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* * *

We travelled over a great part of the country, and found it all

deserted, as the people had fled to the mountains, leaving

houses and fields out of fear of the Christians. . . . They

brought us blankets, which they had been concealing from

the Christians, and gave them to us, and told us how the

Christians had penetrated into the country before, and had

destroyed and burnt the villages, taking with them half of

the men and all the women and children, and how those

who could escaped by flight. Seeing them in this plight,

afraid to stay anywhere, and that they neither would nor

could cultivate the soil, preferring to die rather than suffer

such cruelties, while they showed the greatest pleasure at

being with us. . . . It clearly shows how, in order to bring

those people to Christianity and obedience unto Your Impe-

rial Majesty, they should be well treated, and not otherwise.

* * *

I took with me the negro and eleven Indians and, follow-

ing the trail, went in search of the Christians. . . . I came

upon four Christians on horseback. . . . I spoke first, and

told them to lead me to their captain, and we went

together to Diego de Alcaraza, their commander.

* * *

We had many and bitter quarrels with the Christians, for

they wanted to make slaves of our Indians, and we grew so

angry at it that at our departure we forgot to take along

many bows, pouches and arrows, also the five emeralds,

and so they were left and lost to us. We gave the Christians

a great many cow-skin robes, and other objects, and had

much trouble in persuading the Indians to return home

and plant their crops in peace. They insisted upon accom-

panying us until, according to their custom, we should be

in the custody of other Indians, because otherwise they

were afraid to die; besides, as long as we were with them,

they had no fear of the Christians and of their lances. At all

this the Christians were greatly vexed, and told their own

interpreter to say to the Indians how we were of their own

race, but had gone astray for a long while, and were peo-

ple of no luck and little heart, whereas they were the lords

of the land, whom they should obey and serve. The Indi-

ans gave all that talk of theirs little attention. . . . In short,

they recalled all our deeds, and praised them highly, con-

trasting them with the conduct of the others.

* * *

We went on with the idea of insuring the liberty of the

Indians, and, when we believed it to be assured, the oppo-

site took place. The Spaniards had planned to fall upon

those Indians we had sent back in fancied security and in

peace, and that plan they carried out.

* * *

After baptizing the children we left for the village of San

Miguel, where, on our arrival, Indians came and told how

many people were coming down from the mountains, set-

tling on the plain, building churches and erecting crosses;

in short, complying with what we had sent them word to

do. Day after day we were getting news of how all was

being done and completed.

* * *

[After] San Miguel [we went to] the town of Compostela,

where the Governor, Nuño de Guzman, resided. . . . The

Governor received us very well, giving us of what he had,

for us to dress in; but for many days I could bear no cloth-

ing, nor could we sleep, except on the bare floor. Ten or

twelve days later we left for Mexico. On the whole trip

we were well treated by the Christians; many came to see

us on the road, praising God for having freed us from so

many dangers. We reached Mexico . . . and were very

well received by the Viceroy and the Marquis of the Valley,

who presented us with clothing, offering all they had. On

the day of Saint James there was a festival, with bull-fight

and tournament.

* * *

When winter was past, Andres Dorantes and I left Mexico

. . . . We arrived [at the port of Lisbon] on the ninth of

August, vespers of Saint Laurentius day, of the year 1537.

And, in testimony of, that what I have stated in the

foregoing narrative is true, I hereunto sign my name:

Cabeza de Vaca

Source:

Public Broadcasting Service/PBS. Archives of the West. “The

Journey of Alvar Nuñez Cabeza De Vaca (1542).” Avail-

able on-line. URL: www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/resources/

archives/one/cabeza.htm. Downloaded June 2003.

Arthur M. Barlowe,

“Exploration of Virginia,” 1584

In March of 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh received a patent from

Queen Elizabeth I granting him permission to establish

colonies in North America. The following month he commis-

sioned an exploratory voyage, headed by Captains Philip

Amadas and Arthur M. Barlowe, to search out possible loca-

tions for a new colony. Amadas and Barlowe set out from En-

gland on April 27, 1584, and reached Roanoke Island, off the

coast of present-day North Carolina, which would eventually

be the site of Jamestown, the first permanent English settle-

ment in North America. It is thought that, in an effort to attract

12 ERA 1: Three Worlds Meet

settlers to the New World, the beauty of the land and the

friendliness of the native inhabitants was somewhat exagger-

ated. Certain phrases in the account, such as, “The soil is the

most plentiful, sweet, fruitful and wholesome of all the world,”

tend to support this theory. Following some introductory para-

graphs about the journey, the excerpt below opens with a

description of the island.

Barlowe’s account, first published in Holingshed’s

Chron-

icles

in 1587, was subsequently also published in Richard

Hakluyt’s

The Principall Navigations Voiages Traffiques & Dis-

coveries of the English Nation

. First published in 1589, Hak-

luyt’s

Voyages

was and continues to be a major source of

firsthand accounts of the earliest English explorations and

attempts at colonization.

________________________

_______________________

This Island had many goodly woodes full of Deere, Conies,

Hares, and Fowle, even in the middest of Summer in in-

credible abundance. The woodes are not such as you finde

in Bohemia, Muscovia, or Hercynia, barren and fruitless,

but the highest and reddest Cedars of the world, farre bet-

tering the Ceders of the Âcores, of the Indies, or Lybanus,

Pynes, Cypres, Sassaphras, the Lentisk, or the tree that

beareth the Masticke, the tree that beareth the rine of

blacke Sinamon, of which Master Winter brought from the

streights of Magellan, and many other of excellent smell

and qualitie. We remained by the side of this Island two

whole dayes before we saw any people of the Countrey:

the third day we espied one small boate rowing towardes

us having in it three persons: this boat came to the Island

side, foure harquebuz-shot from our shippes, and there

two of the people remaining, the third came along the

shoreside towards us, and wee being then all within boord,

he walked up and downe upon the point of the land next

unto us: then the Master and the Pilot of the Admirall,

Simon Fernandino, and the Captaine Philip Amadas, my

selfe, and others rowed to the land, whose comming this

fellow attended, never making any shewe of feare or

doubt. And after he had spoken of many things not under-

stood by us, we brought him with his owne good liking,

aboord the ships, and gave him a shirt, a hat & some other

things, and made him taste of our wine, and our meat,

which he liked very wel: and after having viewed both

barks, he departed, and went to his owne boat againe,

which hee had left in a little Cove or Creeke adjoyning: as

soone as hee was two bow shoot into the water, he fell to

fishing, and in lesse then halfe an houre, he had laden his

boate as deepe, as it could swimme, with which hee came

againe to the point of the lande, and there he devided his

fish into two parts, pointing one part to the ship, and the

other to the pinnesse: which, after he had (as much as he

might) requited the former benefites received, departed

out of our sight.

The next day there came unto us divers boates, and in

one of them the Kings brother, accompanied with fortie or

fiftie men, very handsome and goodly people, and in their

behaviour as mannerly and civill as any of Europe. His

name was Granganimeo, and the King is called Wingina,

the country Wingandacoa, and now by her Majestie Vir-

ginia. The maner of his comming was in this sort: hee left

his boates altogether as the first man did a little from the

shippes by the shore, and came along to the place over

against the ships, followed with fortie men. When he came

to the place, his servants spread a long matte upon the

ground, on which he sate downe, and at the other ende of

the matte foure others of his companie did the like, the

rest of his men stood round about him, somewhat a farre

off: when we came to the shore to him with our weapons,

hee never mooved from his place, nor any of the other

foure, nor never mistrusted any harme to be offred from

us, but sitting still he beckoned us to come and sit by him,

which we performed: and being set hee made all signes of

joy and welcome, striking on his head and his breast and

afterwardes on ours, to shewe wee were all one, smiling

and making shewe the best he could of all love, and famil-

iaritie. After hee had made a long speech unto us, wee pre-

sented him with divers things, which hee received very

joyfully, and thankefully. None of the company durst

speake one worde all the time: onely the foure which were

at the other ende, spake one in the others eare very softly.

The King is greatly obeyed, and his brothers and chil-

dren reverenced: the King himselfe in person was at our

being there, sore wounded in a fight which hee had with

the King of the next countrey, called Wingina, and was shot

in two places through the body, and once cleane through

the thigh, but yet he recovered: by reason whereof and for

that hee lay at the chiefe towne of the countrey, being sixe

dayes journey off, we saw him not at all.

After we had presented this his brother with such

things as we thought he liked, wee likewise gave somewhat

to the other that sat with him on the matte: but presently

he arose and tooke all from them and put it into his owne

basket, making signes and tokens, that all things ought to

bee delivered unto him, and the rest were but his servants,

and followers. A day or two after this we fell to trading with

them, exchanging some things that we had, for Chamoys,

Buffe, and Deere skinnes: when we shewed him all our

packet of merchandize, of all things that he sawe, a bright

tinne dish most pleased him, which hee presently tooke up

and clapt it before his breast, and after made a hole in the

brimme thereof and hung it about his necke, making

signes that it would defende him against his enemies

arrowes: for those people maintaine a deadly and terrible

warre, with the people and King adjoyning. We exchanged

our tinne dish for twentie skinnes, woorth twentie

Crownes, or twentie Nobles: and a copper kettle for fiftie

European Exploration 13

skins woorth fifty Crownes. They offered us good exchange

for our hatchets, and axes, and for knives, and would have

given any thing for swordes: but wee would not depart

with any. After two or three dayes the Kings brother came

aboord the shippes, and dranke wine, and eat of our meat

and of our bread, and liked exceedingly thereof: and after

a few dayes overpassed, he brought his wife with him to

the ships, his daughter and two or three children: his wife

was very well favoured, of meane stature and very bashfull:

shee had on her backe a long cloake of leather, with the

furre side next to her body, and before her a piece of the

same: about her forehead shee had a bande of white

Corall, and so had her husband many times: in her eares

shee had bracelets of pearles hanging downe to her mid-

dle, (whereof wee delivered your worship a little bracelet)

and those were of the bignes of good pease. The rest of her

women of the better sort had pendants of copper hanging

in either eare, and some of the children of the Kings

brother and other noble men, have five or sixe in either

eare: he himselfe had upon his head a broad plate of golde,

or copper for being unpolished we knew not what mettal it

should be, neither would he by any meanes suffer us to

take it off his head, but feeling it, would bow very easily.

His apparell was as his wives, onely the women weare their

haire long on both sids, and the men but on one. They are

of colour yellowish, and their haire black for the most part,

and yet we saw children that had very fine aburne, and

chestnut coloured haire.

After that these women had bene there, there came

downe from all parts great store of people, bringing with

them leather, corall, divers kindes of dies very excellent,

and exchanged with us: but when Granganimeo the kings

brother was present, none durst trade but himselfe: except

such as weare red pieces of copper on their heads like him-

selfe: for that is the difference betweene the noble men,

and the governours of the countreys, and you have under-

stood since by these men, which we brought home, that no

people in the worlde cary more respect to their King,

Nobilitie, and Governours, then these doe. The Kings

brothers wife, when she came to us (as she did many

times) was followed with forty or fifty women alwayes: and

when she came into the shippe, she left them all on land,

saving her two daughters, her nurse and one or two more.

The Kings brother alwayes kept this order, as many boates

as he would come withall to the shippes, so many fires

would hee make on the shore a farre off, to the end we

might understand with what strength and company he

approached. Their boates are made of one tree, either of

Pine or of Pitch trees: a wood not commonly knowen to

our people, nor found growing in England. They have no

edge-tooles to make them withall: if they have any they are

very fewe, and those it seemes they had twentie yeres

since, which, as those two men declared, was out of a

wrake which happened upon their coast of some Christian

ship, being beaten that way by some storme and outragious

weather, whereof none of the people were saved, but only

the ship, or some part of her being cast upon the sand, out

of whose sides they drew the nayles and the spikes, and

with those they made their best instruments. The manner

of making their boates is thus: they burne downe some

great tree, or take such as are winde fallen, and putting

gumme and rosen upon one side thereof, they set fire into

it, and when it hath burnt it hollow, they cut out the coale

with their shels, and ever where they would burne it

deeper or wider they lay on gummes, which burne away

the timber, and by thie meanes they fashion very fine

boates, and such as will transport twentie men. Their oares

are like scoopes, and many times they set with long pooles,

as the depth serveth.

The Kings brother had great liking of our armour, a

sword, and divers other things which we had: and offered

to lay a great boxe of pearle in gage for them: but we

refused it for this time, because we would not make them

knowe, that we esteemed thereof, untill we had under-

stoode in what places of the countrey the pearle grew:

which now your Worshippe doeth very well understand.

He was very just of his promise: for many times we deliv-

ered him merchandize upon his word, but ever he came

within the day and performed his promise. He sent us

every day a brase or two of fat Bucks, Conies, Hares, Fish

the best of the world. He sent us divers kindes of fruites,

Melons, Walnuts, Cucumbers, Gourdes, Pease, and divers

rootes, and fruites very excellent good, and of their Coun-

trey corne, which is very white, faire and well tasted, and

groweth three times in five moneths: in May they sow, in

July they reape, in June they sow, in August they reape: in

July they sow, in September they reape: onely they cast the

corne into the ground breaking a little of the soft turfe with

a wodden mattock, or pickeaxe: our selves prooved the

soile, and put some of our Pease in the ground, and in

tenne dayes they were of fourteene ynches high: they have

also Beanes very faire of divers colours and wonderfull

plentie: some growing naturally, and some in their gardens,

and so have they both wheat and oates.

The soile is the most plentifull, sweete, fruitfull and

wholsome of all the worlde: there are above foureteene

severall sweete smelling timber trees, and the most part of

their underwoods are Bayes and such like: they have those

Okes that we have, but farre greater and better. After they

had bene divers times aboord our shippes, my selfe, with

seven more went twentie mile into the River, that runneth

towarde the Citie of Skicoak, which River they call Occam:

and the evening following, wee came to an island, which

they call Raonoak, distant from the harbour by which we

entred, seven leagues: and at the North end thereof was a

village of nine houses, built of Cedar, and fortified round

14 ERA 1: Three Worlds Meet

about with sharpe trees, to keepe out their enemies, and

the entrance into it made like a turne pike very artificially;

when wee came towardes it, standing neere unto the

waters side, the wife of Granganimo the Kings brother

came running out to meete us very cheerefully and

friendly, her husband was not then in the village; some of

her people shee commanded to drawe our boate on shore

for the beating of the billoe: others she appointed to cary

us on their backes to the dry ground, and others to bring

our oares into the house for feare of stealing. When we

were come into the utter roome, having five roomes in her

house, she caused us to sit downe by a great fire, and after

tooke off our clothes and washed them, and dryed them

againe: some of the women plucked off our stockings and

washed them, some washed our feete in warme water, and

shee her selfe tooke great paines to see all things ordered

in the best maner shee could, making great haste to dresse

some meate for us to eate.

After we had thus dryed our selves, she brought us

into the inner roome, where shee set on the boord stand-

ing along the house, some wheate like furmentie, sodden

Venison, and roasted, fish sodden, boyled, and roasted,

Melons rawe, and sodden rootes of divers kindes, and

divers fruites: their drinke is commonly water, but while

the grape lasteth, they drinke wine, and for want of caskes

to keepe it, all the yere after they drink water, but it is sod-

den with Ginger in it, and blacke Sinamon, and sometimes

Sassaphras, and divers other wholesome, and medicinable

hearbes and trees. We were entertained with all love and

kindnesse, and with as much bountie (after their maner) as

they could possibly devise. We found the people most gen-

tle, loving, and faithfull, voide of all guile and treason, and

such as live after the maner of the golden age. The people

onely care howe to defend themselves from the cold in

their short winter, and to feed themselves with such meat

as the soile affoordeth: there meate is very well sodden and

they make broth very sweet and savorie: their vessels are

earthen pots, very large, white and sweete, their dishes are

wodden platters of sweet timber: within the place where

they feede was their lodging, and within that their Idoll,

which they worship, of whome they speake incredible

things. While we were at meate, there came in at the gates

two or three men with their bowes and arrowes from hunt-

ing, whom when wee espied, we beganne to looke one

towardes another, and offered to reach our weapons: but as

soone as shee espied our mistrust, shee was very much

mooved, and caused some of her men to runne out, and

take away their bowes and arrowes and breake them, and

withall beate the poore fellowes out of the gate againe.

When we departed in the evening and would not tary all

night, she was very sory, and gave us into our boate our

supper halfe dressed, pottes and all, and brought us to our

boateside, in which wee lay all night, remooving the same

a prettie distance from the shoare: shee perceiving our

jealousie, was much greived, and sent divers men and thir-

tie women, to sit all night on the banke side by us, and sent

us into our boates five mattes to cover us from the raine,

using very many wordes to intreate us to rest in their

houses: but because wee were few men, and if wee had

miscaried, the voyage had bene in very great danger, wee

durst not adventure any thing, though there was no cause

of doubt: for a more kinde and loving people there can not

be found in the worlde, as farre as we have hitherto had tri-

all. Beyond this Island there is the maine lande, and over

against this Island falleth into this spacious water, the great

river called Occam by the inhabitants on which standeth a

towne called Pomeiock, & sixe dayes journey from the

same is situate their greatest citie called Skicoak, which

this people affirme to be very great: but the Savages were

never at it, only they speake of it by the report of their

fathers and other men, whom they have heard affirme it to

bee above one houres journey about.

Into this river falleth another great river, called Cipo,

in which there is found great store of Muskles in which

there are pearles: likewise there descendeth into this Oc-

cam, another river, called Nomopana, on the one side

whereof standeth a great towne called Chawanook, and

the Lord of that towne and countrey is called Pooneno:

this Poomeno is not subject to the king of Wingandacoa,

but is a free Lord: beyond this country is there another

king, whom they cal Menatonon, and these three Kings are

in league with each other. Towards the Southwest, foure

dayes journey is situate a towne called Sequotan, which is

the Southernmost towne of Wingandacoa, neere unto

which, sixe and twentie yeres past there was a ship cast

away, whereof some of the people were saved, and those

were white people, whome the countrey people preserved.

And after ten dayes remaining in an out Island unhab-

ited, called Wocokon, they with the help of some of the

dwellers of Sequotan, fastened two boates of the countrey

together & made mastes unto them, and sailes of their

shirtes, and having taken into them such victuals as the

countrey yeelded, they departed after they had remained in

this out Island 3 weekes: but shortly after it seemed they

were cast away, for the boates were found upon the coast,

cast a land in another Island adjoyning: other then these,

there was never any people apparelled, or white of colour,

either seene or heard of amongst these people, and these

aforesaid were seen onely of the inhabitants of Secotan,

which appeared to be very true, for they wondred mar-

velously when we were amongst them at the whitenes of our

skins, ever coveting to touch our breasts, and to view the

same. Besides they had our ships in marvelous admiration,

& all things els were so strange unto them, as it appeared

that none of them had ever seene the like. When we dis-

charged any piece, were it but an hargubuz, they would

European Exploration 15

tremble thereat for very feare, and for the strangenesse of

the same: for the weapons which themselves use are bowes

and arrowes: the arrowes are but of small canes, headed

with a sharpe shell or tooth of a fish sufficient ynough to kill

a naked man. Their swordes be of wood hardened: likewise

they use wooden breastplates for their defence. They have

besides a kinde of club, in the end whereof they fasten the

sharpe hornes of a stagge, or other beast. When they goe to

warres they cary about with them their idol, of whom they

aske counsel, as the Romans were woont of the Oracle of

Apollo. They sing songs as they march towardes the battell

in stead of drummes and trumpets: their warres are very

cruell and bloody, by reason whereof, and of their civill dis-

sentions which have happened of late yeeres amongst them,

the people are marvelously wasted, and in some places the

countrey left desolate.

Adjoyning to this countrey aforesaid called Secotan

begginneth a countrey called Pomovik, belonging to

another king whom they call Piamacum, and this king is in

league with the next king adjoyning towards the setting of

the Sunne, and the countrey Newsiok, situate upon a

goodly river called Neus: these kings have mortall warre

with Wingina king of Wingandacoa: but about two yeeres

past there was a peace madde betweene the King

Piemacum, and the Lord of Secotan, as these men which

we have brought with us to England, have given us to

understand: but there remaineth a mortall malice in the

Secotanes, for many injuries and slaughters done upon

them by this Piemacum. They invited divers men, and thir-

tie women of the best of his countrey to their towne to a

feast: and when they were altogether merry, & praying

before their Idol, (which is nothing els but a meer illusion

of the devil) the captaine or Lord of the town came sud-

denly upon them, and slewe them every one, reserving the

women and children: and these two have often times since

perswaded us to surprize Piemacum his towne, having

promised and assured us, that there will be found in it great

store of commodities. But whether their perswasion be to

the ende they may be revenged of their enemies, or for the

love of they beare to us, we leave that to the tryall hereafter.

Beyond the Island called Roanoak, are maine Islands

very plentifull of fruits and other naturall increases,

together with many townes, and villages, along the side of

the continent, some bounding upon the Islands, and some

stretching up further into the land.

When we first had sight of this countrey, some thought

the first land we saw to bee the continent: but after we

entred into the Haven, we saw before us another mighty

long Sea: for there lyeth along the coast a tracte of Islands,

two hundreth miles in length, adjoyning to the Ocean sea,

and betweene the Islands, two or three entrances: when

you are entred betweene them (these Islands being very

narrow for the most part, as in most places sixe miles

broad, in some places lesse, in fewe more) then there

appeareth another great Sea, containing in bredth in some

places, forty, and in some fifty, in some twenty miles over,

before you come unto the continent: and in this inclosed

Sea there are above an hundreth Islands of divers big-

nesses, whereof one is sixteene miles long, at which we

were finding it a most pleasant and fertile ground, replen-

ished with goodly Cedars, and divers other sweete woods,

full of Corrants, of flaxe, and many other notable com-

modities, which we at that time had no leasure to view.

Besides this Island there are many, as I have sayd, some of

two or three, or foure, or five miles, some more, some

lesse, most beautifull and pleasant to behold, replenished

with Deere, Conies, Hares and divers beasts, and about

them the goodliest and best fish in the world, and in great-

est abundance.

Thus Sir, we have acquainted you with the particulars

of our discovery, made this present voyage, as farre foorth

as the shortnesse of the time we there continued would

affoord us take view of: and so contenting our selves with

this service at this time, which wee hope hereafter to in-

large, as occasion and assistance shalbe given, we resolved

to leave the countrey, and to apply our selves to returne for

England, which we did accordingly, and arrived safely in

the West of England about the middest of September.

And whereas wee have above certified you of the

countrey taken in possession by us, to her Majesties use,

and so to yours by her Majesties grant, wee thought good

for the better assurance thereof to record some of the par-

ticular Gentleman, & men of accompt, who then were pre-

sent as witnesses of the same, that thereby all occasion of

cavill to the title of the countrey, in her Majesties behalfe

may be prevented, which otherwise, such as like not the

action may use and pretend, whose names are:

Captaines:

Master Philip Amadas,

Master Arthur Barlow,

Of the Companie:

William Greenevile,

John Wood,

James Browewich,

Henry Greene,

Benjamin Wood,

Simon Ferdinando,

Nicholas Petman,

John Hewes,

We brought home also two of the Savages being lustie

men whose names were Wanchese and Manteo.

See also

CHARTER TO SIR WALTER RALEIGH

, 1584.

16 ERA 1: Three Worlds Meet

Source:

Richard Hakluyt. The Principal Navigations Voyages Traffiques

and Discoveries of the English Nation. Edited by Richard

Hakluyt and Edmund Goldsmid. Edinburgh: E. & G.

Goldsmid, 1885–1890.

Richard Hakluyt,

“Discourse Concerning Westerne

Planting,” 1584

The purpose of this unpublished state paper, written by Rich-

ard Hakluyt in 1584 was to stir interest in colonization of the

Western Hemisphere. Hakluyt was an ordained minister in the

Church of England and served as chaplain to the English

ambassador in Paris in the 1580s. It was there that his interest

in the explorations of the European powers was fueled. He

later published a collection of eyewitness accounts and other

records of English and foreign explorers in an enlarged, recon-

structed edition called

The Principal Navigations, Voyages and

Discoveries of the English Nation (1598–1600),

one of the

most important collections of exploration documents in exis-

tence. Only Chapter XX has been reproduced in this volume.

________________________

_______________________

Chapter XX

A brefe collection of certaine reasons to induce her

Majestie and the state to take in hande the westerne voy-

adge and the plantinge there.

1. The soyle yeldeth, and may be made to yelde, all the

severall comodities of Europe, and of all kingdomes,

domynions, and territories that England tradeth withe,

that by trade of marchandize cometh into this realme.

2. The passage thither and home is neither to longe

nor to shorte, but easie, and to be made twise in the yere.

3. The passage cutteth not nere the trade of any

prince, nor nere any of their contries or territories, and is

a safe passage, and not easie to be annoyed by prince or

potentate whatsoever.

4. The passage is to be perfourmed at all times of the

yere, and in that respecte passeth our trades in the Levant

Seas within the Straites of Juberalter, and the trades in the

seas within the Kinge of Denmarkes Straite, and the trades

to the portes of Norwey and of Russia, &c.; for as in the

south weste Straite there is no passage in somer by lacke of

windes, so within the other places there is no passage in

winter by yse and extreme colde.

5. And where England nowe for certen hundreth

yeres last passed, by the peculiar comoditie of wolles, and

of later yeres by clothinge of the same, hath raised it selfe

from meaner state to greater wealthe and moche higher

honour, mighte, and power then before, to the equallinge

of the princes of the same to the greatest potentates of this

parte of the worlde; it cometh nowe so to passe, that by the

greate endevour of the increase of the trade of wolles in

Spaine and in the West Indies, nowe daily more and more

multiplienge, that the wolles of England, and the clothe

made of the same, will become base, and every day more

base then other; which, prudently weyed, yt behoveth this

realme, yf it meane not to returne to former olde meanes

and basenes, but to stande in present and late former hon-

our, glorye, and force, and not negligently and sleepingly to

slyde into beggery, to foresee and to plante at Norumbega

or some like place, were it not for any thing els but for the

hope of the vent of our woll indraped, the principall and in

effecte the onely enrichinge contynueinge naturall

comoditie of this realme. And effectually pursueinge that

course, wee shall not onely finde on that tracte of lande,

and especially in that firme northwarde (to whome warme

clothe shalbe righte wellcome), an ample vente, but also

shall, from the north side of that firme, finde oute knowen

and unknowen ilandes and domynions replenished with

people that may fully vent the aboundaunce of that our

comoditie, that els will in fewe yeres waxe of none or of

small value by forreine aboundaunce, &c.; so as by this

enterprice wee shall shonne the ymmynent mischefe

hanginge over our heades, that els muste nedes fall upon

the realme, without breache of peace or sworde drawen

againste this realme by any forreine state; and not offer our

auncient riches to scornefull neighboures at home, nor sell

the same in effecte for nothinge, as wee shall shortly, if

presently it be not provaided for. The increase of the

wolles of Spaine and America is of highe pollicie, with

greate desire of our overthrowe, endevoured; and the

goodnes of the forren wolles our people will not enter into

the consideration of, nor will not beleve aughte, they be so

sotted with opinion of their owne; and, yf it be not fore-

sene and some such place of vent provided, farewell the

goodd state of all degrees in this realme.

6. This enterprise may staye the Spanishe Kinge from

flowinge over all the face of that waste firme of America,

yf wee seate and plante there in time, in tyme I say, and

wee by plantinge shall lett him from makinge more shorte

and more safe returnes oute of the noble portes of the pur-

posed places of our plantinge, then by any possibilitie he

can from the parte of the firme that nowe his navies by

ordinary courses come from, in this that there is no com-

parison betwene the portes of the coastes that the Kinge of

Spaine dothe nowe possesse and use, and the portes of the

coastes that our nation is to possesse by plantinge at

Norumbega, and on that tracte faste by, more to the northe

and northeaste, and in that there is from thence a moche

shorter course, and a course of more temperature, and a

course that possesseth more contynuaunce of ordinary

windes, then the present course of the Spanishe Indian

European Exploration 17

navies nowe dothe. And England possessinge the purposed

place of plantinge, her Majestie may, by the benefete of the

seate, havinge wonne goodd and royall havens, have plen-

tie of excellent trees for mastes, of goodly timber to builde

shippes and to make greate navies, of pitche, tarr, hempe,

and all thinges incident for a navie royall, and that for no

price, and withoute money or request. Howe easie a matter

may yt be to this realme, swarminge at this day with valiant

youthes, rustinge and hurtfull by lacke of employment, and

havinge goodd makers of cable and of all sortes of cordage,

and the best and moste connynge shipwrights of the

worlde, to be lordes of all those sees, and to spoile Phillipps

Indian navye, and to deprive him of yerely passage of his

treasure into Europe, and consequently to abate the pride

of Spaine and of the supporter of the greate Antechriste of

Rome, and to pull him downe in equallitie to his neighbour

princes, and consequently to cutt of the common mischefes

that come to all Europe by the peculiar aboundaunce of his

Indian treasure, and thiss withoute difficultie.

7. This voyadge, albeit it may be accomplished by

barke or smallest pynnesse for advise or for a necessitie,

yet for the distaunce, for burden and gaine in trade, the

marchant will not for profitts sake use it but by shippes of

greate burden; so as this realme shall have by that meane

shippes of greate burden and of greate strengthe for the

defence of this realme, and for the defence of that newe

seate, as nede shall require, and withall greate increase of

perfecte seamen, which greate princes in time of warres

wante, and which kinde of men are neither nourished in

fewe daies nor in fewe yeres.

8. This newe navie of mightie newe stronge shippes,

so in trade to that Norumbega and to the coastes there,

shall never be subjecte to arreste of any prince or poten-

tate, as the navie of this realme from time to time hath

bene in the portes of thempire, in the portes of the Base

Contries, in Spaine, Fraunce, Portingale, &c., in the tymes

of Charles the Emperour, Fraunces the Frenche kinge,

and others; but shall be alwayes free from that bitter mis-

cheefe, withoute grefe or hazarde to the marchaunte or to

the state, and so alwaies readie at the comaundement of

the prince with mariners, artillory, armor, and munition,

ready to offende and defende as shalbe required.

9. The greate masse of wealthe of the realme imbar-

qued in the marchantes shippes, caried oute in this newe

course, shall not lightly, in so farr distant a course from the

coaste of Europe, be driven by windes and tempestes into

portes of any forren princes, as the Spanishe shippes of

late yeres have bene into our portes of the Weste Contries,

&c.; and so our marchantes in respecte of private state,

and of the realme in respecte of a generall safetie from

venture of losse, are by this voyadge oute of one greate

mischefe.

10. No forren commoditie that comes into England

comes withoute payment of custome once, twise, or thrise,

before it come into the realme, and so all forren comodi-

ties become derer to the subjectes of this realme; and by

this course to Norumbega forren princes customes are

avoided; and the forren comodities cheapely purchased,

they become cheape to the subjectes of England, to the

common benefite of the people, and to the savinge of

greate treasure in the realme; whereas nowe the realme

becomethe poore by the purchasinge of forreine comodi-

ties in so greate a masse at so excessive prices.

11. At the firste traficque with the people of those

partes, the subjectes of this realme for many yeres shall

chaunge many cheape comodities of these partes for

thinges of highe valor there not estemed; and this to the

greate inrichinge of the realme, if common use faile not.

12. By the greate plentie of those regions the

marchantes and their factors shall lye there cheape, buye

and repaire their shippes cheape, and shall returne at plea-

sure withoute staye or restrainte of forreine prince;

whereas upon staies and restraintes the marchaunte

raiseth his chardge in sale over of his ware; and, buyenge

his wares cheape, he may mainteine trade with smalle

stocke, and withoute takinge upp money upon interest;

and so he shalbe riche and not subjecte to many hazardes,

but shalbe able to afforde the comodities for cheape prices

to all subjectes of the realme.

13. By makinge of shippes and by preparinge of

thinges for the same, by makinge of cables and cordage, by

plantinge of vines and olive trees, and by makinge of wyne

and oyle, by husbandrie, and by thousandes of thinges

there to be done, infinite nombers of the Englishe nation

may be set on worke, to the unburdenynge of the realme

with many that nowe lyve chardgeable to the state at

home.

14. If the sea coste serve for makinge of salte, and the

inland for wine, oiles, oranges, lymons, figges, &c., and for

makinge of yron, all which with moche more is hoped,

withoute sworde drawen, wee shall cutt the combe of the

Frenche, of the Spanishe, of the Portingale, and of ene-

mies, and of doubtfull frendes, to the abatinge of their

wealthe and force, and to the greater savinge of the

wealthe of the realme.

15. The substaunces servinge, wee may oute of those

partes receave the masse of wrought wares that now wee

receave out of Fraunce, Flaunders, Germanye, &c.; and so

wee may daunte the pride of some enemies of this realme,

or at the leaste in parte purchase those wares, that nowe

wee buye derely of the Frenche and Flemynge, better

cheape; and in the ende, for the parte that this realme was

wonte to receave, dryve them oute of trade to idlenes for

the settinge of our people on worke.

18 ERA 1: Three Worlds Meet

16. Wee shall by plantinge there inlarge the glory of

the gospell, and from England plante sincere relligion, and

provide a safe and a sure place to receave people from all

partes of the worlde that are forced to flee for the truthe

of Gods worde.

17. If frontier warres there chaunce to aryse, and if

thereupon wee shall fortifie, yt will occasion the trayninge

upp of our youthe in the discipline of warr, and make a

nomber fitt for the service of the warres and for the

defence of our people there and at home.

18. The Spaniardes governe in the Indies with all

pride and tyranie; and like as when people of contrarie

nature at the sea enter into gallies, where men are tied as

slaves, all yell and crye with one voice, Liberta, liberta, as

desirous of libertie and freedome, so no doubte whenso-

ever the Queene of England, a prince of such clemencie,

shall seate upon that firme of America, and shalbe

reported throughe oute all that tracte to use the naturall

people there with all humanitie, curtesie, and freedome,

they will yelde themselves to her governement, and revolte

cleane from the Spaniarde, and specially when they shall

understande that she hathe a noble navie, and that she

aboundeth with a people moste valiaunte for theyr

defence. And her Majestie havinge Sir Fraunces Drake

and other subjectes already in credite with the Symerons,

a people or greate multitude alreadye revolted from the

Spanishe governemente, she may with them and a fewe

hundrethes of this nation, trayned upp in the late warres of

Fraunce and Flaunders, bringe greate thinges to passe,

and that with greate ease; and this broughte so aboute, her

Majestie and her subjectes may bothe enjoye the treasure

of the mynes of golde and silver, and the whole trade and

all the gaine of the trade of marchandize, that nowe pas-

seth thither by the Spaniardes onely hande, of all the

comodities of Europe; which trade of marchandize onely

were of it selfe suffycient (withoute the benefite of the

riche myne) to inriche the subjectes, and by customes to

fill her Majesties coffers to the full. And if it be highe pol-

licie to mayneteyne the poore people of this realme in

worke, I dare affirme that if the poore people of England

were five times so many as they be, yet all mighte be sett

on worke in and by workinge lynnen, and suche other

thinges of marchandize as the trade into the Indies dothe

require.

19. The present shorte trades causeth the maryner to

be cast of, and ofte to be idle, and so by povertie to fall to

piracie. But this course to Norumbega beinge longer, and

a contynuaunce of themploymente of the maryner, dothe

kepe the maryner from ydlenes and from necessitie; and so

it cutteth of the principal actions of piracie, and the rather

because no riche praye for them to take cometh directly in

their course or any thing nere their course.

20. Many men of excellent wittes and of divers sin-

guler giftes, overthrowen by suertishippe, by sea, or by

some folly of youthe, that are not able to live in England,

may there be raised againe, and doe their contrie goodd

service; and many nedefull uses there may (to greate pur-

pose) require the savinge of greate nombers, that for trifles

may otherwise be devoured by the gallowes.

21. Many souldiers and servitours, in the ende of the

warres, that mighte be hurtfull to this realme, may there

be unladen, to the common profite and quiet of this

realme, and to our forreine benefite there, as they may be

employed.

22. The frye of the wandringe beggars of England,

that growe upp ydly, and hurtefull and burdenous to this

realme, may there be unladen, better bredd upp, and may

people waste contries to the home and forreine benefite,

and to their owne more happy state.

23. If Englande crie oute and affirme, that there is so

many in all trades that one cannot live for another, as in all

places they doe, this Norumbega (if it be thoughte so

goodd) offreth the remedie.

Thomas Hariot, Briefe and True Report of

the New Found Land of Virginia, 1588

This document, written by Thomas Hariot and illustrated by

John White in 1588, revealed the true findings of the coloniz-

ing expedition led by Sir Walter Raleigh that had landed on

Roanoke Island, off the Virginia coast. The text emphasized

geographical and environmental items of interest, including

native plants that could be used for food. It also describes the

indigenous people. However, the report became more famous

for John White’s visual record, which consisted of 23 water-

color paintings from a collection of at least 63. These included

representations of the life and habits of the Native Americans

as well as the “flora and fauna” of the land, and they were

even known to have influenced geographers in their study of

the coastline of the Chesapeake Bay. White’s paintings were

engraved for the

True Report of Virginia

by Theodore de Bry,

and the document was published in a second edition in 1590.

The excerpts here include the first and last parts. Consult the

source for the entire document.

________________________

_______________________

Rafe Lane One of Her Maiesties

Equieres and Governour of the Colony in Virginia above

mentioned for the time there resident. To the gentle Reader,

wisheth all happiness in the Lord.

Lbeit (Gentle Reader) the credite of the reports in this

treatise contained, can little be furthered by the testimony

of one as my selfe, through affection judged partiall,

European Exploration 19

though without desert: Neverthelesse forsomuch as I haue

beene requested by some my particular friends, who con-

ceiue more rightly of me, to deliver freely my knowledge of

the same; not onely for the satisfying of them, but also for

the true enformation of anie other whosoeuer, that comes

not with a prejudicate minde to the reading thereof: Thus

much upon my credit I am to affirme: that things univer-

sally are so truely set downe in this treatise by the author

thereof, an Actor in the Colony & a man no lesse for his

honestly then learning commendable: as that I dare bold-

ely auouch it may very well passe with the credit of

trutheuen amongst the most true relations of this age.

Which as for mine own part I am readie any way with my

word to acknowledge, so also (of the certaintie thereof

assured by mine owne experience) with this my publike

assertion, I doe affirmed the same. Farewell in the Lorde.

To the Adventurers, Fauourers, and Welwillers of the

Enterprise for the Inhabiting and Planting in Virginia.

Since the first undertaking by Sir Walter Raleigh to

deale in the action of discovering of that Countrey which

is now called and known by the name of Virginia; many

voyages having bin thither made at sundrie times of his

great charge; as first in the yeere 1584, and afterwards in

the yeeres 1585, 1586, and now oflare this last yeare of

1587: There have bin diners and variable reporters with

some slaunderous and shamefull speeches bruited abroade

by many that returned from thence. Especially of that dis-

couery which was made by the Colony transported by Sir

Richard Greinuile in the yeare 1585, being of all the oth-

ers the most principal and as yet of most effect, the time of

their abode in the countrey beeing a whole yeare, when as

in the other voyage before they staied but fixe weekes; and

the others after were onelie for supply and transportation,

nothing more being discovered then had been before,

Which reports haue not done a litle wrong to many that

otherwise would haue also fauoured & adventured in the

action, to the honour and benefite of our nation, besides

the particular profite and credite which would redound to

them selues the dealers therein; as I hope by the sequele

of events to the shame of those that haue auouched the

contrary shalbe manifest; if you the adventures, fauourers,

and welwillers do but either encrease in number, or in

opinion continue, or having bin doubtfull renewe your

good liking and furtherance to deale therein according to

the worthinesse thereof alreadye found and as you shall

understand hereafter to be requisite. Touching which wor-

thiness through cause of the diuersitie of relations and

reportes, manye of your opinions coulde not bee firme, nor

the mindes of some that are well disposed, bee setled in

any certaintie.

I haue therefor thought it good beeing one that have

beene in the discouerie and in dealing with the naturall

inhabitantes specially imploied; and having therefore

seene and knowne more then the ordinarie: to imparte so

much unto you of the fruites of our labours, as that you

may knowe howe iniuriously the enterprise is slaundered.

And that in publike manner at this present chiefelie for

two respectes.

First that some of you which are yet ignorant or

doubtfull of the state thereof, may see that there is suffi-

cient cause why the cheese enterpriser with the fauour of

her Maiestie, notwithstanding suche reporters; hath not

onelie since continued the action by sending into the coun-

trey againe, and replanting this last yeere a new Colony;

but is also readie, according as the times and meanes will

affoorde, to follow and prosecute the same.

Secondly, that you seeing and knowing the continu-

ance of the action by the view hereof you may generally

know & learne what the countrey is; & thervpon consider

how your dealing therein if it proceede, may returne you

profit and gaine; bee it either by inhabiting & planting or

otherwise in furthering thereof. And least that the sub-

stance of my relation should be doubtful unto you, as of

others by reason of their diuersitie: I will first open the

cause in a few wordes wherefore they are so different;

referring my selfe to your favourable constructions, and to

be adjudged of as by good consideration you shall finde

cause. Of your companie that returned some for their mis-

demenour and ill dealing in the countrey, have beene there

worthily punished; who by reason of their badde natures,

have maliciously not onelie spoken ill of their Gouernours;

but for their sakes slaundered the countrie it selfe. The like

also have those done which where of their confort.

Some beeing ignorant of the state thereof, notwith-

standing since their returne amongest their friendes and

acquaintance and also others, especially if they were in

companie where they might not be gainesaide; woulde

seeme to knowe so much as no men more; and make no

men so great trauailers as themselves. They stood so much

as it maie seeme vppon their credite and reputation that

having been at twelve moneth in the countrey, it woulde

have beene a great disgrace unto them as they thought, if

they coulde not have saide much whether it were true or

false. Of which some have spoken of more then ever they

saw or otherwise knew to bee there; othersome have not

bin ashamed to make absolute deniall of that which

although not by them, yet by others is most certainely and

there plentifully knowne. And othersome make difficulties

of those things they have no skill of.

The cause of their ignorance was, in that they were of

that many that were never out of the Iland where wee

were seated, or not farre, or at the leastwise in few places

els, during the time of our aboade in the countrey; or of

that many that after golde and siluer was not so soone

found, as it was by them looked for, had little or no care of

any other thing but to pamper their bellies; or of that many

20 ERA 1: Three Worlds Meet

which had little understanding, less discretion, and more

tongue then was needfull or requisite.

Some also were of a nice bringing up, only in cities or

townes, or such as never (as I may say) had seene the world

before. Because there were not to bee found any English

cities, nor such faire houses, nor at their owne wish any of

their olde accustomed daintie food, nor any soft beds of

downe or fethers; the countrey was to them miserable, &

their reports thereof according.

Because my purpose was but in briefe to open the

cause of the varietie of such speeches; the particularities of

them, and of many enuious, malicious, and slaunderous

reports and devises els, by our owne countrey men

besides; as trifles that are not worthy of wise men to bee

thought upon, I meane not to trouble you with all: but will

passe to the commodities, the substance of that which I

have to make relation of unto you.

The treatise whereof for your more readie view & eas-

ier understanding I will divide into three special parts. In

the first I will make declaration of such commodities there

alreadie found or to be raised, which will not onely serve

the ordinary turnes of you which are and shall bee the

planters and inhabitants, but such an overplus sufficiently

to bee yelded, or by men of skill to bee provided, as by way

of trafficke and exchaunge with our owne nation of Eng-

land, will enrich your selves the providers; those that shal

deal with you; the enterprisers in general; and greatly

profit our owne countrey men, to supply the with most

things which heretofore they have bene faine to provide,

either of strangers or of our enemies: which commodities

for distinction sake, I call Merchantable.

In the second, I will set downe all the commodities

which wee know the countrey by our experience doeth

yeld of it selfe for victuall, and sustenance of mans life;

such as is usually fed vpo by the inhabitants of the coun-

trey, as also by us during the time we were there.

In the last part I will make mention generally of such

other commodities besides, as I am able to remember, and

as I shall thinke behoofull for those that shall inhabite, and

plant there to knowe of; which specially concerne building,

as also some other necessary uses: with a briefe description

of the nature and maners of the people of the countrey.

The first part of merchantable commodities

Silke of grasse or grasse Silke: There is a kind of grasse in

the countrey vppon the blades whereof there groweth very

good silke in forme of a thin glittering skin to bee stript of.

It groweth two foote and a halfe high or better: the blades

are about two foot in length, and half inch broad. The like

groweth in Persia, which is in the selfe same climate as Vir-

ginia, of which very many of the silke workes that come

from thence into Europe are made. Hereof if it be planted

and ordered as in Persia, it cannot in reason be otherwise,

but that there will rise in shorte time great profite to the

dealers therein; seeing there is so great vse and vent

thereof as well in our countrey as els where. And by the

meanes of sowing & planting it in good ground, it will be

farre greater, better, and more plentiful then it is.

Although notwithstanding there is great store thereof in

many places of the countrey growing naturally and wilde.

Which also by proof here in England, in making a piece of

silke Grogran, we found to be excellent good.

Worme Silke: In manie of our journeys we found silke

wormes fayre and great; as bigge as our ordinary walnuttes.

Although it hath not beene our happe to have found such

plentie as elsewhere to be in the countrey we have heard

of; yet seeing that the countrey doth naturally breede and

nourish them, there is no doubt but if art be added in

planting of mulbery trees and others fitte for them in com-

modious places, for their feeding and nourishing; and

some of the carefully gathered and husbanded in that sort

as by men of skill is knowne to be necessarie: there will rise

as great profite in time to the Virginians, as thereof doth

now the Persians, Turkes, Italians and Spaniards.

Flaxe and Hempe: The trueth is that of Hempe and

Flaxe there is no great store in any one place together, by

reason it is not planted but as the soile doth yeeld it of

itselfe; and howsoever the lease, and stemme or stalke doe

differ from ours; the stuffe by the iudgemet of men of skill

is altogether as good as ours. And if not, as further proofe

should finde otherwise; we have that experience of the

soile, as that there cannot bee shewed anie reason to the

contrary, but that it will grow there excellent well; and by

planting will be yeelded plentifully: seeing there is so

much ground whereof of some may well be applyed to

such purposes. What benefite heereof may growe in

cordage and linnens who can not easily vnderstand?

Allum: There is a veine of earth along the sea coast for

the space of fourtie or fiftie miles, whereof by the judge-

ment of some of that have made triall heere in England, is

made good Allum, of that kinde which is called Roche

Allum. The richness of such a commoditie is so well

knowne that I neede not saye any thing thereof. The same

earth doth also yeelde White Copresse, Nitrum, and Alu-

men plumeum, but nothing so plentifully as the common

Allum; which be also of price and profitable.

Wapeih, a kinde of earth so called by the naturall

inhabitants; very like to terra Sigillata: and having beene

refined, it hath beene found by some of our Phisitions and

Chirurgeons to bee of the same kinde of vertue and more

effectuall. The inhabitants use it very much for the cure of

sores and woundes: there is in diuers places great plentie,

and in some places of a blewe sort.

Pitch, Tarre, Rozen, and Turpentine: There are those

kindes of trees which yeelde them abundantly and great

store. In the very same Iland where wee were seated,

European Exploration 21