the
mechanicall and practicall application (whiche of late yeares, ™^^^j^5J;®
more than ever heeretofore hath bin used) dothe so pleasure ^°®-
and profite the world, that this time only may rightely be
called the liberall and flourishing age. For when was there
ever heard of such abundance of gold and silver (whiche no
doubt being well used, is the great benefite and good bless-
ing of God to mankind) as in these our dayes. No, Solomon
himselfe, with all the pretious mettall of Opliir^ which he
(one only king) had in that only place, can not be comparable
to the great store of golde, and all other mettals, which dayly
are digged out of the bowels of the earth, almost in all parts
of the world, and now lately in the supposed hard and con-
gealed frozen lands, almost under the Poles. Yea, now every
private man can witnesse this with me, that he is no more
contented with the wealthe and riches that his auncesters
hadde, but thinkes himself base miuded, if by his Industrie
he encrease not his privat wealth proportionallie, as the whole
world increaseth in common wealth, and not only of gold
and silver is such great encrease, but also of all other things,
serving as well for pleasure and delightes of the mind, as
for the necessarie uses of man's life. For, as we are placed Abundance

^ -"^ of all

in these lower elementes firste to know and acknosvledge '^'"°^-
the high Creator, and then thankefully to take the fruition of
things for oure mayntenance, which are especially two, that

28 THE FIRST YOTAGE

Towhatend is, meate and drinke to susteyne the bod5^ and coverture

man is *

created. ^o defend the same from the rigor of heate and cold, and so
thereby to glorifie God in his workes : what age hath bin
ever heeretofore, that hath so abounded with store, not only
of necessarie meates, but also of pleasant and delectable con-
fections, to delight man withal : for whatsoever sundry sorte
of corne, grayne, and meates former yeares have had, we
not only have all the same in farre greater abundance, but
thereunto are added thousandes of new things simple and
compound, never heretofore scene or heard of. And as
for coverture to defende the bodye, the matter is growen
to such excellencie of architecture and building, to such
finenesse of cloth and silkes of all sortes and colours ; that
man studieth no more to multiplye the encrease thereof; so
much as to devise fashions, to make it serve more for orna-
ment, than for necessarie uses. And the chiefest cause of all
these effects (next after y^ divine Providence) is the search-
ing wit of man, whiche being more curious and inquisitive
of new and strange devises than heeretofore, bringeth out
dayly more strange inventions, and causeth others, through
emulation, to do the like — not only in providing y^ necessary
things aforesaid, but also a continual care and constancie to
find out other new arts, occupations, and faculties. For to
remember one or two inventions for al, found out of late

Printing of yearcs. The use and benefite of printino^ bookes, a devise

bookes. " r D '

SO commodious and necessarie, saving within these few yeares

in respect, hath layne utterly hid and unknowen. The arte

The arte of of War is uowc ffrowcn to that excellencie, that if Achilles,

v.arre. ^ ^

Alexander the Great, Julius Csesar, and other, should come
in these later dayes, they themselves would more admire and
wonder at the courages of our men, their engines, and their
policies in warre, than the ignorant and barbarous multitude
in their daj'es did to them in celebrating their solemnities
with all the honor that might be. But to drawe neere to my
purposed scope, that is to discourse of inventions by way of

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 29

discoveries, I say, that one of the excellentest artes that ever
hath bin devised is the arte of navigation, which in times ^^"'s^^^'"''-
past was so raw and unknowen, that no man durst travel by-
sea, saving only alongst the shore : and if by wind, currant,
or tempest, he were driven against his will so far from the
land that he lost the sight thereof, he made no other ac-
compte but to be cast away, his vessell was so rude and his
skill so little.

In those dayes they knew not the singular use and benefite
of the loadestone, called in Latin Magiies, whiche, besides the Jjjjfe^*°^®
property of drawing iron unto it, it directeth, and with oppo- ™^s°®^-
site poyntes sheweth two principall partes of the worlde, the
north and the south, and that more distinctly than the rising
of the sunne doth shew east and west (excepte it be onely
in the dayes of ^quinoctium which is but twice a yeare),
whiche rare propertie of the loadestone, if any man desire at
large to see, let him put the sayd stone into a round dish,
and they both so together in some vessel of water, wherein
they might swim at pleasure voluntarily, which dish when
it standeth still then doe the two principall and opposite
poyntes of the stone firmely and constantly poynt out north
and south ; and if, before the quarters of north and south
were knowen, by this experience he may find out the two
principal poyntes of the stone; so that the one being knowen,
the other can not be wanting. And that a man may be the
better persuaded of this effect, let him remove or turn round
the dish after it hath once stoode still, and he shall ever
finde it to returne constantly to the same poynt againe. Also
a pillier or piece of Steele being but touched with the fore-
said Magnes, playing ^quilibra upon some piramid or point,
receyveth such virtue that it produceth like effect. Where-
unto, if wood or paper in circular forme devided into o2 JiTrty"^
equall parts be handsomely compacted, it will distinguishe the com-

passe.

and poynte out all parts of the horizon, and direct into all
coasts of the worlde, and that onely by the influent spirite

THE FIRST voyage;

The varia-
tion of the
needle.

New dis-
coveries.

of the two principall poyntes respecting ever nortli and
south.

This excellent propertie and benefite of the lodestone I
the rather remember at large, because some seamen whiche
knowe this rare and miraculous efFecte as well as I, doe not
sufficiently admire the same, bycause it is now so commonly
knowen, and yet indeede is to be preferred before all pre-
tious stones in the worlde, whiche only tend to ornament,
and have no other vertue, whereas this serveth to so ne-
cessarie use. The vertue of this stone, as it is not long
since it was first found, so in these dayes it is like to receive
his perfection concerning his north-easting and north-west-
ing to be brought in rule, and particularly in this noble
voyage of our worthy Captaine 3Iarti?ie Frohisher, who, as
you shall after understande in the discourse, hath diligentlye
observed the variation of the needle. And such observations
of skylfull pylotts is the onlye waye to bring it in rule ; for
it passeth the reach of naturall philosophy. The making
and pricking of cardes, the shifting of sunne and moone, the
use of the compasse, the houre-glasse for observing time,
instrumentes of astronomic to take longitudes and latitudes
of coun treys, and many other helps, are so commonly knowen
of every mariner now adayes, that he that hathe bin twice at
sea, is ashamed to come home if he be not able to render ac-
counte of all these particularities. By whiche skill in navi-
gation is brought to passe that the people of Europe can as
easilye and far more easilier make long voyages by sea than
by lande, whereby hathe come to passe that within the
memorie of man within these foure-score yeares, there hath
beene more newe countries and regions discovered than in
five thousande yeares before; yea, more than halfe the worlde
hath beene discovered by men that are yet (or might very
well for their age be) alive. When I name the world in this
sense, I meane the uppermoste face and superficies of the
earth and sea, which, unite together, make one globe or

OF. MARTIN FROBISHER. 31

sphere. And this face of the earth whiche Almightie God
hath given man as most convenient place to inhabite in,
thorowe the negligence of man hathe, until of late dayes, layne
so hidde and unknowen that he hathe loste the fruition and
benefit of more than halfe the earth.

A marvellous thing, that man, who hath always abhorred
so muche thraldome and restrainte, and so greedily desired
liberty, coulde be contented so many thousande yeares, to be
shut up in so narrow bounds. For it is to be thought that
only such countries in times paste have bin known as either
did bounde and hang togither, or else were separated by
very narrow seas, as are Europa, Affrica, and Asia, out of
which from either to other a man may travaile by lande, or
else shall finde in some places very narrow seas separating
them, and so mighte saile from the one to the other onelye
by lande-markes wythoate the arte of navigation, bycause
the one was wythin a ken of the other.

For even the greate strength and stoutnesse of Hercules The west

° ° end of the

himselfe, when out of Grcecia westward he had travelled "^"^ '^°^^'^®*
and conquered all the regions and countries comming to the
straight betweene Spaine and Barbaric, made accompte to
have beene at the west ende of the worlde, and therefore
there created two pillers as a perpetual monument of his
fame, whiche to this day are called Hercules Columnce, the
pillers of Hercules, the one standing in Spaine of Europe,
the other in Affrica, and called the straight Fretum Hercu-
leum : and nowe commonlye is named the straightes of Ma-
lega or Gibraltar. And having come so farre westwarde,
contented himselfe, and said, No?i plus ultra, no further.

Likewise, Alexander ^Magnus, out of Macedo7iia in Greece,
passing throw Arme?iia, Persia, and India, comming to the
great River Ganges, and conquering all these countries (al-
thoughe he was persuaded that Asia extended somewhat
further into the east and north-east) yet knowing them
not to be very great countries, and thinking them to be

The east
end of the
old worlde.

32 THE FIRST VOYAGE

of small moment, erected there certaine aultars, wliiche are
yet called Arce Alexandrince , as beyond whicli no man
else in tliose dayes had passed, or neede to passe more east-
warde, and this was accompted as it were a bounder of the
easte side of the worlde, althoughe indeede Asia doeth ex-
tende further, twenty degrees, and is environed with Mare
Eoum, and the straight Anian, which our Captaine Frobisher
pretendeth to finde out.

Touching the south parts of the world towards Affrica,

Ptolomeus King oiJEgipt, a famous cosmographer, w^ho was

more sollicite and curious in describing al the face of the

earth than any king before him or after (excepte of late dayes),

delivered in plat described and knowen only sixteen degrees

u?e%w*^ ""^ beyond y^ equinoctiall to the southwardes or pole Antartique,

ward. ''"'^ and that bounder was called Montes Lunee, out of whiche

the greate river Nilus is supposed to have his beginning and

spring. And, as for the knowen land on the north partes of

the world, Thyle being one of y^ ilands of Orcades (more

probably than Iseland), was so long pronounced and con-

Theendof tinucd Ultima, that it was esteemed a ^reat erroure for

the old ^ '^

•world uorth-
\yard.

anye man to imagine anye lande more north than that.

Thus have I briefly named the foure principall bounders
of the worlde, which was onely known from the beginning
of the worlde (as some thinke) untill within these eighty last
yeares. That is, the Straights of Gibraltar or Malaga west-
ward. The east part of Asia beyond the Arse Alexandrinae
eastwarde. Vltima Thyle by Scotlande northward, and six-
teen grades beyond the equinoctiall southward. But these six-
teen degrees of south latitude are to be understoode only in
the continent of Africa, whiche extendeth not passyng seventy
degrees in longitude. Therefore, whatsoever countries or re-
gions have since been discovered and knowne beyonde 180
The greate degrees in longitude, 60 degrees in north latitude, and 16

(iiscov6ri6S

ofiateyeres. degrees in south latitude, all the commendation, honour, re-
noume, glorie, and fame thereof, must be attributed to the

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 3S

Englishmen, Spaniardes, Portingales, Frenchmenne, and
Italians, whose valiaunt courage and high mindes be suche
that either they alreadye have, or shortly will discover and
searche out every narrowe corner of the world. By these
means valours and industries, the knowne regions of the
worlde, whiche before were divided into three partes ; that
is, Europa, Affrica, and Asi#, are now made sixe, by addi-
tion of other three. For like as the whole massie frame of
the world being firste divided into two principall regions,
the one elementiall, the other heavenly, the elementiall con-
taineth foure partes ; that is, the four elements, the earth,
the water, the ayre, and the fyre : the heavenly region, al-
though one yet for diversitie of motion, may be compted
two ; that is, Primum Mobile, moving onelye uppon the
poles, Articke and Antarticke, and all the reste of orbes and
planets, moving uppon the poales of the zodiacke are by this
difference of motion imagined two, whereby ariseth the num-
ber of sixe substances partes of the world ; that is, the foure
elements and the two varieties of orbes. So likewise the in-
feriour world, I meane the superjices of the earth, is also
divided into sixe partes ; that is, Europa, Affrica, Asia, J^vkfeTkito
Terra Septentrionalis , America, and Terra Austrialis, whose ^^^p*^^"^^^-
bounders bycause this division seemeth somewhat strange, I
thought good for the more particularitie, here briefly to
repeate.

THE CHIEFE BOUNDERS OF THE PRINCIPALL PARTES OF
THE WORLD.

Europa is bounded on the weast side with our Weaste Europa.
Ocean; on the south side wyth Mare Mediterraneum; on the
east V7\xh.31are^geum, Pontiis Euxinus,^ndi the river Tanices,
folowing the meridian thereof northwarde; on the north side
it was thoughte sometime to be bounded with islandes —
Hebrides, Orcades, and Hyperborei monies in Sarmatia of
Europe. But nowe, by the navigation of the Englishemen,

])

THE FIRST VOYAGE

Africa.

Asia.

Terra

Septen-

trionalis.

the boundes are extended unto that sea which compasseth
Norway, Laplande, and Moscovia.

Affrica is bounded westwarde with the sea Atlanticum;
southward with the South Ocean, passing by Cape d'Buona
Speranza; eastwarde with the Ked Sea; and northwarde by
the sea Mediterraneum.

Asia is bounded on the soutfi side with the South Ocean ;
on the easte side with Mare Eoum, and the Straighte A?iia?i;
on the north side with the Scithian Sea ; on the weaste side
M'ith the meridian of the river Taiiais, and parte of the
sea Mediterraneum, as Pontus Enxinus, Mare Egeum, Sinus
Issicus, and the Red Sea.

Terra Septentrionalis is divided from Asia by the Scythian
Sea, from Europe by the North Sea aboute Iselande^ called
in times past Mare Coiigelatum, the Frosen Sea, and from
America is divided by Frobisher's Straights. It lyeth rounde
about the Pole Artike, and is included by a paralell passing
about 70 degrees in north latitude, as it is also more at large
described in Mercators and Ortelius Universall Mappes.

This parte of the world hath beene most or onely made
knowen by the Englishmen's industrie. For, as Mercato
mentioneth out of a probable author, there was a frier of
Oxforde, a greate mathmatician,^ who himselfe went verye
farre north above 200 yeares agoe, and, with an astrolabe,
described almoste all the lande aboute the Pole, finding it
divided into foure partes or ilandes by foure greate guttes,
indrafts, or channels, running violently and delivering them-
selves into a monstrous receptacle and swallowing sincke,
with suche a violent force and currant, that a shippe beyng
entred never so little within one of these foure indraftes,
cannot be holden backe by the force of any great winde,
but runneth in headlong by that deepe swallowing sinke into

1 Nicholas de Linna, i.e., of Lynn in Norfolk, whose voyage to the
Arctic regions in 1360 is quoted by Mercator in his map of the world
dated 1569, from the Itinerary of Jacob Croyen of Bois le Due, and also
referred to by Dr. John Dee. See HaMvyt, vol. i, pp. 121, 122.

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 35

the bowels of the earth. Hee reporteth that the south-weast
parte of that lande is a fruitfull and a holesome soyle. The
north-east part (in respect of England) is inhabited with a
people called Pygmoei, whiche are not at the uttermoste Pismei.
above foure foote highe. One of these foure greate mons-
trous gulfes wyth hys violent raging course followeth the
meridian of the fortunate ilandes, and receiveth the ocean
with three mouths, and is frozen over three moneths in the
yeare, and is 37 leagues in breadth. The next eastwarde
beyonde the iland Vagats is at 110 degrees in longitude and
receyveth the East Ocean with five mouths, and, being nar-
rowe and swifte, is never frozen. The third is at 190 de-
grees in longitude, and receiveth the East Ocean with nine-
teen receits. The fourth is at 280 degrees in longitude.
All these indraftes and raging channels runne directly to-
wards a point under the Pole, where is also said to be a
monstrous srret mountain of wonderful arret heisrht and about ^ ^'"^^^

o >D o rock under

35 leagues in compasse at the foot. thepoie.

Guilielmus Postellus saith, that here under and aboute the
Pole is best habitation for man, and that they ever have con-
tinuall daye, and know not what night and darknesse meaneth.
But this seemeth contrary to the principles of the sphere, continual

•^ r r r 7 ^ay for ever.

whyche alloweth well that they shoulde see the sunne halfe
a yeare togither without any night. During the time of his
being in the north signes from the one Equinoctimn to the
other, yet, that in y^ other halfe they shold have continuall
night without any day. But I thinke Postellus (being a good
astronomer) doubted nothing of y^ reason of y^ sphere, but
meaneth y* for their great twilights, and y° high swelling of
y® erth, and y® high mountaine under the Pole, they have
continual light; but hereof you shall heare more at large
hereafter in this treatise, when I speake of the temperature
of y*^ north regions. This so particular a description of y"^
land and countries lying about the Pole, argueth that this
Oxford iv'iev tooke great pains therein, and induceth great ^fri^r of

and Rich
Chancelor,

36 THE FIRST VOYAGE

probabilitie and likelihood of y^ truth thereof, bicause he ob-
served so diligently by measure, the bredth of the indrafts,
what time, and how long they continued frosen, and with
how manye mouths or receipts every one of them received
the ocean.

Upon y® bounds and description of this part of the erth, I
have y^ longer staid, because I find it discovered only by the
English nation. And although y® greatest part herof was
made knowen 200 and odde yeres past, yet some bounders
thereof were described and set out by y^ travel of Sr. Hugh
Willoby Knight, an Englishman, who ventured and lost his

\viii?u"hby ^^^^ ^^ y^ cause, and so died an honorable death, and with
him Ric. Chancelor, chiefe Pilot in that voyage, in an. 1554,
who discovered and founde out, y* Norway and Sweden &c.,
conjoined not to Gronelancl^ or any part of y^ Northern re-
gions, as one firme and continent, but y^ by sea a man might
travel to y*^ country of Moscovia, and a gret way more est-
ward, as far as the gret river Obby. Also oure worthy
General Ca. Frobisher in his three last voyages, wherof we
are briefly to entreat in these three books, hath discovered
and described a gret part of ye Southwest bounds thereof,
and meneth (God willing) not only to describe the one halfe
therof in going to Cataia by y*^ Northwest, but also to put in
triall, whether he may return into England by the Northeast,
and so also to describe y^ other part, which to do, is one of
y® waightiest matters of the world, and a thing that will cause
other Princes to admire y^ fortunate state, and y^ gret valor
of y® English nation. But to retourne againe to the bounding
of the other parts of the world.

America. America an ilande is included on the east side with the

sea Antartique; on the weast side with Mare del Sur, or
Mare Pacificum ; on the south side it is bounded wyth the
straight of Magellanus ; and on the north with Frobisher's
straights.

AuTtraiis. Terra Australis seemeth to be a great firme land, lying

Frobisher
3 voyages

OF MARTIN niOBISHER. 37

under and aboute the south pole, being in many places a
fruitefull soyle, and is not yet thorowly discovered, but onlye
seene and touched on the north edge therof, by the travaile
of the Portingales and Spaniards, in their voyages to their
East and Weast Indies.

It is included almost by a paralell, passing at 40 degrees
in south latitude, yet in some places it reacheth into the sea
with greate promontories, even into the tropicke Capricornus.
Onely these partes of it are beste knowen, as over against
Capo d" huona Speranza (where the Portingales see popin-
gayes commonly of a wonderfull greatnesse,) and againe it is
knowen at the south side of the straight of Magellanus, and
is called Terra del Fuego.

It is thoughte this southlande, about the pole Antartike, is
farre bigger than the north land aboute the pole Artike ; but
whether it be so or not, we have no certaine knowledge, for
we have no particular description hereof, as we have of the
lande under and aboute the north pole.

Thus I have briefly butted and bounded out all the parts
of the earth, according unto thys latter division into sixe
parts. Which, that it might be more apparent and sensible
to every man's understanding, 1 have hereunto adjoyned an
universall map, wherein my minde was to make knowne to
the eye what countries have been discovered of late yeares,
and what before of olde time. The olde knowen partes have
their boundes traced and drawen with whole lines, the newe
discovered countries have theyr bounds drawen wyth points
or broken lines, Avhereby the reader shall at the firste sight
see both the shape and fashion of the whole universall
face of the earth, compared all togyther, and also all the
severall partes thereof, whether they were of old time dis-
covered, or of late yeares, the which mappe, though it be
roughly framed, withoute degrees of longitude or latitude, yet
is it sufficient for the purpose it was ordeyned, for heerein, as
in all the rest of this discourse, of the three voyages of our

38 THE FIRST VOYAGE

worthy Generall Captayne Frobisher, my intente is, more to
sette out simply the true and playne proceeding and handling
of the whole matter, than to use circumstance of more words,
or fyne eloquent phrases, wherein if I shoulde once goe about
to entangle myselfe, it would doe nothing else, but bewray
my owne ignorance, and lack of schole skyll. Therefore, of
me there is nothing else to be loked for, but such playne
talke and writing, as souldiers and marriners doe use in theyr
dayly meetings and voyages, and this of necessity must anye
man use that will dealewith suche a matter as thys is, although
he were curious to the contrarie.

By this discourse and mappe, is to be scene, the valiante
courages of men in this later age within these eighty yeares,
that have so muche enlarged the boundes of the worlde, that
now we have twice and thrice so muche scope for oureearthlie
peregrination, as we have hadde in times past, so that nowe
men neede no more contentiously to strive for roume to build
an house on, or for a little turffe of ground, of one acre or
two, when greate countreys, and whole worldes, offer and
reache out themselves, to them that will first voutsafe to pos-
sesse, inhabite, and till them. Yea, there are countreys yet re-
mayning withoute maysters and possessors, whiche are fertile
to bring forth all manner of come and grayne, infinite sortes
of land, cattell, as horse, elephantes, kine, sheepe, great
varietie of flying fowles of the ayre, as phesants, partridge,
quayle, popingeys, ostridges, etc., infinite kinde of fruits, as
almonds, dates, quinces, pomgranats, oringes, etc., holesome,
medicinable, and delectable. Greate varietie of floures con-
tinuallie springing, winter and sommer, beautifull for coloure,
odififerous, and comfortable. Abundance of faire hilles and
valleys, furnished with all maner woddes and pleasante rivers.
Millions of newe fashions, and strange beastes and fishes, both
in sea and fresh waters. Mountaines bringing forth all maner
of mettals, as gold, silver, yron, etc. All sorts of pretious
stones and spices, in all which land wanteth nothing that may

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 39

be desired, eyther for pleasure, profit, or necessarie uses.
Which sundrey countreys to possess and obteyne, as it is an
easie thing, so would I not have our Englishe nation to be
slacke therein, least perhaps agayne they overshoote them-
selves, in refusing occasion offered, as it was in the time of
King Henry the seventh, when all the West Indies were^fespro-
firste profered to the Englishmen, to be given into their iugiiV ^
handes, whiche they little regarding, was afterwards offered
to the Spaniards, who presently accepted the occasion, and
now enjoy the infinite treasure and commoditie thereof. I
would not wishe Englishmen to be now unlike themselves,
for in all the later discoveries the English nation hath bin as
forward as any other. As firste, by their navigations north-
eastward, the bounds of Europe were made perfect on the
north syde, for Ptolomie, Strabo, and al other geographers
lefte it described but onley to the ilandes Orcades in Irelande,
and Hyperboreas Montes in Sarmatia, and finding the land J/'r^^JJ,"/^
on the north side of Germany, Poland, Moscovia, and Asia, ^nj^rsh?''^
to extend northward, they left it confusedly, and knew not
whether it reached to the pole as one firme lande, or whether
it were devided by some sea they knew not. But this doubt
hath long since bin dissolved, by the valiant attempt of Sr.
Hugh Willoughby Knight, who (as I said before) in this
noble discoverie, died an honourable death, and the voyage
hath since been perfected by y^ two brethren the Borowes, BarowJ's.
and other valiant yong men of our time eastward, beyonde
y® great Biver Obij, as farre as y^ empire of y^ great Cam or
Cane of Tartaria, as appeereth in my general mapp by
y^ pricked bounds thereof. That voyage was then taken in
hand, of y^ valiant Knight, with pretence to have gone east- •
ward to the rich countrey of Cataya, and was grounded
briefely upon these reasons. First, bicause there was a
unicornes home found upon the coast of Tartaria by the
Biver Obij, which (said he) was like by no other ways to
come thither, but from India or Cataya, where the saide

THE FIRST VOYAGE

Eeasous to
prove the
passage by
the norih-

Commodi-
ties by
Moscovie
voyage.

unicornes are only found, and that by some sea bringing it
thither. Also a fisherman of Tartaria reporteth, y* he sailed
verye farre south-eastward, and found no end of sea, or
likelyhoode therof. Lastly, a Tartarian, inhabiting neere
y® Scithian Sea, rejDorted such a streame and currant to runne
there continually, towards the west, that if you cast anything
therein, it would presently be caried out of your sight towards
the west, whereby necessarily foloweth, ther should be some
passage to some larger sea, wherein this continual streame
might emptie itself. And by y® experience of this voyage,
it was found, y^ the frozen zones were not frozen, but
habitable and navigable, a thing y* almost all the old philo-
sophers did deny, and went about with sundry reasons to ini'
pugne, for in this voyage to Moscovia, our men passed beyond
seventy-two degrees in north latitude, wheras y^ frosen zone
beginneth at sixty-six degrees and a halfe. This enterprise,
although it toke not effect, to finde y^ passage to Cataya east-
ward, because y^ worthy knight, the chief author therof, dyed
in y^ way thither, yet hath it bin very beneficiall to England,
in finding out y® trace to S. Nicholas, both for y^ maintenance
of y^ navie, and the yerely profit is reaped therby, the which
voyage is known to be more dangerous and painful, than any
y® Spanyards or Portugals have ever dealt in, for they being
borne in a somewhat bote countrey, hapnedto deale with
easie voyages, although they were long out, not much differ-
ing from their own temperature.

And I thinke, a man mighte be bolde to saye, that in all
their long voyages, to the East and West Indies, they were
never so muche distressed and oppressed with so infinite
numbers, and sundrie kindes of dangers, as oure valiante
Generall Captayne Frobisher, and his companye were in
every one of these his three voyages, as readyng it. you shall
understand more at large. And yet they courageously per-
sist and continue on their purposed enterprise, and will not
surceasse untill they have (God willing) found oute that long

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 41

wished passage to Cataya, to the everlasting renoune, glorie,
and fame of the English nation.

Also, the valor of the Englishmen, did first of all discover
and finde out all that part of America, whiche nowe is called
Baccalaos : for Sebastian Cabot, an Englishman, borne in
Bristow, was by commandment of Kyng Henry the seaventh
in anno 1508, furnished with shipping, munition, and men,
and sayled along all that tract, pretending to discover the
passage to Cataya, and went alande in many places, and
brought home sundry of the people, and manye other things
of that countrey, in token of possession, beeing (I say) the
firste Christians that ever there sette foote on land.

Also, the sayde Englishman Cabot, did first discover, at the
procurement of the Kyng of Spayne, ail that other porte of
America, adjoyning next beyond Brasill, lying aboute the
famous river called Rio de la Plata.

Also, the Englishmen have made sundrye voyages to
Guinea and Binny, although the Spanyardes and Portu-
galles, bycause of their neare dweelling thereunto, got
thyther the firste starte of them, and there prevented them
in building townes and castels, whereby appeareth, that the
English nation, by their long and dangerous navigations,
have diligently and paynefuUie searched out by sea the
temperature of all the zones, whether they were burning,
frosen, hot, colde, or indiflferent, even from the pole Artike
to the equinoctiall, and crossing it also passed beyonde the
tropicke of Capricorne, and returned agayne. And there-
fore, as we are inferioure to no other nation, in making
greate and long voyages by sea, so knowe I no nation com-
parable unto us in taking in hande long travels and voy-
ages by lande. For what nation is it that hath ever had
such a long trade by land as is the Englishmans into Persia,
which, besides two monethes sayling by sea along the weast i^ngiish

meiie great
"" by

and northerne coastes of Norway and Lapland, by Ward- /aJJ^"^''^
house unto the Bay of Saint Nicholas, it remayneth more in

Persia.

42 THE FIRST VOYAGE

voyage by land and fresh rivers, aboute three thousande
Enoflishe mvles : for from the merchantes house at Saint
Nicholas, by the river Duina and Lughana, to the citie
Volugda, is compted seaven hundred English miles ; from
thence to the citie Yearuslaue, standing upon the great river
Volga, travelling by only land, is reckned about one hun-
dred and forty miles, where the merchants making new ship-
ping for the freshe river Volga, goe eastwarde aboute seven
hundred miles : then the sayde river turning agayne south
by many windings, at the last by the greate citie Astracan,
delivereth it selfe into the south side of the Sea Caspium,
that tract beinsf above nine hundred miles : then after in
two or three dayes, with a good winde crossing the Caspium
Sea, they arrive at a port named Bilbill, where after by
lande journeying with camels in one and twenty dayes.
Voyage to being almost six hundred miles, they come to the famous
city of Tauris or Teuris, being the greatest citie of Persia
for trade of merchandise. This long and paynefull voyage
by land was taken in hand by a worthy gentleman, Mayster
Anthony Jenkenson, who made thereof a plat, with the first
particular description that I have scene of the whole coun-
trey of Moscovia whiche is yet extant, and therefore the
Englishmen are to be preferred before all other nations in
making long voyages by lande. The Spanyards and Por-
tugalles undoubtedly are worthye immortal fame and glorie,
for their greate enterprises and good successes they have
therein : yet have they never scene nor hard such straunge
and extraordinarie accidents of the sphere as hath happened
unto the Englishmen. For neyther Spaniarde nor Portugal
ever sawe in all their long voyages, the sun and the moone
to make whole and perfect revolutions above the horizon, as
our men yearely do see in their voyage to Moscovia, where
when they abide any time at Wardhouse they see the sunne
goe continually above ground the space of above two moneths
togither, where if they take not great heed, they shall not

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 43

know what day of the moneth it is, after the order of our Day of two

'' months.

calender, for that they have no nights. But yet bycause once
everye twenty-four houres the sunne draweth neare to the
horizon in the north parts, it is there commonly shadowed
with vapours and thicke fogges, whiche usually rise from
the earth, and seeme a little to shade we the bodye of the
sunne ; and that lowest approaching of the sun to the earth-
ward, they counte night, and so make good enough reckning
of the days of the moneth, according to our usuall fashion.
But one inconvenience there is that dismay eth and deterreth
moste men (though they be of valiant courage) from taking
in hande long voyages, eyther by sea or by lande, and that
is the newe and uncustomed elements, and the extreme
ayres of hot and cold, whereby (as some think) if they
travel far northward, they shall be frozen to death in the
harde congealed and frozen sea : and again, if they travel
far toward the south, they fear they should be parched and
broyled to death with the extreme heat of y^ middle burn-
yng zone : or else if perhaps they escape alive, yet at least
they shold be burned as black as a cole, as the Indians or
black Moors there are ; and this to believe they are partlye
perswaded by the sight of those Indians, and partlye by the
perswasions of certaine philosophers, who went with reasons
to prove that between the two tropicks was no dwelling or
being for the extreme heate, the sunne beating on them con-
tinuallye : neyther neare eyther pole, for the extreme frostes,
colde and snow whiche continuallye hath there (from the
beginning of the world as some thinke) increased, the sunne
being so farre distante from them. "Which opinion of some,
bycause it importeth very much, I thought good here to
do my indevour to refell, both bycause I know the con-
trarie by my owne experience, and also for that I finde the
course of the sunne in zodiacke (which God hath ordayned
to give light and life to all things) can induce no such kinde
of extremitie : and so, lastly, to confirme all partes of the
worlde to be habitable.

that Torrida
Zeno IS
habitable

44 THE FIRST VOYAGE

EXPERIENCES AND REASONS OF THE SPHERE, TO PROVE AL
PARTES OF THE WORLD HABITABLE, AND THEREBY TO
CONFUTE THE POSITION OF THE FIVE ZONES.

First it may be gathered by experience of our English-
men in an. 1553 ; for Captain Windam made a voyage with
merchandise to Guinea, and entred so far within the Torrida
U)''{!rolT''^ ^ona, that he was within three or four degrees of the Equi-
noctial, and abiding there certain moneths, returned with gain.

Also the Englishmen made another voyage verye pros-
perous and gainful!, an. 1554, to y® Coasts of Binin, lying
east from Guinea, being within three degrees of y^ Equinoc-
tial, And yet it is reporteth of a truth, that al y® tract from
Cape de las Palmas, trending by C. de tres PuntaSy alongst
Benin, until the He of Saint Thomas (which is perpendicu-
lar under the Equinoctial) : al y'^ whole bay is more subject
to many bloming and smothering heates, with infectious
and contagious ayres than any other place in al Torrida
Zo7ia, and the cause thereof is some accidents in y*^ land.
Eor it is most certain that mountains, seas, woods, and lakes,
etc., may cause through their sundrie kind of situation
sundry straunge and extraordinarie effects whych the reason
of the clynie otherwise woulde not give. I mention these
voyages of oure Englishemenne, not so much to prove that
Torrida Zona may be, and is inhabited, as to shew their
readynesse in attempting long and dangerous navigations.
We also among us in England have blacke Moores, Ethio-
pians, out of all partes of Torrida Zona, whiche after a small
continuance can wel endure the colde of our countrey, and
why should not we as well abide the heate of their countrey.
But what shoulde I name anye more experiences, seeying
that all the coastes of Guynea and Bynnin are inhabited of
Portugals, Spanyards, French, and some Englishmen, and
there have built castels and townes. Onely this I will say
to the merchants of London that trade yeerely to Marochus,

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 45

it is very certayne that the greatest part of the burning zone Marodius

J -J or o more liote

is far more temperate and coole in June than the country of Se^eqSr'
Marochus, as shall appeere by these reasons and experiences ""°"^'^*
following. For let us first consider the breadth and big-
nesse of this burning zone (which, as every man knoweth,
is forty-seven degrees cache tropicke, whiche are the bounders
thereof) being twenty-three degrees and a halfe distant from
the Equinoctiall. Imagine againe two other paralels on each
side the Equinoctiall one, eyther of them distant from the
Equinoctiall about twentie degrees, whiche paralels maye
be described eyther of them twice a yeare by the sunne
beinge in the firste degrees of Gemini the eleventh of May,
and in Leo the thirtenth of July, having north latitude.
And agayne, the sunne beeyng in the first degrees of Sagit-
tarius the twelfth of November, and in Aquarius the ninth
of January, havyng south latitude, I am to prove by expe-
rience and reason that all that distance included between
these two parralels last named (conteyning fortye degrees
in latitude, goyng rounde aboute the earthe, according to
longitude) is not only habitable, but the same most frutefull
and delectable, and that if anye extremitie of heate bee the
same not to bee within the space of twentye degrees of the
Equinoctiall on eyther side, but onely under and about the
two tropicks, and so proportionally the nearer you do ap-
proache to either tropicke the more you are subject to ex-
tremitie of heate (if any suche be), and so Marochus being
scituate but six or seven degrees from the Tropicke of
Cancer, shall be more subject to heate than any place under
the Equinoctiall line.

And first by the experience of sundrie men, yea thousands
travailers and merchaunts to the East and Weast Indies in
many places, both directly under, and harde by the Equinoc-
tiall, they with one consent affirme that it aboundeth in the
middest of Torrida Zona with all manor of grain, hearbes,
grasse, fruite, wood, and cattell, that we have here, and

46 THE FIRST VOYAGE

thousands other sortes farre more holesome, delectable, and

pretious than anye wee have in these northerne climates, as

very well shall appeare to him that w41 reade the Histories

and Navigations of such as have travelled Arabia, India.

intra and extra, Gangem, the Ilandes Moluccse, America,

f/ui7fu/°"'' etc., which all lye about y® middle of y® burning zone, where

fhe emii^^"^ it is truly reported that the great hearbes, as are radishe,

noctiaii. lettuce, colewortes, borage, and suche like, doe waxe ripe,

greater, more saverie and delectable in taste than ours within

sixteene dayes after the seed is sowen. Wheat being sowed

the first of Februarie, was found ripe the firste of May, and

generally, where it is lesse fruitefuU, the wheate will be ripe

the fourth moneth after the seede is sowne, and in some

places will bring forth an eare as bigge as the wriste of a

man's arme, containing a thousand graines. Beanes, pease,

etc., are there ripe twice a yeare. Also grasse being cutte

downe will growe up in sixe dayes above one foot highe.

If our cattell be transported thither within a small time their

yong ones become of bigger stature and more fatte than ever

they would have been in these countries. There are found

Great trees, in cveric wood in great numbers such timber trees as twelve

men holding handes togither are not able to fadome. And

to be short, all they that have bene there, with one consent

commodi- affirme that there are the goodlyest greene meddowes and

pictures playucs, the faireste mountaines, covered with all sorts of

under the n • ^ r ' it

equinoc- trces and fruits, the fairest vallies, the s^oodliest pleasaunt

tiall. ' .... .

fresh rivers, stoared with infinite kinde of fishes, the thickest
woods, greene and bearing fruite al the whole yeare, that are
in al the worlde. And as for gold, silver, and al other kinde
of metals, al kind of spices, and delectable fruites, both for
delicacie and health, are there in such abundance as hitherto
they have bene thought to have bene bred no where else
but there. And in conclusion, it is now thought that no
where else but under the Equinoctiall, or not far from
thence, is the earthlye Paradise and the only place of per-

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 47

fection in the world. And that these things may seeme the
lesse strange bycause it hath bin accompted of the old philo-
sophers that there could nothing prosper for the extreme
heate of the sunne continually going over their heades in
the zodiacke, I thoughte goode here to alleage suche na-
turall causes as to mee seeme verie substanciall and sure
reasons. First, you are to understande that the sunne doeth
worke his more or lesse heate in these lower parts by two Heat is

caused by

meanes, the one is by the kind of ansrle that the sun-beames twomeanes,

' •' *-* that IS. by

doeth make with the earth, as in all Torrida Zona^ it maketh of\™Teand

perpendicularly righte angles in some place or other at noone unuancT.""

and towardes the two Poles very oblique and uneven angles.

And the other meane is the longer or shorter continuance

of the sunne above the horizon. So that wheresover these

two causes do most concurre there is moste excesse of heate;

and when this one is wanting the rigor of the heate is lesse.

For though the sunne-beames do beate perpendicularly upon

any region subject to it, if it hath no continuance or abode

above the horizon to worke his operation in, there can no

bote effect proceede. For nothing can be don in a momente.

And this seconde cause, mo7'a supra horizontem^ the time of

the sunne's abiding above the horizon, the old philosophers

hence remembered, but regarded only the manner of angles

y* the sun-beames made with the horizon, which if they

were equall and right, the heate was the greater, as in

Torrida Zona ; if "they were unequall and oblique, the heat

was the lesse, as towardes both Poles, which reason is very

good and substancial ; for the perpendicular beames reflect Note thys

. * reason.

and reverberate m themselves, so that the heate is doubled,
every beame striking twice, and by uniting are multiplied
and continue strong in forme of a columne. But in our lati-
tude of fifty and sixty degrees the sun-beams descend obli-
que and slanting wise, and so striketh but once and departeth,
and therefore oure heate is the lesse for any effect that the
angle of the sun's beames make. Yet, because we have a

48 THE FIRST VOYAGE

longer continuance of the sunne's presence above the hori-
zon than they have under the Equinoctiall, by whiche con-
tinuance the heate is increased, for it shineth to us xvj or
xviij houres sometime, when it continueth with them but
twelve houres alwayes.

And againe, oure night is very shorte, wherein colde
vapors use to abound, being but six or eight houres long,
whereas theirs is alwayes twelve houres long, by which two
advantages of long dayes and shorte nights, thoughe we
wante the equalitie of angle, it commeth to passe that in
sommer oure heate here is as greate as theirs is there, as hath
bin proved by experience, and is nothing dissonant from
good reason.

Therefore, whosoever wil rightly way the force of colde
and heate in any region, muste not onelye consider the angle
that the sunne beames make, but also the continuance of the
same above the horizon. As firste to them under the equi-
noctiall the sunne is twice a yeare at noone in their zenith
perpendicular over their heades, and therfore during the ii
houres of those two dayes the heat is very urgent, and so
perhaps it will be in four or five days more, an houre everye
daye, untill the sunne in his proper motion, have crossed the
equinoctial!, so that this extreame heate caused by the per-
pendicular angle of the sunne beames, endureth but two
houres of two dayes, in a yeare.

But if any man say the sunne maye scalde a good while,
before and after it come to the meridian, so farre forthe as
reason leadeth, I am content to allow it, and therefore I will
measure and proportion the sunne's heate, by comparing the
angles there, with the angles made here in England, bicause
this temperature is best knowen to us. As for example, the
11th day of March, when under the equinoctiall it is halfe
hdure past eight of the clocke in the morning, the sun will
be in the east about thirty-eight degrees above the horizon,
bycause there it riseth always at six of the clock, and moveth

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 49

every hour fifteen degrees, and so high very neare will it be
with us at London the saide 11th of March at noone. And
therefore looke what force the sunne hath with us at noone,
the 11th of March, the same force it seemeth to have under
the equinoctial at half houre past eight in the morning, or
rather lesse force under the equinoctiall. For with us the
sunne had beene alreadye sixe houres above the horizon, and
so had purified and clensed all the vapours, and thereby his
force encreased at noone, but under the equinoctiall, the
sunne having been uppe but two and half houres hadde suffi-
cient to doe, to purge and consume the cold and moyst vapors
of the long night past, and as yet had wrought no effect of
heate. And therefore I may boldely pronounce, that there
is much less heate at halfe houre past eight under the
equinoctiall, than is with us at noone fa fortiori). But in
Marche, we are not onlye contented to have the sunne
shining, but we greately desire the same. Likewise the 11th
of June, the sunne in our meridian is sixty-two degrees highe
at London ; and under the equinoctiall it is so high after ten
of the clocke, and seeing then it is beneficiall with us, a
'fortiori^ it is beneficial to them after ten of the clocke.

And thus have we measured the force of the sun's greatest
heate, the hottest dayes in the yeare, under the equinoctiall,
that is, in March and September, from sixe tyll after tenne
of the clocke in the morning, and from two untill sunne set.
And this is concluded, by respecting only the first cause of
heate, which is the consideration of the angle of y® sunnes
beames, by a certaine similitude, that whereas the sunne
shineth never above twelve houres, more than eight of them
would be coole and pleasant even to us, much more to them
that are acquainted alwayes with suche warme places. So
there remayneth lesse than foure houres of any excessive
heate, and that only in the two sommer dayes of the yare,
that is, the 11th of March, and the 14th of September, for
under the equinoctiall, they have two sommers the one in

50 THE FIRST VOYAGE

March, and the other in September, which are our spring and
autumne ; and likewise two winters, in June and December,
which are our somraer and winter, as may well appeare to
him that hath onelye tasted the principles of the sphere.
But if the sunne be in eyther tropicke, or approaching neare
thereunto, then may we more easilye measure the force of
his meridian altitude, that it striketh upon the equinoctial.
As for example, the twelfth of June, the sunne will be in the
first degree of cancer. Then loke what force the heate of
the sunne hath under the equinoctiall, y^ same force and
greater, it hath in all that paralel, where the pole is elevated
betweene forty-seven and forty-eight degrees. And there-
F?ance \s as ^ore PaHs iu Frauce, the 12th daye of June, sustayneth
uSder the morc hcatc of the sunne, than Saint Thomas Ilande, lying

equinoctiall . .^. iitt' " ^

in June. nccre the same meridian, doth likewise at noone, or the
ilandes Taprobana, Molucco, or the firme lande of Peru in
America, which all lye underneath the equinoctial. For
upon the 12th day of June aforesaid, the sunne beames at
noone doe make an Isocheles triangle, whose vertex is the
center of the sunne, the lasts a lyne extended from Saint
Thomas Ilande, under the equinoctiall, unto Paris in France\
neare the same meridian; therefore the two angles of the
base, must needes be equall p 5, primi, ergo the force of the
heate equall, if there were no other cause, than the reason of
the angle, as the olde philosophers have appointed. But
bycause at Paris the sun riseth two houres before it riseth
to them under the equinoctiall, and setteth likewise two
houres after them, by means of the obliquity of the horizon,
in which time of the sunnes presence 4 houres in one place
more than the other, it worketh some effect more in one
place than in the other, and being of equall height at noone,
it muste then needes follow to be more bote in the paralell
of Paris than it is under the equinoctiall. Also this is an
other reason, that when the sun setteth to them under the
equinoctiall, it goeth very deep and lowe under their hori-

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. * 51

zon, almost even to their antipodes^ whereby their twylights

are very shorte, and their nis^hts are made verye extreame The twy-

•J ' o •' lights are

darke and long, and so the moysture and coldenesse of the ^i^g^J^ifts"^
long nightes wonderfully encreaseth, so that at length the '^^^l^^
sun rising can hardly in many houres consume and drive nocSmian
away the colde humoures and moyst vapours of the nighte
paste, whiche is cleane contrarye in y® paralel of Paris. For
y® sun goeth under their horizon but verye little, after a
sloping sorte, whereby their nights are not verye darke, but
lightsome ; as looking into the north in a cleare night with-
oute cloudes, it doeth manifestlye appeare their twylightes
are long, for the paralel Cancer cutteth not the horizon of
Paris at right angles (but at angles very uneven and unlike),
as it doth the horizon of the equinoctiall. Also the sommer
day at Paris is sixteene houres long and the night but
eight ; where contrarie wise, under the equinoctial, the day
is but twelve houres long, and so long is also the nighte, in
what soever paralel the sun be ; and therefore looke what
oddes and diiFerence of proportion there is betweene the
sunnes abode above the horizon in Paris and the abode it
hath under the equinoctiall (it being in Cancer), the same
proportion would seeme to be between the heate of the one
place and heate of the other : for other things (as the angle
of the whole arcke of the sunnes progresse that day in both
places) are equall.

But under the equinoctiall, the presence and abode of the
sunne above the horizon is equall to his absence and abode
under the horison, cache being twelve houres. And at
Paris the continuance and abode of the sunne is above the
horizon sixteene houres long and but eight hours absence,
whiche proportion is double, from whiche, if the proportion
of the equalitie be subtracted to find the difference, there
will remaine stil a double proportion ; whereby it seemeth
to followe, that in June the heate at Paris were double to
the heate under the equinoctiall. For (as I have saide) the

E 'Z

52 ^ THE FIRST VOYAGE

angle of the sunne beames are in all points equall, and the
cause of difference is Mora solis supra horizoritem, the
stave of the sunne in the one horizon more than in the
other. Therefore, whosoever could finde out in what pro-
portion the angle of the sunne beames heateth, and what
encrease the sunnes continuance doeth adde thereunto, it
might expresly be sette downe what force of heate and cold
is in all regions.

Thus you partely see, by comparing a clymate to us well
knowe and familiarlye acquainted by lyke height of the
sunne in bothe places, that under the equinoctiall in June is
no excessive heate, but a temperate ayre, rather tendinge to
colde. For as they have there for the moste parte a con-
tinuall moderate heate, so yet sometime they are a little
They use pintchcd wyth colde, and use the benefite of fyre as well as

a-.d have ^ - • i i v j i

needeof ^gg espcciallve in the evening when they goe to bedde ;

fire under } tr ^ c j <~j

n^ocUaS!" foi^ ^s they lye in hanging beddes tyed faste in the upper
parte of the house, so wyll they have fyres made on both
sides their bed, of which two fires, y^ one they devise super-
stitiouslye to drive awaye spyrites, and the other to keep
away from them the coldnesse of the nights.

Also in many places of Torrida Zona, especially in the
higher landes somewhat mountainous, the people a little
shrinke at the colde, and are often forced to provide them-

coide inter- sclvcs clothiug, SO that y^ Spaniards have found in the West

mingled , . .

uDdiJ'thl^ /w6?ees many people clothed, especially m winter ; whereby
equinoctial], ^ppeareth, that with their heate there is colde intermingled,
else would they never provide this remedy of clothing,
which to them is rather a griefe and trouble than otherwise.
For when they go to warres they wil putte off al their appa-
rell, thinking it to be cumbersome, and wil alwayes goe
naked, y* they thereby might be more nimble in their flight.
Some there be that thinke y^ middle zone extreme hot, by-
cause y^ people of y® countrie can and do live withoute
clothing, wherein they childishly are deceived, for oure clime

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 53

rather tendeth to extreamitie of colde, bicause we cannot
live without clothing : for this our dubble lining, furring
and wearing so many cloths, is a remedy against extremitie,
and argueth not y^ goodnesse of y® habitation, but incon-
venience and injury of cold : and that is rather y^ moderate,
temperate, and delectable habitation, where none of these
troublesome things are required, but that we may live naked
and bare, as nature bringeth us forth. Others again imagine
y® midle zone to be extreme bote, bycause the people of
Affrica, especially y^ Ethiopians, are so cole blacke, and
their haire, like wooll, curled short, which blacknesse and
curled haire they suppose to come only by y® parching heate
of y® sun, which how it should be possible I cannot see. For
even under the equinoctiall in America, and in y^ East
Indies, and in the Hands Moluccce y^ people are not blacke
but white, with Ions? haire uncurled as we have : so that if Ktiiiopians

, , ^ blacke with

the Ethiopians blacknesse came by the heate of the sune, curiedhaire.
why shoulde not those Atnericans and Indians also be as
blacke as they, seeyng the sunne is equally distant from
them both, they abiding in one paralel : for the concave
and convex superjices of the orbe of the sun is concentrike
and equidistant to y^ earth, except any man should imagine
somewhat of Aux [Arx] Solis and Oppositum, whiche indif-
ferently may be applied as wel to y^ one place as to the other.
But y'^ sunne is thought to give no otherwise heate but by way
of angle in reflection, and not by his neerenes to y® earth ;
for throughout al Africa, yea in y^ middest of y® middle
zone, and in all other places, upon y^ tops of mountains. The sunne

• 1 1 1 • 1 • 1 ' heateth not

there lyeth contmuall snow, which is nerer to the orbe of by bis near-

'' nesse, but

the sunne than y® people in the valley by so muche as the flgx^o^^^^'"
height of these mountaynes amount unto; and yet the sunne,
notwithstanding his nerenesse, can not melt the snow, for
want of convenient place of reflexions. Also the middle
region of the ayre, where all the hayle, frost and snowe is
engendered, is neerer unto the sunne than the earth is, and

54 THE FIRST VOYAGE

yet there continueth perpetuall colde, bycause there is
nothing that the sunnes beames may reflect against, whereby
appeareth the neerenesse of the body of y® sunne worketh
nothing. Therefore, to returne again to the blacke Moores,
1 my selfe have seene an Ethiopian as blacke as a cole
A blacke brouofht into Ensjlande, who takinsf a faire En^lishe w^oman

Moures son & D ' o o

Engfand. to wife, bcgattc a Sonne in all respects as blacke as the father
was, although England were his native countrey and an
English woman his mother : whereby it seemeth this black-
nesse proceedeth rather of some natural infection of that
man, whiche was so strong, that neyther y® nature of y«
clime neyther the good complexion of the mother concur-
ring coulde any thing alter, and therefore we can not impute
it to y® nature of the clime. And for a more fresh example
our people of Meta Incognita (of whome and for whome
thys discourse is taken in hande) that were broughte this
last yeare into Englande, were all generallie of the same
coloure that many nations be lying in the middest of the
middle zone. And this their coloure was not only in the
face, whiche was subjecte to sunne and ayre, but also in
their bodies, which were still covered with garments as
oures are, yea the verye suckinge childe of twelve moneths
age hadde his skinne of the very same coloure that most
have under the equinoctiall ; which thing can not proceed
by reason of the clime, for that they are at least tenne de-
grees more towards the north than we in Englande are ; no,
the sunne never commeth neere their zenith by 40 degrees,
for in eff'ect they are within three or four degrees of that
which they call the frosen zone, whereby it followeth that
there is some other cause than the clymate, or the sunnes
perpendicular reflection, that shoulde cause the Ethiopians
great blacknesse. And the most probable cause to my
judgemente is, that this blacknesse proceedeth of some natu-
rall infection of the first inhabitants of that countrey, and so
all the whole progenie of them descended are still pointed

The coloure
of the
people in
Meta Incog
uita.

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 55

with the same blot of infection. Therefore it shall not be
farre from our purpose to examine the first originall of these
blacke men, and how by lineall discente they have hitherto 'rfce cause
continued this blacke. Tt manifestly and plainely appeareth biaSsse.
by holy Scripture that after the generall inundation and
overflowing of the earth, there remained no more men alive
but Noe and his three sons, Sem, Cham, and Japeth, who
only were lefte to possesse and inhabit the whole face of the
earth : therefore all the land that untill this daye hath bin
inhabited by sundry discents, must needes come of the off-
spring eyther of Sem, Cham, or Japhet, as the onely sonnes
of Noe, who all three being white and their wives also, by
course of nature should have begotten and brought forth
white children. But the en vie of our great and continuall
enemie the wicked spirit is such, that as he could not suffer
our old father Adam to live in the felicitie and angelike
state wherein he was first created, but tempting him sought
and procured his ruine and fal : so againe, finding at this
floud none but a father and three sonnes living, he so caused
one of them to transgresse and disobey his fathers com-
mandement, that after him all his posteritie shoulde be
accursed. The fact of disobedience was this. When Noe The Arke

of Noe.

at the commandement of God had made and entered the
Arke, and the floud gates of heaven were opened, so that
the whole face of the earth, every tree and mountaine was
covered with abundance of water, he straightly commanded
his sonnes and their wives, that they should with reverance
and feare behold the justice and mighty power of God, and
that during the time of the floud, while they remained in
the Arke, they should use continence and absteine from
carnall copulation with their wives : and many other pre-
ceptes he gave unto them, and admonitions touching the
justice of God in revenging sinne and his mercie in deliver-
ing them who nothing deserved it. Which good instructions
and exhortations notwithstanding, his wicked sonne Cham

THE FIRST VOYAGE

chus ye disobejed, and being persuaded that the first child borne
ac^u^ed ^^^r the flood (by right and law of nature) should inherit
and possesse all the dominion of the earth, he, contrarie to
his fathers commandement, while they were yet in the Arke
used company with his wife, and craftily went about thereby
to disinherit the offspring of his other two brethren ; for
the which wicked and detestable fact, as an example for con-
tempte of Almightie God and disobedience of parents, God
would a Sonne shuld be borne whose name was Chus, who
not only itselfe, but all his posteritie after him, should be so
black and lothsome that it might remaine a spectacle of dis-
obedience to all the world. And of this blacke and cursed
Chus came all these blacke Moores which are in Africa, for
after the water was vanished from off the face of the earth
and that the land was drie, Sem chose that part of the land
to inhabit in which now is called Asia, and Japhet had that
which now is called Europa wherein we dwell, and Africa
Africa was remained for Cham and his blacke sonne Chus, and was

called

chamesis. called Chauicsis after y® fathers name, being perhaps a
cursed, dry, sandy, and unfruiteful ground, fit for such a
generation to inhabit in. Thus you see y* the cause of y®
Ethiopians blacknesse is the curse and natural infection of
blood and not the distemperature of the clymate, which also
may be proved by this example, that these black men are
found in all partes of Africa, as well withoute the tropicks
as within, even unto Capo d^ buona Speranza southward,
where by reason of the sphere should be the same tempera-
ture that is in Spayne, Sardigna, and Sicilia,^ where all be
of very good complexions. Wherefore I conclude that the
blacknesse proceedeth, not of the hotenesse of the clime, but
as I sayd of the infection of bloud, and therfore this their
argumente gathered of the Africans blacknesse is not able to
destroy the temperature of the middle zone. We may there-
fore very well be assertayned, that under the equinoctiall is
' In HaJcluyt, it stands thus "Sicilia, Morea, and Candie."

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 57

the most pleasant and delectable place of the world to dsvell

in, where, although the sunne for two houres in a yeare be

directe over their heads, and therefore the heate at that time

somewhat of force, yet bycause it commeth so seldome and

continueth so small a time, when it commeth it is not to be

wayed, but rather the moderate heate of other times is all Spemure

the yeare to be remembered. And if the heate at any time equinoctiaii.

should in the shorte day waxe somewhat urgent, the cold-

nesse of the long night there would easilie refreshe it,

according as Honterus^ sayth, speaking of the temperature

under the equinoctiaii.

Quodq. die solis violento incanduit cestu
Hutnida nox reficit^ paribusq. refrUjerat horis.

If the heate of the sunne in the day time doe burne or
parch any thing, the moysture of the night dothe coole and
refresh the same againe, the sunne being as long absente in
the night as it was present in the day. Also our author of
the Sphere, Joannes d' Sacrobosco,^ in the chapter of the
Zodiacke, deriveth the etimologie of Zodiacus, of the Greeke
word Zoe, which in Latin signifyeth Vita, life, for out of
Aristotle he alledgeth, that secundum accessum et recessum
solis ill Zodiaco f Jlunt generationes et corruptiones in rebus
inferioribus : according to the sunnes going to and fro in
the zodiake, the inferiour bodies take their causes of genera-
tion and corruption. Then it folio weth, that where there is
most going too and fro there is most generation and corrup-
tion : whiche must needes be betweene the two tropikes, for
there the sunne goeth too and fro most, and no where else
but there. Therefore betweene the two tropikes, that is, in ^qu*|f/oc?itii
the midle zone, is greatest increase, multiplication, genera- geES.

» Joannes Honterus or Honter of Cronstadt in Transilvania, in the 3rd
Book of his Rudimentorum Cosraographicorum libri quatuor, 1573.

' John Holy wood, better known as Joannes de Sacrobosco, the famous
author of the Sphcera Mundi, an astronomical work which maintained its
reputation for four centuries. He was a native of Yorkshire, and died
in 1256.

58 THE FIRST VOYAGE

tion and corruption of things ; which also we find by expe-
rience, for there is sommer twice in the yeare and twice
winter, so that they have two harvests in the yeare and con-
tinuall spring. Seing then the middle zone falleth out so
temperate, it resteth to declare where the hottest part of the
world should be, for we fynde some places more hote than
others. To answere this doubt, reason persuadeth the hotest
place in the worlde to be under and aboute the two tro-
pickes, for there more than in anye other place doe both the
Greatest causcs of hcatc coucurrc, that is. the perpendicular fallino:

heate under ' ' r ir O

thetropiks. Qf ^j^g g^j^ beames at right angles, and a greater continuance
of the sunne above the horizon (the pole there being ele-
vated three or foure and twentie degrees). And as before
I concluded, that though the sunne were perpendicular to
them under the equinoctiall, yet bycause the same continued
but a small tyme (theyr dayes being short and theyr nightes
long), and theyr speedie departure of the sunne from their
zenith, bycause of the suddayne crossing of the zodiacke
with the equinoctiall, and that by such continuall course and
recourse of hote and colde the temperature grew moderate.

So now to them under y^ two tropikes, the sun having
once by his proper permotion declined 20 degrees from the
equinoctiall, beginneth to draw neere theyr zenith, which
may bee (as before) aboute the eleventh day of May, and
then beginneth to send his beames almost at right angles,
about which tyme the sunne entreth into the first degree of
Gemini, and with this almost right angle the sunne beames
will continue untill it be past Cancer, that is, the space of
two moneths every day at nooue, almost perpendicular over
their heads, being then the time of Sohtithwi JEstiuale,
whiche so long continuance of the sun aboute their zenith
maye cause an extreame heate (if anye be in the world) but
of necessitie farre more heate than can bee under the equi-
noctiall, where the sunne hathe no suche long abode in the
zenith, but passeth away therehence very quickly. Also

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 59

under the tropikes the day is longer by an houre and a halfe
than it is under the equinoctiall, wherefore the heate of the
sunne, having a longer tyme of operation, must needes be
encreased, especially seeing the nighte, wherein colde and
moysture doe abounde under the tropikes is lesse than it is
un(;ler the equinoctiall. Therefore I gather that under the
tropikes is the hottest place, not onely of Torrida Zona, but
of any other parte of the worlde, especially bycause there
both causes of heate doe concurre, that is, the perpendicular
falling of the sunne beames two moneths togyther, and the
longer abode of the sunnes presence above the horizon.
And by this meanes more at large is proved that Marochus
in sommer is farre more bote than at any tyme under the
equinoctiall, bycause it is situate so neere the tropike
Cancer, and also for the length of their dayes. Neyther
yet doe I thinke that the regions scituate under the tropikes '
are not habitable, for they are founde to be verye frutefuU
also, although Marochus and some other partes of Africa
neere the tropike, for the drynesse of the native sandie soile
and some accidentes, maye seeme to some to be intemperate
for overmuch heate. For Ferdinandus Ouiedus,^ speaking
of Cuba and Hispaniola, ilands of America, lyinsj hard under cuba.

i- ' y J^ o Hispaniola.

or by the tropike Cancer, sayeth that these ilandes have as
good pasture for cattell as any other countrey in the world.
Also they have most holesome and cleere water and tem-
perate ayre, by reason whereof the beards of beastes are
much bigger, fatter, and of better tast than any in Spayne,
bycause of the rank pasture, whose moysture is better di-
gested in the hearbe or grasse by continuall and temperate
heate of the sunne, whereby being made more fatte and
unctious, it is of better and more stedfast nourishment. For
continuall and temperate heate dothe not only draw much
moysture out of the earth, to the nourishmente of suche
things as growe and are engendred in that clyme, but dothe
' Oviedo, the Spanish traveller and historian.

Under the
tropics is a
moderate
temj
ture

60 THE FIRST VOYAGE

also by moderation preserve the same from ^^utrifying, di-
gesting also and condensating or thickening the sayd moyst
"mpe?a-^ nourishmento into a gummie and unctions substance, whereby
appeareth also that under the tropikes is both holesome,
fratefull, and pleasant habitation; whereby, lastly, it fol-
loweth that al the middle zone, whiche untyll of late dayes
hathe bin compted and called the burning, broyling, and
parched zone, is now found to bee the most delicate, tem-
perate, commodious, pleasaunte, and delectable part of the
world, and especially under the equinoctiall.

Havyng nowe sufficiently at large declared the tempera-
ture of the middle zone, it remayneth to speake somewhat
also of the moderate and continuall heate in colde regions,
as well in the nighte as in the daye all the sommer long,
and also how these regions are habitable to the inhabitantes
of the same, contrarie to the opinion of olde writers.

OF THE TEMPERATURE OF COLDE REGIONS ALL THE SOMMER
LONG, AND ALSO HOWE IN WINTER THE SAME IS HABIT-
ABLE, ESPECIALLY TO THE INHABITANTS THEREOF.

The colde regions of the worlde are those whiche, tending
towarde the pole artike and antartike, are withoute the cir-
cuit or bounds of the seaven climates, which, agreeable to
the opinion of the olde writers, is founde and sette out in
our authore of the Sjihere, Joannes de Sacrobosco, where he
playnely sayeth, that without the seaventh climate, which is
bounded by a parallel passing at fiftie degrees in latitude,
all the habitation beyonde that to be discommodious and
intoUerable : but Gemma Phrisius, a late writer, finding
England and Scotland to be withoute the compasse of those
climates wherein he knew to be very temperate and good
habitation, added thereunto two other climates, the utter-

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 61

most paralell whereof passeth by 56 degrees in latitude, and
therein comprehendeth over and above the first computation,
England, Scotland, Denmarke, Moscovia, etc., which all are
rich and mightie kingdomes.

The old writers, pers waded by bare conjecture, went
aboute to determine of those places, by comparing them to
their own complexions, bycause they felt them to be hardly
tolerable to themselves, and so toke thereby an argument of
the whole habitable earth, as if a man borne in Morochus, or
other part of Barbaric, should at the latter end of sommer,
upon the suddayne, eyther naked, or wyth hys thinne ves- ^J{^™;
ture, be broughte into England, he would judge this region MaSus
presently not to be habitable, bycause he being broughte up land/
in so warme a countrey, is not able heere to live, for so
sodaine an alteration of the cold ayre ; but if the same man
hadde come at the beginning of sommer, and so afterwarde
by little and little by certaine degrees, had felt and ac-
quainted himselfe with the frost of autumne, it would have
seemed by degrees to harden him, and so to make it far
more toUerable, and by use after one yeere or two, the ayre
woulde seeme to hym more temperate. It was compted a
greate matter in the olde time, that there was a brasse pot
broken in sunder with frozen water in Ponilms, which after
was broughte and shewed in Delphis, in token of a miracu-
lous cold region and winter, and therefore consecrated to the
Temple of Apollo.

This effect being wroghte in the paralell of 48 degrees in
latitude, it was presentlye compted a place verye hardlye
and uneasily to be inhabited for the greate colde. And
howe then can suche men define uppon other regions very
farre without that paralell, wh'er they were inhabited or
not, seeing that in so neare a place they so grossely mistooke
the matter, and others their followers being contented with
the inventions of the olde authors, have persisted willingly
in the same opinion, with more confidence than consideration

62 THE FIRST VOYAGE

of the cause, so lightly was that opinion received, as touching
the unhabitable clime neare and under the Poles.

Therefore I am at this present to prove y* all the land lying

nirth^ betweene the laste climate even unto the point directly under

habuabie!^^ either Poles, is or maye be inhabited, especially of suche
creatures as are ingendred and bredde therein. For indeed
it is to be confessed, that some particular living creature
cannot live in every particular place or region, especially
wyth the same joy and felicitie, as it did where it was first
bredde, for the certaine agreement of nature that is betweene
the place, and the thing bredde in that place, as appeareth

Elephant. \yj i\^q elephant, which being translated and brought out of
the second or third climate, though they may live, yet will
they never ingender or bring forth yong. Also wee see the
like in many kinds of plants and hearbs : for example, the

Orange tree, orange tree, although in Naples they bring forth fruit
abundantly, in Rome and Florence they will beare onlye
faire greene leaves, but not any fruite : and translated into
England, they will hardly beare either flowers, fruite, or
leaves, but are the next winter pinched and withered with
colde : yet it followeth not for this, that England, Rome, and
Florence should not be habitable.

In the proving of these colde regions habitable, I shall be
verye shorte, bicause the same reasons serve for this purpose,
which were alleaged before in the proving the middle zone

Two causes to be temperate, especially seeing all heate and colde pro-
ceede from the sunne, by the meanes eyther of the angle his
beames doeth make with the horizon, or else by y® long or
shorte continuance of the sun's presence above ground : so
that if the sunnes beames do heate perpendicularlye at righte
angles, then there is one cause of heate, and if the sunne doe
also long continue above the horizon, then the heate thereby
is muche encreased by accesse of this other cause, and so
groweth to a kind of extremitie. And these ii causes, as I
said before, doe moste concurre under the two tropickes, and

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 63

therefore there is the greatest heate of y® worlde. And like-
wise, where both these causes are most absent, there is
greatest want of heate, and encrease of colde (seeing that
colde is nothing but the privation and absence of heat), and
if one cause be wanting and the other present the effect will
grow indifferent. Therefore this is to be understanded, that
the nearer anye region is to the equinoctiall the higher the
sunne doeth rise over their heades at noone, and so maketh
either righte or neare righte angles, but the sun tarryeth
with them so much the shorter time, and causeth shorter
dayes, with longer and colder nights, to restore the domage
of the daye paste, by reason of the moisture consumed by
vapour. But in such reasons, over the which the sun riseth
lower (as in regions extended towardes eyther pole) it maketh
there unequall angles, but the sunne continueth longer, and
maketh longer dayes, and causeth so much shorter and
warmer nights, as retayning warme vapoures of the daye
paste. For there are found by experience sommer nights in ^g°*j.".e^^^^
Scotland and Gothland very hot, when under the equinoctiall g^f^ eights
they are found very colde. This benefit of the sunnes long equmociiaii.
continuance and encrease of the day, doth augment so muche
the more in colde regions, as they are nearer the poles, and
ceaseth not encreasing, until it come directly under the point
of the pole articke, where the sunne continueth above
grounde the space of sixe moneths or halfe a yeare togither, ^^^^^^^^
and so the daye is halfe a yere longe, that is the time of ^"'^^'^ ^'
y^ suns being in the north signes, from the first degree of
Aries until the last of Virgo, that is all the time from our 10
day of March, untill the 14th of September. The sun there-
fore during the time of these 6 moneths without any offence
or hinderaunce of the nighte, gy veth his influence upon those
landes with heate that never ceaseth during that time, which
maketh to the great increase of sommer, by reason of the
sunnes continuance. Therefore it followeth, that though the
sunne be not there very high over their heads to cause right

64 THE FIRST VOYAGE

angle beams and to give great heate, yet the sun being there
sometime almost 24 degrees high, doth caste a convenient and
meane heate which there continueth without hinderance of
the night the space of six moneths (as is before saide) during
whiche time there foloweth to be a convenient, moderate and
temperate heat, or else rather it is to be suspected the heat
there to be very great, both for continuance and also qtiia
virtus unita crescit, the vertue and strength of heat united in
one encreaseth. If then there be suche a moderate heat
under the poles, and the same to continue so long time, what
shoulde move the olde writers to saye there cannot be place
for habitation. And that the certaintie of this temperate
heat under both the poles might more manifestlye appeare,
lette us consider the position and qualitie of the sphere, the
length of the day, and so to gather the heighte of the sunne
at all times, and by consequent the quantitie of his angle, and
so lastely the strength of his heate.

Those landes and regions lying under the pole and having
the pole for their zenith, muste needes have the equinoctiall
circle for their horizon, therefore the sunne entring into the
north signes, and describing every 24 houres a paralell to
the equinoctiall by the diurnall motion of Primam Mohile,
the same paralels must needes be wholely above the horizon,
and so looke how many degrees there are from the fyrst of
Aries to the last of Virgo, so many whole revolutions there
are above theyr horizon y* dwell under the pole, whiche
The sun amouuteth to 182, and so manye of oure dayes the sunne
settethin continucth with them. Durin^ whych tyme they have there

a 182 dayes. ^ o^ J J ^ J

continuall daye and lighte withoute anye hinderaunce of
moiste nightes. Yet it is to be noted that the sunne being
in the fyrst degree of Aries, and laste degree of Virgo, maketh
his revolution in the very horizon, so that in these 24 houres
Horizon halfc the body of the sunne is above the horizon and the

and equi-
noctiall one other halfe is under this only center, describinsr both the

under the j ^ <=>

pole. horizon and the equinoctiall circle.

OF MARTIN FKOBISHER. 65

And therefore seeing the greatest declination of the snn is
almost 24 degrees, it followeth his greatest height in those
countries to be almost 24 degrees. And so high is the sun London,
at noone to us in London about y^ 29 of October, being in
the 15 degree of Scorpio, and likewise the 21 of January-
being in the 15 of Aquarius. Therefore looke what force
the sun at noone hath in London the 29th of October, the
same force of heate it hathe, to them that dwell under the pole,
the space almost of two moneths, during the time of the
sommer solstitium, and that without intermingling of any
colde night : so that if the heate of the sunne at noone coulde
be well measured in London (which is verve harde to do,
bycause of the long nights, whiche engender greate moysture
and colde), then woulde manifestlye appeare by expresse
numbers the maner of the heate under the 23oles, which cer-
tainly must needes be to the inhabitants verye commodious
and profitable, if it inclyne not to over much heate, and if
moysture do not want.

For as in October in England we find temperate aire, and
have in our gardens hearbes and floures notwithstanding our
colde nights, how much more shoulde they have y^ same
good ay re, being continual without night. This heate of
ours continueth but one houre while the sunne is in y^ meri-
dian, but theirs continueth a long time in one height. This
our heate is weake, and by the coolenesse of the night van-
isheth ; that heate is strong, and by continual accesse is still
increased and strengthened. And thus by a similitude of
the equal height of the sunne in both places, appeareth the commo-

dious under

commodious and moderate heate of the regions under thet^^po'es.
poles.

And surely I can not thinke that the divine providence
hath made any thing uncommunicable, but to have given
such order to all things that one way or other the same
shoulde be emploied, and that every thing and place should
be tollerable to the next. But especiallye all things in this

66 THE FIRST VOYAGE

lower world be given to man to have dominion and use
thereof. Therefore wee neede no longer to doubt of the
temperate and commodious habitation under the poles during
the tyme of sommer.

And al the controversie consisteth in the winter, for then
the sun leaveth those regions, and is no more seene for the
space of other sixe months, in the which time al the sunncs
course is under their horizon for the space of halfe a yeare,
and then those regions (saye some) muste needs be de-
uuder\h^e^^ formed with horible darkenesse and continuall nyghte,
^^ ^' whiche maye be the cause that beastes can not seeke theyr

foode, and that also the cold should then be intollerable.
By which double evils al living creatures should be con-
strayned to die, and were not able to indure the extremitie
and injurie of winter and famine ensuing thereof, but that
all things shoulde perish before the sommer folowing, when
they should bring forth their broode and yong, and that for
these causes y^ said clime about the pole shold be desolate
and not habitable. To al which objections maybe answered
in this manner : first, that thoughe the sun be absent from
them those five months, yet it followeth not there should be
such extreame darkenesse, for as the sunne is departed under
Thetwy- their horizon, so is it not farre from them. And not so

lights give ^

tife^poie'^^'^ soone as the sunne falleth, so sodainely commeth the darke
thTwinter. night, but the evening doth substitute and prolong the daye
a good while after by twilight. After which time the resi-
due of y^ night receiveth light of the moone and starrcs
untill the breake of the day, which giveth also a certain e
light before the sunnes rising, so that by these means the
nights are seldom dark, which is verified in all parts of the
v.orld. but least in the middle zone under the equinoctiall,
where the twylights are short and the nights darker than
in any other place, bycause the sun goeth under their
horizon so deepc, even to their a?itipodes. Wee see in Eng-
lande in the sommer nisfhts. when the sun g-oeth not far

Ob' :.[AKTIN FROBISHER. 67

under the horizon, that by the light of the moone and stars

wee may travel al night, and if occasion were do some other

labour also. And there is no man that doubteth whether

our cattel can see to feede in y^ nights, seeing wee are so

well certified thereof by our experience : and by reason of

the sphere, our nights should be darker than any time of^t^^^,"f'^\^

under the poles.

The astronomers consent that the sun, descending from
our upper hemisphere at the 18 paralell under the horizon,
maketh an end of twylight, so that at length the darke night
ensueth, and that afterward in the morning, the sun ap-
proaching againe within as many paralels, doth drive away
y® night by accesse of y^ twylight. Againe, by the position
of the sphere under y^ pole, the horizon and the equinoctiall
are al one. These revolutions therefore that are paralell to
the equinoctiall are also paralel to the horizon, so that the
sun descending under y® horizon, and there describing cer-
tain paralels not farre distant, doeth not bringe darke nights
to those regions until it come to the paralels distant 18
degrees from y® equinoctiall, that is, about y^ SI degree of
Scorpio, which wil be about y® 4 day of our November and
after the winter solstitium, y^ sun retourning backe againe
to y® 9 degree of Aquarius, whiche wil be aboutc y^ 19 of
January, during which time only, that is from y^ 4 of No-
vember untill the xix day of January, which is about six
weeks space, those regions do want y*" commoditie of twy-
lights. Therefore, during y^ time of these said six moneths But six

... weeks dark

of darknesse under y*' poles, y^ night is destitute of y^ benefit under the
of y^ sun, and y® said twilights, only for y*^ space of six weeks
or thereabout. And yet neither this time of six weeks is
without remedy fro heaven. For y^ moone with hir en-
creased light hathe accesse at that time and illuminateth the
moneths, lacking light every one of themselves severally
halfe the course of y^ moneth, by whose benefite it commeth
to passe y* v® ni^ht named extreame dark possesseth those

F 'I

68 THE FIRST VOYAGE

regions no longer than one moneth, neither that continually
or al at one time, but this also divided into two sorts of
shorter nights, of y^ which either of them endureth for y^
space of 15 dayes, and are illuminate of y^ moone accord-
ingly. And this reason is gathered out of the sphere,
whereby we may testifie y* the sommers are warme and
fruitful, and the winters nights under the pole are tollerable
to livinar creatures. And if it be so that the winter and time
of darknes there be very cold, yet hath not nature left them
Ju^/es'ofThat unprovided therefore. For there y^ beasts are covered with
prSedfo? haire so muche the thicker in how much the vehemencie of
cold is greater, by reason wherof the best and richest furres
are broughte out of the coldest regions. Also the foules of
these cold countries have thicker skins, thicker feathers, and
more stored of down than in other hot places. Our Eng-
lishmen that travel to S. Nicholas, and go a fishing to Ward-
house, enter far within the circle artike, and so are in the
frozen zone ; and yet there, as well as in Iseland, and all
along those northern seas, they finde the greatest store of
the greatest fishes that are, as whales, etc., and also abund-
ance of meane fishes, as herings, coddes, haddockes, brettes,
etc., whiche argueth, that the sea as well as the land, maye
bee and is well frequented and inhabited in the colde
countries.

But some, perhaps, will marvel there should be such
temperate places in y® regions aboute y® poles, when at
under degrees in latitude, our Captaine Frobisher and
his companye were troubled wyth so manye and so great
mountaines of fleeting ise, with so great stormes of colde,
with such continuall snow on toppes of mountaines, and
with such barren soyle, there being neither woodde or trees,
but lowe shrubbes, and suche like. To al w^iich objections
Annbjec- may be answered thus: — First, those infinite ilandes of ise

lionofMeta tit i i • • c • i

Incognita, wcrc engendered and congealed m time oi winter, and now
by the gret heate of sommer were thawed, and then by

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 60

ebbeSj floudes. windes, and currants, were driven to and fro,
and troubled the fleete, so that this is an argument to prove
the heat in sommer there to be great, that was able to thaw
so monstrous mountaines of ise. As for continuall snow on
tops of mountains, it is ther no otherwise than is in the
hottest parte of the middle zone, where also lyeth great
snowe al the sommer long uppon toppes of mountaines,
bycause there is not sufficient space for the sunnes reflec-
tion wherby the snowe should be molten. Touching the
colde stormy windes, and the barrennesse of the country, it
is there, as it is in Cornioall and Devonshire in England,
which parts, thoughe we know to be fruitful and fertile, yet
on the north side therof al alongst the coast within seaven
or eight myles off the sea, there can neither hedge nor tree
grow, althoughe they be diligently by art husbanded and
scene unto ; and the cause therof are the northerne driving
windes, whiche, coming from the sea, are so bitter and sharp,
that they kill al y® yong and tender plants, and suff'er scarce
anything to grow, and so is it in y° ilands of 31eta Incognita, Meta in-
which are subject most to east and northerne winds, which "'liabited.
y^ last were choked up y^ passage so with ise, that the fleet
could hardly recover their port ; yet, notwithstanding all
the objections that may be, the countrey is habitable, for
there are men, women, children, and sundrie kind of beastes
in great plentie, as beares, dere, hares, foxes, and dogges :
all kind of flying fowles, as duckes, seamews, wilmots,
partriches, larkes, crowes, hawkes, and such like, as in the
thirde booke you shall understand more at large. Then it
appeareth, that not only the middle zone, but also the zones
about the poles are habitable, which thing being well con-
sidered, and familiarly knowen to our generall Captaine captaine
Frobisher, as well for that he is thoroughly furnished of the
knowledge of the sphere, and all other skilles apperteyning
to the art of navigation, as also for the confirmation he hath
of the same by many yeares experience, both by sea and

THE FIRST VOYAGE

land, and being persuaded of a new and neerer passage to
Cataya, than by Capo d'buona Speranza, which the Portu-
galles yeerly use. He began first with himselfe to devise,
and then with his friendes to conferre, and layde a playne
platte unto them, that that voyage was not onely possible by
the north-weast, but also, as he coulde prove, easie to bee
performed. And further, he determined and resolved wyth
himselfe, to go make full proofe thereof, and to accomplishe,
or bring true certificate of the truth, or else never to retourne
againe, knowing this to be the onely thing of the worlde
that was left yet undone, whereby a notable mind mighte
be made famous and fortunate. But although his will were
great to performe this notable voyage, whereof hee had con-
ceyved in his mind a great hope, by sundry sure reasons
and secret intelligence, w^hiche heere, for sundry causes, 1
leave untouched — yet he wanted altogither meanes and
abilitie to set forward and performe the same. Long tyme
he conferred with his private friendes of these secretes, and
made also manye offers for the performing of the same in
eff'ect unto sundry merchants of our countrey, above fifteen
yeares before he attempted the same, as by good witnesse
shall well appeare (albeit some evill willers whiche challenge
to themselves the frutes of other mens laboures, have
greately injured him in the reportes of the same, saying that
they have bin the first authors of that action, and that they
have learned him the M^ay, which themselves, as yet, have
never gone). But perceyving that hardly he was hearkened
unto of the merchants, whiche never regarde vertue withoute
sure, certayne, and present gaynes, hee repayred to the courte
(from whence, as from the fountaine of oure commonwealth,
all good causes have theyr chiefe encrease and mayntenance),
and there layde open to manye great estates and learned men,
the plot and summe of hys devise. And amongst manye honour-
able myndes whyche favoured hys honest and commendable
enterprise, he was specially bounde and beholdyng to the

OF MAllTIN FKOBISHER. 71

ryghte honoLirable Ambrose Dudley, Earle of Warwicke, "
whose favourable mynde and goo^T^isposition, hath alwayes
bin readye to countenance and advance all honest actions
wyth the authors and executors of the same ; and so by
meanes of my lorde hys honourable countenance, hee recyved
some comforte of hys cause, and by little and little, with no
small expense and payne, brought hys cause to some perfec-
tion, and hadde dravven togither so many adventurers and
suche summes of money as myghte well defray a reasonable
charge, to furnishe hymselfe to sea withall.

He prepared two small barkes of twentie and fyve and ^j!'"^jj^g"j!^st
twentie tunne a peece, wherein hee intended to accomplish ^°i^°®-
his pretended voyage. Wherefore, beeying furnished wyth
the foresayde two barkes and one small pinnesse of tenne
tunne burthen, havyng therein victuals and other necces-
saries for twelve monethes provision, he departed uppon the
sayde voyage from Blackewall the fiftenth of June, Anno
Domi?ii 1576.

One of the barkes wherein he wente, was named the
Gabriell and the other the Michaell, and sayling north- g^^i'^feJi*"'^
weast from Englande uppon the firste of July, at length he
hadde sighte of a highe and ragged lande, whiche he judged
Freeselande (whereof some authours have made mention),
but durst not approche the same by reason of the greate
store of ise that lay alongst the coast, and the greate mistes
that troubled them not a little.

Not farre from thence hee lost companye of his small pin- ^?J.t.<,c.
nesse, whiche, by meanes of the greate storme, he supposed ^°^'-
to bee swallowed uppe of the sea, wherein he lost onely
foure men.

Also the other barke named the Michaell mistrusting the ^^^^^n
matter, conveyed themselves privilie away from him, and Jfo™'^
retourned home wyth greate reporte that he was cast awaye.

The worthye captayne, notwithstanding these discomfortes,
although his mast was sprung, and his toppe mast blowen

THE FIRST VOYAGE

overboorde wyth extreame foule weather, continued hys
course towardes the north-weast, knowing that the sea at
length must needes have an endyng, and that some lande
shoulde have a beginning that way ; and determined, there-
fore, at the least, to bryng true proofe what lande and sea
the same myght bee, so farre to the northweastwardes,
beyonde anye man that hathe heeretofore discovered. And
the twentieth of July hee hadde sighte of a highe lande,
whyche hee called Queene Elizabeth's Forlande, after hyr
Majesties name, and say ling more northerlie alongst the
coast he descried another forlande with a greate gutte, bay,
or passage, deviding as it were, two maynelands or conti-
nents asunder. There he met with store of exceeding great
ise al this coast along, and coveting still to continue his
course to the northwardes, was alwayes by contrarie winde
deteyned overthwarte these straytes, and could not get
beyonde. Within few days after he perceyved the ise to be
well consumed and gone, eyther there engulfed in by some
swifte currants or in draftes caried more to the southwardes
of the same straytes, or else conveyed some other way ;
wherefore he determined to make profe of this place to see
how far that gutte had continuance, and whether he mighte
Carrie himselfe through the same into some open sea on the
backe syde, Avhereof he conceyved no small hope, and so
entred the same the one-and-twentieth of July, and passed
above fyftie leagues therein, as hee reported, having upon
eyther hande a greate mayne or continent ; and that land
uppon hys right hande as hee sayled westward, he judged to
be the continente of Asia, and there to bee devided from the
fir me of America, whiche lyeth uppon the lefte hande over
against the same.

This place he named after his name Frobisher's Streytes,
lyke as Magellanus at the south-weast ende of the worlde
having discovered the passage to the South Sea (where
America is devided from the continente of that lande whiche

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. To

lyeth under the south pole), and called the same straites
Magellanes streightes. After he hadde passed 60 leagues
into this foresayde strayte hee wente ashore, and founde
signe where fire had bin made.

He saw mightie deere y^ seemed to be mankind, which Deere.
ranne at him, and hardly he escaped with his life in a nar-
row way, where he was faine to use defence and policie to
save his life.

In this place he saw and perceyved sundry tokens of the
peoples resorting thither, and being ashore upon the toppe
of a hill, he perceived a number of small things fleeting in
the sea afarre off", whyche hee supposed to be porposes or
scales, or some kinde of strange fishe ; but coming nearer, ^^J^^^f^^^g
he discovered them to be men in small boates made of leather, salvage.
And before he could descende downe from the hyll certain
of those people had almost cut off" his boate from him, having
stoUen secretly behinde the rocks for that purpose, where he
speedily hasted to his boate and bente himselfe to his holberte,
and narrowly escaped the daunger and saved his bote. After-
wards he had sundry conferences with them, and they came
aborde his ship, and brought him salmon and raw fleshe and Salmon.
fishe, and greedily devoured the same before our mens faces.
And to shewe their agilitie, they tryed many maisteries upon
the ropes of the ship after our mariners fashion, and appeared
to be very strong of theyr armes and nimble of their bodies.
They exchaunged coates of scale and beares skinnes, and
suche like, with oure men, and received belles, looking-
glasses, and other toyes in recompence thereof againe. After
great curtesie and many meetings, our mariners, contrarie to
theyr captaines dyrection, began more easily to trust them,
and five of oure men going ashoare, were by them inter-
cepted with theyr boate, and were never since hearde of to Five E.ig-

^ ./ ' lishinen

this daye againe. So that the captaine being destitute of j^^^t';^.^;^^^''
boate, barke, and al company, had scarcely sufficient number
to conduct back his bark againe. He coulde nowe neither

74 THE FIRST VOYAGE

convey himselfe ashore to rescue his men (if he had bin
able), for want of a boate ; and again, the subtile traytours
were so warie as they would after that never come within
our mens danger. The captaine, notwithstanding, desirous
to bring some token from thence of his being there, was
greatly discontented that he had not before apprehended
some of them. And therefore to deceive the deceivers he
wrought a prettie pollicie, for knowing well how they greatly
delighted in our toyes, and specially in belles, he rang a
pretie lowbel, making wise that he would give him the same
that would come and fetch it. And bycause they would not
come within his daunger for feare, he iiung one bell unto
them, which of purpose he threw short that it might fal into
the sea and be lost. And to make them more greedie of the
matter he rang a lowder bell, so that in the ende one of them
came neare the ship side to receive the bell, which, when he
thought to take at the captaine's hand he was thereby taken
ufe'&^ himself; for the captain being redily provided, let the bel
savage. ^^^ ^^^^ cought the man fast, and plucked him with maine
force boate and al into his bark out of the sea. AYherupon,
when he founde himself in captivitie, for very choUer and
disdain, he bit his tong in twayne within his mouth : not-
withstanding, he died not therof, but lived untill he came in
Englande, and then he died of colde which he had taken
at sea.

Nowe with this newe pray (whiche was a sufficient wit-
nesse of the captaines farre and tedious travell towards the
unknowne partes of the worlde, as did well appeare by this
strange Infidel, whose like was never seen, red, nor harde
of before, and whose language was neyther knowne nor
Frobishers understoodc of auyc) the saide Captaine Frobisher retourned

returne.

homeward, and arrived in England in August folowing,
an. 1576, where he was highly commended of all men for
his great and notable attempt, but specially famous for the
great hope he brou'ght of the passage to Cataya, which he

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 75

doubted nothing at all to find and passe through in those
partSj as he reporteth.

And it is especially to be remembred at the first arrivall
in those partes, there laye so great store of ise all the coaste
along so thicke togither, that hardely his boate coulde passe
unto the shoare. At lengthe, after diverse attempts, he
commaunded his company if by anye possible meanes they
could get ashore, to bring him whatsoever thing they could
first find, whether it were living or dead, stocke or stone, in
token of Christian possession, which thereby he toke in The taking
behalfe of the Queenes most excellent Maiestie, thinkinsr of Meta

. . Incognita.

that therby he might justify the having and enjoying of y®
same things that grew in these unknowne partes.

Some of his companye broughte floures, some greene
grasse, and one brought a peece of a blacke stone, much
lyke to a seacole in coloure, whiche by the waight seemed
to be some kinde of mettall or mynerall. This was a thing
of no accompt in the judgement of the captain at the first How the

• 1 A T r 1 • 1 • c ^^^ foun„

Sight. And yet for novelty it was kept, m respect of the t>y chance
place from whence it came.

After his arrival in London, being demanded of sundrie
his friendes what thing he had brought them home of that
country, he had nothing left to present them withall but a
peece of this black stone. And it fortuned a gentlewoman,
one of y® adventurers wives, to have a peece thereof, which
by chance she threw and burned in the fire, so long, that
at the length being taken forth and quenched in a little
vinegre, it glistered with a bright Marquesset of golde.
Whereupon the matter being called in some question, it was
brought to certain goldfinders in London to make assay
therof, who indeed found it to hold gold, and that very
ritchly for the quantity. Afterwards, the same goldfinders
promised great matters thereof if there were anye store to be
found, and ofii'ed themselves to adventure for the serchinsr ^^^ny

^ adventures.

ol those partes from whence the same was brought. Some,

ore
found

76 THE FIRST VOYAGE OF MARTIN FROBISHER.

that had great hope of the matter, sought secretly to have a
lease at hir Majesties hands of those places, whereby to
enjoy the masse of so great a publike pYo6.t unto their owne
private gaines.

In conclusion, the hope of the same golde ore to be

founde, kindled a greater opinion in the heartes of many to

advaunce the voyage againe. Whereupon preparation was

second voy- made for a newe voyage against the yeare following, and

sionwas the captaiuc more specially directed by commission lor the

forye searching^ more of this s^olde ore than for the searchins^ any

bringing SO o J

of ore. further of the passage. And being wel accompanied with
diverse resolute and forward gentlemen, hir Majestic then
lying at the right honourable the Lord of War wicks house
in Essex, came to take theyr leaves, and kissing hir high-
nesse hands, with gracious countenance and comfortable
Avords departed towardes their charge.

STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST
VOYAGE.

I. ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE FIRST VOYACxE. ANONYMOUS, BUT
APPARENTLY BY MICHAEL LOK.
II. MICHAEL LOKS ACCOUNT OP HIS CONNECTION WITH CAPTAIN
PROBISHER.
III. MR. LOCKES DISCOARS TOUCHING THE EURE.
IV. MR. MARTIN FURBISHERS PETITION TO HER MAJESTIC.
V. A BRIEFE NOTE OF THE COSTE OF THREE SHIPPS.
VI. A NOTE OF PROVISION AND FURNYTURE FOR THE SAME.
VII. SHIPPINGE THOWGHT MEET TO BE EMPLOYED.
VIII. THE NAMES OF THE VENTURERS.

IX. REPORT ON THE OUTFIT FOR THE SECOND VOYAGE.
X. ARTICLES OF GRAUNT FROM THE QUEENS MAJESTIE TO THE
COMPANY OF KATHAY.
XI. ARTICLES CONSENTED TO AND FULLY AGREEDE BY THE COMPANY
OF KATHAY.

STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE.

[Otho, E., viii, fol. 46 (47) ; Colonial, 27.]

EAST INDIA BY THE NORTHWESTw[aIID].

Captayn hath now allready and hath put that matter owt of [all
dowbt] that he there hath found the same seas [passing from J the one into
the other. Neither nede I [say anythi]ng touching the naturall riches
and infinit t[reas]or and the great traffik of rich merchandise th[at] is in
those cuntries of Kathay, China, India, and [other] cuntries therabouts,
for that every boke of histo[ry or] cosmography of those parts of the
world, which a[re] to be had in euery prynters shop, doo declare [the]
same at large : and the cuntries of Spayn and Portingale doo fynde and
feele the same to their great ioy. But of the matters that chiefly moved
me to enterprise and avance this new voyage, and to venture my mony
therein so largely : I will say briefly that three things chiefly moved me
thereto. First : The great hope to fy[nde] our English seas open into
the seas of East India by that way, which I conceved by the great
likelyhood therof which I found in reading the histories of many mens
travailes toward that parte of the world, whereby we might have passage
by sea to those rich cuntries for traffik of merchandize, which was the
thing I chiefly desyred. Secondly : I was assured by manifolde good
proofs of dy vers travailers and histories, that the cuntries of Baccaleaw,
Canada, and the new fownd lands thereto adioining, were full of j)eoplc
and full of such commodities and merchandize, as are in the cuntries
of Lappia, Russia, Moscovia, Permia, Pechora, Samoietza, and the
cuntries thereto adioyning, which are furres, hydes, wax, tallow, oyle,
and other. Whereby yf yt should happen those new lands to stretch to
the north pole so that we could not have passage by sea that way which
we sought to the northwestward to pas into East India, yet in those same
new lands to the northwestward might be established the like trade of
merchandize, as is now, in the other sayd cuntries of the that

on the sea coasts to the northwestwards [abunda]nce of

fish of many kyndes, and of wha[les and other grejat fisshes wherof
the trane oyle is made [and the best] place for fisshing therof that
is in any pla[ce in the w]orld whereby would allso grow to the

STATE PAPERS

realm, and [to all the] followers therof great riches and benefit. And now,
to speake of the good mynde and sufficient [courage] of this rare and vali-
ant Captayn Martyn Froby[sher], who hath thus put his lyfe in so great
hazard and endured such great labours for the benefit of his cuntry,
as the like is not to be read of in any history, yf his dooings and theirs
be duly consydered and compared. My eloquence and wit are

unsufficient duly to declare the same. Nevertheles, according to ray
small talent therein, I will briefly show my good will towards him in
declaring the truthe of him and his dooings according to my knowledge
and true information had thereof, referring his due commendations
therefore unto other whom God shall move in due tyme to doo the same,
according to his great good deserts. He was borne at of

honest parentage — jentlemen of a good house and antiquity, who, in
his youth for lak of good scholes therabout, sent him to London, being
of the age of yeres, where he was put to Sir John York, kfnght, now
deceased, being his kinsman ; who, perceiving him to be of great spirit
and bould courage, and naturall hardnes of body, sent him in the ship
named to the bote cuntry of Guinea in company of other

ships which were set owt by dyvers merchants of London, Anno Domini
in which voyage &c., [t]hus being furnished with ship[s and all
other things] necessary in as ample manner as the [funds supplied] would
reach : in the name of God he set [sail and depa]rted withall on his voyage
from Ratclyfe the vii day of June, anno domini 1576, and [Gr]aves-
end the xii day of June aforesayd. And bei[ng ath]wart of Harwith the
xiii day with a contrary wynd he put into Harwich, and departed agayn
from thence [on the] xiiii day, and passing along the coast northwards
with skant wyndes was put agayn to Harwich three tym[es], and

arived at Yarmouth Road the xviii-i^ day, and set sail from thence the
xixth day, and with fayr weather arived at the He of Shotland the
xxvi day of June, wher[e] they ankered one tyde to refresh their water.
And the same day at night set sayle agayne with a large wynd and fayr
weather on their way northwestward untill th[e] xxx*ii day, wheron
the weather grew to very great storm, which continued untill the viii
day of July, in which tyme they could beare no manner of sayle. And
in the sayd night they lost the sight of their small pynnes having three
men therein, which they could never syns here of, though they used all
possible diligence and means that the weather would suffer to seke and
save the same. And when the storm ceased they set sayle

and passed along on their way agayn, and on the xi^ii day of July they
had sight of land vnknown to them, for they could not come to set fote
theron for the marvellous haboundance of monstrous great Hands of ise
which lay dryving all alongst the coast therof. But by coniecture had
owt of histories and cartes of cosmography yt should seeme to be the
great Hond of Friselaud, which they saw all along by the eastern syde
therof. And bearing in nerer to discover the same, they found yt mar-

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 81

veilous high, and full of high ragged roks all along by the coast, and
some of the Hands of ise were nere yt of such heigth as the clowds
hanged about the tops of them, and the byrds that flew about them were
owt [of sight] they lost [shi]p Michael, to their great discom-
for[ture] [u]ntill their return to London for that [com]pany of

that ship Michael being to make discovery of newe lands nor cou-

[rage] that he possessed at his departure from [Being] now (rather

willingly then by force), separated from their captayn, and put to

their own shift [and gove]rnment, toke counsa!ile with his mariners and
com[rades] in the ship what they were best to doo. And among [them]-
selves concluded (as they say), that having yet a good [ti]me of the yere,
and iudging themselves to be not far from [the] new land named Labrador,
they wolde procede accor[din]g to their commission, at the least, to see
that land and proceeding within iiij dayes, they saw that land, and found
i it] so compassed with monstrous high Hands of ise Acting [b]y the sea
shore, that they durst not approche with [th]eir ship, nor land theron
with their bote. And [so] in great discomfort cast about with the ship
the [n]ext day : and set their course bak agayn homward to [L]ondon,
where they arived the first day of September. And in this mean tyme
the sayd captayn with his ship Gabriel (as is sayd before) being overset
with a sea which they shipped on the xiij day of July in the rage [of] an
extreme storm which cast the ship flat on her syde. And being open in
the wayste, fylled her with water so as she lay still for sunk : and would
not weare nor steare with any help of the helm : and could never have
rysen agayn but by the marveilous work of God's great mercy to help
them all. In this distres when all the men in the ship had lost their
courage, and did dispayre of lyfe : the captayne like himselfe with
valiant courage stood up and passed alongst the ship's side in the
chayn wales lying on her flat syde, and caught holde on the weather
leche of the foresaile and in the weather coyling of the ship, the foreyard
brake. And to lighten the ship, they cut over the misn maste. And
the mariners allso would have cut over the mayn maste, which the
capit[ayn] [u]pright agayn being full of w[ater]. And so with the

rolling of the both sydes, the water yssued and withall [m]any things
Acting over the ships sydes. [An]d so they put the ship before the sea all
[that day] and next night in that storm : wherin allso they their mayn
maste afterward, and mending it ag[ayn]. And the storm being ceased,
and being now owt of [hope] any more to mete with his other ship : yet
sti[ll de]termined alone to follow his enterprise and voyage a[ccor]ding
to commission to the uttermost of his power. A[nd] rather to make a
sacrifice onto God of his lyfe than to return home withowt the dis-
covery of K[athay] except by compulsion of extreme force and necessity.
And so returned to the course of his way toward t[he] Land of Labrador,
according to commission. And by fay [re] and by fowle on the xxixth
Jay of July the capitayn himself first had sight of a new land of a mar-

82 STATE PAPERS

veilous great heith : which by the account of the course and way they
iudged to be the Land of Labr[ador] as in dede upon good proof after-
ward they iudge yt s[till] so to be. The hed land wherof he named
Elizabeth Foreland in memory of the Queue's Majestic. And drawing
still nere thereto in great comfort, when they approched nere they fownd
the sea-shore full of monstrous high Hands and mountayns of ise Acting
and driving with the wyndes and tydes and streams so as they durst not
yet approche with their ship to land theron. Nevertheles remayniug
still with hope by some means of serch to fynde a safe place to enter
with the ship ; and passing still to and fro along the coste, still in the
sight of land as occasion required to avoyd dangers : within the tyme of
xvj dayes the yse being well consumed and gone : they did land in three
or four places upon Hands, and the master of the ship did land upon the
first iland and named it Halls Hand after his own name, and there
repayred his ship of her laks and leaks they fo[un]d y[t] betwene two
great mayn [whjich they named Frobysher's streict, by [reason of

his] name who discovered yt : and many ilands good harboroughs

for ships which they dis[covered as] they passed. And on the xixth day
of August [they fjownd an iland which liked thera, and named yt
by the naem of one of the mariners which first [espyed] the same. And
thereon they landed. And the capi[tayn] and six of his men went to the
top of an high mouu[tain] therof to discover about them : and there theie
espyed [vij] strange botes with men rowing toward that iland. [Wh]er-
upon in great haste they ran down agayn to recover [thejir own bote which
hardly they recovered before the ari[va]ll of those vij botes. But so he
returned to his ship [wijth his bote to put all in readynes for defence yf
rede [sh]ould be. And sent aland his skyf with men, [to] vewe the
men and have speache with them as they could. They made of friend-
ship to our men for desyre to have [th]em on land to take their rest.
And by signes yt was agreed that one of their men came in the skyf
aborde the ship, and in pledge for him one of our men went on land to
them. And this man being in the ship made great wondering at all
things : and the capitayn gave him to taste of the ship's meat and drink
and wyne : but he made no countenance of liking any. And he gave
him and other tryfles which he liked well and toke them with

him to land where he was delyvered and our man received bak agayn.
And hereby the captayn perceiving these strange people to be of coun-
tenance and conversation proceding of a nature geven to fyersnes and
rapyne, and he being not yet well prepared in his ship for defence, he
set sayle presently, and departed thens to take more tyme to prepare for
defence to an other iland which they named by name of being

very nere to the mayn land (on the northern syde) which they named on
land. But be[in]g no [\v] [w]ynde contrary they passed from [th]e west-
ern land : and there ankered [and] prepared them selves to defend the best
they [could as] nede should be ; which was no force having so [small a]

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 83

ship now armed with so faynt and weake men [who had] so great labours
and disseases suffered at the sea [the] captayn only excepted, whose force
and courag[e never] fayled for all his labours passed. And on this [wes]t-
ern shore the capitayn with of his men went on [shore] on an iland
mynding to have gone to the top of an high [moun]tayn to discover what
he could of the straiets of the sea [and] land about, and there he saw far
the two hed lands at [the] furdest end of the straiets and no likelyhood of
land to th[e] northwards of them and the great open betwene th[em] which
by reason of the great tydes of flood which they found comming owt of
the same, and for many other good reasons they iudged to be the West
Sea, whereby to pas to Cathay and to the East India. And on this syde
the sa[ydj hedlands they saw many ilands not far asonder. A[nd] there
allso they found the walls of xij olde houses of the cuntry-like cottages
but no people in them. Which cottages seemed rather to have byn
woork 'of houses, th[an] dwelling houses where they perchance used to
dres leather, trane oyle of some whales, or scales, or other great fisshes,
of whose bones they saw there great store. And withall they allso
espyed in a valley right under them iij houses covered with leather of
seales skyns like tents, and allso two dogs. And presently to avoyd
danger the captayn with his men repayred to the bote at the sea shore
and assone as they were entred they espyed a great bote of that cuntry
with men therin hard by them behynde a rok, who made signes of freend-
ship (by laying their head in their hands) to them : to come on land and
take their rest. But the captayn would not trust them, but made signes
to them to come into his ship. And the master of our ship being one in
the bote was his ship before. An[d we]nt on laud to the people

being who received him and led him by the [hand into their] houses,
or rather cottages. And they thus [having got the] master among them,
some of them made secret [signs to the] man for pledge in our bote
that he should es[cape out] of the bote into the water, which signes th[e
cap]itayn perceived. And, therefore, having in his han[d a f]ayer long
partezan gylt, he held the poynt therof [to] the strange mans brest,
threatening by signes to [ki]ll him yf he did ones stir. And thus the
master [wjas led into their houses and there saw their manner of [f]oode
and lyfe, which is very strange and beastly, as hereafter shall be shewed.
And he being returned to the bote [and] entred therein the stranger
kept for pledge was delyvered on land, and presently an other of those
strange men went willingly in the capitayns bote aboord the ship to see
the same : to whom was given many tryfles of haberdash, which pleased
him well. And he being in the ship the capitayn had talke with him by
signes in a bargayn which they made that he should be their pylot
through the Streiets into the West Sea : to pas in his little bote rowing
before the ship thither : which he agreed onto, and made signes that in
two dayes rowing he should be there : and for his labour he should have
many tryfling things which there were shewed him, and layd owt for him.

84 STATE PAPERS

Yet yf they had thus passed no trust could have byn geven to such a
pylot then the capitayn had sene good cause. And hervpon this strange
pylot was caryed back agayn to land in our ship bote to the end to pre-
pare himself in his own bote. And bycause the capitayn did wisely
forsee that these strange people are not to be trusted for any cause nor
shew of freendship that they would make, and allso did see the foolish
mynde of the mariners that should row the bote with him to be desyrous
at the land to have some traffik with the people for their danger

of los of all of his men to go with them, and he had greater

confidence than them that they should set that strange [pylot

on lan]d at the poynt of a certayn rok of that i[land which hej
assigned them : which was within his own sight and [so he might ha]ve
rescued them yf any force should have byn off[ered a"" gainst them. And
that so done they should furth[with] return back to the ship. But these
foolish men, be[iug] five of them in all in the bote, having set on land
thi[s] stranger at the place appointed : the capitayn being [in] the ship
saw them quietly put of their bote, and immedia[tely contrary to his
commandment and charge geven th[ey] rowed furder beyond that poynt
of the land owt of hi[s] sight, and there landed iij of them, and the
other twayn reste[d] in the bote a little from the land so as he saw them
agayn, to whom owt of the ship they made signes and noyse as well as
they could to call them to the ship. And immediat[e]ly these two men
with the bote rowed into the land agayn to their fellowes owt of his
sight, and after that hower he never saw them, nor could here anything
of them. And thus the capitayn having lost his bote and five of his
best men, to his great discomfort he still remayned with the ship there
at anker all that day and next night hoping to here of them agayn.
But he could not here or know anything of them : and thereby he
iudged they were taken and kept by force. Wherefore the next morn-
ing, which was the xx day of August, he set sayle with the ship and
passed along by their houses, as nere as he could, and caused his trum-
pet to sound and shot a pece of ordonance over the houses but not to
touche them. But with all this he could see nothing nor here of his
bote or men. And therfere passed from thens to a bay not far of, where
he ankered all that day and next night : and from thens returned bak
agayn the next morning to the same place where he lost his bote, and
there they of the land had sight of his ship. And he hard them of the
land laugh or rather not lightly to make peace agayn [with

them but rath]er depart from thens to other places ther[e to try
and f]ynde some other people of that land to whom [their late doi]ngswere
unknown, and of them to take some pry[soners for] his own men, which
he did for the space of thr[ee days], and fynding none other people,
he then determined of all his men in the ship (except the master)
to re[tu]rn agayn to the same place where he lost his bote and men.
And being there come to anker vnder that iland, he perceived that all

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 50

the men were gone from thens and their houses t llso, which was to his
f^reatest discomfort : for [t]hat he remayned then in dispayre of the
recovery of his bote and men any more. Whereby allso being thus
maymed and disarmed he uttered dispayred how to procede furder on
his voyage toward Cathay. And most of all other was oppressed with
sorrow that he should return back agayn to his cuntry bringing any
evidens or token of any place whereby to certify the world where he had
byn. And so remayning in this great perplexity and sorrow more
willing to dy than to lyve in that state : suddenly he espyed a number
of the botes and men of that cuntry comming towards the ship. Wherat
he was revived though he weak state being duly consydered, he had the
more cause to be affrayd. But he with courage (more than a man) pre-
sented, armed, and prepared his ship with all things within necessary
for defence ; and allso without he covered the chayn wales and shrowds,
and all other places (where the enemy might take any hold on 'places'
any ropes to clamber into the ship) with canvas fast nayled to the ships
sydes. So as they could take no hold thereby to enter into the ship
being so low and so nere to the water. And in the waste of the
ship he placed a pece of ordonance mynding to shote to synk one of
their great botes having xx men therein. And so with the ship
under sayle to have recovered some of them for prisoners, yf otherwise
he could not come by any of them to redeme his own men. And
when their botes being appr[oa]ch[ed] and perceiving the

defens made men mustering in the ships waste fearfullnes

of the men which stood before pece of ordonance they parting

from yt pece appered to them : therwith they all themselves

with their botes, and would approche no n[erer] but drew together in
counsaile. And therupon we w[ent] to the contrary syde of the ship from
the pece of ordonance, and so stayed far of, and onely one bote with one
man therin, which was he that first of all came into the ship, approched
very nere to 'to' the ships syde making signes of freendship that we
should on land and ta[ke] our rest. Wherat the capitayn likewise made
him signes of freendship as though that he would so doo, and thus en-
tertayned him with signes of freendship, and placed him self at the
waste of the ship at the syde alone having at his fete in secret his
weapons, and caused all his men to withdraw from him, whereby he
might appere to them open as though without any malice. And made
offer of small things to geve him at the ship's syde, but the man a while
stood in susspition and wolde not approche. Wheropon the captain cast
into the sea a shirt and other things that would swym which the streame
caryed from the ship, and he toke them up. And likewise made offer of
a bell in his hand, which he toke of him hard at the ships syde.

W^herwithall one of the mariners mynded with a botehoke to have
taken holde of his bote, which the man espyed and so suddenly put of
his bote far from the ship, and in a long tyrae would no more approche,

S6 STATE PAPERS

which was no small gr cf to the capitayn and the rest. Yet at the last
with the fayr offers and entisements with gifts of the capitayn he ap-
proached agayn with his bote to the ships syde, but stood upon garde with
his ore in one hand ^ .xt to the ship ready to put of his bote agayn suddenly
yf nede should havubyn through any cause of suspition that he might have
perceived. And in this order of dealing in the presence of the rest of
all his company he toke on bell more at the cap[tayn's hands]
self wherebv the ship into the [r]est of our men. But the capi[tayn]
mischief as might happen offred him freendly countenance

and made a short arme [and let the] bell fall into the sea to move the
man the to approche more nere within him. Whereat the [man

seemed] to be greatly sory for the los thereof and therevpon sudde[nly
the] capitayn called for an other bell which allso he [rea]ched to him
with a short arme, and in that reache [he] caught holde on the man's
hand, and with his other hand [he] caught holde on his wrest ; and sud-
denly by mayn force of strength plucked both the man and his light
bote owt of the sea into the ship in a tryse and so kept him withowt
any shew of enmity, and made signes to him presently that yf he would
bring his v men he should go againe at liberty, but he would not seem
to vnderstand his meaning, and therefore he was still kept in the ship
with sure garde. This was done in the presence of all the rest of his
fellows being within an arrow shote of the ship, whereat they were all
marvellously amased and thereopon presently cast them selves into
counsell and so departed in great haste toward the land with great hal-
lowing or howling showts after their manner ; like the howling of
wolves or other beasts in the woods. And the capitayn with his ship
remayned still there all that day, and ankered iij leges from thens all
the night and the next day but could here no newes of his men nor bote
nor could perceive by the prysoner that wold come agayn. Whereupon
having this strange man prisoner in his ship he toke counsaile with the
master and other in the ship what were best to be done. And they all
'air agreed that consydering their evell and weak state by the los of
their bote and five of their best men, and the weaknes and little
hability of the rest of the men that were left in the ship, being but xiij
men and boyes so tyred and sik with laboure of their hard voyage,
passed as they were neither hable well to precede in any long voyage
toward the tyme of winter nor yet of return home already passed
than to pro[ceed] any further with so great danger of the vtt[er loss of
the] enterprise for ever after if they should way. And therefore on the
•XXV day of Aug[ust they set] sayle with their ship keping their course
ba[ck to]ward England, and in theirway they had sight of the Hand Frise-
land, which they discovered round about but did not land thereon through
the diffi[culty] of the monstrous great yse which lay fleeting still by [the]
land. And after they departed from thens they endu[red] contynually
extreme storms of weather but the w[ynde] still in their favour home-

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 87

wards. So as by the xxvth cla[y] of September they were on the coast of
Scotland in sight of the lies of Orkney, and passed from thens so as they
aryved at Harwich on the ij day of October in safety where they taryed
to refresh their sick and weake men, and so came to London with their
ship Gabriel the ixth day of October and there were ioyfully received with
the great admiration of the people, bringing with them their strange
man and his bote, which was such a wonder onto the whole city and to
the rest of the realm that heard of y t as seemed never to have happened
the like great matter to any man's knowledge. Wherefore I being not
hable to geve to this capitayn his due commendation for this great and
strange attempt so well accomplished I leave the dooing thereof to
other which are better hable to enter therinto, that his good renown
may lyve for ever according to the woorthines of his well dooings in
this matter so greatly appertayning to the benefit of this whole realme
of England which he is determined still to follow Avith the travaile of
his body and spending of his lyfe ontill he have brought the same to
such perfection as is desyred.

And because that I have heard report of many strange tales and
fayned fables touching the personage and manners of this strange man,
I have thought good therefore to declare the very truthe thereof to
satisfy the world and allso to expres his picture as well as may be done
with ink and paper. He was a very good shape and

strongly pight made his head, his nek, his brest a very

brode face and very fat and fu[llj his body. But his legs shorter and
smaller [than the projportion of his body required, and his hands
h]is heare cole blak and long hanging and 'tyer' tyed [in a knot] above
his forehead. His eyes little and a little [cole] blak beard. His cullor
of skyn all over his bo[dy and fa]ce of a dark sallow, much like to the
tawny Mores, [or ra]ther to the Tartar nation, whereof I think he was.
[His] countenance sullen or churlish and sharp withall.

Colonial 27. Otho E. viii, fol. 41 (42.)

PASSED ANNO 1577.

[The] gracious favor of Allmighty God hath byn [alwaies my Pro]-
tector these xlv yeres in manner following [and I trust the] same will
still protect me allso the rest of my [life to] his glory, to others benefit,
and to the cum[fort of J me and myne.

My late father Sir William Lok, knight, alderman of [Lon]dou, kept
me at scholes of grammer in England [un]till I was xiij yeres olde,
which was a.d. 1545, [and] he being sworn servant to King Henry
VllJth [as] his mercer ; and allso his agent beyond the seas [in] dyvers
affayres, he then sent me over seas to Flan[d]ers and France to learn
those languages and to know the world. Synce which tyme I have con-
tynned these xxxij yeres in travaile of body and study of mynde, fol-

88 STATE PAPERS

lowing my vocation in the trade of merchandise, Tvhereoft I have spent
the first XV yeres in contynuall [tjravaile of body, passing through
almost all the cun[t]ries of Christianity, namely owt of England [i]nto
Scotland, Ireland, Flanders, Germany, France, Spayne, Italy, and
Grece, both by land and by sea, not without great labours, cares, dan-
gers and expenses of mony incident ; having had the charge (as capi-
tayn) of a great ship of burden 1000 tuns by the space of more then iij
yeres in dyvers voyages in the Levant Seas wherewithall I returned into
England. In which travailes besides the knowlege of all those famous
'common' languages of those cuntries I sought also for the knowledge
of the state of all their commonwealths chiefly in all matters apperteining
to the traffique of merchants. And the rest of my tyme I have spent in
England under the happy raigne of the Queues Majestic now being.
Where by a certayn forcible inclination of mynde I have byn drawn
contynually as my vocation and care for my family wolde. Cos-

mo [graphy] arts appertening as in voiages I could get for my

mony. And [also] acquyring by dyvers conferences with many [foreign]
nations, travailers and merchants fa[miliar knowledge] of the state of the
whole worlde as might [appert]ayn to the benefit of myn aturall cuntry
w[ith the] maintenance of myselfe and my family by the tr[ade in] mer-
chandise according to my vocation. And as [Horatius]' sayth : Impigerex-
tremos currit mercator adindos : Pauperiemfugiens per saxa, per mare, per
ignes. The diligent merchant runneth to the furdest Indians flying poverty
by roks, by seas, by fyers ; as by m[a]nifold notes thereof in writing and
remaining still by m[e], which being put together wolde not be con-
teined in an[y] hundred shetes of paper that I have made for my own
pryvate satisfaction yt may appere. Whereby I am perswaded of great
matters. And of late by God's good providence renuyng myne old

acquayntance with Martyn Frobisher gentleman ; and fynding him
sufficient and ready to execute the attemp[t] of so great matters, I
ioyned with him, and to my power advanced him to the world with
credit and above myne own power for my parte furnisshed him with
things necessary for his fust voyage lately made to the northwestward
for the discovery of Cathay and other new cuntries, to thintent the
whole world might be opened unto England which hitherto hath byn
hydden from yt by the slowthfulnes of some and policy of other. In
the which voyage allready made by that way are discovered such new
lands as the world now doth talk of which very shortly by God's grace
the world shall playnly see to yelde to the Queues Majestic great honor,
and to the whole realm infinit treasor and benefit, which God graunt
and make us thankfull.

And bycause that of late dayes syns the return home of Martyn
Frobisher, dyvers men speake dyversly of his dooings.

' Epis. I, i, 45. Should be —

Per mare pauperiem fugiens, i-er oaxa, per igues.

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 89

MONETH OF ANNO 1574.

[Martjyn Frobisher brought a letter under the [cjertayn of the
Quenes Majesties most hoiiora[ble Privy] Cownsaile directed to the
Cumpany of Moseo[via] conteining this effect: That, forasmuch as [the
discovjery of the cuntry of Cathay by sea wold be t[o En]gland, a
matter of great commodity, and they being a [cumjpany priveleged and
encorporated for the discovery of [n]ewe trades. Against whose privelege
they would not [atjtempt any matter without their licence. Therefore
[I exjhorted and perswaded them to attempt that matter now [o]nce
agayn, themselves, after xx yeres allready past, syns their first enterprise
thereof. Or els, to grant their licence to others which are desyrous
now to 'attept' at[t]empt the same. Uppon the recept of which letter
the said Cumpany assembled themselves at their Court, to consyder the
same: And thereunto made answer by their letter, requiring to have
conference with the parties that were desyrous to attempt that matter
that thereby they might determyn what were mete to be done
therein. Wherupon the sayd Martyn Frobisher agayn repayred to
the sayd Cumpany with order for himselfe and others not then named
to have conference with them ; and theruppon the Cumpany appointed
certayn of them selves, namely, Mr. George Barn, now Shrief of
London, William Jowerson and Steven Borough, mariner ; and me, as
their agent, having the charge of all their busynes to understand the
ground of this case. And in the conference of the matter, we perceiving
the purpose to be to the northwestward, and no good evidence shewed
by the parties for the proof of the matter : upon one relation therof
made to they Company, they suspected some other matter to be meant
by the parties. And forasmuch as they themselves with their very
great charges allready had discovered more than half the way to Cathay
by the northeastward, and purposed to doo the rest so sone as they
might have good ad[vice] [a]ny good [grjeatly hurtful to them

to to any others. And therefore appo[inted] Heyward their

Governour, and man and me to certify the right honoraj^ble LordJ

[Burjghley, Lord High Treasorer of England of [the s]tate of the matter ;
which they did in the p[resence of] Martyn Frobisher aforesayd. Yet
neverth[eless] very shortly afterward by the sute of the say[d] Martyn
Frobysher, an other letter was brought [to the] Cumpany, requiring
them either to attempt the matt[er] them selves or to grant licence to
other to doo yt by the northwestwards, wherupon for dyvers consydera-
tions then moving the Cumpany they did grant licence and privilege
therof to me and Martyn Frobisher and such other as would be ven-
turers with us in the sa[mel as appereth by the writings under their
common sea[l], dated in the moneth of February, Anno Domini 1574.
Wherupon presently we made such preparation for ship[s], and all

90 STATE PAPERS

Other necessaries as we could. But for lak of sufficient mony thereto
in due tyme the enterprise was stayed that yere. Xevertheles, by the
good assistance of the mony and favour of dy vers persons of honour and
worship, and others hereunder named the matter toke such effect the
yere following that we furnished two small barks of xxv tuns the pece :
the one named the Gabriell, wherof was Master Christofer Hall of Lyme-
hous, mariner. And the other named the Michaell wherof was Master
Owen Gryffyn of , mariner. And a small pinnes of x tun with

a close dek to sayle with them. And with them passed the sayd Martyn
Frobisher for capitayn and pylot ; and with them in all 34 persons,
whose names be hereunder : who departed together from Gravesend, on
their voyage, the xijth day of June, Anno Domini 1576. And, allthough
the world in all the yere, and other tyme before hering talke of this
purposed enterprise, did not beleve that yt wolde take any good effect ;
but rather the most of the others which were of [wi^sdom

and dignity in the common the enterprise and assist the same as
tyme. Wherin I will now speake p[recisely and s]ay the truthe that every
mans good dede [may have] his iust commendation. The learned man,
Mr. John Dee, hering the common [report] of this new enterprise and
understanding of the prepa[rations] for furniture of the ships being
thereby perswa[ded] that it would now procede, and having not byn ac-
quainLted] with our ' new enterprise', purpose in any parte before,
[abojut the xxth day of May, Anno 1576, of his own good na[tu]re
favoring this enterprise in respect of the service and commodity of his
naturall cuntry came unto me, desy[r]ing to know of me the reasons
'and' of my foundation and purpose in this enterprise, and offering his
furderance thereof with such instructions and advise, as by his learning
he could geve therin. Wherupon I coDceved a great good opinion of
him : and therefore apointed a tyme of meeting in my house, wherat
were present Martyn Frobysher, Steven Burrougb, Christofer Hall, with
other. Where freely and playnly I layd open to him at large my whole
purpose in the traffike of merchandise by those new partes of the world
lor the benefit of the realm by many meanes as well in the cuntries of
East India, yf the sea this way be open as allso otherwise, though that
this ' ne' new land should chance to bar us from the sea of India. And
allso declared such coniectures and probabilities as I had conceved of a
passage by sea into the same sea of East India by that way of the north-
west from England. And for the proof of these two matters I layd be-
fore him my bokes and authors, my cardes and instruments, and my
notes therof made in writing, as I hid made them of many yeres study
before. Which matters, when he had thus hard and sene, he answered
that he was right glad to know of me thus much of this matter, and
that he was greatly satisfyed in his desyre about his expectation, and
that I was so well grounded in this [purjpose he sh[e]wed me all[so]
his own. And allso shewed me I did very well like. And afterw[ards]

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 91

[the while] the ships remayned here, he toke pay[ns to learn the] rules
of geometry and cosmography for [the informat]ion of the masters and
mariners in the use of [the in]struments for navigation in their voyage
and fo[r casjuallties happening at sea which did them service whereby
he deserveth lust commendation. Allso [Sir] Humfrey Gilbert, knight,
hath byn of many yeres (as I am enformed) a great good wilier to this
like enterpr[ise]. And syns I came acquainted with him which was
abo[ut] Easter last, Anno Domini 1575, I have hard him make dyvers
good discourses in the favour therof, and allso his go[od] will and study
therein doth well appere in the boke which he made and put in prynt
in the monthe of May, Anno 157, for the mayntenance of the good hope
and likelyhood in this enterprise of new discovery. Whereby men may
see many good causes to move them to like well thereof. Allthough to
say the very truthe without geving any offence : neither that boke
comming out so late nor yet his former discourses, being none others
than were wel[l] known to us long before, were any manner of causes
o[r] instructions to the chief enterprises of this new voyage of discovery
to attempt the same or to direct us therin. And William Burrough,
allthough he was not so well perswaded of this enterprise, that he
would venter his money therein: yet, in respect of the service of his
cuntry, he did take paynes to procure a master and many mariners for
the ships. And gave his good advise in the furniture of the ships : and
did consent unto the opinion and mynde of the capitayn in the direction
of the ships course in the voyage which was to very good purpose.
And besides these men, I know none other worthy of name for any
thing done by them to the help of this enterprise, but onely the ven-
turers which did help the same.

\Ptlio, E., viii, fol. 45. b. (47) ; Colonial, 35.]

1 crave pardon with the reading of this writj^ing] xiij day

of October last, Mr. Fro[bysher gave me a] stone aboord his ship : Saying,
that acco[rding to his promi]se he did geve me the fyrst thinge that he
founde [in the new Ijand, which he gave me openly in the presence of
two [other] men, whome I know not. But Rowland York and many
[others] were then in the ship; and they for the strangers the[rof brake
off a] pece which they caryed away with them. Within the space of one
month after, I gave a small pece to [Mr.] Williams, saymaster of the
Towr, not telling what nor wh! ence]. He made proof and aunswered
that it was but a marquesite s[tone]. And theruppon, I gave an other
small pece to one Wheler g[oldJ fyner by Mr. Williams order. He
aunswered allso tha[t] he made proof and founde it but a marquesite
stone. And allso an other small pece to George >7edam : he aunswered
allso that he made proof and colde fynde no mettall therin.

7 t

92 STATE PAPERS

Herewithall I stayed, making small account of the stone, and at more
leysure musing more thereon. In the begynning of January I delivered
a small pece thereof to John Baptista Agnello, not telling what nor
from whence. But prayed him to prove what mettall was therein. And
within three dayes I came to hym for aunswer. He shewed me a very
little powder of gold : Saying, it came therowt, and willed me to give
him an other pece to make a better proof. I did so, and within three
dayes agayne, he shewed me more powder of golde. I tolde hym I
wold not beleve it, without better proof. He asked an other pece to
make a better proof: Saying, that he wold make anatomy thereof, I
gave it him : Saying, that I marveyled much of his doings, sith I had
given peces to other iij to make proof who could fynde no such thinge
therin : he aunswered me, ' Bisogna sapere adulare la natura', and so I
departed.

The xviij day of January he sent me by his mayde this little scrap of
paper written, No, 1, hereinclosed ; and thereinclosed the grayne of
gold, which afterward I delivered to your majesty, &c., 1577.

{^Colonial, 34. Domestic Eliz., cxii, No. 25.]

MR. LOCKES DISCOORS TOUCHING THE EWRE, 1577.

To the Quenes Moste Excellent ^latie,

Moste humbly I crave pardon, in troublinge yo^ ma^ie ^fjth the read-
ynge of this wrytynge.

In the xiij day of Octobar laste, Mr. Furbosher gave me a stone,
abord his shyp, sayenge, that accordynge to his promesse, he dyd gyve
me the fyrst thynge that he found in the newland, \f^^ he gave me
openly in presens of 2 yonge gentlemen whome I knowe not; but Row-
land York was then in the shyp, and they for the straungenes therof
brake of a pece wct> they caried awaye w^-'i them,

Vvlthin the space of one monthe after, I gave a small pece thereof to
Mr. Williams, saymaster of the Towar, not tellynge what nor whens.
He made proffe, and answered that it was but a markesyte stone. And
another small pece to one Whelar, goldfyner, by Mr. Williams order.
He answered also that he made proffe and found it but a markesyte
stone, and another small pece to George Nedam ; he answered also,
that he made prooffe and could fynd no mettal therin.

Herewithall I stayed, makynge small account of the stone.

And at more leysure musynge more theron, in the begynnynge of
Januarie, I delyvred a small pece thereof to John Baptista Agnello, not
tellynge what nor from whens, but prayed hym to prove what mettall
was therin ; and within iij dayes I came to hym for answere. He shewed
me a very litle powder of gold, sayenge it came therout, and wylled me
to gyve hym a better pece to make a better prooffe. I dyd so, and

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 98

within iij dayes agayne he shewed me more powdar of gold. I told hym
I would not beleve yt without better proofFe. He asked another pece to
make a better prooffe, sayenge that he would make anatomic therof. I
gave it hym, sayenge that I marvayled moche of hys doynges, sythe I
had gyven peces to other iij to make prooffe, who could fynd no suche
thinge therin. He answered me, ' Bisogna sapere adulare la natura'.
And so I departed.

The xviij day of Januarie he sent me by his mayde this lytle scrap of
paper hereinclosed, wrytten, No. 1, and therinclosed the grayne of gold
wfb afterwardes I delyvred to yor Ma^i^,

And herevppon I had large conferens dyvers tymes w^^^ hym
parsawdynge, exhortinge, and conjuringe hym by many causes of great
importaunce betwene us, to tell me the trewthe hereof. He satisfyed me
by all dewtyfull meanes of honesty and of Christianitie that it was trew.
Whervppon he entred into many discourses w*^ me, yf we might have
sum quantyte therof, for our owne use, and ernestly exhorted me to
secreatnes, and greatly pressed me to knowe where it was had I desyred
respyte of a few dayes, to consyder what were best to be done in the
matter.

The xxiiij day of Januarie, havynge resolved my sellfe of my dewtye
towardes yo'' Ma^J^ I dyd retorne to John Baptista, to avoyde suspicion
of doble dealyng -w^^ hym, at w^b tyme he entred agayne w^^h me, to have
sum quantyte therof for our owne accountt. Then I delt w^i^ hym sum-
what playne, and told hym, that it would be a hard matter for us to
have ytt, for that in trewthe it was had in the new land discovred by Mr.
Furboisher, wherof there is priviledge graunted to a companye. Wherto
he answered, that sum devyse might be made to lade it as stones, for
ballast of the shyp. Whervppon agayne I toke furder tyme to consyder
what might be done therin. And at my departynge he exhorted to
secreatnes, and specially to concealle his knowledge hereof.

The next day Mr. Furboisher at my table at dynner, was very desyrous
to know what was found in the stone he gave me. J answered, that I
had gyven prooffes to iij or iiij, and they found nothinge in ytt, savynge
one man found tynne and a litle sylver therin, w^ii was worthy of the
fetchynge awaye, wherat he was very glad.

The xxviij day, I delyvred to yo*" Ma^ie in wrytynge, the very trewe
information of all that I had knowen herein. And the same daye Mr.
Secretary Walsyngham, in yo»" Ma'^'es name sayd unto me, that in my
wrytynge I dyd proraes a thinge w^ii I had not delyvred. I answered
the very trewthe of my meanynge, that bycaus the bulke therof was
sumwhat great, I dyd reserve it to a second speche w^ii yo'-' Matie, at
Avhich tyme I dyd purpose to have declared more of this matter, and
jtrcsently I dyd delyver it to hym. And he said yo^' Ma^ie had told
hym theffect of my wrytynge, and therfore he wylled me to tell hym the
circumstance of this matter. I told hym presently theffect of all this

STATE PAPhKS

herebefore wrytten, and that John Baptista was the man, but that he
would not be acknowen to be the man. Neverthelesse I sayd he might
know the matter of hym by others then by me. Whervppon he answered
me, that he dyd thynk it to be but an alchamist matter, such as dyvers
others before had byn brought to yo^' Ma"^ by others without trewethe.
And in my presens he brake the stone into iij or iiij peces, whc^i he sayd
he would delyver to dyvers men to make prooffes. And so he lycensed
me to depart to London that night.

The xxxi day of Januarie, John Baptista sent for me agayne, as shall
appere by his second wrytynge hereinclosed, at w^ii tyme he devysed
that a ship might go secreatly out of sum place, and brynge the thynge
to another place farre from London. But I answered that was not pos-
sible, for that none knowe the place but C. Furbisher and the ship
master, who would not be corrupted. Then he thought to revele it to
the captayne. I said I thought he would reveale it to yo^ Matie, but I
devysed w^h hym, that I would send a ship to the place in company of
the captayne under culler of fysshynge, and when the captayne were
gone throughe to Kathai, the ship should lade this thinge for ballast,
and retorae hether. He allowed well of this devyse, and so I departed
for that tyme.

The i day of Februarie, I retorned to Mr. Secretarie, who sayd to me
that he had gyven peces of this ure to certayne very excellent men, and
that sura found nothinge therein, but one found a litle sylver, and that
Mr. Dyar had made proofFe therof, and found the lyke, and that hym
sellfe had scene the proffe made, wherby he was parswaded to be so, and
that Baptista dyd but play the alchemist w*'^ me. I answered that
yesterday I had spoken agayne w^^^ Baptista, and that he dothe styll
confyrme to me his former sayenges, and wyll justefie the same, but Mr.
Secretarie would not beleve me. Wheruppon I prayed hym to consyder
better of the matter, for that I was well assured that it was trew,
wheruppon he lycensed me to retorne to London.

The iiij day of Februarie, I went agayne to John Baptista, as
well to intertayne hym w^^ sum matter to avoide suspicion of doble
delynge untill I might have answere of Mr. Secretarie of yo'" Mat'^s
plesure herein, as also to urge more matter wherby more tryall of the
trewthe might be had. And I moved hym to know how he would deale
w^l" me, yf I should fynde meanes to send a shyp for this ure. After
longe discoursynge he resolved, that he had a frynde that would furnishe
a ship at his charges, and that yf I would gyve hym a man to shew hym
the place where he might have IGO tons hereof, he would gyve me £20
of money for every ton, within iij monthes after the arivall therof here,
and would put me in good assurans for the parformans therof, and at
the arivall in London he woulde teache me the art, yf he should chaunse
to dye. 1 told hym I would take tyme to consider whether he should
send a ship, or I send a shyp.

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE.

The vi day of Februarie, I retorned to Mr. Secretarie, and gave hym
in wrytynge, this offer made to me by Baptista. He answered, it was
but devyses of alchamists, for that Baptista was but poore, and not able
to put suretyes, nevertheless he sayd he would consyder of the matter.
And so I retorned to London.

The xiij day I went to Baptista, and put of tyme, hopinge for better
answere of Mr. Secretarie. I said to Baptista that I was informed by a
frynd learned in the lawes, that we have a lawe termed tresor trouvee,
wherby it is not lawfull for any subject to dealle in suche a matter as
this, without lycens of the prynce, and therefore (meanynge to dryve
hym to dyscover the matter to yo^ Ma^if*, wherby you might be certified
of the trewthe) I sayd ther must be sum meanes found, to have a
lycence of yo^" Ma^ie for a ship to passe thether, or ells there is daungier
bothe of yo"^ jMa'ies dyspleasure, and also of the companye who are
privileged therin, wherin I sayd I woulde travaylle, yf he could not.
He answered, he had a frynd in the courte by whose meanes he would
move yoJ" Ma^Je therof.

The xvj day I went agayne to Mr. Secretarie for answere. He sayd
the matter had no good foundacion, excepte good suretyes might be put
for parformance, also that he had agayne caused others to make prooffe,
and that there was no suche thinge found therin. I said that I did
marvaile moche therat ; for that Baptista dothe styll ju stifle the matter,
and for prooffe therof. I would become bound to her Ma^J^ for the same.
He said he would not wishe me to venture so farre uppon the worde
of an alchamist. And so the matter rested untyll answere might be
had from yo^' Maii«J.

The xxvij day I had a letter from Baptista, w^^^ is the third writiuge
hereinclosed, Avherby yoi" Ma*''^' may parceave, what answere he receved
uppon his sute to have lycens for a ship to passe thether. Wheruppon
he would have preceded wt^i^ me, that I should send a ship thether in
secreat, accordinge to our first talke. Nevertheless, I parswaded hym
that he should wryte a lettar to yor Ma^ie^ wherby to gyve you know-
ledge of his meanynge in sendynge a ship thether, and to dysclose part
of the matter to yo^ Ma^^i^. Wherin my meanynge was, that uppon this
occasion I thought yo^ Ma^Je would have appointed sum to hvae had
full conferens w^^^ hym, to have serched the trewthe of this great matter
to your satisfaction.

The vi day of jMarche, I went agayne to Baptista, to know what
answere he had from yo^' Matie to his lettar. He said the answere was
dilatorie, so as he had no more courage in that sute. Wheruppon I
said to hym, that I had a frynd in the court, by whose meanes I would
attempt to have a lycens to send a shyp, for that without that lycens I
durst not deale therin. He bad me prove.

The vii day of Marche, I went agayne to Mr. Secretarie, and told hym
theffect that I had passed with Baptista, and he said that yf Baptista

96 STATE PAPERS

would put good suretyes for the parformans of payment, he would war-
rant me to have lycense for a shyp of 100 tons to fetch this ure. Wher-
uppon I retorned to Baptista as in myne owne name to know what
assurans I should have. He said I should have very good assurans to
my contentement ; but named no man, which I reported agayne unto
Mr. Secretarie, and offred my owne bond, and the ure to be delyvred
into yor Matins custody e at the arivall.

In this mean tyme entringe more deepely into the matter, and con-
syderynge that the weightynes therof would be myne utter undoynge yf
the matter were not good, I went agayne unto Baptista, and more
eftectually dyd enter into talk of the maner of the contract to delyver
hym c. tons of this ure. Wheruppon he offred me to pay xxx li. a ton,
being delyvred here at my charges, and the best assurans that I could
then gett was to have the ure in myne owne custodye, and for the rest I
must credit his honestie. That the ure was of sufficient valew to make
me ryche, I was so well perswaded of his honestie, that T was fully
resolved to put the whole matter in hasard, theruppon makynge this
account w* my selfe that the charges of the ship and the men to dyg
the ure would cost me x li. the ton, and I would gyve to yi' Ma^ie for
the lycens x li. the ton, and the other x li. the ton should be to reliefe
me and my children, yf that yo^' Ma^ie would not deale vf^^ this matter
for yourscllfe.

The xi day, I came agayne to Mr. Secretarie, and gave hym my re-
quest in wrytinge. That yf it were so that yr Ma^ie could not be satis-
fied of the trewthe of this matter, and were not mynded to deale therein
for yoursellfe, that for the triall of the matter I would venture on it at
my charges. Yf it would plese yf Ma'ie to gyve me lycens to bryng
hether iij c tons of this vre at my costes and charges, I would pay
yr Ma^ieiijm li. of money within one yere after the arrivall, and for
assurans would gyve my bond, and the ure into y Mamies custodie. He
said this demand was to great. I remytted it to his owne moderation.
He promysed he would move yor Ma^i^, and said I should have lycens
for a reasonable quantyte, which I dyd beleve verely to obtayne, con-
syderynge the manyfold refusall had more then x tymes ; and the great
dyscredite of my playne report made of the trewthe of the matter from
tyme to tyme, accordinge to my dewtye, and the reportes he had of
others to whome he had put the ure to proffe, who found no gold.

The xvi day of Marche I came agayne to Mr. Secretarie for answere.
He said he had no leysure as yet to move yo^" Ma^ie thereof, but he
would doo. He asked of me yf M. Furbisher knew of this matter, I
said no, nor none other parson by me, but onely yo^" Mati«, and he and
Baptista, which is the very trewthe.

In this meane tyme I was dayly urged by Baptista to fynishe the
contract betwene us as yo^' Ma^ie may parceave by his iij billes, No. 4,
5, 6, hereinclosed. Whereuppon, at the xix day of Marche I fynished

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 97

and subscribed the same, as yC Ma^ie may parceave by the same contract
hereinclosed, hopynge that eyther by yor Ma^'ps lycens, I should be able
to parforme the same, or ells that by yo^" Mamies favour I should be
dyscharged therof againste the said Baptista, sythe I dyd it onely for
the better tryall of the trewthe of this great matter, and dyd declare
theffect of all my doynges therin dayly vnto Mr. Secretary. And when
I came to the housse of Baptista to subscribe the same contract, I found
thereat subscribed the name of Sir John Barkley as suretye for Baptista
to parforme the covenantts ; a thynge very straunge unto me, for that I
never in all my lyffe had spoken wt'^ Sir John Barkley, neyther before
nor after.

The XX day, I came agayne to Mr. Secretarie, to know yo^ Ma'-i^^
plesure. He said he had moved jo^ Ma'^ie in the matter, but had no
answere. He asked agayne yf M. Furbysher knew of the matter, I said
no. He wylled me to imparte it to hym. I said I would, and so I dyd.
He prayed me to get hym another pece of the vre. I said I would.

The xxii day, I came to Mr. Secretarie, and brought hym another
pece of the vre. He wylled me in his name to carrye it to one Gef-
frey, a Frenchman, and to tell hym that it came out of Ireland, and
to wyl hym to make a proffe therof, and he to bringe reporte to hym.
T dyd accordingly delyuer it w* the message, and synce that howar I
never saw the same Jeffrey, nor never beiFore, but Mr. Secretary
hathe told me that he found nothinge therin, but a little sylver, as I
remember.

The xxviij day Marche, I was w^i^ others at howsse of Sir William
Wyntar in commyssyon by letters from yor Mamies Honourable Privye
Councell had by my procurement to consyder vppon all matters requi-
site for the furnyture and dyspache of M. Furbisher for Kathai, w^'i
busynes beinge done for that daye. Sir William Wyntar wylled me to
come to hym the next mornynge to talk wth hym in a matter of import-
annce. I came. He entred w^^ me in secret, prayenge me to tell hym
what I had found of the state of the vre brought home by M. Furbisher.
I refused that conferens, sayenge I knew not the matter, nor dyd vnder-
stand his meanynge. He said he knew the matter as well as I, and that
he desyred this conferens vppon good meanynge towards me. I refused
hym agayne, sayenge I knew nothynge, nor would tell nothynge. Then
he vrged me agayne, sayenge that yf I would not tell hym, he would tell
me. Then I asked hym, yf he had spoken vf^^ Sir John Barkley of late.
He sayd yea. Then I said, he might know moche of the matter. He
answered that he dyd know the whole matter. I answered I thought he
dyd not know all. And then presently he told me the whole effect of ail
my contract made wt^i^ John Baptista in wrytinge, and furder told me
that Sir John Barkley had opened the same to Sir William Morgan, and
Sir William Morgan vnto hym, and thervppon he and they and others
had made proffes therof in a howsse at Lambethe, and also hym sellf in

98 STATE PAPERS

his owne howsse w^^' his owne man, the prooffes wherof in gold he shewed
me presentlye in his chamber wyndowe, sayenge that it was moche rycher
then I was informed of, and that it was a matter to great for hym and
me to deale withall, and belonged onelye to the prynce. Then I told
hym that I was of hys mynde, and that therfore accordynge to my dewtye
I had alredy informed yo^" Ma^ie therof longe before, accordinge to the
trewthe that was informed me by Baptista, but that I was not credited
therin, and that this was (as styll it is) vnknowen to Baptista and to Sir
John Barkley. Wherathe was moche abashed, and sayd God hathe brought
us together this daye for suum good, for otherwyse I should have donesum-
what herein that should have hurte bothe you and me. And then he sayd
that it was our dewty that yo^' Matie should knowe hereof, and that hym
sellfe would certyfiy yo^" Ma^ie hereof, so as you should be right well assured
that it was trew. And said agayne that it was a farre greattar treasour then
was knowen ; which thynge in deed synce that tyme I have parceaved, by
a prooffe therof w^^ I have scene made by the same workmen, w^h holdethe
more than iiij onces of golde in c.lb. weight of vre, w^^ at iijli. of money
the once amounted xii^i. of money the c w^^^ is ccxl pounds of money for
every ton of the vre. And it is very likely that where this vre laye on
the face of the earthe, there is farre more ryche vre vndar the earthe.
But of this matter I thynke yo^ Ma^ie have byn fully certyffyed by Sir
William Wyntar and C. Furboisher, but onely I put in mynd of
yo^ Matie parte of my first wrytynge delyured, that yo^ Ma'ie gyve order
in this matter in secreto quanto si puo et con fortessa, et con expeditione,
least foray ne prynces sett footte therin. Whervppon that yo^ Matiemay
the better cousyder, I beseche yo^ Ma^i® to beholde the situation of the
world in this small carta herewithall presented trewly thoughe grossely
made accordynge to my skyll.

And thus by this means of the doynges of Sir John Barkley and Sir
William Morgan dealynge therin vf^^ others their parteners, and w^ii the
Douchemen their workmen vtterly without my knowledge, or ells by the
meanes of others, who have pece of the vre for proofi"es of others, and
not of me, the secreatnes of this great matter is discouitd so as it is

abroade.

And bycause that I doo vnderstand, aswell by aletter Lereinclosed re-
ceived from Baptista dated the iiij April, as also by credable report of
others that the blame is layed all on me, as author of the speche that
now is abroade of this great treasour. I doo by this wrytynge purge my
sellfe of that vntrew surmyse. And I doo call to wytnes heaven and
earthe, that herein I have symply and trewly sett downe in wrytynge,
the maner of all my procedynges in this matter. And I do yelde into
the handes of yC Ma"e all my goodes and my lyffe at jo^ pleasure, yf
other then this can be proved to be done by me in this matter.

And most humbly cravynge pardon of yo^" Ma tie for this my presumtion
and besechynge the same to accept my dewtyfull trew meanynge. I

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 99

beseche the lyvynge God to preserve yo'" Ma^i^ longe to raygne over us,
wtii all happy nes.

I humbly beseche yo'^ Matie to restore me the wrytynges of Baptista
when as you are well satisfyed in this matter.

Yo' Mat'es most humble subjecte,

Michael Lok.

The 22 April, 1577.

[Colonial 34. Domestic Eliz., cxii. No. 25, i.]

No. 1.

Questo poco oro e cauato fuori di quell poca minera mi mandacti, 6
vero mi donasti, di sorte che si truoua esser in ogni cento lib. oz. j. | di
oro finissimo, et largamente.

Jno Bapta Agnelo, Italiano, in Santa Helena in Londra. Adi 18
Janaro 1576. De la Mimera di Tramontana Maistro. nuovo.

No. 2.
Magf'" et Honor*io S^" Lok se vi piacera venir fin qui, io ho di gia pensato
al caso nostro, et sara di sorte che penso ne restarete satisfatto, et mi vi
racco*^".

Ho. yo. Giouabatta Agnello.
Adi 31 Janaro.

No. 3.
Magco et Honor"^^ S"* Loko. Hieri hebi risposta da sua Magta quale
mi fece dire che se io gli hauessi dimandato quelle io disiderauo, inanci
che lei hauessi concesso el priuilegio che uoi sapete, mi hauerebe concesso
quanto io desiderauo, ma che essendo detto priuilegio passato et con-
firmato, non Io volena romper, per tanto sara buono lasciar I'impresa.
Credo che il primo acordo facemo voi et io sarebe stato buono per voi et
per me senza cerchar fini oltra. Ogni cosa per il meglio. Et con questo
me vi racco<io di cuore. Questo di 27 Febo. del. 77 a natiuitate.

Ho Vo Giouabatta Agnello In Casa.
No. 4.
S^ mio Magco mi sara grato intender quelle habiamo h, fare accio 1'
amico mio si possi preparare per la giornata ha do fare, per tanto vi prego
faciamone vna fine, et mi vi racco*io.

Ho Vo Giouabatta Agnello. In Casa.

No. 5.

S'' Lok. Hieri vi scrissi I'vltima mia resolutione desiderandoui di

darmi vltima risposata dell' animo vo et no ho poi inteso altro. Hora

perche 1' amico mio se ne va damatina in paese, son forciato al risoluerlo

del tutto per tanto se per tutto hoggi no mi rissoluete del tutto : pretendo

H 'Z

100 STATE PAPERS

che tutto quelle habiamo di tempo in tempo conferito insieme sia del
tutto ancillato, rio vi delete poi di me et mi vi raccC^o.

Ho V" Giouabatta Agnello.

No. B.
Magf"' et Honor^oS'* Lok.
Considerando mediante le parole vostre mi dicesti hieri, circa la con-
fideiicia hauete in me per il negocio nostro, non posso mancare di darui
causa che non siate del tutto satisfatto ancora che voi non lo rechiedete,
vidi io adonque che quando farete fare 1' obligo d'accordo tra noi, fate
vi sia vn spacio di foso con vn sigillo per vu amico raio quale sara sigurta
per me di supplire, et m . . . tenire tutto quello io vi ho promesso, accio
non parsata che morendo io non possiate ottenese el desiderio vostro. Et
questo vorei fussi fatto dimane mero marti alia piu longa, et farmi sapere
a che hora protrete esser qui '^accio io anco possi fare che 1' amico mio
sia qui, et con questo mi vi racco'^^si cuore.

H'T V" Giouabatta Agnello. In Casa.

[Colonial 34. Domestic Eliz., cxii, No. 25, ii.]

Contratto fatto d'accordo fatta tra Michele Lok, Inghilese, raercante,
di Londra di vna parte, et Giouan Baptista Agnello, Vinetiano, residente
in Londra di altra parte, come seguita.

Detto Michele Lok ha venduto et vende a detto Giouan Baptista
Agnello la quantita di cento tonelli (si tanto si puo haueve) di vinti
centanari il tonello, cioe di libre cento et duodeci del peso di Londra per
ogani centanaro di terra o altra materia minerale di sorte tale quale
detto Michele ha datto al detto Giouan Baptista vna pezza per mostro,
laquale pezza sta posta in vna scatoletta sigillata con sigilli lori, et
detta scatoletta sta posta dentro vna cassetta serrata con due serra-
ture et le chaue di quelle sono in custodia loro, et detta cassetta e dato
in mano et custodia di per guardarla a vso loro per mostro

quando sara bisogno. La quale detta terra, o meteria minerale di sorte
sopra detta, o altrimenti di sorte tale quale detto Giouan Baptista o
altro per lui uuole truouare et eligere in la terra nuouamente discorpar-
ta per Martin Forbiser, o in gli altre terre circonvisine da discoprire,
detto Michele promette a sua speza fare cauare di terra, et carigare in
nave, et portare a Londra (Dio mandando la naue a saluamento) et iui
consignare a detto Giouan Baptista, lui pagando si come promette di
pagare al detto Michele il precio di trenta lire moneta d'Inghilterra
per ogni tonello di quella, fra termino di xij mesi dipoi consignata in
Londra, cioe ogni tre mesi la quarta parte dela valuta al precio sopra
detto di quanto montara la quantita consignata di tempo in tempo. Et
per piu causione et securta di detto jMichele, il detto Giouan Baptista,

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAG'S. 1*01

promette et si contenta che la detta terra et altr'a materia mineiale
restara in mano et puotere di detto Michele come roba sua propria jn
che il sia satisfatto di detto pagamento di danari, eccetto la parte di
quella che detto Michele ha da consignare al detto Giouan Baptista
auanti mano per lauorare sopra il quale di poi si hauera di fare il paga-
mento sopra detto di tempo in tempo. Et piu il detto Giouan Baptista
promette al detto Michele di insegnare a liu o a un altro che per lui
sara assegnato, il uero muodo et Arte che detto Giouan Baptista vsara
per cauare gli metalli dal detta terra o materia minerale, fra termino di
sei mesi dipoi la consignatione dela prima parte di detta terra o materia
minerale in Londra, et ancora dareli in scritto gli regoli et vero muodo
di detto arte. Et per complire questo contratto il detto Michele et il
detto Giovan Baptista mutualmente Fun a I'altero se obligamo loro per-
sone et heredi et tutti beni di complire quanto di sopra hamo promesso.
et vogliano che questo contratto et seritto sia di tanto vigore et forsa
quanto saria il meglio et piu valido scritto et obligatione che si puoteria
fare secondo gli leggi d'Inghilterra o di altri leggi qual si vuoglia per
accomplimento di quello. Et in fede di tutto ambe due hanno sotto
scritti et sigillati questo et un altro simile copia con loro mano proprio.
Fatto adi xix di Marco, Anno 1576, in Londra, by me,

Michael Lok.

Jo. Giouabatta Agnello prometo confirmare quanti di sopra e detto et
per fede de cio ho sotto scritto di mia propria mano et sogelato di
mio sugello. \_Seal.^

ly Jhon Barkeley, knighte, doo bynde my selfe, my heyres, executors,
and assings to fuUfyll all these covenants, articles, and agremts here above
written to, and w^^i one JNIychaell Lock, of the citie of London, merchant,
well one Jhon Baptyste Agnello hath promysed and here above co-
venanted to and wtb the above said Mychell Locke, yn as ample mann'' as
the sayde Jhon Baptyste ys bownde by the aforesayde covenants to full-
fill the same, yn wytnes wherof I have wrytten and syngned thys byll
w'-'i my owne hande and name, and sealyed the same also w*^ my scale
of armes even the 19'^ day of Marche, Ano. Dm. 1576, by me,

Jhon Barkeley.

ISeal.-}

^Colonial 34. Domestic Eliz., cxii, No. 25, iii.]

Magco et Honordo S'" Lok,

Mic venuto all' orecchie vn certo tuono inaspettato quale mi ha fatto
inarassiglia re molto, considerando la promessa vostra mi facesti di tener
el negocio nostro secrete la qual cosa nou hauete fatto, anci hauete cer-
cato per tutta Londra se vi fassi qual cuno sapessi far quello ch' io ho
fatto, senza proposito alcuno, et mancando della fede : piu oltra hauete

10^ STATE PAPERS

pr6-tertc alia iieginA di dargli piro dieci per tonello di vna ccerta vostra
mmera', fotiddiiidossi sopra le mie parole, il chi fu contra quello mi pro-
metesti. Et se pur si doucua prescrire a sua Ma^^ qualcosa, io 1' harei
potuto fare con piu fondamento et honesta che non hauete fatto voi,
perche io gli harei parlato con sostaneia et del mio et non farni bello
delle mie forti che come hauete fatto voi. Et piu mi prometeste di
venir h sugellare el vostro scritto, et non 1' hauete fatto. Et anco mi
prometeste di portarmi el restante della vostra minera, et non 1' havete
maneo fatto, per il che io considerando tutte queste vostre qualita io son
deliberato di non sequitar piu oltra, per tanto vi prego rimandatemi el
mio scritto, et cercato chi meglio vi parera, ch' io per me non me ne
voglio piu impaciare in conteniuno, et vi protest© oli non mandar per
detto minera per mio conto ch' io non la voglio hauer in conto niuno.
Et conquesto miracco^o di cuore, et prego Dio vi dia meglior fortuna con
altri. Questo di x Aprile del 77. In casa.

H'3 Vo Giouabatta Agnello.
Al Molto Magco Sr Michiel Lok.
1577 Jno Bapta Agnello. Rec^i the 3 April, 1577.

[Colonial^ East Indies, No. 28. Domestic Eliz., cxix, No. 31.]

MK. MARTIN FURBISHERS PETITION TO HER MAJ^^ TO BE GRANTED
TO HER IN RESPECT OP HIS TRAVAIL ALLREADY, AND HERE-
AFTER TO BE BESTOWED IN DISCOVERIE OP NEAV LANDS.

That it maye please yo^" Ma^Je in respect of the late discoveries I have
made to the north west, and my greate charges and travaill performed
therin to graunte to me and myne heires, for ever under yo^' Mamies let-
ters pattentes, the high Admirall-shipp by sea, as well of all those seas
alreadie by me discovered or hereafter to be discovered as also duringe
my life the government and order by land of suche people of what na-
ture soever they shalbe that shall inhabitt in any parte of those dis-
coveries made or to be made by me and the same to be executed by my
self or sufficiente deputie w^^ suche consideration of fee or allowunce for
thexecucion therof as shall beste please yor Matio to bestowe on me for
the same.

Ffurther, that it male please yo^" Matie to graunte me duringe my life
for my travaill and service performed in thies discoveries fyve powndes
of the cleare gaine of every c^^^. that shalbe brought owte of the landes
or islandes discovered or hereafter to be discovered by me to the north-
west. And after my deathe to myne heires forever xxs, 5, of every c"™.
of cleare gaynes to be brought as aforesaid.

Item, that I male make free yerelie, duringe my life, of this voyage,

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 103

six persons, so that for the firste yere they comme not in w'h above cum.
stocke, and after to adventure as all others shall do by order.

And also that every shipp fraighted yerelie into thies new discoveries
in consideracion of the greate care I must take of theim bothe in ap-
pointinge apte men to take charge of their shipps, and also must in-
struct theim by sondrie orders and observacions how to holde companie
w^^ me shall, duringe my life, give me one toone fraight of every c.
toones to be brought from those places to be paide me in monie by the
owner or owners of those shipps accordinge to the value they shall re-
ceave or to carrie me the fraight of one toone at my choise.

[Colonial, East Indies, No. 32. Domestic Eliz., cxix, No. 33. )

A BRYEF NOTE OF THE COSTE AND CHARGE OF THE IIJ SHIPPS
AND FURNYTURE FOR THE SECOND VOYAGE FOR CATHAI,
ETC.

li.

For the shyp Ayde, to the Queues Matie . . . 750

For the ij barkes Gabriel and Michael, w^b almaner furny-

ture and ordonans ..... 400

For new buyldinge and translating the same ships and for

new tackelyng and implementes .
For ordenans and munytion new bought
For vyttelles .....

For wagys of men .....
For necessaryes, for the mynes and workmen
For marchandyse, for traffyke, and provision

Sum of all . . ^i.4400

This account is but gessed very nere the trewthe for that thaccounttes
are not yett brought in parfectlye.

And the whole stock of the venturars sett downe in certayntye as yet
dothe amonte but ..... 3000

Wherof is yet received but .... ^*.2500
And so thear lachethe in stock of the venturars to supplye

this whole charge ..... li.1400

Ffor the w^h summe of ^2.1400, the venturars are to take order pre-
sentlye to dyscharge the debt owinge to dyvers men for thinges had
for the furnyture of the said shyps and voyage, whiche is most humbly
beseched by Michael Lok, who hathe gyven his promesse to them for
the payment therof by order of the Coramyssyoners.

650

550

950

650

150

300

104 STATE PAPERS

{^Colonial, No. 29, Domestic Eliz.^ cxi, No. 49.]

A NOTE OF THE PROVISION AND FURNYTURE NECESSARYE FOR
THE SECOND YOYAGE FOR THE DYSCOURY'E OF KATHAI, &C.

A great peece of this charge cut of, for thare went but one shippe

and two barckes in this viage.

A shyp of cxi ton burden, w^ii tackelinge, ordenans, and li

munition ....... 1000

A ship of cxx ton burden, wtii tackelings, ordenans, and

munition ....... 800

ij barkes of burden xxv ton eche, wdi were in the first voiage,

w^^ their tackelinge, ordenans, and munition, wcii now they

have, and others to furnyshe and repayer the same, all . 450
V shallop, botes, wtii their takle and furniture, wherof ij

wtii close overlops at xx^^■ the pece, and iij open, at ilU the

pece ........

A ship of c ton burden, to be fraighted for fysshinge, in the
Stray tts where Furbysher was, and from thens to retorne,
wth one of the barks in valew ....

Sum of the shyps 2320^i
The vyttels for the 180 men, for the said ij shyps and ij
barkes, for xviij monthes, at xiijs. iiijc/. the monthe, for
eche man ....... ^^2160

To say in one ship 70 maryners, another 60 maryners, in
the ij barkes 30 mariners, and twenty men of ofiyces and
artyfyce.
The wages before hand of those 180 men, for their provi-
sion, at iiij^i the man, one w^^ another . . . UQQO

Sum of all this— ^I'oOSO
The marchandyse for stock, clothes, 50 carseys, 200 cottons,
40 frizes, 10 tyn ijm. leade, ijm. coppar, and kettelsijm.
and all other marchandyse .... ^{1200

Sum of all— ^z6280

That it would please the Queues Ma^ie to graunt her letters patentts
of priviledge in the Corparation to the fyrst Venturars and their suc-
cessors, in ample maner.

That it would please Her Ma"e also to graunt auctoritie to Mr.
Frobysher, for the governement of the men in obediens.

That warrant may be graunted to take vyttells at reasonable pryces, and

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 105

to prest men at reasonable wagys, and to take shyps at reasonable
praysement for the sarvyce of this voyage, yf the Quenes Ma'^ies shyps
doo not sarve.

That order may be taken by agrement of the venturars for offycers for
the good governement of the Company, and the mayntaynans of their
pry vyledges, and to take the charge of the whole busynes and accountts.

That the shyps may be redy to departe on their voyage by the x day
of Marche.

That men may be named by secret commission, to supplye the charge
of Mr. Frobysher and Mr. Hawlle, vppon any myshappe, and to be
kept secret vntill tyme of nede.

[Colonial 33. Dornestic Eliz. cxi. No. 48, i.J
26 of Marche, 1577.

SIIIPPINGE THOAVT MYET TO BE EMPLOYDE IN THE VIAGE
ENTENTED BY MR. EURBUSHEE, viz. :

Tons. Mariners. Soldiers.

The Ayde . . 200 65 25 ^

The Gabiiell . . 15 10 3 j. Men 115

The Myghell . . 25 10 2J

240 85 30

A preportion of vittouls for the said 115 men.

(Bysket 16 tons.) Item bysket for v monthes of 28 dales
to the monthe contayneng 140 dales after the rate of \li
per man per diem, xiiij'"'^ iij c. iij quarters at xiij s. iiij ct.
per c. . . . . . . . 95 16 8

(Meale 30 tons.) Item meale for xiij monthes contayneng
364 dales, 240 barrells contayneng eche barrell iiij
bushels wchmaketh 960 bushells at iiijs per bushell, 192^i
mor for the barrells and gryndinge at xxs. per barrell
19 10 mownts . . . . . . 211 10

(Biere 80^ tons.) Biere for vi monthes conteyaneng 168
dales after the computation of one gallone aman per daie
80^ ton at 211 5s per ton wtii caske iron whoopes and
chardges . . . . . . . 181 2 6

(Wyne 5 tons.) Malmsey and secke v tons at xx^i per ton 100

(Biefe 5 tons.) Bieffe for iij monthes having fleshe dales
48, at \li a man per diem, V\y^^ iiij*^ weight grose at
xiiijs per c weight 51 16 0. Item for baye sawlte to
preserve the same 55 bushels at ijs per bushell 5 10 0.

106

STATE PAPERS

Item for iiij tons ij hogsheads of caske to packe the same

in at xs per ton, 2 5 mounts ....
(Porke 15^ tons.) Porke for 15 lieke monthes contayneng

240 dales after the rate of III weight aman per diem,

xxiiijmi viijc xxiiij li weight at xiiijs per c weight

173 15 more for 186 bushels sawlte at ijs. 18 12

more for 15 ton ^ of caske at 10s per ton, 7 15 mownts
(Peasee 10 tons.) Item pease for 288 fleshe daies in the

18 monthes as afore saied allowinge to iiij men 1 qt of

pease per diem, 258 bushels at 3s per bushell 38 14

more for 10 tons of caske, 5 0.
(Stocke fyshe 2^ tons.) Stocke fyshe for 108 daies in ix

monthes, as afore saied at 1 quarter of a fyshe aman

per diem, iij^^^c fyshes at ijli per c . . .

(Butter 2 tons.) Butter for the saied 108 daies at 1 quarter

of a li weight eche man per diem, 3,105 li weight salte

at iiijd per ^4 51 15 more, for waste 250 li weight at

iiijd per li weight 4 3 4.
(Chiese 4 tons.) Chiese for other 108 daies at half-a-Zt

weight aman per diem 6210 li weight subtill more 500 li

weight for allowans of waste amowntinge in the wholle

to 6710 li weight at xvjs viijd per c weight
(Otmeale 1^ ton.) Item otemeale 40 bushels towardes the

suplyenge the want of fyshe
(Riese l^ ton,) Item riese for the lieke cause 2000 oz.

Item caske to stowe the saied otmeale and riese in iij

tons at xs per ton. ....

Item honney ij barrells at iij^i vis viijd per barrell

Item sallet oyle 1 hogshead
(Provision for store 8 tons.) Item vyneger 1 ton

Item aquaviete ij hogsheads

Item musterseed iiij bushels

Item candles xij c weight at iijd per li

Item baye sawlte v ton at iiijli per ton
(Woode 14 tons.) Item wood xiiij^i at xiijs iiijd per j^"
(Sea coales 30 tons.) Item sea coales 20 chawders at

xiijs iiijd per chawders .
(Charcoale 1 ton.) Item charcoales 1 loade
Item fyshinge nets, fyshinge lyenes, hooks, harpinge irons

and suche lieke nessesaries
(Provision for sick men.) Item to alio we the surgeone

towards the furneshinge of his cheaste

Proynes 2 firkens .

Item reasons, almonds, liccores, etc.
(Provision for the apparelling of the men.) Item wollinge

59 11

200 2

43 14

55 II

6 13 4

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE,

107

clothe for jirkens, breche and hose, canvas and lynnenge

clothe for dublets and sherts, hats, caps, and shewes, etc.
(Chardgs). Item for land carrage, wharffage, labras

packinge of bief and pork, water carriage, and other

extraordennarie, etc. . ,

(Rigging, wages, and vittailes.) Item for the rigginge,

wages, and vittails of Ix men for ij monthes to end the

last of Aprille next at xxijs vid aman per mensem
(Prest monney vppon wages.) Item for the too monthes

wages to be emprested to the company at i^li per man .
(Merchandizes). For provision of merchandizes .
(The Ayde). The Ayde the firste penny .

Item more to furnishe her w^^^ ordenance, takle, apparrell

and monytions, etc. .

(The Gabriel].) The Gabriell throwghly perfected in all

respects .......

(The Myghell.) The Myghell in lieke sorte

Item ij shallopes ......

2582 3 4
Sum of tons 226 tons ^

Sum of monney 3778^4 2 10

Item for the hier of a ship of cxx tons to waight

vpon the ships to the Straight, etc. . . 500^2." 4278 2 10

Item for divers extraordinary chardges . . . 221 17 2

Sum of all ^14500 J4500

100

127 10

230

500

750

450

180

[Colonial East Indies, No. 50. Domestic cxix, No. 41.]

THE NAMES OF THE VENTURARS IN THE SECOND VOYAGE FOR
CATHAIA, &C , BESYDES THEIR VENTURE IN THE FIRST
iJ^OYAGE.

The Queues Matie .

1000

The Privie Counsell.

The Lord Highe Treasorer, 50 . . . . .100

The Lord Highe Admirall

100

The Lord Chamberlayne, 50

100

The Erie of Warwyke, 50 .

100

The Erie of Bedford, 25 .

The Erie of Leycester

100

Mr. Treasorer

Mr. Controller

Mr. Secretarie Walsyngham

200

10»

STATE

PAPERS

Other Yenturars.

The Erie of Pembroke . . . . . .150

The Countesse of Warwyke

The Countesse of Pembroke, 25

The Lady Anne Talbot, 25

The Lord Hounsdon

The Lord Charles Howard

Sir Henry Wallop, and others

. 200

Sir Thomas Gresham

100

Sir Leonell Duckett, 25

Sir William Wynter

200

Mr. Phillip Sydney, 25

— William Pellam

— Thomas Randolphe, 25

— George Wyntar ,

100

— Edward Dyar, 25

— Symon Boyer, 25

—

— Anthonye Jenkynson, 2

— Mathew Smythe

— Gefirey Turvyle .

— William Payntar

— Richard Boylland

— Mathew Ffyld, 25

— Edward Hogan .

— Richard Yonge .

— Thomas Allyn .

— Christofer Huddesdon

— William Ormshamc, 25

— Robert Kyndersley

— Michael Lok

200

lColo7iial, 33. Domestic Eliz., cxi. No. 48, ii.]

YERE 1577.
THE VENTURERS IN THE SECOND VOYAGE FOR CATHAY, ETC.

In the first voyage as folowethe.

li.

The Quenes Ma^ie

. 500

50 My Lord Highe Treasuror

. 100

50 My Lord Highe Admiral!

. 100

50 The Erie of Sussex

. 100

The Erie of Bedford

. 25

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE.

109

50 The Erie of Warwyke

100

50 The Erie of Leycester .

100

The Erie of Pembroke .

100

My Lord Hounsdowne

My Lord Charles Howard

Sir Frauneys Knowells .

Sir James Croft

25 Mr. Francys Walsyngham

25 Mr. Phillip Sydney

My Lady Anne Talbot .

Mrs. Mary Sydney

100 Sir Thomas Gresham

200

25 Sir Leonell Ducket

Sir Henery Knevet

2.'>

Sir William Wyntar

25 Mr. Thomas Randall

Mr. George Wyntar

25 Anthony Jenkynson

William Sakford

. 25

William Kyllygrew

Symon Boyer

Geffrey Turvyle .

William Payton .

Richard Boyland

100 Michael Lok

300

50 Edmond Hogan .

100

Mathew Fyld

100 William Bond, yonger

200

25 Mathew Kyndersley

Robert Kyndersley

. 50

25 Christofer Androwes

25 Robert Martin .

850 Henry Lok

Thomas Marshe .

William Ormshaw

Olyffe Burre

100

Thomas Chester ^

Thomas Kelke

Thomas Aldworthe ^ 0^ ^ristow
Robert Halton i

1225
All the 30 Marche 1577 li. 2000

110 STATE PAPERS

^Colonial, No. 33. Domestic Eliz., cxi, No. 48.]

REPORT UPON THE OUTFIT FOR THE SECOND VOYAGE.

It may please yor Lordships to understand, wheras you have by
yoi' letters, beringe date the xvii*^ of this present, requyred that wee
shulde take vppon vs the care of the thoroughe and speedy settinge
furthe to the seas of Mr. Furbusher, wth the shippinge thought meete
to passe vi^'^ him for the discoverie pretended. So it is that accordinge
to your honnorable comawndement wee have travelled in the same, and
do perceave as followeth : First, wee do finde as well by thexamynacion
of the said Mr. Furbusher, as also of the master that was wtii him in his
last viadge, and other of that company whom wee have particulerly ex-
amyned a part one from the other, and also vppon dyvers and sundry
other matters whiche wee have pervsed and weyed, that the supposed
Straight whiche Mr. Furbusher doth sett out is so farr fourth as we can
gather and judge a trueth, and therfore a thinge wurthie in our opynyons
to be followed. The nomber of shippes and other vessells w^ii the men
to go in them, the provicion of victuells to be made, w*^ all other neces-
saries fitt for to serve for the said viadge, wee have throughly considered
The charge therof, and haue sett downe the same in particulers whiche dothe amount

to set 3 ' -^

ships foorth to iiij™ v^ U, as by the said particulers subscribed w^i* our handes may

plainely appere, towardes the whiche wee do likewise finde that there is

Iiready^in ^^ proviciou as well in shippinge as other necesseries to the valewe of one

shipping thowsand powndes little more or lesse. So there is to be levied vppon

' suche as are, or will be the Adventurers, the residewe of the fornamed

To be yet some of iiij™ vc li, mowntinge to three thowsand five hundred powndes,

3500Zi. whiche matters before rehersed, wee have thought it meete and our

dueties to reveale the same, not only to yo^^ Honnors, but also to other

partners of that Company of Adventurers in the forsaid viage to

tll*e?that^ thend that the same beinge knowen, speedy order may be taken that

such as ar every person who hath entred into the Company, and sett downe suche

enti-ed into „ , .,, t ^^•^e>^•^L^ i

the Com- somes of money as they will adventure, that they do forthwith take order
dowa^thei^/* *o bringe in their said somes to Mr. Huggins, beinge appointed Treasorer
b?in?ujr?he ^^ *^^* Company, withoutt the whiche nothinge can be donne, and if it
samewt should be any longer deferred, tyme wolde not serve this yere to take the
Kothin'g can viage in hand. And thus havinge shewed to yC Lordshipps, and the
vniesseitbe I'sst, our travaills and opynyons in that behalf the whiche we leave to
ThTtyme"" ^^^ honnorablc consideracions, wee rest prayinge God to preserve you.
passeth,ai- London, the xxxt^^ of Marche. 1577.

most past '

for y is yere.

Yc Honnorable LL. to command,

W. Wynter, Tho. Randolph, G. Wynter,
A. Jenkinson, Edmond Hogan, Michael Lok.

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. Ill

[Colo/iial, 30. Domestic, ELiz., ex, No. 21.]

ARTICLES OF GRAUNT FROM THE QUEENe's MAJESTIE TO THE
COM.PANYE OF KATHAI.

That A, B, C, D, etc., all the names of the fyrst venturers, with M. a corpora-
Lok and M. Frobisher, in the fyrst vyage and attempt made for discovery tinngs to be
of Kathai and other newlandes by the north west wards, shalbe one b^com- ^'^
Companye and corporation for ever to them and their successors. pressed in

That the sayd Companye shalbe named the Companye of Kathai. charter of

That they shall haue pour and auctoritie to admytt others into their
corporation at their pleasurs.

That they shall haue poure and lybertie to assemble them selves and
to kepe courtes when and wher they will.

That thosse which shalbe assembled being xv in nomber at the lest,
shall haue poure and auctoritie to chosse a governore, ii consulls, and xii
assistantts, to continew in their ofiyce for terrae of iij yeres now nex
comyng, and afterwards to chuse ij governors, iiij consulls, and xxiiij
assystantts, to contynew in offiyce for iij yeres, and so to be renewed or
changed from iij yeres to iij yeres.

That thosse which shalbe so assembled in court in nomber and order
afforsayd, which the governor, ij consulls, and xij assystantts, shall haue
full poure and auctorytie to make lawes and ordynances and actes from
tyme to tyme as they seme good for the good order and govermentt of
the Companye, which shall bynd all the Companye to the dew obsarva-
tiou therof, and maye sett fynes and penalties uppon the transgressors
therof, and comytt them to pryson and attache their goodes untill they
performe them.

That they may haue a sargant or offycer or twayne to execute their
lawes and actes.

That they maye revok their former lawes, and mak other new lawes,
as maye seme good from tyme to tyme for the good goverment of the
Companye.

Thac they may haue a common seal.

That they may sewe and be sewed in all the courtes of the reame by
name of the Company of Kathai.

That they may purchase landes and tennements to the vallewe of one
hundreth poundes rent, and may sell and mak leases.

That they may possesse and enjoye all their goodes.

That they may do all thinges in as ample and beneficiall manner as
any other corporation may doo.

That they and their successors, and their factors, servantes, deputies,
and assignes, shall haue free lybertie, poure, auctoritie, and pryveledge
for ever at their will and pleasure, to sayll, goo, and otherwysse by any

112

STATE PAPERS

As much meanes to passe to and from all seas, waters, iles, landes, countryes, etc.,
shall not be saylinge or otherwysse passinge from England, northward, westward, or
the former" sowthewarde, or by any other poynt of the sea corapasse, betwene the

charters of northe, the west, and the southe, aswel under our banners and ensis^nes

the mer- .

chants of as otherwysse without them, with whatsoever shipps and other vessells,

Moscovia to , . , ,, 1 11

be accorded, and with all manner vythuall, munition and furnyture and necessaryes for
the same, and with all manner of marchaundis and goodes for to seke, dys-
cover, and fynd whatsoever seas, waters, iles, landes, regions, countryes, pro-
vences, and other places whatsoever, of whatsoever geutells, heathen,
infidells, or other nations, sett and beinge in whatsoever part of the
world, which before this tyme, and before the late vyage of discovery
made by Martyne Frobysher to the northewestwards hath been un-
knowne, or not commonly frequented, by the subjects of our reame of
England for trade of marchaundise. And also in the same seas, waters,
iles, landes, countryes, regions, provences, and other places, and to and
from the same, shall and may frelye at their wills and pleasurs from
hence fourth for ever, use traffic and trade of merchaundise, and other-
wise doo what soever bussines and thinges to them shall seme good and
convenyent for their owne proper vantage, comoditie, and proffyt, with-
out theirby incuringe any manner of penaltie, forfayture, or other
molestation or trowble whatsoever, notwithstandinge any pryveledge or
other actes, lawes, or thinges whatsoever to the contrarye herof in any
wysse.

That none other parson, subject, nor denyson of our realmes and
domynions, nor any other of whatsover nation, not beinge free of this
Corporation or Companye, shall passe by any meanes to nor from any of
the sayd seas, landes, etc., nor vyssett the same, nor therin do any featt
of marchaundise, nor other business, without the speciall consent and
lycence of the sayd Companye, under their common seall, graunted in
courtt or otherwysse then for the afFayres and bussines of the sayd Com-
panye by their order, uppon payne of losse and forfeyteure, ipso facto,
of all shipes, vessells, and goodes whatsoever, transported to or from any
of the sayd countryes or places, or the vallew therof, the halfe to the
Queue, the other halfe to the Company, to be taken or sewed for by
seasure or accyon of debt or otherwysse in any of the Queue's courtes, etc.

That to their best poure and abilitie they may forbyd, withstand, and
repullse all other parsons of whatsoever nation that shall dysturbe or
interrupt them, or intermedle in their trade of marchaundis or other-
wysse in any their attemptes in any of the sayd seas, lands, countrys,
or other places before sayd, without therby incuringe any penalties or
daunger of our lawes, etc.

That of all the marchaundis which they shall carrye out of our reames
and domynions they shall pay no more nor greater custome, subsedy,
nor other dewties unto us nor to our heyres, then is now dewe or shall
be dew to us by our subjectes by the lawes and customes of our reame.

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 113

That of all the goodes, wares, and raarchaundis which they shall
bringe into England from the countryes afforsayd they shall pay but
halfe eustome, subsedyes, and other dewties now dew to us. for the terme
of XX yeres now next ensewinge, and afterwardes shall paye to us and
our heyres for ever no more but 6£ of 100<£ of the vallew of the same
marchaundise that they shall bringe in, accordinge to the vallewation
therof, now vsed in our customs in London.

That they shall freeley and at their pleasure transport out of our
reames and domynions into any other reames and countryes all such
wares and marchaundis as they shall bringe in and not sell in our
domynions, free, without payment of any eustome or dewtie to us out-
wardes for the same, notwithstandinge any lawes to the countrarye, etc.

And furdermore, in consideration of the industry, good direction, and
great travayll of Michaill Lok of London, mercer, in the fyrst voyage
latelye attempted by Martyne Frobysher, gent., for dyscovery of Kathai
and other new landes by the northewestwards, we doo grauntt and will
that the sayd Michaill Lok shalbe the fyrst governore of the sayd Com-
panye, to contynew in that offyce for terme of his lyffe, except he will
resygne the same. And also in consideration of his great cost, charges,
and venture for the provision and furnyture of the forsayd fyrst voyage
of dyscoverye, we do graunt and will that he shall haue, receive, and
tak of the sayd Companye to his owne vse and behoffe for ever, the rate
of one of every hundreth of all the wares, goodes, and marchaundis that
shalbe browght into England or other countryes for accountt of the sayd
Companye, accordinge to the rate and vallewe therof in the payment of
eustome to the Queue's majestic.

And lykewyse, in consyderation of the industry, good order, and great
travayll of Martyne Frobysher, gent., in the execution of the fyrst voy-
age latly made in his own parson for the dyscovery of Cathai and other
new landes by the northewestwardes, we do grauntt and will that the
sayd Martyne Frobisher, dewringe terme of his naturall lyffe, shalbe
High Admyrall of all seas and waters, countryes, landes, and iles, as
well of Kathai as of all other countryes and places of new dyscovery.
And also in consyderation of his good sarvyce theirin, we do grauntt and
will that he shall haue, receave, and tak of the sayd Companye to his
owne proper vse and behoffe for ever the rate of one of every hundreth of
all the warres, goodes, and marchaundise that shalbe brought into
England or other countryes for accountt of the Companye, accordinge to
the rate and vallew therof in the payment of eustome to the Queue's
majestic.

That all the malle chyldren of all the fornamed parsons, which weare
fyrst venturers of the Companye, and also the heyres malle of every of
the sayd malle chyldren for ever, shalbe admytted into the lyberties and
pryveledges of the sayd Companye gratis from tyme to tyme.

114 STATE PAPERS

[Colonial, No. 31. Domestic Eliz., ex, No. 22.]

ARTICLES CONSENTED AND FULLY AGREEDE BY THE COMPANY
OF KATHAYE.

Thatt the Company shalbe named the Company of Kathay.

Thatt Michaell Lok shalbe Governour for vj yeres next ensuinge.

Thatt A. B. shalbe Consullor for iij yeres.

Thatt A. B. C. shalbe Assistante for iij yeres.

Thatt A. shalbe Agente for iij yeres, to doe all the buisness of the
Company, according to order of the Company, and shall have
stipende yerely.

Thatt Edmond Hogan shalbe Tresourror for iij yeres.

Thatt in consideracion of the industry, good direction, &payns takinge
of Michaell Lok in the first viage latly attempted for discouery of Kathay
& other new landes, by the Northwestwardes, and also of his great cost,
charges, and venture for the provision and furnyture of the same, he
shall haue, receiue & take of the Company to his owne vse for ever, the
rate of one of every 100, of all the wares, goodes and marchandise, thatt
shalbe brought into England or other countries for account of the Com-
pany, accordinge to the rate & valew therof in the payment of custome
to the Quene's Ma^ie.

Thatt in consideracion of the like industry, good order & great travile
of Martyn Frobisheir, gent., in the execution of the firste viage latly
made in his owne parson, for the discouery of Kathay and other new
landes by the Northwestwardes, he shalbe general Captayne by sea and
Admyrall of the shipps & navie of the Company duringe his life, and
shall have stipend yerely duringe his life, and also shall have,

receve & tak of the Company to his owne vse for ever the rate of one of
100 of all the wares, goodes and marchandise thatt shalbe brought into
England or other countries for accounpt of the Company, according to
the rate & valew therof in the payment of custome to the Quene's Ma'ie.

Thatt from hence forth for ever the some of one hundreth poundes of
Englishe money shalbe accompted one single parte or share in stok of
the Company.

Thatt every parson of this Company as well those w^^ now are the first
ventures as all others w^t hereafter shalbe free of this Company & wilbe
venturers, shall put into accompt for their stock one hr jdredth poundes
of English money, w^'^ shalbe accompted for one siagle parte and as
many more lik single partes as they please, nott beinge above five single
partes, and as the traffick from tyme to tyme will suffer to occupy great
stock.

Tliatt every one of the first venturers shall haue liberty to put in
stock doble nomber of single partes of any other of the venturers from
tyme to tyme.

SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST VOYAGE. 115

Thatt every new stock of new account from tyme to tyme shall con-
tenew for iij yeres, and att thatt tyme thaccompt therof shalbe clearly
made up and fynyshed, & therof divydent then shalbe made, <fe shalbe
paid to every one of the Company venturars in thatt accompt, or to the
heires or executors of those w^h shalbe deade in thatt meane tyme all
thatt shalbe founde dew to them vpon thaccompt accordinge to the rate
of their stok therin put.

Thatt all such parsons as shalbe admitted into the fredom of this
Company att this next cominge viage & venture to be made, shall paye
for a fyne xxx poundes towardes the charges and losses sustayned by the
venturers of firste viage made for discouery.

Thatt Mychaell Lok and Martyne Frobusher shalt haue libertye to
assigne x parsons to be admytted into the fredome of this Company
gratis, att their pleasure, thatt is to saye, each of them to assigne five
parsons.

Thatt no parson shalbe admitted into the fredome of this Company
after this next coming viadge to be made vntil the ende of iij yeres &
fynyshinge of that accompt.

Thatt all other parsons w^i shalbe admitted into the fredome of this
Company by redemption after the saide iij yeres tyme & ende of thatt
accompt, shall paye for afyne tow hundreth poundes of money, to the
vse and benefitt of the whole Company.

Thatt a competent howse and warehowse shalbe highred for the buis-
nes of the Company, and officers & servantts nedfull for the same.

Thatt all the goodes & marchaundise of the Company shalbe marked
wt'b the mark in the margent.

Thatt all the male children of all the forenamed parsons which weare
first venturers of this Company, & also the heires male of every of the
said male children for ever, shalbe admitted into the liberties & prive-
ledge of the saide Company (gratis) from tyme to tyme.

Thatt such of the Company as shall dye w'^^out male children may
give and assigne over his fredome of this Company to one other parson,
by his last will and testament.

[Colonial, East Indies, No. 26. Domestic, cxix. No. 32. J

A BRIEFF NOTE OF ALL THE COST AND CHARGE OF THE IJ
SHTPPS GABRIELL AND MICHAELL AND THEIR PYNNASSE
AVITH ALL THEIR FURNYTURE FOR THE FYRST VOYAGE
TO CATHAY, ETC., SENT WITH MARTYN FFURBISSHER IN
JUNE, ANNO 1567.

Iz.

Ffor the hull of the new shipp Gabriell . . . 83

For the new pynnasse of vij ton , . . . 20

For the shippe Micbaell, with old takle and furnyture . 120

116 STATE PAPERS, ETC.

For new takling and rigging them all
For ordenance and municion
For instrumentes of navegacion
For vittuall for the whole voyage
For men's wages paid before hand .
For marchandiz for traffick .

Sume of all the charge appering particularly bie

account ...... ^a418 17 4

And nowe wages and charges paid syns the retorne of

the shipps home untill the end of December anno. 1576 ^(195 111

Sume totall ..... liieVS 19 3

229

100

387

213

And all the whole stok of the adventurers sett down in

certaintie were but ..... 875

So there lakid in stok of the adventurers to supply the

whole charge ..... 11138 19 3

Ffor the which sume of ^i738 195 3d the venturers are to consider to-
wardes Mighell Lok, who did pay and disburse the same for them so
long tyme as thaccountes shall declare to his great hyndrans and
great danger if it had been lost.

After the retorne home of the said ij shipps were sold
divers parcells of the merchandiz and vittuall which
wold not kepe good as particularly by account apperith /ill 7 18 7

And all the rest of the shipps and goodes remayning were valued and
sold to the account of the second voyage as follows : —

For the marchandiz .....

For the ij shipps .....

For wyne and other victualls an divers implementes

Sume of the remayner sold and charged in account of the
second voyage .....

Sume of all the discharge of this first voyage amountes

So ther was left clare by this first voiage with the stok of
the adventurers must here untill God send better
successe ...... 800

And so restith still good in stok of this first voyage li75 Os Od which is
putt to the account of the second voiage with god
increasse ...... Ii75

liU8 5

400

147 15

696

813 19

ACCOUNT OF THE SECOND VOYAGE, WITH

THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO

MARTYNE FURBISHER.

Colonial J 39. Domestic EUz., cxiii. No. 12.

INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO MARTYNE FFURBISHER, GENT., FOR ORDERS TO
BE OBSERVED IN THE VIAGE NOWE RECOMMENDED TO HIM FOR
THE NORTH WEST PARTS AND CATHAY.

1. Fyrst, you shall entre as Captayne Generall into the
chardge and government of theise three vessels, viz., the
Ayde, the Gabriell, and the Michaell, w*^^ all that apper-
taynethe to them whatsoever.

2. Item, you shall appoint for the furnishing of the sayd
vessels, the nomber of 120 persons, whereof xc shalbee
maryners, gonneers, carpenters, and other necessarie men to
serve for the vse of the shippes : the other xxx to bee
moyners, fyners, merchants, and other necessarie persons
bothe to accompanie and attend vppon you w*^^ nomber you
shall not in any wise exceade.

3. Item, the victualls for vij monthes w'''^ is delivered into
the sayd shippes for the provision of the foresayd persons,
you shall carefully see the same expended and preserved
without spoyle or hurt taking by negligence.

4. Item, you shall not receave into yo'" companie anie
disordred person as neere as you may, and vppon knowledge
had to remove them except such as you have received by our
order yat were prisoners and condemned persons.

5. Item, you shall vse all diligence possible to depart
w^'^ yo'^ sayd vessells from hence before the xx*^^ of this

118 INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO

present, and to take yo'^ course by north or the west as the
wynds will best serve you.

6. Item, in yo"" waye outwards you shall, if it bee no
hinderance to yo^ viage, sett on land vppon the coast of
Friesland vi of the condemned persons w*^^ you carie w^^ you,
w*^^ weapons and vittualls suche as you maye conveniently
spare : and yf hit can not be don outwards, you shall doe
yo'^ endeavour to accomplishe the same in yo^ returne ; to
which persons you shall give instructions howe they may by
their good behaviour wyn the goodwill of the people of that
country, and also learne the state of the same : and yf you
sett them a land in yo*' goyng outwards, then doe your best to
speake w^^ them in yor returne.

7. Item, when you shall bee past the lands of England,
Scotland, or Ireland, you shall direct yo^ course withe all
yo*" vessels to the island called Hawls Island, beyng in the
entrance of the supposed Straight w"'^ wee name Furbisher's
Straight, discovered by yo'" selfe this last yeare. And in
yo' jorney thitherwards you shall have a speciall regard so
to order the matter as yo'" vessels doe not loose the companie
one of the other : and yf anie wilfulnesse or negligence shall
appeare in anie person or persons that shall have chardge (or
otherwise) in doyng of the contrarie then you shall sharply
punishe the same to the example of the rest.

8. Item, at your arrivall at Havv^ls Island you shall seek a
good harborrowe for the shippes as nere the same island as
may bee, and there to place yo'^ shippes in saftie ; and from
thence you shall repare w^^^ suche vessels and furniture as is
apt to the place where the mynerall oore was had w*^^ you
brought hither the last yeare, and there to place the moyeners
and other men to worcke and gather the oores foreseeyng
that they maye bee placed as well from danger and malice
of the people as from anye other extreamitie that maye
happen.

9. Item, when you have placed yo'' moyeners and other
persons as before is sayd, you shall then embarck yo^" selfe in

MARTYNE FFURBISHER. 119

one of the small barcks and take the other barck also w^^ you,
leaving the Ayde behind you in the chardge of some discreet
person as well to receave and lade the oores w'^^ shalbe gotten
as also to succour the worckmen ; w^^ the w^^ twoe barcks
you shall repare towards the place where yo^ men and boate
was taken from you, aiid in the waye goynge you shall make
searche bothe for good harborrowes, and also for other
moyennes : and yf vppon prooffe you shall fynd moyenes to
bee richer than those from whence you came, then you shall
returne to the fyrst worckes and remove the moyeners and
shippe to those other moyenes as you shall see cawse : and
the worckmen beyng once well settled, then you w^^ the
barcks shall proceade for the searching owt of yo^ men lost,
and also to discover L or a c (so farr) leagues westward more
from that place as ye maye be certayne that you are entred
into the South Sea ; and in yo^ passage to learne all that you
can, and not to tarye so longe from the Ayde and worckmen
but that you bee able to retorne homewards w^^ the shippes
in due tyme.

10. Item, to consider what places maye bee the most aptest
to make fortification, yf neede requyre to the defence of the
moyeners and possessynge of the countrie, and to bring per-
fect plottes and notes thereof.

11. Item, yf it bee possible you shall leave some persons
to wynter in the Straight, givyng them instructions how they
maye observe the nature of the ayre and state of the countrie,
and what tyme of the yeare the Straight is most free from
yse : w*^ whome you shall leave a suflScient proportion of
vittals and weapons, and also a pynnesse w^^ a carpenter and
thinges necessarie so well as maye bee.

12. Item, yf it shall happen that the moyenes do not yeald
the substance that is hoped for, then you shall furnishe the
twoe barckes w*^ such as you maye take owt of the Ayde,
and therewithal! you shall proceade towards the discovering
of Cathaya w^^^ the two barcks and returne the Ayde for
England agayne.

V^O INSTRUCTIONS, ETC.

lo. Item, as you shall mistrust rather to muche than any
thinge to litle towching the matter of yo'" salftie, when you
happen to come to have conference w^^ the people of those
parts where you shall arrive : so agayne wee requyre you,
that in all yo^' doynges you doe so behave yo^' selfe, and to
cawse yo^' companie to doe the like towards the sayd people
as maye gyve lest cawse of offence, and to procure as muche
as in you shall lye to wynne bothe frendshippe and likynge.

14. Item, yf you fynd that the oore bee of that qualitie
aiid quantitie that is looked for, that then you doe procure
to lade so muche therof in all yo^' shipping as maye bee, all-
thoughe you doe leave owte other superfluouse thinges.

15. Item, you shall make yo'" returne homewards by the
west parts of Ireland, and so by the narrowe seas of England
to London, for that wee doe take the same to bee yo'" salfest
course. And because wee doe not knowe what other matters
maye happen to you in the tyme of yo' jorney, and therfore
can not prescribe what is to bee done for yo'' reliefe in suche
a case : wee doe therfore referre the consideration of the
same to yo'' good discretion, not doubtyng but that the order
w°^ you will take therin shalbe agreeable w^^ the good ex-
pectation that is conceaved of you.

16. Item, w^ee doe not thinke it good you should bringe
hither above the nomber of iij or iiij or 8 or tenne at the
most of the people of that countrie : whereof some to be ould
and the other yonge whome wee mynd shall not returne
agayne thither ; and therfore you shall have great care howe
you doe take them for avoidyng of offence towards them and
the contrie.

Lastlie we thincke it verie meete that you geve expresse
commaundement vnto the fyners and tryers of the oore that
they doe not dyscover the secreats of the riches of suche
moynes as by you shall be founde out vnto anie besids your
self and such others as to you shall be thought fit should be
made acquaynted therwith for her M^^® better service in
that behalf.

A TRUE REPORTE

OF SUCH THINGS AS HAPNED IN THE SECOND VOYAGE

OP CAPTAYNE FROBYSHER, PRETENDED FOR THE DIS-

COVERIE OF A NEW PASSAGE TO CATAYA, CHINA,

AND THE EAST INDIA, BY THE NORTH WEST.

ANNO DO. 1577.

Beyng furnished with one tall shippe of hir Majesties, named
y^ Ayde, of two hundreth tunne, and two other small barkes,
the one named the Gabriell, the other the Michael, about
thirtie tunne a peece, being fitlie appointed with men, muni-
tion, victuals, and all things necessary for the voyage, the
sayde Captayne Frobysher, with the rest of his companie,
came aboorde his shippes riding at Blackwall, intending
(with God's help) to take y^ first winde and tyde serving him,
the five and twentith day of May, in theyeare of oure Lorde
God, a thousande five hundred seventie and seaven.

The names of such gentlemen as attempted this discoverie,
and the number of souldyoures and mariners in each shippe
as followeth.

Boord the Ayde being Admirall, were y^ number of one c
men of all sorts, whereof xxx or more were gentlemen and
souldyers, the rest sufficiente and tall saylors.

Aboorde the Gabriell being Vice-admirall, were in all 18
persons, whereof sixe were souldyers, the rest mariners.

Aboorde the Michaell were sixteene persons, whereof five
were souldyers, the rest mariners.

Aboorde the Ayde was : General of the whole company

THE SECOND VOYAGE

for hir Majesty, Martin Frobisher ; his Lieutenant, George
Best ; his Aunciente, Kichar. Philpot ; Corporal of y^ shot,
Frauncis Forder ; the rest of y^ gentlemen, Henry Carew,
Edmund Stafford, John Lee, — Harvie, Mathew Kynersley,
Abraham Lyns, Robert Kynersley, Frauncis Brackenburye,
William Armshow ; the Mayster, Chrisofer Hall ; the Mate,
Charles Jackman ; the Pylotte, Andrew Dyer ; the M.
Gunner, Bichard Coxe.

Aboorde the Gabriell was : Captayne, Edward Fenton ;
one gentleman, William Tamfield ; the Mayster, AVilliam
Smyth.

Aboorde the Michaell was : Captaine, Gilbert Yorke ; one
gentleman, Tho. Chamberlaine ; the Mayster, James Beare.

On Whitsonday, being the 26 of May, anno 1577, earely
in the morning we wayed ancker at Blackwall, and fell that
tyde downe to Gravesende, where we remayned untill
Monday at night.

On Monday morning the 27 of May, aboorde the Ayde
we receyved all the Communion, by the Minister of
Gravesende, and prepared us, as good Christians towardes
God, and resolute men for all fortunes : and towards nighte
we departed to Tilburie Hope.

Tewsday the 28 of Maye, aboute nine of the clocke at
nighte, we arrived at Harwitch in Essex, and there stayed,
for the taking in of certaine victualles, until Friday, being
the thirtith of May, during whyche tyme came letters from
the Lordes of the Counsell, streightelye commaunding oure
Generall, not to exceede hys complemente and number ap-
poynted hym, whyche was, one hundred and twentye per-
sons : whereuppon he discharged many proper men, whiche
wyth unwilling myndes departed.

He also dismissed all hys condemned men, whyche he
thoughte for some purposes verie needefull for the voyage,
and towardes nyghte upon Friday, the one and thirtith of
May, we sette sayle, and putte to seas agayne. And sayling

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 123

northwarde alonsrst the east coastes of Ena^lande and Scot- The first

•^ ° arrival 1

lande, the seaventh day of June, wee arrived in Sainte departure
Magnus Sounde in Orckney Ilandes, called in Latine iSe!^"^'
Orcades, and came to ancker on the south syde of the Bay.

Heere oure companye goyng on lande, the inhabitants of
these ilandes beganne to flee, as from the enemie, where-
uppon, the Lieutenante wylled everye man to staye togyther,
and wente hymselfe unto theyr houses, to declare what wee
were, and the cause of oure comming thyther, whyche
beeyng understoode, after their poore manner they friendly
entreated us, and brought us for oure money, such things
as they had. And heere our goldfynders found a mine of ^i™r°fouid
silver." ''^^^"'"^^•

Orkney is the principall of the lies of Orcades, and
standeth in the latitude of 59 degrees and a halfe. The
countrey is much subject to colde, aunswerable for suche a
climate, and yet yeeldeth some frutes, and sufficient mayn-
tenance for the people contented so poorely to live.

There is plentie ynough of poultrey, store of egges, fishe,
and fowle.

For theyr bread, they have oaten cakes, and theyr drinke
is ewes milke, and in some partes ale.

Their houses are but poore without, and sluttish ynough
within, and the people in nature thereunto agreeable.

For theyr fire, they burne heath and turffe, the countrey
in most parts being voyde of woode.

They have greate wante of leather, and desire our olde
shoes, apparell, and old ropes (before money) for their
victuals, and yet are they not ignorant of the Vcdue of our
coine. The chiefe towne is called Kyrway. Sw towne

In this iland hath bin sometime an abbey, or a religious st.^ugnus
house, called Saint Magnus, being on the west side of the ile, so"caiied. ^
whereof this sound beareth name, through whyche we passed.
Their Governeure, or chiefe lorde, is called the Lord Robert
Steward, who at oure being there, as wee understoode, was

124

THE SECOND VOYAGE

Great
bodies of
trees dryv-
ing in the
seas.

Monstrous
fish and
strange
fowle lyving
only by the
sea.

Water being
blacke and
smooth
signifieth
land to be

Islands of
ice.

The firste
syght of
Freese-
lande.

in durance at Edenburgh, by the Regent's commaundement
of Scotlande.

After we had provided us heere of matter sufficiente for our
voyage, the eyght of June we sette sayle agayne, and passing
through Saint Magnus Sounde, having a merrie winde by
night, came cleere, and lost sight of all the lande, and keep-
ing our course west-north-west by the space of two dayes,
the wind shifted upon us, so that we lay in traverse on
y^ seas, with contrarie, making good (as neere as we could)
our course to the westward, and sometime to the northward,
as the winde shifted. And heereabout we met with three
sayle of English fishermen from Iseland, bound homewarde,
by whome we wrote our letters unto our friends in England.
We traversed these seas by the space of 26 dayes, without
sight of any land, and met with much drift woode and whole
bodyes of trees. We saw many monsterous fishe, and strange
fowle, whyche seemed to live only by the sea, being there so
farre distant from anye lande. At length, God favoured us
with more prosperous windes, and after we hadde sayled
foure dayes with good wind in the poupe, the fourth of July
the Michaell (being formost a head) shotte off a peece of
ordinance, and stroke all hir sayles, supposing that they
descryed land, whyche by reason of the thicke mistes, they
could not make perfit : howbeit, as wel our accompt, as also
the greate alteration of the water, whiche became more
blacke and smooth, dyd playnely declare we were not farre
off the coast. Our Generall sent his Maister aboorde the
Michaell (who had bin within the yeare before) to beare in
with the place, to make proofe thereof, who descried not the
lande perfect, but sawe sundrie huge ilands of ise, which
we deemed to be not past twelve leagues from the shore, for
about tenne of the clocke at night, being the fourth of July,
the weather being more cleere, we made the land perfect, and
knew it to be Freeseland. And the heigth being taken
heere, we founde oureselves to be in the latitude of 60

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. l^eV

degrees and a halfe, and were fallen with the southermost
parte of this land. Betweene Orkney and Freesland are
reckoned leagues.

This Freeseland sheweth a ragged and high lande, having
the mountaynes almost covered with snow alongst the coast
full of drift ise, and seemeth almost inaccessible, and is Jl^crSed^
thought to be an iland in bignesse not inferior to England,
and is called of some authours Weast Freeseland, I thinke,
bycause it lyeth more weast than anye part of Europe. It
extendeth in latitude to the northward, verie farre as
seemed to us, and appeareth by a description set out by
two breethren, Nicholaus and Antonius Genoa, who being
driven off from Ireland with a violent tempest, made ship-
wracke heere, and were the first knowen Christians that
discovered this lande, aboute three hundred yeares sithence ;
and they have in their sea cardes set out everie part thereof,
and described the condition of the inhabitants, declaring
them to be as civill and religious people as we.^ And for so
much of this land as we have sayled alongst, comparing
their carde with y*^ coast, we find it very agreeable. This
coast seemeth to have good fishing, for we lying becalmed, kkidS'^
let fall a hooke without anye bayte, and presently caught a ^ ^"^"
great fish called a hollibut, which served the whole com-
panie for a days meate, and is dangerous meate for sur-
fetting. And sounding about five leagues ofi^ from the shore,
our lead brought up in the tallow a kind of corall almost whuecoraii
white, and small stones as bright as christall : and it is not ^"""'^"^^•
to be doubted but that this land may be found very rich

* The brothers referred to are Niccolo and Antonio Zeno, of Venice,
the former of whom, in 1380, made a voyage to the north, and was driven
by a storm to the Faroe Islands, whence he dispatched a letter to his
brother Antonio, urging him to find means to join him, which he did.
The account was published at Venice, in 1558, by Francisco Marcolini,
a descendant of the Zeno, and was compiled from the fragments of letters
written by Antonio Zeno to Carlo, his brother. The Faroe Islands are
the " Friseland," here referred to.

126 THE SECOND VOYAGE

and beneficiall if it were throughly discovered, although

we saw no creature there but little birds. It is a marvellous

thing to behold, of what great bignesse and depth some

Monstrous ilandcs of isc be heere, some seventy some eighty fadome

ilesofisein ' '' o ./

w\'er/h?nc'e undcr watcr, besides that which is above, seemyng ilands

supposed more than halfe a mile in circuite. All these ise are in tast

freshe, and seeme to be bredde in the sounds thereabouts,

or in some land neere the pole, and with the wind and tides

are driven alongst the coastes. We found none of these

islands of ise salt in taste, whereby appeareth they were not

The opinion cougealcd of the ocean sea water, which is always salt, but

frosenseas of somc Standing or little moving lakes or great fresh waters

bye^^e-^'' nccre the shore, caused eyther by melted snow from the

rience. , n r i •

tops of mountains, or by continuall accesse of fresh rivers
from the land, and intermingling with y^ sea water, bearing
yet the dominion (by the force of extreame frost) may cause
some part of salt water to freese so with it, and so seeme a
little brackish, but otherwise y^ maine sea freeseth not, and
therefore there is no mare glaciate or frozen sea as the
opinion hitherto hath bin. Our general proved landing
here twice, but by y'' suddaine fall of mistes (whereunto this
coast is much subject) he was like to lose sight of his ships,
and being greatly endangered with the driving ise alongst
the coast, was forced aboord, and faine to surceasse his pre-
tence till a better oportunitie might serve : and having
spent four dayes and nights sailing alongst this land, find-
ing the coast subject to such bitter cold and continuall
mistes, he determined to spend no more time therein, but to
beare out his course towards y'' streights called Frobishers
straights, after y^ generals name, who being the firste that
ever passed beyonde fifty-eight degrees to the northwards,
for any thing hath bin yet knowen of certainty of New
found land, otherwise called y« continent or firme land of
America; discovered y*' said streights this last yeare 1576,
Frobishers and hoDCth that there wil be found a thorough passage into

straightes.

OF MARTIN FROBlSIiER. 1^7

the sea, which lieth on the back side of y^ said New found
land called Mare Pacificum or Mare de Sur, by the which
we maye go unto Cataya, China, the East India, and all the
dominions of the Great Cane of Tartaria. Betweene Freese-
land and the straights we had one great storme, wherin
y® Michael was somewhat in dangler, havino^ hir steera2;e Thesteer-

•' _ & ' C5 ^ S age Of the

broken and hir top mastes blowen over bord, and being not ^54^^^^^
past fifty leagues short of y^ straightes by our accompt, we ^^™p^^*-
strooke sayle and lay a hull, fearing the continuance of the
storme, the wind being at the northeast, and having lost
company of the barkes in that flaw of wind, we happily
mette againe the 17 day of July, having the evening before
scene divers ilandes of fleeting ise, which gave an argument ^^e first
that we were not farre from land. Our Generall in y^ morn- s[rai\t3
ing from the maine top (y® weather being reasonable cleere)
descried land, but to be better assured, he sent the two
barkes two contrarie courses, wherby they might descrie
either the south or north forlande, the Ayde lying ofl" and
on at sea, with a small saile by an iland of ise, whiche was
the marke for us to meete togither agayne. And aboute
noone, the weather being more cleere, we made the North
Forlande perfite, which otherwise is called Halles Iland, and Haiies

^ ' ' iland.

also the small ilande bearing the name of the saide Hall,

whence the ore was taken uppe, whiche was broughte into

Englande this last yeare 1576, the said Hall being present

at the finding and taking up thereof, who was then maister

in the Gabriell withe Captayne Frobisher. At oure arrivall

heere, all the seas about this coast were so covered over with

huge quantitie of great ise that we thought these places

might only deserve the name of Mare Glaciate, and be called

the Isie Sea.

This North Forlande is thought to be devided from the The de-
scription
continente of the norther lande by a little sounde called of the

*' streyghtes.

Halle's Sounde, whiche maketh it an iland, and is thoughte
little lesse than the ile of AVight, and is the firste entrance of

128 THE SECOND VOYAGE

the streightes upon the norther side, and standeth in the
latitude of 62 degrees, 50 minutes, and is reckned from
Freeseland leagues. God having blessed us wyth so
happie a lande fall, we bare into the streightes whyche runne
in next hande weast, and somewhat to the northwarde, and
came as neere the shore as we mighte for the ise, and uppon
the eyghteenth day of July our Generall taking the gold
fynders with him, attempted to go on shore with a small
rowing pinnesse, upon the small iland where the ore was
taken up, to prove whether there were anye store thereof to
No more ^^ found, but he could not gette in all that iland a peece so

gold ore ' ^

Jhe"fym bigge as a walnutt, where the firste was founde, so that it
'^^"'^^' may seeme a greate miracle of God, that being only one rich
stone in all the iland, the same should be found by one of
our countrymen, whereby it shoulde appeare, God's divine
will and pleasure is, to have oure common wealth encreased
with no lesse abundance of His hyden treasures and golde
mynes than any other nation, and would that the fayth of
His Gospell and holy name should be published and en-
larged throughe all those corners of the earth, amongst these
idolatrous infidels. But oure men whiche sought the other
ilandes thereaboutes, found them all to have good store of
the ore, whereuppon our Generall with these good tidings
retourned aboorde aboute ten of the clocke at night, and was
joyfully welcomed of the companie with a volie of shotte.
E<rgesaud He brought egges, fowle, and a yong scale aboord, which
Metain- thc compauic hadde killed ashore, and having founde upon
to^catch^^ those ilandes ginnes set to catch fowle, and stickes new cut,
Sail. with other things, he well perceived that not long before
some of the countrey people had resorted thither. Having
therefore found these tokens of the peoples accesse in those
partes, and being in his firste voyage well acquainted with
their subtile and cruell disposition, he provided well for his
better safetie, and on Friday the ninteenth of July in the
morning early, with his best company of gentlemen and

OF MARTIN FRORISHKR. 129

souldioures to the number of fortie persons, went on shoare

aswell to discover the inlande and habitation of the people, as

also to fynd out some fitte harborowe for our shippes. iVnd

passing towardes the shoare with no small difficultie, by

reason of the abundance of ise whiche lay alongest the

coaste so thicke togither, that hardely any passage throuo-he

them might be discerned, we arrived at length upon the

maine of Halles greater iland, and founde there also, aswel

as in the other small ilands, good store of the ore. And

leaving his boats here with sufficient guarde passed up into

the countrey about two English miles, and recovered the top

of a high hill, on the top whereof our men made a columne

or crosse of stones heaped uppe of a good heighth togither

in good sorte, and solemnly sounded a trumpet, and said

certaine prayers, kneeling aboute the ancient, and honoured The build-
ing of a

the place by the name of Mount Warwicke, in remembrance caJr^""'
of the Right Honorable the Lord Ambrose Dudley, Erie of Ic'r '''"'■
Warwick, whose noble minde and good countenaunce in this,
as in all other good actions, gave great encouragement and
good furtherance. This done, we retired our companies, not
seeing any thing here worth further discoverie, the countrie
seeming barren and full of ragged mountaines, in most parts
covered with snow. And thus marching towards our boats,
we espied certaine of the countrey people on the top of
Mount Warwicke with a flag, wafting us backe againe, and The fi.st

. 1 . Ti' , . sight of the

makmsT great noise, with cries like the mowms: of bulls. couDt^e

'-' " Of people

seeming greatly desirous of conference with us : wheruppon ^^ftingwith
the General, being therewith better acquainted, answered
them again with the like cries, whereat, and with the noise
of our trumpets, they seemed greatly to rejoyce, skipping,
laughing, and dancing for joy. And hereuppon we made
signes unto them, holding up two fingers, commanding two
of our men to go aparte from our companies, wherby they
might doe the like. So that forthwith two of oure menne
and two of theirs mettc togither a good space from companie,

The order
of their
traffic-.

loO THE SECOND VOYAGE

The meet- neither partie havins: their weapons about them. Our men

lug apart of r n l

SmeT E^^^ them pinnes and pointes, and such trifles as they had.

tTa?co'In-°^ And they likewise bestowed on our men two bowe cases,
and such things as they had. They earnestly desired oure
men to go uppe into their countrie, and our men offered
them like kindnesse aboorde oure shippes, but neyther parte
(as it seemed) admitted or trusted the others curtesie. Their
manner of traffic is thus : they doe use to laye down of their
marchandise uppon the ground, so much as they meane to
parte withall, and so looking that the other partie, with
whome they make trade, shoulde doe the like, they them-
selves doe departe, and then, if they doe like of their marte,
they come againe, and take in exchange the others marchan-
dise, otherwise, if they like not, they take their owne and
departe. The day being thus well neare spent, in haste we
retired our companies into our boates againe, minding forth-
with to searche alongst the coast for some harborowe, fitte
for our shippes ; for the present necessitie thereof was much,
considering that all this while they lay off and on between
the two lands, being continually subject, as well to great
danger of fleeting yse, which environed them, as to the so-
dain flawes which the coast seemeth much subject unto. But
when the people perceived our departure, with great tokens
of affection they earnestly called us backe againe^ following
us almost to our boates : where uppon our generall taking
his maister with him, who was beste acquainted with their
maner, went apart unto two of them, meaning, if they could
lay sure holde upon them, forcibly to bryng them abord,
with intent to bestowe certain toyes and apparell upon the
one, and so to dismisse him with all arguments of curtesie,
and retaine the other for an interpreter. The generall and
his maister being met with their two companions togither,
after they hadde exchanged certaine thinges the one with the
other, one of the salvages for lacke of better marchandise,
cutte off the tayle of his coate (which is a chiefe ornament

Another
meeting of
two of our
men with
two of
theirs.

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 131

among them) and gave it unto oure general for a present.
But he presently upon a watchword given, with his maister
sodainely laid holde upon the two salvages. But the grounde
underfeete being slipperie, with the snow on the side of the
hill, thire handfast fayled, and their pray escaping, ranne
awaye, and lightlye recovered their bowe and arrowes,
which they had hid not farre from them behinde the rockes.
And being only two salvages in sight, they so fiercely, des-
perately, and with such furie assaulted and pursued our
srenerall and his maister, beins: altoo^ither unarmed, and not The Eug-
mistrustins^ their subtil ities, that they chased them to their ':^^.^^^ '"

^ 'J their boats.

boats, and hurte the generall in the buttocke with an arrow,
who the rather speedily fled backe, bycause they suspected
a greater number behind y® rocks. Our soldiers (which wer
commanded before to keepe their boates) perceiving the
danger, and hearing our men calling for shot, came speedily
to rescue, thinking there had bin a more number. But
when y® salvages heard y® shot of one of our calivers, and
yet (having first bestowed their arrows) they ran away, our
men speedily folowing them. But a servante of my Lorde
of Warwickes, called Nicholas Conyer, a good footeman, and
uncumbred with anye furniture, besides a dagger at his
backe, overtooke one of them, and beinsr a Cornishman, and one of that

o ' countrimen

a good wrastler, shewed his companion such a Cornishe '^'^®"-
tricke, that he made his sides ake against the grounde for a
moneth after. And so being stayed, he was taken alive, and
brought away, but the other escaped. Thus with their
straunge and newe praye, our men repaired to their boates,
and passed from the maine to a small iland of a myle com-
passe, where they resolved to tarrie all night, for even now
a sodaine storme was grown so great at sea, that by no
means they coulde recover their ships. And here every
man refreshed himselfe with a small portion of victualles,
whiche was laide into the boates for their dinners, having
neither eate nor drunke all the daye before. But bycause

IS!'^ THE SKCOND VOYAGE

they knewe not howe long the storme might laste, nor how
far off the ships might be put to sea, nor whether they should
ever recover them againe or not, they made great spare of
their victualles, as it greatly behoved them. For they knew
ful wel, that the beste cheare the countrey coulde yeelde
them, was golden rockes and stones, a harde foode to live
withall, and the people more readie to eate them, than to
o-ive them wherewithall to eate. And thus keeping verie
good watche and warde, they lay there al night upon harde
cliffes of snowe and ise, both wette, cold, and comfortlesse.

These things thus hapning with the company on lande,

the danger of the shippes at sea was no lesse perilous. For

within one houre after the generalls departing in y" morn-

ino-, by negligence of the cooke in over heating, and the

The Aide \Yorkman in making the chimney, the Aide was set on fire,

set on fire. , i i • r i i i

and had bin the confusion of the whole, it by chaunce a boye
espying it, it hadde not bin speedily with great labour and
Gods helpe well extinguished.

This dav also, were diverse stormes and flawes, and by
nine of the clocke at night the storme was growen so great,
and continued suche untill the morning, that it putte our
shippes at sea in no small peril, for having mountaines of
fleeting ise on every side, we went romer for one, and loofed
for another, some scraped us, and some happily escaped us,
The great that the Icast of all of them were as dangerous to strike as any
rocke, and able to have split asunder the strongest shippe of
the worlde. Wee had a scope of cleare withoute ise (as God
would), wherein we turned, beyng otherwise compassed on
everye side about, but so much was the winde, as so little
was our sea room, that being able to beare only our fore-
coast, we cast so oft about, that we made fourteene hordes
in eight glasses running, being but foure houres : but God
being our best steresman, and by y^ industry of Charles
Jackman and Andrew Dyer, then maisters mates, both very
expert mariners, and Richard Cox, the maister gunner, with

danger of
those rocks
of ise.

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 138

Other very careful! saylors, then within horde, and also by Nigiit wiih-

tii o 1 •! 1*1 •! T1 "^'^ darknes

the helpe or y® cleare nis^hts which are without darkenesse, intiiat

. , countrey.

we did happily avoyde those present daungers, whereat
since we have more marvelled than in the present daunger
feared, for that every man within horde, both better and
worse, had ynough to doe, with his handes to hale ropes,
and with his eyes to looke out for daunger. But the nexte
morning, being the 20 of July, as God would, the storme
ceased, and the general espying the shippes with his newe
captive and whole companie, came happilye aborde and re-
ported what hadde passed a shoare, whereupon, altogither
upon our knees, gave God humble and hartie thankes, for
that it hadde pleased him, from so speedy peril to send us
such speedie deliverance, and so from this norther shoare
we stroke over towards the southerland.

The one and twentieth of July, we discovered a bay,
which ranne into the lande, that seemed a likelv harborow omtirste

" commyDg

for our shippes, wherefore our general rowed thither with °°,';'j',e,.iaiid
hys boates, to make proofe thereof, and with his goldfinders sL-aigS!^
to searche for ore, having never assayed anye thing on the
south shoare as yet, and the first small iland whiche we
landed on, here all the sands and cliftes did so glister and
had so bright a marquesite, that it seemed all to be golde,
but upon tryal made, it proved no better than blacke leade Amyneof
and verified the proverb — All is not golde that shineth.

Upon the two and twentieth of July, we bare into the
sayd sounde, and came to anker a reasonable bredth off the
shoare, where, thynking our selves in good securitie, we
were greatly endangered with a peece of drift ise, which the
ebbe brought forth of the soundes, and came thwart us ere
we were aware. But the gentlemen and souldiers within
horde, taking great paynes at this pinche at the capstone,
overcame the most daunger thereof, and yet for all that
might be done, it t>troke on our sterne such a blowe, that we
feared least it had ijtrykcn away our rudder, and being forced

•ouud.

Smiths
Hand.

134 THE SECOND VOYAGE

to cut our cable in the hawse, were fayne to set our foresaile
to runne further up within, and if our sterage had not bin
stronger, than in the present time, we feared we had runne
the shippe upon the rocks, having a very narrowe channell
to turne in: but, as God woulde, al came well to passe. And

jaokmans this was nauicd Jackmans Sounde, after the name of the
maisters mate, who had first liking unto the place.

Upon a small ilande, within this sound, called Smiths
Hand (bycause he first set up his forge there), was founde a
myne of silver, but was not wonne out of the rockes without
great labour. Here our goldfynders made saye of suche ore
as they founde uppon the Northerlande, and founde foure
sortes thereof to holde golde in good quantitie. Upon an-
other small iland here was also founde a great deade fishe,
whiche, as it should seeme, had bin embayde with ise, and
was in proportion rounde like to a porpose, being about

The fynd- twclve footo lonsf, and in bi^jnesse answerable, havynsf a

iugofan ^' ^ ' .7 &

borne of two yardes long growing out of the snoute or nos-
trels. This home is wreathed and strayte, like in fashion
to a taper made of waxe, and maye truely be thoughte to be
the sea Unicorne. This home is to be scene and reserved
as a jewel, by the Queens majesties commandement in hir
wardrop of robes. The form whereof is here set down.

Tewsday, the three and twentyth of July, our general
with his best company of gentlemen, souldiers and saylers,
to the number of seaventie persons in all, marched with
aunciente displayde uppon the continent of the Southerlande
(the supposed continent of Americaj), where, commandyng
a trumpet to sounde a call for every man to repayre to the
auncient, he declared to the whole company, how much the
cause imported, for the service of hir majestic, our countrey,
our credites, and the safetie of our own lives, and therefore
required every man to be conformable to order and to be
directed by those he shoulde assigne. And appointed for
leaders, Captaine Fenton, Captain Yorke, and his lieutenant,

unicornes
home.

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 135

George Beste ; whiche done, we cast our selves into a rinsf,
and altogither uppon oure knees, gave God humble thankes,
for that it had pleased him of his greate goodnesse in pre-
serving us from such imminent dangers, to bestow so great
and hidden treasures upon us his poore and un worthy e ser-
vants, beseeching likewise the assistance of his holy spirite
so to deliver us in saftie, into our countrey, whereby the
light and truth of these secretes being known, it might re-
bound to the more honor of his holy name, and consequently
to the advancement of our common wealth. And so, in as
good sorte as the place suffered, we marched towardes the
tops of the mountains, which were no lesse painful in clym-
ing, than dangerous in descending, by reason of their steepe-
nesse and ise. And having passed about five miles by such
unweldie wayes, we returned unto oure ships, without sighte
of any people, or likelyhoode of habitation. Here diverse
of the gentlemen desired oure general to suffer them to the
number of twentie or thirtie persons, to marche up thirtie or
forty leagues in the countrie, to the ende they mighte dis-
cover the inlande, and do some acceptable service for their
countrey. But he not contented with the matter he sought
for, and well considering the short time he had in hande, and
the greedie desire our countrey hath to a present savour and
retourne of gayne, bent his whole indevour onely to finde a
mine, to fraight his ships, and to leave the reste (by God's
help) hereafter to be well accomplished. And therefore the
twentie sixte of Julye he departed over to the Northlande
with the two barkes, leaving the Ayde riding in Jackmans
Sound, and ment (after he had founde convenient harborowe,
and fraight there for his shippes) to discover further for the
passage. The barkes came the same night to anker in a
sound, upon the Northerland, where the tydes did runne so
swifte, and the place so subject to indraftes of ise, that by
reason thereof they were greatly endangered, and having
Ibunde a very rich myne, and got almostc twentie tunne of

loG THE SECOND VOYAGE

ore togither, upon the 28 of July, the ise come driving into
the Sounde where the barkes road, in such sort, that they
were therewith greatly distressed. And the Gabriell riding
asterne the Michaell, had hir cable gaulde asunder in the
hawse, with a peece of driving ise, and lost another anker,
and having but one cable and ancker lefte ; for she has loste
two before, and the ise still driving uppon hir, she was (by
Gods helpe) wel fenced from the daunger of the rest, by one
great iland of ise which came a grounde harde aheade of hir,
which, if it had not so chaunced, I think, surely she had bin
cast upon the rockes with the ise. The Michael mored
ancker upon this great ise, and roade under the lee therof :
but about midnight, by the weyght of it selfe, and the setting
of the tydes, the ise brake within halfc the barke's length,
and made unto the companie within bord, a sodaine and
fearefull noyse. The next flounde towarde the morning we
weyed ancker and went further uppe the straightes, and
leaving our ore behinde us which we had digged, for hast,

Bears Igft the placc bv the name of Beares Sound, after the mas-
ters name of the Michael, and named the iland Lecesters
Iland. In one of the small ilands here, we founde a tombe,
wherin the bones of a dead man lay togither, and our savage
being with us and demanded (by signes) whether his coun-
treymen had not slain this man and eat his flesh so from the
bones, he made signes to the contrarie, and that he was slain
with wolves and wilde beastes. Here also was founde hid
under stones good stoare offish, and sundrie other things of

Bridles, the inhabitants : as sleddes, bridles, kettels of fishe skinnes,

knives, and . iiiti

oilier in- kuivcs of bouc, and such Other like. And our savage de-

ytiumeuts '-'

found hid clared unto us the use of all those things. And taking in

among toe o O

rocks. j^-g ]^^j^(j Qj-jg q£ tJiose couiitrcy brydels, he caughte one of
our dogges, and hampred him handsomely therein, as we do
our horses, and with a whip in his hande, he taught the
dogge to drawe in a sledde, as we doe horses in a coatche,
setting himselfe thereuppon like a guide: so that we might

Sound.

Lecester
Hand.

A tombe
■with a dead
mans bone:
in it, found
at degrees
in latitude.

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 137

see, they use dogges for that purpose, as we doe our horses, ^^et^i"''^

great
dogges to
draw sleds
and little

And we founde since by experience, that the lesser sorte of dS^ieds
dosfores they feede fat, and keepe them as domesticall cattel dogs tor

^° •' . . their meate.

in their tentes, for their eating, and the greater sort serve
for the use of drawing theyr sleds.

The twentie ninth of July, about five leagues from Beare's Jountesses
Sound, we discovered a bay, which being fenced on eche ^^^^^'
side with small ilandes, lying of the mayne, whycli break
the force of the tydes, and make the place free from any in-
draftes of yse, did prove a very fitte harborow for our ships,
where we came to anker under a small iland, whiche now
togither with the sound, is called by the name of that right
honorable and vertuous lady, Anne, Countcsse of Warwicke.
And this is the furthest place that this yeare we have entred
uppc within the streyghtes, and is reconed from the cape of
the Queen's forelande, which is the entrance of the streights,
not above 30 leaorues. Upon this ilande was found ffood store Thirtie

, , . . leagues dis-

of the ore, which in the washing helde e^olde plainly to be covered

' o o L J Within the

seen: whereupon it was thoughte beste rather to loade here, stiajtes.
where there was store and indifferent good, than to seek
further for better, and spend time with jeopardie. And '
therefore oure generall setting the myners to worke, and

shewing fyrste a good president of a painefuU labourer and a

good

president

good

a good captaine in himselfe, gave good examples for others °^ l^s;
to follow him : whereuppon every man, both better and ca^^Sn ^
worse, with their best endevors, willingly laide to their help-
ing handes. And the nexte daye, being the 30 of July, the
MicJiaell was sente over to Jackmans Sounde for the Ayde
and whole companie to come thither. Upon the maine lande
over against the Countesse's Iland, we discovered and be-
helde to our great marvell, the poor caves and houses of '*^'i^\'"."»"

o ' ^ of their

those countrie people which serve them (as it shoulde seem) Jh°is^cotm-
for their winter dwellings, and are made two fadome under ^^^^'
grounde, in compasse rounde, like to an oven, being joyned
i'ast one bv another, having holes like to a fox or connv

138 THE SECOND VOYAGE

berrie, to keepe and come togither. They under- trench
these places with gutters, so that the water falling from
the hills above them, may slide away without their anoiance,
and are seated commonly in the foote of a hil, to shielde
them better from the colde winds, having their dore and
entrance ever open towardes the south.
bones^nsed From thc grouud upward they builde with whales bones,
JrmS! "^ ^or lacke of timber, whiche, bending one over another, are
handsomely compacted in the toppe togither, and are covered
over with scales' skinnes, whiche instead of tiles, fenceth them
from the rayne. In eache house they have only one roome,
having the one halfe of the floure raysed with broad stones
a foote higher than y^ other, whereon strawing mosse, they
make their nests to sleepe in. They defile these dennes
most filthylie with their beastly feeding, and dwell so long
The slut- in a place (as we thinke), untill their owne sluttishnesse

tishnesse

""eo^fr lothyng them, they are forced to seeke a sweeter ayre and a
new seate, and are (no doubt) a dispersed and wandring
nation, as the Tartarians, and live in hords and troupes,
withoute anye certayn abode, as may appeare by sundry
circumstances of our experience. Here our captive being

A si?ne set ashorc witli US, to declare y^ use of such thino-s as we saw,

up by the . o '

trve'^indTe ^^^J^ himsclfc alouc behind the company, and did set up
theS.^ five small stickes round in a circle, one by another, with one
smal bone placed just in y*^ middst of all: which thing when
one of our men perceived, he called us backe to behold
y^ matter, thinking that he had meant some charme or
witchcraft therin. But y"^ best conjecture we could make
thereof, was, that he would thereby his countreymen should
understand y' for our five men which they betrayed the last
yeare (whom he signified by y^ five sticks) he was taken and
kept prisoner, which he signified by y^ bone in y^ midst.
For afterwardes, when we shewed him the picture of his
countreyman, which y® last yeare was brought into England
(whose counterfet \\ c had drawne, with boale. and other fur-

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 139

niture^ both as he was in his own, and also in English aparell)

he was upon the suddayne muche amazed therat, and be- The savage

r J ' captive

holding advisedly the same with silence a good while, as ^^S^lli^^}
though he would streyne courtesie whether shoulde begin pictui-r^
y® speech (for he thoughte him no doubte a lively creature)
at length, began to question with him, as with his com-
panion, and finding him dumme and mute, seemed to sus-
pect him, as one disdaynful, and would with a little help
have growen into choller at the matter, until at last by feel-
ing and handling, he founde him but a deceiving picture.
And then with great noyse and cryes, ceased not wondering,
thinking that we coulde make menne live or die at our
pleasure.

And thereuppon calling the matter to hys remembrance,
he gave us plainely to understande by signes, that he had
knowledge of the taking of our five men the last yeare, and
confessing the manner of eche thing, numbred the five men
upon his five fingers, and poynted unto a boate in our ship,
which was like unto that wherein our men were betrayed.
And when we made him signes that they were slaine and
eaten, he earnestly denied, and made signes to the contrarie.

The last of July, the Michael retourned with the Aijde to
us from the Southerlande, and came to anker by us in the
Countesse of Warwicks Sounde, and reported that since we
departed from Jackmans Sound, there happened nothing
among them there greatly worth the remembraunce, until
the thirtieth day of July, when certaine of our companie
being ashore upon a small iland within the said Jackmans
Sound, neare the place where the Ayde roade, didde espie ^J^^J^^f
a long boate with divers of the countrie people therein, to sonsof'E
the number of eighteene or twentie persons, whom so soone oue'bofaJ"
as oure men perceived, they retourned speedily aboorde, to
give notice therof unto our companie. They might perceive
these people climbing up the toppe of a hill, where, with a
flagge, they wafted unto our shippc^, and made great out-

140

THE SECOND VOYAGE

'J'he ap-
parell
founde
againe of
oure Eng-
lishmen
whiche the
yeare before
were taken
.-aiitive.

cries and noises, like so many bulls. Here uppon our men
did presently man forth a small skiff, having not above sixe
or seaven persons therein whiche rowed neare the place
where those people were, to prove if they could have any
conference with them. But after this small boate was sente
a greater, beeyng well appoynted for their rescue, if neede
required.

As soone as they espied our companye comming neare
them, they tooke their boates and hasted awaye, either for
feare, either else for pollicie, to drawe our men from rescue
further within their danger : wherefore our men construing
their comming thither was but to seeke advauntage, followed
speedily after them, but they rowed so swiftly aAvay that our
men could come nothing neare them. Howbeit they failed
not of their beste endeavour in rowing, and having chased
them above tw^o myles into the sea, returned into their
shippes againe.

The morning following, being the first of August, Cap-
taine Yorke, with the 3IichaeU, came into Jackman's Sound,
and declared unto the company there, that the laste night's
past, he came to anker in a certaine baye (which sithens
was named Yorkes Sounde), aboute foure leagues distant
from Jackmans Sound, being putte to lewarde of that place
for lacke of winde, where he discovered certaine tents of the
countrie people, where going with his companye ashoare,
he entred into them, but founde the people departed, as it
shoulde seem, for feare of their comming. But amongest
sundrie straunge things whiche in these tentes they founde
there was rawe and newe killed fieshe of unknown sortes,
with dead carcasses and bones of dogs, and I know not
what. They also beheld (to their greatest marvaile) a
dublet of canvas, made after the Englishe fashion, a shirt, a
girdle, three shoes for contrarie feete and of unequal big-
nesse, which they well conjectured to be the apparell of our
five poorc cuuntricmen w hiche were intercepted the laste

OF MAUTI\ FROBISHER. 141

yeare by these countrie people, aboiite fiftye leagues from
this place farther within the straightes. Wherupon, our
men being in good hope that some of them might be here,
and yet living, the captaine devising for the best, lefte his
mind behind him in writing w4th pen, yncke, and paper also,
whereby our poore captive countriemen, if it mighte come
to their handes, misrhte knowe their friendes mindes, and a good de-

, , vice O' Cap-

of their arrivall, and likewise retourne their answer. And tame Yorke.
so without taking any thing away in their tentes, leaving
there also looking glasses, pointes, and other of our toyes
(the better to allure them by such friendly means) departed
aboorde hys barke, wyth intent to make haste to the Ayde,
to give notice unto the companye of all such things as he
had there discovered : and so ment to returne to these tents
againe, hoping, that he might by force or policie entrappe
or entice the people to some friendly conference. Which
things, when he had delivered to the company there, they
determined forthwith to goe in hande with the matter.
Hereuppon Caytaine Yorke, with the maister of the Ayde
and his mate (who, the night before, had bin at the tents,
and came over from the other side in the Michaell with him)
being accompanied with divers of the gentlemen and soul-
diers, to the number of 30 or 40 persons, in two small rowing
pinnesses, made towardes the place where the night before
they discovered the tents of those people, and, setting Charls
Jackman, being the master mate, ashor with a convenient
number over lande, mening to compasse them on the one
side, whilst the captaine with his boats might entrap them
on the other side. But landing at last at y^ place where the
night before they left them, they found them with their
tents removed. Notwithstanding, our men which marched
up into y® countrie, passing over two or three tedious
mountains, by chance espied certaine tentes in a valley
underneath them neare unto a creek e by the sea side,
whiche, bycause it was not the place where the guide had

142 THE SECOND VOYAGE

bin the night before, they judged them to be another com-
pany, and besetting them about, determined to take them if
have^boafs^^ they could. But they having quickly descried our companie,
bigue°S launched one great and another small boate, being about 16
The Eng. or 18 persous, and very narrowly escaping, put themselves

lishmen ^ - i • t i

pursue ^Q gg^ Whereupon our souldiers discharged their calivers and

tnose peo- -t

cJumrey'* followed them, thinking the noise therof being hearde to our
boats at sea, our men there woulde make what speede they
might to that place. And therupon, indeede, our men whiche
were in the boats (crossing uppon them in the mouth of the

Tbe swift sounde, whereby their passage was let from getting sea

rowing of ' -^ -^ '-^

those peo- ;^.oon^e^ wherciu it had bin impossible for us to overtake them
by rowing) forced them to put themselves ashore upon a
point of lande within the said sound (which upon the occa-

The BiouJy ^[q^i of the slaughter there was since named the Bloudie

Point. ^

Point) whereunto our men so speedily followed, that they

hadde little leysure lefte them to make any escape. But so

Yorkes soouo as thcv landed, eche of them brake his oare, thinking

Sound. -^ ^

by that meanes to prevent us in carying awaye their boates

for want of oares. And desperately retorning upon our

men, resisted them manfullye in their landing, so long as

Ahotskir- thevr arrows and dartes lasted; and, after gathering up those

laisb be- *' e-. cj i

j?ngHshand arrows which our men shot at them, yea, and plucking our

Suat.'ey.^''* arrowcs out of their bodies, encountred afresh againe, and

maintained their cause, until both weapons and life utterly

failed them. And when they founde they were mortally

Thedespe- "wounded, beinsT isrnorant what mercy meaneth, with deadly

rate nature " ^ o o ^ ' ./

plop?e.^ furie they cast themselves headlong from off the rocks into
the sea, least perhaps their enemies shoulde receive glory or
praye of their dead carcasses ; for they supposed us be
like to be canibales, or eaters of mans flesh. In this con-
flict one of our men was dangerouslie hurt in the bellie with
one of their arrowes, and of them were slayne five or sixe.
The rest by flight escaped among the rockes, saving two
women, whereof the one being old and ougly, our men

e taking
he WO-

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 143

thought she had bin a divell or some witch, and therefore
let her go: the other being yong, and combred with a suck-
ing childe at hir backe, hiding herselfe behinde the rocks,
was espied by one of oure men, who, supposing she had bin ^^^l
a man, shot through the heare of hir head, and pierced hir'chiid.
through the child's arme, whereupon she cried out, and was
taken, and our surgeon, meaning to heale hir child's arme,
applyed salves therunto. But, she not acquainted with such kind^o?sur-
kinde of surgerie, plucked those salves away, and, by con- NTtwr^'*^^'
tinuall licking with hir own tongue, not much unlike our
dogges, healed uppe the child's arme. And bycause the
daye was well neare spent, oure menne made haste unto the
reste of oure companie, which on the other side of the water
remained at the tents, where theye founde by the apparell,
letter, and other English furniture, that they were the same
companye whiche Captaine Yorke discovered the night be-
fore, having removed themselves from the place where he
left them. And now considering their sodaine flying from
our men, and their desperate manner of fighting, we beganne
to suspect that we hadde already heard the laste newes of
our men, whiche the laste yeare were betrayed of these peo-
ple. And considering, also, their ravenesse and bloudy dis-
position in eating anye kinde of rawe flesh or carrion,
howsoever stinking, it is to be thoughte that they had slaine
and devoured oure men. For the doublet whiche was
founde in their tentes had many therein, being made with
their arrowes and darts.

But nowe the night beinge at hande, our men with their
captives and suche poore stuflfe as they found in their tentes,
returned towardes their shippes ; when being at sea there
arose a sodaine flawe of winde, which was not a little dan-
gerous for their small boates. But, as God would, they
came all safely aboorde. And with these good newes they
retourned (as before mentioned) into the Countesse of War-
wicks Sound, unto us, and betweene Jackmans Sound,

144

THE SECOND VOYAGE

from whence they came, and the Countesse of Warwicks
Sound, betweene laud and land, beiuge thoughte the nar-
?(?wesfp'iace ^^^^cst placc of the straightes were judged nine leagues over
straightes ^t Icaste I and Jackmans Sounde being uppon the Souther-
over, lande, lyeth directlye almoste over againste ihe Countesses
Sound, as is reckned, scarce thirty leagues within the
straightes from the Queenes Cape, whiche is the entrance
of the Straightes of Southerland, being the supposed conti-
Queenes n^nt of America. This Cape being named Queene Eliza-
^*^®' beths Cape, standeth in the latitude of degrees and a
halfe to the northwardes of Newefound lande, and uppon
the same continent, for any thing that is yet knowen to the
contrarie.

Having now got a woman captive for the comfort of our
of ui'e m'?e^ niau, wc brought them both togither, and every man with
twISarfives silcncc desired to beholde the manner of their meeting and
entertain- entertainment, the whiche was more worth the beholdini<

ment. ^

than can be well expressed by writing. At theyr first en-
countering, they behelde cache the other very wistly a good
space, withoute speeche or worde uttered, with greate
change of coloure and countenance, as though it seemed the
greefe and disdeyne of their captivitie had taken away the
use of their tongues and utterance : the woman at the firsft
verie suddaynely, as though she disdeyncd or regarded not
the man, turned away and beganne to sing, as though she
minded another matter : but being agayne broughte to-
gyther, the man brake up the silence first, and with sterne
and stayed "countenance beganne to tell a long solemne tale
to the woman, whereunto she gave good hearing, and inter-
rupted him nothing till he had finished, and, afterwards
being grow en into more familiar acquaintance by speech,
were turned togither, so that (I think) the one would hardly
have lived without the comfort of the other. And, for so
muche as we could perceive, albeit they lived continually
togither, yet did they never use as man and wife, though

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 145

the woman spared not to do all necessarie things that apper-
teyned to a good huswife indifferently for them both, as in
making cleane their cabin, and every other thing that ap-
perteyned to his ease: for when hee was seasicke, shee would
make him cleane, she would kill and flea y® dogges for their
eating and dresse his meate. Only I thinke it worth the
noting the continencie of them both; for the man would
never shifte himselfe, except he had firste caused the woman
to depart out of his cabin, and they both were most shame-
fast least anye of their privie parts should be discovered, StiiSsr^"
eyther of themselves or any other body. Se'^of uiSa

On Monday, the sixth of August, the lieutenante, wyth Japiwes.
all the souldyers, for the better garde of the myners, and the
other things a shoare, pitched their tents in the Countesses
Ilande, and fortified the place for their better defence as well
as they could, and were to the number of forty persons :
when beinsf all at labour they misfht perceyve uppon the Auoiher

^ ./ o i ^ 1 r appearauce

toppe of a hill over against them a number of the countrey co^JJ^Jrie
people wafting with a flagge and making great outcries unto i'^'^p'®-
them, and were of the same companie whiche had encountred
lately our men upon the same shoare, being come to com-
playne their late losses and to entreate (as it seemed) for
restitution of the woman and chylde, whyche our men in the
late conflict had taken and brought away : whereuppon the
generall taking the savage captive with him, and setting the
woman where they mighte best perceyve hir, in the highest
place of the ilande, wente over so talk with them. Thys
captive at the fyrste enconntrie of hys friends, fell so out
into teares, that he could not speake a worde in a greate
space ; but, after a while, overcomming his kyndnesse, hee
talked at full wyth hys companyons, and bestowed friendly
uppon them suche toyes and trifles as we had gyven him,
whereby we noted that they are verie kynde one to the
other, and greatly sorrowfidl for the loss of their friendes.
Ourc generall by signes requyred his five men whyche they

the use of
writ ins?.

A letter
sent to tlie
five Kiig-
lish can-
tives.

146 THE SECOND VOYAGE

took captive the last yeare, and promised them not only to
releasse those whyche hee hadde taken, but also to reward
them wyth greate giftes and friendship. Oar savage made
signes in answere from them, that oure men shoulde be de-
lyvred us, and were yet living, and made signes lykewise
These peo. vinto US, that wee shoulde write oure letters unto them: for

pie know ' '

they knewe very -well the use we have of writing, and re-
ceyved knowledge thereof, eyther of oure poore captive
countreymen whyche they betrayed, or else by thys oure
newe captive who hathe scene us dayly write and repeate
agayne such wordes of hys language as we desired to learne :
but they, for thys nyght, bycause it was late, departed with-
out any letter, although they called earnestlie in haste for
the same. And the nexte mornyng earelie, beeyng the
seaventh of August, they called agayne for the letter,
whyche beeyng delyvred unto them, they speedily departed,
making signes wyth three fingers, and poyntyng to the
sunne, that they meante to returne wythin three dayes, un-
tyll whyche tyme we hearde no more of them : and, aboute
the tyme appoynted, they returned in suche sorte as you
shall after wardes heare.

Thys nyghte, bycause the people were very neere unto us,
the lieutenant caused the trumpet to sounde a call, and
everie man in the ilande repayring to the auntiente, he putte
them in mynde of the place so farre from theyr countrey
wherein they lived, and the danger of a multitude whyche
they were subject unto, if good watche and warde were
not kepte; for at everie lowe water the enimie myghte come
almost dryfoote from the mayne unto us, w^herefore hee
wylled every e man to prepare hym in good readynesse
uppon all soddayne occasions, and so giving the watch their
charge, the company departed to rest.

I thought the captaynes letter well worth the remembring,
not for the circumstance of curious enditing, but for the
substance and good meaning therein contayned, and there-

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. l47

fore have repeated heere the same, as by himselfe it was
hastilie written.

THE FORME OF MARTIN FROBISHERS LETTER TO THE
ENGLISHE CAPTIVES.

In the name of God, in whom we al beleve, who, I trust,
hath preserved your bodyes and souls amongst these infidels,
I commend me unto you. I will be glad to seeke by all
meanes you can devise, for your deliverance, eyther with
force or with any commodities within my shippes, which I
will not spare for your sakes, or anything else I can do for
you. I have aboord of theyrs a man, a woman, and a childe,
which I am contented to deliver for you ; but the man I
carried away from hence the laste yeare, is dead in Eng-
land. Moreover, you may declare unto them, that if they
deliver you not, I wyll not leave a manne alive in their
countrey. And thus unto God, whome I trust you do serve,
in haste I leave you, and to him we will dayly pray for you.
This Tuesdaye morning, the seaventh of August, anno 1577.
Yours to the uttermost of my power,

Martin Frobisher,

I have sent you by these bearers, pcnne, incke, and paper, rostsciipt.
to write backe unto me agayne, if personally you can not
come to certifye me of your estate.

Now, had the generall altered his determination for going
any further into the straights at this time, for any further '''|'e causo
discoverie of the passage, having taken a man and a woman f',ed noTui
of that countrey, whiche he thought sufficiente for the use Jcstraightes
of language; and having also mette wyth these people heere,
which intercepted his men the last yeare (as the apparell and
Knglislic furniture whiche was found in their tentes very
well declared), he knewe it was but labour lost to seeke
them further off, when he had found them there at hand.
And considering, also, the shorte time he had in hande, he

L 2

Bulwaike.

148 THE SECOND vm'AGP:

thoughte it best to bend his whole endevour for the getting
of rayne, and to leave the passage further to be discovered
hereafter. For his commission directed hym in this voyage
only for the searching of the gold ore, and to deferre the
further discouverie of the passage untill another tyme.

On Thurseday, the ninth of August, we beganne to make
a small fort for our defence in the Countesse Hand, and en-
trenched a corner of a cliffe, which on thre parts like a wall
of good heygth was compassed and well fenced with the sea,
and we finished the rest with caskes of earth to good pur-
pose, and this was called Bestes Bulwarke, after the lieu-
tenants name, who first devised the same. This was done
for that we suspected more least the desperate men might
oppresse us with multitude than any feare we had of their
force, weapons, or policie of battell, but as wisdome would
us in such place (so far from home), not to be of our selves
altogither carelesse : so the signes whiche cure captive made
unto us of the comming downe of his governoure or prince,
Their king which hc Called Catchoe, crave us occasion to foresee what

called ^

Catchoe. ii^\g]^i cusuc thereof; for he shewed by signes, that this
Catchoe was a man of higher stature far than any of our

honoured^ natiou is, and he is accustomed to be carried upon mens
shoulders.

Aboute midnighte the lieutenant caused a false alarme to
be given in the iland, to prove as well the readynesse of the
companie there a shoare, as also what help might be hoped
for upon the suddayne from the shyppes if neede so required,
and every part was found in good readynesse upon such a
suddayne.

Saturday, the eleventh of August, the people shewed
themselves agayne, and called unto us from the side of a hil
over against us. The generall (with good hope to heare of
hys men, and to have aunswer of his letter), wente over
unto them^ where they presented themselves, not above
thrte in sight, but were hidden in deedc in greater numbers

ged for

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 149

behynde the rockes, and makyng signes of delay with us to
entrappe some of us to redeeme theyr owne, did onely
seek advantage to trayne our boate aboute a poynte of lando
from sight of our companie : whereupon, our menne justly
suspecting them, kepte aloofe without their danger, and yette
sette one of our companie a shore, whyche tooke up a grcate a bifia.ei
blather whiche one of them offered us, and leavinge a looking Va^sg''"^
glass in the place, came into the boate agayne. In the meane
while, our men whyche stoode in the Countesses Hand to be-
hold, who might better discerne them, than those in the
boate, for that thev saw divers of the savaores creepin"^ be- ??"°r^t''|

' •' n r o the Knghsh

hynde the rocks towards our men: whereuppon the generall '^'^p^^^'^''-
presently returned without tidings of his men.

Concerning this blather which we receyved, our captive
made signes that it was given him to keepe water and drinke
in ; but we suspected rather it was gyven hym to swimmc '|'" what
and shifte away withall; for he and the woman sought divers Ijglivered!*^^
times to escape, having loosed our boates from a sterne our
shippes, and wee never a boate lefte to pursue them withall,
and had prevayled verie farrc, had they not bin verie timelie
espyed, and prevented therein.

After our generalls comming away from them, they mus-
tered themselves in our sight uppon the toppe of a hill, to iiiose
the number of twentic in a ranckc, all holdyn^jf handes over ii'iu"^\"g

' ./ o upon the

theyr heads, and dauncing, with greate noyse and songs to- '"" ^"'''"^^
gither, wee supposed they made thys daunce and shew for
us to understand, that we might take vew of theyr whole
companyes and force, meaninge belike, that we should doe
the same. And thus they continued uppon the hyll toppes
untyll nighte, when hearinge a peece of oure greate ordi-
nance, svhiche thundered in the hollo wnesse of the hygh
hylles, made unto them so fearefull a noyse, that they hadde
no greate wyll to tarrie long after. And this was done, more
to make them knowe oure force, than to do them anye hurte
at all.

A skirmish
showed to

150 THE SECOND VOYAGE

On Sunday, the twelfth of August, Captayne Fenton
trayned the companye, and made the souldyoures maine-
teyne skyrmishe among themselves, as well for theyr exer-
cise, as for the countrey people to beholde in what readynesse

those pec- Qurc monue were alwayes to bee founde ; for it was to bee
thoughte that they lay hydde in the hylles thereaboute, and
observed all the manner of our proceedings.

On Wensday, the foureteenth of August, our generall, wyth
two small boates, well appoynted ; for that he suspected the
countrey people to lye lurking thereaboute, wente up a cer-
tayne bay wythin the Countesses Sound, to search for ore,
and mette agayne wyth the countrey people, who so soone
as they saw our men, made greate outcryes, and with a

Their flags white flaggc made of blathers, sowed tbgythcr wyth the

made of

blathers, guttcs and siucwes of beastes, wafted us amayne unto them,
but shewed not above three of theyr companye. But when
wee came neere them, wee myght perceyve a greate multi-
tude creeping behynde the rocks, whyche gave us good
cause to suspecte theyr trayterous meaning : whcreuppon
we made them signes, that if they would lay their weapons
aside, and come forth, we woulde deale friendly with them,
although theyr intente was manifested unto us : but, for all
the signes of friendship we coulde make them, they came
still creeping towards us behinde the rockes to get more ad-
vantage of us, as though we had no eyes to see them, thinking
belike, that our single wittes could not discover so bare de-
vise and simple drifts of theyrs. Theyr spokesman earnestly
persuaded us, with many enticing notices, to come, eat, and
sleepe ashore, with great arguments of courtesie, and clap-
ping his bare handes over his head in token of peace and
innocencie, willed us to do the like. But, the better to
allure our hungry stomachs, he brought us a trimme bayte
of raw flesh, which, for fashion sake, with a boathooke, we
caught into our boate: but when the cunning cater perceived
his first cold morsell could nothing sharpen our stomacks,

OF AIA.RT1N' FROBISHER. 151

lie cast about for a new trayne of war me ileshe to procure
our appetites, wherefore he caused one of hys fellowes in Great
halting manner, to come forth as a lame man from behind
the rockes, and the better to declare his kindnesse in carving,
he hoysed him uppon his shoulders, and bringing him hard
to the water side where we were, lefte him there lymping,
as an easie pray to be taken of us. His hope was, that wc
would bite at this bayte, and spedily leape ashore within
their danger, whereby they might have apprehended some
of us, to ransome theyr friendes home againe, which before
we had taken : but, I doubt, our flesh is so sweete meate for
them, that they will hardly part from so good morsels, if we
come once ncre their handling. The gentlemen and soul-
diers had great will to encounter them ashore, but the gene-
rail more carefull by processe of time to winne them, than
wilfullie at the first to spoyle them, would in no wise ad-
mitte that any man shoulde put himselfe in hazarde ashore,
considering the matter he now entended was for the ore and
not for the conquest : notwithstanding, to prove this criples
footemanshippe, he gave liberty for one to shoote : where-
uppon, the criple having a parting blowe, lightly recovered
a rocke, and went awaye a true and no fained criple, and
hath learned his lesson for ever halting afore suche criples
againe. But his fellows whiche lay hid before, full quickely
there appeared in their likenesse, and maintained the skir-
mishe with theyr slings, bowes, and arrowes very fiercely,
and came as neere as the water suffered them : and with as
desperate minde as hath bin scene in any men, withoute
feare of shotte or any thing, followed us all along y^ coast,
but al their shot fel short of us, and are of little danger.
They had belay d al y^ coaste along for us, and being dis-
persed so, were not wel to be numbred, but we might dis-
cerne of them above one hundreth persons, and had cause
to suspect a greater number. And thus, withoute losse or
hurte, we returned to our shippes againe.

152 THE SECOND VOYAGE

Nowe, our worke growing towardes an end, and having
onely with five poore miners, and the helpe of a fewe gentle-
men and souldiers, brought aboorde almost twoo hundreth
tunne of golde ore, in the space of twentie dayes, every man
therewithal wel comforted, determined lustily to worke
afreshe for a bone voyage, to bring our laboure to a speedie
and happy ende.

And upon Wednesday, at night, being the one and
twentieth of August, we fully finished the whole worke.
And it was now good time to leave ; for, as the men were
wel wearied, so their shoes and clothes were well worne,
their baskets bottoms torne out, their tooles broken, and the
shippes reasonably well filled. Some with over-straining
themselves received hurtes not a little daungerous, some
having their bellies broken, and others their legges made
lame. And about this time y^ ise began to congeale and
freese about our ships sides a night, whiche gave us a good
argument of the sunnes declyning southwarde, and put us
in minde to make more haste homeward.

It is not a little worth the memorie, to the commendation
of the gentlemen and souldiers herein, who leaving all repu-
tation aparte with so great willingnesse, and with couragious
stomacks have themselves almost overcome in so short a
time, the difficultie of this so great a laboure. And this to
be true, the matter, if it be well wayed, without further
proofe, nowe brought home, dothe well witnesse, God graunt
for their forwarde mindes, they may be as well considered,
as theyr honest merites have well deserved.

Thurseday, the 22 of August, we plucked downe oure
tentes, and every man hasted homewarde, and making bone-
fires uppon the toppe of the highest mount of the ilanci, we
gave a vollie of shotte for a farewell, in honour of the right
Honourable Lady Anne, Countesse of Warwicke, whose
name it beareth, and so departed aboorde.

The 23 of August, having the wind large at west, wee

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 153

sette sayle from out of the Countesses Sound homeward, but
the winde calming, we came to anker within the poynt of
the same sound agayne.

The 24 of August, about three of the clocke in the morn-
ing, having the winde large at west, we sette sayle agayne,
and by nine of the clocke at nighte, we left the Queenes For-
land asterne us, and, being cleere of the Straytes, we bare
further into the mayne ocean, keeping our course more
southerly, to bring our selves the sooner under the latitude
of oure owne climate.

The wynde was very greate at sea, so that we laye a hull
all night, and had snowe halfe a foote deepe on the hatches, afo^tdeepe

From the 24 untill the 28, we had very muche winde,
but large keeping our course south south-east, and were
lyke to have lost the barkes, but by good happe we mette
agayne. The heygth being taken, we were in degrees

and a halfe.

The nine and twentieth of August, the winde blewe
muche at northeast, so that we coulde beare but onely a
hunt of our foresayle, and the barkes not being able to
carrie any sayle at all.

The Michaell lost company of us, and shaped hir course
towardes Orkney as we supposed, bycause that way was better
knowne unto them.

The thirtieth of August, with the force of the wynd, and a
surge of the sea, the mayster of the Gabriell and the boateson '^^^.^^^^^^
were stricken both overboorde, and hardly was the boateson st.iiSf'"^''
recovered, having holde on a roape hangmg overboorde m
the sea, and yet the barke was laced fore and afte with ropes
a breast high within boorde.

Thys mayster was called William Smyth, beeying but a
yong man, and a very sufficient maryner, who beeing all the
morning before exceeding pleasaunte, tolde hys captayne hee
dreamed that he was cast overboorde, and that the boateson
hadde hym by the hande, and could not save hym, and so

154 THE SECOND VOYAGE

immediately uppon the eude of hys tale, hys dreame came
right evelly to passe, and indeede the boteson in like sorte
helde hym by one hande, having hold on a rope with the
other, untill hys force fayled, and the mayster drowned. The
heygth being taken we found oure selves to bee in the
latitude of degrees and a halfe, and reckoned our selves

from the Queene's Cape homeward, about two hundreth
leagues.

The last of August, aboute midnighte we had two or three
great and suddayne flawes or stormes.

The firste of September, the storme was growne very
groate, and continued almoste the whole day and night, and
lying a hull to tarry for the barkes, our ship was much beaten
with the seas, every sea almoste overtaking oure poope, that
we were constrained with a bunte of oure saile, to try it oute,
and ease the rolling of oure shippe. And so the Gahriell
not able to beare any saile to keepe company with us, and
oure shippe being higher in the poope, and a tall shippe,
wheron the winde had more force to drive, went so fast
awaye, that we loste sighte of them, and lefte them to God and
their good fortune of sea. The seconde daye of September
in the morning, it pleased God of hys goodnesse to sonde us
riie rudder ^ (.^^[^-^g^ whcroby we perceived the rudder of oure shippe
torne in twaine, and almost ready to fall away. Wherefore
taking the benefite of the time, we flung halfe a dozen couple
of our best men overboard, who taking great paines under
water, driving plancks, and binding with ropes, did wel
strengthen and mend the matter, who returned the most
parte more than halfe deade out of the water, and as God's
pleasure was, the sea was calme untill the worke was finished.
The fifth of September, the height of the sun being taken,
we founde ourselves to be in the latitude of degrees

and a half. In this voyage commonly we took the latitude
of the place by y^ height of the sun, bycause the long day
taketh away the light not only of the polar, but also of all

of the Ayde
tome in
tw.iiiie.

OF MARTIN FROBTSHEK. 155

Other fixed starres. And here the north starre is so muche }^^.Y V^^

latitudes

elevated above the horizon, that with the stafFe it is hardly '^aylslakeu
to be wel observed, and the degrees in the Astrolobe are too \'oy^gl
small to observe minutes. Therefore we alwaies used the the staffe

thau Astro-

staffe and the sunne, as fittest instruments for this use. loi^e.

Having spent foure or five dayes in traverse of the seas
with contrarye winde, making oure souther way good as
neare as we could, to raise our degrees to bring ourselves
with the latitude of Sylley, we tooke the height the tenth of
September, and founde ourselves in the latitude of degrees
and ten minutes. The eleaventh of September about sixe
a clocke at night the wind came good southwest, we verde
short and sette oure course southest.

And upon Thursday, the twelfth day of September, taking
the height, we were in the latitude of and a halfe, and

reckened oure selves not paste one hundred and fiftie
leagues short of Sylley, the weather faire, the winde large
at west-south-west, we kepte our course southest.

The thirteenth daye the height being taken, we founde
ourselves to be in the latitude of degrees, the wind

west-south-west, then being in the height of Sylley, and we
kept our course east, to run in with the sleeve or channel so
called, being our narrow seas, and reckoned as shorte of
Sylley twelve leagues. Sonday, the fifteenth of September,
aboute foure of the clocke, wee began to sounde with oure
lead, and hadde grounde at sixty-one fadome depth, white
small sandie grounde, and reckned us upon the backe of
Sylley, and set our course easte and by north, eastc north-
easte, and north-east among.

The sixteenth of September, about eight of the clocke in
the morning sounding, we had sixty-five fadome osey sande,
and thought ourselves thwart of Saint Georges Channell a
a little within the bankes. And bearing a small spcile all
nighte, we made many soundings, whiche were aboute fortie
fadome, and so shallowc that we coulde not well tell where
we were.

156 THE SECOND VOYAGE

The seaventeenth of September we sounded, and had fortie
fadome, and were not farre off the landes end, branded sande
with small worms and cockle-shells, and were shotte be-
tweene Sylley and the landes ende, and bemg within the
baye, we were not able to double the pointe wyth a south and
by east way, but were fayne to make another boorde, the
wynde beeyng at southweast, and by weast, and yet could
not double the poynte, to come cleere of the landes ende, to
beare along the Channell : and the weather cleered up when
we were hard aboorde the shore, and we made the landes
ende perfite, and so put up alongst Sainte Georges Channell:
and the weather beeyng very foule at sea, we coveted some
harborough, bycause our steerage was broken, and so came
The arrivaii to aukcr in Padstowe roade in Cornewall. But riding there,

of the Ayde

in co7mmn ^ ^^^'Y daugcrous roade, we were advised by the countrey to
put to sea agayne, and of the two evils, to choose the lesse,
for there was nothing but present perill where we roade :
whereuppon we plyed along the Channell to gette to Londy,
from whence we were agayne driven, being but an open
roade, where our ancker came home, and with force of
weather put to seas agayne, and aboute the three and

Our coming twentith of September, arrived at Milforde Haven in Wales,
whyche beeyng a very good harborough, made us happy
men, that we hadde receyved suche longe desired safetie.
And more happie we helde our selves, not for the safetie of
ourselves so muche, as the comforte that we had that our
countrey shoulde thereby have perfecte knowledge of oure
discoverie, to the greate benefyte of oure common wealth.
Aboute one moneth after oure arrivaii heere, by order

rhe:urivaii froui the Lordes of the Counsell, the shippe came up to
Bristowe, where the ore was committed to keeping in the
castell there. Heere we founde the Gabriell, one of the
barkes, arrived in good safetie, who having never a man
within boorde very sufficient to bring home the shyppe, after
the mayster was lost, by good fortune, when she came upon

Jlnven.

nt the
Gabricll
at Bristow,

OF MARTIN FROBISHER. 157

the coast, mette with a shyppe of Bristowe at sea, who con-
ducted hir in safetie thither.

Here we heard good tidings also of the arrivall of the other ]S])®,^„,,^;
barke called the Michaell, in the north partes, whyche was the north
not a little joyful! unto us, that it pleased God so to bring us ^^
to a safe meeting agayne, and lost in all the voyage only one
man, besydes one that dyed at sea, whiche was sicke before man ci7ed in
he came aboord, and was so desirous to foUowe this enter-
prise, that he rather chose to dye therein, than not to be one
to attemptc so notable a voyage.

FINIS

[Another account of this Voyage was written by Master
Dionisi Settle, and will be found in tlic xii volume of
Pinkerion^ s Voyages and Travels. London, 181^.]

STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT TO THE
SECOND VOYAGE.

I. MR. LOCKES MEMORIAL.

II. ORDER FOR THE SHIPPES TO UNLOAD.

III. LIST OF THOSE THAT NOW DESYRE TO BE VENTUIlARS.

IV. WHAT MICHAEL LOK HATHE DONE FOR THE VOYAGE.

V. THE BRYEFE ACCOUNT OF THE EXPENSES OF THE SECOND VOYAGE.

STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE TRIAL OF THE ORE
SUBSEQUENT TO THE SECOND VOYAGE.

I. DR. BURCOT ON HIS TRIALE OF THE OWHE.
II. FROM MR. LOK WHAT CHARGES ARE REQUISITE FOR THE

FYNYNGE OF THE EWRE.
III. FROM MY LORDS TO MR. LOK TO COLLECT £900 OF THE VEN-
TURERS.
IV. FKOM MR. G. LE BRUM, TRYALL OF METAL FALLING NOT OWT.
V. FROM DR. BURCOT, A PROOFE OF HOW MUCH OOWLD AND SILVER

A POUND OF ORE YIELDETH.
VI. A LITTLE BUNDLE OF THE TRYEING OF THE NORTHWEST EWRE
VII. FROM DR. BURCHART TO MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TOUCHYNG
THE NORTHWEST EWRE.
VIII. A DECLARATION OF THE VALUE OF THE NORTHWEST EWRE.'

IX, FROM DR. BURCOT TOUCHYNG HIS CUNYNGE AND OFFER ABOUT

TRYINGE THE EWRE.
X. TO THE LORD TREASURER AND LORD CHAMBERLAIN ABOWTE

THE NORTHWEST EWRE.
XI. THE ACCOMPTE TAKEN AT MUSCOVIE HOUSE OF CC WEIGHT OF
THE EWRE.

STATE PAPERS
SUBSEQUENT TO THE SECOND VOYAGE.

[Colonial ^\. Domestic Eliz., cxv. No. 35.]

MR. LOCKES MEMORIAL.

To the Queries Ma'i'^« most honorable Privye Councell.
Maye it please yo^ honors in most humble maner to be advertised.
The ij ships Ayde and Gabriell are arived at Bristowe in saffetve
accordinge to yo"" honors orders.

And yf yo^ honor's doo think it good to dyseharge the ure on land The dis-
there yt may please yof honors to gyve order (under correction) the '"Sft
that Mr. Furbisher may delyver the same by weight, and that ^"^'°^^®'
the same may be kept in the castell or other saffe place there under iiij
severall lokes and keys wherof one w'li the Mayor of Bristowe, one w'''
Sir Richard Barkley, one w^i Mr. Furbisher, and one w^'' Michael Lok,
or any other of the venturars as shall seeme good to yo'" honors. Also
there is to be payd presently uppon the dyschargenge of the ships
ladynge viij^' poundes of money or more for the wagys of the souldiars
and maryners wd' have sarved w^'^i doo remayne styll at charges of the
companye for meate and wagys untill they be payd the w*"!! sayd money The wages
cannot be found in London uppon interest nor exchange notw^^standinge mo'Jjey'for^
the dyllygens used by the Commyssyoners to take up the same wherefore Jf ^jfe m*^^®
for the provision therof restethe but ij meanes. Fyrstyf it would please "ei-sand

sowldiers

the Queues Ma^'^ to prest the same for iij monthes untill the ore may be
melted downe wc^^ may be receved of her Mamies customars or other
ofFycers at Brystowe or ells the same must be ceassed and collected of all
the venturars accordinge to the rate of their stok ventured wt' would be
but xxv'' for every c^' of their venture, but it would be very longe tyme
and moche dyfficultye in collection.

Also the ship Michael is now in the Ryver of Tamys arived in safFety
by Gods grace and the same ship must be presently dyscharged at
London. And the Comyssioners doo think good to put the ure in safFe ''""*' '^'^^•
custodye in the howsse wher S'' Willm Wynter dothe now dwell at tile me at
S*- Katheryns hyll, where they have alredy made a furnace to melt ^"°"'^""-
downe the same. May it please yo»" honors to gyve order that the same
may also be delyvred by weight and kept under iiij loks and keys to bo

162 STATE PAPERS

[in] the custodye of Sr William Wyntar, Mr. Thomas Randall, Mr.

Furbisher, and Michael Lok or others as to yo^ honors [semethe] good.

Also yt may please yo^ honors to gyve ordre and auctoritie to the sayd

To^PiJoyte Commyssioners w^b are S'' William Wyntar, Mr. Thomas Randall, George

sioners to ^Yy^tar, Anthonye Jenkynson, Edmond Hogan, Michael Lok. And to

melting. ^ joyne to them Mr. Furbisher or any others that yo^ honors shall lyke

that they maye consulte and determyne for the spedye meltynge downe

of the ure bothe at London and at Brystowe.

Michael ^^^ wheras Michael Lok for the advancement of this voyages for the

re^ue?t. space of iij yeres of his own goodwyll hathe taken the paynes and charge

of kepyng all accountts to reconynces frely w^^^out any recompence,and

hathe byn named tresourer, thoughe he hathe had but lytle tresour in

his kepynge. Now yf yC" honors doo lyke well of his doynges acordinge

to his small power yt may plese yo^ honors to ratifye hym in that offyce

to take charge of the money and treasour of this companye to account and

hereafter to cousyder of hyra for his paynes and doynges as to yo^ honors

shall seeme good or his defectes shall appere.

\_CoJonia.l, 55. Domestic Eliz., cxvi, No. 14.]

XIIJ DIE OCTOBRIS, 1577. A NOTE OF MONEY PRESENTLYE TO
BE DISBURSED FOR MARYNERS WAGES OF THE THREE
SHIPPES RETORNED W^" MR. FURBUSSHER.

In primis for the wages of an hundreth maryners in all the three
shipps, at severall rates, from x? to vj^' xiij' iiij'' for a man the moneth,
amounteth to the some of cxl'' the moneth, w^i from the ffirst of June
unto the last of October beinge ffyve monethes, amounteth in the hole
to ye somme of dcc^'.

At x« ye men. Item for wages for xxvj'' souldiors, for the sayde ffyve
monethes, as it shall please yo'" honors.

Item for recompence for xiiij gentilmen duringe the tyme aforesayde,
as it shall please yo^ honors to consyder of some reasonable porcion of
the adventure.

This money cannot yet be found to be taken uppon interest nor ex-
change.

And yf it be levied by collection uppon the venturars, it will come to
xxv'^ uppon everie c'' of ther venture.

Item, whether their honors doo continew in mynde that the ij ships
at Bristow shall discharge there or come to London.

Item, whether Michael Lok shall contynew still Treasorer or not.

Indorsed. For the ships of Cathai to be unladen.

SUBSEQUENT TO THE SECOND VOYAGE.

163

[Colonial, 55. Domestic Eliz., cxvi, No. 24.]

AN ORDEK OF MY LORDS, THE 16 OF OCTOBER, 1577, FOR PAY-
MENT TO BE MADE TO THE MARINERS AND SOULDIERS OF
THE CATHAY YIAGE.

Where as there is presently to bee disbursed for the discharge of
suche mariners and souldiers as have been employed in the viage to-
wards the northwest under Captayue Ffurbisher, the somme of eight
hundrethe powndes, yt is ordred that suche as have been adventurers
in the sayd viage should contribute toward the discharge of the sayd
somme of viij'^', after twentie in the hundrethe, pro rata, w^^ sayd con-
tribution is thought also meete to bee delivered into the handes of
Michaell Locke, Treasorer for the Companie, beynge appointed to give
bylles signed under his hand for suche sommes as he shall receave.

\_Colonial, East Indies, 54. Domestic Eliz., cxix, No. 44.]

These desyre now to be venturars in the goodes now come home,

well may be graunted uppon the whole stok now come home, or ells in
the next adventure, as yor honors shall thynk good.

My Lord Kepar ..... Ii25

Therle of Bedford ..... li^5

Mr. Controllar ..... li-16

The Erie of Oxford ..... Ii2^

My Lord Hunsdon ..... 1125

My Lord Charles Howard .... Ii25

My Lord of Comerland .... ^125

My Lord Cobham' ..... ^^25

My Lord Wharton . , . . . ^^25

Mr. Ilatton ...... /^25

Mr. Hennage ..... Ii2b

Mr. Horsey ...... Ii25

Sr Humfrey Gilbart ..... Ii25

Mr. Woolley ...... Ii26

William Kyllygrew ..... ^^25

Thomas Dudley ..... U25

Raffe Lane ...... ^^25

Hew Smythe . . . . . Ii26

John Dee ...... Ii25

Jeffrey Ducket ..... U-i^

Thomas Nyccolls ..... U^o

Added in another ink.

Ii6{)0

M 2

164

STATE PAPERS

Francis Mylles'^

1126

Laurens Tomson

Arture Dawbney

lv26

John Capelin

li25

Thomas Cesar

•

li25

[Colonial East Indies, 70. Domestic Eliz.. cxxx, No. 35.]

THE NAMES OF THE VENTURARS OF BOTHE THE VOYAGES

MADE BY MAKTIN FURBUSHER,

GENT.

TO THE NORTH-WEST,

ANNO 1576 AND ANNO 1577.

Stok.

Cessement.

The Quenes Ma^ie . . . ^ilOOO

^i200

n the first voiage

lib^ The Lord Highe Treasorer . . ^zlOO

U20

The Lord highe Admyrall

^aoo

U20

libi) The Lord highe Chamberlayn

^aoo

' H20

50 The Erie of Warwyke .

ZzlOO

7/20

50 The Erie of Leycester .

/a 50

li30

Mr. Treasorer of the Q. Ma"*^ household ^/50

li\0

25 Mr. Secretarie Walsingham, for hym

sellffe and others . . . ^t400

li80

Mr. Secretarie Wyllson .

£2050.

lilO

The Erie of Pembroke .

Iil50

liSO

The Countesse of Vv arwyke

1150

U\0

The Countesse of Pembroke

li25

li5

The Lady Anne Talbot .

1125

lib

25 Mr. Phillip Sydney

li50

lilO

100 Sr Thomas Gresham

li200

UAO

25 Sr Leonell Duckett

li50

lilO

Sr William Wyntar

li200

urn

William Pellham

lioO

lilO

Edward Dyar

U25

lib

25 Thomas Randolphe

1150

lilO

George Wyntar .

li50

lilO

Mathew Smythe .

libO

Symon Boyer

li25

lib

25 Anthony Jenkynson

li50

Jeffrey Turvile .

li50

William Payntar

li50

Richard Bowlland

libO

This and the foUowiiK' names arc addod in another ink.

SUBSEQUENT TO THE SECOND VOYAGE.

165

Robert Kyndersley
50 Edmoud Hogan .
25 Mathew Fylld .

Richard Yonge .

Thomas Allyn

William Ormshawe

li500

Christofer Hudson
Thomas Owen
John Dee
Julio Cesar
Eleazar Lok
Gerson Lok
Martin Furbushe'r
100 Michael Lok

100 William Burde li

100 William Bonde li

.£275^ 25 Mathew Kyndersley li

25 Christofer Androwes li

25 Robert Martyn li

li5{)
lilOO
li50
li50
li50
li25

lildOO

lin5

lilO
li20
lilO
lilO
lilO
li5

li2575

liiib

libO

lilO

li25

lis

li25

li6

libO

lilO

U25

li25

li5

moo

li20

lilOOO

li200-

112^0
li20
1120
li 5
li 5
li 5

i:375
^500

Stok 875 Received the first voyage

^{1300
m575

Venturars Zi4875 of first and second voiages
li 275 of first voiage onelie

Received ^i5150 all the stok.

/i315
^^715

^ii030
Cessement.

Ii800 first voiage spent
^i4350 second voiage paid

Ii5l50 paid all the stok
outward.

Received by the said cessement
of 20ii for 100^^ stok ^a030

paid for the mynes /il98

paid for mens wagys of the

iij ships come home lil044

Somme paid the 24 ^i]242
Decembar 1577

166

STATE TAPERS

[Colonial, East Indies, 75. Domestic Eliz., cxix, No. 30.]

MICHAEL LOK HATHE DONE FOR THE VOYAGE OF CATHAI, AS
FOLOWETHE.

XXV yeres studye and travaylle to satisfye his knowledge thereof.

M^ poundes spent for thinges necessarie for his satisfaction of know-
ledge therof in bookes, maps, cartes, instrumentes, and gyftes to men for
conference therof; wherof is not one peny put to the account besydes all
his howshold charges.

M^ m^ cccc^^i powndes paid and disbursed by hym sellfe for furniture
of the first and second voyages over and above all that he received of all
other venturars w^h ^i2400 he dyd beare venture of in the same first and
second voyages untill the shyps retorned home.

Web said ^^■2400 was for the sums of venture wrytten uppon the names
folowinge, wc'i was not paid hym untill the ships retorned, and is not
yett all paid hym, but he had promes of sum of them.
My Lord Highe Treasuror .... U^^

My Lord of Leycester

S'' Thomas Gresham. .

Mr. Doctor Wyllson

George Wyntar

Symon Boyer, he gave pledge

Richard Owen

Julio Cesar

Thomas Cesar ^ M. L.

Eleazar Lok

li\ 00
liVQO
libO
H50
U'25
1125
li25
li25
li25

Summe

For Michael Lok hym sellfe .

For the second voiage. Sum
M. Lok in first voyage

Ventured by M. Lok
Indorsed. Mr. Lock's privat memorandum. 1576 and 1577.

[Colonial, 94. Domestic Eliz., cxxvi, No. 32.]

THE BRYEF ACCOUNT OF THE SECOND VOYAGE, 1577.

^i475

^aooo

^il475
^i825

^/2300

Rec^ of all the venturers
for their stokes . Iidl50

Paid for the A^de . . ^2850
For the Michaell and

Gahriell . . ^i400
For taklinge and rigginge ^i577
For ordnance and muni-
tion . ^i467

5 The last c appears to have been erased.

8UKSEQUENT TO THE SECOND VOYAGE.

16'

ReC^ of supplie of

venturers to pay e

wages at retorne

oftheshippes .^il030
lackinge
My Lady Anne .

Talbot . m

The Erie Sus-

sexe
gr \Vm Winter .
SiTho.Greshame

li\0
III 12
UG

For vyttells . . /i963 18 3

For wages outwards . ^{600 12 ,9

For necessaries for the

mynes . . lil'23 8 4

For marchandyse . Ii346 5 ()

^i4328 17 6
For charges outwards . 21 2 6

^i4350
For losse spent first voiage liSOO

Sum paid . Ii5l50

Paid after the ships re-
torne ; paid outwards
above the stoke re-
ceived . . ^il 15 2

Paid for wages of mariners
and gentlemen at re-
tourne of the shipps . Iil582 15 5

Paid for wages of myners
and charges of tryall
4 of the ewer at London ^i324 1 8

li22 12 4 ^11908 12 3

For not rec^ in the sup-
plie of ^11030 . ^i22 12 4

Rest paid

^il931 4 7
lilOZO

^i901 4 7

TUE ACCOUNT OF MONY FOR TUIRD VOYAGE 1578.

Received as follow-^

OftheQ. Matie . i;i350

Of Mathew Feld . £35

Of M. Kindersley . £15
Of S"- Frances Knolles £67

Of Ed. Hoggan . £40

Of L. Pembroke . £202

Of La. Pembroke . £33

Paid as fallowii^

To W"i- Kerin, frestone £4
To Christ. Hawlle,

bristole . . £13

To J. Roberts, bellows £3 10

To Ff. Grene, bucher £100

To Mr. Frobiser . £400

To Pointell, baker . £100

168

STATE PATERS

Of Mr. P. Sydney . X67 10

OfMr.S.Walsingham £182 7

Of Jo.Somers . £67 10

Of Mr. S. Willson . £67 10

Of S^- Henry Wallop £67 10

OfRoberteKyndersley £67 10

Of M. Kindersley . £18 15

Of Erie Warwyke . £135

Of Countesse Warrike £35

Sum received £2452 7

To Mr. Fenton . £50
To Willson, caper,

5. 20. 20. £45

To Jonas, a quarter . £25

To Olyver Skiner, iron £3

To John Gonne, iron £3
To Jo. Roberts, bellowes £2

£20
£50

To Jo. Fysher, smithe £4
To N. Chanselar, 20.25. £35
To F. Shawe, buttar £50
To C. Hawle, bristowe £20
To Ed. Selman, bristowe £62
To F. Lee, shippe . £50
To Ro. Denam, a

quarter lent £12

To P. Barnston,

aquavite . £6

To Mr. Fenton, targats £10
To Ed. Selraan,bristowe £16
To Thomson, carpenter £30
To Hitchecoke, car-
penter
To Poyntell, baker ,
To Mathew, baker

pynnasses
To Ro. Denam, ad-

ditamentes
To Jeronias stoves .
To S. Burow, pynnasse
To Thomson, carpentar
To other od charges,

17 Aprill .
To Mr. Frobiser ace

40. 10. 10.
To Vyllers coUes
To Croker, smithe
To L. Admiralls man
To Stanley, currier,

for lether
To Mr. Fenton
To Mr. Furbusher,

bristowe .
To the shippe Hopewell £50
To Jonas . . £10

To John Ilayles,

Dartford . , £12

£12

£10

£6

£30

£60

£10

£5

£2

£5
£10

£16

£596 5

SUBSEQUENT TO THE SECOND VOYAGE.

169

Receyt as ffollow*^^
OfMr.Dowgle . £33 15

Of Sr Tho.aresham. £70
Of Lord Tresorer . £100

The 2 May 1578
Of Sr Thomas Gresham £100
Of Rich. Young . £50
Of Christofer Hudson £67
Of Ed. Hogan . £95

£416 5

Somme paid £1958
Paid for second voyage £901

Sum paid £2860
Payments as follow^ii
Sum paid reste . £407
The 23 Aprill 1578.
To Thomas Willson,

coopar . . £10

ToThomson,carpentar £20
To Augar, chaundler £20
The 24 said [month].
ToMr.Hawle,Bristowe £12
To Chanselor purser. £8
To Shawe for butter £20
To Mr. More shipe Foy £48
To Mr. Rasheley

shipe Foy . £48

The 26 said
To Whitnall, coopar £10
To Morris, tente maker 1 1
To Baker, shipwright £16
To Poyntell, baker,

of Lymehouse
To Thomson, carpentar
To Vyllars, secoles .
To Mr. Fenton
To Chanselar purser

The 30 April, 1578
To men of Judeth

wagys . . ;

To Shaw, for fyst .
To Thomson, seacoles

The 3 May.
To Whitnall, coopar
To Willson, cans
To Ffrances Lee, ship
To Thomson, carpenter
To Eliot, brise
To Maryners, Judethe

wages
To Dowd, coopar
To Newson, clokemaker
To J. Roberts, bellowes
To Hopkins, smyth .
To 3J orris, tent maker
1005.

£50

£30

£21 5

£30

£13 18

578.

£110

£40

£18 10

£5

£4 4

£30

£20

£5

£55

£2

£6 12

£4 16

£2 15

£15

STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE TRIAL OF THE ORE
SUBSEQUENT TO THE SECOND VOYAGE.

[Colonial 11, Domestic Eliz. cxxii. No. 3.]

JANUARY 6th, 1577. FROM DR. BURCOTT OF HIS PROCEEDYNGE
IN THE TRIALL OF THE OWRE.

My humble commendacions Sir Walsingame I gyve you most hartie
thankes for your laboure and delygence for the performinge of your
promysse and the sendinge of my pattane and, I hope by Godes grace to
performe my promysse towardes you I had or this sertefied your Honore
the trewe matter off this ower and my proves butt God hathe towched
me so hard w^i^ the gowte that I have kept my bed this thre wekes and
do yett, and I sertefie your Honore off a trothe that I have mayd a
hundred dyvers sayes of sondry owers out of that lande, and I fynde not
such goodnes in yt as I thought to have founde not prosedinge half an
ounce, as the blacke ower ys and I have prepared and rested accordinge as
I promyssed you, and I cane bringe yt to no clay but I have moltine
doune a pounde, and hathe founde in yt fouer graynes as by this prove
I have sent you dothe appere that will come in a houndred weight
almoste thre quarters of an ounce that is nere xiiii ounces in a tonne and
I dout not when yt is right prepared yt will faule out in the great fyere
very well and I am mynded as sone as I am able W^ii my bodye I will
melte doune a hundred weight and send you that prove accordinglye.
So I byd you fare well w^^i^ my humble disier to advertyse the Queue's
Heignes and my Lord of Lasyter. Datum the vi of January.

Your humble to comand,

Burchard Kranrych.
To his honorable and singuler good frend Sir Fraunces Walsing e,

Seecret e to the heigh.

subsequp:nt to the second voyage. 171

[Colo'/iial, 79. Domestic L'liz., cxxii. No. 9.]

JANUARIE 19th, 1577. FROM MR. MICHAELL LOOKE, WHAT
CHARGES S^ WILL'm WINTAR AND THE REST VPPON THEIR
MEETYNGE HAVE THOUGHT PRESENTLY TO BE REQUISITE FOR
THE FYNYNG OF THE EAVRE AND OTHER THINGES TO BE
FURTHER DONE IN THAT BEHALF.

Right Honorable, accordinge to the commission of Her Mamies Privie
Councell directed to S"" W>^- Wyntar, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Dyar, Mr.
Mr. Yonge, Mr. Furbusher, and my sellf we all (except Mr. Randolph)
have syttogethers theise ij days past, and have consydered thervppon
as the tyme would suffer, and have had before us all the chyef work-
masters for the erectinge of the howsse and furnaces at the mylls at
Dartford, for the meltyng of the ewr brought by Mr. Furbusher, and as
nere as we can esteme the charges therof wylbe thus : —
For bryk, stone, tyles, lome, lyme sand, lathes, naylles, and work-
manship therof, for all the myllehows and iij furnaces, w«^
makinge the groundwork ..... liWO

For tymber, and all other stuffe and the carpentars workmanship
therof ; for the howsse of 84 foote long and 36 foote wyde, and
for the myll wheles, and the stampinge mylls, and the iij paier
bellowes for the furnaces, wherof ij for melting, and i for
drivinge or fynynge, and for all other engynes belonging
therto ........ Ii240

Sum hereof li400
For charges of a man to go to Germania, for ij chief workmasters
of meltinge and fyndynge mynes, and another man into
Yorkshier, for stuffe to melt the ewr .... ^^40

For to provyde wood and coles, and other thinnes extraordinarie

by estymation ....... lilOO

For wagys paid to the maryners and men come home w^h the
shyps, above the estimation made of 20 on 100 collected sum
li'dW includynge therin li200 alredy paid for charges of
buyldinges of furnaces and small proffes and sayes of the ewr
made by the handes of dyvers men. Sum . . . li'360

Sum of all li900
The said sum of ^i900 of money muste be provyded presentlye by col-
lection of the venturars or otherwysse.

And for the better and more spedye provision of the stuffe and men
rcquysyte for the buyldynges forsaid, it is thought requysyte to have
comyssion in Her Mart's name to be directed to S'' Will'm Wyntar, who
hathe alredy a sufficient warrant for the marine affaires.

112 STATE PAPERS ON TRIAL OF THE ORE

This beinge done all the woorkes wilbe fynyshed and the ewr molten
and fyned w^h in vi or viij wekes tyme by Godes help.

We have also thought it good that Her Ma"e be moved for her
favourable letter to the Duke of Saxonia declaring the staying here of
Jonas for Her Mamies' sarvyce w^h shalbe sent by the parson that goethe
for workmen.

Of other matters this bearer Mr. Furbusher can informe yor Honor at
large, wherfore I end, and comytt yor Honor to the tuition of Almighty
God. From London the xix .Januarie, 1577.

Yor Michael Lok.

To the Right Honorable S^ Francys Walsmgham, Knyght,

Her Matins Chyef Secretarie, etc.,

Delyured at the Court.
Commission from Her Ma^ie
Letter to the Duke of Saxonie.

[Colonial, No. 80. Domestic Eliz., cxxii, No. 10.]

JANUARIE 19th, 1577. FROM MY L.L.'s TO MR. MICHAEL
LOCKE FOR THE COLLECTION OF 900lI. AMONG THE AD-
VENTURERS OF THE NORTH-WEST, ETC.

After 0^ hartie comendations where as for the buildyng of certayne
furnaces, and sendyng for skilfull men owt of Germanie for the tryall and
refinyng of the oore brought owt of the north-west : as also for the pay-
ment of certayn wages due to the mariners and others employed vnder
Mr. Furbusher, gent., in the last viage to the sayd north-west parts, we
are enformed the somes of 900Zi to be verie necessarie and presently re-
quired. Theise are to require you to repayre to all such as be Adven-
turers in the sayd viage, as from vs so appointed, and to collect and
gather of everie of them for the vses, purposes aforesayd, the sayd some
to be levied amongst them after xx^i in the hundredth, accordyng to the
rate of and proportion of everie of their Adventurers, and this to be done
w''Ji as convenient speede as you can, to the end that so good an enter-
prise and profitable as this viage is hoped will prove after so great
charges allreadie bestowed thereon ; no we be not hindered either for
want of so small a som or not prosecutyng the triall of the sayd oore.
And so we, etc.

[^Colonial 81. Domestic Eliz., cxxii, No. 17.]

JAN. 24tH, 1577. FROM MASTER GEOFFREY LA BBUM, TRYAL
METAL FALLING NOT OWT.

Monseigneur jay considere toutes ces espesses de mineres quil vous
ha pleu me bailler et ay trouve que la pluspart ne sont que mar-

SUBSKQUENT TO THE SECOND VOYAGE. 173

chasites et non mineres lesquelles marchasites ont ordinairement tant
de souphre que quant il y auroit quelque peu de bon metal on ue le
pourroit tirer sans grant peine et perte quant a en faire preuve et essay
et essay certain il en faudroit bien davantage et ne se fault fier a deux
ny troys preuves seullement car tel morceau quon pense estre bon et
habonder dor ou dargent je ne sy trouve rien ou peu de chose le plus-
souvent et au contraire tel quon mesprise se trouve le meilleur quelque-
floys avec ce quil y ha divers noyens por extraire le pur metal et le
fault tenter par diverses voyes par ce que'n aulcunes minieres le metal
est encore tant crud quil sesauvit et perd en le fusion sil nest retenu
par cementations fixatives en oultres il est accompaigne de tant dor-
dures et impurtes comme de souphre, terre, pierre loppes et semblables
qu'on ne le depart qu'a grant peine de facon quon le doit esprouver
tantost avec selz tantost avec vifargent tantost la bruslant tantost la
cementant ou fondant avec savon plomb selpitre borax ou aultres qui
sont en grant nombre et trop longues a escrire. Quant a celle du
Cappe Forbisher elle merite bien tant de diverses preparations et sy jen
eusse eu nombre jen eusse tente plusieurs facons mais pour sy peu on
nose asseurer de rien seullement je vous peux tesmoigner que jen ay
brusle lave et purge puis joint avec plomb et mis en cendres ou
couppelle qui n'ha rien laisse de fin qui ne faict juger quil ny ha grant
profit par ce que les aultres voyes et moyens dextraire le fin sont de
grant const et labeur sur quantite, vray est que sy j'en auvis ugne
livre ou deux jessairoys quelque preparation par sel commun prepare
avec aultres ingrediens par le quel jay aultrefoys reduit des metaux
fort calcines (\\ie le borax, saint de verre nitre et aultres semblables ne
pouvoient reduire. Je nay bailie a Mons^ Marchant les fuses mineres
a vous reporter par ce que je ne scay sy les desires sy je peux recouvrer
davantage de celle du Capp*" Forbischer jen feray amples preuves jatten-
dois a vous en escrire jusque a ce que jeusse ven le fin de quelques
euvres que jay commences y a ja longe temps pour ta medecine aflSn de
vous en faire part en tesmoignage de tant de courtoysies et bienfaictz
que jay recevez de vous pour lesquels je suis et seray a tousjours oblige
a vostre grandeur, mais lesditz euvres restantz parfaites et mons"" Mar-
chant maiant adverty a midi de vostre commandement jay fait te pre-
senter po'' mexcuser et vous suplier me tenir au rang de voz treshumbles
et tresfideles serviteurs je prie Dieu Monseigneur quil augmente vostre
grandeur et tentretienne en longue et tresheureuse sante pour de plus
en plus servir a sa glore. Amen. De Londres ce Samedi 24'^ jour de
Janvier 1578.

Vostre treshumble et obeissant serviteur,

Geofiroy Le Brumen.
A Monseigneur

INIonseigneur de Vualsinghant.

174 STATE PAPERS ON TRIAL OF THE ORE

[Colonial, 83. Domestic, Etiz., cxii, No. 5.3.]

21 FEBRA, 1577, FROM D. BURCCOTTE, WITH A PROOFFE HOW
MUCH GOULD AND SILUER A POWND, AND ONE HUNDRETHE
POWND WEIGHT TELDETH, W'^^ HE WILL WARRANT TO HOULD
THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EWRE.

Please your Honore, I perceyve by your letter that you cane not come
so quycklye as I thought, therfore, I send you here by the captayne the
sylver and gold of a pound, and a hundred weight, wher by I will abyde
by yt off my credyt and honestlye that I will bringe twenttie tymes so
mvche out of every toune in the lyke ower as that was and never vnder
butt reyther above that rayte, and I pray you showe to the Quene that
Her Matie will be good lady vnto me, for I am lyke loss mvche this
springe to go about that busynes ; and that you will be ameane that
the captayne may be spedeley sett fourthe agayne w^^^ suche teachine
and instrucktine, as I have gyvene him, for yf he shall not go spedelye
and speciallye now this yeare yt wilbe the worste that ever came to Ing-
land, and that the ower may be brought hastelye frome Brestoo to Det-
forthe, and that the detymente that the captayne cane showe you be
prepared, and your Honore to come so hastelye as you cane to vysett
the place where the meltinge house shall stand. Now I send you the
trothe by the captayne how the house shall be ; and I trust to se you
shortleye. So I comytte your Honore to God in haste, this xxi^^ day of
Fabruary, 1578.

Your Honore to command,

Burchard Kraurych.
To his honorable and singuler good frend. Sir Frauncs Walsingame,
Secretorye to the Queues Heighnes, delyver this.

[^Colonial, 86. Domestic Eliz., cxxii, No. 62.]

A LITTLE BUNDLE OF THE TRYEING OF Y^ NORTHWEST EWRE.
BY D. BURCOT, JONAS SCHUTZ, BAPTISTA AGNILLO, ETC.

The doings of Jonas Shote in the newe mynes of golde.
In Januarye 1576, Jonas Shuts was brought acquainted w'ti John
Baptista Agnello, by the meanes of S^' John Barteley, and Sr William
Morgaine, knights, soo as in the same monthe of Januarye by the
meanes of the learninge of the sayd Baptista in alchimia and the know-
ledge of the said Jonas in myneralls and mettalls handelinge, the verye
firste golde was founde and discoueryed by them too bee in the first
peace of ewer whiche Mr. Furbusher brought home in his first voyadge,
the valwe of oz. 1 j in c. weight of the ewer, whiche ewer ^Nlr. Locke had
delyvered too the sayde Baptista in the same moneth of Januarye too

SUBSEQUENT TO THE SECOND VOYAGE. 175

make proofFe thereof, wcii prooffe being made, hee, Mr. Locke, deljvered
the same too Her Ma^ie ymediately.

And afterwardes, in the same monethe, and in February, and Marche,
Baptista and Jonas made diuers other smale proofes thereof whereby
still they founde golde, whiche afterwardes was discouered too S^ Wil-
liam Winter by S'' William Morgaine.

In the beginninge of Aprill 1577, when S"" William Winter was as-
sured from Sr William Morgaine and Si" John Bartley, by the handy
woorke of Jonas, by prooffes W^^ he made in their owne presens, too
theire OAvne satisffaction that this was trewly the ewer of a mynd of
golde ; the sayde S'" William Winter justified the same too bee trewe
too my Lordes of the Queenes Mamies Honorable Pry vie Councell.

And vppon commission directyd from Her Ma^^^^ Pryve Councell too
S"^ William Winter, Mr. Thomas Randolphe, George Winter, and others,
by the procurement of Mr. Locke, they weare certyfied by wrytinge
geven by Jonas, of the riches of this ewer and order and chardges of
meltinge the same, and the buyldings and workemen thereof, and of all
things necessarie for the furniture of the mynes, w<^h all other couninge
men coolde fynde owte, wheareby Her Ma^ie & Her Pryve Councell
weare content too sett owtt a secounde voyadge for discouerye vnder
chardge of Mr. Furbusher.

And therevpon allsoo agreament was made wtb Jonas Shots by inden-
ture vnder the hand wrytinge of Si' William Winter and Mr Locke, that
he shoulde goe one the voyadge as cheife master of the mynes, and too
bee cheife workemaster therein above all other as well abroade as att
home, and att his retorne home too bee made denyson and too have a
good pencion for his enterteynement duringe his lyfe.

Allsoo in the newe lande all the voyadge Jonas made all the smale
prooffes, & sayes of all the ewer that was founde in the mynes theare
wcJi was laden in the shipps and brought home and certyfied the valewe
of the ryches thereof, whiche nowe is founde trewe.

Allsoo the ships beinge retorned home intoo Englande in the monethe
of September 1577, w^^i their full ladinge of that riche ewer too the
quantitie of clx tonnes, Jonas hathe wrought and donne therein as fol-
lowethe.

The fyste of October, 1577, Jonas begane too builde the furnaces at
Si- William Winter's house, and fynished the same and all things neces-
sary of his own devise.

The theirtie of October he had molten one hundrethe weight of the
ewer prepared and handelyd after his owne devise and order. And
thereby was founde that a tonne thereof doeth holde of fyne golde more
then the valewe of x\li. of mooney by wittnes of S'" William Winter, Mr.
Furbusher, Mr. Locke, and Robert Denhame & others whoe sawe the
woorkinge and prooffes theareof made, besydes the remnants of gold
remayninge in the slags, w«i> Jonas sayd coulde not be well brought

176 STATE PAPERS ON TRIAL OF THE ORE

outt, butt in the greate woorkes, furnasses, w"^' he desyred might bee
builded accordinge too the plate that he woolde giue, that theirby hee
woould thorowghely knowe the nature of this ewer.

The theirde of November reporte was made too the Queenes Mamies
Privie Councell by Si' William Winter and others of the Commissioners
what was founde by Jonas workes, whiche did not satisfie them, and al-
thoughe Jonas him selfe and Denhame, declared too them this furnace
too bee not sufficient for the great works, yet woolde have them to
melte downe an other hundrethe weight for better tryall of the trewthe,
wcb Jonas sayde he was willinge, becavse this furnance and bellowse was
too smale and place not fytte yet for their commanndement he woolde
doe yt.

The twentethe of Novemb', Jonas had newe repaired his furnace at
Si" William Winters howse as well as that place woolde suffer. And in
that means tyme Baptista had taken vpon him too prepare the ewer too
greate effecte w^^ did not succeade well in the great works. And also
George Woolfe had taken vpon him to prepare the ewer too melte easely
wtii out any adetaments in the greate works wcb did not succede well.

The fourthe of Decemb' Jonas, w^^ danger of his lyffe, throughe the
smoke, had molten doune the secounde hundrethe weight of ewer
W^ provyd as the fyrst hundreth did better then xlli. the tonne in pure
golde as was certyfied to Her Mat's Councell by Ire of S^' Winter and
other Commissioners, whoe sawe the prooffes made, but still remayned
more gold in the slags whiche Jonas sayd onely the great woorkes must
bringe owt.

And hearevpon Jonas hade his patente graunted too him, he promised
too delyver at the leaste halfe oz. golde in everye hundrethe weight,
w^^ ys tenn oz. tonn and allsoo hoaped too cleare all chardgs of the
workinge and yf he did better yt should bee their proffitt and his creditt.
And thearevppon hee should have gonne to Brystowe too have builded
the furnaces theire for the greate woorkes.

Butt the syxte of Decemb' the Lords weare not yet well satisfied w^h
this seconnde prooffe made becavse of the remayners in the slags w^h was
enformed coolde not bee gotten owtt, butt chiefly they beleaved nothinge
that was donne becavse the goldesmithes and goldefyners of London and
manye other namyd counynge menu had made many prooffes of the
ewer and could fynde noe whitt of goolde therein, and therefore they
vouched too the Councell that theare was noe whitt of gold in this ewer
vppen gage of their lyffe and goodes.

And vppou the arryvall of Mr, Furbusher at the Coorte retorned from
Brystowe, the seventhe of Decemb' he stayed the woorks of Brystowe and
turned yt too farther prooffe too bee made at London, wherefore yt was
thought good too have conference therein wtii Mr. Burcott, whose doings
shall appere in articles a parte.

The tenthe Decemb', Jonas was browght too conference w^^ Mr. Bur-

SUBSEQUENT TO THE SECOND VOYAGE. 177

cott, and vf^Hn iij or iiij dayes he dislyked the dealinge of Mr. Burcott
boethe for his evell manners and allso his ignorannee in divers points of
the works and handelynge of this ewer soo as as woold not anye more
deale w^^^ him.

The syxetenthe Decemb' Jonas w^ii Mr. Furbusher and Mr. Locke ryde
too diners placs too see water mills, for the workeinge of the ewer. And
at Deartforde Jonas lyked the mills best of all others for the comodious
water and place.

The twelfte of Januarye vpon newe comission too procead in the great
works, wee went again too Dertforde, w^'^ Jonas and Henricke, the mason,
and Sebastian, the carpenter, whoe was then newe come too London, and
measured owte the platt of grownd for errection of the buildings and
furnacs.

The fowertenth Januarye Jonas delyuered too all the Comissioners a
platt drawen by him of all the buildings of the howsse and mills and
furnasces w^^i was well lyked. But uppon newe conference wtii the
workemen yt was founde that the tyme woold bee soo longe in the
buildings, that yf that should be taryed for the money it woold be too
late too sett owt a newe voyadg this yeare.

The 21 diet. Mr. Furbusher devised that x tonn of ewer shold be
molten at Keswicke for the expedicon of the tryall.

The 22 diet. Jonas alleadged manye lacks theare and the Comissioners
sawe great coaste and longe tyme hanginge theare one allsoo soo that
Jonas oflferyd too make a theird great prooffe at London of a toonn by
CO weight at a tyme w'^ shoold suffice for a tryall of all w^h was well
lyked.

And the 23 daye Jonas gave informacon of certaine merkesytes too
melt the ewer w^h all w^h Denham or Coole shoold have sought abroade.

The 23 sayd John Baptista made offer of a newe great prooffe too be
wrought wtii a winde furnace, whearevpon he had a c weight of ewer
but yt succeeded not well.

The 30 of Januarye John Broed at Crepelgate had cc ewer too make
prooffe well (3icl succead well.

The 12 of February Jonas did melt doune cc of the ewer for his theird
prooffe at the howsse of S*" W>"- Winter w^^ great danger of his lyffe
thoroughe the smoke, and at the second tyme of the mealtinge thereof
The 18 February yt succeaded verye well in presensof the Comissioners,
found oz. 65 of silver and goold myxt, wheareof oz. 3^ was perfytted and
browght 1 qr. of oz. of fyne golde and oz. 3j of fyne sylver, the rest of the
oz.6^ of silver mixt was sonke intoo the test becavse the test was not drye
made thoroughe the hast of tyme and much gold remayned in the slegs.

All the doings of Jonas from the tyme too tyme was donn openly, and
Mr. Furbusher caryed all the secrets thereof too Mr. Burcott, too healpe
him, and all Mr. Burcott doings was in secrett, soo as none knoweth yt
but him selfe=

178 STATE PAPERS ON TRIAL OF THE ORE

THE DOOINGS OP MR. BCRCOTT IN THE NEWE MYNES OF GOLDE.

Mr. Burcott had delyvered too him certaine smale peces of ewer
in Novemb' 1577, whereof he made sayes and proffes and founde golde
therein as Jonas had donne before.

The 9 Decemb' 1577, Mr. Locke and Mr. Furbusher brought Ires from
Mr. Secrytarye Walsingham vntoo Mr. Burcott and delyvered them too
him, and had suche conference w^h him therevpon that Mr. Burcott grew
too full promes too delyver halfe a oz. of fyne gold out of everye hundreth
of the ewer vppon certaine condicons sett doune in wry tinge, w^^i con-
dicons was sertyfied too Mr. Secrytarye who dislyked of them.

The 10 Decemb' Jonas was brought too conference w^h Burcott and
wtbin iij or iiij dayes he dislyked the dealinges of Mr. Burcott boethe for
his evell manners and ignorance in diuers points of the woorks and
handelynge of the ewer soo as he woold nott anye more deale w* him.

In fewe dayes afterwards when Mr. Burcott sawe that wee did cleave
still too Jonas dooings and made little accompt of his doings he made
great styre of his owne cunninge and soo wrought w^ii Mr. Furbusher
that he cam too bee harde againe and putt him selfe too the consideracon
of Her Ma^ie and Councell, and vouched too warrant the ewer too hold
soo muche gold as ys sayd and too gage his lande, goods, and lyffe for
the delyverye thereof whereby he was credityed and the matter lyked.

The 20 Decemb' JNIr. Furbusher woold that Mr. Burcott shoulde melt
a c of ewer in .Tonas furnace as Si" W"i "Winters howsse, w^h Jonas would
not suffer, therefore he willed Jonas too pull doune the secrets of his
furnace that Burcott might build a new after his manner, w^'^^ Jonas
did soo.

The 20 Januarye, or their about, Robert Denham told Mr. Locke that
he had a peace of strange ewer, wcii he proved too doo muche good in
the meltinge of our ewer and that he had yt from Mr. Burcotts housse
by his man w^h Mr. Burcott knewe not of. and shortly after, when Mr.
Lock sawe yt in his howse, of Denham, he sayd yt was yt and that he
had made prooffe thereof too hold syluer, copper, and leade, &c., that
Mr. Burcott called yt ewer of antymonie, &c., and had sayd too him that
yt held noe manner of mettell at all.

And Mr. Furbusher told Mr. Locke that Mr. Burcott sayed that Jonas
bellowes laye too hie, & that yt should lye lowe too blowe right into the
hole on the fore parte, and in fewe days afterwards he sayd againe that
Mr. Burcott woold have the bellowes lye more then a fote aboue the
hole as Jonas bellowes did lye.

Alsoo afterwards, Mr. Furbusher did shewe too Mr. Locke a paper
platt, made by Mr. Burcott, of the furnace that he woold have w*-h a
pott by yt. And nowe, at the 20 February, he shew^ed an other platt
thereof made cleane contrarye too the first, but even iust the coppie of
the plate of the furnaces, wheorw^ii Jonas doethe woorke.

SlIKSEQUKNT TO THR SFCoXl) VOYAGE. 179

The 21 Februarye, Mr. Burcot shewed too the Commissionei's and too
my Lorde Treasorer, his proofes made of ^ once of gold and 2 onces & ^
siluer, in one c of ewer, but the same was melted in potts w^h addita-
ments by halfe pounds in a pott w^^ is not the order of the great workes,
nor noe man but him selfe knoweth wate he puts in his additaments.

And alsoo he shewed a peace of antimonye ewer vouching that there
in was noe manner of mettal, but a proofFe thereof was made by the
Commissioners one the 22 daye, and they founde therein boethe siluer,
30 ouncs in a tonn, and some copper, and verye muche leade.

And Mr. Burcott sayed that w^ii out that antimonnye ewer he woold
not stand to his former promys of the golde and siluer too be delyveryed.
And Denham say the that Burcott did not knowe of the mettal Is that are
in that antymonie ewer vntill Thorsday, beinge the 20 Februarye, when
as he tolde yt too Burcott, and was the maun that did first fynde yt too
bee soo by his owne tryalls.

And Mr. Burcott was ignorannt of the weight of gold and sylver ac-
coumpted after xxiiii too a pennye weight, and xxiiii pennye weight too
the ounce vntill that Denham did shewe him his errore therein.

And yt is manyfest that Burcott was more ignorant then Jonas, in
the knowledge of the nature and workinge of this ewer ; for him selfe
Burcott doeth confesse that he hathe made more then fortye sondrye
wayes of tryall thereof, and yet is not well satisfied therein ; but Jonas
hathe made onely syxe proffs thereof, and those after the order of the
greate woorks.

[Colonial 82. Domestic Eliz., cxxii, No. 44.]

FKEKUARY 19, 1577. FROM DOCTOR BURCHATIT TO MR. SKORITATJY
AVALSYNGHAM TOUCHYNGE THE NORTH-WEST OWRK.

Your Honore remember what appountement you mayd w''' me in my
house and what promysse I mayde you. I have done so and moltine
doune a hundred weight and a pound, and I have the proves to show you
to save your Honores credyte and my honesty e, therfore appounte the
day and ower to ride to Detforthe to bring me ther to gyve me your
Honores countenance in the first enterpryce, for yfi'you do not go I will
not go that all worke mene and so many ofi" the comyssioners as y t shall
pleasse you to se and here oure determynacon and show suche things as
I have and cane do before them all for I esteame your Honore and
credytt as moche as my owne lyffe, and I doute yf I cane ryde y tt wt^out
a horse lytter, and yet I know of no eassye horse. And yfi'your Honore
will humble your selfe so muche and yett come once in my house an
ower or twane before we departe out ofi" London, I will show your Honore
bothe the pattrone off the meltinge house and the sayes prevelye betwene

180 STATE PAPERS ON TRIAL OF THE ORE

you and me that my cloinges be not oncly wordes butt deeds. So God
increasse your llonore in health. Datum the xix off Fabruary 1577.
Your humble to comand,

Burchard Kranrych.
To Ills Ifonorable and very good frend S'' Frauncis Walsingame,

Secretary to the Queues Iieighnes.
Delyver this.

{Colonial 84. Doraestic Eliz., cxxxi, No. 52.]

l-EBRUARY 21, 1577. A DECLAKATION OF THE VALUE OF THE
NORTH-WEST EWRE BOTH FOE, GOLD AND SILVER BY PROOFS
THEREOF MADE BY DR. BURCOT.

My dutie done in most humble maner. It maye please yo^ Honor to
be advertized that Burchart hathe fynished and certefied two proffes of
the gold ewer, wherof one was of Hi w^it, and thother of one c weit.
Dennam hathe bene thonly man that he hathe admytted to be present
and privie w^^^ him in the seid proffes, and the same Dennam hathe
bene the fyar workman therof. and by vouchem^ of them two ye same
falle out as folow^'^ :

That proffe of the li w^i^ holdithe in silver . . xxi gr.

And in golde . . . . . . iii gr.

"Well is vii parts silver and an viii^'i parte gold

After that rate i c w^i' holdithe in silver . . iiii oz. dr. viii^l w^^n

And in gold ...... xiiii'' w^'t

And after the same rate the tonne holdithe in silver xxxviii oz.
And in gold ...... xiiii oz.

So the silver of a tonne at v^ ii'^ the oz. am<-b to . xxv'' vi« iiii'^
And the gold at lix« viii^' the oz. amountithe to . xli'* xv® iiiif'

Sum Ixvii'' xx"^'
That proffe of the c w^it holdithe in silver, ii oz. dr. V^ w^it vi gr

And in gold ...... xiii'^ w^it drs.

W'l' is nere about iiii parts silver and a \^^ parte gold

After that rate the tonne holdithe in silv^er . . li oz. v'^ w^it

And in gold ...... xiii oz. dr.

So the silver of a tonne amountithe to . . xiii'^ iiii« ix^'

And the gold of the siime to . . . . xl?' v^ vi''

Sum Iiii'' x« iii''
So a tonne answerable to the proffe made of the U w^'* ys richer then
that of the c w^'iU)V xiii''xi^ v'.

SUBSEQUENT TO THE SECOND VOYAGE. 181

\_Colonial 85. Domestic Eliz., cxxii, No, 61.]

FKDRUARY 27, 1577. FROM D. BURCOTT TOUCHYNGE HIS
CUNYNGE AND OFFER ABOUT TRIYNGE THE EWRE.

My humble comendacons as I am informed that your Honore and
the rest be displeased w* me as thoughe I had mayd a false prove, wci- 1
will stand to the contrary to deathe and lyiFe that yt is as I have sent
onto you, therfore I have done yt w*^ my owne hand, and cane do yt
agayne save the last quarter w^^ Dennan hathe moltine doune, and
l*rought yt in agood way after the rayte, and in the dryvinge utterly
raared yt for iugnorance and unskylfulnes ; yt was in the night when I
cold not be at yt, and I wold not trust him further and I mayd that
quarter good after the rayte I sent, as for the detymente yt hathe layd
this ten yeare in my house and were ray invension to melt yt the eassier
and the soner, and ther is not so moche sylver in yt as you are informed
you for the ower is sufficient in him selfe to augement your Honore and
save my credytt because yt is corned to suche an exclemacion agaynest
my honestie and deface me w^hout acause I will make my selfe cleare,
let my have delyvered out of hand in hast to hundred weight be brought
in my house of that ower, and ij honest men and not false men to sec
the rostingc, be cause I have fornace mete for yt, and in the meane tyme
when y t is in rostingc I will ryde to the Tower-hill by your comandement
to mend Jonas fornace, or to make an new one, that will serve me, and
lett thes ij sworne men carrye the ower to the Tower when yt is rosted
and see yt moltine doune and puryfyed as I have sent you ; and lett mc
have al things nessessarye ; and yf yt please you and Sir Will'm Wynter
may be the men appounted to do yt, and Dennan be the workeman be-
cause he is the causer of this exclemacion as I cane tell you previlie,
when your Honore please betwne you and me you shall here the very
trothe. And yf I do not prove yt trewly corned out then take my body
and goods to your owne pleasure, and Jonas nor the captaynes, nor any
of ther confederats shall not come nye me, but them whome you please,
for yf Jonas had any couninge yt had longe since appered ; therfore he
shall learne nothinge of me untill yt be knowen that I am aperfytt
master above tlicm all. Datum the xxvii of Fabruary. God encrease
your Honore.

This prove Avilbe done out of hand after yt is rested, havinge all things
licscssary prepared. Appount atyme when you will and I will come to
yo'vi.

Yo^ humble to comand,

Burchard Kranrych.

To the Honorable Sir Fraunces Walsingame, Knight,

Secretary to the Queues Ma''^\ my sinjiulcr and very frend.

182 STATE PAPERS ON TRIAL OF THE ORE

[Colonial, 92. Domestic Eli:,., cxxiii, No. 7.]

11 MARCH, 1577. TO THE LORD TREASURER AM) LORD
CHAMBERLAYNE ABOWT THE NORTH-WEST VIAGE.

My verie good Lordes, Hir Ma"^ havyng been made acquaynted \f^^ the
certificats sent lately from the Commissioners appoynted to surveighc
the sondrie profis and trials made of the north-west ewre, and under-
standyng therby to hir good contentation that the richness of that earth
is like to fall owt to a good reaconyng is well pleased that a third viage
be taken in hand the plotte wherof consisteth chiefly in theise two poynts,
to witte, the charges of the shipping outwardes and some provision to be
made for a lOOmen to inhabite in those north-west partes : what the
whole charges of theise two matters will amount to yo'' Lordships may
perceave by that their bearers Mr. Ffurbesher and Mr. Locke will shew
you in writyng and otherwise by word. I have allreadie acquaynted my
Lord of Leceister how mch : and yf it might please yo^ Lordships to send
yo>' opinions of the two sayd points I would after impart it further to
others of my Lords and the Cowncell to thend that all their advises beyng
had hir Ma^ie may grow to some resolution for this newe and thu'd viage
and so order accordingly be given for warrant of hir owne part and other
men's likewise that be adventurers in this matter.

[^Colonial, 90. Domestic, ELiz., cxxiii, No. 5.]

THE ACCOMPT TAKEN AT MOSKOVIE HOUSE THE Vllj'^^^" OF MARCH
1577, OF CO WEIGHT OF Y^ EAVRE BROUGHT BY MR. FFORBISHER
MOLTON AND TRIED BY JONAS SHUTTZ AN ALMAINE ADSISTED
BY IIJ ENGLISHMEN, VIZ., HUMFREY' COLE JOHN BRODE AND
ROBERT DENHAM.

Of the said cc weight of ewre so molton and tryed

as aforesayd there proceaded in silver vj oz. vij*^

weight xiij graines di, wcii valued at v« the oz.

maketh in money .... xxxj« x^' ob.

And of the same ewre proceaded in gold v^ weight

V graines wci* at iiij^ the penny weight maketh in

money ..... xv'* vij'^ ob.

Sum, xlvijs vjrf.
(So at that rate j c weight of the said ewre will

make in money . . , , xxiij* ix'^

And a toonc of the said ewre by like accompt will

make in money , . . . xxiij^' xv*

SUBSEQUENT TO THE SECOND VOYAGE. 183

Tiiu charges of getting and fetting the said ewre
into the reahue as by particulers delivered by Mr.
Fforbiaei' doth appcre will not excede the tonne . viij''
Ho uppon view of this accompt for every viij^' de-
frayed the venturers shall gaine v^' w^h ariseth
uj)pon every hundred poundes above , . Ix''

W. Wyntar
Edward Dyer
Martin Frobiser
Rich. Young
Mathew Field
Edmond Ilogan
Michael Lok
Andrew Palmer
The charge for furnishing shippes for this next voyage as followeth : —
The charge to furnish iiij or v shippes w^i' 120 men, viz.,
solidiors, mynars, smithes, carpenters, and other men of
necessarie occupacions and to bring home viij'' tonne of
ewre as appeareth by particulers therof delivered by Mr.
Ffrobisher will amount to . . . vj^'' iiijc

Wherof must be defrayed presently for the furniture nowe
owtward thone moytie or els this yeres voyage wilbe
lost, viz. ..... iij"' ijc U.

Aud at the retorne of the shippes must be payed other . iijm ijc li
Ffor the provision of w^' money a levie must be made amonge
thadventurers after such rate that every one of them w^i' did before
adventure jc li. must now put in y xxx'' the moytie therof to be i>ayed
forthwith. And the other moytie to be readie against the retorne of the
shippes to clere the freight and men's wages.

STATE PAPERS CONCERNING THE TRIALL OF THE
EWR PREVIOUS TO THE THIRD VOYAGE.

I. MEMORANDUM FROM MY LORDS TO THE WARDEK OF THE MYNT
TOUCHING THE ORE.
H. FllOM MR. FENTON ON THE UNLADYNGE OF THE ORE AND DR,
DODDYNGS REPORT ON THE SICKNESS AND DEATH OF THE
MAN BROUGHT BY CAPT. FROBISHER FROM THE NORTH-WEST,
AND OF THE NATURE OF THE WOMAN OF THAT COUNTRY YET
LIVINGE.
III. FROM MR. LOCKE WHAT THE GOODNESS OF ORE IS DECLARED,
IV. FROM SIR W. WYNTER TOUCHYNGE THE GOOLD ORE.

y. FROM JONAS SCIIUTZ ON THE SAME.
VI. FROM DR. BURCOT ON THE SAME.
VII. FROM M, LOK OF .JONAS NEW METHOD OF TRIALS.
VIII. A NOTE OF ALL SUCH CHARGES IN MELTYNGE DOWN THE OWRE.
IX. AGNELL ON THE TRIAL OF THE ORE.
X. A NOTE OF CHARGE FOR THE TRIALL OF ONE TONNE OF THE
NORTHWEST ORE.
XI. FROM MR. FENTON, WHAT SDCCESSE HE HATHE IN TRAVELINGE
TO GET OWRE IN THE WEST COUNTRIE.
XII. A COUNT MADE OF XC OF ORE MELTYD AT DARTFORDE.
XIII. A NOTE OF THE VALUE OF 200 WETT OF OARE GOTTEN IN THIi
COUNTESSE OF WARWICKS ILANDE.

STATE PAPERS CONCERNING THE TRIALL OF THE
EWR PREVIOUS TO THE THIRD VOYAGE.

[Colonial, 56. Domestic Eliz., cxvi. No. 25.]

OCTOBEll 17, 1577. M^' FROM MY LORDS TO THE WARDEN AND
WOORKMASTER OF THE MYNT TOVCHYNGE THE ORE BROUGHT
OWT OF THE NORTH-WEST.

Alter our hartie commendacions. The Queenes Ma^i^s pleasure is
that certain oore brought into this realme by our loving trend Martin
Fturbusher, gent, out of the north-west partes, shalbe carved into the
Tower and layd in some convenyent place by you to be appointed for
that purpos, the said oore to be by him delyvered unto you by weight
and so by you receaved. And further that to the doare of the place
where the same shall lye there be fower severall lockes and keyes made,
whereof the said Ffurbusher to have one, you her heighnes oflacers two,
and Michaell Locke, tresorer of the Company of Adventurers into the
said north-west partes, the fourth. Whereof her Mai-ie hath appointed
us to geve you knowledge to thend you male take present order therein
accordinglic.

And so we bid you ffarewell. Ffrom the Castell of Windesor the
the xvjtii of October 1577.

Your loving frindes,

[no signatures.]

And further yt is meant y"^ you shall from tyme to tyme make de-
lyveryc of the seyd ore to be melted downe accordyngley as you shall
be dyrccted by the commyssyoners by us deputed to have the oversyght
of the scid meityng.

Ric. Martin, Warden of the Mint, (Blank) Samson, worckmaster of
the same.

1(S8 STATE PAPERS

[Colonial, 59. Domestic Eliz., cxviij. No. 40. |

25 NOVEMB. 1577. FROM MR. EDWARD FENTON. OF THE UN-
LADYN OF THE OORE IX THE AYD AND GABRIELL, AND HOW
MANIE TOONES OF THE SAYD OORE IS IN ETHER OF THE SAYD
VESSELS. TO HAVE ORDER FOR THE DISCHARDGE OF THE
MARINERS AND UNRIGGINGE THE SAYD VESSELS.

My dutie to yo^ honoi' most humblie used. Receaving letters from my
Generall the viij^i^ of this instante to make deliverie of such oure as re-
mayned in the Ayde and the Gahriell, whereof I had charge w^h letters
in like manner from yo^ ho^^" and others of her Ma^^ies counsouU directed
to S^" Richarde Barkely, Knight, Hugh Smith, Esquier, and the Maior
of Bristoll well I presentlie sent unto them notw^^^standing they mett not
abowt the receipte thereof till the xiiijtb daye of this instante (by reason
Sr Richard Barkely was ymployed elswhere in her Mamies service) Sithens
well time they have w-ii care and diligence attended that service and have
now in effect ended the same saving that a little porcion of oare founde in
removing of the caske[s] in the Ayd£ is not yet weighed, but wilbe furth-
Avtii dispatched. The quantitie of the oare in the Ayde (I suppose) wilbe
nigh 124 toones. And in the barke Gahriell 16 toones rd'i. All w^ii is
saffelie bestowed in the castell of Bristoll according to order appointed
therin. Thus much having so conveniente a messenger I thought good
to ymparte w^^ yor honor beseching the same to further the dispatch of
all such persons as have served in this action, whose service now rather
is chargeful to her Ma^i^ and other thadventurers then liking or bene-
ficeall to theim selves, Wherof the gentlemen ymployed in that action
(and attending heare thies ij moneths to small purpose) is greatlie
charged by the same whose good government in this service both before
and sithence their cominge hither on lande deserves (in myne opinion)
at her Ma'^i'^s handes bothe favo^ and recompence for so greate vertues
showed in so honorable an action wherin yoi' honors good favo^ and fur-
therance is chieflie to be craved for their comforts in the same. And
am (amongeste the rest speciallie) to recommende this gentleman
and bearer Mr. Carew to yo^' honors favoi* and countenaunce whose
readinesse wisdome and good government in this service deserves greate
comrnendacion and rather to be ymployed wth charge then to serve as now
he hath donne w^i I humblie besech yo'i to consider of hereafter for his
l)ctter advauncemente and creditt ; no lesse (I suppose) my Generall
will deliver of him for his desertes (wtiiout flatterin) doth thus much
challenges me to reaporte unto yo^ honor having well marked his be-
havior' in this service. It were to good purpose order were taken for the
unrigginge of the shippes (if heare they shall remayne) for wante wherof
their tackle and other thingcs grow to dekaie w^h would be saved if

rUKVlOUS TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 189

order were taken what should be done in the same ; Besides the super-
Hius mariners and others now attending would be discharged w^i if it
had been performed vij weekes agoo had saved greate charges and been
to verie good purpose. All w^h I committ to be delt in as shall seeme
beste to yo^' honor craving pardon for my boldnesse do praye daieiie to
thalmightie to bless you in all yo^' honorable actions and sonde yo^much
encrease of honor. From Brystoll the xxv^h of November 1577.
Yor honors most humblie to commaunde,

Edward Fenton.
Postscript. — I am bolde to sende unto yoi" honor hereinclosed the
opinion of Mr. Docto^' Dodding towching the death of the man we
brought over w'-l^ us who often visited him in the time of his sicknes.
To the honorable my verie good frinde Frauncis Walsingham, Esquier,
principall secrcatarie to her Ma"^'^' and one of her highncs privie
counsaill at the Co^'te.

[^Colonial 50. Domestic Eliz. cxviii. No. 40, i.]

IXITTOR DODDYNGS REPORT OF THE SICKNESSE AND DEATH OF
THE MAN AT BRISTOLL W<^ CAPT. FURBISHER BROUGHT FROM
THE NORTH-WEST : AND OF THE NATURE OF THE WOMAN
OF THAT CONTRIE YET LIYYNGE.

In cadaveris dissecti latore sinistro, primum sese michi inspiciendro
obtulerunt costse du£c (casus vi et impetu quando capiebatur) prnsfractoj
dehisccntes adhuc, nee invicem agglutinatae : quarum cura (uti in tam
turbulentissimis temporibus rerumque navalium augustiis usu venire
solet) vel neglecta, vel (quod potius suspicor) morbus a nemine per-
ceptus inflamationem concitaverat : et pulmonis contusio (temporis pro-
gressu) putredinem itidcm contraxerat : quibus libere indies serpentibus,
cum per frigoris externi injuriam commotis tum per malam victus
rationem auctis, nee tamen per artem chirurgicam exterius interim
cmcndatis ncque per medicamenta interius retusis in pulmonis ulcus
insanabile preccpe. Ruebat et ingruebat malum puris putrefacti afluentia
maxima ejusdcm materia viscida et tenaci, ita pulmonis pars sinistra
undique scatebat ut nihil omnino per orane morbi tempus expuerit et
anhelitus fere retentus est constrictus, hue accedebat natura morbi
infestantis furore admodum debilitata : liberior apud nos victus ratio
quam aut hujus morbi fert malitia aut hominis fortassis consuetudo
quotidiana patiebatur, quod summa ducis summi cura liberalitasque
immensa corum apud quos divertebat effecerat : deceptis omnibus
opinione potius morbo latilate et indulgentia stultaquam male volentia,
sed cum asthma paulo ante mortem, morlnis iste baud obscure simili-

190 STATE PAPERS

tudine expressit, turn ab hydrope non omnino immunis erat : in thoracis
enim spacio sinistro iiii^ens aqufB opia et abuudautia (qualis a perspi-
cacibup et industriis auatoraicis raro visitur) conspiciebatur fluitare :
hsec moto corpore (uti rei eventus fidem fecit) agitabatur, et pulmonis
expirationem impediebat, pulmo denique ipse costis firmius quam quis-
quam putaret hserebat. Cerebri vulnerati apostematique (ut ita loquar)
prseter surditatera doloremque capitis intensissinium (quibus nunquam
non affligebatur) signa infinita extant et emergunt apertissima quse
nunc silentio (ne sira prolixior) sunt involvenda, quod lieni minutis-
simo detraxerat natura justse molis id stomacho capacissimo adjecisse visa
est cum foenore qui aqua refertus et distentus multo major quam
nostrorum hominum propter insanabilem (credo) ingluviem apparebat.
In cgeteris partibus Anglium diceres metum in quo a prirao ejus adventu
erat quamvis vultus hilarior et simulatus non mediocri arte occultabat
et ementiebatur, tamen gestus ipsius (sigillatim singula penitius
introspiciente me et suspicante omnia) vel eundem aperte prodiderunt
det exeruntque vel morbum letale (quod sepius sed surdis cecini)
prgesagiverunt impendentem, qu£e ex pulsibus dilucidiora quam ex ipso
innotuerunt et confirmabatur qui semper minores tardiores et debiliores,
quam rariores extiterunt, et rariores tamen quam aut etas juvenilis, aut
temperatura ejus biliosa eflagitabat. priori morbi insultu, cum vires
adhuc integre essent accersitus sanguinis missionem magna contentione
suadebam, quo et inflammationis aculei extiucti, et materia diminuta
jacerent : sed vetuit viri barbari, barbara nimis, insulsaque timiditas, et
eorum consilium quibuscum una navigabat, apud me prsevaluit. Denique
ea hora vocatus qu£e proxime horam prsecessit in quade vita discescit re-
peri cuncta mortem brevi minitantia, nimirum, interruptam fereque om-
nino abscissamloquelam dejectumappetitum, pulsum nullum, Quid multa!
Vires omnes facultatesque prostratas prorsus aliquantulum recreatus ad
se quasi e somno profundo redit nosque ejus familiares agnovit. animad-
verti sed medicamento, et verba nostra quae ediscerat pauca ut potuit,
eloquebatur vicissimque ad interrogata respondit satis apposite, cantele-
namque eandem (uti referunt qui utramque audiverant) clare cecinit,
qua astantes in littore ejus loci atque ordinis socii ultimum ipsius dis-
cessum vel deplorabant vel celebrabant. Hand aliter atque cigni qui
provideutes quid in morte sit boni cum cantu et voluptate moriuntur.
sed vix discesseram quando vitam cum morte commutaverat ; in hasc
ultima et nostra lingua edita virumpens verba ' Deus sit vobiscum.'

Angebar et vehementer dolebam non tarn ipsius morte quam quod
ref^inse nostrse serenissimee spes tanta ejus videndi quasi e manibus nunc
secundo exciderat. At moerore multo majore afficiuntur hujus novi
honoris solidique heroes vere Herculei tanquam exantlati laboris prae-
miis et spoliis spoliati quos jure optimo (dicam enim quod senceo)
manet a nobis observantia summa, qui itinera hasc marittima, devia ea
quidem aspera et plane ante hoc tempus inaccessa magnis suis sumpti-

PRKVIOUS TO THK TUTTID VOYAGE. 191

bus laboribus periculis majore regni et posteritatis commodo raaxitna
suorum nominum gloria superarunt et apperuerunt quod si uti acce-
perit, successerit, ut eadem facilitate has regni et reipublica animas
nervosque (sic enim a philosophis non inscite appellantur divitiae) qua
consequuti sumus, retineamus, nee priusquam accipiamus, ingratitudine
nostra amittamus (quid enim aliud metuam non video) quid retribuamus
Doniino pro omnibus quse tribuit nobis ab externis regibus nil spereraus
boni quia non volunt, nil metuamus mali, quia non audent. Verura
non eo hsec dice quo quenquam in peccatorum sordibus delitescentem in
utraraque aurem dormire suadeam, sed ut amorem sigillatim singulos ab
improbitate, et adigam ad res divinas universim. omnes acrius cele-
brandas : quid enim dici cogitarive potest absurdius quam cum Deus
optimus maxiraus sit ad dandum promptior et paratior nos ad promeren-
dum simus tardiores. Attamen semper erit ilia Dei veri, vera vox
agnoscenda non quia tu dignus sed quia mitis ego. Si incantantium
futilia fictiliaque praccaria, ceremoniseque inertes etludinsG in morbis pro-
fligandis quicquam potuissent, hie profecto (dum in vivis esset) ' Cali-
choughe' (namque hoc ei nomen erat) eosdem pullulantes ut hydras
amputasset et profligasset etenim hoc nemo fuit in hac arte excercitatior,
nemo in ipsa superstitione (ni fallor) confidentior : qui tot incantationes
usurpavit, quot dolorum termina emerserunt Mulieri laboranti turn e
morbillis (qui postridie, quando haec scripta sunt effloruerunt in cute
frequentissimi) cadaver ostendi, unaque (meo suasu) ad sepulturam
(quam nulla solemnitate de industria peractam esse volui, ne qua horror
ei injiceretur de hominibus apud nos sacrificandis) licet invita, adducta
est : ibique tamdiu detenta, donee terra undique coopertum esset cadaver :
ossa humana ostendi efFossa, fecique ut intelligeret omnes nos eodem
modo esse inhumandos, quo omnem ex animo de humana carne come-
denda (qu99 in ipsis altas radices egerat) adimerem scrupum: ipsaque
timorem deinceps deponere disceret. Sed ista aut prudentia et patientia
homines omnes nostros exuperat mulier, aut ab ipsis brutis animantibus
longe superatur humanitate, qua nihil omnino ejus morte commota est,
neque eam (quantum ex vultu intelleximus) aagre tulit : ita ut hoc
postremo ejus facto manefestius expresserit id quod longe antea conjec-
turis assequuti sumus, ilium prce se mirum in modum contempsisse, et
quamvis in uno eodemque lecto somnum capere solebat praeter colloquia
tamen nihil inter eos intercessisse, amplexus ejus abhorruisse. Vale.
Bristolliae 8° Novembris.

Tuus uti scis,

EdAvardus Doddinge.

Si nihil infesti durus vidisset Ulisses

Felix Penelope, sed sine laude foret.

192 STATE PAPERS

[Colonial East Indies, 57. Domestic, cxviii, No. 36.]

23llD OF NOYEMBEK, 1577. FROM MR. MICH. LOCKE. WHAT
THE GOODNESS OF THE GOLD ORE IS DECLARED.

Right honorable, — According to yo'^' letter sent me by Mr. Watter-
hows, I have had conferens wi^ii hym, and I have told hym my best
opynyon playnly, and I wyll furder that matter the best I can and wyll
joyne w*'* you therin for a part, yf it please you, wci' I hartely pray you.

The tryall of the ore brought home by Mr. Furbusher, moche paynes
and labour hathe passed of late agayne, yet it is not brought to par-
fection, the iij workmasters cannot yet agree togethers, eche is jelous of
other to be put out of the work and therby lothe to shew their conynge
or to use effectuall conferens ; but amongest them all we doo very
playnlye see and fynd that the ure is \evj ryche, and the worst of all
their doynges wyll yeld better then xl'' a ton, clere of charges. This
is assuredly trew, w^h may sufFyse to embrase the enterpryse. And
^v'tb in few dayes yor honor shalbe better certyffyed of better matter
herein when we have made better lykynge betwene the workmastars.
And thus I commytt yo^" h. to the tuition of almighty God. From Lon-
don, this xxiij November, 1577.

Yor h. most bounden,

INIichael Lok.

{Colonial 58. Domestic Eliz., cxviii. No. 39.]
Kov. 26th, 1577. from sir william wynter, touchynge

THE GOLD ORE AVHAT IT WILL YIELD.

^Ir. Furbusher beyng bounde towardes Bristowe for the dischardginge
of the maryners and takinge of order for the ships and ther furneture
well remayneth ther, hathe been enforsed to stale some what longer then
willingly he would have don frome the doinge of these thinges before
this tyme, because he hathe hade a desier that v^^^ his travaile and
others in comyssion tochinge this matter of the oore that he and they
nowghte have understanded what sertaine accompt was to be made of
the said oore to thend yo^" honur, and the rest of her Highnes cownsaile
myght have been perfatly enformed. What hathe ben don hether to
Mr. Furbusher will do yor honur to wyet. And albe hit the oore in re-
porte do not appiere to be of the vallew w^^ hathe ben looked for, yet yf
the woorkmen be to belyved who offereth ther lieves to performe that
w<ii they have set downe wti" ther handes, the commodittie is suche as
maye content resonable myendes, for my owne opynyon I belevc hit will

PREVIOUS TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 193

fawll owt better than the woorkemen hathe set hit doune, and that it
raaye so come to pase I will use all the travaile I cane possiblie; not so
muche for my pryvate gayne ftrewly) as in respect of the Q. Ma^ie that
her highnes good hoepe be not made frustrate, and yet I dowt not but
you beleve I ame worse able to beare a lose than her Matie is. And thus
most humbly takinge my leave, I rest, prainge God to kepe yow in
helthe. Tower Hill, the xxv^b of November, 1577.

Yo^" honnors ever to comawnde,

W. Wynter.

\_Colonial, 60. Domestic Eliz., cxviii, No. 41.]

NOVEMBER 25"^", 1577. FROM JONAS SCHUTZ TOUCHING THE
GOULD GORE.

Righte honnorable Mr. Secretarye Walsinghara, my humble dutie
premysed. These maye signifie unto youre honnoure that wheras I have
bene by order from the Queues Majestie and her most honnorable consail
appointed to trye the ore brought into the realme by Maister Captaine
Ffrobysher. Nowe, so it is that I have bene visited with sicknes and ame
as yt weake, so that I have not bene able to accomplishe my dutie in
tryall thereof, accordinge to my comyssion. And nowe, havinge re-
covered somewhat of my disease, I entende by the grace of Grod to
flfinishe the profe therof. And whearas I dyde promyse before youre
honnore halfe a nowce, I doo not mys dowte thereof. And yff the nexte
doth fall any better which I ame in good hope then shall it be showed
to youre honnore, and accordingelie one Saturdaye next to bringe a
sample therof to the courte. Thus muche I thoughte it my dutie to
signifie unto youre honnore. And so leavinge to trowble yo" further, I
reste prayinge the Almightie God to protecte yo". Ffrome the howsse
of Johne Nighelson, scituat in Easte Smythfeilde, the xx\^^ daye of
November, A" 1577.

Youre humble servaunte to commaunde,

Jonnas Schiitz.

Too the righte honorable Mr. Secretarie Walsinghame, one of the
Quenes Majestie previe consail.

[Colonial 62. Domestic Eliz., cxviii. No. 43.]

NOVR 26^" 1577. FROM D"^ BURCOT : WHAT HE THINCKETH THE
GOOLD OGRE WILL YEELD BY THE TONNE.

After most hartie and humble commendacions. Whereas the Queenes
Ma^ie ^as I perceave by yoi" honors lettres) hathe required me to make an

194 STATE PAPERS

assaye and to shewe my judgm^ in that ooyre wch Captayne Ffurbysher
brought into this lande, the triithe ys, I have so donne, and I desire
yor honoJ* to advertize her highnes that I have assayed and proved yt to
the uttermost by dyvers and sundry assayes, and fynde not therein
suche greate ryches as ys spoken and reported of. But the truthe ys, I
have founde that in an hundred weight there ys half an onze of golde
in the blacke ooyre that ys x ounces yn a tonne. Also, I fynde one
other redd ooyre bearinge twoo ounces in an hundred weight, that ys
ffortye ounces in a tonne. And yf the same be well husbanded by a
skyllfull and expert man, that blacke oore will yelde in the great fyer
half an ounce, and beare the charges of meltinge and puryfyenge of yt.
I wolde therfore wyshe her highnes to allowe some yeerely consyderacion
unto some expert and skyllfull man in the knowledge of myneralles that
yf any suche roughe wyeld and forrayne ooyre at any tyme, hereafter
happen to comme into this lande that he by his true assayes thereof may
certyfie her highnes of the juste encrease of the same at his owne charges
that thereby her Ma^ie and subjectes may not (as heretofore they have
bynne) be disceaved by suche vayne and untrue reports. And further
that suche skyllfull man maye teache otheres in the same experyence of
myneralles yf at any tyme hereafter the like vyage shalbe made for the
like or other ooyre whose knoweledge of the travellers maye greatly en-
crese the commodytie of the viage, whoe by his instruccions in the same
knoweledge may learne a brevyate and shorte assaye in the tryall thereof
w*^ out any charges, ffurnys, or other instrument. And that in suche
shorte tyme that they maye thereby make xij assayes in an houre, what
goodnes ys in suche ooyre, and then to take the good and leave the
badd. If age and sycknes did not so oppresse me, but that I were able
to travell therein myself, I wolde willinglie bestowe my dyligence in
that service. Thus I leave yo^" honoi* to Goddes direction, prayenge for
her Ma'i^s longe and prosperous raigne. Dated this xxvjtb of November,
1577. Yo^" honors at commaundemt,

Burchard Kraurych.
To the Right WoorshipfuU Sr Fraunces Walsingham, Knight, Chief
Secretary unto the Queenes Matie, my singuler good frende gyve these.

\_Colonial, 63. Domestic Eliz., cxviii, No. 54.]

30 NOVEMBER, 1577. FROM MICHAEL LOK, OF JONAS, NEAV
MANER OF TRYALLS OF THE GOOLD ORE.

Right honorable. I wrote you a letter vj daies past, w^^ I sent by
Mr. Furbusher, myndinge at that tyme my sellf and Jonas to have byn
wth yor honor at the court this daye. The onely cause of our staye was
that Jonas is raakinge triall of another order of meltinge to be used in

PREVIOUS TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 195

the grosse worke wherby to melt the ore, w^ii halfe the charges and tjme
of the ordinarie use of the grosse workes, and wtii all to receave the fyne
gold out of the fyer molten w^^ out any maner of yron or other matter of
the ore to hynder the same, wch work is already done after one maner in
grosse order, and found very good, and by Monday or Tewesday next
wilbe also finished after another maner, wcb is also hoped shall fawlle
out as good or rather better. And therw^^al we will repayre to yo^" honor
wtii full and parfect resolution of all matters to good lykynge by Gods
grace, or on Wednesday to Hampton Court bycause it is nerer. And
then, also, I wyll certyffy yo^ honor what I fynd in S^" L. Ducket and
Sr R. Heyward, for the matter declared to me by Mr. Waterhowsse this
mornyng, accordinge to yor letter received then, also of hym who sayethe
that he also wilbe w^h yor honor at the Court on Monday or Tewesday
next w^b answere therof.

That wcb I wrote yo^' honor in my letter sent by Mr. Furbusher touch-
inge the rychesse of the ure, is very trew. Yt grevethe me to see so
moche tyme lost before we begyn to gyve order for the makyng of the
furnasses for the grosse work, vf<^^ of necessyty must be done before we
shall have any goodnes when all is sayed and proved that can be done,
I know not wherto to impute the fault, but to a schisma growen amonge
us commissioners, throughe unbelefe, or I cannot tell what worse in
summe of us, w^b the tyme must open. And thus for this tyme humbly
1 take my leave and commytt yo^ honor to Godes protection. From
London, this 30 November, 1577.

Yor honors most bounden,

Michael Lok.

I send this berer, my servant, purposely w^h this letter, and yo^" honor
maye command hym to retorne at yor plesure.

To the right honorable Mr. Francys Walsingham, Chyef Secretarie of
the Queenes Mati^, &c.

Delyvred at the Court.

\_Colonial, 61. Domestic Eliz., cxviii, No. 42.]

A NOTE OF ALL SUCH CHARGES AS SHALL AMOUNT IN MYLTYNGE
DOWNE THE GOWLD OWRE, AND OTHER CHARGES AS FOL-
OWETH, BY MR. JONAS SHOWTES ACCOUNT.

Inprimis, every toune waight of owre to yeald the somme of . xxx^*
Item, for the byldynge of the worke howse and furnysses . iiijc^i
Item, for the charge of xij workemen wykely . . v'i

Item, for cole, wood, fflowshe, and lead, to mylte it doune
wykely ...... xv'^

O 2

196 STATE PAPERS

Item, that the sayd Jonas shall trye wth the sayd charges afore
say wykele ij tone wayte of owre vf<^^ shall yeald in fyne
gowld the somme of ... . xx""""^*'

.Jonnas Schiitz.

[Colonial, East Indies, 69. Domestic Eliz., cxix, No. 15.]

AGNELI.O ON THE TRIAL OF THE ORE.

Molto Magnifico et honorando Si" mio essellentissimo.

Non voici S^" mio che pensasti ch' io fussi cossi mal crento che attanti
che hora non fussi stato el debito mio ad responder alia vostra cortese
lettera scrittame di 7 del passato ma la causa e stata ch' io desiderame
di rispondemi con qualche sustantia, il che volendo fare son stato for-
ciato di far molte esperienze et prove per conoscer la natura di questa
minera portata in questo regno dal S^' Martino Furbisher ; ultimamente
di poi molte prove fatte ho trovato che bisogna separare la parte sul-
furea combustile con conservatione dell' oro che in essa si sitruova, et piu
glie necessario separare quanto si puo la parte terrestra, et ancora el
ferro che in essa si contiene, il che fatto detta minera sara piii facile
alia fusione et con maneo spesa, oltra di questo I'oro quale era disperso
per minima in gran quantita di terrestreita et materia ferrea, sara redotto
piu unito ad diversi recuperare et unirsi insieme. El quale effetto pen.so
haver trovato, la qual cosa se pensate possi suplire al desiderio di sua
Mata me gli oferisco paratissimo. Ma perche intendo che vi sono molti
che si proferiscono et fano proforte grande a sua Ma"^ io sarsi di opinione
che lei dettessi a cottare le loro proferte ch' io per me son di gia vechio
et impotente a durar piu faticha et tanto piii che questa non e raia pro-
fessione, per che veramente io non adoperai mai metalli, glie ben vero
che essendo io stato sempre desideroso de intendere i secreti de natura
ho pensato de intender la natura di questa minera come di sopra ho
detto. Non voici pere Sr mio che pensasti ch' io habbi detto questo con
intencione di non far piacer et servitio a sua Ma^a quando gli pincera
comand . . . le ma I'ho solamente detto per le cause sopra detto. Et cosi
facendo fine et pregando I'Altissimo vi conservi et prosperi, gli bascio
I'honorata mano. Di Lon. adi 20 di Decemb. del 77.

Tutto al comando di V. S.,

Giovanni Battista Agnello.

Colonial East Indies, No. 64. Domestic Eliz., cxix, 8.

A NOTE or THE CHARGES REQUISITE FOR THE TRIALL OF ONE
TONNE OF THE NORTH-WEST ORE.

Right honorable, — We have byn longe tyme about the second prooffe
of the ure, and doo well parceave that this foinace is not great ynoughe

PREVIOUS TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 197

for the common great workes of the meltinge and to bringe the work to
that parfection w^^ is desyred, and so moche hathe Jonas said unto us
from the begynnynge. And yet wee doo fynd by these two proffes made
of c weight of ure apece that the ure hathe in it more then the valew of
xl'^ of money in gold in everie ton weight, after the rate that we fynd
and sawe the said two proffes. Also in this meane tyme we have had
triall of dy vers maner of workynges made by sundry men for the bettar
preparynge of the ure that it might be easye in ye meltinge to avoyde
great charges, and we have had dyvers small prooffes made by them
wch have very good lyki-'ge, but we are not al)le to say assuredlye what
they wyll fawll out in the great worke uutill the fornaces be made for
the said workes. Thus is moche tyme passed awaye and moaey spent,
and yet our expectation not satisfied. Wherfore we have thoughte good
now to drawe this matter to the best end that we can. And uppon
conferens had vf^^ Jonas (whome we fynd very honest and trew in his
doinges, and as our judgement wyll leade us the parfectest workmaster
in this art of his profession). We have thus dealt w'^i hym as folowethe.
He sayethe that this here new proved is poore in respect of the pece of
ure brought last yere, and of sum other brought this yere, and of that
w h he knowethe may be brought the next yere, and that it is of a
strange nature, suche as he is not yet well acquaynted withall ; but he
doutethe not in the great work, he will learne to knowe it parfectlyc.
Neverthelesse, beinge, as it is or maye be, he dothe promysse to delyver
halfe an once of fyne gold out of everye hundreth weight therof at the
worst and least valew, and hopethe also assuredlie to delyver so moche
more gold as shall pay all charges of the meltinge and workinge therof,
wth an advantage wherein he will use his best cudevour, as well for the
servyce of her ^la^J^as for his owue credite. And for the reward of his
owne labour and industrye, he dothe reserve hym selfe to the good con-
sideration of her Ma"« and yo^" honor v{^^ the rest of the Lordes, de_
syrynge that whatsoever it be he maye be made sure therof duryng his
lyffe by her ^Ma'i®*^ letters pattenttes before he begyn the great workes
in the w<^h letters pattenttes he is contented ther shalbe a condicion sett
downe, that yf he doo not parforme that wch before is declared that then
he wyll take no benefite by that graunt. And he sayethe that he hathe
no doubt that in the Landelinge of the great workes his doynges sLalLe
suche as justelye shall deserve to augment his pencyon of lyvinge here-
after whatsoever ic shalbe now. And touchiuge the ordinarie charges
of workinge the ure to parfection, he is not able yet to saye justelye
what it wyll amount uppon the ton, untill he have made triall therof in
the great work ; but this much he sayethe that it wylbe under ten
poundes the ton, exceptiuge the charges of buyldynges of the work,
hovvsse and fornaces, aud so he wyll warrant it uppon forteyture of his
pencyou. And hereuppon he repayrethe to the Court to take sum end
■vyih jqI li^ .^m\ i\^Q iQ^i yf ii^Q hL., w^^ beinge done, he wyll go pre-

198 STATE PAPERS

sently to Bristow to Mr. Furbusher, w^ii yo^ good lykynge, to vew a
place convenient to erect the workhowse and fornaces, and there to have
conferens wtii the workmasters that shall erect the same according to
the plat, that he wyll gyve them the charges wherof he cannot judge
wt^ out conferens had vf^^ them; but he thynkethe it wilbe under cc
poundes. Thus moche we have thought good to certifFy yo^' honor, and
in the rest therof hymsellffe shall satisfy you more at large, Robert*
Denham is one suche as may be able to doo good sarvyces to the Q.
Matie and stand the Company in great steade whatsoever should happen
to Jonas, and therefore it were good he mought be remembered, wcb we
referre to yo^ honors good consyderation. And thus God preserve
yo^" honor. From London, this vj December, 1577.

Yoi' honors to commaund,

W. Wynter,
Michael Loke.
To the right honorable S^' Ffrancys Walsingham, Knyght, one of her
Mamies principall Secretaries.

dct.
At the Court.

{Colonial, 65, Doinestic Eliz., cxix. No. 9.]
^^ 2 The great proofe of the black oure of Alom and chayne.
^) ^ Thee third proofe of thee read sand of Alom and chayne.
^ ■* Thee second proofe of thee read sand of Alom and cbeyne.
^) "^ Thee oure of Hynnesbury Gilles.

{Colonial, 66. Domestic Eliz., cxix, 10.]

ITJ MELTING FURNACES WILL MELT IIJ TON OF URE IN A DAY
AND NIGHT OR RATHER XIJ HOWARS VJ WORKMEN WYLL
SARVE THESE IIJ FURNACES AND ALL OTHER WORKES THERTO
BELONGING.

For vj men men's wagys and meate a daye . . x»

And for other ydle tyme of work . . x«

"VVciiis for iij tons xx« w^tiis j ton for . . vjs viij'^

* Kobert, originally written William, but altered.

2 A small piece of metal fixed to the paper by wax.

3 Mark of the seal wax only remains.

4 Part of the wax only left.

5 Wax only lei't.

PREVIOUS TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 199

For coles and wood to melt j ton j lode , . xxs

For leade j ton for j ton ure vf^^ leade wilbe gotten
agayne in the last almost iij quarters of it so is lost
but j quarter of j ton worthe x'* the ton, vi^^ is for
j ton of ure ..... iij''
For fyar to rost j ton ure . . . vj-? viij'^

For a man to attend the same j day . . xx^i

For mixture to melt the ure for j ton . . x*

iSum <£5 5 a ton ure charges.

IColonial, East Indies, 67. Domestic Eliz., cxix, No. 12.]

DOCTOR BURC0T3 ARTICLES AND CONDITIONS TO SERVE IN
FYNING OF THE NORTH-WEST ORE OR ANY OTHER MINERALS.

Right honorable,

We have vewed all the watter mylles neere London and
doo fynd the most of them to be tyde mylles wcli wyll not sarve to work
the ure.

Also we have vewed the Temple myll w^^ Jonas dothe well lyke for the
watter course, but the same hathe very little or no ground wheron to
buyld the workhowsses needfull nor no place there for habitation of the
workmen and ofiycers requysyt for the workes.

Also we have seene the mylles at Dartford, whose water course Jonas
doth allso lyke well. And consideryng the commoditie of the towne for
habitation of the offycers and workmen also the water passage from the
Tames to the towne and the good store of fewell in Kent, we thynk that
place good fo^ the purpose wherof this berar Mr. Furbusher can certyffy
yo"" H. particularlye referring all to the consyderation of yo^" H. and the
lords of Mamies honorable privie councell.

Also I have delyvred to Mr. Burkot yo^' H. letter and theruppon I and
Mr. Furbusher have had large talke wtii hym, and in the end we fynd
hym farre out of reasson, and from that w^ii he wrote to yor H. as you
shall parceave by the writinges herewt^all sent of his demandes ; also
Jonas is not wyllynge to joyne w^ii hym, and by our conferens had we
doo see that Burcot wold doo in the workes no more but the same
well Jonas would doo and wyll doo and in sum poynttes not so moche
nor so well as at yo^" H. commyng to London you shall more largely un-
derstand. The first thing that now is to be done for erection of the
workehowsses for the ure is this : to wryte yo'^ H. letters to Mr. Bartye,
husband of the Duchesse of Suffolk to send hether Sebastian, a dockeman
who now makethe certayne mylleworke for hym at Grymsthorp, w^ii
workman must make the bellowes wheeles and all other tymber-work.
Also yo'' letter to sum fryn[d] to send hether Hendrick the dockeman

200 STATE PAPERS

brykler or mason who is now in work at the glassehows in Sussex at a
place called Lokwoo'd, these ij men w^^ Jonas must presently vew and
measure the plat of ground for erection of the mylle and furnaces and
ordeyne for the plat of the work and for the stuffe to work wi^i^all and
buy Id w^i^all. Also uppon yo^" E. resolution what place you think most
meete to erect the workehowsses. The ownar therof must be agreed
w'^all presently e for the same before we can begynne the workes of
buyldynges. All other matters appertaynynge to the premysses may
staye untyll yor H. come to London.

And thus I commytt yo' honor to Almighty God.
Ffrom London the xiij of December, 1577.

Yo^ honors most bounden

Michael Lok.
To the right honorable S'' Francis Walsingham, knight, one of her
]\Iaties principall Secretaries

At the Court.
[Inclosure i.]
The 9^^ December, 1577.
Mr. Doctor Burcot shall doo as folowethe : —

1. He shalbe chyef master of the workes of provynge and meltinge the
ures here at home yerelye and in his owne parson shall see and ordayne
and command the same.

2. He shall delyver halfe an once at the least of fyne gold for every
hundred weight of the ure, free and clere of all charges of ffyer and ad-
ditions for the melting and mens labour for the workyng and all other
charges except the charges of buyldyng and instrumeuttes or \>orkyng
tooles.

And this shall he parforme or ells shall loose his pencion of cc'' and all
other intertaynement.

Mr. Doctor Burcot shall have as folowethe : —

1. A pencion of cc^' yerely during his lyffe.

2. And xx« day for his dyat when he or his deputye workethe.

3. And a better reward w^hen the mynes prove bettar and V^ before-
hand besydes his pencion. And this shalbe parformed to him by suffi-
cient bondes.

[Inclosure ii.]

Artycles oiF Burkard Krainghe ofi" the iteltine and ffyninge of that
coyre that ys brought into this land and that w^b here after shall come.

Inprimis that he will be a master teacher and instructor of Inglyshe-
men how they shall melte this presente blacke ooyre or any that comythe
here after to puryffie and fyne yt and bringe jt to parffyte gold.

Item he will also have suche men as he will chuse and apounte they
shalbe bound to the hole fellowshipe and unto him not to departe frome
this busynes w tiiout the masters lycense and good will havinge ther wages
reasouablye a})pounted unto them.

PREVIOUS TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 201

Item he will also erecte and buyld a meltene house w^h vj fornaces
axiltres, fyninge ovene vj pare off bellous vf^^ all other instrumentes
apperteyninge to suche a house of his owne device and knowlage pro-
fytable and mete for suche meltine at the fellowes cost and charges.

Item he will have too hundred pound ayeare duringe his naturall lyffe
quarterly to be payd and one hole quarter^ in hand, and the next
pament at oure Lady-day next followinge, and xxs a day for his charges
holy day and workie day as ofte as he ys in and aboute that busynes and
yf yt fortune him to be charged w^^ bodylie syckenes and be not able to
travile in the same arte and be present himselfe that he may have a
sufficiente man ther in his place in the meane tyme and the same ac-
countes and the xx^ to be payd monthly.

Item he will also have by that same meltine house sufficiente rostine
house, coyle house, v/^^ plentye of wood and coile.

Item the same Burkard hath takine upon him w^b hisaffore appounted
workemen and melters to bring out of the blacke oorye that ys present
alredye in this lande halfe an ounce of a hundred weight gold and be •
sydes that yt shall beare reasonable charges so that he may have the
same ooyre cleanely delyvered unto him w^^'out earthe drosse or stones
havinge wood and coile wth workemen at ye queues pryce.

Item will gyve a note what maner of bellowes and other instrumentes
nessessary appertayninge to the same mayd here in London and carryed
to suche a place as the Mr, and fellowes thinke mete to be buylden.

Item, he will instructe and teache to make proves and sayes to one
man that will go suche a vioage agayne to bringe over treasure and
ryches to pay for all and leave suche pooer and wyld ooryes behind yf
ther be suche ryches in the land.

Item he ys also content to travill his old body in the fellowshipes cost
and charge to vew se and fynd out in this land a place for buyldine suche
a house bothe mete and profytable for the beste cheape of meltine and
bringine in of the oorye.

Item, he will also make sayes of this ooryes that is in this land adver-
tyce the comyssioners of the ryches of the same of his owne cost and
charge, and in his owne house and showe and teache how yt shall be
brought oute in the greate fyer because he hathe his pension for
ye same.

Item, he will also have tow notable men in the fellowshipe that shalbe
bound unto him in a pare of indentures and he to them for the hole
fellowshipe wcb one of them shalbe appounted to pay him at altymes
for him and his men ther wages an his pension and xx^ a day.

Item, yf ther shall here after any more suche ooyre come into this
land W^ii shall beare the charges and be more profytable then thys ys
that where he hathe now xx'* a day then he shall have xl* a day,

' " liole quarter"' erasfcl, aud alured to tfyfti pound."

202 STATE PAPERS

Item, that yf he do not performe the afforesayd artyckles then he
shall losse his pittane and therto I have sette my hand.

Item, he will not have that his pension nor his xx-^ shalbe accounted
in the charges of the meltyng because yt is neyther for labourer nor
workmenes wages.

Item, will also have that alwayes ther shall remane a peace of mony
in the masters handes before hand in the buyldine and meltine to pay
his men in dew season and he shall make acounte every sennet or xiiij
dayes at y^ leaste and send yt to him that payes the men to make his
booke w^^ a trew accountes what is spent and payd.

Item, the M^ will also instructe and teache one of his secret and
bounden sarvantes and prentyce durynge his lyffe as he hathe partely
alredy done that yf yt happene that the same Mr dothe deseace or dye
that the same his mane shall knowe suche secretes and mystories wc^
every worke man and laborrer ought not to knowe so that his service
may be followed in his desseaces and after his deathe and to be joyned
now w^^ him in patent.

[Colonial 113. Domestic Eliz., cxxix. No. 2.]

JANUARY 2, 1578. FROM MR. EDWARD FENTON, WHAT SUCCESS E
HE HATHE HAD IN TRAVELING TO GET OWRE IN THE WEST
COUNTRIE.

My dutie to yoi" honor most humblie used. Makinge my L. of Bedforde
acc^uainted w^^^^ her Mamies commission and service I had in hande from
yor ho: he presentlye directed his favorable letters unto Mr. Edgcombe
(whose skill and indginete for that purpose and service his L. thought
most sufficiente) to whom I repaired accordinglie. And making him
acquainted therwt^ I desired his speedie good help and furtherance in
the same and sheifest to be furnished of that oure or minerall (Mr.
Burcott) affirmed to yo^ honor to have receved of him and gotten in his
growndes W^ he assured me by great othes was not true : for the, same
care .... delivered unto (Burcott) by one of his bretheren who
receavid the same of another man wch died longe time sithence, and
where he had the same he knowes not neither can it be learned of any
other. So that at my firste entraunce into the service I was voyde of
that hoope and helpe I cheiflie exspected at his handes for the presente
supplie of the same. Wherfore seinge the uncertentie of his help and
that he sayde he had procured some other sortes of oare but not readie
for me : I furthAvtii repaired into Cornewall to see what fruites I coulde
reape, and fonde owt for that purpose by myne owne travaill : And
coming amongest the mynes there (Christmas being at hand) and the
niyners being departed from their labours. Onlie in thende haping to

PREVIOUS TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 203

one (Mr. Cosworth) receavoi" of her Mamies revenew there, w^^ whom using
some conferrence receavid bothe greate courtesie for my self and fur-
theraunce for the presente service I had in hande : he travailed with me
into sondrie places and to divers gentlemen of that shier at whose handes
and by whose meanes I was cheiflie to be holpen w^^ such mineralls as I
serched for viz., Mr. Goodolphin, Mr. Arundell, and others w^ii whom
after I had used some conferrence and given them some instructions
towchinge thaction furthw^i^ dispatched their letters to their servaunts
best acquainted w^^ those cawses to make presente serch for all oares and
mineralls remayninge in their workes from whom I have receavid such
sortes of oare as I have sente to London (to Mr. Looke) putt in severall
bagges marked w^h figures accordinge to a kalendar herwith inclosed to
yo"" honor.

But the oare (Mr. Burcott) had wherof Mr. Edgcombe delivered me a
peice, I showed to divers tynners and others of skill in mineralls, but
they never saw any suche in Cornwall or other places of their workinge.

Greator speede I could not make by reason thunfittnes of time as
absence of all workmen from their workes, neither a greator quantitie of
oare w^h sorte will best serve the purpose it is gotten for, wcii I coulde
not do having no skill therin my self muche lesse here acquainted
w^'^ any that could do the same. And therfore thought it not good to
entre into any further charges therin till I receaved yo^ honors further
pleasurs and certificatt w^^ sorte or sortes therof will best aggree
w^ii thaction it is provided for, w^^ I will most dutifullie and readelie
followe accordinge to suche orders as yo^ honors shall direct me for the
same. Humblie beseching yo^ ho : to direct yo'" favorable letters of
thanks to (Mr. Coswarth) for the greate courtesie he hath shewed me in
this service craving pardon for my boldness I beseche God to blesse
yo^" honors with good success in all yo*" actions. Ffrom Mount Edg-
combe the ijJeof Januarie, 1578.

Yo^" honors most humblie to commaunde,

Edward Fenton.

To the right honorable the Lords and others of her Mai^ies most

honorable Privie Counsaill.

haste.

[Colonial, 113. State Papers. Domestic, Elizabeth., Vol. 129, 2, i.]

THE KALLENDER OF SUCHE SORTS OF OARE AS I HAVE SENT IN
SOUNDRIE BAGGS, VIZ.:

The first sort or kynd being liek copper called myndick growethe in
St. Awstcll Clives 3 milles from the haven of Foye.
There is liek to be good stoarc therof.

204 STATE PAPERS

2. The second sort comonly called by the tynners calle, there is great
stoare and dyvers kynds therof growing in St. Tew and other places 3
milles from the sea syde : and from the haven of Foye vij milles.

3. The third sort lyke unto tynne or lead,* groweth in St, Awstell in
the severall grownd of Hughe Collyns of Tregonie, ij milles from the see
and vj from Foye.

4. The iiij'^i'sort growethe in the parishe of Piryn in the grownd of
(Mr. John Nance) and was one of the myues (Mr. Burcot) wrought for
silver : he gave to the honnor yerely v oz. of silver, it lyethe w^-i^in 2
milles of New Kaie a littell harbor now dekayed, the work standethe xxij
fethomes deape of water and the loade therof a foate broade.

5. The fift sort was gottin by me and Mr. Coswarthe in a silver work
of Bircotts, at New Kaie, hard by the see side and in the parishe of
St Collom (the lower, the loade scant a foat broade), I fownd also in a
howse hard by the same, certayn slage w^' he used to melt downe the
same oare wt i all, of what substaunce or from whence it came, I could
not learne; it is amongest the oore in this bagge.

6. The vy'^ contayneth 4 sorts of oore received from Mr. Barnard
Penrose dwelling nigh Helston.

7. The vij'^i sort was gotten in the parishe of S"^ Tannesse, her
Mats jland, hard uppon the see side, the loade not above a handfuU
broad.

8. The viij'i bagge coutaynethe 7 sorts of oare w^^^ their loads. Re-
ceived of Mr, Edgcombe.

Fower sorts of oare in 4 severall baggs, marked wi^'i the letter M., from
IVIr. Michell, of Trewroo.

Indorsed. The sortes of myneralls received from C. Fentou, from
Cornwall, the 8 Januarie, 1578.

[^Colonial, 131. State Pajiers. Domestic Miz., Vol. 129, No. 43.]

THE XVIJ DAYE OE FEBROAVARY IN AN" 1578, OF X'' OF ORE
MELTYD AT DARTFORDE. A COWNT MAJ)E OF X'^ OF ORE
MELTYD W^" CAME OUT OF THE JUDETH, AND 13''" OF ORE
W^" CAME OUT OF THE NORTHF, AND 3^ OF LECTAGE W^"
CAME FROME TOWER HIGHTT 26c IN ALL.

"Where of came iij^ ^ of ryche leade, and that beyinge fyude downe
there came viij oz. ot selver, lackynge ij'^ weyght, where of beynge
pariyd, came of gowlde one q.5 q*^ oz. and xviij grains.

Where of came out of the Itade ore and the lytarge, w^i^ was xvijc ^ oz.
I q3, wc'ms X oz.

1 In the toppe of this bagge you shall fyud ij peces of oare jello coller
gutien at New Kaie.

PRKVIOUS TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 205

Then meltyd the lytarge wth the slags where out is come ije of leade,
■vyfih ijc of leade howldeth v oz.

All so there dothe remayne in stone iij'^ ^, w^h howldyth all v oz.

There remayns iij'-' of lead at 30.s

Where of all is xviij oz. of selver w^^ gowlde.

The gowlde w^b is there in is |- oz. 40 grains, w«b is 35« in valew.

There remayns xvij oz. j qr. iij<i weyght, ^ of selver, where of we take
out X oz. for the xvjc ore and lectarge. Reste in selver of owre owne
ore 7 oz. j qr. .3"^ weyt ^.

(On dors.)
Howe mych the x^ dothe make.
Furste, in sylver 1 7 oz. j qr. 3^'' weyte, at . .470

Then the gowlde ^ oz. 40 grains, at . . . 1 15

Then 3'* lead lefte, at . . . . 1 10

Where of abate for x oz. w"'' came oute of the ore and let-
targe of the northe . . . . . 2 10
The reste clyer, wch is come out of owr ^ tunne of ow .520

[Colonial, 134, Domestic, Eliz., cxxx, No. 15.]

A NOTK OF THE VALUE OF 200 W^'^ OF OARE GOTTEN IN THE
COUNTESS OF WARWICKS ILANDE IN (mETA INCOGNITA)
AND PUTT UOWNE BY ME, JONAS SHUTE, AT THE TOWER
HILL, THE XXIirj^^ DAIE OF MARCHE, 1578, AND PUTT OF
ON III SEUERALL TESTES CONTEYINGE GOLD AND SILVER,
AS FOLLOW"^", VIZ.

The prootfe of the first test.
The first prooffe waighed in gould and

silver, vnrefyned , . . 11 oz.4 pennye w^it 16 graines.

Being refyned, in gould and silver 11 oz. 1 penny w^itand 11 gr.

In gould, beinge parted . . 20 graines and 3 quarters.

The prooffe of the second test.
The seconde waighed in gould and

silver, vnrefyned . . 1 oz 3 qrters and 14 gr.

Being refyned, in gould and silver . 1 oz. 7 penny w^it 14 grs.

In gould, being parted . . 1 penny w^it 4 gr. 3 qrters.

The prooffe of the third test.
The thirde waighed in gould and silver,

vnrefyned . . . 10 oz. 14 penny w^it ]8 gr.

Wherof there is a litle sample kept of

the same for a sutle prooffe, if need

require.

206 STATE PAPERS.

Being refyned in gould . . 1 oz. 13 penny weit

In gould, being parted . . 1 penny w^it 8 gr. 1 qrter.

The quantetie of gould and silver refyned in the iii tests.
The whole weight of the gould refyned ) 3 penny w^it ) j --vi^

amounteth to . . . ) 10 gr. d. 3

The whole w^it of the silver refyned ) 4 oz. 19 penny ) xxv^

cometh to . . • I w.eit 3 grs. d. ) viid

The quantetie and rate of thaditamets use in thies prooffes.
In litarg 400 w^it held in silver . . 2 oz. d.

In leade 56 pownds w^it held in silver . . 1 qrter. of an oz.

All wcb cometh to xiiii« iiij^, w^ii (I knowe) remayinth yet it the litarg
and leade, and so will allowe for the same.
So that after this rate it cometh in the toone

towards all chargs .... xvii'^ xviijs ix^
Wherof, I the said Jonas descireth allowance for waste Ivii'' ix<^
And so I, the said Jonas Shute, promisseth to make

of euyre ton towards all chargs . . . xv^*

STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE OUTFIT FOR
THE THIRD VOYAGE.

I. A PROPORTION OF THE CHARGES FOR A THYRD VOYAGE.
II. THE NAMES OF SUCH GENTLEMEN AS WENTE IN THE l^T AND
2nd VOYAGE NOW IN CONSIDERACION OF THEIR SERVICE, TO
BE RECEIVED AS ADVENTURERS, GRATIS.
III. INTERTAYMENT OF GENTLEMEN AND OTHERS UNDER MR. PENTON

TO INHABITE THE NEW LAND.
IV. INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO MARTINE FFROBISER.

V. THE INVENTORIE OF THE SHIP AYDE.
VI. THE GABRIELL PRICED AT <£lXXX.
VII. THESE HAVE NOT PAYD THE S^D OF MAY, 1578.

STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE OUTFIT FOR
THE THIRD VOYAGE.

{Colonial^ 88. Domestic Eliz.^ cxxiv, No. 1.]

A PROPORTION OF THE CHARGES FOR A THYRD VIAGE TO THE
NORTHWEST TO FITCH 2000 TOONES OF CORE AND TO VITTAL
AND KEEPE THERE 100 MEN 18 MONETHES.

Twoo thowsande toones of oure to be brought home at

xxx'^ le toone amounteth to .

Wherof
I demaunde to furnishe the Ayde and Gahriell in

presente and readie monie
More for the wages of 80 men for v monethes at

xxvjs. viijfi. le monthe le man to be paid at per

reatorne .....
Two shipps to be procured more of her Ma^i^, viz., one

of 400 toones and thother of 200 toones throughlie

furnished w^h tackle and munition wcb maie

amounte to ....

Marioners to saile the same ij shipps 150, at

XXVJ5. viiijc/. le monthe le man in prest .
More for vittelling of thies 150 sailors at xxs. le

monthe le man for vij monthes .
More in prest for 120 py oners to be convoyde in thies

shipps for ij monthes wages le man at xxs. le monthe
More for the vittelling of thies 120 pyoneers at xxs.

le man le monthe for vij monthes
More for iiij monthes wages for the pyouers to be paide

at their reatorne ....
More for v monthes wages to be paide 150 marioners

at their reatorne ....
More for weapon and armo^" for thies 120 men
More for soldiers and pyoners being 250 to be bestowed

in shipps to be fraighted at xxvji-. viijc?. le man le

monthe for ij monthes in preste
More for the vittellinge of thies 250 men for vij

monthes at xxs. le man for every mouth .

1ml a

m^j

dxxxiij^' vjs viij'^

mmmdc^^

ccxP^

dcCCjXl'i

cccciijxx^^

cxx^^

dclxvj'^ xiij'' iiij'^
mdccF*

310 STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE OUTFIT

More X halls or tentes for their harbor . . ccxl'i

More for armoi- and weapon for theis 250 men at xxs.

leman . . • • • ccl'^

More for yronworke for tooles for the same py oners

and for viij smithes, their fourdges and bellowes . cH
Ffor powder for their defence one laste . . c^^

More to be paide in wages at their reatorne for iiij

monthes .... mmdclxvj'' xiij^ iiij'^

More for the fraight of 1200 toones at cs. le toone . yj'^'^Hi.
Sum of all the charges to be disboursede

as appereth by this particular. . xxi^djCCCjXxxvj'' xiij^ iii^d

And so remains cleare . . xxixmclxiij^Wjs viij^

Md that there is in readie monie to be disboursed for

the fetching of theis 2000 toones but . vjmtdlxvj^^ xiijs iiij'i

Besides the ij shipps of her Ma^^i* w^ii male come to . mmmdcZi
A proportion for 100 men for victuall and wages to inhabit the North-
west.
More for the vittelling of 100 men to remayne there "] g

at xx'i le man for the yere and the proporcion to I B

aunswere xviij monthes . . . mmm'* i p^

More for their wages at xxs le monthe le man . mdccc^' J S^

The Comoditie to be gayned by them.
Thies 100 men being laborers shall gett in this xviij
monthes towardes their charges 2000 toones of oare
well shall yelde xx^i le toone cleare amounting to
the some of .... xIt^U.

Md that to fortefie and provide dwelling for thies 100 men
w^ii munition for their defence is further to [be] provided and consi-
dered of.

[Colonial 89. Domestic Eliz., cxxiii, No. 50.]

THE NAMES OF SUCHE GENTLEMEN AND OTHERS AS WENTE THE
FIRST AND SECONDE VOYAGES W'^'^ MARTIN FFROBISHER INTO
THE LANDS NOW CALLED '^META INCOGNITA," LATLIE DIS-
COVERED BY HIM TO THE NORTHWEST AND NOW IN CON-
SIDERACION OF THEIR SERVICE TO BE RECEAVID IN AS AD-
VENTURERS GRATIS, FOR SUCHE SEVERALL SOMES OF MONIES
AS FOLLOW'^^, VIZ.

The Names of the Gentlemen.
Edwarde Ffenton his lieutenaunte, by lande and sea in those

partes. ...... c^^

Gilberte Yorke his vice-admirall to go and reatorne w^h the fleete 1^'

FOR THE THIRD VOYAGE.

211

George Best

Richarde Philpott

Henrie Carew .

Edmonde Stafforde

Fraunces Brakenburie

John Lee

William Tanfllde

Edwarde Harvie

Mathew Kindersley

Thomas Chamberlaine \

Abraham Linche V .

Dennys Sotle j

Roberte Kindersley 1

Henrie Kirkmau / '

Lucke Girido, vice-admirall at Meta Incognita

The Maisters of Shipps and others.
Christofer Hall, M^ in thadmirall .
Charles Jackman, M"" of the vice-admirall
James Beare, M"" of the Reare admirall
Andro Dyer, M^ of the shipp that stales in the countrey
Nicholas Chauncelo'' havinge been bothe the voyages and

remayne there ....

Richarde Coxe M"" gonner of thadmirall
Nicholas Counzer that tooke the man Thomas Boydell .
James Wallis, hurte and maymed by the countrey people

xxv''

XXv'i
XXV^'
XXv'i

xxv''
xxv''
xxv^^

xxv^'
xxvz*

XXV?'

lli

XXV^i

xxvi'

XXV'i

XXV^'
XXV^'
XXV^i
XXV';

[Colonial, 91. Domestic Eliz., cxxiii. No. 51,]

INTERTAYNMENT OF GENTLEMEN AND OTHERS IN THE VOYAGE
UNDER MR. FENTON, TO INHABITE
META INCOGNITA.

Mr. Captayne Fenton

George Beste

Richard Philpot

Luke Ward

For ij lewtenanttes, eche

For ij enseignes, eche

And all the rest of the gentlemen

And all others, soldyars, marynars, &c

IN THE

NEWLAND

lilO

lib

m 10

li^

li\ 10

III 6 8

the monthe.

p g

212 STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE OUTFIT

[Colonial 87. Domestic Eliz. cxix. No. 46.]

That Jonas may have \di. pension.

Shippes to be sent for v^t ton weight.

A mynor to dig half ton adaye, in 28 days — a month.

ic mynors for a month to digg . . • j'"'^ iii° ton.

iic mynors . . . . • ij"^"^ viijc

iiic mynons . . ... iij™'^ cc ton.

Wages for ye mynors.
Ye freight at iij^' ye ton . . . ix^it poundes.

Edm. Hogan, S"^ W"^ Wynter, Humfrey Lock, Rich. Ydys, Furbisher.

Dee.
Palmer to be allowed as an officer.

W^a Umfrey to be used. Humfrey Cole. Burchard to make a prooff
of jc weight of ye ure in ye towre.

[Colordal, 93. Conway Papers.']

INSTRTJCTTONES GEVEN TO O^ LOYINGE FRIND MAETINE FFRO-
BISER, ESQUIER, FOR THE ORDER TO BE OBSERVED IN HIS
VOYAGE NOWE RECOMMENDED TO HIM FOR THE LANDE
NOW CALLED BY HIR MA"^ META INCOGNITA TO THE
NORTHWEST PARTES AND CATHAYE.

Ffyrst, you shall enter as captain generall into the charge and govern-
ment of theis shippes and vessells, viz., the Ayde^ the Gahriell^ Michaell^
Judethe^ the Thomas Alline^ Anne Fraunces^ the Ilofj)ev:ell^ the Mone^
the Ffeaunces of Ffoy^ the Thomas.

Item, you shall appoynte for the furnishinge of the Ayde^ Oahriell,
Michaell, and Judith, ffour-skore and ten hable and sufficient marinores
and 130 pyoners and 50 soldiars, for the sarvyce and ladingeof all suche
shippes and vessells as shall go under yoi' charge and be appoynted to
retourne againe vj^"^ yo^ for that purpose, and of the sayd shippes or
vessells, and maryners, pyoners, and soldiers, you shall leave to remayne
and to inhabite in the lande nowe called Meta l7icognita, under the
charg and government of Edward Ffenton, gent, your Lieutenaunte
Generall, the Gabriell, the Michaell, and the Judethe, w^li fortie hable
marioners, gonners, shipwrights, and carpentars, 30 soldiers and 30
pyoners, w*^^ sufficient vittalle for xviij monthes for their provisione, re-
leife, and mayntenance, and also munition and armoure for their dee-
fence, wcb nomber of persones befor specified you shall not exced to
carrie nor leve their.

Item, that the vittalls for vij monthes vf^^ you deliver into the Ayde
for provisone of 90 persones goinge, and to retorne in the said shippe,
you shall carefulye see the same preserved and used in sarvyce w^h out

FOR JHE THIRD VOYAGE. 213

spoyle or liurte takinge by necligence. Item, you shall make a juste
inventorie of every shippe to the companie belonginge of all the takell,
munitione, and furnitur, to them belonginge at their settinge fourth
from hens and the coppie therof under yo^' hand to be delivered to
Michaell Lok, Treasorer of the Company. And the like to be done at
yor retourne home, of all thinges then remayuyng in the said ships.
And the like care you and yo^ Lieutenaunte Generall shall have of the
victualls that shalbe by you delivered into any shippes or vessells what-
soever, for the provision of the 100 men appoynted to inhabite their.

Item, you shall not receve under yo"" charge and government any dis-
ordred or mutinous persone wch shall be appointed to goo or remayne
their, but upon knowledge had to remove him before you departe hence,
or ells by the way assone as you can avoyd hym.

Item, you shall use all dilligence possible to departe, wt-ii yo^ said
ships and vesselles frome the portes where they now remayne, before
the firste of May next cominge, and to make your course eather by the
northe or the west, as the winde will best serve yo^.

Item, when you shall passe the landes of England, Scotlande, or Ire-
lande, you shall direct yoi" course w^^ all yo"" shippes and vessells to the
lande now called Meta Incofjnita, and to an iland and sounde^ there
called the Countess of Warwickes Iland and Sounde, being w^bin the
supposed straight, wci» we name Ffrobisers Straight, discovered by
yor selfe 2 yeres past, and in yo^ voyage thither wardes you shall have
speciall regarde so to order your course as yo'" shippes and vesselles do
not losse the Companye one of an other, but may kepe company to-
gether. And the lyke also in yo>" retorne homewards. And yf any
wilfulnes or negligence in this behalfe shall appeare in any persone or
persons that shall have charge of any of the shippes aforesaide, or yf
they or any other shall doo otherwyse then to them apperteyneth, you
shall punishe suche offendor sharplye to the example of others, •

Item, that at yo^ arryvall at the Countesse of Warwikes Iland and
Sounde, you shall theron saffitee harbour yo»" shipps and vesselles, and
frome thence you shall repayre to the mynes and myneralls of the same
iland wher you wrought this laste yeare w^h myners and other men and
furnyture necessarie, and ther shall place the myners and other men to
worke and gather the oare, foreseinge they may be placed as well frome
dainger and malyce of the people as frome anye other extremitye that
maye happen.

Item, whyles these mynars are workyng in Warwyke Sound, you shall
cause serche to be made for other mynes in other places, and yf uppon
good proofe made, you shall happen to fynde other mynes to be richer
then theis frome whence you had yo^ laste yeares ladinge, then you shall

* Another hand. Nut for ye Isjle of Foyziln in the wey.

214 STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE OUTFIT

presentlie remove the shippes and myners to the same place of mynerall,
and to lade of the same yf that may be done convenientlye.

Item, to searche and consider of an apte place wher you male best
plante and fortefye theise c men w^h you shall leave to inhabite there
asvvell against the dainger and force of the natyve^ people of y^ countrey
and any other yt shall seke to arryve ther from any other part of Chris-
tendom,2 as also to prevent and fore see as neare (as you cane) all other
extremities and perills that maye happen, and necessaries to be con-
sidered of for them.

Item, you shall leave wtb Captan Fenton, yo*" Lieuetenaunte General!,
the government of those 1 00 persons to remayne in that countrie w*^ in-
structions howe he maye best observe the nature of the ayre, and may
discover and knowe the state of the countrie from tyme to tyme as
moche as may be, and what tyme of the yeare the Straight is most free
frome eysse kepyng to y^ end a journal! wekly of all accountes, wtii
whome you shalle leve the Gahriell^ the Michaell, and the Judith, wt^ii
suche proportion qf victualls and other necessarie thinges as are alredye
appoynted to him and his companye for that purpose suppliing his want
\i^^ able and skyllfull men for that purpose, and wtb any other thinges
necessarie w*^ii you or any other of the shippes maye convenientlie spare
at yo"^ reatorne.

Item, we require that you shall instructe all yo' people rather to
muche then any thinge to littell, aswell for yo"^ owne saffetye there as of
suche as you shall leave behinde you, that when you or they shall
happen to come to have conference wti^ the people of those partes wher
you shall arive, that in all yo'' doynges and theirs you so behave yor selves
and theyme, towardes the said people as maye rather procure their
frindships and good lykings towardes you by courtesyes then move them
to any offence or myslikiuge.

Item, uppon yo^" arrivall at the place before specified, and after you
have bothe harbored safflie yoi" ships, sett yo^ myners one worke^ and
also have taken sufficient order for plantinge of those men w^i shall in-
habite ther, and appoyntinge in yo^' absence governers for all theis
causes. We will then, yf leasure and tyme wille permitt the same that
you vi^^ the ij barkes shall repaire towardes the place where the first
yeare you lost yo*' men, aswell to searche for mynes there as to discover
50 or 100 leages further westwardes frome that place as ye oppening of
ye Streight by water will lowe, as you may be certayne that you are en-
tride into the Southe Sea commonly called Mare di Sun. And in your
passage to learne all that you cane in all thinges, and take parfect notes
therof, not tarringe longe frome your shippes and workemen, but that
you maye be hable to retorne homewardes w^'i them in due tyme.

' [Natyve] added by Lord Burleigh.

- [Oi Chriblcndom] added by Lord Burleigh.

FOR THE THIRD VOYAGE. . 215

Item, you shall well consider what place may be most aptest further
to fortifye upon hereafter (yf nede requier), bothe for defence of the
myners and also for possessinge of the countrie and bringe home w^ti you
a perfecte platt and parfecte notes therof to be kept in secreat, and so
delyvred unto us.'

Item, you shall not suffer any shippe or shippes beinge laden w*ii oare
to sett sayle or departe from the place of their ladinge till the daye fixed
in their charter partye except you see good cause otherwyse. And be-
inge so laden and redy to retorne homeward you shall reetayne them in
flete and in companie all togethers as muche as in you liethe, and as
the wether wyll suffer untill your retorne into this realme of England
and arrivall at the place appoynted in the River of Thammes for un-
ladinge of the same.

Item, for the succession of the Generall Governour of this whole
voiage (yf he should fortune to die) for avoydinge of stryffe and kepinge
of peace and fryndship there be the names of iiij gentlemen privatlie
sett downe to succeade him in his place- on after ye other which ar seve-
rally wrytten in paper included in balls of wax sealed w^h hyr Mamies
signett and put into boxes locked w'l^ severall keys wherof on in your
custody.^

Item, for the better and more circumspecte executions and determi-
nacion in anj^ waightie causes incident on land, we will that you shall
call unto you for assistantes your Lieutenaunt Generall, Captayne Yorke,
Richard Philpott, George Beast, and Henry Carewe, gent., w^i^ whome
you shall consult and confere what is beste to be done in the said causes,
matteres, and actions of ymportaunce touchinge this service undertaken.
And in all suche matteres so handeled, argued, and debated upon the
some to rest, to be allowed, or disallowed at yor owne ellection, and that
alwaies to be executed w^h you shall thinke meeteste w^'^ assent of any
ij of them in general consent.^ And like wyse in matteres of weight
concerninge all yo^' shippes good government, aswell at the sea as in
harboure, o^' wille is that the forenamed gent, and Christofer Hawle,
Charles Jackeman, James Beare, and Andrewe Dier, ministers, in cer-
tayne of or shippes, presentlie ymployed in this north-west service,
shalbe assistaunte unto you and consentinge to all determynacones con-
cernynge the same. And in casse that of suche conference and des-
coursinge the opiniones of the aforesaid assistaunce be founde in effecte
any waye to differ then o'" will is that thexecution of all suche matteres

1 After us, "here to the Treasorer of the Corapanye" written and ex-
pun cted.

" [On custody], Lord Burleigh's hand; also the note.

3 Three keys, Fui'bisher, Fenton, a mr of a shipp. See last paragraph
but two.

^ [Wli to consent] also written in margin by Lord Enrleigh.

216 STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE OUTFIT

SO argued upon shall rest to be put in execution in suche sorte as you
shall thinke moste metest, having the assent of any ij of them.^

Item, because the temprature of those northe-west partes and boundes
of seas and landes are not yet sufficientlie knowne (w^^ thinge we prin-
cipallye desyere), and for as much as verye good opertunitie in sound-
rie respectes maye falle out in tyme of yoi" absence to purchaze or
attayne to the same, we thinke yt verye necessarie and to your better
desert worthelie apperteninge that you shall enforme, advise, and aucto-
ryshe by yo^ owne hande writtinge, in the beste manner you cane devise
howe anye further descoverye, understandinge, or knowledge of the fore-
said landes or seas (confynynge, borderinge, or lyinge, wti^in 200 leages
of the place wher at this voyage the habitacone or fortification of o^ peo-
ple shalbe setled or situated) maye be executed and acheved by yor afore-
said Lieuetenante Generall or by suche other parson as he or the most
parte of such as hereafter shalbe named to be his assystance shall deme
and judge most apte and sufficient for the accomplishinge of the service
their unto apperteyninge.

Item, that you shall have speciall care and geve generall warninge
that no persone of what cawlinge soever he be shall make an assaye of
any mannor of mettalle matter or oore on the foresaid partes of Meta In-
coynlta, but onlie he or they to whome the offyce or feate of assayes
makinge is asigned or comitted (onlie yo'" selfe, yo^" Leutejj^unte Gene-
rall, and yo^ substitutes before named, from this article to be excepted),
nor any persone under yo^' government shall take uppe or keape to him
selfe and his private use anye parte or parcell of oare, precious stone, or
other matter of comoditie, to be hade or founde in that lande but he,
the said person so seazed of suche oare, stone, or other matter of com-
moditie, shall w^h all speade or so sone as he cane detecte the same and
make deliverey therof to yo^ selfe or yo^" Lieutenaunte Generall upon
payne to forfite for everye ounce therof the valewe trible of any wages
he is to receavg after the daye of suche ofience committed, and further
to receave suche punishement as to hir Ma^iei shall seme good.

Item, or will is that you shall cause a recorde dilligentlye to be kept
in wryttyng of all suche oare, myneralls, stones and other matters of
vallew gotten or founde in that countrie, aswell of the time and place
and places when or whear all and everye suche oare, rainerall and
other matter of suche vallewe is or shalbe founde or gotten, as also some
parte, portion or example of all and everye the said oares, myneralls
and other matter of vallewe in apte and peculiar boxes cause to be re-
served wtii theire due titles and notificacones. And further cause dulye
to be layed uppe in the said boxes the severall rates and tryed valua-
cions of all assayes ther made of any the foresaid oares and myneralles,

1 [Haviuge them], Lord Burleigh's baud.

' [Hir Matie] altered to us, but altered back again by Lord Burleigh.

FOR THE THIRD VOYAGE. 217

and all those foresaid boxes so furnished and distinctlie noted at
yor reatorne to the citie of London you shall deliver or cause to be A.'Joobie of
delivered to the tresorer of the companye of adventurers for those be made,
northeweste affayres, as well for the better directione and dealinge home'^i'"?!!
heare after w^'^ any the foresaid oares or myneralles ther as for the °*'^^'^ ^^'*pp-
better and speedie account and reckinge, makinge in grosse heare at
home of the valewe of suche quantitie or masse as any of them shall
hether be brought. And of these doinges make two bookes, to be kept
in ij severall shyps.

Item, that the marioners of all the hired shippes imployed in this
service shall geve, joyntlye w^h all the other companies of o^" owne
shipps, iij or iiij dayes travail and labor towardes thintrenchinge and
fortifiinge of the place, wher the leutenante generall w^^ his charge
shall remayne to inhabite there.

Item, that you shall make yo^ directe course from hence as neare as ^ t„^^,j^ ^.^j^.
you cane, wth all suche shippes as passe under yor government, to the teyninge ye
land now called Meta Incognita, and their lade 800 toones, or so muche indeu in
more as the shippes of retorne cane safflie carrie of suche oare as you [i!c!rLi B^ur?"
alredie have founde ther this last yeare, or rather richer yf you cane ^'^'"^^■^
fynd the same. And so havinge laden your shippes w^^i the said
nomber of 800 tonnes or more, as is aforesaid, shall make yof direct
course frome thence into this realme of England into the river of
Thames, where the shippes be appoynted to be unladen of the same.

Item, that everye capten and m"" of every shippe appoynted in this
voyage shall joyntlie under their handes writinge by indenture deliver ve book to
unto you a note and estimacone of suche nomber of toones of oare or (Lord^sur.'^
other matter of vallew as they shall receve into their shippes theire. i^igh.)
And all the same indentures to be registred in one booke, wherof iij
copies to be made, and to be put in iij severall shypes to be delyvred to
the tresorer of the compe at retorne home of the shypps.

That a minister or twoo do go in this jorney to use ministration of .^^ ,.,
devyne service and sacraments, according to y^ churche of England, leigh.)
Nota, yt the victalls, munitions and other thynges to be carryed to be
equally distributed into ye shippes, for dout of miscarrying of some of
theme.

Item, in yoJ" waye outward bound, yf it wylbe no hynderans to the
rest of yor voyage, you shall doo yo*" endevour to dyskover the new
land, supposed to be Ffryzeland, and to gett the best knowledge that
you can of the state and nature therof. And yf you cannot con-
veniently doo it in yo^" waye outward bound, then doo your attempt
h . . . . in yoi" waye homeward bound at retorne yf the same may be
done convenientlye.

Item, when you shall passe, etc.

Item, that yf there should happen any person or persons ymployed in

218 STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE OUTFIT

this service, of what calling or condition he or they shall be, should
conspire or attempte privatlie or publiklie any treason, mutanie or
other desorder, either towchinge the takinge awaie of yor owne life or
any other of aucthoritie under yo", whereby her Mamies service in this
voyage might therby be over throwen and ympugned, We will therfore
that upon juste prooffe made of any such treasons, mutanie or other
desorders attempted as aforesaid, the same shalbe punished by yo" or
yo»' lieutenant generall, etc.,^

wc^ are severally wrytten in paper included in bawles of wax, sealed
w^^ her Mamies signet, and put into two severall boxes, locked w^^ iij
severall keys, wherof one key in yo^" custodie, and one in custodie of Ed-
ward Fenton, and another in custodie of Christofer Hawlle. And the
same two boxes to be put in ij severall shyps, to saye, one boxe in the At/de,
and the other in the ship where yo"" lieutenaunt generall shall passe.

Item, for the succession of the lieutenant generall of those c men
well shall remayne and inhabite there, there be named iij parsons to
succede in order and manor as is sett downe before in the Article for
the succession of the generall.

Item, that there be made a doble of this Commyssion to remayne
wi^ the lieutenant generall.

Indorsed. 1578. Commyssion instructions to Mr. Ffurbusher to goo
to sea, No. 1578.

{Colonial, 127. State Papers. Domestic Eliz., Vol. 129, No. 36.]

THE INVENTAKIE OF THE SHYP AYDE.

(2d page.)

The Inventarie of the shippe Ayde made the 10th of February e, 1571.

In primis her furniture as she was bought of the Queues Ma^ie in
Aprille, 1577.

In primis, the bowsprite w^li ij double pullies and iij shevers of bras.

The Bolt Sprite. — Item the yarde ; the saylle (worne) : the hallyares
wtb ij pullies cocked w^ii brasse ; the lifts w^ii iiij puUes ; the braces,
wtii 2 puUes, ; the sheate, w^^ pendannts ; the ij shankes paynters wtb
chaynes ; a boult, a collar and chaynes of irone ; the mayne staye ; the
davette wtii a claspe of irone ; ij shevers of brasse to the davetts a grap-
nell W^ti chayne (lost) Catts a false tyre for the spritte saile; the clewlynes.

The Fore-maste. — Item the mast w'li a shiver of brase in the heade ;
the fore topp not ; the yard w^ii gromets ; a swifter one aside wtii iiij
puUyes, worne ; the saylle viz., corse and bonnet, iij parts worne ; ij
pendants on a syde w^ii iiij pulles, one shevered, and one cocked ; ij
takels one a syde w^ti iiij pules iij coked w^i^ brasse ; vj shroudes on a

' There is notliing lost here. The person who drew up this draft has re-
written this passage to make it more clear.

FOR THE THIRD VOYAGE. 219

syde ; the staye ; the lyftes w^b iiij puUies ; the tye, worne ; the hall-
yares v/^^ one shever of brase in the rames head and ij cocked in the rame
hedd ; the parell w^^ lanyers and brest ropes ; ij trusses w^^ ij pulles ; ij
bowlines (worne), •w^'^ a doble blocke and ij shyvers of bras ; the braces
w^h iiij pulles (worne) ; the sheats vt^^ ij pulles cocked w^^ bras ; the
shivers of brasse in the shippes side (none) ; the tacks (one of them
newe) ; the martenetts ; the botts tacle w^^ iij shyvers of bras.

The fore tope maste. — Item, the toppe maste w^^ a cocke of brasse in
the heade ; the yarde ; the saylle (iij parts worne) ; j tacle on a side
wtii iiij pulles ; iiij shroudes on a side ; iiij puttocks on a syde ; the staye
and backstaye ; the tye and halliers w^ti ij pullies one shevered and one
cocked vf^^ brasse ; the liftes wtb iiij pulles ; the sheates ; the parell,
broken, laniers and brest ropes ; the truse wth ij pulles ; the boulines
w^^ one doble (polle) ; the braces w^h iiij polles ; the clulines w^^ ij
pulles ; j crane line, bage and one pendante puUe.

The mayne maste. — Item, the maste w^h ij shivers of bras in the heade
(the mayne topp nawght) ; the yard w'h grometts and stapells (broken
and nawght) ; the saylle, viz., corse and bonnette (good) ; the drabler
(newe) ; j swifter on a side w^^ iiij pulles (iij parts worne) ; iij pendants
one a side w^^ vj pulles on a shever of brasse, and ij shevers of brasse for
the botts tacle (the tackles worne) ; iij tackells on a side w^h xij pulles,
iij cocked wth brasse ; viij shroudes on a side ; the staye ; the liftes
wtii iiij pulles : the sheates supplied w^^ ij pulles, one shyvered wti^ bras,
and th' other cocked with bras (the sheates worne), and ij shivers of
brasse in the shippes side ; the tacks ; the tye (halph worne) ; ij
shevers of brasse in the knight ; the halliers w^h iij shevers of brasse, in
the knight and ram heade ; the parrell w^ii laniers and brest ropes ; the
trusse Vf^^ iiij pules (nowght) ; the martinetts (worne), and vj pulles ;
the garnette vf^^ ij pulles w^'i iij shevers of brasse ; the braces w*'' ij pulles ;
the bowlines ; the clulines.

The mayne tope maste. — Item the toppe and maste w^^ a shever of
brasse in the heade ; the yarde ; the saylle (newe) ; j tacle one a side
w^ii iij pulles ; 4 shroudes one a side ; v puttockes one a side ; the staye
and the backe staye ; the liftes w^ii iiij pulles ; the sheatts w^ii iiij pulles
ij shevers, one of them brasse and ij cocked w^h brasse, and ij of brasse
in the bubbridge heade (none of brasse) ; the tye and halliers w^^ ij
pulles one shevered and one cocked wth brasse ; the bowlines w^ii one
doble pulle ; the braces w^^ iiij pulles ; the clulines w^^ ij pulles ; the
the cluline a rane bagge and one pendante pulle.

The my son maste.— ItQm the maste, w^ii a shevere of brasse in the
hedd ; the yarde ; the saylle, viz., corse and bonet, nawght ; a swifter on
a side w^h iiij pulles, the swifter's nawght ; v shrouds one a side ; the
staye ; the tye and halliers wti^ a shyver of bras, and brest ropes ; the
trusse w^h ij pulles; the lyfts w^'^ ij pulles; the boulines — non ; the
smitingc line — non ; the parell ; the niyzon martinetts.

STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE OUTFIT

The mi&on tope maste. — Item the tope and maste ; iij shroudes on a
side ; iiij puttocks on a side ; the staye.

The botes maste. — Item, a shever of brasse in the heade ; a paynter
cheyne ; a davett wt^ a shever of irone ; a windlesse ; a maste wth a
sayll ; a rother wtii spindell and capps — (lost).

The sJcyffe. — Item, a skyffe ; xij ores ; a rother wt'^ yrone worke —
(none).

Implements. — Item, a mayne capstaine wtii collor and paull of yrone
and iiij bares ; paule non nor bars ; the fore capstene w'^^ a paull of
yrone and 2 barres ; a state pompe w^^ a bracke ; a bed sted and a table
in the captaines cabbine, the table broken ; a payre of bilbowes w^^ vj
shakells ; a grinstone w^li spindle and winche of irone ; a coper kettell ;
ij meate kettell s, one very smalle ; a barre w*^ a chayne and iij hockes
in the cooke rome to hange the kettell one; but iij ankers, ankers great,
iiij ; cables of xij ynches that the shipe is mored by, ij ; cables of xj
ynches— iij, ij of them newe, one of the ij of 13 inches, one of them a
juncke and cut ; cables of x ynches, j halfe worne ; cables of viij ynches
for a botte rope, j halfe worn ; cables of vj ynches, j newe, spent and
gone ; geste ropes of v ynches, j halfe worne ; condinge hausers of v
ynches, j ; hausers of v ynches, j ; fats (fathoms ?) of a hauser of v
ynches, x fathom ; a britton tackell w^ii iiiij shevers of brasse and one of
irone coked w^i^ iij blocks and j pendante tacle, j ; boye ropes, j ; catte
ropes, ij worne ; facks of coylle of iij ynches, x fathem ; peces of coyles
of ynches and ynches and halfe, iij peces ; flaggs of Sainte George, j
worne : compasses, ij ; runnynge glasses, j nawght ; souudinge lynes, ij ;
soundinge leades, iij, ij ; bucketts, ij ; boules, iiij ; shovelles, iiij ;
skoppes, ij ; spare pulles great and small, vj, ij coked w^b brasse ; mar-
lienes, ij bundells ; ratline, shyves ; twine, x^i ; item, boults of niid-
dremaxe, iiij ; calappes, v ; piche pottes, j nawght ; fishe hokes, ij ;
leache hokes, ij, j ; loffe hokes, iiij ; balleste basketts, ij ; canne hokes, j
pare ; fides, ij ; boyes, iiij, iij ; catte hokes shevered w^-^^ brasse, ij,
Summa of all, w^ii coste .... viijc \ii
And the ordenans and munition aperinge hereafter, w^ii

coste . . . . • iij'^ xlv^'

Summa of all this shipp as ytt cost, amounteth . xj*^ iiij^x -^^u

We doe thincke that the foresaid ship, w^^i her masts,
yards, sayles, anckers, cables, and other taikle and
apparell conteined in particulers before sett downe in
this book, so as the saume may be delyvered according-
lie, to be worthe . . . . vij*^ ^'

Item, more for v peces of brasse in this book after specy-
fied amonge the ordenance and munitions, beinge ij
mynions, and iij« fawcons, weyiuge iiij'-'"''' v^ xviij^i
waight, at iijf< p^' c', cxxxv^' x^ And more for v

FOR THE THIRD VOYAGE.

221

cariadges perteineinge to the saide peces pr estima-

tion, iij'i vj« viij^

cxxxviij" xvjs viij*^

Summa totalis . . viij'' xxxviij^* xvjs viij<^

(Signed)

W. Wynter. Will"i Holstok.
The rest of th' ordenance and munitions, in this inventorye we thinck
them nott mete, for the Quenes Matie,

(The above letter is crossed off in the original.)
The xxiij'i of Februarie, 1578.
We doe thinck yf the foresaid ship, w^h her masts,
yards, sailes, anckers, cables, and other talkie and
apparell contened in particulars, before sett downe in
this book, so as the same may be delivered according-
lie, to be worthe .... dcc^'

We doe also thinck y^ the v peces of brasse in this book
afte specefied, amonge the ordenance, to be worthe the
monye they are rated at, and mete for her Ma^ie w^^
ther V cariadges, pertaining to them, wch dothe
amount unto the some of . . . cxxxij^' ijs xyi

Totalis . dcccxxxij'f ijs xj<*

And as touchinge th' other ordenance, and munitions conteyned in
this inventorye, we doe not thinck them mete for her highness.

(Signed)

W. Wynter. Willm Holstok.
More the ordenances and munition put into the shippe, after she was
brought wc^ dide cost as followeth : —
*. Ordenans of brasse

Mynyones, ij wainge 22cwt. 2irs. 41b. at 3^^ per cwt.
Fawcons, i wainge T^wt. 2irs. 141b. at 3'^ per cwt.
Faucons, ij wainge IS^^t. at 46^ 8'^ per cwt.
And for the carriages of all 5 peces .

£67 13 4

£22 17 6

£35

£6 13 4

£132 4 2

Of cast yrone.

Sacres, viij wainge
Mynyons, j wainge
Fawcons, v wainge

Summa
At £12 a ton
And for 14 carriages, all .
Fowles, vj
Chambers to them, xij

Munition, as followeth : —

stoked at 115 pece

5ton 12°wt.

11 cwt.

2ton

2cwt.

gton

5cwt.

£99
17

Sacre shot, round, ij^vij
Fawcone shote, rounde, Ixix

cwt.

, 10

qrs.
1

1 2

lbs.

%9>%

STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE OUTFIT

Colveringe shot, rounde, xix
Mynion shot, rounde, xvij .

Summe waing ,
At 10 shillings the cwt.

Crosbar shotte.

For sacres, xlix .
For fawcone, xxvij
For mynionCj xj .

Summe
At xxiij« per cwt.

Chayne shotte.

For sacres, 14 .
For fawcone, 7 .

1 2 4
2 14

13 3 18

cwt. qrs. lbs.

3 1

1 1

2 14

5 14

cwt. qrs. Ib.s.

1
1

m 18

lib 18

Summe . .110

At xxiij« ....

Stone shote.

For fowlers, liij, at xij'^ ....

Ladells w^b staves for sacres and mynion, 15, at xij'^

Sponges and staves for sacre, mynion, and faucon, 12, at

xijd .....
Rammer staves, 20, at S'^ .
Formers for sacre, mynion, and fawcone, 3, at 6'^

Armor, and weapon, and munitione.
Calivers, 38, wherof 6 w^^out stoks.
Flaskes, 16 . ^

Toche boxes, 10 . > at 13^'^ 4<^
Moldes, 20 . )

Matche skines, weyinge cc^^«- at 16 shillings the c
Bowes of ewe, 25, at 3*^'^ Sj .
Shefes of arowes, xlv, at 25'i
Bow stringes, dossen, vij, at 8<^
Partezans, iiij, at 13''^ 4'^
Blacke bylles, xvj, at xij*^ .
Pykes, 5, at 2«'^ .
Crowes of yrone, 9, at 4«''
Trunkes of wylde fyer, ij, at 5«'^
Balles, wilde fyer, 15, at 3«'f
Arowes, wilde fyer, 11, at 1*'^
Pykes, wilde fyer, 5, at 5^'^ .
A drylle, j, at .
Tampyons, 29, at If' pece

U\ 8 6

li\ 13

m 15

m 12

liO 13 4

m 1 6

li^b

in 12

li4: 11

l{4. 10

liO 4

li2 13

HO 16

^^"0 10

HI 16

HO 10

li2 5

HO 11

Hi 5

HO 1

HO 2

FOR THE THIRD VOYAGE,

223

A gowge, j, at

Chyssells, iiij, at 6d

Peckers for stone shot, j, at .

A sledge, j, at .

Spare trockells, ix, at 12-' a pare

Summe this syde
The last syde

Summe of all this, which coste

Ho 6

HO 2

HO 6

HO 2

HO 4

?i49 5 8

H295 15

??'345 8

[Colonial, 133. Domestic £'Hz., cxxx, No. 10.]

MARCH 20"^^, 1578. FROM MR. THO. ALLAN, THE *' GABRIELL"
PRICED AT LXXX£. MANYE THYNGS IN LOCKES HANDES TO
BE SOULD AND TO BEE CALLED TO HIS REARE ACCOM PT.

My dewtie remembred : hit maye please youre honor to undarstande
that I have receved ij letters this daye from youre honor, the one
towchinge the ordenance to be soldo, the other for the Gabvi/ell, w^b letters
I ansure. The ordenance ys soldo by the bryngar hereof to one Clement
Draper for xij^« the towne, redye monye, as he say the to me, he havinge
a lysence to transeporte the same, wich lysence yt maye please your
honor to sonde, and then the monye shalbe receved by me, and pade
owte agayne to these men. Havinge some asystance wtii me of the
comyssioners at the payment there of wiche I desire to have iFor my
dyscharge acordinge to ordar.

Ande for the Gahryell, she was prased by Mr. Locke and others at one
hundrethe and li pounds. I sawe yt to moche. I browght hire downe
to c^i ; yet no mane wyll by here at that pryce, so I have offered hire
iiiixxZi^ and that I do here that Mr. Furbusher haythe byden for hire ;
but I thingke redye monye ys owte of the waye w^ii hyme, so I sent
Clynton to knowe whether he wolde have hire or no, or else I wolde yt
myght please youre honor that Si" Ny colas Malbe maye have hire, and
paye vs this monye I thingke well of yt.

Sr, I wolde these men weare pade; I ame sore trebled w^^ them;
youre honor sonde them to me they saye, and youre honor knowythe I
have no monye to paye them. I have had iij fytes of an agoo ; Gode
sonde me to be quyte of yt. This is the gayne I do posese by folloyng
of this bcsynes.

Sr, there ys manye things to sell yett, wiche do lye and are in Mr.
Lockes kepinge, and there ys no mane taketh charge or care of them,
and what he can sell he doythe, but paythe no mane a penye. It weare
very goode that youre honor wolde commando that all things myght
be soldo owte of hande by a dale, and that Mr. Locke myght be

224

STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE OUTFIT

dyscharged, and that he myght then bryngke in his reare acounte, and
so to deale w*^^ hym, for that he doythe owe to the companye, that men
myght be pade, and that youre honor myght certenly knowe what ys
yet owynge to men, and agayn what ys owinge to vs to dyscharge them,
for yt doythe lyngar to longe for oure proffyt. This I take my leave of
youre honor, wry ten this xx^i of Marche, 1578.

Your honars to comavnde,

Thomas Allen.
To the Right Honorable S"* Frances Walsingham,
Knyght and prensepall Secretorye to the
Queues Matie.
20 March, 1578.

[Colonial, 95. Domestic Eliz., cxxiv. No. 2.]

THESE HAVE NOT PAYD THE 3 MAY 1578.

My Lord Admirall

My Lord Tresorer

My Lord Chamberlan

My Lord Leycester

My Lady Warrwyk

Mr. Secretarie AValsingham

My Lady Anne Talbot

Sr John Brockett

Sr William Wyntar

S^ Leonell Duckett

Mr. William Pellham

Mr. Thomas Randolphe

Mr. Edward Dyar

Mr. Somers .

Mr. Coyar .

Anthony Jenkynson

Jeffrey Turvyle

William Paintar

Richard Cowland

Mathew Fild

Thomas AUyn

Robert Martin

Christofer Androwes

Si" Thomas Gresham

Martin Furbusher

My Lord Camberlau, Whaterton

Thomas Owen

Stok Buildinges.

^135

£20

£35

£135

£20

£202 10

£30

£32 10

£62 13

£38 15

£5

£43 15

£250

£40

£67 10

£10

£67 10

£33 15

£5

£10

£33 15

£5

£67 10

£10

£67 10

£10

£67 10

£10

£67 10

£10

£32 10

£67 10

£10

£33 15

£5

£33 15

£5

£70

£40

£67 10

£10

£67 10

£10

£1876

£260

. £33 15

£5

THE THIRDE VOYAGE OF CAPTAINE FRO-
BISHER, PRETENDED FOR THE DISCOVERIE
OF CATAYA, BY META INCOGNITA. ANNO

DO. 1578.*

The Generall being returned from the second voyage, im-
mediatlye after hys arrival in Englande repayred with all
haste to the Court, being then at AYindsore, to advertise hir
Majestie of his prosperous proceeding, and good successe
in this laste voyage, and of the plenty of gold ore, with other
matters of importance w^iich he hadde in these Septentrionall
partes discovered. He was courteously enterteyned, and
hartily welcomed of many noble men, but especially for his
great adventure commended of hir Majestie, at whose hands Frohisher

, - 111 • commended

ne receyved great thanks, and most gratious countenance, of hir

iVlflJGStlGi

according to his deserts. Hir Highnesse also greatly com-
mended the rest of the gentlemen in this service, for their
great forwardnes in this so dangerous toyling and painefull
attempte : Vnif. psppmnllyn shp pr^jvsgfl and rejoiced, that The genti

^'^ — * ^--- men com-

among them there was so good order of governement, so mended.
good agreement, everye man so ready in his calling, to do
whatsoever the Generall should commande, which due com-
mendation gratiously of hir Majestie remembred, gave so
greate encouragement to all the captaines and gentlemen,
that they, to continue hir highnesse so good and honorable
opinion of them, have since neither spared laboure, limme,
nor life, to bring this matter (so well begon) to a happie and
prosperous ende. And finding, that the matter of the gold
ore had appearance and made shew of great riches and pro-
fite, and the hope of y® passage to Cataya, by this last voyage
* Another account of this voyage was written by Thomas Elhs.

^26 THE THIRD VOYAGE

commis- greatly encreased, hir Majestie appointed speciall commis-
pointedto sioners, chosen for this purpose, gentlemen of great iudge-

examine the ' l j. ' o zd j ^

fhe o?r' ""^ ^ent, art, and skill, to looke thorowly into y^ cause, for
y® true trial and due examination therof, and for the full
handling of al matters thereunto appertaining. And bicause
that place and countrey, hathe never heretofore bin dis-
covered, and therefore had no speciall name, by which it

givTiTtothe might be called and known, hir Majestie named it very pro-

discovS! perly Meta Incognita, as a mark and bounds utterly hitherto
unknown. The commissioners after sufficient triall and
proofFe made of ye ore, and having understood by sundrie
reasons, and substanciall grounds, the possibilitie and likeli-
hoode of y® passage, advertised hir highnesse, that the cause
was of importance, and ye voyage gretly worthy to be ad-
vanced again. Whereupon preparation was made of ships
and al other things necessary, with such expedition, as
y^ time of the year then required. And bycause it was as-
suredly made accompt of, that the commoditie of mines, there
already discovered, would at y^ least countervaile in all
respects, the adventurers charge, and give further hope and
likelihood of greter matters to follow : it was thought need'
ful, both for the better guard of those parts already found.

The hope of and for further discovery of the inland and secreats of those

the passage •>

to cataya. couutrics, and also for further search of y^ passage to Cataya

(wherof the hope continually more and more encreaseth)

that certain numbers of chosen soldiers and discreete men for

those purposes should be assigned to inhabite there. Where-

A forte to be upou there was a strong forte or house of timber, artificially

Metain- framed, and cunningly devised by a notable learned man

coguita. ' " ■' •'

here at home, in ships to be carryed thither, wherby those
men that were appointed there to winter and make their
abode y^ whole yeare, might as wel be defended from the
danger of y^ falling snow and colde ayre, as also to be fortified
from the force or offence of those countrie people, which
perhaps otherwise with too greate companyes and multitudes

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 227

might oppresse them. And to this greate adventure and
notable exploit, many well minded and forward yong gentle-
men of our countrey willingly have offered themselves. And
first Captaine Fenton, Lieutenant Generall for Captaine
Frobisher^ and in charge of the company with him there,
Captaine Beste, and Captaine Filpot, unto whose good dis-
cretions the government of that service was chiefly com-
mended, who, as men not regarding perill in respect of the
profite and common wealth of their countrie, were willing to
abide the firste brunte and adventure of those daungers
among a savage and brutishe kinde of people, in a place
hitherto ever thought for extreme cold not habitable. The
whole number of men whiche had offered, and were appointed
to inhabite Meta Incosrnita al the yeare, were one hundreth ^ hundreth
persons, wherof xl shoulde be marriners, for the use of ships, fn^aSt *°
30 miners for gatheringe the golde ore togyther for the nexte *^^^^'
yeare, and 30 souldiers for the better guarde of the reste,
within which last number are included the gentlemen, gold-
finers, bakers, carpenters and all necessarye persons. To
eche of ye captaines was assigned one ship, as well for the
further searching of the coast and countrie there, as for to
returne and bring backe their companies againe, if the
necessitie of the place so urged, or by miscarying of the
fleete in the yeare following, they mighte be disappointed of
their further provision.

Being therefore thus furnished with all necessaries, there
were ready to depart upon the said voyage xv sayle of good rifteene
shippes, whereof the whole number was to returne agayne
with their loadinge of gold ore in the end of the sommer,
except those three ships, which should be left for the use of
those captaynes whiche should inhabite there the whole
yeare. And being in so good readynesse, the Generall, with
all the captaynes came to the court, then lying at Greene-
wich, to take their leave of hir Majestic, at whose hands they
all receyved greate encouragemente and gracious coun-

to Fro
bisher

228 THE THIRD VOYAGE

tenance. Hir Highnesse, besides other good giftes, and
A cheyne of greater promises, bestowed on the Generall a faire cheyne
gold giveu ^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ captaines kissed hir hande, tooke

their leave, and departed every man towardes their charge.

THE NAMES OF THE SHIPPES, WITH THEIR SEVERALL
CAPTAYNES.

1. In the ^</</. being Admirall was | Captayne Froblsher.
the Generall - - )

2. In the Tho. Allen, Viceadmirall Ca. Yorke.

3. In the Judith, Lieutenant Generall Ca. Fenton.

4. In the Aniie Frances - - Ca. Best.

5. In the Ilopeioell - - Ca. Carew.

6. In the Beare - - - Ca. Filpot.

7. In the Thomas, of Ipswich - Ca. Tanfield.
b. In the Emanuell, of Exceter - Ca. Courtney.
9. In the Frances^ of Foy - Ca. Moyles.

10. In the Moone - - - Ca. Upcot.

11. In the ^ma, of Bridgewater - Ca. Newton

12. In the Salomon, of Weymouth Ca. Randal.

13. In the barke Dennis - - Ca. Kendall.

14. In the Gahriell - - Ca. Harvey.

15. In the 3Iichaell - - Ca. Kinnersley.
The sayd xv sayle of shippes arrived and mette togyther

at Harwitch, the seauen and twentith day of May, anno
1578, where the Generall and the other Captaynes made
view, and mustered theyr companyes. And every severall
Captaine receyved from the Generall certayne articles of
direction, for the better keeping of order and company to-
gither in the way, which articles are as followeth : —

Articles and orders to be observed for the fleete, set downe
by Captayne Frobisher, Generall, and delivered in writing
to every Captayne, as well for keeping company as for the
course, the 31 of May.

1. Inprimis, to banishe swearinge, dice, and card-playing.

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 229

and filthy communication, and to serve God twice a day,
with the ordinarie service, usuall in churches of England,
and to cleare the glasse,* according to the old order of
England.

2. The Admirall shall carrie the light, and after his light
be once put out, no man to go a head of him, but every
man to fitte his sayles to follow as neere as they may, with-
out dangering one another.

3. That no man shall by day or by night depart further
from the Admirall than the distance of one English mile
and as neere as they may withoute daunger one of another.

4. If it chance to growe thicke and the wind contrarie,
eyther by daye or by night, that the Admirall be forced to
cast aboute, before hir casting aboute, she shal gyve warn-
ing by shooting off a peece, and to him shall answere the
Vize-admirali and the Kere- admirall with every one of them
a peece, if it be by nighte or in a fogge, and that the Vize-
admirall shall aunswere firste and the E.ere-admirall last.

5. That no man in the fieete descrying any sayle or sayles,
give uppon anye occasion anje chace, before he have spoken
with the Admirall.

6. That everye evening all the fieete come uppe and
speake with the Admirall at seaven of the clocke, or be-
tweene that and eyght, and if weather will not serve them
all to speake with the Admirall, then some shall come to the
Vize-admirall, and receyve your order of your course of
Maister Hall, chiefe pylot of the fleete, as he shall direct you.

7. If to any man in the fieete there happen any mischance,
they shall presently shoote off two peeces by day, and if it
be by night two peeces, and shew two lightes.

8. If any man in y^ fleete come up in y*" night, and hale
his fellow, knowing him not, he shall give him this watch-

" In Earl Essex's expedition to Cadiz, Dr. Marbeck records that "to in-
culcate discipline and subordination, and to impress the sacredness of their
cause, the Lord Admiral had service performed three times a day, in the
morning, in the evening, and at bed-time, at the clearing of the glasse.

In Blanckley's Naval Expositor, 1750, under " Glasses "Watch," will be
found " Being fouihours governs them at sea for changing the watcli."

230 THE THIRD VOYAGE

word, Before the world was God. The other shall aunswere
him, if he be one of our fleete. After God, came Christ, his
Sonne. So that if anye be founde amongst us, not of oure
owne company, he that firste descryeth anye suche sayle or
sayles shall give warning to the Admirall by himselfe or any
other that he can speake to that sailes better than he, being
neerest unto him.

9. That every ship in the fleete in the time of fogges,
whiche continually happen with little winds and most parte
calmes, shall keepe a reasonable noyse with trumpet, drumme,
or otherwise to keepe themselves cleere one of another.

10. If it fall out thicke or misty that we lay it to hull,
the Admirall shall give warning by a peece, and putting out
three lightes one over another, to the ende that every man
may take in his sayles, and at his setting of sayles agayne
do the like, if it be not cleare.

] 1. If any man discover land by nighte, that he give the
like warning that he doth for mischances, two lightes and
two peeces, if it be by day one peece, and putte out hys
flagge and strike all his sayles he hath aboorde.

12. If any shyppe shall happen to lose company by force
of weather, then anye suche shippe or shippes shall gette
hir into the latitude of and so keep that latitude, untyll
they gette Freeselande. And after they be past the west
partes of Freeselande, they shall gette them into the latitude
of and and not to the northwarde of and
beeing once entred within the straytes, all suche shippes
shall everye watche shoote off a good peece, and looke out
well for smoke and fire, whych those that gette in first shall
make every night, untill all the fleete bee come togither.

13. That uppon the sighte of an ensigne in the mast of
the Admirall, a peece shotte of the whole fleete shall repaire
to the Admirall, to understande such conference as the
Generall is to have with them.

14. If we chance to meet with any enemies, that foure
shippes shall attend uppon the Admirall, viz.— the Frances

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. gSl

of Foy^ the Moone, the barke Dennis, and the Gahriell :
and foure upon my Lieutenant Generall in the Judith, viz.
— the Hopewell, the Armenall, the Beare, and the Salomon:
and the other foure upon the Vize-admirall — the Anne
Frances, the Thomas of Ipswich, the Emanuell, and the
3IichaelL

15. If there happen any disordered person in the fleete,
that he be taken and kept in safe custodie until he may con-
veniently be brought aboorde the Admirall, and there to
receive such punishment as his or their offences shal deserve.

By me, Martine Frobisher.

OURE departure FROM ENGLAND.

Having received these articles of direction, we departed
from Harwich the one and thirtith of May ; and, sayling
alongst the south partes of England westward, wee at length
came by the coast of Ireland, at Cape Cleare, the sixth of
June, and gave chace there to a small barke, which was
supposed to be a pyrat or rover on the seas ; but it fell out
in deede that they were poore men of Bristowe, who hadde
mette with suche company of Frenchmen as had spoyled
and slayne manye of them, and left the rest so sore wounded
that they were lyke to perishe in the sea, havyng neyther
hande nor foote hole, to helpe themselves withall, nor
victuals to susteyne theyr hungrie bodycs. Oure Generall,
who well understandeth the office of a souldioure and an
Englishman, and knoweth well what the necessity of the ^ cj^arit-
sea meaneth, pitying much y® miserie of the poore men, re- ^^ ® ^^® ®'
leived them with surgerie and salves, to heale their hurtes,
and with meate and drinke to comfort their pining hartes.
Some of them bavins' neither eate nor drinke more than
olives and stinking water in many days before (as they re-
ported). And after this good deed done, havinge a large
winde, we kept our course uppon our sayde voyage withoute
staying for the taking in of freshe water or any other pro-

S32 THE THIRD VOYAGE

vision, whereof many of the fleete were not thoroughly
furnished (and sayling towardes the north-west partes from
Ireland, we mette with a great currante from oute of the
south-west, which carryed us (by our reckoning) one point
;to the north-estwardes of our said course, which currant
seemed to us to continue itselfe towards Norway and other
the north-east partes of the world, whereby we may be in-
Marke thjs duccd to bclieve that this is the same whiche the Portugalles

currant. - ... n

meete at Capo d'Buona Speranza, where, striking over from
thence to the Straytes of Magellanes, and finding no passage
there for the narrownesse of the sayde Straytes, runneth
alongst into the greate Bay of Mexico, where, also having a
let of lande it is forced to strike backe agayne towardes the
north-east, as we not only heere, but in another place also, fur-
ther to the northwardes, by good experience this yeare have
founde, as shall be heereafter in his place more at large
declared.

Nowe had wee sayled aboute foureteene dayes withoute
sight of any land or any other living thing, except certayne
fowles, as wylmots, nodies, guiles, etc., whiche there seeme
only to live by sea.

The twentith of June, at two of the clocke in the morning,

Weast ' ^ °'

England, ^jjg Gencrall descryed land and found it to be Weast Freese-
lande, now named Weast England. Heere the Generall and
other gentlemen wente ashoare, being the fyrste knowen
Christians that we have true notice of, that ever set foote
upon that ground ; and therefore the Generall toke posses-
sion thereof to the use of our Soveraigne Lady the Queenes
Majestic, and discovered heere a goodly harborough for the
shippes, where were also certaine little boats of that coun-
trey. And being there landed, they espied certayne tents
and people of that countrey which were (as they judge) in all
sortes, very like those of Meta Incognita, as by theyr apparell
and other things whych we found in theyr tentes appeared.
The savage and simple people, so soone as they perceyved

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 233

our men comming towardes them (supposing there had bin
no other worlde but theirs), fledde fearfully away, as men
muche amazed at so strange a sight, and creatures of humane
shape, so farre in apparell, complexion, and other things
differente from themselves. They left in their tents all their
furniture for haste behinde them, where, amongst other
things, were founde a boxe of small nayles and certaine
redde hearings, boordes of firre tree well cutte, with dyvers
other things artificially wroughte, whereby it appeareth that
they have trade with some civill people, or else are in deede
themselves artificiall workemen.

Oure menne broughte awaye wyth them onelye two of
thcyr dogges, leaving in recompence belles, looking glasses,
and dyvers of oure countrey toyes behynde them.

This countrie no doubte promiseth good hope of great
commoditie and riches, if it maye be well discovered. The
description whereof you shall finde more at large in my
seconde booke, page 5.

Some are of opinion that this Weast Englande is firme
land with the north-east partes of Meta Incognita, or else
with Gronelande. And their reason is, bicause the people,
apparell, boates, and other things are so like to theirs ; and
another reason is, the multitude of islands of ise whyche lay
bctweene it and Meta Incognita, doeth argue, that on the
north side there is a bay, whych cannot be but by conjoining
of these two landes togither.

And havinge a fayre and large winde, wee departed from
thence towardes Frobyshers Straites, the three and twentith
of June. But fyrste we gave name to a hyghe cliffe in
Weast England, the laste that was in oure sight, and for a
certaine similitude we called it Charinge Crosse. Then we charing

"^ Crosse.

bare southerly towardes the sea, bycause to the northwardes
of this coaste wee mette wyth muche driving ise, whiche by
reason of the thicke mistes and weather might have bin some
trouble unto us.

234 THE THIRD VOYAGE

On Monday, the laste of June, wee mette with manye
greate whales, as they hadde beene porposes.

This same day the Salamander being under both hir

corses and bonets, hapned to strike a greate whale with hir

full stemme, wyth such a blow, that the ship stoode stil and

stirred neither forwarde nor backward. The whale thereat

made a great and ugly noise, and caste up his body and

tayle, and so went under water, and within two dayes after

there was founde a greate whale dead, swimming above

water, which we supposed was that the Salamander stroke.

The seconde daye of July, early in the morning, wee had

sight of the Queenes Forelande, and bare in with the lande

all the daye, and passing thorow great quantitie of ise by

nighte, were entered somewhat within the straites, per-

cieving no waye to passe further in, the whole place being

Frobishers froscu ovcr from the one side to the other, and as it were

ciKkedup with many walles, mountaines, and bulwarkes of yse,

with ice.

choaked uppe the passage, and denied us entrance. And
yet do I not thinke that this passage or the sea hereaboutes,
is frosen over at any time of the yeare ; albeit it seemed so
unto us by the abundance of ise gathered together, whyche
occupyed the whole place. But I do rather suppose these
ise to be bredde in the hoUowe soundes and freshets there-
aboutes, whyche, by the heate of the sommers sunne beeing
loosed, doe emptie themselves wyth the ebbes into the sea,
and so gather in great abundance there togither.

And to speake somewhat here of the auncient opinion of
the frosen sea in these partes, I doe thinke it to be rather a
bare conjecture of menne, than that ever anye manne hathe
made experience of anye such sea. And that whiche they
speake of Mare Glaciale may be truly thought to be spoken
of these parts ; for this maye well be called indeede the
\Ysie Sea, but not the Frosen Sea, for no sea consistinof of salte

Salte water \ ' ' _ °

freese*^ Water cau be frosen, as I have more at large herein shewed
|ny opinion in my seconde booke, page 6; for it seemeth im-

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 235

possible for any sea to be frozen which hath his course of
ebbing and flowing, especiallye in those places where the tides
doe ebbe and flowe above tenne fadome. And also all these
aforesaide ise, which we sometime met a hundreth mile from
lande, being gathered out of the salt sea, are in taste fresh,
and being dissolved, become sweet and holesome water.

The cause why thys yeare we have beene more combred /
with ise (than at other times before) may be by reason of the
easterly and southerly windes, whyche brought us more
timely thither now than we looked for. Whiche blowing
from the sea directlye uppon the place of our straites, hath
kept in the ise, and not suffered them to be caryed out by
the ebbe to the maine sea, where they woulde in more shorte
time have been dissolved. And all these fleeting ise are not
onelye so daungerous, in that they winde and gather so
neare togither that a man may passe sometimes tenne or
twelve myles as it were uppon one firme ilande of ise, but
also for that they open and shutte togither againe in suche
sorte wyth the tydes and sea-gate, that whilest one shippe
folio vveth the other wyth full sayles, the ise whyche was
open unto the foremoste will joyne and close togyther be-
fore the latter can come to followe the fyrste, whereby
manye tymes oure shippes were broughte into greate danger
as beeing not able so sodainely to take in oure sayles, or
staye the swifte way of oure shippes.

We were forced manye tymes to stemmc and strike great
rockes of ise, and so as it were make way through mightye
mountaines, by which means some of the fleete, where they
founde the yse to open, entred in, and passed so farre with-
in the daunger thereof, with continuall desire to recover
their post, that it was the greatest wonder of the world that
they ever escaped safe, or were ever heard of againe. For
even at this present, we missed two of the fleete, that is, the
Judith, wherein was the Lieutenant Generall Captaine
Fenton, and the Micliaell, whome both we supposed hadde

236 THE THIRD VOYAGE

bene utterlye lost, having not heard any tydings of them in
moe than twentie dayes afore.
Park And one of our fleete named the barke Dennys, being of

sunk. an hundreth tunne burden, seeking way in amongst these

ise, received such a blowe with a rocke of ise, that she sunke
downe therewith, in the sighte of the whole fleete. How-
beit, having signified hir daunger by shooting of a peece of
great ordinaunce, newe succour of other shippes came so
readily unto them, that the men were al saved with boates.
Within this shippe that was drowned there was parcel of
house lost, our housc, wliichc was to be erected for them that shoulde
staye all the winter in Meta Incognita.

Thys was a more fearefull spectacle for the fleete to be-
holde, for that the outragious storme, whiche presentlye
followed, threatened them the like fortune and daunger.
For the fleete being thus compassed (as aforesayde) on every
side with ise, having left muche behynde them, through
which they had passed, and finding more before them,
through which it was not possible to passe, there arose a
sodaine and terrible tempest at the southeast, which blowing
from the mayne sea directlye upon the place of the straytes,
brought togither all the yse aseaborde of us upon our backs,
and thereby debarde us of turninge backe to recover sea
roome againe: so that being thus compassed with danger on
every side, sundrie men with sundrie devises sought the
best way to save themselves. Some of the ships, where
they could find a place more cleare of ise, and get a little
berth of sea roome, did take in their sayles, and there lay
adrift. Other some fastened and mored ancker uppon a
great iland of ise, and roade under the lee thereof, supposing
to be better garded thereby from the outrageous windes and
the daunger of the lesser fleeting ise. And againe some
were so fast shut up and compassed in amongst an infinite
number of great countreys and ilands of ise, that they were
fayne to submit themselves and their ships to the mercie of

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 237

the unmercifull ise, and strengthened the sides of their ships
with junckes of cables, beds, masts, planckes, and suchlike,
whiche being hanged overboord, on the sides of their
shippes, mighte the better defende them from the outrage-
ous sway and strokes of the said ise. But as in greatest
distresse, men of best value are best to be discerned, so it is
greatly worthy commendation and noting with what in-
vincible mind every captayne encouraged his company, and
with what incredible labour tbe paynefull mariners and
poore miners (unacquainted with suclie extremities), to the
everlasting renoune of our nation, dyd overcome the brunt
of these so greate and extreame daungers ; for some, even
without boorde uppon the ise, and some within boorde,
nppon the sides of their shippes, having poles, pikes, peeces
of timber, and ores in their hands, stoode almost day and
night, withoute anye rest, bearing off the force, and break-
ing the sway of the ise, with suche incredible payne and
perill that it was wonderfull to behold, which otherwise no
doubt had striken quite through and through the sides of
their shippes, notwithstanding our former provision ; for
plancks of timber, of more than three ynches thick, and
other things of greater force and bignesse, by the surging
of the sea and billow, with the ise were shevered and cutte
in sunder at the sides of oure shippes, that it will seeme
more than credible to be reported of And yet (that which
is more) it is faythfully and playnely to be proved, and that
by many substantiall witnesses, that our shippes, even those
of greatest burdens, with the meeting of contrary waves of
the sea, were heaved up betweene ilandes of ise a foote wel-
neere out of the sea above their watermarke, having their
knees and timbers within boorde both bowed and broken
therewith.

And amidst these extremes, whilest some laboured for de-
fence of the shippes and sought to save their bodyes, other-
some of more mylder spirit soughte to save the soule by

238 THE THIRD VOYAGE

devoute prayer and mediation to the Almightie, thinking in-
deede by no other meanes possible than by a divine miracle
to have their deliverance ; so that there was none that were
e5'ther ydle or not well occupied, and hee that helde him-
selfe in best securitie had (God knoweth) but only bare
hope remayning for his best safetie.

Thus all the gallant fleete and miserable men, without
hope of ever getting forth agayne, distressed with these ex-
tremities, remayned heere all the whole night and parte of
the next day, excepting foure shippes, that is, the A?i?ie
Frances, the Moone, the Frances of Foij, and the Gabriell,
which being somewhat a seaboorde of the fleete, and beeing
fast ships, by a winde, having a more scope of cleere, tryed
it out all the time of the storme under sayle, beeyng hardly
able to beare a coast of each.

And albeit, by reason of the fleeting ise, whych were
dispersed heere almost the whole sea over, they were
broughte manye times to the extreamest poynte of perill,
mountaynes of ise tenne thousande tymes scaping them
scarce one ynch, whiche to have stricken, had bin theyr
presente destruction, considering the swifte course and way
of the shippes, and the unwildynesse of them to stay and
turne as a man would wish. Yet they esteemed it their
better safetie, with such perill to seeke searoome, than with-
out hope of ever getting libertie, to lie striving against y^
streame, and beating amongst the isie mountaines, whose
hugenesse, and monstrous greatnesse was suche, that no man
woulde credite, but such as to their paynes sawe and felt it.
And these foure shippes by the next day at noone, gote out
to sea, and were fyrste cleere of the ise, who nowe enjoying
theyr own libertie, beganne anew to sorrowe and feare for
their fellowes safeties. And devoutely kneeling aboute theyr
mayne mast, gave unto God humble thanks, not only for
themselves, but besought him lykewise highly for theyr
friends deliverance. And even nowe, whilest amiddest these

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. ^39

extremities, thys gallant fleete and valiant men were alto-
gither over laboured, and forewatched, with the long and
fearefull continuance of the foresayde dangers, it pleased
God with his eyes of mercie to looke downe from heaven, to
sonde them help in good time, giving them the next daye a
more favourable wind at the west northwest, whiche did not
only disperse and drive forthe the ise before them, but also
gave them libertie of more scope and searoome, and were by
night of the daye following perceyved of the other foure
shippes, where to their greatest comfort they enjoyed agayne
the fellowship of one another. Some in mending the sides
of theyr shippes, some in setting up their tojDpe mastes, and
mending theyr sayles and tacklings. Agayne, some com-
playning of theyr false stemme borne away, some in stopping
their leakes, some in recounting their dangers past, spent no
small time and labour, that I dare well avouche, there were
never men more daungerously distressed, nor more merci-
fully by God's Providence delivered. And heere of both
the torn shippes, and the forweeryed bodyes of the men
arrived, doe beare most evidente marke and witness. And
now the whole fleete plyed off to seaward, resolving there to
abide, untill the sunne might consume (or the force of wind
disperse) these ise from the place of theyr passage : and
beeing a good berth off the shore, they took in their sayles, j
and lay adrift.

The seavcnth of July, as men nothing yet dismayed, we
cast about towards the inward, and had sighte of lande, , ^,

' " ' Another

which rose in forme like the northerlande of the straytes, ^^sauit,
which some of the fleete, and those not the worst marriners,
judged to be the north forlande : howbeit, other some were
of contrary opinion. But the matter was not well to be
discerned, by reason of the thicke fogge, whiche a long time ^^^^
hung uppon the coast, and the newe falling snowe which f^ndS-'the
yearely alter eth the shape of the land, and taketh away Salks?"^^
oftentimes the marriners markes. And by reason of the

240 THE THIRD VOYAGE

darke mists, whiche continued by the space of twenty dayes

V togither, this doubt grew the greater and the longer perillous.

•. For wheras indeede we thought our selves to be upon the

i northeast side of Frobishers straytes, we were now carried to

Ithe southwestwards of the Queenes forlande, and being de-

{ceyved by a swift currant comming from the northeast, were

jbrought to the southwestwards of our sayd course, many

miles more than we dyd thinke possible could come to passe.

The cause whereof we have since found, and shall be at large

hereafter declared.

Here we made a poynt of land, which some mistooke for a
place in the straytes, called Mount Warwicke : but howe we
shoulde be so farre shotte up so suddaynely within the sayde
straytes, the expertest mariners began to marvell, thinking
it a thing impossible, that they coulde be so farre overtaken

A currant, in their accompts, or that any currant coulde so deceyve
them heere, whiche they had not by former experience
proved and found out. Howbeit, many confessed, that they
founde a swifter course of floud than before time they had
observed. And truly it was wonderfull to heare and see the
rushling and noyse that the tydes do make in thys place,
with so violente a force that our shippes lying a hull, were
turned sometimes rounde aboute even in a momente, after
the manner of a whirlpool, and the noyse of the streame no
lesse to be hearde a farre off, than the waterfall of London
Bridge.

But whilest the fleete lay thus doubtfull amongst greate
store of ise in a place they knewe not, withoute sighte of
sunne, whereby to take the height, and so to know the true
elevation of the pole, and withoute any cleare of lighte to
make perfite the coast, the Generall with the captaynes and
maysters of his shippes beganne doubtfully to question of
the matter, and sent his pinnesse aboorde to heare cache

James maus opiniou, and specially of James Beare, mayster of the

Beare a

good An?ie Finances, who was knowen to be a sufficient and skilful!

manner. '

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 241

mariner, and having bin there the yeare before, had well
observed the place, and drawne out cardes of the coast. But
the rather this matter grew the more doubtful, for that
Christopher Hall, chiefe pylot of the voyage, delivered a christophe:
plaine and publike opinion in the hearinge of the whole P^'iot.
fleete, that he had never scene the foresayd coast before,
and that he could not make it for any place of Frobishers
straites, as some of the fleete supposed, and yet the lands do
lye and trend so like, that the best mariners therin may be
deceived.

The tenth of July, the weather still continuing thicke
and darke, some of the shippes in the fogge loste sighte of
the Admirall and the rest of the fleete, and, wandering too
and fro with doubtful opinion whether it were best to seeke
backe againe to seaward through great store of ise, or to
follow on a doubtfull course in a sea, bay, or straytes, they
knew not, or alongst a coast, whereof by reason of the darke
mists they could not discern the daungers, if by chance any
rock or broken ground should lye of the place as commonly
in these partes it doth.

The Vize-admirall, Captayne Yorkc, considering the fore-
sayd opinion of the pylot. Hall, who was with him in the
TJiomas Aliens having lost sight of the fleete, turned back
to sea agayne, having two other shippes in company with
him.

Also the Captaine of the Aiine Fraunces having likewise
lost companye of the fleete, and being all alone, helde it for
best to turne it out to sea agayne, untyll they mighte have
cleere weather to take the sunnes altitude, and with in-
credible payne and perill got out of the doubtfull place into
the open sea agayne, being so narrowly distressed by the
way by meanes of continuall fogge and ise, that they were
many times ready to leape upon the iland of ise to avoyde
the present daunger, and so hopyug to prolong life awhile,
meante rather to dye a pining death.

242

THE THIRD VOYAGE

Hard shifts
to save
mens lives.

Mistaken
straits.

Frobisher
could hav(
passed to
Cataj-a.

Fair open
way.

Some hoped to save themselves on chestes, and some de-
termined to tye the hatches of the shippes fast togyther and
to bynde themselves wyth theyr furniture fast thereunto,
and so to be towed with the shipboat ashore, whyche other-
wise could not receyve halfe of the companye ; by whiche
means, if happilie they hadde arrived, they shoulde eyther
have perished for lacke of foode to eate, or else shoulde
themselves have bene eaten of those ravenous, bloudye, and
man-eating people.

The rest of the fieete following the course of the Generall,
whyche ledde them the way, passed up above 60 leagues
within the sayd doubtfull and supposed straytes, havyng al-
wayes a fayre continente uppon their starreboorde syde, and
a continuance still of an open sea before them.

The Generall, albeit with the fyrste perchance he found
out the error, and that this was not the old straytes, yet he
persuaded the fleete alwayes that they were in theyr righte
course and knowne straytes. Howbeit, I suppose he rather
dissembled his opinion therein than otherwyse, meaning by
that policie (being hymself ledde with an honorable desire of
further discoverie) to enduce y^ ileete to follow him to see a
further proofe of that place. And, as some of the company
reported, he hath since confessed that, if it had not bin for
the charge and care he had of y*' fleete and fraughted
shippes, he both would and could have gone through to the
south sea, called Mare del Sur, and dissolved the long
doubt of the passage which we seeke to find to the rich
countrey of Cataya.

1. Of which mistaken straytes, considering the circum-
stance, we have great cause to confirme our opinion to like
and hope well of the passage in this place. For the fore-
saide bay or sea the further we sayled therein the wyder we
found it, with great likelyhoode of endlesse continuance.
And wherein other places we were muche troubled wyth
ise, as in the entrance of the same, so after we had sayled 50

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 243

or 60 leagues therein, we had no let of ise or other thing at Reasons

a -' <~> prove a

all, as in other places we found, her?^^

2. Also this place seemeth to have a marvellous greate in-
drafte, and draweth unto it most of the drift yse and other draffs.'*"
things which do fleete in the sea, eyther to the north or
eastwards of the same, as by good experience we have
found e.

3. For heere also we mette with boordes, lathes, and
divers other things driving in the sea, which was of the
wracke of the shippe called the barke Dennys, which
perished amongst the ise, as beforesaid, being lost at the cun-ant.
first attempt of the entrance overthwart the Queens Fore-
land, in the mouth of Frobishers Straits, whiche coulde by

no means have bin so brought thither neyther by winde nor
tide, being lost so many leagues off, if by force of the sayde
currant the same had not bin violently brought. For if the
same hadde bin brought thither by the tyde of flodde, looke
how farre in the said flodde had caried it, the ebbe woulde
have recaryed it as farre backe agayne, and by the winde it
could not so come to passe, bycause it was then sometime
calme, and most times contrary.

hours
le to

And some marriners doe afl^yrme that they have diligently ^^'",5
observed y^ there runneth in this place nine houres flodde ebbe. """^^
to three ebbe, which may thus come to passe by force of
the saide currant : for whereas the sea in most places of the
world doth more or lesse ordinarily ebbe and flow once
every twelve houres, with sixe houres ebbe and sixe houres
floud, so also would it doe there, were it not for the violence
of this hastning currant, which forceth the floud to make
appearance to beginne before his ordinary time one houre
and a halfe, and also to continue longer than his natural
course by an other houre and a halfe, until the force of the
ebbe be so greate that it will no longer be resisted (accord-
ing to the saying : Naturam expellas furca licet tamen vsq.
recurrit. Although nature and natural courses be forced

244 THE THIRD VOYAGE

and resisted never so muche, yet at laste it will have their
owne sway againe).

Moreover, it is not possible that so great course of flouds
and currant, so highe swelling tides with continuance of so
deepe waters, can be digested here without unburdening
themselves into some open sea beyonde this place, which
argueth the more likelihood of the passage to be hereabouts.
Also we suppose these great indrafts do growe and are made
by the reverberation and reflection of that same currant,
whiche at oure comming by Irelande mette and crossed us,
of which in the firste parte of this discourse I spake, whyche
comming from the bay of Mexico, passing by, and washing
the south weast parts of Ireland, reboundeth over to the
northest parts of the world, as Norway, Islande, etc., where,
not finding any passage to an open sea, but rather is there
encreased by a new accesse, and another currant meeting
with it from y^ Scythian Sea, passing the bay of Saint
Nicholas westwarde, doeth once againe rebounde backe by
the coasts of Groenland, and from thence uppon Frobishers
straites being to the south westwardes of the same.

5. And if that principle of philosophy be true, that In-

J. ilG SGR.

h-oliil-^tiofi^^'^^^^ (corpora regunter d superiorihus , that is, if inferior
tinSiiiy"" bodies be governed, ruled and caried after the manor and
course of the superiors, then the w^ater being an inferior
element, must needes be governed after the superior Heaven,
and so to follow the course of Prirnum mobile from east to
weast.
Authoritie. 6. But cvcryc man that hathe written or considered anye
thing of this passage, hath more doubted the retoarne by the
same waye, by reason of a greate downefall of water, whyche
they imagine to be thereabouts (which we also by experience
partly find) than anye mistruste they have of the same
passage at all. For we find (as it were) a great downfall in
this place, but yet not muche, but that we may return, al-
though with suche adoe. For we were easilyer caried in in

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. ^45

one houre than we coulde gette forth againe in three. Also
by an other experience at another time we founde thys cur-
rant to deceive us in this sort: — That, whereas we supposed Hard, but

■^ -^ yet possible;

to bee 15 leagues off, and lying a hull, we were brought {^'^'^'^'^f^^i^
within 2 leagues of the shoare, contrarie to al expecta-
tion.

Oure menne that sayled furthest in the same mistaken
straites (having the maine lande uppon their starbord side),
affyrme that they mette with the outlet or passage of water
whiche commeth throwe Frobyshers straites^ and followeth
as all one into this passage.

Some of our companye also affyrme that they had sighte
of a continent upon their larbord side, being 60 leagues
within the supposed straites : howbeit excepte certaine
ilandes in the entraunce hereof, we could make no parte
perfect thereof. All the foresaid tract of land seemeth to be
more fruitful and better stored of grasse. Deere, wilde foule,
as partridges, larkes, seamews, guls, wilmots, falcons, and
tassell gentils, ravens, beares, hares, foxes, and other things,
than any other parte we have yet discovered, and is more Traffic
populous. And here Luke Ward, a gentleman of y^ com-
pany, traded merchandize, and did exchange knives, bells,
looking-glasses, &c., with those countrey people who brought
him foule, fishe, bcares-skinnes, and suche like, as their
countrey yeeldeth for the same. Here also they saw of
those greater boates of the country with twentie persons in
apeece.

Nowe, after the Generall hadde bestowed these manye
dayes here, not without many daungcrs, he returned backe
againe. And by the way sayling alongst this coaste (being
the backside of the supposed continent of America), and the
Queenes Forelande, he perceived a great sounde to goe
thorowe into Frobyshers Straits. AVhereuppon he sente
the Gahriell the one and twentith of July, to prove whether Keuimout

of the mis-

they mighte go thorough and meete agayne with him in the ^'^^^^^^

Great

dangers.

24:6 THE THIRD VOYAGE

straites, which they did, and as we imagined before, so the
Queenes Forelande proved an iland, as I thinke most of
these supposed continentes will. And so he departed to-
wardes the straites, thinking it were highe time nowe to re-
cover hys porte and to provide the fleete of their lading,
whereof he was not a little carefull, as shall by the processe
and his resolute attempts appeare. And in his returne with
the rest of the fleete, he was so entangled by reason of the
darke fogge, amongst a number of ilandes and broken ground
that lyeth of this coast, that many of the ships came over
the top of rocks, which presently after they might perceive
to ly a drie, havyng not halfe a foote water more than some
of their ships did draw. And by reason they coulde not
with a small gale of wind stem the force of y^ floud, wherby
to go cleare of y® rocks, they were faine to let an ancker fall
with twoo bent of cable togither, at a c and odde fadome
deapth, where otherwise they had bin by the force of the
tides carried upon y^ rocks again, and perished : so that if
God in these fortunes, as a merciful guyde, (beyond y^ ex-
pectation of man) had not carried us thorow, we had surely
more than x. m. times perished amiddest these dangers. For
being many times driven harde aboorde the shoare withoute
any sighte of lande, untill we were readye to make ship-
wracke thereon, beeing forced commonly with oure boates,
to sound before oure shippes, least we might light thereon
before we could discerne the same. It pleased God to give
us a cleare of sunne and light, for a short time, to see and
avoid e thereby the daunger, having been continually darke
before, and presently after. Manye times also by means of
fogge and currants, being driven neare uppon the coaste,
God lent us even at the very pintch one prosperous breath
of winde or other, whereby to double the land and avoyde
the perill, and when that we were all withoute hope of helpe,
every man recommending himselfe to death, and crying out,
Lcrde now helpe or never : nowe Lorde look downe from
Heaven and save us sinners, or else oure safetie commeth too

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 247

late : even then the mightie maker of Heaven, and oure
mercifull God, did deliver us : so that they who have bin
partakers of those daungers, do even in their souls confesse,
that God even by miracle hath sought to save them, whose
name be praised evermore.

Long tyme nowe the Amie Frances had layne beating off
and on all alone, before the Queenes forelande, not beeing
able to recover their porte for ise, albeit many times they
daungerously attempted it, for yet the ise choaked up the
passage, and woulde not suffer them to enter. And havyng
never seen any of the fleete since twentie dayes past, when
by reason of the thicke mistes they were severed in the mis-
taken straites, did nowe this present three and twentith of
July overthwart a place in the straites called Hattons Hed-
land, where they met with seven shippes of the fleete aofain, ^ntie

•^ . . . O ' Frances

which i<ood happe did not only rcioice them, for themselves, met with

o L I J J ' } some of the

in respect of the comforte whiche they received by suche ^^^^'
good companye, but especially, that by this means they were
put out of doubt of their freendes, whose safeties long time
they did not a little suspect and feare.

At their meeting they haled the Admirall after the manner
of the sea, and with great joy welcomed one another with a
thundring voly of shot. And now every man declared at
large the fortunes and dangers which they hadde passed.

The foure and twentith of July we mette with the Frances Frances
of Foi/j who with much adoe soughte way back againe
thorowe the yse from out of the mistaken straites, where to
their greate perill, they proved to recover their porte.
They broughte the first newes of the Vizeadmirall Capitaine
Yorke, who many dayes with themselves, and the Basse of Bndge-
Bridgewater was missing. They reported that they left the ^ ^ ^ '^'
Vizeadmirall reasonably cleare of the ise, but the other
shippe they greatly feared, whom they coulde not come to
helpe, being themselves so hardly distressed, as never men
more. Also they told us of the Gahriely who having got

248 THE THIRD VOYAGE

thorow from the backside, and wester point of the Queens
forelande, into Erobysliers Strates, fell into their companye
about the Cape of Good Hope.

And uppon the seaven and twentith of Julye, the ship of
Bridgewater gote oute of the ise, and met with the fleete
whiche laye off and on under Hattons Hedland. They re-
ported of their marvellous accidents and daungers, declaringe
their shyppe to be so leaky, that they must of necessitie
seeke harborow, having their stem beaten within theyr
buddings, that they hadde muche adoe to keepe themselves
above water. They had (as they say) five hundreth strokes
at the poupe in lesse than half a watche, being scarce two
houres. Their menne being so over-wearied therewith, and
with the former dangers, that they desired helpe of menne
from the other shippes. Moreover, they declared, that there
straits was nothing but ise and daunger, where they hadde bin, and
" that the straites within was frosen uppe. .And that it was
the moste impossible thyng in the world, to passe up unto
the Countesse of Warwicks sounde whiche was the place of
our porte.

The reporte of these daungers by these shyppes thus pub-
lished amongst the fleete, wyth the remembraunce of the
perills past, and those present before their face, brought no
small feare and terror into the hartes of many considerate
men. So that some beganne privily to murmur against the
Generall for this wilfall manner of proceeding. Some de-
sired to discover some harborowe thereaboutes, to refreshe
themselves, and reforme their broken vesselles for a while,
Lintill the north and northwest winds might disperse the ise,
and make the place more free to passe. Other some for-
getting themselves, spake more undutifully in this behalfe,
saying : that they hadde as leeve be hanged when they came
home, as without hope of safetie, to seeke to passe, and so to
perishe amongst the ise.

The Generall not opening his eares to the peevishe passion

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 249

of anye private person, but chiefly caryng for the publicke
profite of his countries cause, and nothing at all regardyng
hys ovvne ease, lyfe, or safetie, but especiallye respecting
the accomplishment of the cause he had undertaken, (wherein
the chiefe reputation and fame of a Generall and Capitaine a valiant

•■ ^ miud of

consisteth), and calling to his remembrance the shorte time FroWsher.
he hadde in hande, to provide so great number of shyppes
their loading, determined with this resolution, to passe and
recover his porte, or else there to bury himselfe with hys
attempte, and if suche extremitie so befell him, that he muste
needes perish amongst the ise, when all hope shoulde be
i^ast, and all hope of safetie set aside, having all the or-
dinaunce within boorde well charged, resolved wyth pouder
to burne and bury himselfe and all togither with hir Majesties
shyppes. And with this peal of ordinance, to receive an
honourable knell, instead of a better burial, esteeming it
more happy so to end hys life, rather than himself, or any of
his company or anye one of hir Majesties shyppes shoulde
become a praye or spectacle to those base bloudye and man
eating people.

Notwithstanding, somewhat to appease the feeble passions
of *he fearefuller sorte, and the better to entertaine time for
a season, whilest the ise might the better be dissolved, hee
haled on the fleete, wyth beleefe, that he would put into
harborowe : thereuppon whilest the sheppes laye off and on,
under Hattons Hedlande, he soughte in wyth his pynnesses
amongest the islands there, as thoughe hee meant to searche
for harborow, where indeede he meant nothinge less, but
rather sought if any ore mighte be found in that place, as by
the sequel appeared.

In the mean time, whilest the fleete laye thus doubtfull
withoute anye certaine resolution what to do, being harde
aboorde the leeshore, there arose a sodaine and terrible
tempest at the southsouthest, whereby the ise began marvel-
lously to gather about us.

250 THE THIRD VOYAGE

Whereuppon everye manne, as in such case of extremitie
he thoughte beste, soughte the wisest waye for his owne
safetie. The most parte of the fleete whych were further
shotte uppe within the straites, and so farre to the leewarde,
as that they coulde not double the lande^ following the
course of the General, who led them the way, tooke in their
sailes, and laide it a hull amongst the ise, and so passed over
the storme, and hadde no extreamitie at all, but for a short
time in the same place.

Howbeit the other shyppes whiche plyed oute to seawarde,
hadde an extreame storme for a longer season. And the
nature of the place is suche, that it is subject diversely to
divers winds according to the sundrie situation of the great
alps and mountaynes there, every mountayne causing a
severall blaste, and pirrie, after the manner of the Levant.

Snow in 111 tliis stomic being the sixe and twentith of July, there

fell so much snow, with such bitter cold air, that we could
scarce see one another for the same, nor open our eyes to
handle our ropes and sayles, the snow being above halfe a
foote deepe uppon the hatches of oure shippe, which did so
wette thorow oure poore marriners clothes, that he that
hadde five or sixe shifte of apparell, had scarce one ^rie
threede to his backe, whiche kinde of wette and coldnesse,
togither with the over labouring of the poore menne
amiddest the ise, breed no small sicknesse amongest the
ileete, which somewhat discouraged some of the poor men,
who had not experience of the like before, everye man per-

Extreme swadiuo^ himselfc, that the wynter there must needs be ex-

wiuter. ° •'

treme, where they be found so unseasonable a sommer.

Great heat And yct uotwythstaudyug this cold ayre, the sunne many

cognita. times hathe a marvellous force of he ate amongst those

mountains, insomuche, that when ther is no breth of wind

to bring y^ cold ayre from the dispersed ise uppon us, we

unconstant shall be wcary of the blominge heate, and then sodainlv with

weather.

a perry of wind whiche commeth down from y^ hollownes of

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 251

ye hilles, we shal have such a breth of heate brought upon
our face, as though we were entred some bastow or hote-
house, and when the first of the pirry and blast is past, we
shall have the winde sodainly anew blow cold againe.

In this storme the Amie Fraunces, the Moone, and the
Thomas of Ipswich, who founde themselves able to holde it
up with a sayle, and could double aboute the Cape of the
Queens forelande, plyed oute to seawarde, holding it for better
policie and safetie, to seeke sea roome, than to hazard the
continuance of the storme, the daunger of the ise and the
leeshore.

And being uncertaine at this time of the Generalls private
determinations, the weather being so darke, that they coulde
not discerne one another, nor perceive which waye he
wrought, betooke themselves to this course for best and
safest.

The Generall notwithstanding the greate storme, following
his owne former resolution, soughte by all meanes possible,
by a shorter way, to recover his port, and where he saw the
ise never so little open, he gat in at one gappe, and out at
another, and so himself valiantly ledde the w^ay through
before, to induce y^ fleete to foUowe after, and with in-
credible payne and perill, at length gat through the ise, and Theoenerai
uppon the one and thirtith of July, he recovered his long Ws port,
wished porte after many attempts, and sundry times being put
backe, and came to anker in the Countesse of Warwicke's
sound, in the entrance whereof, w4ien he thoughte all perill
past, he encountred a great iland of ise, whyche gave the
Axjde suche a blow, having a little before wayed hir anker a
cocke bill, that it stroke the anker flouke through the shippes
bowes under the water, whych caused so greate a leake, that
with muche adoe they preserved the shippe from sinking.

At theyr arivall heere, they perceived two shippes at anker
within the harborough, whereat they began muche to marvel,
and greatelye to rejoice, for those they knew to be the

252 THE THIRD VOYAGE

Michaell^ wherein was the Lieutenant generall Captayne
Fenton, and the small barke called the Gahriell, who so long
tyme were missing, and never hearde of before, whome every
man made the last reckning, never to heare of agayne.

Heere every man greately rejoysed of their happie meet-
ing, and welcomed one another after the sea manner, with
their great ordinance, and when cache partie hadde reaped
up their sundrie fortunes and perils past, they highlye
praised God, and altogither uppon their knees gave hym
Mayster duc, humblc and harty thanckes, and Mayster Wolfall, a
preacher. Icamcd man, appoynted by hir Majesties Councell to be
theyr minister and preacher, made unto them a godly
sermon, exhorting them especially to be thankefuU to God
for theyr strange and miraculous deliverance in those so
dangerous places, and putting them in mynde of the un-
certainetie of mans life, willed them to make themselves
alwayes ready as resolute men to enjoy and accept thanke-
fully whatsoever adventure his divine Providence should
appoynt. This Mayster Wolfall being well seated and
setled at home in his owne countrey, with a good and large
living, having a good honest woman to wife, and very
towardly children, being of good reputation among the
best, refused not to take in hand this paynefull voyage, for
the only care he had to save souls, and to reform those in-
fidels if it were possible to Christianitie ; and also partly for
the great desire he hadde that this notable voyage, so well
begun, might be brought to perfection, and therefore he
was contented to stay there the whole yeare, if occasion had
served, being in every necessary action as forward as the
resolutest men of all. Wherfor in this behalfe he may
rightly be called a true pastor and minister of Gods word,
which for the profile of his flocke spared not to venture his
owne life.
Ime^lr^' But to retorne agayne to Captayne Fentons company, and
Feutoiraud to spcakc somcwhat of their dangers (albeit they bee more

his com-
pany.

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 253

than by writing can be expressed). They reported, that
from the night of the first storme, whiche was aboute the
first day of July, untill seaven dayes before the Generalls
arrival!, which was the sixe and twentith of the same, they
never saw any one day or houre wherein they were not
troubled with continuall daunger and feare of death, and
were twentie dayes almost togither fast amongst the ise.
They had their shippe stricken through and through on
both sides, their false stem borne quite away, and could go Extremiue
from their shippes in some places uppon the ise very many mentode-
miles, and might easily have passed from one iland of ise ^gJijgg^ ^®'
to another, even to the shore, and if God had not Avonder-
fully provided for them and theyr necessitie, and time had
not made them more cunning and wise to secke strange
remedies for strange kinds of dangers, it had been impossible
for them ever to have escaped : for among other devises,
wheresoever they founde any iland of ise of greater big-
nesse than the rest (as there be some of more than halfe a
mile com passe about, and almost 400 fadome high), they
commonly coveted to recover the same, and thereof to make
a bulwarke for their defence, whereon having mored ancker,
they roade under the lee thereof for a time, beeyng therby
garded from ye danger of the lesser driving ise. But when
they must needes forgoe this newe founde forte, by meanes
of other ise, whiche at length woulde undermine and com-
passe them round aboute, and when that by heaving of the
billow they were therwith like to be brused in peces, they Hard shifts.
used to make fast the ship unto the most firme and broad
peece of ise they could find, and binding hir nose fast
thereunto, would fill all theyr sayles, whereon the winde
havinge great power, would force forward the ship, and so
the ship bearing before hir the yse, and so one yse driving
forward another, should at length get scope and searoom.
And having by this means at length put their enemies to
flight, occupied the cleere place for a prettie season, among

254

THE THIllD VOYAGE

sundry mountaynes and Alpes of ise. One there was founde
by measure to be sixty-five fadome above water, which for
a kind of similitude w^as called Salomons porch. Some think
those ilands eight times so muche under water as they are
above, by-cause of their monstrous weight. But now I re-
member, I saw very strange wonders, men walking, running,
wou£ leaping, and shoting upon the maine seas forty miles from
any land, withoute any shippe or other vessell under them.
Also I saw fresh rivers running amidst the salt sea a hundred
myle from land, which if any man will not beleeve, let him
know that many of our company lept out of their shippe
uppon ilandes of ise, and running there uppe and downe,
did shoote at buttes uppon the ise, and with their calivers
did kill great ceales, whiche use to lye and sleepe upon the
ise, and this ise melting at the top by reflexion of the sun,
came down in sundrye streams, whyche, uniting togither,
made a prettie brooke able to drive a mill.

The sayd Captayne Fenton recovered his porte tenne
dayes before any man, and spent good time in searching for
mine, and found good store thereof, which bycause it proved
good, was after called Fentons Fortune. He also discovered
about tenne miles up into the countrey, where he perceived
neyther towne, village, nor likelyhoode of habitation, but
seemeth (as he sayeth) barrenous as the other parts which
as yet we have entred upon; but their victuals and provision
went so scant with them, that they had determined to re-
turne home\iard within seaven dayes after, if the fleete had
not then arrived.

The Generall after his arrivall in the Countesses Sound
spent no time in vayne, but immediately at his first landing
called the chiefs captaynes of his councell togither, and con-
sulted with them for the speedier execution of such things
as then they had in hand. At first, for searching and find-
ing out good minerall for the miners to be occupied on.
Then to give good orders to be observed of the whole

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 255

company on shore. And lastly, to consider for the erecting
up the forte and house for the use of them which were to
abide there the whole yeare. For the better handling of
these and all other like important causes in this service, it
was ordeined from hir Majestic and the Councell that the
Generall should call unto him certayne of the chiefe cap-
taynes and gentlemen in councell, to conferre, consult, and
determine of all occurrets in this service, whose names are
here as folow :

Captayne Fenton
Captayne Yorke
Captayne Best
Captayne Carew
Captayne Philpot
And in sea causes to have as assistants, Christopher Hal
and Charles Jackman, being both very good pylots and
sufficient mariners, whereof the one was chiefe pylot of the
voyage, and the other for the discoverie. From the place
of our habitation weastward, Maister Selman was appointed
notarie, to register the whole manner of proceeding in these
affaires, that true relation thereof might be made, if it pleased
hir Majestic to require it.

The first of August every captaine, by order from the
Generall and his counsell, was commanded to bring ashore
unto the Countesses Hand al such gentlemen, souldiers, and
myners, as were under their charge, with such provision as
they had of victuals, tents, and things necessarye for the
speedie getting togither of mine, and fraught for the shippes.

The muster of the men being taken, and the victuals with
all other things viewed and considered, every man was set
to his charge, as his place and office required. The myners
were appointed where to worke, and the mariners discharged
their shippes.

Uppon the seconde of August was published and pro-
claymed, uppon the Countesse of Waricks Hand, with sound

256 THE THIRD VOYAGE

of trumpet, certain orders by the General and his counsel
appointed to be observed of the companye during the time
of their abiding there. The copie whereof here followeth :

Orders sett down by M. Frobisher, Esquire, Captaine
Generall for the voyage to " Cataya," to be
observed of the companie during the time of
their abode in " Meta Incognita." Published
the second day of August, 1578.

1. Inpri7niSj the Generall, in hir Majesties name, straightly
chargeth'and commandeth that no person or persons, with
boate nor pinnesse, shall go ashoare, for any cause, but to
the Countesse of "Warwickes Ilande and Winters Fornace,
without licence of the General, or his deputies. And if they
fortune at an ye time, having licence, to meet with any of
the countrey people, that they shall not enter into any con-
ference or armes wyth them, untill they have given intelli-
gence thereof to the Generall or hys lieutenant.

2. Item, that no person, of what calling soever he be,
shal make an assay of any manor of mettall, matter, or ore,
in ye partes nowe called Meta Incognita, but only suche as
shal be appointed by the General, or in his absence by his
lieutenant, to do the same : nor that anye person shall take
up and keepe to his private use anye parte or parcel of ore,
pretious stone, or other matter of commoditie to be had or
founde in that lande, but he the sayde person so seased of
such ore, stone, or other matter of commoditie shall with all
speede, as soon as he can, defect the same, and make
deliverie thereof to the generall, or his lieutenant generall,
uppon paine to forfaite for everye such ounce thereof, the
value treble of anye w^ages he is to receive after the daye of
such offence comm^itted : and further, to receyve suche
punishment as to hyr Majestic shall seem good.

8. Item, that no shippe or shippes shall take uppon them

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 257

to loade any manner of" ore without licence of the general,
or he that shal be appointed deputie for him, for y^ view of
the same.

4. Item that all the maisters of everye shippe or shippes
within the fleete shal upon Mundaye next comming, by
foure of the clocke in the morning, wyth all the most parte
of theyr companies, make theyr repayre to the Countesses
Ilande aforesaide, there to view and make such places, for
loading and unloading of ore and other thyngs, as shall be
most commodious and meete for that purpose.

5. Item, that no person or persons within this service, by
sea or lande, shall use anye discovered^ 'speeches, swearing,
brauling, or cursing upon payne of imprisonmente,

6. Item, that no person or persons, eyther by sea or lande,
shal draw his or theyr weapons in quarrellyng manner, to
the intente to ofFende or disturbe the quiete of anye person or
persons wythin thys service, uppon paine that being so taken,
he or they whatsoever immediately to loose his right hande.

7. Item, that no person or persons shall washe their
handes or anye other things, in the spring, uppon the
Countesses Hand, where the water is used, and preserved
for the dressing of their victuals, upon paine to receive such
punishment as shall be thought good, by the Generall or his
Lieutenant, for the same. And for the better preservation
and health of everye manne, that no person or persons shall
doe his easement but under the cliffes where the sea may
washe the same awaye, upon paine that everye one so offend-
ing, for the first time shall be imprisoned in the billowe
fourteen e houres, and for the second time being so taken by
the provost Martiall, to pay twelve pense.

8. Item, that no person or persons, of what nature or con-
dition soever^ shall cast out of their shippe or shippes, anye
ballast or rubbish, into the roade, where these shippes now
rydeth, or may conveniently ride, within this sounde, that

^ Sic in ori'Mnal.

258 THK THIRD VOYAGE

therby the same sounde or roade steade may be impaired, but
shall Carrie the same, and lay it where it may not offend.
Uppon paine that every man so offending, the owner of such
shippe or shippes, shall forfaite the fraught of one tunne.

By me Maiityx Frobisher.
In the meane time, whylest the mariners plyed their
work, y"^ Captains sought out new mynes, the goldfinders
made tryall of the ore, the mariners discharged their shippes,
the gentlemen for example sake laboured hartily, and
honestlye encouraged the inferiour sorte to worke. So that
small time of that little leasure, that was left to tarrie, was
spent in vaine.

The second of August the Gabriel arrived, who came from
the Vizeadmirall, and being distressed sore with yse, put
into harborrow neere unto Mount Oxford. And now was
the whole fleete arrived safely at their port, excepting foure,
besides the shippe that was loste, that is, the Thomas Alle?i,
the A?ine Frances, the Thomas of Ipswich, and the 3Ioo?ie,
whose absence was some let unto the works and other pro-
ceedings, as well for that these shippes were furnished with
the better sort of myners and other provision for the
habitation.

The ninth of xlugust, the Generall with the Captaynes of
his connsell assembled togither, beganne to consider and take
order for the erecting up of the house or forte, for them that
were to inhabit there the whole yeare, and that presently the
masons and carpenters might go in hande therewith. First
consuita- therefore they perused the bills of ladyng what every man
habiting received into his shippe, and found that there was arrived

Meta In- i • i r i

cogiiita. only the east side, and the south side of y® house, and yet
not that perfect and intier, for many peeces thereof were used
for fenders in many shippes, and so broken in peeces, whyles
they were distressed in the ise. Also after due examination
had, and true accompt taken, there was founde want of
drinke and fuel, to serve one hundreth men, which was the

OF CAPTAIN FRORISHKR. 259

number appointed firste to inhabite there, bycause their
greatest store was in the ships which were not yet arrived.
Then Captaine Fenton seeing the scarcity of y^ necessary
things aforesaid, was contented, and offred himselfe to in-
habite there, with sixtie men. Wiierupon they caused the
carpenters and masons to come before them, and demaunded
in what time they woulde take upon them to erect up a lesse
house for sixtie men. They required eioht or nine weeks, if f^^ '\^.'^*^*^-

■J ^ o J tioii this

there were tymber sufficient, whereas now they had but six *^®'^"
and twentie dayes in all to remayne in that countrey.
Wherefore it was fully agreed upon, and resolved by the
General and his counsell, that no habitation shoulde be there
this yeare. And therefore they willed Maister Selman the
Register, to set down this decree, with all their consents, for
the better satisfying of hir Majestic, the Lords of the Coun-
sel, and the adventurers.

The A?i7te Frances, since she was parted from the fieete,
in the last storme before spoken of, could never recover
above five leagues within the straights, the wind being some-
tyme contrarie, and moste times the ise compassing them
round about. And from that time, being aboute the seaven
and twentith of July, coulde neyther heare nor have sight
of any of the fleete, untill the third of August, when they
descried a sayle near to Mount Oxford, with whome when
they had spoken, they could understande no newes of anye
of the fleete at all. And this was the lliomas of Ipswich,
who hadde layne beating off and on at sea, with very foule
weather, and contrarye winds, ever since that foresaide
storme, without -sight of any man. They kept company not
long togyther, but were forced to lose one another again, the
Moone being consort always with the Aiine Fraunces, and
keeping verie good companye plyed up togither into the
straites, with great desire to recover their long wished port ;
and attempted as often, and passed as far as possible the
winde, weather, and ise, gave leave, whyche commonly they

s2" ■

The Moone.

260 THF THIRD VOYAGE

found very contrary. For when the weather was cleare, and
withoute fogge, then commonly y^ wind was contrarie. And
when it was evther easterly or southerly, which w^oulde serve
their turnes, then had they so great a fogge, and darke miste
therewith, that eyther they could not discerne way throw
the ise, or else the ise lave so thicke togither, that it was
impossible for them to passe. And on the other side, when
it was calme, the tydes hadde force to bryng the ise so
sodaynlye about them, that commonlye then they were moste
therewith destressed, having no winde to carry them from the
daunger therof

And by the sixte of August, being with much adoe got
up as high as Leicester point, they had good hope to find
the souther shore cleare, and so to passe uppe towardes their
porte. But being there becalmed, and lying a hull openly
upon the greate bay whiche commethe oute of the mys-
taken straites before spoken of, they were so sodainely com-
passed with ise rounde about, by means of the swifte tydes
whiche runne in that place, that they were never afore so
hardly beset as nowe. And in seeking to avoyde these
dangers in the darke weather, the Amie Fratices lost sighte
of the other two ships, who being likewise hardly distressed,
signified their daunger, as they since reported, by shooting
off their ordinaunce, which the other coulde not heare, nor
if they had hearde, could have given them no remedie, being
so busily occupied to winde themselves out of their owne
troubles.

The fleeboate called the Moone, was here heaved above
the water with the force of the ise, and received a great leake
therby. Likewise the Thomas of Ipswich, and the Anne
Frances were sore brused at that instant, having their false
stemme borne away, and their shippe sides stroken quite
through.

Now considering the continuall daungers and contraries,
and the little leasure that thev had lefte to tarrie in these

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 261

partes, besides that every night the ropes of theyr shippes
were so frosen, that a man coulde not handle them without
cutting his handes, togither with the great doubt they had
of the fleetes safety, thinking it an impossibility for them to
passe unto their port, as well for that they saw themselves, as
for that they harde by the former reporte of the shippes which
had proved before, who affirmed that the straites were all
fiosen over within. They thought it now very hie time to
consider of their estates and safeties that were yet left to-
gither. And hereuppon the Captaines and maisters of these
shippes desired the Captaine of the Anne Frances to enter
into consideration with them of these matters, wherefore The ^hh^

Franrrx,

Captaine Tanfield of the Thomas of Ipswich, with his pylot ^^f\ ^]'!^,'h''
Richard Coxe, and Captaine Upcote of the 3Ioone, with his !l"„^o?rcuu-
maister John Lakes came aboorde the Ati?ie Finances the
eight of August to consult of these causes. And being as-
sembled togither in the Captayne's cabin sundrie doubtes
were then alleaged. For the fearefuller sorte of mariners
being overtyred with the continuall labour of the former
daungers, coveted to returne homewarde, sayinge that they
woulde not againe tempt God so much, who had given them
so many warnings, and delivered them from so wonderfull
daungers ; that they rather desired to loose wages fraughte
and all, than to continue and follow such desperate fortunes.
Again their shippes were so leake, and the men so wearie,
that to amende the one, and refreshe the other, they muste
of necessitie seeke into harborow.

But on the other side, it was argued againe to the con-
trarie, that to seeke into harborowe thereaboutes was but to
subject themselves to double daungers, for if happilye they
escape the daungers of rockes in their entring, yet being in,
they were nevertheless subject there to the daunger of the
ise, which with the swift tydes and currents is carried in and
out in most harborows thereaboutes, and may thereby gaule
their cables asunder, drive them uppon the shoare, and bring

Captaine
Bests reso-
lution.

262 THE THIRD VOYAGE

them to much trouble. Also the coast is so much subject to
broken ground and rockes, especially in the mouth and en-
traunce of every harborow, that albeit the channell be sounded
over and over againe, yet are you never the neare to discerne
the daungers. For the bottome of the sea, holding like shape
and forme as the lande, beyng full of hilles, dales, and ragged
rockeSj suffereth you not, by your soundings, to knowe and
keepe a true gesse of y^ depth, for you shall sounde upon
the side or hollownesse of one hil or rocke under water, and
have a hundreth, fiftie. or fortie fadome depth ; and before
the next cast, ere you shall bee able to have your lead againe,
you shall be uppon the toppe thereof, and come aground to
your utter confusion.

Another reason against going to harborow, was, that the
colde ayre did threaten a sodaine freezing uppe of the
sounds, seeing y^ every night there was new congealed ise,
even of that water which remained within their shippes.
And therefore it should seeme to be more safe to lye off and
on at sea, than for lacke of winde to bring them forth of
harborow, to hazard by sodaine frostes to be shut up the
whole yeare.

After many such daungers and reasons alleaged, and large
debating of these causes on both sides, the Captaine of the
A????e Frances delivered his opinion unto the company to
this effect. First, concerning the question of returning
home, he thought it so much dishonorable, as not to grow
in any further question : and, agayne, to returne home at
length (as at length they must needes), and not to be able
to bring a certayne report of the fleet, whether they were
living or lost, or whether any of them had recovered their
port or not in the Countesses Sounde (as it was to be thoughte
the most part would if they were living), he sayd that it
would be so great an argument, eyther of wante of courage
or discretion in them, as he resolved rather to fall into any
danger, than so shamefullv to consent to retourne home.

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 263

protesting that it should never be spoken of him, that he
woulde ever returne withoute doing his endeavour to finde
the fleete, and knowe the certaynetie of the Generals safetie.
He put his companie in remembrance of a pinasse of five
tunne burthen, which he hadde within his ship, which was
caryed in peeces, and unmade up for the use of those which
shoulde inhabite there the whole yeare, the which if they
coulde fynde meanes to joyne togither, hee offered himselfe
to prove before therewith, whether it were possible for any
boate to passe for ice, whereby the shipps myghte bee
broughte in after, and mighte also thereby gyve true notice,
if any of the fleete were arrived at theyr porte or not.

But, notwithstanding, for that he well perceyved that the
most parte of hys companye were addicted to put into har-
borow, he was willing the rather for these causes somewhat
to encline thereunto. As first, to search alongst the same
coast, and the soundes thereaboutes, he thoughte it to be to
good purpose, for that it was likely to fynd some of the
fleete there, whiche being leake, and sore brused with the
ise, was the rather thoughte lykely to be put into an yll
harborough, beying distressed with foule weather in the last
storme, than to hazard theyr uncertayne safeties amongst the
ise ; for about this place they lost them and lefte the fleete
then doubtfully questioning of harborow.

It was lykely also, that they might fynde some fitte har-
borow thereaboutes, whyche myghte be hovefuU for them
against another tyme. It was not likewise impossible to
fynde some ore or myne thereaboutes, wherewithal! to
fraughte theyr shyppes, whiche woulde bee more commo-
dious in this place, for the neerenesse to seawarde, and for a
better outlette, than further within the stray tes, beyng
lykely heere alwayes to loade in a shorter time, howsoever
the strayte shoulde be pestered wyth ise within ; so that if
it myghte come to passe that thereby they mighte eyther
fynd the fleete, mine, or convenient harborough, any of

264: THE THIRD VOYAGE

these three would well serve theyr presente turnes, and
gyve some hope and comforte unto theyr companyes whiche
nowe were altogyther comfortlesse. But if that all fortune
shoulde fall out so contrarye that they coulde nevther re-
cover theyr porte nor anye of these aforesaide helpes, that
yet they would not yet departe the coast, as long as it was
possible for them to tarrie there, but would lye off and on
at sea athwart the place. Therefore hys final conclusion
was sette downe thus : — Firste, that the Thomas of Ipswiche
and the Moone shoulde consorte and keepe companye to-
gyther carefully with the Anne Frances as neere as they
could, and as true Englishmen and faythful friends should
supplye one anothers want in all fortunes and dangers. In
the morning following every shippe to sende of hys boate
with a sufficient pylot to searche out and sounde the har-
boroughs for the safe bringing in of theyr shippes. And
beeyng arrived in harborough where they mighte finde con-
venient place for the purpose, they resolved forthwith to
joine and set togyther the pinasse, where wythall the Cap-
tayne of the Anne Frances might, according to his former
determination, discover up into the straytes.

After these determinations thus sette downe, the Thomas
of Ipswiche the nyghte following lost company of the other
shyppes, and afterwarde shaped a contrarye course home-
warde, whyche fell oute, as it manyfestlie appeared, very
much agaynst theyr Captayne, Mayster Tanfieldes, mynde,
as by due examination before the Lordes of Hir Majesties
most Honorable Privie Counsell, it hathe since been proved
to the greate discredite of the Pilot Coxe, who specially per-
suaded his company againste the opinion of hys sayde Cap-
tayne to returne home.

And, as the Captayne of the Anne Frances dothe witnesse,
even at theyr conference togither, Captayne Tanfield tolde
hym that he did not a little suspect the said Pylot Coxe, say-
ing, that lie had neyther opinion in the man of honest duetie.

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. S65

nianhoode, or constancie. Notwithstanding the sayde shippes
departure, the Captayne of the Amie Frances, beeying de-
sirous to putte in execution hys former resolutions, went with
hys shyppeboate (beeyng accompanied also wyth the Moones
skyffe) to prove amongst the ilandes which lye under Hattons
Headland, if anye convenient harborough, or any knowledge
of the fleete, or anye good ore was there to be found. The
shyppes lying off and on at sea the whyle under sayle, and
searching through many soundes, they saw them all full of
manye dangers and broken grounde, yet one there was which
seemed an indifferent place to harborow in, and whiche they
did very diligentlye sounde over and searched agayne.

Heere the sayde Captayne founde a great blacke iland,
whereunto he had good liking, and certifying the company
therof they wer somewhat comforted, and with the good
hope of his words, rowed cheerfully unto the place where,
when they arrived, they founde such plentie of blacke ore
of the same sorte whiche was' broughte into Eyglande thys
last yeare, that if the goodnesse myghte aunswere the greate
plenty e thereof, it was to be thoughte that it might reason-
ably suffise all the golde gluttons of the worlde. Thys ilande
the Captayne, for cause of his good happe, called after his
owne name, Bcstes blessinef, and wvth these sood tvdinors i^^^fs

'~ " O .7 O Blessujg.

returning aboorde hys shippe the ninth of August, about
tenne of the clocke at night, he was joyfully welcomed of
hys companye who before were discomforted and greatelie
expected some better fortune at hys handes.

The next daye beeyng the tenth of August, the weather
reasonably fayre, they put into the foresayde harborough,
having their boate for theyr better secuvitie sounding before
theyr ship. But for all the care and diligence that coulde
be taken, in soundyng the Channell over and over agayne, The Anne

Frances in

the Anne rrances came aground uppon a sunken rocke cifn'ger.
within the harborough, and lay thereon more than halfe
drye untill the next flood, when, by Gods Almighty Provi-

266 THE THIRD VOYAGE

deuce, contrarye almost to all expectation, they came afloate
agayne, beeyng forced all that tyme to undersette theyr
shippe wyth their mayne yarde, whyche otherwyse was
lykely to oversette and put thereby in daunger the whole
company. Theyhadde above two thousande strokes togyther
at the pumpe, before they coulde make theyr shyppe free of
the water agayne, so sore shee was brused by lying uppon
TheMoone the rockcs. The 3Ioone came safely, and roade at ancker

in liar- -^ '

borow. i^y ^YiQ Amie Finances, whose helpe in theyr necessitie they
coulde not well have missed.

Now, wildest the marriners were romaging theyr shyppes
and mending that whiche was amisse, the miners followed
their laboure, for getting togither of sufficient quantitie of
ore, and the carpenters endeavoured to do theyr best for
the making uppe of the boate or pinnesse, whiche to bring
to passe, they wanted two speciall and moste necessary
things; that is, certaine principal timbers that are called
knees, which are the chiefest strength of any boate, and
also nayles wherewithal! to joine the plancks togither.
Whereupon, having by chance a smyth amongst them (and
yet unfurnished of his necessarie tooles to worke and make
nayles withall), they were faine of a gunne chamber to make
an anvil to worke upon, and to use a pickaxe instead of a
sledge to beat withall, and also to occupy two small bellows
insteede of one payre of greater smyths bellows. And for
lack of small iron, for the easier making of the nayles, were
forced to breake their tongs, grydiern, and fiershovell in
peeces

The eleventh of August, the Captaine of the A7i?ie Frances
taking the maister of hys ship with hym, went up to the

Hiittous toppe of Hattons Hedland, which is the highest lande of
all the straites, to the ende to descry the situation of the
country underneath, and to take a true plot of the place,
whereby also to see what store of the ise was yet lefte in the
straites, as also to searche what mine, matter, or fruite that

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 267

soyle myght yeelde. And the rather for the honor y^ said
Captain e doth owe to that honorable name which himselfe
gave thereunto the last yeare in the highest parte of this
hedlande, he caused his companye to make a columne or
crosse of stone, in token of Christian possession. In this
place there is plenty of blacke ore and divers preatie stones.

The seaventeenth of Augustc, the Captaines wyth their
companies chased and killed a greate white beare, whiche
adventured and gave a fierce assaulte upon twentie men
being weaponed. And he served them for good meat many
dayes after.

The eighteenth of August, the pinnesse with muche adoe
being set togyther, the saide Captaine Beste determined to
depart upon the straitcs to prove and make trial, as before i'^^rebuut
was pretended, some of his companye greatlye persuading
him to the contrarie, and specially the carpenter that set
the same togither, who saide that he would not adventure
himselfe therein for five hundreth poundes, for that the
boate hung togither but onelye by the strength of the
nayles, and lacked some of her principall knees and tymbers.

These words somewhat discouraged some of the company
which should have gone therein. Whereupon the Captaine,
as one not altogither addicted to his owne selfe will, but
somewhat foreseeing how it might be afterwards spoken, if
contrarye fortune should happen him (lo, he hathe followed
his owne opinion and desperate resolutions, and so thereafter
it has befallen him), calling the maister marriners of beste
judgement togyther, declared unto them howe much the
cause imported him in his credite to seeke out the Generall,
as well to conferre with him of some causes of waight as
otherwise to make due examination and triall of the good-
nesse of the ore, whereof they had no assurance but by
guesse of the eye, and was wel like the other : which, so to
carry home, not knowing the goodnesse thereof, might be as
much as if they should bring so many stones. And, there-

268 THE THIRD VOYAGE

fore, hee desired tliem to delyver their plaine and honest
opinion, whether the pinnasse were sufficient for him so to
adventure in or no. It was answered, that by carefull heede
taking thereunto amongst the ise and the foule weather, the
pinnesse might suffice. x\nd hereuppon the maisters mate
of the An?iG Frances , called John Gray, manfully and
honestly offering himself unto his Captain in this adventure
and service, s?ave cause to others of hvs marriners to follow
the attempt.

And upon the nineteenth of August the said Captain
being accompanied with Captaine Upcote of the Moone, and
xviii persons in the small pinnesse, having convenient por-
tion of victualles and things necessary, departed upon the
said pretended voyage, leaving their shippe at ancker in a
good readinesse for the taking in of their fraight. And
having little winde to saile withall, they plyed alongest the
souther shoare, and passed above 30 leagues, having the
onely helpe of mans labour with ores, and so entendyng to
keepe that shoare aboorde untill they were gote up to the
farthest and narrowest of y^ straites, minded there to crosse
over and to search likewise alongest the northerland unto
the Countesses Sound, and from thence to passe all that
coaste along, whereby if any of the flecte hadde been dis-
tressed by wracke of rocke or ise, by that meanes they
might be perceived of them, and so they thereby to give
them such helpe and reliefe as they could. They did greatly
feare and ever suspecte that some of the fleete were surely
caste awaye and driven to seeke sowre sallets amongest the
colde cliffes.

And being shot up about 40 leagues within y"" straites,
they put over towards y^ norther shore, which was not a
little daungerous for theyr small boate. And by meanes of
sodaine llawe were driven and faine to seek harborow in the
night amongst all the rockes and broken grounde of Ga-
brielis llandcs, a place so named within the btraitcs above

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHEU. ^69

the Coimtesse of Warwicks Sounde. And by the way where
they landed they did find certaine great stones sette uppe
by the countrie people^ as it seemed for markes, where they
also made manye crosses of stone in token that Christians
had bin there. The xxii of August they hadde sighte of
the Countesse Sounde, and made the place perfecte from
the toppe of a hill, and keepyng along the norther shoare
perceived the smoake of a fyre under a hylles side, whereof
they diverslye deemed when they came nearer the place,
they perceyved people whiche wafted unto them, as it
seemed, with a flagge or auncient. And bycause the can-
niballes and countrie people had used to doe the lyke when
they perceived any of our boats to passe by, they suspected
them to be the same. And coming somewhat nearer they
might perceive certayne tents and discerne this auncient to
be of mingled colours, black and white, after the English
fashion. But bycause they could see no shippe nor likeli-
hoode of harborow within five or sixe leagues aboute, and
knewe that none of oure men were wonte to frequent those
partes, they coulde not tell what to judge thereof, but
imagined that some of the shyppes being caried so highe
wyth the storme and mistes, had made shipwracke amongest
the ise or the broken ilandes there, and were spoyled by
the country people, who might use the sundric coloured
flagge for a policie to bring them likewise within their
daunger. Whereupon the saide Captain e, wyth his com-
panies, resolved to recover the same auncient, if it were so,
from those base, cruell, and man-eating people, or else to
lose their lives, and all togither. One promised himselfe a
payre of garters, another a scarffe, the third a lace to tye
hys whistle withal of the same. In the ende, they discerned
them to be their countreymen, and then they deemed them
to have loste theyr shyppes, and so to be gathered togyther
for theyr better strength. On the other side, the companye
a shoare feared that the Captayne having loste his shippe.

Proximm
sum egomet
mihi.

Captain

York

arriveil.

270 THE THIRD VOYAGE

came to seeke forth the fleete for his reliefe in hys poore
pinnesse, so that their extremities caused cache parte to
suspect the worste.

The captaine nowe with his pinnesse being come neere
the shoare, commanded his boate carefully to be kepte
afloat, least in their necessitie, they might winne the same
from hym, and seeke first to save themselves (for everye
manne in that cause is nexte himselfe). They haled one
another according to the manner of the sea, and demanded
what cheare ; and either partie answered y^ other, that all
was well ; whereuppon there was a sodaine and joyfuU oute-
shoote, with greate flinging up of cappes, and a brave vol}^
of shotte to welcome one another. And truelye it was a
moste straunge case, to see howe joyfull and gladde everye
partie was to see themselves meete in safetie againe, after so
strange and incredible daungers ; yet to be shorte, as theyr
daungers were greate, so their God was greater.

And here the company were workyng uppon newe mines,
which Captayn Yorke being here arrived not long before,
hadde founde out in this place, and it is named the Countesse
of Sussex Mine.

After some conference wyth oure friends here, the Cap-
taine of the Anne Frances departed towardes the Countesse
of AVarwickes Sounde to speake with the Generall, and to
have triall made of suche mettall as he hadde broughte
thither, by the goldfinders. And so determined to dispatche
againe towards his shippe. And having spoken wyth the
Generall, he received order for all causes, and direction as
well for the bringing uppe of his shippe to the Countesses
Sounde, as also to fraight his shippe with the same ore he
himselfe hadde found, which upon triall made, proved to be
very good.

The thirteenth of Auguste, the saide Capitaine mette to-
gither with the other Capitaines (Commissioners in counsell
with the Generall) aboorde the Ayde, where they considered

None of tht

OF CAPTAIN FKORTSHER. 271

and consulted of sundrie causes, which, particularly registred
by the notarie, were appointed, where and howe to be done
againste an other yeare.

The fourteenth of August the Generall with two pinnesses
and good numbers of men, wente to Beare's Sounde, com-
manding the said capitaine with his pinnesse to attend the
service, to see if he could encounter or apprehend any of the
caniballes, for sundry tymes they showed themselves busy
thereabouts, sometimes with seven or eight boates in one
company, as though they minded to encounter with oure
companye, whiche were working there at the mines, in no
greate numbers. But when they perceived anye of oure
shippes to ride in that roade (being belike more amazed at
the countenance of a shippe, and a more number of men)
didde never shewe themselves againe there at all. Where- ^^^^^^^ ^j,
fore oure men soughte with their pinnesses to compasse
aboute the iland, where they did use, supposing there
sodainely to intercept some of them. But before oure men
coulde come neare, having belike some watch in the toppe
of the mountaines, they conveyed themselves privily away,
and lefte (as it shoulde seeme) one of their great dartes be-
hinde them for haste, whiche we founde neare to a place of
their caves and housing. Therefore, though our Generall
were very desirous to have taken some of them to have
broughte into Englandc, they being nowe growen more wary
by their former losses, would not at any time come within
our daungers. About midnight of the same day the captaine
of the A?i?ie Frances departed thence and set his course over
the straites towards Hattons Hedland, being about fifteene
leagues, and returned aboord his ship over, the five and
twentithe of Auguste, to the greate comforte of his company,
who long expected his comming, where he founde hys
shyppes ready rigged and loaden. Wherefore he departed
from thence agayne the next morning towardes the Count-
esses Sounde, where he arrived the eight and twentith of the

272

THE THIRD VOYAGE

same. By the waye he sette hys miners ashoare at Beares
Sounde, for the better dispatche and gathering the ore to-
gither, for that some of the ships were behinde with their
fraighte, the time of the yeare passing speedily away.

The thirtith of August the Amie Frances was brought
aground, and had viij great leakes mended, whiche she had
received by means of the rocks and ise. This daye the
masons finished a house whiche Captaine Fenton caused to
hiiiiderand ^^ ^^^de of lymo and stone upon the Countesse of Warwickes
leit there, jj^j-^j^g^ j-q i\^q eude we mighte prove against the nexte yeare,
whether the snow coulde overwhelm it, the frosts break uppe,
or the people dismember the same. And the better to allure
those brutish and uncivill people to courtesie, againste other
times of our comming, we lefte therein dyvers of our coun-
trie toyes, as bells, and knives, wherein they specially de-
light, one for the necessarie use, and the other for the great
pleasure thereof. Also pictures of men and women in lead,
men a horsebacke, lookinglasses, whistles, and pipes. Also
in the house was made an oven, and breade left baked
therein, for them to see and taste.

We buried the timber of our pretended forte, with manye
barrels of meale, pease, griste, and sundrie other good things,
which was of the provision of those whych should inhabite,
if occasion served. And insteede therof we fraight oure
ships full of ore, whiche we holde of farre greater price. Also
here we sowed pease, corne, and other graine, to prove the
fruitfulnesse of the soyle against the next yeare.

Maister Wolfall on Winters Fornace preached a godly
sermon, which being ended, he celebrated also a communion
upon the lande, at the partaking whereof was the capitaine
of the Anne Frances, and manye other gentlemen and
soldiours, marriners and miners wyth hym. The celebration
of divine mistery was y^ first signe, scale, and confirmation
of Christes name, death and passion ever knowen in all
these quarters. The said ]M. Wolfall made sermons, and

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 213

celebrated the communion at sundrie other times, in severall
and sundrie ships, bicause the whole company could never
meet togither at any one place. The fleet now being in
some good readinesse for their lading, y^ General calling
togither the gentlemen and captains to consult, told them
that he was very desirous y* some further discovery should
be attempted, and y^ he woulde not only by Gods help bring
home his shippes laden with golde ore, but also meant to
bring some certificat of a further discoverie of y^ countrie,
which thing to bring to passe (having sometime therein con- consuita-

tion for a

suited) they founde verve harde, and almost invincible, tuiuier dis-

, , coveiie.

And considering that already they hadde spente-some time
in searching out the trending and fashion of the mistaken
straites, and had entred verye farre therein, therefore it
coulde not be saide but that by thys voyage they have
notice of a further discovery, and that the hope of the
passage thereby is much furthered and encreased, as ap-
peared before in the discourse thereof. Yet notwythstand-
ing, if anye meanes mighte be farther devised, the captaynes
were contented and willing, as the Generall shoulde ap-
pointe and commando, to take any enterprise in hande.
AVhiche, after long debating, was found a thing verye im-
possible, and that rather consultation was to bee had of re-
turning homewarde, especiallye for these causes following.
First, the darke foggy mistes, the continuall fallyng snowe
and stormy weather which they commonly were vexed with,
and nowe daylye ever more and more encreased, have no
small argument of the winters drawing neare. And also the
froste everye nighte was so harde congealed within the
sounde, that if by evill happe they shoulde be long kepte in
wyth contrarye windes, it was greatly to be feared that
they should be shutte uppe there faste the whole yeare,
whych being utterly unprovided, would be their utter de-
struction. Againe, drincke was so scant throughout all the
fleete, by means of the great leakage, that not onely the

S74 THE THIRD VOYAGE

provision whyclie was layde in for the habitation was want-
ing and wasted, but also eache shyppes severall provision
spent and lost, which many of oure companye, to their great
griefe, founde in their returne since, for al the way home-
wards they dranke nothing but water. And the great cause
of this lekage and wasting was, for that y® great timber and
seacole, which lay so waighty upon y^ barrels, brake,
brused, and rotted y^ hoopes in sunder. Yet notwithstand-
ing these reasons alledged, y^ Generall himselfe (willing the
rest of the gentlemen and captaines every man to looke to
his severall charge and lading, that against a day appointed
tliey shoulde be all in a readinesse to sette homeward) him-
selfe went in his pinnesse and discovered further northward
in the stray tes, and found that by Beares Sound and Halles
Hand the land was not firme, as it was first supposed, but
all broken ilandes in manner of an archipelagus ; and so,
with other secret intelligence to himselfe, he returned to
the fleete. Where presentlye, upon his arrivall at the
Countesses Sound, he began to take order for their return-
ing homeward, and first caused certayne Articles to be pro-
claymed, for the better keeping orders and courses in their
returne, which Articles were delivered to every captayne,
and are these that follow : —

ARTICLES SETTE DOWXE BY MARTIN FROBISHER, ESQUIER,
CAPTAYNE GENERALL OF THE WHOLE FLEETE, AP-
POYNTED FOR THE NORTHWEAST DISCOVERIES OF
CATAYA, PUBLISHED AND MADE KNOWEN TO THE
FLEETE FOR THE BETTER OBSERVING CERTAYNE ORDERS
AND COURSE IN THEIR RETURNE HOMEWARDE.

1. Firste and principallie he doth straytely charge and
commaunde, by vertue of hir Majesties commission which he
hath, and in hir Majesties name, that every captayne and
captaynes, master and masters of the sayde fleete do vigi-
lently and carefully keepe company with the Admirall, and

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 275

by no manner of meanes breakc companye willingly now in
our returne homewards, upijon peyne of forfeture his or
their whole freyte, that shall be found culpable therein, and
further to receyve suche punishment, as to hir Majestie shal
seeme good therein, and also to answere all such damages
or losses as may happen or growe by dispersing and break-
ing from the ileete. And therefore for the better keeping
of companye, the Generall straytely chargeth and com-
maundeth all the maysters of these shippes, and every, of
them, that they repayre to speake with the Admirall once
every daye, if he or they may convenientlye doe it, uppon
payne of forfeting of one tunne fraighte to hir Majestie, for
every daye neglecting the same.

2. Item, that every mayster in the sayde ileete observe
and keepe orderly and vigilantly all such articles as were
outwards bounde, drawen, and published by the Generall
in hyr Majesties name, whereof there was dely vered to every
shippe a copie.

3. Item, that all captaynes and maysters of everye ship
and shippes doe proclaime and make it knowen to their
companye, that no person or persons within the sayde fleete,
of what condition soever, doe take or keepe to theyr use or
uses any ore or stones, of what quantitie so ever it be, but
forthwith upon publication hereof, to dely ver them and yeelde
them to the castodie of the captayne to deliver unto the Gene-
rall his officers, that shall be appointed to call for them
upon payne or losse of his or their wages, and treble the
value of them or him that shall be founde giltie, the one
halfe thereof to be given unto him that shal apprehend any
suche person, and the other halfe at hir Majesties appoynt-
ment, and the partie founde guiltie therein to be appre-
hended as a fellon.

4. Item, that no person or persons convey or carrie out
of any ship or shippes any ore or stone or other commoditie
whatsoever were had or found in the land called Meta In-

T 2

276 THE THIRD VOYAGE

cognita, before they came in the place appoynted, >yhich is
against Dartford Creeke in y^ River of Thames, and then
and there to deliver none to anye person or persons, but
such as shall be appoynted by hir Highnesse most honorable
Privie Counsell, upon the payne and danger abovesaid.

5. Item, forasmuche as in my voyage hither bounde, I
landed upon Freseland, and divers other of the said fleete,
which land I named West England, from which land some
brought stones, ore, and other commodities, whereby here-
after they might use coulorable means, to convey as well
ore, stones, and other things found in the abovesayd land, I
do therefore charge every person and persons in the sayd
fleete to deliver, or cause to be delivered, al maner of ore,
stones, and other commodities founde as well there as here,
to the captaynes of every shippe or shippes, to be redelivered
by him or them to the Generall, upon payne and danger
aforesayd.

6. Item, that if any shippe or shippes by force of weather
shall be separated from the Admiral], and afterwards happen
to fall, or shall be in danger to fall into the handes of their
enimies, that then all and everye suche shippe or shippes
shall have speciall regard before his falling into theyr
handes, to convey away and cast into the seas all suche
plattes or cardes, as shall be in any suche shippe or shippes
of the abovesaide discovered lande, and all other knowledge
thereof.

7. Item, that if any such shippe or shippes by force of
weather shall be separated from the fleete or Admirall, and
shall afterwardes arrive at any port in England, that then in
such case he shall not depart from that porte, but shall give
order and advertisement to Michaell Locke, treasourer of
the companye, by whom hee or they shall have order from
the Lordes of the Privie Councell what they shall do.

8. Item, forasmuch as sundry of the fleets companies have
had lent them crowes of iron, sledges, pixeaxes, shovels,

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 277

spades, hatchets, axes, and divers other instruments for
mines and mining used. And also dyvers of the sayde kind
of instruments above named, was lefte at the Countesse of
Sussex mine by the Aydes companye, and are yet kept
from their knowledge by such as wrought at the sayd myne,
which instruments do apperteyne to the righte honorable
and worshipfull company of the abovesaide discoverie. I
do therefore charge all captaynes and maysters of every
shippe or shippes to make it knowen to his or their com-
panies, to the end that all such instruments, as well those
lent, as those that are otherwise deteyned and kept away,
may be agayne restored, and broughte aboord the Admirall
upon payne and danger expressed in the third article.

By me, Martin Frobisher.

THE ELEETES RETURNING HOMEWARD.

Having nowe receyved articles and direction for oure
returne homewardes, all other things being in forwardnesse
and in good order, the last day of August the whole fleete
departed from the Countesse Sound, excepting the Judith
and the Amie Frances, who stayed for the taking in of fresh
water, and came forth the next daye and mette the fleete
lying off and on, athwart Beares Sounde, who stayed for
the Generall, which then was gone ashore to dispatch the ^^^^^11
two barkes and the Busse, of Bridgewater, for their load- '^<^"^®^^^<^-
ing, whereby to get the companyes and other things
aboorde. The captayne of the Aime Frances having most
part of his company ashore the first of September, went also
to Beares Sound in his pinnesse to fetch hys men aboorde,
but the winde grew so great immediately uppon their land-
ing that the shippes at sea were in great danger, and some
of them hardly put from their ankers, and greatly feared to
be utterly lost, as the Hopewell, wherein was Captayne
Carew and others, who could not tell on which side their
danger was most, for having mightie rockes threatening on

^78 THE THIRD VOYAGE

the one side, and driving ilands of cutting ise on the other
side, they greatly feared to make shipwrack, y® ise driving
so neare them that it touched their horde sprete. And by
meanes of y® sea that was growen so hie, they were not able
to put to seas with their smal pinnesses, to recover their
shippes. And, againe, the ships were not able to tarrie or
lye athwarte for them by meanes of the outrageous windes
and swelling seas. The General willed the captafne of the
Amie Frances with his companye for that nighte to lodge
aboorde the Busse of Bridgewater, and went himself with
the rest of his men aborde the barkes. But their numbers
were so great and the provision of the barkes so scant that
they pestered one another exceedingly. They had good
hope that the next morning the weather woulde be faire,
wherby they might recover their shippes. But in the
morning following it was farre worse, for the storme con-
tinued greater, the sea being more swollen and the fleete
gone quite out of sighte. So that now their doubts began
to growe great, for the ship of Bridgewater which was of
greatest receit, and wherof they had best hope and made
most accompt, roade so far to leewarde of the harborow
mouth, that they were not able for the rockes (that \aj be-
tweene the winde and them) to leade it out to sea with a
sayle. And the barkes were so already pestered with men
and so slenderly furnished of provision, that they had scarce
meate for sixe dayes for such numbers.

The Generall in the morning departed to sea in the
Gahriell, to seeke for the fleete, leaving the Busse, of Bridge-
water, and the Michael behinde in Beares Sound. The
Busse set sayle, and thought by turning in the narrowe
channell within the harborow, to get to windewarde ; but
being put to leewarde more by that meanes was faine to
come to ancker for hir better safetie amongst a number of
rockes, and there left in great danger of ever getting forth
againe. The Mic?iaell set sayle to follow the Generall, and

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 219

could give ye Busse no reliefe, although they earnestly de-
sired the same. And the captaine of the Anne Frances
was lefte in harde election of two evils : either to abide his
fortune with the Busse, of Bridgewater, which was doubtfull
of ever getting forth, or else to be towed in his smal pin-
nesse at the sterne of the Michael thorow the raging seas,
for that the barke was not able to receive or releeve halfe
his company, wherein his daunger was not a little perillous.

So, after resolved to committe himselfe, with all his com-
pany, unto that fortune of God and sea, hee was daunger-
ously towed at the sterne of the barke for many myles, untill
at length they espyed the Anne Frances under sayle, harde
under their lee, which was no small comforte unto them.
For no doubt both those and a great number moe had
perished for lacke of victuals, and convenient roome in the
barkes, without the helpe of the sayde ships. But the
honest care that the maister of the Anne Frances had of his
captaine and the good regarde of dutie towards his General,
suffered him not to depart, but honestly abode to hazarde a
daungerous roade all the night long, notwithstanding all the
stormy weather, when all the fleete besides departed. And
the pinnesse came no sooner aborde the shippe, and the men
entered, but she presently sheavered and fel in peeces, and
sunke at the ships sterne with al the poore mens furniture :
so weake was the boate with towing, and so forcible was the
sea to bruse hir in peeces. But (as God woulde) the men
were all saved.

At this presente in this storme manye of the fleete were
dangerously distressed, and were severed almost al asunder.
And there were lost in the whole fleete well neere xx boates
and pinnesses in this storme, and some men stroken over
boorde into the sea, and utterly lost. Manye also spente
their mayne yardes and mastes, and with the continuall
frostes and deawe, the roapes of our shippes were nowe
growen so rotten, that they went all asunder. Yet, thanks

A fruitful
new iland
discovered.

280 THE THIRD VOYAGE

be to God, all the fleete arrived safely in Englande aboute
the first of October, some in one place, and some in another.
But among other, it was most marvellous how y® Busse, of
Bridgewater, got away, who being lefte behinde the fleete
in great daunger of never getting forth, was forced to seeke
a way northwarde, thorowe an unknowen channel full of
rockes, upon the back side of Beares Sounde, and there by
good hap found out a way into the north sea (a very
daungerous attempte), save that necessitie, which hath no
lawe, forced them to trie masteries. This foresaide north
sea is the same which lyeth upon the backe side of all the
northe lande of Frobishers Straits, where first y^ Generall
himself in his pinnesses, and some other of our company
have discovered (as they affirme) a great forelande where
they would have also a greate likelyhoode of the greatest
passage towardes the South Sea, or 3fare del Sur.

The Busse, of Bridgewater, as she came homeward to
y^ southestwarde of Freseland, discovered a great ilande in
the latitude of degrees which was never yet founde before,
and sayled three dayes alongst the coast, the land seeming
to be fruiteful, full of woods, and a champain countrie.

There dyed in the whole fleete in all this voyage not
above fortie persons, whiche number is not great, consider-
ing howe manye ships were in the fleete, and how strange
fortunes we passed.

A GENERALL BRIEFE DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTREY, AND
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE, WHICH ARE FOUND 1-N

Having now sufl^iciently and truly set forth y^ whole cir-
cumstance, and particular handling of every occurence in
the three voyages of our worthy Generall, Captayne Fro-
bisher, it shal not be from the purpose to speake somewhat
in generall of the nature of lhi« countrcy called Mela In-

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 281

cognita, and the condition of the savage people there in-
habiting".

First therefore concerninsr the topo^raphicall description a topogra-

° r o r r ^hicsM de-

of the place. It is nowe founde in the last vo agje that scription of

■'■ ^ Meta In-

Queen Elizabeths Cape, being situate in latitude of cognita.

degrees and a halfe, whiche before was supposed to be parte
of the firme land of America. And also all the rest of the
south side of Frobishers Straytes, are all severall ilands and
broken land, and likewise so will all the north side of the
said straytes fall out to be, as I thinke. And some of our
company being entred above 60 leagues within the mistaken
straytes, in the third booke mentioned, thought certaynely
that they had descryed the firme lande of America towards
the south, which I thinke will fall out so to bee.

These broken landcs and ilandes, being very many in
number, do seeme to make there an archipelagus, which as
they all differ in greatnesse, forme, and fashion one from
another, so are they in goodnesse, couloure and soyle muche
unlike. They all are very high lands, mountaynes, and in
most parts covered with snow, even all the summer long.
The norther lands have lesse store of snow, more grasse, and
are more playne countreys ; the cause may be, for that the
souther ilands receive all the snow, y^ the cold winds and
percing ayre bring out of the north. And contrarily the
norther partes receive more warme blastes of milder aire
from the south, whereupon may grow the cause why the
people covet and inhabit more upon the north partes, than
the south, as farre as we can yet by our experience perceive
they doe. These people I judge to be a kinde of Tartar, or
rather a kind of Samowey, of the same sort and condition of
life y* the Samoweides be to the northeastwards, beyond
Moscovy, who are called Samoweyes, which is as much to
say in the Moscovy tong, as eaters of themselves, and so the
Russians their borderers doe name them. And by late con-
ference with a friend of mine (with whome I dyd sometime

282 THE THIRD VOYAGE

travel! in the parts of Moscovy) who hath great experience
of those Somoweides and people of y^ northeast, I fiilde, that
in all their maner of living, those people of the northeast,
and these of the northweast, are like. They are of the
coloure of a ripe olive, which how it may come to passe,
being borne in so cold a climate, I referre to y® judgement
of others, for they are naturally borne children of the same
couloure and complexion as all the Americans are, which
dwell under the equinoctiall line.

They are men very active and nimble. They are a strong
people, and very warlike, for in our sighte, uppon the toppes
of the hilles, they would often muster themselves, and after
the maner of a skirmish, trace their ground very nimbly, and
mannage their bowes and dartes with great dexteritie. They
goe clad in coates made of the skinnes of beastes, as of ceales,
dere, beares, foxes, and hares. They have also some gar-
ments of feathers, being made of the cases of foules, finely
sowed and compact togither. Of all which sortes, we
broughte home some with us into England, which we founde
in their tents. In sommer, they use to weare the hearie side
of their coates outwarde, and sometime go naked for too
much heate. And in winter (as by signes they have de-
clared) they weare foure or five folde uppon their bodies
with y® heare (for warmth) turned inward. Hereby it ap-
peareth, that the ayre there is not indiff'erente, but eyther it
is fervent bote, or else extreeme colde, and far more exces-
sive in both qualities, than the reason of the clymate shoulde
yeelde. For there it is colder, being under degrees in

latitude than it is at Warhus in the voyage to Saint Nicholas
in Moscovie, being at above TO degrees in latitude. The
reason hereof, perhaps, maye be, that thys Meta Incognita is
much frequented and vexed with eastern and northeastern
windes, whiche from the sea and ise bringeth often an intoller-
able cold ayre, whiche was also the cause that this yere our
straites were so long shutte up. But there is great hope and

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER.

likelyhoode, that further within the straights it will be more
constant and temperate weather.

These people are in nature verye subtil^ and sharpe witted,
readye to conceive our meaning by signes, and to make
answere, well to be understoode againe. As if they have
not scene the thing whereof you aske them, they wyll winck,
or cover their eyes with their hands, as who would say, it
hath bene hyd from their sighte. If they understande you
not, whereof you aske them, they will stoppe their eares.
They will teach us the names of cache thing in their lan-
guage, which we desire to learne, and are apt to learne any
thing of us. They delight in musicke above measure, and
will keep time and stroke to any tune which you shal sing,
both wyth their voyce, heade, hande and feete, and wyll sing
the same tune aptlye after you. They will rowe with our
oares in our boates, and kepe a true stroke with oure
mariners, and seeme to take great delight therein. They
live in caves of the earth and hunte for their dinners or
praye, even as the beare or other wilde beastes do. They
eate rawe fleshe and fishe, and refuse no meate, howsoever
it be stinking. They are desperate in their fight, sullen of
nature, and ravenous in their manner of feedinge.

Their sullen and desperate nature doth herein manifestly
appeare, that a com panic of them being environed of our
men, on the toppe of a high cliffe, so that they coulde by no
meanes escape our handes, finding themselves in this case
distressed, chose rather to cast themselves headlong downe
the rockes into the sea, and so to be brused and drowned,
rather than to yeeld themselves to our men's mercies.

For their weapons, to oiFende their enimies, or kill their
pray withall, they have dartes, slings, bowes, and arrows
headed with sharp stones, bones, and some with yron. They
are exceedingly friendly and kinde harted, one to the other,
and mourne greatly at the losse or harme of their fellowes,
and expresse their griefe of minde, when they part one from

284: THE THIRD VOYAGE

an other, with a mournefuU song, and Dirges. They are
very shamefast in bewraying the secretes of nature, and
verye chaste in y^ maner of their living : for when the man
which we brought from thence into England (y^ last voyage)
should put of his coat, or discover his whole body for change,
he would not suffer the woman to be present, but put hir
forth of hys cabin. And in all the space of two or three
monethes, while the man lived in company of the woman,
there was never any thing scene or perceived betweene them
more than might have passed betweene brother and sister :
but the woman was in all things very servicable for the man,
attending him carefully, when he was sick, and he likewise
in al the meates whiche they did eate togither, would carve
unto her of the sweetest, fattest, and best morsels they had.
They wondred muche at all our things, and were afraide of
our horses, and other beastes, out of measure. They be-
ganne to grow more civill, familiar, pleasant, and docible
amongst us in a verye shorte time.

They have boates made of leather, and covered cleane
over, saving one place in the middle to sit in, plancked
within with timber, and they use to rowe therein with one
ore, more swiftly a great deale, than we in our boates can
doe with twentie. They have one sort of greater boates
wherin they can carrie above twentie persons, and have a
mast wyth a sayle thereon, whiche sayle is made of thinne
skinnes or bladders, sowed together with the sinewes of
fishes.

They are good fishermen, and in their small boates, beeing
disguised with their coates of ceales skinnes, they deceyve
the fishe, who take them rather for their fellowe ceales, than
for deceyving men.

They are good marke men. With their darte or arrowe
they will commonly kill ducke or any other foule in the
head and commonly in the eye.

When they shoote at a greate fishe with anye of theyr

OF CAPTAIN -FROBISHER. 285

dartes, they use to tye a bladder thereunto, whereby they
may the better finde them againe, and the fishe not able to
Carrie it so easily away, for that the bladder dothe boy the
darte, will at length be weerie and dye therewith.

They use to traffike and exchange their commodities with
some other people, of whome they have such things as their
miserable country and ignorance of arte to make, denyeth
them to have, as barres of iron, heads of iron for their
dartes, needles made foure-square, certayne buttons of cop-
per, which e they use to weare uppon theyr forheads for
ornaments, as oure ledyes in the Court of England do use
great pearle.

Also they have made signes unto us that they have
seen gold and such bright plates of mettals whiche are used
for ornaments amongst some people with whome they have
conference.

We found also in their tents a Guiney beane of redde
couloure, the which dothe usually grow in the hote coun-
treys : whereby it appereth they trade with other nations
whiche dwell farre off, or else themselves are great travel-
lers.

They have nothing in use among them to make fyre
withali, saving a kind of heath and mosse which groweth
there.

And they kindle their fyre with continuall rubbing and j^^^ ^^^^y
fretting one sticke againste another, as we do with flints. "''^'^ ^^^'
They drawe with dogges in sleads upon the ise, and remove
their tents therwithal, wherein they dwel in sommer, when
they goe a hunting for their praye and provision againste
winter. They doe sometime parboyle their meate a little
and seeth the same in kettles made of beasts skins : they ^, , ^ ,

*' The kettles

have also pannes cutte and made of stone very artificially : ^^'^ p^uiies.
they use preaty ginnes wherewith they take foule. The
women carry their sucking children at their backs, and do
feed them with raw flesh, which first they do a little chawe

286

THE THIRl) VOYAGE

in their owne mouths. The women have their faces marked
or painted over with small blewe spots : they have blacke
and long haire on their heads, and trimme the same in a
decent order. The men have but little haire on their faces,
and very thinne beardes. For their common drincke, they
eate ise to quench their thirst withal. Their earth yeeldeth
no graine or fruite of sustenance for man, or almost for
The people bcast to Hvc uppou ; and the people will eate grasse and

eat grasse '

shrubbes. shrubs of the grounde, even as our kine do. They have no
woode growing in theyr countrey thereaboutes, and yet wee
finde they have some timber among them, whiche we thinke
doth grow farre off to the southwardes of this place, about
Canada, or some other part of Newe Founde Land : for
there belike, the trees standing on the cliffes of the sea side,
by the waight of ise and snowe in winter overcharging them
with waight when the sommers thawe commeth above, and
also the sea underfretting them beneath, whiche winneth
daylye of the lande, they are undermined and fall down
from those cliffes into the sea, and with the tydes and cur-
rants are driven to and fro upon the coasts further off, and
by conjecture are taken uppe here by these countrie people
to serve them, to plancke and strengthen their boats withall,
and to make dartes, bowes, and arrowes, and suche other
things necessarie for their use. And of this kind of drift
wood we finde all the seas over great store, which being
cutte or sawed asunder, by reason of long driving in the
sea, is eaten of wormes, and full of hoales, of whych sorte
theirs is founde to be.

We have not yet founde anye venemous serpent or other
hurtefull thing in these partes, but there is a kinde of small
fly or gnat that stingeth and offendeth sorelye, leaving
manye red spots in the face, and other places where she
stingeth. They have snowe and hayle in the beste time of
their sommer, and the ground frosen three fadome deepe.

These people are great inchaunters, and use many charms

The moone
ninkeih a
le volution
above
ground.

OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 287

of witchcraft : for when their heads do ake, they tye a great
stone with a string unto a sticke, and with certayne prayers
and wordes done to the sticke, they lift up the stone from the
ground, which sometimes wyth all a mans force they cannot
stir, and sometime againe they lift as easily as a feather,
and hope thereby with certayne ceremonious words to have
ease and helpe. And they made us by signes to understand,
lying groveling with their faces uppon the ground and
making a noise downwarde, that they worshippe the devill
under them.

They have great store of deere^ beares, hares, foxes, and
innumerable numbers of sundry sortes of wilde foule, as
seamewes, guiles, wilmotes, duckes, &c., whereof our men
killed in one day fifteene hundred.

They have also store of hawkes, as falcons, tassels, &c.,
whereof two alighted upon one of our shippes at theyr re-
turne, and were brought into England, which some thinke
will prove very good.

There are also greate store of ravens, larkes, and partridges,
whereof the countrey people feede.

All the fowles are farre thicker clothed with downe and
feathers, and have thicker skinnes than any in England
have: for, as that country is colder, so Nature bathe pro-
vided a remedie thereunto.

Our men have eaten of their beares, hares, partriches,
larkes, and of their wilde fowle, and find them reasonable
good meate, but not so delectable as ours.

Their wilde fowle must be all fleyne, their skinnes are so
thick : and they tast best fryed in pannes.

The countrie seemeth to be much subjecte to earthquakes.

The ayre is very subtile, piercing, and searching, so that
if any corrupted or infected body, especially with the dis-
ease called Morbus Gallicus, come there, it will presentlye
breake forth and shewe it selfe, and cannot there by anye
kinde of salve or medicine be cured.

288 THE THIRD VOYAGE

Their longest sommers day is of greate length, without
any darke night, so that in July all the night long we might
perfitely and easilie wright and reade whatsoever had pleased
us, which lightsome nights were very beneficiall unto us,
beino^ so distressed with abundance of ise as wee were.

The sunne setteth to them in the evening at a quarter of
of uie1?£. ^^ houre after tenne of the clocke, and riseth agayne in the
morning at three quarters of an houre after one of the
clocke, so that in sommer theyr sunne shineth to them
twentie houres and a halfe, and in the nighte is absent three
houres and a halfe. And although tVie sunne be absent
these oi houres, yet is it not darke that time, for that the
sunne is never above three or foure degrees under the
edge of the horizon : the cause is, that the tropicke cancer
doth cutte their horizon at very uneaven and oblique angles.
But the moone at any time of the yeare beeing in Cancer,
having north latitude, doth make a full revolution above
their horizon, so that sometimes they see the moone above
2^ houres togither. Some of oure companie, of the more
ignorant sort, thought we might continually have scene the
sunne and the moone had it not bin for two or three high
mountaynes.

The people are no we become so warye and so circum-
spect, by reason of their former losses, that by no means we
can apprehend any of them, although we attempted often in
this last voyage. But to saye truth, we could not bestowe
any great time in pursuing them, bycause of oure greate
businesse in lading and other things.

To conclude, I finde all the countrie nothing that may be

to delite in, either of pleasure or of accompte, only the

commo- she we of mine, bo the of golde, silver, Steele, yron, and

Met?T°n- blackc Icadc, with divers preaty stones, as blewe saphire

coguita. ygj.y perfect, and others, whereof we founde great plentie,

maye give encouragement for men to seeke thyther. And

there is no doubt, but being well looked unto and thorowly

THE THIRD VOYAGE OF CAPTAIN FROBISHER. 289

discovered, it wyll make our countrie both rich and happye,
and of these prosperous beginnings will growe hereafter (I
hope) most happye endings. Which God of his goodnesse
graunte, to whome be all prayse and glorie. Amen.

At London :

Printed by Henry Bynnyman,

Anno Domini 157^,

Decemhris 10.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE THIRD VOYAGE,
BY EDWARD SELLMAN.

Edward Sellmann wrote this booke ; and he delivered yt
to Michael Lok, the 2 of October 15T8, in London : —

The 2 of May 1578, we departed from Bristoll with the
Aijde and the Gahrielli Christopher Hall, and Robert
Davis M^

The 6 said we arrived at Plymouth, where we stayed to
take in our myners.

The 19 said we departed from Plymouth, with the Ayde,
the Fraunces, and the Moone of Foy, the Admirrell, and the
bark Denis, and arrived at the Downes the 24^^ said and the
said at midnight we departed thence and arrived at Har-
wiche the 22 said to stay for the reste of the fleete, where
we found the Thomas of Harwich.

The 27 said, there arrived at Harwich, the Thomas Alin,
the An Fraunces, the Hopewell, the Beare Lester, the
Judith, the Gahriell, and the Michael, the Salomon of Wey-
mouth came to us to Harwich, and the Emanuel
of

The 31 said the Aide with all the above named ships de-
parted from Harwiche with the winde at N.E. making our
passage towards the west coast and arrived at Plymouth the
3 of June.

The 3 of June, 1578, at night we departed from Plymouth,
with the winde west hand at east, and to the westwards of
the Cape 7 leags we had sight of a bark of Bristoll with
whome after we had spoken, they declared that they came
out of Spayne and were robbed by 2 French men-of-war,

THIRD VOYAGE, BY EDWARD SELLMAN, 291

and five of their companye slayne, their lading was oyle and
sack, they spoiled them of all their victuall allso and left
them nothing to eate of but oyle beryes : The Generall
gave them o sackes of bisket, and j barrell of butter, peas
and chese to releve them withall, by which bark 1 wrote a
letter, and sent it to Mr. Kitchen to be conveyed to my
master, Mr. Michael Lock, advertising him of all the fleets
arrivale uppon the coast of Zealand.

The 7 said we sailed N.W. and by W. the winde at S.E.
a fyne bearing gale, with the winde sometimes at N.E.
sometimes at E. sometimes at S.W. still keping our course
(for the most part) N.AV. and by W. and N.W. untill the
19 said at none, at which time we went in 60 degrees of
latitude, and to the eastwards of Friseland, 30 leags, by the
reckening of some 40, and 50 by others, and bearing N.W.
and by W. and W.N.W. of us at the going down of the
sunne, but at that time we had not made the land perfect, and
so sayling untill mydnight, we came nerer unto yt and made
yt perfectly. At which tyme we shot of a pece of ordo-
nance to geve the flete warning thereof: I judge the voyage
is better to be attempted, followed and used by the west
parts, then by the north parts, as well for the avoyding of
much cold within the north passage we had, as allso redyer
windes to follow our said viadge, as by the falling out of
this passage doth appere.

The 20 of June, 1578,earely in the morning, the Generall
caused a small pynnas to be hoysed out of the Ayde, and
with her he passed a boord the Gahriell, and did beare in
with the land sayling alongst yt, untill he found a sound to
enter in uppon the south side of the land, which sound after
he was entred, called yt Luke's Sound, by reason of one
Luke Ward that went with him a land ; in which sound
they found people and tents, but the people fled from them,
and they entred their tents, finding thereby by all things
therein that they are a people like the people of Meta In-

292 ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE

cognita with like boatcs of all sortes, but the Generall doth
take them to be a more delicat people in lodging and feeding
then the other : They found of their seals which they had
taken sundry, and other victuaill which they could not tell
what flesh or fish y t was : At their said tente they found allso
40 yong whelps, whereof 2 they brought away with them, they
are allso like the dogs of the place afore named : Some of
our men that were with the Generall aland did see in their
tente nayles like scupper nayles, and a tryvet of yron, but
the Generall toke order with the company, that none shold
bring any of their things away : The Generall hath named
this iland West England, and a certayn hedland uppon the
south side, he hath called yt Furbushers foreland, with
other names he hath geven to particular places which I
know not.

The said at night we departed thens with the winde N.E.
and sayled W.N.W. towards the Streits untill 9 or 10 a
clock the 21 said.

The 21 said the winde N.W. w^e sayled N.E. and by E.
towards the said West England to make better discovery of
yt, bycause yt served not us to precede of our pretended
viage, and so sayling till 3 a clock, yt fell caulme, being 16
leags from yt : About 6 a clock the winde at N.N.E. we
sayled N.W. and by W. towards the straits.

The 22 the winde at E.S.E. we sayled N.W. and by W.
untill none, and then we met with great store of yse, of
broken ilands in great peeces, which we iudge to be the
ilands dissolved, that were there scene the last yere and
driven upon the N.W. coast, by reason of the easterly windes
which we had comming hitherwards, and for that we coveted
to discover more of the north west coast by reason of clere
weather which we had, we were the rather put amongst
them, and thereby to clere ourselves of them againe, to sayle
south, S. and by W. and S.W. for the space of o or 4 howres
with a s^reat s^ale of winde : And we feared the coast to Ive

THIRD VOYAGE, BY EDWARD SELLMAN. 293

out more westerly then we could make yt by reason of foggy
weather and thereby might have bin driven uppon a lee
coast, but ofter we found ourselves clere of the yse we sayled
agayne N.W. and by W. with the winde at S.E. untill the
25 said, and then the winde came W. and we sailed N.N.W.
untill the 27 said, at which time we came amongst as well
great ilands of yse, as allso great quantity of broken yse of
both sides of us being shotte within channells' of them,
whereby yt was iudged that we were open of the straits, and
we made sundry foggy land to be the Queens foreland, and
thereuppon did beare the bolder in amongst them, at which
tyme we found our selves in the latitude of 62| and some
624. And the 28 said they observed the latitude by the
sunne and found them in 62| of latitude and afterwards had
sight of 2 ilands to the northwards of Warwicks foreland,
and after had sight of the same foreland, we being to north-
wards of yt 14 or 16 leags. And the said day we lay to the
ofwards south-east and south-south-east : And the 29 said
south-west, the winde at AY.N.W. untill the oO said, and
then we sayled south and by E. and S.S.E. untill we came in
the latitude of 61 J the first of July, at which tyme we had
the winde at S.S.E. and then we sailed in W. And the 2
said we had sight of the Queens foreland and sometimes did
beare in N.W. and by W. and N.W. finding stragling over
all the straicts and after we did beare in further uppon the
south side w^e found great quantity of yse driving together,
yet we had sundry channels to pas betwene them, and after
that we sent the pynnas from the ship to discover the best
way our passage amongst them, and so we followed with
divers other of the fleete after the pynnas, untill she could
not pas any furder, fynding the yse all closed abowt us, and
afterward sent our boate and pynnasses of divers of the flete
to breake a small neck of yse for passage farder places that
we did see clere : and at that tyme the winde began to blow
vere boystrous at the S.S.E. and caused the sea to heave and

£94 ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE

set very cruell ; at that instant we were divers of the flete
in a great channell indifferent free of yse, in which channell
we determined to spend the night with bearing small sayles,
being environed with yse : The bark Denis at that tyme
plying up and down, did strike uppon a great yse and there
perished, so that the boates which were sent to breake the
yse for passage, returned to her to save her men and pre-
sently after the ship did sink down right ; divers of the
flete, notwithstanding with small sayles did ply up and down
in the same channell, and others as they could fynde all that
night, but we in the Ayde, and the Thomas Aim did forsake
yt, bearing no sayle, but lay adrift amongst the yse all the
night, being terribly tormented therewith untill 11 of the
clock, the 3 of July, occupying our men with oares, pikes
and other powles to break the force of the yse from beating
of the ship as much as we might, notwithstanding we had
terrible blowes therewith, and were preserved by the mighty
power of God from perrishing, contrary to our expectations.
The winde afterwards comming to the S.W. and having the
with us, we did drive out, sometyme setting sayle
and sometimes a hull southeast: And being allmost out
of the danger of the yse, we did discrye the most of the flete,
which rejoyced us very much : And the said 3 day about
night, some of us talking with others did understand we
were all in safl*ety, except onely the 3Iichael of whome as
yet we cannot understand where she ys, we did arme the
bowe of the ship with sundry planks of 3 inches thick and
with capstayne barrs and junks, for that the yse stroke
terribly against that place of her in so much that some of
the planks did perrish with the blowes : The rest of the flete
except one or two more did not pas the like mysery, by
reason they did kepe the channell betwene the yse with
small sayles, which we could not do, for that our ship was
long, and could not work with her as others did : And be-
sides that yf we had kept that channell with sayle, where

THIKD VOYAGE, BY EDWARD SELLMAN. 295

the rest did, we had burded one an other and thereby
perished, as we had like to have don by the ship of Wey-
mouth (owner Hugh Randall) in boording of us that night
by drift and forcing uppon us by yse, the boystrous winde
that then did blow did cause us to unrig and take down both
our topmasts for the ease of the ship, the which topmasts we
did hang over boord allso to save the ship from the yse.

The 4 said being in the morning clere withowt the streicts
and the winde at west, we did sayle S.S.W. bearing alongst
the coast of America, fynding yse driving from the coast as
though yt were long hedges into the sea to the eastwards,
we sayled as aforesaid untill 4 a clocke at afternone, and then
we layde yt a hull, untill 6 aclock the 5 said, and then we
sailed southwest alongst America coast, the winde at W.
northwest untill the 5 said at night about 6 aclock at which
tyme we had sight of the coast, and very huge ilands of yse,
higher than ever we did see any, at which time we did cast
about and did lye north of the land, the winde as before
untill the 6 said at night, at which time we were within the
streicts and did perfectly make the Queens forelande ; to the
southwards of the Queens foreland, we had sight of a head
of a land, being from yt about 20 leags, which untill we had
taken the latitude of yt we made yt to be the Queens foreland
all but the Master Robert Davis onely, but he would not
agree to yt, nor so allow yt, alledging sundry reasons
to prove the contrary by his marks when he saw yt
a few dayes before. The 6 said being as aforesaid shot
within the Queens forelande on the south side, the winde
came up to the S.S.E. and did blow a great gale, and the
weather waxed thick and foggy, and therefore all the night
we layde yt a hull. And uppon the 7 said following we had
sight of the north shore as we toke yt : And the 8 and 9 we
did beare wyth yt and alongst yt lying north and by west,
but did not make yt perfectly ; some imagining rather that
yt was the S. side of the Queens foreland (as afterwards yt

296 ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE

proved in dede), and Master Hall of the same opinion, but
yf yt fall out so, they were decey ved with the setting of the
tides. The Generall and our master could not be dissuaded,
but doth still make yt to be the north shore, the Generall
assuring himself thereof to this present (the 10 said) that yt
is so, and Jame Beare allso, but being foggy and darkened
with mystes, they cannot yet make yt perfectly, I pray
God send yt clere, that we may make yt perfectly : Alongst
the said shore in sight and out of sight by reason of fogs, we
did runne in by the judgement of the master 35 leags

bearing sayle and hulling, and there did remaine hulling
being dark and foggy untill the 16 said, at which tyme we
had yt somewhat clere, and thereuppon did beare towards
the shore to make yt, at which tyme we did fall with the
opening of a sound which we made the Counte's Sound and
did beare in with yt, all men that had scene it the yere
before (except two, called Stobern and Bert) allowed yt to
be the same, which afterwards proved the contrary : The IT
said we toke the altitude of the sunne and found us but in the
latitude of 62 and 10 minuts, and thereuppon found the error
which we were in, then knowing that we were uppon the S.side
of the S. shore called the Queens foreland, and with the winde
at W. we did beare out agayne, and the 18 said being shot
out so far as to the masters judgement that we had sight of
the Queens foreland being E. from us and then running
alongst till we brought yt thwart of us the weather being
foggy, notwithstanding we did alter our course more
northerly and brought us to be impatched with great quan-
tity of yse and dark weather, being allso shot very nere the
shore,' still thinking that we had byn at the Queens foreland,
and altering our course more northerly, did bring ourselves
hard aboord the shore, at which tyme yt pleased God to geve
us sight of yt, and thereby found yt did not lye as the
Queens foreland did, fynding us deceyved and not so far
shot as the said foreland, but being imbayed uppon a lee

THIRD VOYAGE, BY EDWARD SELLMAN. 297

coast and in sight of divers ilands and rocks, not knowing
how to escape with life, and in the depe of 50 faddoms of
water, so that we could not well anker, but yet sometimes in
mynde to anker yf we could have got a poynt of an iland
which we made unto, and then fearing allso we shold have
had byn put from our anker, or greatly impatched with yse
which we were allso amongst and then caulme, and could
not get of from the rocks or ilands which we did see, did
strike all our sayles to anker, but before we were all ready
to cast anker, the Eternall God (who delivereth all men
being in perills) did send us a gale of winde to beare of
from the said ilands, but afterward we wished that we had
ankered there, for that when we were of a small way from
yt we sounded and found us in but 7 faddoms of water and
hard rocks, we lying under sayle towards the west which
was our best way, for sure we were we could not dubble the
land to the eastwards, the winde being at S.S.E. and the
land lying E.S.E. and W.N.W. we after yt pleased God to
send us 10 faddoms and then 17, and then 25, and so into 30
and 40, and allso did scnde us the winde at W.S.W. so that
we did lye S.S.W. of into the sea untill we came into 120
faddoms with our sayling and towing out with our boates,
still having the eb with us untill night and then being caulme
and little winde, we did strike our sayles and did lye a
hulling, so that the flud did port us in towards the shore
againe untill we came into 80 faddoms, and then we were
forced to make a brude of cabells, and did anker untill
the eb did come being the 19 day of July in the morning, at
which tyme we did set sayle with a small gale of winde, the
winde at S. and by E. and did sayle S.W. and by W. the
weather still foggy. The 20 said the weather began to clere,
the winde westerly, at which tyme we had sight of the ships
that were before in our company, and towards the afternone
we came to speake with some of them, and they declared
that some of our company w^ere in 2 faddoms of water uppon

298 ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE

the lee sliore, being in great danger amongst the rocks and
broken grounds, and delivered by Gods allmighty power
thus twise from perisshing, towards night yt waxed somwhat
foggy agayn, and a little before night we having sight of a
point of land, bearing E.S.E. of us making yt the Queens
foreland, we did beare with it in such sort as we thought to
go clere of yt, and the land lying out farder then we had
sight of yt, we being not so far shot out of the streict that
we were in by 20 leags which 20 leags we were in furder
then we made account of, being entred within yt at the least
60 leags, fell agayn in danger of that land in the night, but
kept us of from yt, by our sounding lead : And in the
morning the 21 said yt waxed clerer, and then we made the
land of the Queens foreland perfect and towards night
opening a great bay at the wester end of the souther parte of
that land, which we imagined to go through into the Streicts
of Frobusher, which to make triall thereof, the Gabriell was
sent to discover, and we bearing about with the easter end
of yt the 22 towards night, had sight of the Gahriell
comming into the streicts through that sound passage at the
Cape of Good Hope, so that it is proved that the land of the
Queens foreland to be an iland ; the Gahriell having order
to passe to the Countesses Sound, did beare in towards yt,
and we followed untill we could not passe any farder for yse
lying so thick, and the Gahriell being within the yse, did
still beare up into the streicts, and we forced to retire out-
wards agayn, being very much impatched therewith all the
whole night.

The 23 said we had sight of the Anfraunces, whose com-
pany we lost as before said, and when we came to the
speeche of the captayne and master, they declared they had
layn of and on open of the streicts 12 dayes and could not
entre for fogs and yse, and was in danger before that uppon
the lee shore of the S. side after she departed from us.

The 24 said the Generall being mynded to beare into the

THIRD VOYAGE, BY EDWARD SELLMAN. 299

streicts, bycause the Gahriell passed up in our sight, sup-
posing allso the Tho. Ali7i, the Fraunces ofFoy, the Emanuell
of Bridge water, the Judith, and the Michael, to be above in
the sound; notwithstanding the great quantity of yse, we
were impatched withall the 23 said, and the winde at S.W.
a good and reasonable gale, did mynde to beare up into the
streicts agayn this present, alledging that the said wynde
had brought out all the yse, whereof great quantity we did
see blown uppon the lee coast : but yt pleased God to send
us a messinger out of the streicts called the Fraunces of Foy,
who did kepe company with the Tho. Aim, and the Fma?iuel
of Bridge water, and did enter into the streicts the 19 said
and the 20 said, being shut up as far as Jackmans Sound,
did put over with the Countes Sound among very much yse
and were environned therewith, frosen and shut up therein,
being marveylously tormented therewith, not onely with
yse comming down, but allso with yse carried up with the
winde and tyde. This Ffraunces of Foy (I say) was a
blessed messinger of God, sent to us to warn us of the
daungers that she and the others passed, who still did leaye
the Tho. Aim, the Busse or Emanuel of Bridge water, and
the Gahriell, last come unto them in great danger, being
carried towards the coast lee in the frosen and thick yse as
the winde did carry them. God deliver them for his mercyes
sake and for his blessed sonne Jesus Christes sake. The
Master Tho. Noris of the said ship the Ffraimces of Foy,
before Master Hall, and he with others entred the streict
was in a sound uppon the N. side of the Queens Foreland,
where they were they found very good owr by our judge-
ments to the sight, and therefore the Generall is gone this
morning a land to seke the same, purposing to go into the said
sound with all our 9 ships now in company untill tyme may
serve us to go farder and other our ports of lading. The 25
at night we did beare into the streicts and then had sight of the
Emanuel of Bridgewater. And, comming to the speche of

300 A^^OTHER ACCOUNT OF THE

them, the master of her affirmed that the yse did ly very thick
over all the streicts, so that we could not attayn to the Countess
Sound as yet ; the Generally notwithstanding, wold geve no
credit thereunto, but did beare in with the streicts to make
triall thereof the 26 in the morning, and finding great store
of yse did retire back or out agayn with the winde at north
and much yse following us. At that tyme (the 25 said)
these ships did entre in with us, the Emanuel, the Ar?no7ieIl,
the Hopewell, and the Beare, and 5 others of the flete did
put to sea, having the w4nde then at the S. E. and east,
which was a scant winde for them to dubble out the fore-
land, being nere the land.

The 26, at night, we came back to the sea againe and
brought the foreland of us south-west.

The 27, towards night, the winde at west, we did beare
in towards the foreland, and did lye of and on all the night.

The 28, in the morning, we did beare agayn into the
straight, the winde westerly, bearing inwards still untill we
were repulsed and forced to put out agayn by reason of
much yse driving out, but the Hojyeivell finding some clerer
slade then we could do, did still beare in. God send her
good hap. And then we did seke to recover the wether
shore which was the foreland, the winde at AV.N.W., blow-
ing somewhat boystrous.

The 29, in the morning, we did beare into the streict
agayn with winde at W., a small leading gale, and sometimes
at W.S.W., we lying up N.W., passing up amongst great
quantity of yse, sometime thick, and sometime thinner, and
so did still precede, bearing inwards untill the 30 said at
none, keping about the middle of the streict. And in the
morning the 30 said we were thwart of Yorks Sound, which
I affirmed to the Generall to be so : but he denyed yt,
saying that we were not shot up as high as Jackmans Sound
by 16 leags, at which instant the Generall went up to the
top and descried Gabriels Hand, making yt to be Penbroke

THIRD VOYAGE, BY EDWARD SELLMAN. 301

Hand, going into the Countess Sound ; and so directing his
course with yt^ Christopher Jackson, the trumpetter, being
in the top, did make yt playnly Gabriels Hand, and allso
made the Countess Sound, to the which the Generall yelded,
and then presently did allter his course, and embarked him
self in a pynnas with sayles and oares, bycause yt did blow
but little wynde for the ship, and gave us tokens to follow
him, and so signifyed to us thereby that yt was the right
place or sound as before is said. Into the which he entred
with his pynnas, and being entred therein fownd there the
Judith and the Michael, and cause them to shote of certayn
peces of ordonance, to geve knowledge there were certayn
of our flete which comforted us very muche ; but we
imagined those ships to be the Tho. Alin and the Gabriel ;
for we did think verily the Judith and the Michael could
not have escaped the dangers that they were in, being not
of our company a month or more.

The 30 of July, at night, we entred into the mowth of
the Cowntesse Sound, and there came to us sent from the
generall, Charles Jackman, to bring in the Ayde, and for
that yt fell caulme we came to an anker in the entring
thereof, being ebbing water abowt 9 of the clock at night,
the master, his mate, and Charles Jackman going then to
supper, gave charge to the company to looke well owt for
yse, driving towards the ship, willing them to prevent yt in
tyme ; and before the master had half supped, one of the
company came to the master to know whether they shold
watche half watche or quarter watche. The master gave
order to watche halfe watche, charging them to loke well
owt for yse ; but the watche neglecting their dutyes, there
came driving thwart the halse of the ship a great pece of
yse, and the weather being caulme did ly uppon the cabell
\ of an howre before we could be clere of yt fretting the
cable in suche sort, that yf yt had put us from our anker we
had byn in danger of rocks lying not far from us. God be

o02 ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE

honored, there chaunced no hurt of yt. Notwithstanding,
I thought yt good and my duty to say something unto the
watche of their negligence therein, bycause the charge of
the vyage did depend upon the savegard of the Ai/de being
the Admirall, whereuppon I rebuked, one Hohnes, a quarter
master, and Hill, bote swayn mate, charging them they
shold aunswere their negligent loking to so greet a charge,
but they with one other called did will me to med-

dle with that I had to do, demaunding whether I had

commissioned to speake or deale therein, and this did Hill,
and willed me to get me to my cabben, and wold not

be checked at my hands. I aunswered them, whither I had
commyssion or not, I wold tell them their duties, and go to
my cabben when I did see cause, and thus with multiplying
of words they abused me very much, which I was fayn to
put up at their hands. The master can beare no rule
amongst them, bycause he is not cowntenanced by the
General, and therefore all things hath fallen owt the worse
with us, and that hath caused me to speake more earnestly
in this cause ; for weyther the boat swayn, nor any officer
yet hitherto hath byn obedient to the master, and the dis-
obedience of the officers, doth cause the company allso to
disobey and neglegt their duties. We had not byn above 2
howres at an anker, but that there came very muche yse
driving inwards towards us : at which time, I being still
abrode, and the masters mate allso, I said to him, yt were
good to way our anker to prevent the danger of the yse ;
and presently he called vp Charles Jackman, and they
caused the company to way the anker with the winde
easterly, a smale gale; and after they had purchased home
their said anker, there came yse uppon us, but they setting
sayle before the anker was catted, the yse stroke the flok of
the anker through the bow of the ship, that the water came
in fercely, in so muche that we had water in hold 4 fote
above the sealing within an howre or les. And our pumps

THIRD VOYAGE, BY EDWARD SELLMAN. 303

being unready, could not free the ship of yt, but kept yt
still at a stay, the leak being stopped as well as they could
with beffe and other provisions. And thus we remayned
pumping and freeing of the ship with buckets from 12
a clock at night, being the 30 of July, until 9 a clock in the
morning, the 31 said, at which tyme we were come into
harbour. And then provision was made to beare the ship
over of the one side, and the hole mended with lead untill
we may come better to yt.

There came into the Cowntesse Sound in company with
us and in our sight, the Hopezvell, the Ffrances of Foy, the
Armonell, the Emanuell, the Salomon of Weymouth, and
the Bear. The Judith and the Michael came into this sownd
the 21 of July, and for the space of 3 wekes before they con-
tinually were tormented up and down within the streicts
amongst the yse, and could not by any meanes get this place
nor clere themselves of the yse : the Judith being bilged
with yse in the bowes, having 2 great holes made in her,
every howre loking when they shold perish therewith, but
God delivered them, geving them fayre weather to work for
their savegard.

The fyrst of August the Generall did order to make tents
uppon the iland of the myne for the myners to succour them
in their working there, and then began their work.

The second said, the Generall with 2 pynnasses, passed
to Beares Sownd, to bring prooiFs of the owr there, and to
vew what quantity there was to be had, and returned
agayn at night, being distant from the Cowntesse Sound
9 leags.

The said, at night, the Gahriel came into the Cowntess
Sound and Master Hall in her to vew whither the streicts
were clere of yse, and left the Tho. Alin in a sownd nere
Oxford mount untill his return thither agayn.

The fyrst of August the Fraunces of Foy toke in 2 pyn-
nasses, ladings of owre, and the 2 day as much.

304 ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE

The said the Generally with 4 pynnasses and boates with
a men, soldiers, and marriners, and Denham with

him, went to Jonas Mownt, to seke for owr, and brought
sundry samples, whereof as yet no assay is made, but of the
riche owr that Jonas fownd the last yere, we could not light
of any suche.

The 8 of August the Thomas Alin and the Gabriel ar-
rived here towards night, by whome wx could not here of
the Thomas of Ipsiviche, the Anfraunces, and the Mone. I
pray God send us good newes of them.

The 9 said, the Generall with the Gahriell and the
Michael, with mariners, myners, and soldiers, departed to-
w^ards Beares Sound to get owr, for that the m\ne in the
Countess Hand fayled.

The said, the most part of the myners and soldiers were
removed to a place called Fentons Fortune, being at the
entrance of Countesse Sound to the eastwards. And yt was
reported that there were a 1000 tunnes to be had there ; but
Master Denham, at his returne from thence, this present at
night, sayeth he can not see how 40 tunnes will there be
had, and that with great travayle to bring yt to the sea side.

The 11 sayd, the master, Eobert Davis, Thomas Morice,
master of the Fraunces of Foy, and I in company with
them, travyled with a pynnas to the northwards of the
Cowntesse Sound, about 4 myles alougst the coast, and there
fownd a niyne of black owr, and allso an other of red and
of sundry sortes of both, of which sorts we brought ensam-
ples, whereof Denham made proof; and the 13 said Capten
Fenton and Denham passed thy ther, liking the place very well,
and aswell our mariners as the mariners of the s?i\di Fraunces
were there set to work, and by the 15 said we had gotten
aboord the Ayde of the black sort and some of the red
abowt 15 tunnes.

The 15 said, towards the evening, the Gahriell and the
Michael came to the Countesse Sound, both laden with owre

THIRD VOYAGE, BY EDWARD SELLMAN. 805

from Beares Sound, and the 16 said discharged yt into the
Ayde, theire lading was adiudged to be abowt 50 tunnes of
owr.

The said, all such myners and soldiours as were sent from
the Countesse Sound to Fentons Fortune, were removed to
the myne that we found to the northwards, which was
better liked than yt of Fentons Fortune, where, in the tyme
they were there was but 60 or 70 tunnes of owre, they
being myners and souldiours that wrought their 6 dayes 60
persons.

The 16 said, the Gcnerall and Denham with him, is gon
to a sownd called Dyers Passage, which is uppon the
souther land of the Cowntess Sound, to vew a myne there,
fownd by Andrew Dyer, and to make assayes thereof.

The said, God called to his mercy Philip, who had charge
of certayn apparcll brought in by the Generall for the mar-
riners and myners, and allso one of the bark Denys, men
called Trelos, one allso owt of the Armoiiell, and an other
owt of the Fraunces of Foy, all buryed uppon Winters Fur-
nace this present day.

The 18 sayd, the Gahriell and the Michael departed
hence to Beares Sound to lade owr and to bring yt hither
to the Ayde.

The 19 said, the Solomon of Weymouth departed towards
Bears Sound to take in her lading of owr.

The 20 said, the Beare departed towards Dyers Passage
to lade there.

The 19 said, the Hopewell departed towards Dyers Passage
to lade there.

The 21 said, the Busse of Bridgewater departed to Dyers
Passage to take her lading of owr there.

The 21 of August, the Fraunces of Foy was full laden,
part of the owr of the Countesse Hand, and the rest of the
owr of the myne to the northwards of the Countesse Sound,
carrying in all tunnes by estimation 140, whereof 70 from
the Countesse Hand, and the rest as aforesaid. x

306 ' ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE

The 19 said, Capten Fenton came to make complaint to
the Generall of the boatswayn, and others of the Aydes
mariners, for disobeying him in certayn service to have
byn don for the furderance and dispatche of the ships lading
at two severall tymes, his speches tending to due punish-
ment for the same, and after long recitall of their abuses,
did loke that the Generall shold have ayded him therein,
and to have commanded due punishments for their deserts.
The Generall not taking order, therefore Master Fenton and
he did grow to boat speches, by whome eche others credit
came by him, and he denying the same, left their former
matter, and fell to reason uppon the same with many boat
woords, in somuche that in the end, the Generall affirming
he preferred Master Fenton to be the Queens servant, and
he denying, alledging that the Generall did not well to rob
them that did prefer them both to that service ; and then at
Master Ffentons departure, he said he had ofTred him great
disgrace in that he wold not punnish the offenders which he
complayned of, but rather did animate them against him in
neglecting of yt, which he could not take in good part,
being his lieutenant generall, and recommending them to do
nothing but their duties in their Maiesties service.

The 22 said the Gabriel arrived here at the Countess
Sound being ladden with owr from Bears Sound, and dis-
charged yt a boord the AycUy bringing tunnes 25 by esti-
mation.

The said, here at the Countess Sound arrived a pynnas
of the An Fraimces, wherein Captayn Best came, leaving
the All Fraunces and the Moiie of Foy at anker in a sownd
nere the Queens forelande, and they reported that they had
not sene the Thomas of Ipsioioh this 14 dayes, with the said
pynnas they came costing up allongst the sowth coast to seke
us, and did seke us in Jack mans Sound and Yorks Sound
and passed up as far as Gabriels Hand and returned hither
this present, bringing them samples of owres, much like that

THIRD VOYAGE, BY EDWAKD SELLMAN. 307

of Winters furnace, and doth purpose that Denham shall
make tryall thereof, and fynding yt good, they will lade of
yt, having great plenty of yt as they report, they have by
report passed great troubles sins they departed from us, by
dangers of yse, and rocks, I pray God send us good newes
of the Thomas of Ipswich.

The 23 said the Generall, Captayn Fenton (his lievtenant),
Gilbert York, and George Beste, gentlemen, assembled them-
selves together, Christopher Hall, and Charles Jackman,
masters, with them, for causes touching their instructions,
and amongst other matters, did call in question the abuses of
the boteswayn and one Robinson used towards the Generalls
said lievtenant, and after yt had byn argued of amongst the
said Commissioners, the Generall referred the punnishment
thereof to them to determyn ; then they called the said
offenders before them, who acknowledged their abuses, and
uppon their submission, as allso affirming they did not know
Capteyn Fenton to be the Generalls said lievtenant, they
were pardoned and forgeven.

The 23 said of August, the Michael arrived here laden
with owr from Bears Sound bringing tunnes 25 by estimation
and discharged yt aboord the Ayde.

The 24 said the Sollomon of Weymouth arrived here laden
with owr of Bears Sound and with owr taken in her before
her departure hence, all tunnes by estimation 130 tunnes,
whereof Bears Sound tunnes 60, and of the Countesse Hand
Sussex myne 60 tunnes, and Wynters furnace tuns 10.

The Generall departed this present towards Bears Sound
in a pynnas and will return hither agayn before he go up
into the Streicts.

The said Captayn Beste departed with his pynnas to-
ward the Queens foreland to a sownd where the An Fraunces
and the Mone resteth and stayeth his comming. The said
Ffraimces and Mo7ie by their marriners reports were
almost laden with owr before their comming hither, the

308 ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE

samples thereof hath byn proved and are reasonably well
liked of Denham, and therefore I here order is taken that
the 3Ioo7ie shall discharge all her owr into the A?t FraunceSj
and that the said Mone shall take in all such here as the An
Fraunces hath discharged there a land which was provided
for Captayn Fenton and his company, and as wynde and
weather shall serve to come hither with the same, and at
Bears Sound she shall have her lading of owr provided.

The said the Thomas Alin departed hens, having taken
in here 100 tunnes of owr had at the north myne called the
Countesse of Sussex Myne, and the rest of her lading she is
to take in at Beares Sound, and to that end she is gon thither
where she is to lade 60 tuns more.

The 26 at night the Generall returned from Bears Sound
with the pynnas that he departed from hens. And the 27 in
the morning he passed with the same up into the Streict as
well to discover mynes as allso to take of the people yf he
may conveniently have them.

The 27 said at night the Thomas Alin arrived here from
Bears Sound being fully laden.

The 28 said in the morning the An Fraunces arrived here
from a sownd called being nere the Queens foreland

and laden with owr of that place.

The said at night, the Generall returned with fowle
weather and the winde easterly with rayne and snow and so
continued till the 30 towards niafht.

The 31 said in the morning we wayed and made sayle from
Countesse of Warwick Sound with the Ayde, the Thomas
Alin, the Bear, the Salomon, the Armonell, and the two
barks, and for that yt fell caulme, we ankered all that night
at the mowth of the sownd, being all night caulme and the
Fraunces of Foy.

The fyrst of September 1578 in the morning the Gahriell
and the Michael did put into Bears Sound to lade there.

The said the Generall with a pynnas departed towards

THIRD VOYAGE, BY EDWARD SELLMAN. 309

Beares Sound to provide 10 or 12 tunnes of lading more for
the Ayde and to send yt owt to us with, boats and pynnasses.
The said the xiycle and all the other ships aforesaid wayde,
the winde northerly, bearing alongst towards Bears Sound
with a small gale, and about none ankered thwart of Bears
Sound.

The 28 of August before, God called to his mercy Koger
Littlestonne the Generalls servant, who by the judgement of
the surgian had the horrible disease of the pox.

The last of July at night, God called to his mercy Anthony
Sparrow, one of the quarter-masters of the Ayde.

The Fraimces of Foy, the Armonell, the Thomas Alin,
the Beare, the Salomon came all laden owt of the Countess
Sound, the Ayde lacked 10 or 12 tunnes but laden of sundry
mynes as before is said.

The A71 Fraunces, the Hopewell, and the Judith arrived
with us thwart of the said Bears Sound the fyrst of September
and kept under sayle by us.

The first of September said we recey ved tunns of owre
into the Ayde, and all the myners this present at night were
ready to come aboord from thens.

The said at night the winde chopping up to the N.W.
a small gale and the sea growing thereby, forced us to way
and made sayle, bearing of S.W. untill we came into S3
faddoms, and then ankered agayn, staying for the comming
of the Generall, and abowt 2 howres after, our ship did
drive, our anker being broken, which caused us to set saile
agayn and did beare of W. and W. and by S. and afterwards
did lye a hull, staying for the Generall, the winde still
growing of great force at N.N.W. caused us to set our fore-
saile agayn, bearing of sowth towards the foreland the second
day of September and towing our gondelo at starn, she did
split therewith and so we were forced to cut her of from the
ship and lost her and then we did strike our sayle and
spooned before the sea S.E. untill the Queens foreland did

310 ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE

beare of us, the Generall is condemned of all men for bring-
ing the flete in danger to anker there, thwart of Beares
Sound onely for 2 boates of owre and in daungering him
self allso, whome they iudge will hardly recover to come
aboord of us, but rather forced to go with the barks or the
Emanuel of Bridgewater into England ; of the whole flete,
there is now in our company, or to be seen but 6 sailes.

Master Hall went aland after the ship came first to an
anker thwart the said Bears Sound, and did geve him coun-
saill to make hast a boord before night: God send him well
to recover us and all his company.

The Ayde hath lading of owr in her as folio weth : — Of
Bears Sound tunnes by estimation 110 ; of the Countess of
Sussex myne, tunnes SO.

The Thomas AliUf owr in her as followeth : — Of the
Countess of Sussex myne, tunnes 100 ; of Beares Sound
owre, tunnes 60.

The Hopewell, owr in her as followeth : — Of Dyers
Passage or Sound, tunnes 140.

The Fraimces of Foy hath our laden in her as followeth :
— Of the Cowntess of Warwiks myne, tuns 50 ; of the
Countess of Sussex myne, tunnes 80.

The A7i Fraunces hath owr in her as followeth : — Of the
Queens foreland, tunnes 130.

The Mone of Foy hath owr in her as followeth :— Of the
Queens foreland, tunnes 100.

The Beare Leycestr hath owr laden in her — Of Dyers
Passage, tunnes 100.

The Judith hath owr laden in her as followeth : — Of the
Countess of Sussex myne, tunnes 80.

The Gahriell hath owr laden in her as followeth : — Of
Beares Sound, tunnes 20.

The Michael hath owr laden in her as followeth : — Of
Beares Sound, tunnes 20.

The Armonell hath owr laden in her as followeth :— Of

THIRD VOYAGE, BY EDWARD SET,LMAN. 311

Fentons fortune, tunnes 5 ; of the Countess of Warwicks
myne, tunnes 5 ; of Winters furnace, tunnes 5 ; of the
Countesse of Sussex myne, tunnes 85.

The Emanuel of Bridgewater hath owr laden in her as
followeth : — Of the Countess of Sussex myne, tunnes 30 ; of
Dyers Passage, tunnes 20 ; of Bears Sound, tunnes 60.

The Salomon hath owr laden in her as followeth : — Of the
Countess of Warwicks myne, tuns 10 ; of the Countess of
Sussex myne, tunnes 60 ; of Beares Soiind, tunnes 60.

Forasmuch as the Countesse of Warwick myne fayled
being so hard stone to broke and by iudgement yelded not
above a hundreth tunnes, we were driven to seke mynes as
above named and having but a short tyme to tarry and some
proofs made of the best owr fownd in those mynes abovesaid,
men were willed to get there lading of them and every man
so employed him self to have lading, that many symple men
(I iudge) toke good and bad together : so that amongst the
fleets lading I think much bad owr will be found.

If the owr now laden doth prove good, at the mynes and
places abovesaid is plenty thereof, but gotten with hard
labour and travayle : uppon the Countesse of Warwick's
Hand Capteyn Fenton hath hidden and covered in the place
of the myne all the tymber that came hither for the howse,
and divers other things, to whose note I refer me.

Allso he hath caused to be buylded a little howse uppon
the same iland and covered yt with boords to prove how yt
will abyde or stand untill the next yere and hath left in yt
sundry things.

The second said of September, the Queens foreland
bearing from us to N.AY. and by north, there passed by us
these ships bearing to seawards we lying a hull : the Hope-
well, the Fraunces of Foy, the Beare Leycestr, the Armonell,
and the Salomon, the Armonell at that instant lost her boat
and one man ; the Salomoii lost her boat before her comming
by us. All which ships the 3 present in the morning was

312 ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE

owt of our sighte homewards bound lying to seawards S.S.E.
with the winde at N.W. a great gale of wynde.

The second said at night came unto us our pynnas with 8
mariners in her who came from Bears Sound that morning,
and bearing over with the S. coast with 18 mariners in her,
landed uppon certayn ilands to loke to seawards for us, and
after them came the Generall in the Gahriell and in their
company the Judith and the Michael, our men at that instant
aland and loking for us, did scry 2 ships one under sayle
and the other at hull, whereof we in the Ayde was one and
the Armonell the other, she under sayle and we a hull, allso
betwene us and them was the Mone of Foy, our men which
were landed as beforesaid embarked them selves as^avn in
theyr pynnas an did beare after the Gahriell, the Michael,
and the Judith, and did put aboord the Gahriell and Michael
all the 18 mariners and then being somew^hat nearer the
Judith did put a man allso aboord her : and having order
before of the Generall, the mariners remayning in the pynnas
did beare from the Judith towards the Mo7ie of Ffoy willing
them to remayn with her, but they having a bold pynnas
with sayles afterwards espying us a hull, but not knowing
us to be the Ayde did owt sayle the Mone of Foy and at the
closing up of the evening we made the said pynnas to be the
Michael and the Moone to be the Gahriel and sometymes
lying spooning before the sea and sometymes thwart re-
mayning their comming up at length we fownd yt the pynnas
as abovesaid : then they bringing us newes that the Generall
was comming in the bark abovesaid and in the company of
the ships allso aforesaid with the An Fraunces allso, the said
night we did ly a hull and did hang owt lights for them all
night long to show him and burnt a pike of wylde fyre to
the end they might the better fynde us we hoping to have
had them a boord long before day ; but when day was come,
w^e loking owt for them could not see any of them but the
Mone of Foy : then we iudgiug they had overshot us or did

THIRD VOYAGE, BY EDWARD SELLMAN. 813

afterwards spone before the sea 3 or 4 howres, and the
Thomas Alin then being to seawards and wyndwards of us
came bearing toward us and after we had spoken with them,
they allso iudged them to be a hed of us and then we made
our sayle with our corses and foretopsaile, the winde at
N.W. a great gale, and we sayled S.S.E. and towards night
the winde came at W.S.W. and we sayled allso S.S.E. the
winde somwhat slacked our lesser still keeping company
with the Thomas Alin and the Mone of Foy.

The second said allso our mariners of the pynnas declared
that they at their comming over from Bears Sound did see
the Emanuel of Bridgewater in great danger to be lost to the
leewards of the sownd and did strike their sayles uppon the
last of the flud to anker as they did iudge amongst the rocks,
and then yt was not likely they shold ride to escape all the
next eb, the winde at N.N.W. and a very great gale : God
be mercifull unto them.

The said allso they declared that the captayn of the An
FraunceSy George Beste, was with his pynnas in Beare's
Sound laden with owr and the number of myners and
mariners in her about 30 persons : they rowed with the said
pynnas towards the Michael, but whither they boorded her,
they cannot tell, and at that instant the Michael had the
Thomas Alins pynnas at her starn, which the master said he
wold cut of yf she did hinder him his comming owt as yt
was thought she wold do : and afterwards our said men did
see the Michael withowt any pynnas at her starn, and thereby
do iudge that the A71 Fraunces pynnass and her men re-
mayned in the said sownd and are in dowt of their getting
their ship.

The 4 said still keping our course homewards S.S.E. the
winde at N.W. a reasonable bearing gale: in the morning
our company did hale up our pynnas which we towed at her
starn to clere the water owt: the sea thrust her up with
great force against the starn of the ship whereby she

314 ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE

perished, and so they did cut of the tow ropes : she came up
with such force, that yf she had byn strong as she was but
weak, she mought have put the ship allso in danger striking
in some plank ; the blow was such that a company were
commaunded to loke whether we had hurt thereby or not,
but God be thanked we had none.

The 5 said at night in a storme we lost the company of
the Mone of Foij.

The 6 said Thomas Batterby God called to his mercy.

The 10 said, being in the latitude of 53^, about 2 of the
clock after midnight, our mayn yard did break a sundre in
mydds which to recover in we did beare rome with our fore-
saile before the winde, the winde at S.W. and presently did
put owt 2 lights and shot of a pece to geve the Thomas Alin
knowledge of our mishap, but yt shold seme they loked not
owt for owr light nor pece, but still carry all their sailes and
in the morning we could not see her : the sayd yard was
peryshed 5 or 6 dayes before striking of yt tarrying for them
at which tyme yt gave a great crak, but we could not finde
where yt was, nor what yt was that crakcd.

The 11 said yt was amended and strengthened with a
plank and anker stocks and woulded with ropes, and then
we brought a new mayn saile to the yard : and about T of
the clock at night we did set saile with yt with a reasonable
gale of winde and immediately yt being but weakly fisshed
gave a great clak and therewithall we stroke yt agayn and
so rested with it all that night.

The 12 said yt fell caulme and then we fished the said
yard and woulded yt with ropes in sundry other places and
so strengthened yt very strong so that we had the use of yt
agayne.

The 14 said at 3 of the clock at afternone, the winde at
sowth S.E. began very fiercely and so encreased all that night
growing to a terrible storme contynuing untill the 15 said
to 8 a clock but altered uppon sundry points increasing that

THIRD VOYAGE, BY EDWARD SELLMAN. 815

yt was not sayle worthy, whereuppon we were forced to
spone before the sea withowt sayle and at the end of the
second watche, the seas was so terribly grown that one sea
came so fast after the other, the one carrying up her head and
an other came with such force that yt brake in all the starn
of the Generalls cabbin and did beare down with yt the
cowbredge head of the said cabben, striking allso one
Fraunces Austin from the helme, who called to the company
for help fearing we shold have perished, but withall spede
yt was amended, God be praysed, and we by his Godly
providence wonderfully delivered.

The 17 said God called to his mercy George Yong myner.

The 19 said being in the latitude of 52 degrees we en-
countred with the Hojjewell being to leewards of us they
declared that the Bcare and the Salomon were to weather-
wards of us, and that they were seperated in the great storme
from the Armonell and the Fraunces of Foy : the Hopewell
lost her boat and a cable and an anker at her comming from
the streict.

The ^1 said we had sight of 3 sayles being in the latitude
of 51, whereof 2 was to leewards of us and one to weather-
wards, we did suspect them to be men of war by their
working, and therefore we did hale close by the winde to
speak with the weathermost ship, and being inowgh in the
weather of the leeward ships did ly les in the winde untill
the weatliermost ship did come within our knowledge, and
then we did fynde her to be the An Fraunces at the shutting
in of the evening and did lose sight of the other 2 sayles,
but we iudge them to be of our company, the winde was
then at N.W. and by W. by the An Fraunces we had un-
derstanding the Generall to be in the Gahriell, and was
seperated from their company the 14 said in a storme, they
iudge them to be a head of us : the Judith and the Michael
ihcy left in company together, which they judge to be a starn
and allso the Mone, they spake with her and left her a starn

316 ACCOUNT OF THE THIRD VOYAGE.

allso. And the Biisse of Bridgewater they left at an anker
to leewards of Beares Sound amongst the rocks. God send
good newes of her, she was left in great perill.

Owt of the A7i Fraunces we received men of ours this
instant 22 said.

The 23 said we lost the company of the Hopeioell and the
An Fraunces in a storme, which began the 22 at 6 a clock at
night and continued till 8 of the clock the 24 in the morning,
the winde at west and west N.W.

The 24? said God called to his mercy Water Krelle and
Thomas Tort.

The said we sownded and had 70 faddems oosy sand,
whereby we iudged us to the northwards of Silly, and after-
wards sayled sowth east all that night, the winde at north
stormy weather.

The 25 said God called to his mercy Thomas Coningham.

The 27 in the morning we had sight of the Start, 5 leags
of, God be praysed therefore and make us thankfull for de-
livering us from innumerable dangers this present vyage.

The said, God called to his mercy Corneyles Riche a
Dutchman.

The 28 of the said God called to his mercy John Wilmet.

FINIS.

STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT TO THE
THIRD VOYAGE.

I. MINUTES TO MR. LOCKE ABOWTE MR. FURBISHERS VIAUE.
II. THE QUEENS AUTHORITY TO COLLECT OF THE ADVENTURERS
THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
III. FROM MT LORDS TO CERTAYNE GENTLEMEN FOR PAYMENT OF

CERTAYNE SOMMES.
IV. THE EXCLAMATION OF THE MARRINERS FOR THEIR PAYMENT.
V. FROM M^ LOK TOWCHYNGE THE ADDITAMENTS.
VI. MR. LOKS ACCOUNT.

VII. AN ANSWEARE TO MR. LOCKES ACCOUNT.
VIII. SECOND MINUTE FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE WAGES.

IX. THE ANSWER OP ME MICHAEL LOK TO THE AUDITORES OP MY
ACCOUNTS.
X. THE HUMBLE BUTE OF THOMAS BONHAM.
XI. FROM SIR THOMAS GRAHAM TOUCHYNGE THE ORDER FOR THE
PAYMENT OF THE MARINERS.
XII. THE VENTURERS NOT PAYDE.
XIII. THE HUMBLE PETITION OF M^- LOK FOR CHARGES DISBURSED.
XIV. AN ORDER SETT DOWNE BY THE QUEENES MAJTIE TOUCHYNG THE
PAYMENT.
XV. THE OFFER OF MICHAEL LOK FOR THE NORTHWEST EWR AT
DARTFORD.
XVI. AN OFFER MADE AT MUSCOVY HOUSE BY JONAS SUTE BEFORE
MR. FEELD, MR. LOK AND MR. ANDREW PALMER.
XVII. ALL THE STOK OF THE VENTURERS IN ALL THE IIJ VOYAGES.
XVIII, THE ABUSES OF CAPTAIN FURBISHER AGAYNST THE COMPANYE.

STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT TO THE
THIRD VOYAGE.

[Colonial^ 102. Dom. Eliz.^ cxxvi, No. 22.]

OCTOBER 29™, 1578. MINUTES TO MR. LOCKE ABOWTE
MR. FURBISHER VIAGE.

After our very harty commendations. Whereas the shyps imploied in
the viage of Meta Incorpiita are nowe retorned all home in saffetie
^th Mr. Ffurbusher, and forasmuche as we are informed yt in this
voyage dyvers new places and mynes have byn dyscovred. We have
thought yt necessarye to require you to have a care in these matters,
and to call before you the generall, and the captaynes, masters and
pilotes of the shyps, and to demand of them account in wryting severallie
of their doinges and procedinges in this voyage^ w^ii discourse of the
thinges happened in the same, And also to demand and take of them
such platts and cartes of descriptions of the countries and places as they
have made, and to forbyd them and others to publish or gyve out to
others any platts or descriptions of the same countries.

And also we requyre you to have dew consyderation of the state of
the shyps and goodes now retorned home, and to sett suche order therin
as best may be for the saffetye of the goodes, and the commoditie and
credite of the companie of venturers, and avoydans of unnecessarie
expenses. And furdermore, wee doo ernestly pray and requyre you
throughlye to consyder of the state of the workes at Dartford, that withe
all expedition sum good prooffe and triall may be had of the trew valew
of the ewr brought home, aswell in this voyage as in the other before;
and that we may be certified therof from you, for that her Matie hathe
very great expectation of the same.

The Commyssioners.

Indorsed.

{Colonicd, 100. Dom. Eliz., cxxvi, No. 20.]

THE QUEENS AUTHORITY TO MICHAEL LOK TO COLLECT OF THE
ADVENTURERS THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS.

After our harty commendacions. Fforasmoche as the shipps now come
home wt'i oure lovinge frende Martyn Furbusher have brought doble
the quantitie of ewar that was expected, wherby the charges of the

320 STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

ffraight therof, and of the maryners and mynars employed in the voyage
are doble the rate sett downe at the begynnyng therof, as it is certiffyed
to us by the Commyssioners therunto appoynted for the payment
wherof and discharge of the said men, it is requysyt to collect of the
venturars presently the sum of vj™ pounds of money. And forasmoche
as it is greatly needfull to use all dylygens for the present spedye collec-
tion of the said sum of money, aswell for the avoyding of excessyve
great charges wcb grow theruppon daylye untill the said men be paid
and ships discharged, as also for the performans of dewtye and mayn-
taynans of credite of the companye. This is therfore to wyll and re-
quire you (being thresorer appointed) presentlye, -w^^ all the dyllygens
that you can, to collect and receave of the venturars in this voyage the
severall sums of money dew by them for the rate of their venture,
according to a cedule of their names and sums herewithall under the
handes of the said commyssyoners. And in case that you shall fynd
any of the venturers to be remysse in payment, and doo not presently
pay his part and dewty as aforesaid (w^ii we trust shall not happen),
then doe you thinke meate that you gyve knowledg therof unto the
Lord Mayor of London, and to S^" W. Cordell, Master of Records, whome
we have appointed to be assystant unto you in that case, according to
the tenor of our letters directed unto them in that behalfe.
Michael Lok.

[Colonial, 101. JDom. Eliz., cxxvi. No. 21.]

After our very harty commendacions. Wheras our loving frynd
Michael Lok is appointed presently and spedely to collect and receave
of the venturars in the voyage of Mr. Ffurbusher, according to a cedule
of their names delyvred to hym, a good sum of money for the payment
of the maryners and discharge of the ships now come. And for that it
may happen sum of them wyll not make ready payment of their partes,
or wyll refuse to pay the same, w^li thinge would be a hynderans to the
rest by great charges dayly groweng theron untill the maryners be paid
and the ships dyscharged.

Therefore we have thought good to requyre you twayne to be assystant
to the said Michael Lok in this case, and uppon his information or
complainte unto you to be made to calle before you suche parsons as
shalbe found slak in payment, or shall refuse to pay their partes as
aforesaid, and to perswade them eyther to pay the same presentlie, or
els to comaunde them, as so dyrected by us, to appeare before us pre-
sentlye to shew cause why they doe not make payment accordingly.
And so —

My L. jMayor.
Cordell.

Tf) 1!IE THIKD VOYAGK. 321

[^Colonial^ 107. Dora. Eliz., cxxvii, No. 8.]

DECEMBER 1578. M" FROM MY LORDS TO CERTAYNE GENTLE-
MEN FOR THE PAYMENT OF CERTAYNE SOMMES DUE BY THEM
FOR THEIR ADVENTURE IX MR. FURBISIIERS YIAGE.

After our harty commendacions. The Quenes Ma^ie being geven to
understand that the myners, maryners and others imployed in the late
vyage under our loving frynd Martin Furbusher, gentilman, are not yett
paid all their wagys for their sarvys in the sayd voyage, but doo lye
styll at the great charges of all the venturars, for lak of payment of the
money dew by dyvers of the particuler venturars, althoughe her Ma^ie
and many of the venturers have paid their partes dew for the same.

And for that uppon thaccount taken it appere that for yoi" part

therof you are to paye the sum of {blank). She hathe therefore geven
us expresse commaundement to require you amongest others and straytly
to charge you in her name to geve order for the payment of the sayd
somme in London unto the handes of Thomas Allen, tresorer theruuto

appointed, wt^in ten days after the receyt herof w^'^out ftbr that other-

wyse yt is ordered that suche as shall or fayle to make payment at

the daye limyted shall be quyt exempted from all maner of benefytt and
priviledg that may grow unto them by their former ventures made in
the said voyages. And thus we hartely bid you Farewell.'

In the countrie.
The Erie Pembroke _ . .

The Countesse Pembroke . - -

The Lord Hunsden - - - -

S^" Henry Wallop ... - -

Sr John Brockett - - - -

Mr. William Pellham _ _ _

Anthonye .Jenkinson _ - _

The Ladye Anne Talbot _ _ _

In the Court.

In London,
f S»' Thomas Gresham
Sr Leonell Ducket
Nextc wcke. ■{ Mathe Fyld -
j Edraond Hogan
(_ William Harington

1 [And — Farewell], expuucted MS.

^•172

- 28

- 85

- 57

- 77

- 135

- 57

- 10

£623

- 180

- 91

- 57

- 115

- 28

322

STATE PAPP:RS SUBSEQUENT

Christmas.

Mr. Thomas Randall
„ William Paintor
,, Jeffrey Turvile
,, Richard Rowland
]\Irs. Anne Kynnersley
Mathew Kynersley
Robert Kynersley
William Bonde
William Burde
Thomas Owen
William Ormshaw
V William Dowgle

gr ^na Wintar
Christofer Andrews
Robert Martin

- 57

- 86

- 28

- 57

- 115

- 20

- 28

^1123

- 40

- 5

[Colonial, 110. Bo7n. Eliz., cxxvii, No. 12.]

DECEMBER 8, 1578. THE EXCLAMATION OF THE MARRINERS,
ETC., FOR THEIR PAYMENT FOR SERVICE UNDER MR. FUR-

BISHER.

My dewty remembryd unto your honar. This is to syngnyfy unto
yoi" honar that w^e, commynge home w^ii out mony where hit was
declaryd beffore we came that we wolde brynge hit wt^i us, they keppe
a gretor store nowe then they dyd before, and wyl beleve nothyng that
we do saye. If hit maye please your honar that suche order may be
taken that those w" was taxyd by your honars maye be recevyd w'li the
reste that owght to paye who be in the corte by somme one yor honar
maye please to apoynt. And that hit maye please your honar to sende
the messenger wt the letter to those in the syete (city) that they maye
paye presently, and I shall geve my attendance there to receve hit and
to paye hit ageyne accordynge to order, ffor lyvynge at the corte
is great chargys, and all moste be put to accownt. All so there is
a great dell of ffreyt to paye : no shippe p'd but one, wch is caulyd the
Beare, Lester, wcii is Mr. Lockes shippe, and she is holy payde, as
your honar may se in his accownt of the mony wdi he dyd receve; hit is
350^?'. the laste parsell. There is other that w-olde be p'd as well, as he
Crystmas beynge so nere every man cryythe out for mony. I wyshe all
myght be payde before the tyme and hit be possybell, desyerynge
your honar to helppe at a pynche, or elce I wolde I had my mony and
another had my offece. This I take my leve, commyttynge your honar

TO THK THIRD VOYAGE. 323

to the Lorde, who blesse you and kepe you for ever. Wrytten at my
liowsse in Londou this viij December in anno 1578.

Yours to commaunde,

Thomas Allen.
To the Right honorable S^ Francis Walsingham,
knight and principall Secretary to ye queues
highnes geve these.

^Colonial 111. Dom. Eliz., cxxvii, No. 16.]

DKCf^. 11, l.^TiS. FROM MICHAEL LOK TOWCHYNGE THE
ADDITAMENTS.

Right honorable. This berar the messenger wyll report unto you
what he bathe done wt'^ the venturars for their money. We have not
yet receved anye but of Wylliam Ormshawe. AVe hope the rest will
come shortlye. This messiuger sayethe he must have his fiees. I know
not what to answere him thereon but as yo^" honor will appoint.

The great workes at Dartford stand still untill additament come from
the northe or the west ; that of the northe wyll come shortlie I hope,
that of the west is not yet sent for, bycause the commyssioners had not
l)yn togetheres sins I was at the court, but to morrow S'' Thomas Gresham
and others of them wilbe in towne as I am informed, but when they
nieete I think they cannot do moche for Mr. Edgecome's dytament,
w^^out sum speciall letters to hym from the courte. And in the meane
tyme I think it very needfull that letters were wrytten to hym to send
a ton therof by land vr^^^ the very first spedy convayans, for that we are
very certaynelye assured by Jonas and Denan that that is most good and
most fitt to work w^b our ewre, and the like surans have we by one
Goodyere an English workman, who bathe wrought in my hows these
iiij or V dayes on divers small sayes of our ewr by appointement of S^
Leonell Duckett, whose report yo'" honor shall know wthin ij or iij dayes.
And thus I commit ydr honor to Almighty God. From London this
Thursday xj December 1578.

Yo'" honors most bounden

Michael Lok.
To the right honorable S'" Francis Walsingham, knight,
her Mat't^s principall Secretavie.

at the Court.

.^*;-^t ^M

o24 STATE PAPERS SrBSEQUENT

[Coloyiial, 112. Bom. Eliz., cxsvii, No. 20.]

DEC^^. 15TH 1578. MR. LOCKES ACCOUNT.

Right honorable, I have receved presently yor letter wherin y honor
clothe write me of informations gyven against me to detayne in my
handes the companyes money and their goodes, for answere therof I can
saye no more, but that I have none of their money in my handes, and
for prooffe therof I referre me to myne accounttes,^ wc^ I am redye to
showe in particulers, whensoever the commyssyoners and audytors wyll
take a tyme to paruse the same. And syns that Mr. Allyn was ap-
pointed to be tresorer I have not receved one peny of money of any of
the venturars, but onely xxviij'' of my Lady Martin, wherof I paid out
xx^t unto Denam for his journey into the northe, and the rest w^h a more
summe is paid outt for divers petty parsells w*^i^ grow dayiy uppon the
workes of Dartford and amonges men for their sarvyce. x\nd I am fully
determyned not to receave one penny of money nor other matter of any
of the venturers but to gyve over myne offyce unto Mr. Allyn, althoughe
dayly I doo styll take payne to passe all accountts v^^^ all men, and wyll
doo styll to bring this busynes to a good end, the best I can. And I
have not receved of any of the venturers any one parcell of wares syns
Mr. Furbusher retorned home into England nor before he went on the
voyage, but onelye of iij or iiij of them, summe munition or tackeling
for the ships, w^^ stode for money for their venture outwardes, w^^ is
answered in thaccounttes, butt nothing at all have I receved of any of
them for this their dewtye for the ffraight of the ships nor wagys of the
men. And I have no goodes in my handes belonging to any of the ven-
turers in particuler, but I have my howsse full paystered of the goodes
of the companye dyscharged out of their ships come home, w^b is tac-
keling of ships, monytion, vyttells, and many od things, w^^ is all by
inventarye receved under the handes of the masters and offycers of the
ships, wcTi goodes I am ready at all tymes to delyver into the handes
and charge of Mr. Allyn when soever it pleases hym to receave ytt.

Herein have I wrytten to yo^' honor the trewthe of my doinges w^^^ I
wyll justyfye. I beseche yo^ honor to stand my ffrynd as you shall see
cause of defect by my doinges. And bycaus that sclanderous tonges
wyll not be stopped by wordes, I make no answere to them, but abyde
the tyme when God shall make my doinges knowen wherby he shall
stop them for me. And I comytt yo'" honor to Almighty God. From
London this Monday xv December 1578.

Yo'' honors most bounden

Michael Lok.
To the right honorable Sr Francis Walsingham, knight,
her Mat'es principall Secretarie.

at the Court.

1 Two volumes of these accounts are in the Miscell. of the Exchequer,
vol. fiO, 01.

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 325

[Colonial 123. I)o7n. Eliz.^ cxxvi, No. 57.]

THE NORTH-WEST VOIAGE. A BRIEF REPORTE OF THE ACCOMPTE
OF MICHAELL LOCKE CONCERNING THE CHARDGES OF IIJ
VOIAGES INTO THE NORTH-WEST PARTES UNDER THE CON-
DUICTE OF MARTIN FURBUSSHER, TOGUITHER W^ THE
CHARGES OF BUILDINGES AT DERTFORD,

Divers sommes of money receved by Mi-
chaell Locke oi the adventurers, viz., for
the furst voiage, viij° Ixxv'*' ; the second
voiage, v^^t cccv'', and the iij'ie voiage,
vjmt vijc iiijxx iijit xv* . . . xij"^t ixc Ixiij'* xvs

Divers sommes of money receved of the
said adventurers for buildenges at Dartford ml iiij^x^i

Divers sorames of money recevid for pai-
ment of fraightes . . . v"it vij" Ixxviij'* xv«

Sum totall of the receiptes . . xix™tviij''xxij^^ xs

Wherof

Allowed in the said accoraptes for buildeng
repaireng and furniture of shippes, victuals,
implements, wages, paiment of fraightes and
buildenges at Dertford, and divers other
thinges as in the accomptes maie appere . xv"i*'ciiij''xvij'^ x'' iiij'^

And then remaineth to be accompted for . iiij'utvj^xxxiiij^' xix-^' viiij*^

Wherof

Due by Thomas Allen, Threasurer of the
voiage for money by him recevid of the said
adventurers .... viij<^iiijxxijZi x^

Divers other persons for their adventures
yet unpaide .... ijmtycxxxv" xiijs myl

Michaell Locke for money supposed to
remaine in his handes . . . mtccxvj^' xvjs iiij'i

Whereof he demandeth allowaunce of mtcc''for his attendance and
charges sustained in the causes of the said iij voiages.

Tho : Neale, Audit.

On the hack occurs — Articles to be inquired of by Mr. Thomas Neale
and Mr. — Baynham, Auditors appoynted to take the accompt of the
northwest viage.

What som the Avhole adventure in the sayd viage dothe amount unto.

What sommes the adventurers in that viage have payd of the same.

To whom the same was payde.

What is behinde by the sayd adventurars.

What Michaell Lock is forther to be charged w'-'^all for wares sowlde
pcrtayuyng to the compaguye.

S26 STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

What hathe been paydd to Mr. Th. Aliii the 2 Marcheant as
Threasorer, and ho we the same hathe been ussede and what lemaynethe
in his handes.

What is dewe by the compagnj for fraight of shippes and otherwyse
and to whom the same is dewe.

[Colo7iial^ 126. Domestic Uliz., cxxvi, No. 35.]

AN.: AUNSWEARE TO ME. LOCKES REQUEST FOR 1200" W*^"
HE DEMAUNDETH OF THE CO-MPANIE OF THE NORTHWEST
VOIAGE FOR HIS SERVICE FOR IIJ TERES.

1576, The first yere.

1. Ffirst, where the saide Locke demaundeth for three yeres charges
and for warehouses and for kepinge of house. It is thought y^ the first
yere is not to be brought into this reckoninge, for that he was then in
the service of the companie of Muscovia, and that yeare also the cora-
panie of the Northwest voiage had no need to use warehouses or anie
meetinges ; fFor in the said first yere there went forthe but two pinasses,
and the adventure was but 875'i w^h was all lost and spent. Therefore,
if the said Lock be allowed iij'' for the hundreth, it is verye muche for
875'i well is 20?i ..... ^20

1577. The second voiage.

2. This yere went out the Ai/de, vf^^ two pinasses, and the adventure
was 1075'', And if the said Locke be allowed for 200^' after iij'' for the
hundreth, vfch is 96 : that is, -w^^ the most, he tarying at home and not
travailinge. Moreover, in this yere he was not muche troubled w^h house
roome, servantes, or greatt dyett. But ktt there be allowed him above
his provision towards his charges and servants, xx't . ^'116

1578. The third voiage.

3. In this third voiage there went out ten ships, wch the said Lock
had to deale w^^ all the Ai/de^ the Judith, and two pinasses, and the ad-
venture this yere was 7000^', wherof the said Lockes adventure w^as
2030^'. Beinge allowed for 5000'', after iij^', for the hundreth 250'', and
for his servantes, three in number, at xiij'i vjs viiyi the peeee, w^ii is
40'i (thoughe in the said Lockes accompt nothing is putt downe for
their charges), and for meetinge of the commissioners diverse times
after, lO'i the monthe, for iiij mouthes, wch is x'i ; this may be thought
sufficient, fi'or the commissioners did not eate often w"^^ him, and but a
fewe of them at a time .... £230

Touchinge the interest of money taken upp by the said Locke
by exchange.

4. It is not thought meet that he shoulde be allowed anie thinge, be-
cause it is verely thought he tooke not upp anie monie for the use of

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. o27

the said companie, but rather for him selfe, because he was so greate an
adventurer in the voiages aforesaid : at the leaste, if he did take upp
anie it could not be verie muche. This demaunde being so greate, it is
like he knoweth for whom he tooke upp so muche money, who are to re-
pay the same to him, and no reason that other adventurers w^li have
paide their money should pay him interest.

5. Ffor boate hire, to and from the Courte at sundrie times in two
yeres, the said Lock may have allowance of x'^, vf^^ is reasonable.

6. Ffor the time of the buildinge at Dartforde, for his riding charges,
and keepings three horses about sixe monthes after, xv« the weeke,
well amounteth to xviij^'. As for his mens and his owne diats are allowed
before : yet, because riding charges be great, he may be allowed for him
selfe and his men xxij'i more .... 40'*

7. Ffor the said Lockes charges to the Courtes, and following hir
Matie in progresse, a certain estimat cannot be made thereof : it being
uncertain howe often and howe farre he did ryde ; but it is to be sup-
posed not farre, because hir Ma'^ie was ever in hir progresse when the
ships were absent in their voiages, at what time Locke had least to doe
wtii the Courte. And his ridinge in this case and time could be but
part of two progresses in the two last yeres, for wcb he may be al-
lowed xx'i ..... ^430

[Colo?iial, 114. State Papers. Eliz., No. 4, Vol. 129.]

13 JANUARY, 1578-9.

The Second Minute for this purpose.
After o*' hartie comendacions, &c., albeit that not longe sithence up-
pon informacion given unto the Queues Matie, that the myners, maryners,
& others imploied in the late voiage under o'' loving freiud, Mr. Martyn
Furbusher, weare unpaide of their waiges for their service in the said
voiage (and thereby do lye still at the great increase of charges of all
the adventures). We wrote o'' letters by her Ma's precise commandem* to
[yo»' L.] emonge others, to make paiemt of [clxxij^*], w^b remayned un-
paid of the somme that [yo^' L,] assented to contribute to the said ad-
venture to the hands of Mr. Thorns Allin, thresourer, appointed for that
p'pose w^ii in x dales after the receipt of o^" said letters : yet the same not
wtb standingeherMatie is eftesones given to understand that the said somme
gevon by your L., as also lyke somraes geven by other the adventorers, re-
mayne yet unpayed, whereby as the inconvenience aforesaid, onelie by the
wante of paiement of suche money, is increased. So is her Ma^ie the more
moved to mislike thereof (Her Ilighnes & diverse of us & others having
paid 0^* parts according to o^promisse). Theise are therefore once againe
to praye yo*' L. to geve present order for the payment of the sayd some, for
besides her Mats good contentacion, that hath alwaies bene well effected to

328 STATE PAPERS SLB^KQUENT

the voiage : though somme men, uppon mialiking, can be contented to
withdrawe themselfs, & to be exempted from the adventure & all privi-
leges of the same, as was mencioned in oi" former letters that all suche
should be as refused to make paiement by the dale lymitted : yet is it
not thought in any wise resonable, howe soever the thing shall fall out ;
but that they should make satisfaction of so muche as they have pro-
mised, for without these promises the voiage had never bene taken in
hand. And thus trusting that for the respects aforesaid, we shall nede
in this case to write no more ; we bidd yo^ L. hartely farewell.

{Endorsed.)
M^^ To the adventurers.

\_Colonial, 119. State Papers. Vol. 129. Domestic Eliz., No. 9.]

My dewtie remembred. Hit maye pleise youre honor to undarstand
that Mr. Furbusher doyth moche myseuse me in words, saynge, I have
complayned to the consell of hyra. And that I have saide that all ys
nothing worth at Dartforde, and howe he hayth receyved so moche
monye and donne w^'-i it, he pleaseth w*^' all, where in I ame une oneste
and have no onestie in me. I do remebar I dide declare unto yoi" own
honor, wiche was wry ten in my by 11 of debts at the lower ende, that he
dide reseve 86'^ of Mr. Frances, 50^^ of my L. of Warwicke, 7'^ of Mr.
Turwill, wiche I most nedes declare, be cause I have gyven no quyttans
for yt. And youre honor axed me what he hade donne w^b all. I an-
sured, I colde not well tell ; but, as I dide here p'ade frawght unto some
of those shippes wiche he dide frawght in the west contrye, & some of
the myners, he sayth those shippes dide hym the best serves when owre
other shippes dide rune awaye. S^", he wyll werye us all, and he have
the brydell to moche. S^', under youre correction, I do not thincke yt
amyse, and yt be youre honors pleasure, that there weare comysion
frome youre honors that Mr. Furbusher accounte sholde be nowe pre-
sently e awdited w^^ these same auditors, for Mr. Lockes wylbe downe
this daye, and so shall youre honor see boythe the accounts to gether,
and what ys owyng by them. And that ordar may be gyven by youre
honors, that all superfluus charges may be cutt of whyth spede or else
yt wyll rowne one styll to great charge. I wolde I weare dyscharged,
rather then I wyll be thus raied at for my paynes. This I take my leave
of youre honor, commytting youe to the All Mightie. Wrytten at my
howse in London, the xiij of Janewary, 1578.

Youi' honars to commaunde,

Thomas Allen.

(Endorsed.)
To the right honorable S^' Frances Walsingham, knight,
and prensepall secretory to hir Ma'i", geve these.

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. o29

[Colonial, 120, State Papers^ Vol. 129. Domestic Eliz., No. 11.]

j£K ^v-^ BOKOUGII, TO S^' F. WALSINGHAM. 14 JAN^ 1578-9.

After my dewty unto yor honoure, dewly considered, this daye being
Wensday, the xiiij^'i Jauewary, I receved yo^' letters bering date at
Richemond the xijtli of this present, wherby I understand it hathe ben
informed yo"'" honour that I shuld owe for myne adventure in this last
voyage w^^ Mr. Frobisher, the som of lvij'« x^, the wc^i yo" requyre me to
paye out of hand, or els to repayr presently to the court, wher I shuld
understand her Ma'^ies furder pleasure.

True it is, right honorable, that at the setting forth of this last voyage
to Meta Incognita,, Myghell Loke, then treasurer, and cheefe dealer for
the same voyage, bought of me (to serve in the same voyage) a shipp
called the JvAeth, of burden about Ixxv tons, for the som of 320^'', the
■vv'^'' he condicioned to pay me in Maye last, wher of I allowed him then
Ixvij'i x« for my adventur, in the sayd last voyage. Afterwards (in
June last) I recevid of him Ixxxx'^ So I accompt to have recevid
157^^ xs, (and he then rested dettor to me 162^« 10«), the w^J^ rest I cold
by no meanes get of him, unlest I shuld have recovered it by lawe,
■wch I was loth to doo.

Since the commyng home of the fleet of that voyage, and the charges
of the same knowne ; and, theruppon, every man allotted his porcion
thereof, according to his adventure, my parte (as I understand) comyth
to Ivij^* x% the wch I accompt to be payd out of the sayd 162'^ 10«.
And yet reraaynyth dew to me, 106^'.

Thus, as appearith, I have payd my porcion fully w^ii the first, and
ought not to have ben brought in now as a dettor. But, seeing Mr.
Lok, his dealing towards me herein, hat ben w^^ so small credit or
honesty, that neyther he wold paye me the money that hath ben so long
time dew to me, nor yet accompt my porcion of charges to be payd as
before I have shewed ; but hath geven report unto yo»' honour that I
shuld yet remayne dettor for the sayd som of Ivij^* x^. I will no longer
credit him. And therfore doo besech yo^" honoure, that by yo^ good
meanes I maye be appointed payment of my rest, 106'i, w^i hath ben
dewe to me so longe since.

I wold have attended uppon yo^' honoure according to yo^" order ; but,
true it is, that I have ben ever since Christmas very much trobled
wtii an extreme payne in my bed, so as I have ben forced to keepe my
howse, and yet am not clear of the same, but hope of amendment shortly.
Thus I commyt my cawse to yo^' honoure, and yo^^ selfe to the tuicion of
the Almyghty, who blesse the Quenes Ma^ie w^ii longe most helthfull,
happy life and rayne. Amen.

Lymchowse, the xiiijtii of Janeuary, 1578.

Yo'' honours most humble to use and commando,

W. Borowgh.

330 STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

(Endorsements.)
To the right honorable, Sir Francis Walsingam, kn^^ght,

principal secretary to the Queenes most excellent

Ma^i'^, at the Court.
14 Januarie, 157 .
From Mr. Willi" a Burrough.
He hathe payd the 5... 10^ demanded, in a shipp Mr.

Locke had of him for Furbishers last viage : it

there remayneth due to him more for that shippe

IColonial, 121. State Papers. Vol. 129, No. 12.]

MICHAEL LORE TO S F. WALSIXGHAM.

Right honorable, —

I have receved yo^' letter, wherin I am charged to
paye ix^ x'* to Mr. Allyn, for my part of the fraight of the ships retorned
since w^i^ Mr. Furbussher, in this third voyage. For ansvrere whereof, it
may please yoi" H : to be advertysed, my part of that fraight cometh to
iijc xvj'i v« wcti I have paid, as by myne accountt dothe appere, w^b ac-
countt the Awditors are now in hand vf^^ all, and by them yo"" H : shalbe
advertised very shortlys, bothe of thatt, and of all the rest of my doinges
in the companies busynes. And for more part of the said ix*-' x'* it is sett
downe that the right honorable th'erle of Oxford, ys to paye iiij^^ 1'' ac-
cordinge to the order and rate of all the rest of the venturars, wherfore it
may please yo^" H : to call on his H : for the same sum. And yf that his
H : be not satisfied of this matter, I am to be ruled by yoi' H : and others,
uppon vew of the bargayne w^li I made w^-h his honor, w^h he hathe under
my hand and sealle, for I will not doo any wronge wyttingly to any man
lyving, especiallye to his H : to whome I doo owe bothe dewtye and
reverence.

And thus for this tyme I take my leave humbly of yo^ H : and commytt
the same to almightie God. From London the xiiij Januarie 1578.
Yo'" H : most bounden

Michael Loke.
(Endorsements)
To the right honorable S'" Francis Walsingham Knight
her Mamies principall Secretarie.

at the Court.
14 Januarie 1578.

From Mr. Michaell Locke
Towchyng the money w^ii he was written unto to pay to Mr. Alien for
his adventure in Mr. Furbishers viage.

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. Sol

[Colonial, 132, Domestic Eliz., cxxix, No. 44, i.]

THE 20 JANUARYE 1578. THE ANSWER OF ME MICHAELL
LOK UNTO THE WORSHIPFULL THE COxM YSSIONERS AND
AUDITORES OF MYNE ACCOUNTES UPON THE SECONDE AUDITE
THEROF.

In the month of Auguste laste 1578 my iij bookes of accountes of the First nmiite
iij voyages made by Martine Ffurbusher for the northwest partes were acc^'umes.
audited by sufficient parsones theruuto appoynted, who uppon the par-
ticular examinacon of the same, dide certifye under their handes
writtinge that uppon those accounttes dide remayne dewe unto me the
summe of ixoiiijxxix'i iiijs vj^^ of money, besydes all my stocke in venture
w^ii the companye, w^^ was about iiijmt/i in all thes voyages.

Afterwardes M. Furbusher beinge retorned home, he of his owne evell Seconde
disposed mynde dislyked of myne accounttes, and made greate complaynt mjue
of the audite therof and procured you the new comyssyoners and new *''*'°""^'^^-
auditores to revewe and examine better all myne accounttes and doinges
wch you have done. And now by that w^h you have sene well provide
agayne, you doo fynde my said accountes to be juste and trewe as they
wer befor in all partes excepte onlye in iij poyntes following, to the
whiche I doo now answers.

Ffirste you wold dysalowe me a somme of 96^' w^h I make paid to the The j ob-

, . 1., ieciiou for

shippe Bearelester for vittels of men that were passingers therm, wherunto yoii. paid.
I answer that I dide paye that some of mony and agreater summe unto
that shippe befor her departure from London, and I dide knowe by a
covenaunt of agrement made in the charter partie, that the said shippe
was to carrye xx men passingers, for the w^ii was dew eyther that somme
of monye or so muche vittells as should suffice for them. And I did know
that shippe dide carrye from London to Hawiche more than xxx men
wtiiout any manner of vittalls put into the shippe for them, and they
fedd only of the shippes owne provissione, and I dide know that thes
vittelles were denyed her in the Tames, and I dide not knowe that any
vittells were put into that shippe for them at Harwiche, but I was in-
formed that none would be ther delivered therfor although this payment
be sett doune and allowed unto me in account, yett is yt but uppon a
good accounte, for mysreconynge is no payment for I have recevid no
mony for yt of the company uppon that account made, but now yt
standeth stille as mony paid uppon the fraight dew to that shippe.

The second poynte is matter of yor dislykinge of the order of my said ^iie ij ob-
accounttes, in that you saye I ought to have charged myselfe uppon the the order of
fotte of that myne accounte for suche debts as were owinge for the goodes
bought and were not then paid : to this I answere that in dede yf I had
so done ther wold not so great a remayner of ixciiij^-Mx^' have appered to
be then dew unto me by the somme of yyii wch I hade not then paid.

myne
accounts.

00% STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

but I fynde no cause neather in reason nor in justyce that I should have
made suche manner of accounte forasmoche as no day of payment was
assigned but present mony and for the sama by appoyntement of the
commissioners I was become bounden unto those men that were unpaide,
and they daly and howerly calleynge and exclaiminge on me for the
mony and thretening me to prissone for yt, from wcti how hardly and
chargablye hether to I have kepte myself, bothe I and my frindes doo
knowe and felle ; wherin 1 coulde fynde no helpe of any of all the com-
panye w^h trouble might have bene avoyded yf the companye accordinge
to equitie and right had payed me that some of mony that therw^^i^all I
might have paid the creditors.
The iij ob- ^i^q thirde novate is an objection made uppon my stoke that I have

iectione lor ■■• '' "'

my stoke, in venture w^^' the Company in these uj voyages ; to the whiche I nede

not answer, for the account sheweth yt planly, that I and my parteners

have in stoke and venture in all the summe of .£4,680 of money w^b is

all paide excepte £450 w^ii muste he paide shortlye, wherof God graunt

good successe and then all this ware wilbe turned into peace.

The great Morover you doo no we see by myne ac counttes that over and besydes

monr^ch I ^H the Said summe of mony for any stoke and venture and over and

have dis- abovc all that I dide receave of all the companye I dide disburse of myne

bursea for T.

the Com- owue mony for the Company as follow*^!^ : In the firste voyage more then
^*"^' ^y-^h ^ad in the second voyage x'liyli w^^^ afterwardes I dyde lette stande

stylle for my stoke and venture therin.

And in the thirde voyage iijc^^', and in the buildinges and workes at
Darteforde viij^^i besydes other great sumes dysbursed in other meane
tymes w^^ myne accounttes cannot declare particularlye, bycause the
same are made up wt'^out dystinction of dayes or tymes but onlye one
daye at thende of every yeres accounte.

All well said summes of mony I have forborne longe tyme to my great
troble and charges of interesse, and I was not repayd the same untille
of late, about amonthe laste paste, as myne accounttes doo declare wherof
I know that you wille have dew consideracone as reason requirethe.

This answere may suffice unto you that be wise and reasonable, and as
for Mr. Furbushers faustye in this matter, yt deservethe none answer
at all.

THE 26 JA"NT7AEYE 1578. MICHAELL LOK SALIJTETH THE
AVOESHIPFULL COMYSSIONERS XSB AUDITORS OF HIS AC-
COMPTS OF THE IIJ VOYAGES OF C. FURBUSHER.

Ffor as muche as wordes are but winde and are easely forgotten of
those whome they towche not, and yet beinge misplassed by ignorauns
of the speker, or mishard by negligence of the hearer, or misconstrued
by the malitious, they do breed oftentymes contention and displeasure
Av^tiout cause, therfor I have thought good to set downe my mind in this

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 3oS

writtinge wherby you maye the better consider therof and so resolve
uppon that w^li reason and equitie will requier.

Nowe that you have goune throughe all myne aceountes and have iMyne
particularlie examined the same, you do fynd that I have made them found"dgbt
justelye and truly e, and have not charged them wt^ and matter wrong- ^'^'^l'^'^ *^,!
fullie nor falselye. And by the course of them you maye parceave my awdite.
great labour cost and troble had wth this busynes in these iij yeres
voyages.

And by conclusion of thes accomptes you do fynde that I have a My great
great somme of mony of myne owne in stoke and venture in thes voy- these*^^ ^^
ages, and that I have disbursed and paid from time to tyme great somes ^oy^&^s.
of monye uppon the credit of my selfe and my frindes for the com-
panyes busynes, to furnishe those voyages. And that in my handes no
monye dothe remayne dew unto the companye.

And wheras in thende of that myne accompt I do set downe a summe The charges
of yi\yli of monye in divers particuler parcells followinge, w^ii I have busyneT^^
paid and disbursed in the companyes busynes in these iij yeares, and
have not had any allowance therof, nor have sett downe anye demande
untille nowe at thend and conclusion of these myne aceountes to saye,

1. Ffirst for my ridinge charges in iij yeres to the courte
and abroade for collection of monye of the veuturares and

other busynes of the company . . . Summe J120

2. for my ridinge charges to Darteford in viij monthes
solicitinge the buildinges thear . . . Summe £60

3. for my boathire to the corte at Grenwhiche and to the
shipes and other places about the foresaid busynes in these iij

yeares ..... Summe £20

4. for the table diate of the commissioners, auditores, cap-
taynes and others, dalye raeatinge at my howse about the
busynes of these 3 yeres . . . Summe £150

5. for interesse of money taken uppe frome tyme to tyme
to furnishe this busyness and dispatche of the shippes on
ther voyages in dewe tyme for lacke of the venturars mony

Summe £250

Summe £600

6. for charges and travayle of my selfe, my servauntes, and
howshold, to followe this busynes, and takinge charge of
thacconiptes and howserome of the goodes in these iij yeres

Summe £600

Summe £1200
uppon wc'^ said parcelles some of you the commissioners do make dowbt
of the spendinge of the mony of some of these parcells and of the dewtie
of other some of them, wherefore hereunder I do declare unto you my
reason and prooffe of dewtie for the same.

Furbusher.

334 STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

The fiiste At the fii'ste begininge of these voyages for the discovery of Cathay,
of thes"^^ etc., Martine Ffurbusher did procure the same to be taken in hand of a
voyages. good mynd towardes his contrye and comodite towardes him selfe, by
the good likinge of the right honorable the Lorde Burghley, Lord
Highe Treasorer of England, and others of her ^la^ies honorable privie
counsell, whose letters he brought in that behalfe, dated in December
1574, directed to the Company of Muskovie for their lycens by their
priveledge to doo the same, vr^^ first they refused to graunte, of whose
busynes I had then the chiefe charge and whole doinges, whereby I
entered into knowledge of the matter, and althoughe (accordinge to my
dutie towardes the Company of Muscovie, knowinge the inconveniences
that therby might growe unto their trade of raarchandiz) I did also
dislyke of this motion for a tyme ; yet afterwardes, uppon consideracion
M.Lok of my dutye towardes my contrye, and knowinge by myne owne know-
"wth^M^^ ledge (as my manifold writtinges therof wille witnes) the greate beny-
fitte that therby might growe to the same, and perceavinge the corrage
and knowinge the aptnes of Martine Furbusher (by former acquayn-
tance w^^ him, and uppon newe conference had w^^ him) to execute that
attempte, I did so enterelie joyne vf^^ him therein, that through my
frindshippe w'^'i the company I obtayned of them a previledge and
lycens to folio we that attempt, datid the thirde of Ffebruarye 1574,
well X have, and so gave out my selfe openlye for a chiefe fryude and
folio war of the matter, wherby many men wer brought into a good
lickinge of the matter, w^li before could fynde no trace therof. And
hereuppon J used M. Furbusher as my fellow and frinde, and opened
vmto him all myne owne private studies and labores passed in twenty e
yeares continuans befor, for knoAvledge of the state of the worlde, and
shewed him all my bookes, cartes, mappes, instruments, so many as cost
me vc poundes of mony, and writtinges, and my nottes collected therof.
And dalye instructid him therin to my skyll, and lent him the same to
his owne lodginge at his will for his better defence in talke tliereof
w^ii other men. And to be short, dalye increased my good will towardes
him, makinge my howse his howse and my purse his purse at his neede,
and my credite to his credite to my powre, when he was utterlye des-
titute boath of mony and credite and of frindes, as his letters unto me and
his protection of her M^ie dothe witnes, when he was first lodged at the
house of one Browne in Flete Street, and afterwardes to have my better
helpe and relief removed nearer to me to the howse of a widowe named
-Mrs. Hancokes in Marke Lane, who cane bare witnes of the same,
will others more that I cowld name. Herewti^all M. Furbusher was a
glad man, and hoaped of great good fortune towardes him, and towld
me great matters of venturars that he would procure to furnishe this
matter, wheruppon to begine the matter I made a writtinge dated the
9 of Februarie 1574, for the venturars to sett downe their some of
monye w^ii their owne handes, and for the better incorraginge of others

TO thp: third voyage. 335

I first sett doune my selfe for one hundreth ponndes, wheruppon divers
others followidin the cittie to the some of vc^^■, and afterward sM.Furbusher
carried that in writtinge to the court (for befor that tyme no handes
wold be hade there), and there he had the handes of divers of her M^ies
honourable privy councell to the [sum] of iij<^^^, wherin the right honor-
able the Lorde Burghley sette downe a condicion that a convenient
parson should take charge of this sarvice, and afterwardes divers other
parsones did sett downe divers sommes of monye of small value. And The attempt
more venturars could not be gotten for that time, wheruppon thenter- throwne
price was geven over for that yere. 1575,^^'^'

And now Mr. Furbusher was become a sade man, for that by this
meanes his credite grew dalye in questione, and more & more dislikinge
grew of his dealinges ; yet he contenewed styll abowt London and the
Court, hoapinge and solicitinge what he could agaynst the next yeare.
And my good will and good word contynewed still towardes him as be-
fore, wch did him no hurte, but in the meane tyme coste muche monye
for thinges provided and charges bestoAved for the same voyage.

The next yere beinge anno 1576, the enterprice of the voiage was re- Thattempte
vyved agayn, and the question beinge asked of the venturars, they said pexTyere,
they wold contynew their good will and venture sett downe the yere i^''^-
before. Hereuppon, M. Furbusher was alyve agayne, and solicited the
furtheraunce of the matter by the helpe of Mr. Burde, then costomer
of London, and Mr. Alderman Bonde, now deceassed, at whose howse we
had divers conferences of the maters.

Now, in procedinge to the preparacion of this voyage questione grewe q^j^j. ^f
amongest the venturars, accordinge to the noate of condicion sett thebusynes.
downe by my Lord Treasorer, who should take charge of the mony
to be colected of the venturares, and who for the provicionand furniture
of the shippes, and who in the conducte of the voyage wii* the shippes
at sea ; yt was aunswered, that for the monye I would not meadell ; and a treasorer.
theruppon Mr. Hogan and Mr. Borow was named ; but Mr. Borrowe
uterly refused, and would not medell. Wheruppon Mr. Hogan tooke
paynes for a tyme and receaved suche mony as he cowld gette, and per-
cevinge the travell therin or ells no voyage at all, had bine made that
yere neyther, and for the provicion and furniture of the shippes M.
Furbusher did sett doune divers noats of divers thinges w^^^ grewe to a
great somme, w^ii the said 3 or 4 of the venturares dide correct, and did
ordayne dalye what they wolde have donne, and I daly keapte regestar
in writtinge of all there agreementes, and accordingly I did see all
thinges accomplished and executed, and tooke charge of the accompts of
all thinges ; but now the greatest matter remayned still in doubte, and
not satisfied amongest the venturares, w^i was who should take charge ^ ^jj^fe
of conducte and commandement of the shippes beinge alreadie at the governor of

t^^ ^ o the ships at

see ; for that M. Furbusher had verie littell credite at home and muche sea.
lesse to be credited w'^ the shippes abroade : this matter was the cause

336

STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

Lytle mony
of the
venturares
but M. Lok
ixcli.

M. Fur-
husher re-
toriied
liorae.

The first
stone of
ewer
brought
liome.

of the overthrow of the voyage in the ^^ere before, and this matter also
now was like to overthrew it this yere, and did cause most of the ven-
turares to keape backe their moneye in thend ; but, to forther the
voyage, I dide helpe this matter the best that I cowld, and I steped in
•vvth my credite for his credite to satisfie all the venturars that he should
deale honestlye and lyke a trewe man w^-^^ the ships in the voyage ; but
this would not sarve their torne. Wheruppon, afterwardes, by their con-
sent, I devised a writtinge wherin was joyned w^ii him in comission
Christofer Hall and Owen Griffon, Mi"s of the shippes, and Nicholas
Chaunsler, marchaunt & purser of the voyage, who were knowne for
trustye men, w^'^ out whose consent he should not oomaund nor carrie
the shippes, but accordinge to the comission geven them by indenture
under their handes and scales, w^h I have to showe. This did satisfie
most of the venturars, but all this dilligens would not bringe in mony to
furnishe owt one quarter of the shippinge intended for the voyage.
Wheruppon the shippinge was dyminyshed, and insteade of iij shippes,
we could scante furnishe two small barkes and one lyttell boate wher-
w^ii all he went wt^ cost xvjc^i of mony wherof ix^^i came out of my
purse alone, as thaccomptes doo wittnes, besydes other thinges not de-
clared in myne accomptes. And now this was the beggininge of my
travell and service done to the Company in theis iij voyages.

Now, when Martyn Furbusher was retorned hom againe, in October
1576, wtii his strange man of Cataye, and his great rumor of the passage
to Cathai, he was called to the courte and greatly embraced and lyked
of the best. And uppon his great informacione of many great matters
of this new world, yt pleased her Ma^i^s Honorable Privie Counsell to
directe their letters and comissiones unto S"" William Winter, Mr.
Thomas Randall, my selfe, and others, to calle unto us M. Furbusher
and Christofer Hawle, and to take accompt of them of all their doinges
in this voyage, and to take knowledge what were requisite to be donne
in the followiuge of this discoverie made for the passage to Cathai, for
another voiage the next yere, and to certifie their honors therof.

Hereuppon manye mettinges were at my howse and sometymes at
Sr William Wintares howse, and certificat was made by the comissioners
to their honors of good lykinge of the passages to Cathai.

In this meane tyme happened to be discovered the riches of a mynerall
stone brought home by chaunce by Mr. Furbusher and delivered to me,
wherof I caused prooffe to be made by skilfull men, and was sertifyed
the same to be of a myne of golde, wherof I gave knowledge to her
jMa^ie accordinge to my dutye, wheruppon muche marvale was made and
muche enquire and triall made by others of more credite, by whome att
the last it was confirmed to be trev^^e, and so was certifyed ; wheruppon
M. Furbusher was called to knowe what quantitie therof was to be had
in that new worlde ; he aunswered, that ther was inough to lade all the

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 337

shippes of her Ma '^ and theruppon now was prepared the second voyage Second
anno 1577, w^b muche greater preparacione then was purposed before ^°^"^' ''^^^'
for that her Ma^'e would be a great venturar therin.

And here uppon daly grew new busynes and new venturars and new
collectiones for greater matters then befor and dalye new comyssiones
and new directiones from her Mamies Honorable Councell, w^bout whose
knowledge no great matter might be donne. And stille the chief charge
comitted unto me as treasorer as many of their honors letters to me
directed in that behalfe doth wittnes ; wheruppon many assembles of
the Comissioncrs and others wer made at my howse dalye, as the reges-
ters of manye of their meetinges and agrementes of the busynes can de-
clare. And thus now may you see how and by whose comaundem* my
travayjles, trobles and charges in this busynes was contynewed and en-
creased stille unto this daye,

Thes foresaid matters beinge well considered, and callinge to yo'' re- The thinie
memberaunce the great busynes w^ii ther uppon followed in the thirde isrs!^'''
voyage made in the next yeare foUowinge, w^^ was anno 1578, w^h re-
mayneth stille befor your eyes. I trust you will thinke my foaresaid
demaundes of xijc'i for my charges layd out of my purse in this busynes
to be verye reasonable.

And never the lesse, bicause you shall know that I do not demaund m. Lokes
ytt w^-^out ground of dutie, I will now answer unto your doubtes and the charges
make proofe w^b a good conscience, as followithe : — i'*"^-

Ffor my ridinge chardges I have sett downe cxx'' for these iij No. i.
yeres, w^ii is xl^' by yere, in w^h tyme I have travyled to the courte in chaJges.
the countrie, and in progresse not so fewe as c dayes yerlye, for collec-
tion of mony and comissions for busynes, sometyme w'^b one man, some-
tym w^^ twayne, w^i^ my horses and companye that hath drawne to me
about this busynes, hath cost me some tymes xx^, sometymes xv*, and
when least xiij* iiij'^ a daye.

For my ridinge chardges to Darteford, I have set downe Ix'* in the tyme No. 2.
of viij monthes, yt is well knowne I was there everye weke sometymes iiij '^"'■'^'"'■''•
dayes, sometymes iij dayes, and most comenly ij dayes w^'i iij horses, some-
tymes iiij or vj by the workemen carried w^^^ me for the buyldinges where
I was lodged in a comyn yn as I am stille when I go thether and all my
folke also, when they be there by cause. C. Furbusher hathe nowe taken
uppe the lodginge that is at the worke houses, leste I and my men
Tjv^h have charge of the thinges there, should lye neare unto o'' chardges
to loke to the salfe garde of the thinges there, wcti hath cost me w^'^ the
workemen, resortinge to me dalye about bussynes xP adaye xxx^, and
never under xx.^ everye daye that I tarried there.

Ffor my boat hire to the Court at Grenew^ii and to the shippes and no. 3.
other places about this busynes, for these iij yeres, I have sett downe ^o'«=''^^'-
xx''. The uomber of junicys I cannot remember, they were so many ;

STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

but well I do remember that everye jorney to Grenewcb dide cost me
and my men, and his meate theare gevinge attendance everye daye
\s, and when least iiy liij^J, and manye dayes makinge two jorneys the-
ther in one daye.
No. 4. Yfov the table diatt of the comyssioners, auditores, captaynes, shippe

table dyat

of the CO- masters, and other daly metinge and resortmge to my howse, about the
mjssioners, j^^g^j^gg -j^ these iij yeares, I have sett downe the somme of cl^', w^^^ is
after I?,, by the yere, one vf^^ another. What resort hathe byn there at
daly about this busynes, the men themselves can wittnes makinge my
howse as their howse, and my table as their table, and what yt hath
cost me above myne ordenarie, I do knowe and ffeale, and those that
have experience of howshold chardges in thes dayes, also can consider;
but sure I knowe that, yf I were allowed iijc^'' for thes iij yere yt would
not recompense my charges therof.
^'o. 5. Ffor the interesses of mony taken upp from tyme to tyme to furnishe

IntGFGSSGS

piiid for this busynes and dispatche of the shippes on their voyages in dewe tyme
Ten'tufaJs!^^ fof lackc of the venturares mony, I have set downe but ccl^i, w^h par-
chaunce somme of you maye thinke to be verye muche, not havinge byn
acquanted befor w^b my deallinges in the busynes, nor havinge con-
sydered by myne accomptes what great somes of mony I have disbursed
and paid for the Companye from tyme to tyme for the furniture of the
voyages above all yt w^h I receaved for them ; yet I praye you thinke
of my doinge thus faborably, as the rest of my doinges dothe geve you
cause, that I will not willingly charge the accomptes w^h any more
somme then that I thinke may stand wtb equitye and good concience.
Trewe it is, that I have a great somme of mony for myne owne stoke
and venture in the seconde and third voiages, wcii would have stoped a
great hole in the paymentes of those ij voyages, wherby you maye sus-
pecte that I neaded not to have taken uppe so muche mony for the sar-
vice of the rest of the venturares ; but verrie trewe is this also, that it
were to hard dealinge w^^ me to make my mony stope the gape for
other mens dutyes, and make me stylle bare theyr burden ; and reason
would that yf anye of all the venturares be favorabley borne w^tiall for
the payment of this monye, I should have the most favor of all others
therein, consideringe my charge and my care and travell for all ; but for
playne proffe of my uppright dealinge in this matter, yt shall appeare
unto you by wytnes of the brokers by whose handes I have taken upe
the mony from tyme to tyme for the sarvice and furnicure of this busy-
nes, that the interesse w^ti I have paid for mony taken uppe, therfor
w^hin these iii yeres hath cost me of ray purse the somme of y^^', besydes
c'^ more w^ti i payed for the surans of vc?» w^ii remayned in the seconde
voyage, at I cannot telle whose venture, but at the least lighted uppon
myne owne venture and coste, wcii is togeathers vj^^^ of reddie monye
paid out of my owne purse, w^ii is not charged in any of myne accomptes,

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 339

but only now in thend of myne accomptes I have sett downe ijc?* for the
companyes parte of that v^'i of interest paid the other rest being iij^l^'. I
do bare and paye of myne owne purse, w-^ I thinke may suffice for the
interest of myne owne stoke yf it were not paid to thaccompte so sone
as you would have it, but so sone as reason required that it should be.

All these foresaid sommes of mony sett downe do amount to the
somme of Vyii. of redye mony wch I have paid out of my purse by
extraordinarye charges in the sarvice donne for the busynes of the
company, wherof I trust you do now see good cause to be owt of dowbte
of my dutye therof, and so to allowe me the same.

Also I have sett downe at thende of myne accorapt the somme of i^'o. 6.
y'fli. of mony, web I demaund of the ordinarie charges and travayle of owne
my selfe, my sarvantes and howshold to followe this busynes and h^s^^tr^avavii
takinge charge of thaccompts and howse rome of the goodes in these iij "J yearts.
yeares, wch is after the rate of cc'i by yeare, wherin I trust I shall not
neade to saye muche, consideringe that all of you be men of good reason
and can consider what belongeth to the mayntenaunce of suche a famely
as I have.

And somme of you by yo^' owne experience have fouude, and all of
you have seene, what a chargable travayle and great troble bothe I and
all my hows hold have had in the executione and followinge of this
busynes in thes iij yeares, and also all of you do know that wheras
I was well placed in the busynes of the Companye of Moskovia, w^^ I
did execute quietlye, and for the doinges therof I had of them a pention
of cc markes by yeare, bysides my howse rent ffree and other thinges
well worthe to me cc^' by yeare; I have forsaken and geven over that
office and assured trade of quiet lyvinge purposly to follow this bussines
of the companye w^'' better effecte, according to my good wille and
mynde desirous to sarve them to the best of my skille and power, wch I
trust shall not be evill bestowed on them nor evell recompensed towardes
me, havinge now torned all my goodes into the stones at Darteforde, and
left to my selfe a howse full of children, w-^^ maye bagge their bread yf
the stones at Dartford be but stones.

Thus, I trust I have satisfied you consernynge my dutie of the vjc^^■ The
sett downe for monye paid owte of my purse for the extraordinarye and'c""^
charo-es in matters of the Companyes busynes, and also conserninge the ^'luiuie-

° /. 1/. 1 rneut geveii.

other vyii for the ordinarye mayntenaunce of my selfe and famely during to m. Lok
this tyme that I have sarved the companye and followed their busynes this^husy-
accordinge to the office and charge comitted and comaunded unto me "*^^'
from tyme to tyme by the letters and comissiones of her Mat^ies most
honorable privye councell and accordinge to the agreements and
directiones sett downe by the comissioners in writtinge remayninge by
me w«i^ I have faithfully and dutifully executed from tyme to tyme to
the best of my skille and power, w^"^^ sommes of mony you ought justly

340 STATE PAPERS SIBSEQUENT

to allowe unto me, and maye as lawfullye so doo by yo'" owne dis-

cretione wiiiQut expectinge any further auctoritie as you and other

c. Fur- comissioners by their owne discretiones have all redye paid and allowed

and aUinved unto C. Furbusher more then y'uyli for his sarvice not so well bestowed

h.m viiicZi. as myne.

Tbe objec- But yo'^ maye object against me that when I had receaved the Queues
Q^Maties*^^ Mamies monye dewe towardes the fraight of the shipps and wages of men
monye. come home, I might have paid it owt unto them. To this I aunswer
that in dede I might have so done and so I did the moste parte of it,
but in all that tyme that I was in the courte suter for hir Ma'^ies monye
and for others of the venturars w^b was more then 3 wekes tyme con-
tinewally, C. Furbusher was at Barteford solicitinge the workemen their
to make some good proffe of their worke w^i^ thinge beinge so greatlye
longed for at the courte as wti^out that ther was no money to be had
amongest the venturars, and havinge so evell successe at Darteforde as
cowld not be worse then was reported, the matter grew to so great dis-
credit, as I could not parceave any hope where to receave any more mony
amonge the venturares to parforme this busynes, and here w*^^all my debt
beinge great for mony taken for the Company for the furniture of this
busynes and my venture knowne to be so great therin as all that I had
was worth, ray credit decayed vf^'^ the discredit of these workes, so as I
could not prolonge my debte any longer tyme, but was forced to paye
the somme w*-^ suche mony as I hade left me, wc^ was dewe to me by the
Company. And heruppon all matters growinge to miserie throughe
scarcitie of mony because the rest of the venturares would not paye their
c. Fur- dewtyes. And C. Furbusher lackinge now the mony he was wont to
bushers have still at my handes for the askinge, and I havinge no mony now
againste for him to paye his men, he entred into great stormes and rages
wt^ me lyke a made best, and raysed on me suche shamefull reportes and
false sclaunders as the whole court and cittie was full therof, w"^ did
me great hurt, and did muche more hurte to the state of the companyes
busynes, w^^ii is not yet recovered, but wilbe shortlye, at w^^i tyme his
false talles wilbe retorned uppon his owne heade, but in the mean tyme
his slaunderous reportes have byn made agaynst me \\^^ suche vemenfc
wordes of affirmation to be trewe, that through their sound of matter
for the venturares profite and vantage, they are yt credited to be trew
amongest them in the court, and so will remayne stylle untyll you do
scertifye them of the truth of my doinges uppon yor audite made of
myne accomptes.
M I oks Moreover you doo see that uppon my good hoape and desier of the

great stoke good successc of this busyucs I have put in stoke and venture in the
in thes Same all the goodes that I have in the world w^^out exceptione, and for
voyages. ^j^g accomplisshinge of the same to the companyes desire, I have gaged
all that I have and have pressed mj^ selfe and my frindes w^'^ all the

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 341

credite that I could make, and have spent all my tjme and oppressed

my selfe wth continuall labour and troble therein, wherby maye appeare

that thear hathe not byn any lacke of good wille nor dewtie on ray

parte, for the good successe of this busynes, wherfore yf any evell suc-

cesse should happen in this busynes of the ewre at Darteford, wch I ^[. Lok not

trust shall not yet is not that any way to be imputed to me, whose in- busyues at

nocentie therin my goodes bestowed and ventured therin shall witnes ^^'■*®^°^"'^^-

and my writtinges delivered to her Mamies honorable privie counsell of

my dewtifull sarvis donne in that behalfe shall declare, but yf any suche

mischief should happen, w^ii God forbed, the same wer rather to be

imputed and layed on Martine Furbusher, who therin hathe comytted

great abuses agaynst the companye, as in a paper of artickells therof

shall aj)peare in dewe tyme, and uppon Jonas and Denham who be the

chiefe workemen thereof. And on them the same were to be ponished

sharplye as men who have byne the fynders and bringers of that ewer

wcii is brought, and causers of the cost bestowed for the fetchinge and

workinge of the same, but I trust no suche cause shalbe geven.

And now I praye you waye upprightly my former doinges and con- Request of
sider wtb equitie my present state, and erive not eare to the false ^^- ^-"^ ^°

^ '' ^ ' o certifye the

reportes and sclanderous clamores latly raysed and sprede against me trnthe of
by Martine Furbusher w^^^out any foundacion of trewth, but defend my "^ oi"ges.
cause as my inocentie deserveth. And certifye her Mamies honorable
privie councell planly the effecte of my doinges in this sarvice and
busynes, as you do fynd it by myne accomptes, that their honors maye
be satisfied of me. And that I maye satisfie the worlde by the tryall of
my doinges W^^ I will justifye. And yf you thus do, yo'i shall do
justice, and I shall give thanks. And yf you thinke otherwise of the
premises, I referre me to that w^'h shall stand wt'u-eason and equitie.
The 18 of Ffebruarie 1578.

And nowe to conclude this my aunswer unto yo^, 1 must saye that -jj^g ^.q.
you have delt verrie hardly with me in that you have suffered myne ?^^'l^^i'°7^
accomptes to lye dead and not touched ever syns the xviij of Januarie iuge wth
last untill yesterdaye, by w^h meanes muche suspicion and clamor is
growen agaynst me withowt just cause. Albeit you maye saye in trewthe
that in this tyme the chief commissioners have byn so occupied abowt
the busynes of Duke Cosimirus, and the awditors abowt their busynes in
the tearme tyme that yo" cowld not assemble togethers, yet when some
of yo^ did assemble, ones to make aunswer to the busynes of Captayn
Ffenton in the west countrye and agayne to make inventorie and prays-
ment of the shipps to be sould, some thing more then is donne myght
have byn donne in myne accomptes, yf the awditors would or could
have come to yo^, in whose absence yo^ would do nothing in myne
accomptes.

Al&o I maye saye that yo" have donne me great wrong in writting

342 STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

The CO- yesterdaye unto her Maties honorable privie councell yo'" aunswer uppon
would not the conclusion of myne accomptes wti^out having had anny manor of
answere of consideraciou of my demaundes sett downe in my book of accomptes
M. Lck. delivered to you for my great chardges paid and sustayned for the doing
of the companyes busynes in these iij yeres voiages, and chieflye in that
I having made this present book of myne aunswer uppon yo^' awdit of
myne accomptes and making some of you acquaynted therwtiiall privatlye
bifoarc; and yesterday laying it open byfoare you to consyder, you would
not vowchesafe to here it readde, which justyce requyrethe to be donne,
alledging that the tyme was spent and you cowld not tell when to mete
agayn any more. And tharfore (in post haste) you would make aunswer
uppon myne accomptes and referre my deraandes to their honors. *

Mr. Auditor And wheras Mr. Awditor Neale of privat affection hathe set down in
tro'iiethe the letter of yor aunswer that myne accomptes are w^howt controlement,
couuttes' suerly he dothe me great wrong therin for myne accomptes are controlled
by billes and quyttaunces w^t I have showed and delivered to the
awditors in presens of you the comissioners and of Captayn Furbisher, in
whose presentts they have byn examyned vf^^ my bookes of accomptes^
for the proffe of all the emptions of the goodes and the payementes of
monney sett down therin wch said bills and booke's have byn now iij
monthes in custodie of Mr. Neale, Mr. Furbisher dayly comyng to his
howse as hys famyliar frynd, who in all this tyme might have controlled
the same, and would have donne it, yf they cowld have found anny
matter. And yet never the lesse yf all thesse awdytinge and reawditinge
be not sufficient to justifie my trewe dealinges in myne accomptes I will
take no vantage therbye, but let them be awdited and controlled agayn
by some others, and I will abyde the uttermost tryall of anny man that
can controll anny part of my doinges in myne accomptes. And for all
the payementes therin contayned I will bring before them the partyes
themselves of whom the goodes were bought and to whome the monny
was paid (yf^they be lyving) or ells a sufficient testimoniall from them
by othe or wyttnesses by notarie.
M. Lnk And whereas by the examynacion of myne accompts yt dothe playnly

ijmil'for the appeare that I did paye and disburse of myne owne for the companyes
busynes, the somme of ij^u poundes of monney at dyvers tymes for yers
and monthes of tyme vf^h is repaid me but w^'^in these ij or iij mounthes
last past, you the comissioners and awditors have not made anny manner
mention in this yo^ last letter unto her Ma^'^s honorable councell of that
good tome donne by me for the companye w'^'^ equytie requiereth
you should have donne.

And thus it may appeare that you have a thorne in jo^' owne foote
wcii dothe somwhat prick you w^i" now you would pull owt and put into

' Misc. Exchequer, Qu. Eev., vols. 00, 61.

Coiupaijje.

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 343

myne who am not able to cure it so well as yo^selves, but I praye yo^ put Do as you
yo'selfe into my place and then do to me as yo'"selves would be donne to. done to.
And so shall God prosper us all.

[^Colonial, 131. Dom. Eliz., cxxix, No. 44.]

FliB. 18, 1578. FROM MICHELL LOCKE CERTEFIETHE THE
AUDITORS AND COMMISSIONERS PROCEADINGE W^" m^^
ABOUT HIS LAST ACCOMPTE.

Right honorable, — Hereinclosed I send to yo"^ honor the letter of the
report of the Commyssyoners and Audyto's uppon their last awdyte of
myne accounttes, wherein they have delt very hardly w^h me bothe in
wordes and in deedes, but I trust I shall fynd their honors of her Ma^J^s
councell bothe reasonable and good unto me, according to my trew
delynges in thaccounttes and paynfuU sarvyce in their busynes. Wherof
to the end their honors may be better informed I send to yo"" honor
herewti^all a large declaration in wrytynge wcb I directed unto the com-
myssyoners, purposinge therby to gyve them knowledge therof to their
satisfaction, but for lak of tyme convenient they have not read ytt, for
ttheir meetynges hathe byn so selldome and the busynes in thaccountts
hathe byn so tedious unto them to paruse that they waxed wearye be-
fore their tyme and so have kuytt up the end in hast as yo^ honor may
see and would not read myne answere but referred it to their honors.
Yo'" honor was my fyrst and chief frynd at myne entrans into this
troblesom and chargeable busynes, and I would be right sorye that any
of my doinges should move you to repent, and I trust there is no suche
cause. Wherfore, I beseche yo^ honor to stand styll good unto me, and
to gyve me styll yo>" favor and good countenans, and to thinke of me as
of a trew man, for so wyll I trye my sellf in all my doinges, and wyll
abyde the uttermost tryall of any man that can controll any part of my
doinges in myne accounttes. This booke of myne answere uppon this
awdyte of myne accounttes may seeme to yo^ honor tedious to reade,
wherfore ytt may please yoi" honor that one of yoi" men may read ytt and
report unto you the eflfect therof and afterwardes that yt may be used
for the information of my Lords of her Mamies Councell, as my cause
shall requyre. And I wyll not be furder tedious unto yoi" honor at this
tyme, but onely agayne I crave yo^' favour towardes my trewthe. And
I commytt yo^' honor to Almightye God. From London the 18th of
Februarie 1578.

Yo^ honors most bounden,

Michael Lok.
To the right honorable S'' Francys Walsingham, knight,
her ^la'-'^s chyef Secretarie.

344 STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

Colonial, 103. Dora. Eliz., cxxvi, No. 33.

THE HUMBLE SUTE OF THOMAS BONHAM.

Ffirste the said Bonham firnished a shippe called the Thomas of
Ippiswiche, beinge of the berthen of viii^x or thear aboutes, and victualed
the same, and ffirnished hir with all thinges necessarye to the somme of
above Wyli.

Item, the said shippe was so beaten by weather in hire viadge as
cli. will not suffice to repayer hir, besides continuall charges of victualles
for ye mariners sinste hir comminge home.

Item, the pilate being apoynted by the companie of adventurers, and
by Mr. Ffurbusher, so as I ame not to be charged withe hir retorne
without ffraight, the same being happined onely by the iFaulte of theim.

My humble sute therfore is. yt by yo^ honorable good meanes some
spedie order may be taken yt thextreame charges I have bene at for not
paymint of enie ffraight maybe presently releved withe the satisfaction
of siche somes of monye as yo^" honor, withe ye reste of hir Majesties
TOOste honorable counsell, shall thinke mete and requisite for the sayd
shipes ffraighte.

Indorsed. Thomas Bonhams sute. Towchyng allowance to be yealded
him for Furbishers viage.

Colonial, 135. Domestic Eliz., cxxx. No. 21.

MARCH 28, 1579. FROM SIR THOMAS GRESHAM AND OTHER
TOUCHYKGE Y^ ORDER THEY HAVE TAKEN FOR THE PAYMENT
OF THE MARINERS.

Ytt may lyke yo"* good LL. to understand that we'haue receaved
yor LL. letter of the 26 Marche, wherby yor LL, plesure is, that we shall
appoint iiij men for the sale of the other ships and other thinges re-
maynynge, for the payment of the men not yett paid, Accordinglie, we
haue appointed men therto, who shall see the same executed as spedelie
as may be, but that beinge done, is but a verie small matter to pay that
w^b is ov,riiige to the men that are unpaid, and the ffraightts of the shyps
owinge. Wherfore yt may pleise yo^' LL. to gyve order, that suche of
the venturars as have not yet paid their partes towardes the said fraights
and wagys may pay the same forthw^ii, for that otherwyse wee see not
other present remedye for the same. The names of the venturars
wch have not yet paid their full part is in a wrytinge hereinclosed, to
whome ytt may please yo^ LL. to gyv suche straight order, as that they
may pay their partes owinge, as the other venturars have done, or ells
to be secluded from all beuefytc that may grow to them by their former

TO THB THIRD VOYAGE. 345

ventures made, and other ventures hereafter to be made, and to lose all
that wch alreadje they have disbursed.

Also yt may lyke yo^* LL. to understand that this daye we have had
conferens w'^h one John Barton, gentleman, who semethe to have expe-
riens of myneral workes, who hathe offered to make a proffe of the ewr
at Dartford, at his owne charges in the great workes at Dartford, and
theruppon will procede in the work of all the ewr there, to have for his
industrie, vppon the valew of the ewr after this rate ; to saye, for everie
ton yeldinge the valew of xx ponds money clere above all charges, he to
have ten shillings for his paynes and industrie, and yelding the valew
of XXX ponds the ton clere of all charges, he to have xx shillings ; and
yeldinge the valew of xl ponds the [ton] to have xxx shillings for his
industrie; and he to work ytt at his charges, and wyll work xvc tons by
yere, to whom (yf yo^^ LL. lyke of ytt) we have consented he shall make
prooffe ymediatelie after Ester, wherof yt may plese yo^ LL. to adver-
tyse us yo>" plesures, for that we doo staye the man in towne uppon
yo"" LL. answere to be had.

And for the procedinge of the great workes at Dartford by Jonas, we
thynk ytt very requysytt to procede in the same, and therto is needful!
of dyttamentts to be provyded for them, and other necessarie charges at
Dartford for the working of the same, wch in all would ask the suum of
\c pondes untill the workes wyll mayntaine ytt sellf for the reste, for
the wcii money we have nott any means heere, for that the former
cessementts wyll not suffyce for the fraights and wagys of men yet un-
paid, neyther doo we know how to provyde the same but by a new
cessemeutt uppon all the venturars, and the charge and accountt therof
to be commytted to a severall man.

Thus humbly we take our leave of yo^ LL., and commytt the same to
the tuition of Almightie God. From London the xxviij oNLarche, 1579.
• At yo"" LL. commandements,

Thomas Gresh'm. Lionell Duckett.

John Dee. Martin Frobisher.

Thomas Allen. Edwarde Fenton.

X"pfer Hoddesdonn. Gylbert Yorke.

Michael Lok. Mathew Fyeld.

To the Right Honorable our very goods Lordes
the LL. of Her Mamies Honorable Privie
Councell.

346

STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUKNT

[Colonial, 138. Domestic Eliz., cxxx, No. 42.]

THE VENTUKARS W^" HIM NOTE PAYDE AT THE 25 APRILL 1579.

The Lord High Tresorer
The Lorde High Admerall
The Erie of Sussex .
The Earle of AVarwicke
The Earle of Lecester
The Lorde Hondeston
Sr Francs Knowles, Tresore
The Earle of Oxforde
The Earle of Penbroke
The Countesse of Warwick
The Countesse of Penbroke
The Lady Ann Talbott
gr Y/m. Winter
Sr Johane Broquete
Mr. Phallapp Sydney
Mr. Edward Dyer .
Mr. Willm Pelhame
Mr. Thomas Randolphc
Johne Somers
Symonde Boyere
Antony Jenkenson
Jeffry Turvill
Richerd Bolaude
Mathewe Kenersley
Robarte Kinersley .
William Burde
Thomas Owene
Christopher Androwes
Robart Martine
Marten Furbysher .

li. s. d.
065 00 00
065 00 00
065 00 00
065 00 00
Oil 03 04
085 00 00
032 10 00
450 00 00
172 10 00
057 10 00
028 15 00
010 00 00
040 00 00
077 10 00
067 10 00
067 10 00
135 00 00
085 00 00
067 10 00
028 15 00
057 10 00
007 00 00

027 10 00

028 15 00
057 10 00
020 00 00
012 15 00
005 00 00
005 00 00
270 00 00

Sum of all . 2167 03 04

Thes whos names be under wrytten be suche as adventured in the
second viage, and not in the thirde, except the Countesse of Sussex, who
was no venturer in the second vyage, and S^ Lionell Duckett who hathe
adventured the moytie in the third viage accordinge to the some adven-
turid by in the second viage the w<^ii moste be referred unto

the considcratione of your Honors.

TO THE THIRD VOYAGP:.

347

The Countesss of Sussex . . . . 135 00 00

The Lady Aun Talbote .... 062 30 00

S'- Lyonell Duckett .... 067 10 00

S'- William Winter . . . . .500 00 00

Willm Burde . . . . .250 00 00

Christopher Andrwes .... 062 10 00

Robart Martyne ..... 062 10 00

There is also owinge by Mighell Locke for the foote of his accompte
1217^z. 195. 04c/., the consideracion whereof moste be in like case referrid
to the determynatione of your Honors.

There is also a reare acompt of Mr. Locks for dy vers marchandizes and
victuales, etc., retornid in the shipps, and by him sould unaAvdited.

Even so in leke case the whole and full acompt of Mr. Furbysher as
yete to awdite to bothe w-^ acompts I cann saye nothinge untell the
same be fynyshed and by the comyssioners throughly seane.

Indorsed. — A note of the accompt towchynge the northwest viage.

\_Colonicd, 140. Domestic Eliz., cxxx. No. 47.]
After 0'" hartie commendations, whereas for want of the paiment of
suche somes as are due by sundrie the adventurers to the northwest in
the late voiage made by Mr. Frobisher, not onely manie that served
in the saide voiage be yet unpaide and undischarged, but also the ewre
brought home remainethe untried and so unprofitable Her Ma^i^ hath
caused an order to be sette downe by my LL for the aunswearinge of
the saide sommes whereunto her pleasure is that so manie as be behinde
hand in their paimeuts, and intend by continewinge in the societie of
this companie to reape the benefitte that may happely growe thereof,
shall subscribe their names in the testimonie that they will see the
sommes due by them paide to such person, and w^l^in such time as is
expressed in the saide order. And to that ende we are willed to sende
to you, as we do by this bearer the same order to be by you subscribed
in case you meane to continue an adventurer, otherwise purposinge to
venture no more, to require you to subscribe to one other bill wch this
bearer also hathe to exhibite to you, thereby testifyiuge yo^" refusall to
be for the presente anie longer an adventurer of this companie. By a
note w^h this bearer hath under the hands of the Commissioners ap-
pointed to regarde the accounts of this Companie, you may see what is
behinde to be by you paide, w^^i if you shall like to see paide accordiuge
to the order, then are you by a note of yo^" hand to signifie the day of
yoi" subscription to the order, that accordingly the sommes w'^ you are
to pay may be looked for and receaved here by the Threasurer of the
Couipanie. And so we bid you hartely farewell from the courte the
of April], 1570.

Yo'' lovinge frcndc.

348

STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

[Colonial, 109. State Papers. Dam. Eliz.., cxxx. No. 16.]

THE VENTUKAKS W<^^ HAVE NOT PAID TO M. LOK, BUT MUST
PAIE TO M'^ ALLEN.

The Lord Ilighe Treasurer -

The Lord Highe Admirall -

The Erie of Sussex

The Erie of Warwick

The Erie of Leycester

The Lord of Hunsdon

Si" Frauncs KuowUs

The Erie of Oxford

The Erie of Penbrook

The Countesse of Penbroke-

The Countesse of Sussex -

The Countesse of Warwick -

The Ladie Anne Talbot

Si" Henrye Wallope

Si" Thorns Gresham

Sr Leonell Ducket -

Sr Willm Wynter -

S"" John Brocket -

Mr Phillip Sidney -

Edward Dier

Willm Pelham

Thomas Randolph -

John Somers

Symon Bowyer

Anthony Jenkynson

Jeffrey Turvile

Willm Paynter

Richard Bowland -

Mathew Kyndersley

Robert Kyndersley

Mi'sAnneFrauncs Kyndersley

Will™ Burd Mercer

WilW Ormeshawe -

Thorns Allen

Richard Young

Willm Bond

Thorns Owen

Wages Buyld-
secotid ings
voiage. Dartford.

Third
voiag
outwards.

Fraight
reioriie.

"7.

lb7R.

118

11 3 4

10 li

57 10

450

172 10

28 15

10 li

57 10

5 li

57 10

230

5 li

15 li

28 15

40 li

10 li

57 10

10 li

57 10

5 li

15 li

28 15

10 li 67

10 li

57 10

10 li

57 10

10 li

57 10

28 15

57 10

28 15

57 10

86 5

20 li

28 15

57 10

115

28 15

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE.

349

Willra Dowgell
Anthony Marlor
Christopher Androwes
Robert Martyn
Martyn Furbisher -

145

382

2855

Wages Buyld- Tliird
second ings voiag

voiage. Dartford. outwards.

1577.

- li

li
li

5 li
5 li

li 20 li 138

Fraight
retorne.

1573.

28 15
28 15

115

li 35 li 145 li 382 10 li 2855 13 4 not red
2923 1 8 received

li 511S 18

3418 3 4 Not recJ by Mr Lok
72 1578

The Venturars money not paid to M'" Lok but to M'" Allyn.

{Colonial, 124. Dam. Eliz., cxxx, No. 18.]

THE HUMBLE PETITION OF MICHAEL LOK FOR CHARGES
DYSBURSED.

To the right Honorable the Lordes and others of Her Mamies moste
Honorable Privie Councell.
In most humble dewtye besechethe yo^ Honors, yor most humble sup-
pliant Michael Lok, that wheras by the manyfold comandementts of
yo^ honors, and by the dayly directions of the comyssyoners appointed
for the voiages lately made by Martin Furbusher, yo"^ said suppliant for
the space of these iij yeres hathe taken the charge and dewtyfully to his
power hathe followed and scene executed all the busynes therunto ap-
pertaininge, according to the orders to him appointed in that behalf
from tyme to tyme, w^^i he hathe to shew to his continewall great paynes
and trouble, and his very great charges and expenses. And of all his
doinges in the premisses he hathe made dew and trew accountt, w^h is
awdyted and eertifl&ed unto yor Honors, in wc^i accountt yoi" said humble
suppliant hathe sett downe the sum of xijc^z by hymn expended and
layd out of his owne purse for dyvers particular charges, for the fol-
lowinge of the said busynes in the said tyme of iij yeres, as therin dothe
appeare ; wet said awditors would not allowe unto yor said suppliant
uppon his said account sayenge that they had none auctoritie therto,
but doo referre the same to th'e consideration of vo*" Honors. Now

350 STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

yC Honors said humble suppliant, most humbly besechethe yC Honors
to have consyderation of the premysses, in respect of his dewtyfull
sarvyce done therin, and his trew dealynges in his accountt made, as
also for that most trewlye he hathe expended and layd out of his owoe
purse for the said busynes the said sum of xiyli sett downe in thaccountt,
and also u'lyli more not sett downe in thaccountt, as he wyll make dew
profie besydes the great sum beinge ijmij 'l^i of money w^^i he hathe paid
in the said voyages, for his owne stok and venture therin, whiche is all
the goodes that he hathe in the world w^iiout exception ; wherby now
hym sellf and wyfe and xv children are left in state to beg their bread
hensforthe except God turne the stones at Dartford into his bread agayne,
and that yor Honors be good unto hym in this his humble sute, accord-
inge to his dewtifull trew meaninge in this his sarvyce done. And
yo"" said humble suppliant and his children, according to their bounden
dewtye, shall pray to God contynewallye for the encreas of all yof Honors
estates with all prosperitie.

IColonial, 125. Bom. Eliz., cxxx, No. 19.]

MICHAEL LOK HATHE PAID FOR DYVERS CHARGES FOR THE

AFFAYRES OF THE COM PAN YE IN THE IIJ YERKS OF THE

IIJ VOYAGES OF MARTIN FURBUSHER, GENT., FOR TIIK
NORTHWEST PARTS, AS FOLOW^" : —

For my rydynge charges to the Court at Hampton,
Wyndsore, Rychemond, and other places in progresse
to attend on Her Mamies most Honorable Privie
Councell, for comyssyons, directions, and money col-
lections of the venturars in iij yeres, at xl^' by yere . cxx'*

For my ryding charges to Dartford, and for the bylldings
and workes theare, and to other places, daylye, for
necessaries in these viij monthes . . . Ix^'

For my botehyer to the Court at Grenewiche to attende
on the Councell for the comyssyons, and money col-
lections of the venturars, and to the ships, and other
places li . . . . • xx^'

For the table dyatt of the comyssyoners, awdytors,
captaynes, and others of these voyages, at my howsse
often and daylye in these iij yeres, at 1^* by yere li . cl''

For interesses of money taken up from tyme to tyme to
furnishe thes iij voyages and dyspache of the ships in
dew tyme, for lak of the venturars money H ccl''

S'mm vj7i

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE.

351

For the ordynary chages and travayll of ray sellfe and
my sarvants and howshold to follow this busynes and
take charge of thaccountts, and howserome of the
goodes in these iij yeres voyages at cc'' by yere

S'mm of all xij^'^i

Thus moche money xij^^i, and more hathe ytt cost me out
of my purse, wherof nothinge is yett allowed me in
accountts. Allow me what reason and equitie re-
quyrethe.

And Michael Lok hathe in stok and venture for hym
sellf and hys chyldren w^ii he hathe paid

And in the name of John Dee

vj''

ijii^clij^' x^
iiij^^-^xvij''

^ccUi

S'mm . ijr
Besydes the stok and venturre of the Right Honorable

the Erie of Oxford, w^^^ is . . . ij"'iiijcxxx^i

By me, Michael Lok.

[Colonial, 105. Dam. Eliz. cxxvj. No. 56.]

THE VENTURARS W^^ HAVE NOT PAID THEIR PARTES FOR
FFRAIGHT AND WAGES THE LAST NOVEMBER, 1578.

Off the Court.
The Lord High Treasurer
The Lord High Admirall
The Erie of Sussex .
The Erie of Warwick
The Lord Hunsdon .
Si' Ffraunces Knowles
The Erie of Oxford.
The Erie of Pembroke
The Countez of Sussex
The Countez of Warwick
The Countez of Penbroke
Si' Henrie Wall ope .
gr John Brocket
Mr. Philip Sidney .
Mr. William Pelham
Mr. Thomas Randolphe

. CXV/i

. cxv'^

Ffor third voiag

. CXV^'

200

venture outwardes

. CXV^'

50,

. lvij'« xs

25
25} ^0

xxvij'' x*-'

. Ivij" x«

. iny\n

200

. clxxij'i X*

60 275

. Ivij^i xs

lxx/( x«

. Ivij^i xs
. xxviij^' xv^

^:}-

. Ivij'i xs

. Ivij" x«

xx^i

. lvij« xs

25J125

X''

. Ivij/i x^

Ixxvij^' X*"

. Ivij'' xs

xxxvij'' x^

352

STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

Edward Diar

xxviij'Jxv« 15 1 xxxviij^t xvs
Ivij'^ xs 25 M^ xu

John Somers

Symon Boyer

xxviijZi xv5 15)

cxvK 50 1 clv'i

Martyn Ffurbisher .

Anthonye Jenkynsou

. Ivij'i xs 25 ■

Jeffrey Turvile

Wiju xs 25

William Paynter

. Ivij'i x« 25 Ul5

Richard Bowland

. Ivij^i x« 25 1

John Dee .

. xxviij^' xvs 15 J

Sum ijmcxvij^i x^

Off the Cittie.

Sr Thomas Gressham

. clxxxli 65)

. Ivij'^ xs 25) ^^ xxxiij'' xv^

Sr Leonell Ducket .

My Ladye Martyn .

. xxviij'' xvs 15^

Mathewe Kyndersleye

. xxviij'' xv" 15 1

Robert Kyndersleye .

. Ivij'^ xs 15 f 105

Mrs. Anne Fraunces Kyndersh

iy Ixxxvjif ys 35 |

Mathew Ffield

. Ivijii xs 25 J

Edmund Hogan

. cxvli 50 1

William Bond

. cxv« 50lll5

Thomas Owen

. xxviij'« xv' 15

William Borrowe

. IvijZ' x« 25

William Ormeshawe.

xxviijzi xvs 15'
xxviij'i xvs 15 ,QQ

William Dowgle

Anthonye Mario'" .

xxviij'^ xv« 15
xxviij^' xvs 15

William Harrington

Michael Lok

iiij^lx^i 220

Sum jmiii

jclxxxvij^' xs

and ijmcxvj'i x«

Not receved fraight iijmVv''

outwardes venture vj^x'' xs

Sum iij'^cxv'i x^ not receved
Ffor the second voiag.

— x'i My Ladie Anne Talbot

— xl^' Sr William Wynter
William Burde
Christofer Androwes
Robert Martyn

■xx'i

. yli

Sum vjcx^' xs

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE.

353

ACCOMPT OF MICHAEL LOK, TREASURER, MADE THE LAST OF
NOVEMBER, 1578, OF MONNEY RECEIVED AND PAID BY
HYM SYNS HIS LAST ACCOMPT, AUDITED IN AUGUST 157R.

Receiptts.
Off the Qiiens Ma^ie for fraight, and wages
Of Therle of Leycester, for fraight .
Of Therle of Oxford, part for fraight
Of Mr. Secretarie Walsingham, for fraight
Of hym, for venture owtwardes
Of Mr. Secretarie Wilson, fraight .
Of S. Thomas Gresham, venture owtwards
Of hym, for parte of fraight
Of Thomas Allen, fraight
Of Christopher Hadson, fraight
Of Richard Young, fraight .

Sum receved, xxv
Payments.
To Michael Lok, rest of his accompt
For the workes at Dartford, above all receved
To the Erie Leycester, ewr from Bristow
To the shippe Hoapwell, part of fraight
To the shippe Anne Fraunces, part fraight
To the shippe Tho. Allen^ part fraight
To the mynars and men, part of wages
To the shippe Beare Leycester, fraight

Sum paid, xxv^ iiij

lujxxn i,j-^

^ xix^'
By me,

mcl^^
clxxj'' xs
vc Ixxxv^'
ijc xxx^'
Ixij^i xiij'
cxij'» x'

Ivij'f X--

Ivij^' X'

Ivij^'" x«

ixc Ixxxix''
iiijc Ixxx^^
clxxij'i x'

clxij^i x«

ijclli
iijclJ*-

Michael Lok.

Colonial, 137. Bom. Eliz,, cxxvii. No. 10.

AN ORDER SETT DOWNE BY THE QUEENES MA"^^ EXPRESSE
COMMANDEMENT, TOUCHING THE SUPPLYING OF SUCH
SUMMES OF MONEY AS ARE DUE BY THE ADVENTURERS IN
THE NORTHWEST VOYAGE, OTHERWISE CALLED META IN-
COGNITA.

The Q. Ma^ie being given to understand that diverse of those that
were adventurers in the late viages performed by Martin Ffurbusher,
gent., into the northwest partes (not w^b standing sondrie admonitions
given by letters directed unto them from the lords and others of the
privy councell), that they shold bringe in such summes of money as

A A

354 STATF, PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

Avere due by them at tymes and dales limited by the said letters, have
not brought in the said summes accordingly ; wherby diverse mariners
continewed a long season undischarged, and the fraught of the moste
parte of the shippes employed in that voyage unpayed to th' utter un-
doing of diverse of the owners of the said shippes, and greatly to her
Ma'^i^s dishonor, being an adventurer in the said voyage, and having
payed all such summes of money as were due by her. Ffor redresse
wherof her Ma"e doth therfore order that all such adventurers as have
not yet payed in such summes of money as are by them due, shall
wtii in ten dayes after notice given to them of this her Matins pleasure
bring in and deliver into the hands of Thomas Allen, appoynted to be
the treasorer for this purpose, the moytie of such summes as are by
them yet due, and th' other moytie w^^i in a moneth after, w^ii if they
shall not observe that than they shall not only be forthw^ii excluded out
of the company, but also loose the benefitt of such summes of money as
they have alreaddy putt in, being a matter agreeable vf^^ lawe and
justice for not observing the rules of societie. And for that it may be
knowen out of hand who meane to continewe the said adventure by
making payment of such sommes as are by them due accordingly, as is
above mentioned, and who shall refuse : y t is by her highnes thought
meete, and so ordered that such as meane to continew the same shold
subscribe there names to this order, as thereby binding themselves to
the payment of the summes by them due, as above is expressed. And
that such as shall refuse to subscribe the same therby to bind themselves
to the payement, but meaning to adventure no more money in the said
voyage shalbe herafter utterly excluded in suche sorte as is above
specified. And to thintent that no man shall pretend ignoraunce what
he ought to paye at this present, the bearer herof hath a scedule con-
teyning the names of all such as have adventured w^^' the summes by
them payed, and what summes are remayning due to be payd, subscribed
by such commissioners as have had authorysie to have regard thereto.
Also, The L. Treasorer.

The L. Admirall.

The L. Chamberlain.

The E. of Warwycke.

The E. of Leycester.

The L. of Hunsdon.

Mr. Thresorer

Secret. Walsingham.

Mr. Secret. Wylson.

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE.

355

[Colonial^ 141. Bom. Eliz., cxxvi, No. 36.]

THE NAMES OF THEM THAT HE LEFTE OWTE OF THIS LAST BILL
AND THOSE THAT BE SETT LESSE IN THIS LAST BYLL THEN
IN THE OTHER THESE NAMES FFOLLOINGE.

Thomas Randolphe
Jeffraye Turvell
Jhon Dice
S'' Lyonell Duckett
My Ladye Martyu .
.Mathew Ffelde
Edmoiid lluggan
Wylliam Burroo
Wylliam Ilarryngton
^lychell Locke

£ s. d.

. 10

. 28 15

()

. 28 15

. 115 U

57 U

. 28 15

. 460

835« 0*

\_Lansdowiie, xxx, No. 4, fol. 12. Colonial, 153.]

THE OFFER OF MICHAEL LOK FOR THE NORTHWEST EWR AT
DARTFORD.

He requirethe to have lycense for iij yeares to serche for myneralls
by the patent made to William Humfrey or by the mynes Royall. And
libertye to work them at his pleasure at his owne charges, gyving ther-
fore V of the c, of the clere gayne that shall grow therbye.

To have the use of the workhouses at Dartford for iij yeres, and
libertye to work the northwest ewr that is there at his pleasure, at his
owne charges.

To have a man assigned to be of his councell, and take account under
hymn in all that shalbe done. And all the clere gaynes that shall grow
by this workes, he is content shalbe gyven to the payment of the debtts
owing by the companye, for the northwest voiages of Captaine Fur-
busher.

That he may have recompenses of the Royal Majestic for his land
bought and recovered from hym, the which recompens he is content
shalbe emploied in these workes, to be repaid hym in account of the
workes, withall his owne travayll and Industrie.

That he have a protection of her Majestic for iij yeres, and a quietus
est of his accountes, and a clere discharge for all his bondes, an<l all the
debtes of the companye of the voiages of Captain Furbusher.

A A 'Z

To have

356 STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

That may have commyssion to collect the goodes of the com-

panye that lye scattered, and to recover the debtes owing to the com-
panye, and set downe what is owinge to them and to take account of the
state of the companye.

And after that he hath paid and sattysffied the creditors of the com-
panye for the debttes owing to them, he shall have freelye the leasse of
the workhouses at Dartford, with all the companyes interest therein.

A letter to be wrytten from my Lords of the Counsell unto the Com-
myssyoners, to examyne all the workmen for the addytaments used with
the northwest ewr, in the small sayes made in Meta Incognita, which
shewed clene gold.

Commyssyoners. Workmen.

Sir William Wyntar. John Baptista Agnello.

Sir William Pelham. Jonas Shutz.

Mr. Thomas Randolphe. Robert Denam.

Mr. Dyar. William Humfrey.

Mr. Dee. Humfrey Cole.

Mr. Yonge.

Mr. Hogan. D. Burcot is deade.

Mr. Lok.

Mr. Palmar.

{^Lansdowne MS., xxx, No. 4, fol. 10. Colonial, 152.]

THE OFFER OF MICHAEL LOK.

All the northwest ewr brought home by Captayne Furbusher is
estemed xij^c tons.

For the which ewr Michael Lok shall paye v^ the ton, which
amountethe \'j"i^ of money.

The first payment to begyn at the end of one yere, and then to pay
every monthe c' of money untill the vj™' be payd.

And for suretye of this payment he shall fyrst receve 1 ton of ewr
better uppon his owne bond, and afterward shall gyve suretye for the ewr as

suertv than , ^ , 8J J-

by self. he recevethe yt.

And he shall have the whole leasse of the mylles and workhowsses at
of the lesse Dartford, and benefyt therof in suche state as the same is taken of the
knoweii. Quenes farmar, and as the same now ys.

He shall have freelye all the implements and furnyture for the workes

now beinge at Dartford, and all the myneralls and mettals that are

there being wroughte.
The except- He shall have lycens for terme of the said leasse to serche and myne
ot^er" ^^^ ®^^^ ^^^ myneralls in all groundes which are not already opened
former and myned, and therout dygged the quantyte of fyve ton of ewr within

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 357

all the Queries Majesties domynyons, except the priviledges of the made by
stannerie of Cornwall for their tynne ewrs, and the same ewrs and or by any
rayneralls to take and carye away and use at his pleasure, compoundyng genitors,
with the ownars for the brekynge of their ground.

And, nevertheles, this Lycens shall not restrayne any other man to
serche and dygge also for any ewrs and myneralls in any other place not
beinge within fyve myles of the place that shalbe dygged and followed
by vertew of this Lycens.

He shalbe clerely dyscharged and kept harmeles, quyet of all maner
debtes and demandes of all men, for all the busynes of the Companye
done before this day.

The Quenes Majestic shall have iibertie to take agayne into her haudes
this grant and contract at the end of vij yeres, payenge and recom-
pensyng the charges done and domage to be sustayned therebye by the
arbitrement of vj indyfferent parsons.

Lanadoione MS., xxx, No. 4, fol. 11.

Or ells yf the forsaid oflfer be not lyked, then Michael Lok shall cause
to be wrought all the said northwest ewr, for the account and use of the
companye of venturars.

And shall make yt worthe v'* the ton at the least, and better yf yt
wilbe clere of almaner charges from hens forthe to be done.

And the company of venturars shall gyve hym the awcthoritie to
governe, command, and direct all the workes.

And shall pay hym x^ a day for his owne charges and travayll, out of xhe Com-
the sayd valew of the ewr. And shall provyde a stok of money iiij''.£, to [o^g^^oyg*'^
buye and provyde addytaments and to begyn the workes. And shall much
appointe a man to be of counsell of his doinges and to kepe the money
and to take thaccounts daylye of all that passethe.

And he shalbe clerely dyscharged and kept quyet of all maner debtts
and demandes of all men, for all the busynes of the companye done be-
fore this day.

And after that all this northwest ewr is wrought as aforesaid, Michael
Lok shall have the state and right of the said leasse of the sayd mylles
and workhowsses at Dartford for the rest of the yeres therein then to
come.

And allso the Lycence to serche and myne and work all ewrs and
myneralls as aforesaid, duringe the rest of the yeres of that leasse for
his owne account and use, payeng to the Quenes Majestic fyve shillinges
money for every tonne of ewr that shalbe dygged and melted by vertew
therof.

358

STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

Colonial^ 104

18 NOVEMBKIS, 1578.

Dom. Eliz., cxxvi, No. 47.

AN OFFER THEN MADE AT MOSKOVY
HOrSE BY JONAS SUTE BEFORE M^ FEILD, M" LOCK, AND
ANDREW PALMER.

A tonne of ewer

vj° of copper rerquisite from Keswicke

Of lead, icwt .

Of lead ewer, vicwt

Wood for roste, di (2cwt) mt ? (500)

Coles for meltinge

Ffees and wages a tonne

Ffor extraordinary charges

Sum, xiijz^ xv«
Hereof Jonas will deliver gold and silver nett to the vale we of xxiij'^ xv^
Indorsed. Mr. Palmers note touchynge Jonas oiFer abowt Furbishers
■ewre. IStii Nov., 1578.

VllJ

xx*

xxiiij^

xvj«

Colonial, 103. Dom. Eliz.y cxxvi, No. 34.

ALL THE STOK OF THE VENTURERS IN ALL THE IIJ VOYAGES.

Sum of all the stok of All the

all the venturars. venturars.

For the first voyage, anno 1576 . £875
Forthesecondvoyage,annol577 . £4275
For wagys at retorne therof . £1030
For byldinges at Dartford . £1105

For the third voyage, anno 1578 £6952 10s.
For fraight& wagys at retorne therof, £3347 10s.

wherof

Sum .
For the second rate of fraight

£17585
£2575

Michael Lok and
his children.
. £100
. £1075
. £225
. £260
. £1755
. £845

. £4270
. £650

Sum all . £20160 . . £4920

And note that of the forsaid summe of £4270 of his venture, the

Erie of Oxford became partner w^^i him for £2000 in suche order and

maner as hym selfe was and is venturar.

And over and besydes the said summe of £4920 of his venture

Michael Lok dyd pay of his owne purse for the furnyture of the first

voyage £700, whiche was restored to him in account of the second

voyage.

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 859

And he dyd also paye of his owne purse, for the furnyture of second
voyage, £400, whiche is now latelye repaid hym in accouutt.

And he did also pay of his owne purse, for furnyture of the third
voyage and byldyng at Dartford, .£700, whiche is nowe latelye repaid
hym in accountt.

And, more over, he hathe taken great paynes and travayll, and byn
art very great charges and expenses in doinge the companies busynes in
all these iij voyages, and hathe not yet charged anye of his accouuttes
withe one penye for the same, kuowinge that the venturars wyll con-
syder of it withe reason.

And now, Michael Lok havinge done all the premysses in sarvyce of
her Ma"e and the venturars, he is openlie sclandered by Captaine Fur-
b usher thus to be : —

A false accountant to the companye.

A cossener of my L. of Oxford.

No venturer at all in the voiages,

A bankerot knave.

Wherfore most humblye he besechethe yo'" LurJships to direct yo»' letters
unto the commyssioners of the busynes and the awdito''^ of his accounttes
to certyfFye yo'" Lordships what he hathe done in the premysses.

\_Colonial 122. Dom. Eliz.^ cxxx, No. 17.]

THE ABUSES OF CATTAYN FUKEUSHER AGAYNST Tlit COAJ I'A^ Y E.

AN" 1578.

In the first voyage he brought home by chaunce a stoane of riche n,,. i.
ewre, and being exarayned by S'- William Wynter, Mr Randall, M»- Hogan, p^il^^^Jd
and the rest of the Comissioners, what quautitie was to be had, he said ^'^^ ""^^
that in that countric was inoughe therof to lade all the Queues shippes,
and promised to lade the shippes of the seconde voiage ther w^^all,
wheruppon the seconde voiage was prepared, and comyssion geven him
to bringe of the same. And Jonas, Denham, and Grigorie, were sent
with him for the same ; but he performed uothinge at all, & brought
not so muche as one stoane therof ; for ther was none to lade, as Jonas
and the rest do witnes, but laded the ships w^i^ other mynes founde by
chaunse.

In the seconde voyag he retorned the shipps laden w^ii stoanes of no. 2.
strainge ewr found by chaunce there, sainge they were of gold myne ^!^^ ^^^
worth iiii^x poundes a tonne, wcb is not yet so founde ; and also he ^'^"^ = "^^
brought some stoanes of redde ewre and yellow ewer of Jonas mount,
verye riche of gold, as D. Burcot witnessed, and the stoanes are yett to
be seen. And promised to the comissioneres that ther was mountaynes
therof, and he would lade all the shippes therw^^'al in the thirde voiage,

.360 STATE PAPERS SUBSEQUENT

wheruppon the thirde voiage was prepared vf^^ so great chardg ; but he

brought home not one stoane therof afterwards that is yet found.

^o. 3. In the thirde voiage he promised to lade all the shippes w^^ the ewr

ous shippes of Jonas mount, and other so riche ewre as the best of the second

and ciiargs. ^q^.^^q ^^as, and carried owt a nomber of ships for that purpose, and a c.

men to inhabit there under culler of the Frenche mens preparacon to

that countrie, and besydes the nomber appoynted to him by the Comis-

He carried sioaers, he carried mor 4 shippes and a c. men more for his owne pur-

c meiu' ^""^ P^^t;, w^i^out the knov/ledge of the Comissioners, wet now rest uppon the

wthout charge of the Companye, and he brought home those ships laden

w"-^ none of the ewre that he promised, but w^^^ other strainge ewr, wher

he could fynd yt, w^ii he said was better then the best that was brought

the yeare befor, wci^ is not yt so found.

j^'o 4 Also he promised to the Comissioners and had speciall charge by

He would comissione first to plant C. Fenton and the c. men to inhabit in that

not plclC6 *■

c. Feutou ne^v land, wheruppon the great preparacon was__ made ; but afterwards,
before his departure from London, he dislyked that enterprice, and
diswaded the same cullerablie, and when he came there he would not
helpe them therin one jote, not so muche as for 50 men wherwithall C.
Fenton would have tarried there, he feringe that C. Fentons deede
therin woulde dashe his glorye, and because he toke the victualls of that
provicion to victuall his owne 4 shippes taken wtii him extraordinare,
well went from hens unvictualled uppon his promisse made them to
victuall them, as Captayn Fenton and others witnes.
^,^ ^ He promised and had comission to send the two barks this yere to

He made no make some discoverie of the passage for Cathai. wc^ he might have

discourie of ■ ^ ' ^ -i t ^ •

passage. douuc ; but when he came at Meta Incognita, he would do nothmge at
all therin as Hawll & Jakman wytenes, but made all his endevour to
lade his owne shippes, and the rest home agayne vf^^ ewre.

He hathe byn still verrie costlye and prodigall in the furniture of

His owne the shippes and men for the voyage, and his owne men beinge shipped

men evell ^^ . ^ , •, . i t • , ^^ ^

officers in for officieres of the shippes have made verie great spoile, wast, and
the shippes. p-|£^,^g ^f ^j^^ g^^^jg j^ ^]^q shippes, for the Vf<-^ he must give account.
^,^ ^ He did practyse to advaunce J). Burcot into the place of Jonas, &

He mayn- mayutan Burcots false proffes made of the ewre, to thend he might be
Burcott's' sett on agayn in this third voyage, as the Comissioneres and Denham

doings. ..

canne witnes.

He was sent to Bristowe to dispatche the ships, the A^de on the thirde
He vitteiied voyage, whcriu he was made victualler of the shippe, for the whiche
2fd?^^^ sarvice he had money before hand, but he dide so evell vittell the same,
as wheras the Companye allowed him to vittell her w^b fleshe 4 daye in
the weke, he sarved the men therof onlye 3 dayes, and 2 dayes in the
weke, and the rest of the weke w^^ evill fishe, and that w*^ scarsetie
wherbye mauye of them died, as the men do reporte.

TO THE THIRD VOYAGK. 361

He was sent into the west countrie to provide the 120 myners for the No. 9.
voiage, for whose furniture he received money of the Companye by fore dobieTn
hande, for their wags liUO, and for their weapons lii20, but therof he pi-o^'Js^ion!'^
paid these men uppon their wags, to some xx«, to some xiii^ iiiirf, and to
some nothinge the man, as the accounts declare. And what weapones
they had, or he for them, as yet is unknoune. But in the west countrie
is spreade agreat clamor that those mynares beinge prest by comissione
many of them were afterwards chaunged by favour for showmakeres,
taylores, and other artificers, no workemen, and were furnished to see at
the charge of the townes and villages in maner of a subsedye as it is re-
ported openlye.

He toke the shipe the Sallo7non of Weymoth, in the west countrie, No. lo.
wtiiout knowledge of the comissioneres, by force of Her Mamies general! shippe
comission to him geven, and therby caused the owner, Hew Randall, to comissiou!*^
furnishe her, and to be with him in this sarvice of the thirde voyage, pro-
misinge hime victualls and other great matters, w^'^^ he performed not,
as Hewe Randall dothe sayc.

He led all the shipps this yere to a wronge place of Meta Incognita, No. ii.
throughe his obstinate ignorance, wherby they were all in great danger ge^e of
to perrishe, as Hawll, Davis, and the rest of the shipps masters will ^^^^p^^ *"
witnes. place.

He, beinge at Meta Incognita, did refuse conference and counsell of No. 12.
all others, and said his instructiones, geven by her Ma'^ies Honourable the Coun-
Privie Councell, were but the device of Fenton and Lok, and never reade mission',
by the Councell, though their hands were at the same, as Captayn
Fenton and the other captaynes, and Hawell do witnes.

And when the shippes were mored salf in harbor in the countey of no. 13.
Warwicks Sounde, where they should lade, and from whence they should ^^ g'Jeat^
have departed orderlye, he beinge at Beares Sound, comaunded all the disorder of
shippes (wthout anney advice or discretion) to come thether to take him retorue
and his men in, w^ii place beinge no harbor, but wilde see, a storme of
weather happened w^h put all the shippes to see to save them selves,
wtb losse of all their boates and pynnesses, and other spoile, leavinge
him there behind them in the barke Gahriell. And so they came home
in suche disorder as is openlye knowne.

He is so arrogant in his governement, as Hawle, Jakman, Davis, nor no. u.
the other of the masters wille no more take charge of ships under him, gancte!^"
and so imperious in his doinges as some of the Comissioners are werie of
his company, and manney of the venturares mynded to medle no more
wtb him.

He drew his dagger and furioslye ranne uppon Jonas, beinge in his nc 15.
worke at Tower hill, and threatned to kill him yf he did not finishe his j^j® J^^^^
worke owt of hand, that he might be sett owt againe on the thirde »» J»uhs.
voiage, wheruppon Jonas did conseave so eavell nature in him, that he

362 STATE pap?:ks subsequent

made a soUempe vowe he would never go to see any more wth him,

w«ii hath byn no small domage to the Company in the ewre brought

home the thirde voyage.

No. 16. jje drew his dager on Captayne Fenton at Darteford, uppon a quarrel-

his dagear ous humor, and wolde haue mischefed him uppon the sodayne, yf

rvntGu. Mr. Pelham and others had not bine present.

Xo. 17. He is so full of lyinge talke as no man maye credit anye thinge that

trew^tbe iu he doth speake, and so impudent of his tonge as his best frindes are most
his talke. sclanndered of him when he cannot have his wille.

Xo. is. He hath raysed lately such sclannderous reportes against Mr. Lok,

^erecTM^ ^''^^ geven suche vehement false informaciones of iii™ l{^ and other greate

Lnk, to the gQjQgg of money to remayne in his hands dew to the Company, to paye

age of the the shipps fraights and mens wages, as hath well lyked some of the

oinpanj . ^gj^j.^y^j.gg^ which hoaped therby to be forborne of the payment of their

owne parts of money dewe for that purpose, wherby littell money cane

yett be had of them of the Z/3,400 dewe by them to dyscharg that dutye

whiche hath caused the Company to spend mli of monye in vayne, for

chardgs of the shippes and men synes they came home, and by that

meanes for lake of payment of their dewtye, a sclanderous rumoor is

spreade over all the realme, to the great discredite of the Company.

No. 19. He did paye wages to the men of the shipe Thomas of Ipswiche for

w^ges^o V monthes, wheras the Comissioners did agree and comannd to paye

"maS- '* them but for iiij monthes.

meut jje hathe brought into wages of the Companye so many men, and

He brought suche men as he lyste, and many of them at suche wages as he lyste,
wags wthout w'i»out regard of their sarvyce or deserts wherof he is to geve accountt
^^^^^' for that many of them are dead, and gone awaye.

j^.p 21 He hath plased styll in the shippe Ayde, now in the Tames, a nomber

The men iu Qf ^^en at the Compauycs charges, wherof many are suche disordered
make great men, bothe of their tonges and of their hands, as are the cause of moche
^^^^ ^' sclander to the Company, and great spoyle done in their shippes, and yt
have but small dutye of wages owinge to them, when their accounts
shalbe examined particulerlie.

He receaved di of mony by Her Mamies order, at retorne of the
seconde voiage, as of Her Mamies gyfte and reward to be distrybuted
buted the amono-e the marineres and other men w^ii sarved in that voyage, but no

c7i to the ° 11

men. distribution is made therof as yett, as the men doo complayne.

No. 23. To conclude, yf his doinges in thes iij voyages be well looked into,

parchanse he wilbe found the most unprofitable sarvante of all that

have sarved the Companye therin.

No. 22.
He hath
not distri-

TO THE THIRD VOYAGE. 363

THE SCLANDEKOUS CLAMORS OF CAPTAINE FURBUSHKE. AGA.INST
MICHAEL LOK. 1578.

He hathe made false accountts to the Companye, and hathe cossened
them of iii^ li of money.

He hathe cossened my Lord of Oxford of mli.

He hathe not one grote of venture in these voiages.

He is a bankerot knave.

THE ANSWERS OF MICHAEL LOK.

All these forsaid clamors are proved to be false sclanders, as well by
the new awdyte made of M. Loks accountts as also by the open know-
ledge had of all his doinges certified to Her Mamies Honorable Privie
Councell.

And now, yf any evell successe should happen in the work of the ewr
now layd at Partford, w^h I trust shall not happen, yet wear not that
to be imputed anye wayes unto M. Lok, whose innocentie therein is
proved by his great goodes beinge ijmvic^i of money bestowed and ven-
tured therin, and by the testimonie of the Comyssioners certiffienge the
first profFe of the work made in the second voiage, but rather yf any
such myschyef should happen, w^^ God forbyd, the same wear to be
layed on Captaine Furbusher, whose great abusses therin are before de-
clared, and on Jonas and Denam, being the workmen therof, as men who
have byn the fyndars and bringars of that ewr v,'^^ is brought, and
causars of the cost bestowed for the fetchinge and workinge of the same,
and on them the same weare to be punished sharplie, but I trust no
suche cause shalbe gyven.

1578.

THE ABUSSKS OF CAPTAYNE FURBUSHER AGAINST THE
COMPANIE.

A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE

RELICS

FKOBISHER'S EXPEDITIONS

THE ARCTIC REGIONS IN THE YEARS 1576-7-8,

DISCOVERED BY

Mr. CHARLES F. HALL, of Cincinnati, U.S.A.,

WHILE ON AN

EXPEDITION IN SEARCH OF TRACES OF SIR JOHN FRANKLIN AND HIS

SHIPS' COiMPANIES IN THE YEARS 1860-1-2, AND BY HLM TRANSMITTED

TO THE BRITISH PEOPLE

THROUGH THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE

FEOBISHEE RELICS

Note. The references by letters following descriptions in this Catalogue
are to the accompanying map of Kod-lu-narn.

Note. The relics under a obtained Sept. 22nd and 25th, 1861, July
15th and 16th, 1862. My companions, Esquimaux. They are from the
ruins of a small house near the centre of the Island Kod-lu narn.* (Vide
B, small map of Kod-lu-naru.) Said house was of lime and stone. The
foundation and walls, and also floor being laid in lime cement, are still
in a good state of preservation.

On returning home in the fall of 1862, I saw for the first time in my
life Ilakluyt's work. Read on page 634, edition of 1589, as follows —
" But before we took shipping we builded a little house in the Countess
of Warwick's Island," etc. (Thomas Ellis, author.)

Also read, p. 91, vol. 3, ed. 1598-1600, "this day (30th August, 1578)
the masons finished a house which Captain Fenton caused to be made of
lyme and stone upon the Countess of Warwick s Island," etc. (George
Best, author.)

Round box containing several stones cemented together with

Stone and lime cement.

Ditto.

Two stones, lime cement (one of these with moss upon its edge).

Two stones, and lime cement.

Ditto.

A 9. Stone, and lime cement, moss upon its upper surface.
A 10. Small round box containing lime cement — flint stones and frag-
ments of tile.

All. Same as a 10.

A 12. Lime cement and burnt flint stones.

A 13. Stone, and lime cement.

A 14. Four small stones, and lime cement.

* Koclhuiarn is the C(mntes of Warrick Yhind of i\n- hkhj.

lime

368 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE

A 15. Stone, and lime cement.

A 16. Ditto.

A 17. Lime cement, partly reduced to powder-flint.

A 18. Lime cement, mostly reduced to powder.

A ly. Lime cement, burnt flint stones, oxide of irou, fragment red
stone.

A 20. Lime cement and small stone.

A 21. Three pieces lime cement.

A 22. Lime cement with small stone.

A 23. Three pieces lime cement.

A 24. Powdered lime cement with burnt flint stones.

A 25. Stone, and lime cement.

A 26. Thick moss with lime cement at its base, stem of dwarf willow
in the moss.

A 27. Sod and dwarf willow (in large box by itself), from over the
foundation wall of house of lime and stone.

B 1. Semisphere of iron, found under east embankment (g) of ship's
trench (a a). The exact spot where 1 found this at f.

B 2. Sand that was fast cemented to bottom of b 1 by oxide of iron.

c 1. Stone covered with black moss of ages found on one of the em-
bankments (g g) of the ship's trench (a a).
c 2. Same as c 1.
c 3. Ditto,
c 4. Ditto.

c 5. Three stones from ship's embankments (g g).
c 6. Two stones from ship's embankments (g g).
c 7. Same as c 5.

c 8. Twelve stones from reservoir embankments (c).
c 9. Small stone with white moss, from reservoir embankments (c),
c 10. Small stone with black moss of ages, from ship's embankments

(GG).

ell. Four stones from ship's embankments (g g).

c 12. Small stone with black moss of ages, from ship's embankments

(GG).

c 13. Two stones with black moss of ages, from ship's embankments

(G G).

c 14, Two stones ; one, quartz, has upon it a spot of black moss of
ages.

c 15. Stone with black moss of ages, from reservoir embankments (c).
c 16. Stone with black moss of ages, from reservoir embankments (c).
• ' 17. Three stones from ship's embankments (g o).

OF FROBISHER RELICS. 369

c 18. Two stones from ship's embankments (g g).
c 19. Stone from ship's embankments (g g).

D 1. Long box — wood, dug out of base of ship's trench (a a).
D 2. Same as D 1.
D 3. Same as D 1.

D 4. Sand and wood dug out of base of ship's trench (a a).
Note. Frobisher left the timber of his intended fort on the "Coun-
tess of Warwick's Island," Vide HaJcluyt, p. 91, vol. 3, edition of 1600.*

Note. The history of Frobisher's Second Voyage as written hi/
George Best, in referring to the natives (Esquimaux) building their
" poor caves and houses which serve them for their winter dwellings,"
sajs, "From the giound upwards they build with whales' bones, for
lack of timber, which, bending over one another, are handsomely com-
pacted in the top together, and are covered over with seal skins, which,
instead of tiles, fence them from the rain," etc. Pinkerton, vol. 12, p.
522. Is not this reference indirect proof that Frobisher had "tiles"''' as
covering for the house or " fort " which he took out with him in 1578 ?

See " Notes framed by M. Richard Hakluyt, of the Middle Temple,
Esquire, given to certain gentlemen that went out with M. Frobisher
in his north-west discoverie," wherein the word "tile" or "tyle" occurs
several times. Hakluyt, p. fi36, edition lo89.

E 1. Fragments of tile ; some dug from under ship's embankments
(g g) and trench (a a), the rest picked up on same side of the island.
Two or three pieces of oxide of iron.

E 2. Fragments of tile, charcoal, sea-coal, flint stones, oxide of iron,
picked up on the island of Kod-lu-naru.

E 3. Fragments of tile, few pieces of charcoal, and oxide of iron.
Some of the tile dug up at ship's embankments (g g), remainder picked
up on the island.

E 4. Fragments of tile, few pieces of sea-coal, oxide of iron, slag, coke,
flint stones, small bone covered with moss, small stones. All picked up
on the island.

E 5. Fragments of tile, flint stones, coke, sea-coal, charcoal. Some of
the tile dug up at ship's embankments (g g).

E 6. Fragments of tile, charcoal, small roots, dug up from the ruins
of blacksmith's shop. (?) (d)

E 7. Fragments of tile, oxide of iron, sea-coal, picked up on the
island (Kod-lu-narn).

E 8. Fragments of tile dug up from ruins of blacksmith's shop. (?) (d)

» See page 21'i.

370 DESCRTPTIVE CATALOGUE

E 9. Three fragments glazed tile dug from under ship's embankments

(GG).

E 10. Two fragments same as e 9.

E 11. Nine fragments same as e 9.

E 12. Four fragments same as e 9.

e 13. Two fragments tile and gravel stone united by moss.

E 14. Two fragments tile with moss of ages upon them.

e 15. Fragment tile and stone united by moss of ages.

E 16. Same as e 15.

E 17. Three fragments tile (two with glazing).

e 18. Fragment of tile with moss.

E 19. Fragment of tile.

e 20. Fragment tile and stone united by moss.

E 21. Fragment of tile found embedded in the coal deposit, etc., on
Ek-ke-lu-zhun.*

E 22. Fragments tile, sea-coal, flint stone, oxide of iron. All these
covered with the moss of ages. From that portion of Kod-lu-narn
between ship's trench (a a) and reservoir (c).

E 23. Ten fragments tile (nine glazed).

Note. Nos. 13 to 20 inclusive, from vicinity of ship's trench (a a).

F 1. Oxide of iron. Some pieces found in the centre as the nucleus,
the scales lying around. Found on the ground, most of it near the
head of the ship's trench (a a). Some at " Best's Bulwark " (e),

F 2. Large piece of coke, small piece of charcoal in one of the pro-
tuberances. Found on Kod-lu-narn.

F 3. Coke dug from under ship's embankments (g g).

F 4. Oxide of iron and gravel, found on the ground south-east side of
island at n.

G.
G 1. Lime stone found in Kod-lu-narn.

H.
H 1. Sea-coal, coke, fragments of tile, oxide of iron, lime stone, small
piece of bone with moss upon it. All as picked up on Kod-lu-narn.

I.
I 1. Burnt stones, charcoal, fragments of tile, dug up from beneath

ruins of blacksmith's shop. (?) (d)

I 2. Sod, with charcoal, from ruins of blacksmith's shop. (?) (d)

I 3. Fragments of tile, charcoal and earth from ruins of blacksmith's

shop. (?) (d)

* Ek-ke-lu-zhun is a bav on the east side of Countess of Warwick's Sound

OF FROBISHER RELICS. oTl

Note. In box marked j, velvet lined.

J 1. Fragment of tile and four gravel stones united by moss of ages.

J 2. Fragment of pottery found near " Best's Bulwark " (e).

J 3. Small piece of cord, apparently of hair, found deeply embedded
in the coal deposit of Ek-ke-lu-zhun.

J 4. Four fragments glass, apparently of a jar or bottle, found on the
ground near ship's trench — the exact spot marked i.

J 5. Piece oxide of iron with moss of ages upon it, found near ship's
trench (a a).

J 6. Piece of wood dug up from base of ship's trench (a a).

J 7. Sea-coal, with moss of ages upon it, found near "Best's Bul-
wark" (e).

J 8. Piece of pottery found near "Best's Bulwark" (e).

J 9. Fragment white pottery, (?) black glazing outside and inside,
found near "Best's Bulwark" (e).

J 10. Choice specimen of tile, covered with moss of ages, from Kod-
lu-narn,

J 11. Sea-coal, covered with moss of ages, from coal deposit at Ek-ke-
lu-zhun.

J 12. Stone, covered with moss of ages, from top of ship's embank-
ments (g g).

J 13. Flint stone, covered with moss of ages, found near the head of
ship's trench (a a).

J 14. Fragment of tile, glazed, apparently portion of human figure
represented upon it : leg and foot in relievo. Largest piece of tile found.
Dug up from beneath one of the ship's embankments (g g).

J 15. Stone with lime cement from ruins stone house (b).

J 16. Probably one of the ears or knob-handles of an earthen jar.
From near " Best's Bulwark " (e).*

•J 17. Flint stone, with moss of ages upon it.

J 18. Chip found deeply embedded in coal deposit on Ek-ke-lu-zhun.

J 19. Burnt flint stone with lime cement, from ruins stone house (b).

J 20. Charcoal of coarse grained wood, apparently of thrifty growth,
found under stones and sods by the ruins of blacksmith's shop. (?) (d)
The grain of this charcoal indicates it to be from the same kind of wood
as that found at the base of ship's trench (a a). Vide Box d 1.

K 1. (In keg). Sea-coal, flint stones, wood chips, the latter found
deeply embedded in the coal. All in this keg precisely as gathered from
coal deposit Ek-ke-lu-zhun.

K 2. Sod of moss with sea-coal.

* Sec page lii^.

o72 DKSCKIi'TIVE CATALOGUE

K 3. Sea- coal overgrown with moss of ages.
K 4. Four pieces coal covered with moss of ages.
K 5. Three pieces coal and one of coke with moss of ages.
K 6. Coal with moss of ages upon it.
K 7. Three pieces coal with moss of ages upon them.
K 8. Small pieces of coal enveloped in moss.
K 9. Two pieces of coal with moss of ages upon them.
K 10. Small pieces enveloped in moss.
K 11. Two pieces coal with moss of ages.
K 12. Same as k 11.

K 13. Three very small pieces coal united by moss.
R 14. Fifteen bits of wood excavated from coal deposit.
Note. All the above from Ek-ke-lu-zhun, except coke in k 5, which
is from Kod-lu-narn.

L 1. Two pieces coal from Ek-ke-lu-zhun.

L -2. Coal from near " Best's Bulwark," (e) Kod-lu-narn.

L 3. Three pieces coal from Ek-ke-lu-zhun.

L 4. Same as l 3.

L 5. Five pieces coal from Ek-ke-lu-zhun.

For Ek-ke-lu-zhun, vide Chart " Countess of Warwick's Souud."

M 1. Sod with coal intermixed,

M 2. Two sods with coal intermixed.

M 3. Moss interlocking and covering coal.

M 4. Earth, first layer beneath coal.

M 5. Earth, second layer beneath coal.

M 6. Earth, third layer beneath coal.

Note. All under m from the island Ni-oun-te-ling.*

N.
N 1. Flint stones found embedded in coal deposit on Ni-oun-te-ling.
N 2. Flint stones found embedded in coal deposit on Ek-ke-lu-zhun.
X 3. Same as n 2.

1. Red stone found on top of the coal deposit on Ni-oun-te-ling.

p 1. Two pieces iron pyrites from above Countess of Warwick's Sound,
p 2. Two pieces, apparently mineral (iron), "like to sea-coal," found
at Ek-ke-lu-zhun.

* Ni-oun-te-ling is a small island on the east side of the Countess of
Warwick's Sound.

OF FROBISHEK RELICS. 373

Q 1. Walrus rib with heavy moss upon it. Another bone with moss,
ound on the Esquimaux Deserted Land (Frobisher's North Foreland).

R.
R 1. Wood model of an anvil made by an old man Esquimaux named
An-na-wa, Oct. 15, 1861. I have three other models of like fashioning
made by three Esquimaux, one apart from another. These, I am con-
fident, from Esquimaux traditions, are models of a relic of Frobisher's
expedition. Some six years ago the Esquimaux cast the anvil of which
these are models into the sea from point x of Oo-pung-ne-wing (see
Chart of Countess of Warwick's Sound), an island three miles distant
from Kod-lu-narn. I have endeavoured to recover it at lowest tides,
new and full moon, but the ice has probably carried it away. Only the
strongest Esquimaux could lift it.

s 1. (In small square box). Thick sod, grass, moss and coal and
flint stones intermixed. Loose coal, flint stones and sand put into the
box to fill up. Contents of this box gathered from coal deposited on
Ni-oun-te-ling.

Note. About one ton coal at Ni-oun-te-ling.

NOTES.

In relation to sea-coal, Hakluyt, vol. 3rd, ed. 1598-1600, p. 91, has
the following : — " And the great cause of this leakage and wasting was
for that the great timber and sea-coal, which lay so waigbty upon the
barrels, brake, bruised and rotted the hoops in sunder."

A truthful description of " Countess of Warwick's Sound."

Nine recognisable physical facts in a few words.

"The 29th July (1577), about five leagues from Bear's Sound, we
discovered a bay, which, being fenced on each side with small islands
lying off" the main, which break the force of the tides and make the
place free from any indrafts of ice, did prove a very fit harbour for our
ships, where we came to anchor under a small island, which now,
together with the sound, is called by the name of that right honorable
and virtuous lady, Anne Countess of Warwick. And this is the furtherest
place that this year we have entered up within the straights, and is
reckoned from the Cape of Queen Elizabeth's Foreland (Cape Resolution
of Resolution Island, C. F. H.), which is the entrance of the straights
not above thirty leagues." Pinherton., vol. xii, p. 522.*

The Reservoir (?) or Frobisher's " Gold Diggings," vide c, small map
of Kod-lu-narn. Read Hakluyt, ed. 1589, p. 626.

" In this isle (Countess of Warwick's), our General (Frobisher)

* See l»iige 1:>7.

874 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE.

thought good for this voyage to fraight both the ships and barkes with
such stone or gold mineral as he judged to countervail the charges of

his first and this his second navigation to these countries

It (stone or gold mineral) riseth so abundantly, that, from the beginning
of Aug. to the 22nd thereof (every man following the dilligence of our
General, we raysed above ground 200 tunne, which we judged a
reasonable fraight for the ship and two barks, in the sayd Anne
Warwick's Isle."

For what I recognise excellent descriptions of Bear's Sound (channel),
see PinJcerton, vol. xii, pp. 521 and 555, and Hakluyt, ed. 1589, p. 635.

Ek-ke-lu-zhun (where a coal deposit is) is about ten miles east of
Oo-pung-ne-wing.

Oo-pung-ne-wing and Ni-oun-te-ling are about three miles from
Kod-lu-narn (Countess of Warwick's Island).

On the small map of Kod-lu-narn will be noticed e (Best's Bulwark).
At this point I found considerable oxide of iron, several pieces of
pottery and sea-coal.

In Pinkerton, vol. xii, p. 527, read the following : — " On Thursday,
the 9th Aug. [1577] we began to make a small fort for our defence in
the Countess's Island, and entrenched the corner of a clifi", which, on
three parts, like a wall of good height, was encompassed and well fenced
with the sea, and this was called Best's Bulwark, after the lieutenant's
name, who first devised the same. The above description of cliff (e) is
truthful."

C. F. HALL.

New York, Feb. 7, 1863.

INDEX.

Agnel, description of ore, 99, 196

Antarctic Pole, 37

Articles and orders to be observed by

the fleet, 228
Australia, description of, 36
Ayde, inventory of the ship, 218

Baptista, trial of ore by, 95
Borowes, voyage of, 39
Burcot, trial of the ore, 170, 174
Burcot, articles of agreement with,
181, 199

Cabotte, Sebastian, 3

Cliancelor, Richard, 36

Columbus, 22

Cold regions, temperature of, 60

Cortes Reales, 3

Cuba, 59

Dennys barque sunk, 236

Elizabeth, Queen, letter to Sir M.

Frobisher, xxii
Englishmen, five, taken by the savages,

73, 84
Equinoctial, climate of, 45, 59
TCthiopians, 53, 55

Friesland described, 125

Frobisher, bis fitness for the vovage.

69,80
gold chain given him by the

Queen, 228

abuses of, 359

life of, xix

Gabriel!, inventory of the ship, 223
Gentlemen, names of the, who went
on the first and second voyages,
210
Graunt from the Queen to the Com-
pany of Kathay, ] 11

Hall's island, discoverie of, 83, 127
Hall, Mr. C. F., relics of Frobisher's

voyage, xiv, 367
Hatton, Sir C, dedication to, 17

Houses, description of in Meta In-
cognita, 137

House builded on Countesse of War-
wick island, 272

Instructions for second voyage. 117

tliird voyage, 212

Inventorie of the ship Ayde, 218
Gabriell, 223

Kathaya, articles agreed to by the
Company of, 114

Loadstone, account of, 29

Lok, Michael, account of first voyage,

87
memorial after second voyage,

162
accounts, 325

Maps and nautical instruments, bill
for, ix

Mariners' demand for their payment,
322

Medicines supplied to the first voy-
age, X

Meta Incognita, name given by the
Queen, 226

description of the people and

country, 280

Moscovia, early voyages to, 36, 40

Orders to be observed by the Com-
pany in Meta Incognita, 256

Ore, how it was first found, 75, 91, 92

trial of after second voyage, 171,

174, 182

goodnesse of, 192

charges in melting down, 195,

] 98, 204

Postillus, Gulielmus, account of the

Pole, 35
Persia, voyage to, 42

Queen Elizabeth's Foreland, discovery
of, 72, 82

indp:x.

Savage first taken, 74, 80

first meeting with, 83

description of, 87

deatli at Bristol, 189

description of woman, 190

Tropics, greatest heat in, 58
Twilights under the Pole, 66

Variation of the needle, 30
Venturars names in second voyage,

107
> — - in goodes come home after

second voyage, 163

Venturars, in bothe voyage-s. 104
Voyage, furniture for first, 71
cost of ditto, 115

167

— second, coste and charge, 103
account of money for third,

charges of, ^10
account of, 22b
Sellmaij's account of, 290

Willoughby, Sir Hugh, 36, 39
Woman, taking of the savage, 143

Zones, description of five, 44

T. UICHAKl.S, PIUNTER, 37, OT. QUF.KN STP.EKT.

C ROCLAND

NORTH

i^..,.,!*'

ITvUBLSSHERS STREIGHTS

' <^VEN ELL FOR LAND

ACIERICA

SOVTH

lAPLAND