The Second Book, CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION OF NORTHERN AMERICA

CHAP. I. Of the Bounds of America, and of the Division of the Mexican or Northern part thereof.

The Bounds and Division of Northern America.

Having in the first part of this Volume discours’d at large concerning the original of the Americans, and whether that part of the World call’d India Occidentalis, or America, were known to the Ancients, or own its Discovery wholly to the Moderns, as also of all the Discoveries that have been made of the several parts thereof, and by whom, we shall now pass on to the Topographical part, describing every particular Province or Region, by giving an account of their Situation, Temperature, Productions, Nature of the Soil, and Quality of the Inhabitants. America, lying Westward of the Azores, and the Worlds Meridian, is by some suppos’d to consist of one vast Island, and several lesser ones, scatter’d about it: Nor can this supposition be thought vain, if, as many think, it be inviron’d on the North-side, as toward the East, South, and West it is known to be; East and South, by the Atlantick Ocean; and West, by Mar del Zur: But because the North-West Passage, though attempted by many, as Nelson, Davis, Forbisher, Button, Smith, Hudson, and others, hath not yet by any been fully discover’d; so that it is not certainly known whether America be joyn’d to Greenland, and the Arctick Region, by a continu’d Tract of Land, or sever’d by the Ocean: We shall follow the method of those Geographers, who, reputed sufficiently Authentick, have divided this new World into Islands, and two grand Peninsula’s joyn’d together by an Isthmus, or Neck of Land, call’d The Straight of Darien, by some The Straight of Panama, lying almost under the Equinoctial Line, and extending in length from Nombre de Dios Southward above a hundred Miles, and from East to West seventeen Miles over in 126the narrowest place. Of these two grand Peninsula’s the Northern is generally call’d America Mexicana, from Mexico the chief City of the Province, properly call’d Mexicana; which was heretofore without doubt the most potent, rich, and flourishing of all the Kingdoms of the Indians, at least on the North-side of the Isthmus. In the division of the several Provinces of America, as well those of the Northern as of the Southern Continent, we find so various an account among the several Geographers that have written of them (not any two of them agreeing in one and the same order) that to reconcile the differing methods of so many disagreeing Authors would be an endless work: wherefore we shall pitch upon the surest course, and not omitting the mention of any of the Provinces taken notice of by the said Authors, hereby endeavor to take in whatsoever material hath been observ’d by all of them, and by the way take occasion to shew how one differs from another in the distribution of them. Those therefore of the Northern America (that as near as can be we may bring the design of many into one) seem most fitly describ’d in this following order: 1. Estotiland; 2. Terra Laboratoris, or Nova Britannia; 3. Canada, or Nova Francia; 4. Nova Scotia; 5. New England; 6. New Netherlands, now call’d New York, as being in the possession of the English; 7. New Holland; 8. New Swedeland; 9. Apalchen, now call’d Virginia; 10. Florida; 11. Jucatan; 12. Honduras; 13. Nicaragua; 14. Veragua; 15. Costarica; 16. Anien; 17. Nova Hispania; 18. Guacatimala; 19. Nova Gallicia; 20. Nova Biscaia; 21. Nova Mexico; 22. Cibola; 23. Nova Granata; 24. Tontonteac; 25. Quivira; 26. Nova Albion; to which by most Authors is added California; which being an Island we thought fit to reserve to be spoken of amongst the Islands, as also Terra Nova, or New-found Land; which last lies utmost West, as the other East of Northern America. Some there are also (and particularly Monsieur de Martini) who among the above-mention’d Provinces have inserted Greenland, though doubtless with little reason, since though it be granted that it is not divided by any Sea, yet it is evident, if any credit may be given to all modern Maps and Globes, that the greatest part of Greenland lies in the Hemisphere of the known World; and therefore we have judg’d it most convenient to refer the particular mention thereof to the Description of the Arctick Region.

The Islands of Northern America are 1. Terra Nova, or New-found Land; 2. The Island of Assumption; 3. The Bermudas, or Summer-Island; 4. Hispaniola; 5. St. John Porto Rico; 6. Cuba; 7. Jamaica; 8. The Lucayes; 9. The Caribes, or Antillæ; 10. Margarita; 11. Cubagua; 12. La Trinidad; 13. Tabago; 14. California, the biggest of all the American Islands.

The length of the West-Indies is generally computed to be from the utmost South of Terra Magellanica, to the farthest North of Estotiland, about six thousand English Miles, reaching from six Degrees of Northern, to fifty three of Southern Latitude; the breadth from St. Michael or Piura Westward, to Parabaya, a Town on the Coast of Brasil Eastward, three thousand nine hundred Miles, and the whole compass thirty thousand.

Sect. II. Estotiland.

That the English have been very great Undertakers of Voyages and Discoveries toward the North-West, appears by the denomination of divers places, both from the Persons which have Sail’d thitherward, and also from such of our own Countrey Names as were thought fit to be there fix’d, as beyond the Arctick Circle are Sir James Lancaster’s Sound, Sir Dudley Diggs’s Cape, Queens Annes 127Foreland, Cumberland Isles, Davis’s Straight, &c. on this side toward the Arctick Circle, Button’s and Brigg’s Bay, Hudson’s Sea, otherwise term’d Mare Christianum, out of which more Westerly runs a narrow Sea call’d Hudson’s Straight: beyond Hudson’s Sea towards the Arctick Circle is a place call’d New North-Wales; and on this side answerable to it, between Button’s Bay and the Christian Sea, lies New South-Wales; all which places we find generally set down in the American Hemisphere, but in the Geographical Discourses thereof little is said of them, if so much as nam’d. The farthest part of Land Northward, between Hudson’s Gulph and Hudson’s Straight, betwixt fifty seven and sixty Degrees of Northern Latitude, goes generally by the Name of Estotiland, I mean that properly so call’d (for Estotiland is by some as largely taken as Canada, by Cluverius, Golnitzius, Peter du Val, and others, namely for all that Tract of Land extending from that supposed Straight of Anian, which divides America from Asiatick Tartary, as far as the utmost point of Land that shoots toward the Atlantick Ocean) which Southerly towards Terra Laboratoris is bounded with a River vulgarly call’d Rio Nevado, or The Snowy River. Estotiland seems to have deriv’d its Name from its lying more Easterly than the rest of the Provinces, and, according as Nova Britannia is plac’d in some Charts, might very well be taken for the same, though it hath not been so term’d by any Author, but rather Terra Laboratoris, Cortereatis, and Nova Britannia are generally receiv’d to be all one.

First discovery of Estotiland.

The Nature of the People.

This Province is affirm’d by Matthias Quadus, and J. Antonius Maginus, to have been the first discover’d Countrey of the new World, and that by Antonius Zeno, a Patrician of Venice, in the Year of our Lord 1390. which was long before the Expedition of Columbus, through the encouragement of Zichmus, King of the Isle of Friezland; but by whomsoever found out, or at whatsoever time, it is commonly affirm’d to be not ill furnish’d with Provisions of all sorts, as Beasts, Birds, Fish, Fowl, and Fruits, having a Soil indifferent fertile, in respect of the coldness of the Climate. The People in general (for some there are that live wild and salvage up and down the Woods, and go naked, whereas the Clothing of the Countrey is the Skins of Beasts and of Sea-Calves, call’d Morses) are reported not onely tolerably civil, but also ingenious and expert both in mechanick Arts, and other necessary Faculties, insomuch that the first Voyagers to this place are said to have observ’d of them upon this first Discovery, That they sow’d Corn, brew’d Beer and Ale, and Traded by Sea to Greenland, Friezland, and other places, to the distance of fifteen hundred Miles; and that they were not altogether void of the use of Letters, but that their Character was onely proper to themselves and not intelligible by any other Nation: Moreover, there is a certain Tradition, that there was here and there some little knowledge of the Latine Tongue amongst them, and that there were found divers Latine Books in a Library of one of their Kings; the reason of which, if true, is conjectur’d to be from certain Europeans who understood that Language, having in Ages past suffer’d shipwrack upon those Coasts, where chancing to abide either through constraint or choice, they might haply at their Decease leave behind them some Books and other Monuments of the Latine Tongue. They were observ’d to use such a kind of Javelin or short Dart, as was known to be us’d by the People of Java, and some other Islands of the East-Indies; whereupon it seems not wholly improbable, that they might for a long time have entertain’d Traffick and Correspondence with them.

Description of the Morses.

The Morses, or Sea-Calves before mention’d, are about the bigness of a young Heifer, the Hunting of which by the Natives, who take them in great numbers, is to them in the stead of Whale-fishing, which is not there so good, for they draw a great quantity of Train-Oyl out of them. On each side of the Jaw of this amphibious 128Creature (for it is said to live very much on the Land, as well as in the Water) there sticks out a crooked Tusk, winding downward like an Elephants Proboscis, above a Cubit in length, and as white and hard as Ivory: It is esteem’d of great vertue, at least it passes for such among those who take it for other than what it is, for it is frequently vended for Unicorns-horn; of which imposture Dr. Brown takes notice, and gives a Caution against in his Vulgar Errors.

This Countrey is suppos’d, and that probably enough, to have store of Brass and Iron Mines; but for the Mines of Gold and Silver, which some have imagin’d there, the Northerly Situation of the Countrey, and by consequence the coldness of the Climate, give sufficient cause to question the truth of any such assertion. What chief Towns, Cities, Rivers and Mountains there are in this Province, is not yet deliver’d by any, onely Maginus and Quadus make mention of four principal Rivers, which disperse themselves through the Countrey, and take their source out of a great Mountain in the midst thereof.

Sect. III. Terra Laboratoris.

Situation.

Terra Laboratoris, by some call’d Nova Britannia, by others Corterealis, (though there are some who make Laboratoris and Corterealis two distinct Countreys, comprehended, according to Peter du Val, under Nova Britannia, as the more general Province; or, according to Cluverius, under Canada) lies from about fifty four to fifty seven Degrees of Northern Latitude, between Estotiland and the River Canada, which Maginus and some others, though for what reason is not express’d, name Fretum trium Fratrum, The Bay of the three Brethren; others, The River of St. Laurence, and is, according to the said Author, of so vast a bigness, that the Mouth of it extends it self thirty five Italian Miles wide; likewise of such a length, as to have been navigated a continu’d Voyage of eight hundred Miles. The denomination of Terra de Laborador, or Laboratoris, seems probably enough conjectur’d to be from the cultivability (if one may so term it) of the Soil, or its aptness for Cultivation or Tillage; that is, because by the painful Hand of the Labourer or Husband-man it may be rendred so fertile, as to yield all sorts of Grain and Fruits; haply in allusion to that fruitful Countrey of Campania in Italy, vulgarly known by the Name of Terra di Lavoro. As for the Appellation of Terra Corterealis, it need not be question’d, but that it derives it self from Gaspar Corterealis, a Portuguese Gentleman, who about the Year of our Lord 1500. is thought by some to have made the first discovery of these Parts; though Sir Sebastian Cabot a Venetian, is more generally believ’d to have been the Man that (under the favour and countenance of Henry the Seventh, King of England) first discover’d them, at least the adjoyning Island Terra Nova, or New-found Land; but just onely discover’d, being hinder’d the farther prosecution of that Design, by the important Affairs in which the said King was about that time involv’d; neither did Corterealis, whether he was the first, or came after, do any more, for returning within a year after his first setting out, he was never heard of; nor, as Osorius a Portuguese Historian writes, any of his Company, being all suppos’d to have been drown’d by Shipwrack; and in like manner Michael Corterealis, who the year following set forth with two Ships in quest of his Brother Gaspar. Upon which series of Misfortunes the Portuguese being wholly discourag’d, and giving over this Design, the French of Armorica or Bretany succeed them in it with somewhat better success about the Year 1504. whereupon it came to 129be term’d Nova Britannia, or New Britain. The ancient Inhabitants of this place were formerly of a Nature, like the generality of the American People, somewhat bruitish and salvage, but by long conversation with the French, are said to have cast off their original wildness, and become more civilly manner’d: they are very jealous of their Wives, by report much addicted to Soothsaying, though otherwise having little of Religion, or of any other kind of Learning; they dwell for the most part in Caves under Ground, feed chiefly upon Fish, and are accounted most expert Archers. Whatever places the French have built here besides, those of chiefest note are St. Maries, Cabo Marzo, and Brest.

Sect. IV. Canada, or New France.

Situation.

Canada, as it is taken for one and the same Province with New France, contains New France, properly so call’d, Nova Scotia, Norumbega, and some adjoyning Islands, as the Canada of Cluverius, lying more North-Westerly, comprehends (as we have already intimated) Estotiland, Laboratoris, and Corterealis, and, according to the most modern Division (for that of Cluverius neither consents with the latest Authors, nor agrees with exact Survey, it being nam’d Canada, in respect the River Canada runs through it) hath on the North Terra Corterealis, on the South New England, and on the East the Ocean, and hath between forty five and fifty two or fifty three Degrees of Northern Latitude. The River Canada is judg’d to be the largest of all the Rivers of America, as those Rivers generally the largest of all in the World besides; it rises in the Western parts of this Province which remain yet undiscover’d, and in some places spreads it self into huge Lakes, some of them a hundred Miles in compass, with many little Islands dispersed up and down in them, and so running from the West about a hundred Leagues, falls at last into the North part of St. Lawrence Bay, being that wide Emboucheure of thirty five Miles breadth already mention’d. This River is extraordinary full of Fish, among which there is one sort more remarkable than the rest, call’d by the Inhabitants Cadhothuis, having Heads resembling the Heads of Hares, and Bodies as white as Snow; they are taken for the most part before the Isle de Lievres. The Countrey on both sides of the River is pleasant and indifferently fertile, especially towards the South-West, where upwards from the River the Ground rises into many little Hills, invested most of them with Vines, with which and several other sorts of Trees this Countrey abounds, being well water’d with a great many lesser Streams, all of them falling into the River Canada.

First discovery.

That this Countrey is term’d New France, from having been discover’d by the French, at least more fully than before, there needs no question to be made; but whether Joannes Verrazanus, under Francis the First of France, or Sebastian Cabot before spoken of, were the first in this Discovery, may admit of something of dispute: the Cabots indeed, (for John the Father is by some mention’d to have accompanied his Son) who by all are own’d the first Discoverers of New-found-Land and Terra de Baccalaos, are also commonly reputed to have first found out the Province of New France, together with some parts adjacent, though perhaps it might be upon this Ground that Terra de Nova, or New-found-Land, not being known at first to be an Island, New France and that might be taken for one continu’d Province; and it appears so much the more probable, because Canada, or Nova Francia, is by some call’d Terra Nova; however it be, or whoever were the first Adventurers, Quarteri and 130Champlain are the two French-men that have gain’d so much fame by making a more ample and particular search into these parts, that this Province may seem from thence to have sufficient claim to the Title of New France, whereof that part more especially so call’d, lies on the North-side of the River Canada, and Southward to Terra Corterealis. The Winter is here very long, and so much the more severe by reason of a cold North-West Wind which blows most part of the Winter Season, and brings with it so thick a Snow, that it continues upon the Ground most commonly till after May. The Countrey is for the most part wooddy, but in the Champain parts thereof very fruitful of Corn, and all sorts of Grain, especially Pulse: It hath also Fish, Fowl, wild Deer, Bears, Marterns, and Foxes in abundance, and of Hares such plenty, that one of the little Islands belonging to this Province, is by the French nam’d L’Isle des Lievres, or The Island of Hares: But the most peculiar Commodity belonging to this Countrey is the Esurgnuy, a kind of Shell-Fish, extraordinary white, and approv’d of singular vertue for the stanching of Blood; to which purpose they make Bracelets of them, not onely for their own use, but also to vend them to others; but John de Laet and others have observ’d no other than a superstitious use of them amongst the Salvages, in their Funeral Rites for the Dead: the manner of their taking it is very remarkable; for when any one is condemn’d to die, or taken Prisoner, they cut off all his fleshy parts in long slices, and then throw him into the River, where they let him lie twelve hours, and at last pulling him out again find his Wounds full of Esurgnui. Quadus and Maginus make mention of three ancient Towns, namely Canada (denominated as the Province, from the River) Hochelai and Hochchelaga, giving Name to a Territory about it, which Geographers either take no notice of, or make some question of the being of such Towns; however, a late Describer of the West-Indies, not mentioning the other two, gives this description of the last, viz. Hochchelaga:

“This City (saith he) said to be the Seat and Residence of a King of this Country whom the Natives, at least some of them, acknowledge and reverence, carrying him sometimes in great pomp upon their Shoulders sitting upon a Carpet of Beasts Skins, is situate far within Land, at a distance of six or seven Leagues from the River Canada, and is a kind of fortifi’d place, encompass’d about with a threefold Range of Timber Ramparts one within another, of about two Rods high from the Ground, with cross Planks, or pieces of Timber jutting out, on purpose to hinder an Enemy’s Scaling or getting up; towards the top there is as it were a Scaffold or Gallery fram’d, from whence they may throw down Stones of which there is always good store ready, or what else to annoy the Assailants: It hath one onely Gate for Entrance, and that likewise well fortifi’d after their manner: There are guess’d to be in it fifty or sixty great Houses, built (as the maner of the Americans that live in Houses usually is) in a square Figure, each side being about fifty Foot long, or more, and sixteen or twenty broad, but not many Stories high; and in the midst of the Court or void space, a place to make their Fire, and do other necessary work about it. Moreover the Territory round about this Town is both rich in Soil, and pleasant in Prospect.”

Besides these three above-mention’d Towns there are several others, which are not untaken notice of in the most modern Descriptions and Maps, viz. 1. Stadac, or Stadacone, somewhat Westward of a small Isle call’d The Isle d’Orleance; 2. Quebeque, which being made a Colony of the French, and the Natives expell’d, came to be Entituled St. Croix; 3. Tadoussac, which lies in that part of the Countrey denominated from the River Saguenay, and by some call’d at this day Nouvelle Biscaye, a delightful place, and full of stately Trees, and hath likewise a good and safe Haven, 131capable of receiving twenty Ships; 4. Trois Rivieris, or three Rivers; 5. Monreal; 6. Sillery; 7. Richelieu; besides two strong Castles or Forts, Franceroy and St. Lewis; the First built by Monsieur Robeval at his Landing here, about the Year 1540. the other design’d for a Colony, in the Year 1611. by Monsieur Champlany, but hinder’d by the Invasion of the Iroquois. The smaller Rivers that run out of the Gulph of St. Lawrence, and the grand River Canada towards the North, on which side chiefly lies this Province, are, 1. Chichesedec, 2. St. Margarite, 3. Lesquemin, 4. Saquenay, before-mention’d, 5. Montonne; and on the South side, the River Mary. The principal Tribes of the ancient Natives of this Countrey were; on the North side of Canada the Canadans, the Betisiamites, the Hurons, the Algoniquins, the Quenongebins, the Algoingequins, the Attagopantans, the Atticameques, the Nipisiriniens; and on the South side, the Etechemins, and the chief Heads or Princes of these Tribes were call’d Sagamores.

Strange Fish nam’d Chaousarou.

Jaques Quartier Complementing their King Agouthanna, took up his Quarters a whole Winter at St. Croix, a Sandy Promontory, overflow’d by the River Canada, into which falls the Lake de Champlain, grown round about with Chestnut Trees; in it breeds the strange Fish call’d Chaousarou, generally ten Foot long, with Heads like Sharks, and two rows of Teeth in their Mouths, their Skins full of strong Scales, which are sufficient Shields against Swords and Lances, are great devourers of other Fish and Fowls, which they take after this manner, viz. they swim amongst Reeds or Canes, and lie still with their Mouths open; whereat the Birds sitting down upon them, are immediately swallow’d.

The Natives of Nova Francia anoint their bodies with Oil; in the Summer they go naked, and in the Winter mantle themselves in Furs. Their Warlike Accoutrements are Darts and Clubs, but chiefly great Shields. They are revengeful, cruel, and fraudulent; their Women common to all Men, from fifteen to twenty, after which, Marrying, they become very Chaste. Their Diet is Indian Corn, fresh and salt Fish, Venison, Buffalo’s and Beavers flesh; wiping their Fingers (when greasie) on their Heads, or their Dogs backs, which wait for the Scraps.

Strange proof of Valor.

Wonderful opinion of God.

Flood.

Sorcerers.

They boast their Extract from Heaven.

Their strange Relation concerning it.

As also of the Creation, and Souls of the Deceased.

Strange Rock.

Thunder.

Thakabech an Idol.

Funeral-Feast.

At that season when the Corn covers the ground, to any heighth, they eat Cockles, Dogs, dead Caryon, and the Skins wherewith they Clothe themselves. When they have eaten their fill, they tabering on their Bellies, cry, Tapoue Mikispoun, that is, Verily I am satisfi’d. They give their Sick a speedy Cure, either immediately killing them, or inhumanely exposing them to the Woods, to be devour’d by ravenous Beasts, but if they die suddenly, they in howling tone pronounce Ove, Ove, thereby to chase the Souls of the Deceas’d out of their Huts; they stick the bodies on Woodden Prongs, cover them with Bark, and lay their Clothes and Arms by them; all what remains of the Funeral Feasts is burnt, whereas at other times, what e’re is brought on their Table they eat, though ready to burst. They make the first Proofs of their Valour by undergoing a most prodigious Torment, in this manner; Two by consent tie their naked Arms together, on which they suffer burning Sulphur to be pour’d, till the flesh starts from the bone; if either of them shrink, or pull back his Arm, he is accounted by them ever after as an ignominious and base Coward. They call God Atahocan, and believe that one Messou first drowning the world by a general Deluge, restor’d it again after a wonderful manner, viz. Messou hunting with Wolves, they scented a Deer which being closely pursu’d, leap’d into a neighboring Pool, the Wolves following it, were drown’d; Messou coming thither, stood amaz’d at a Bird, which inform’d him, that the Wolves were pluck’d down, and held fast in the bottom by horrible Monsters, whereupon he diving, the Pool immediately began to swell, and at last the whole surface 132of the Earth to be overflow’d. Messou afterwards let a Raven flie to fetch a Clod of Earth, but in vain, for all the Land lay drown’d in Water; at last a Rat diving to the bottom, brought a lump of Earth, out of which Messou restor’d the World; shot Arrows into Trees, which became fruitful Branches. Here also reside an innumerable many Sorcerers, call’d Pillotoa’s, which sometimes being possess’d with a Frenzy, scourge themselves in a terrible manner, insomuch that the Blood runs down by their sides: These People are held in great esteem, for they boast themselves to have their Original from Heaven upon this occasion, viz. Ataensic, a certain great Queen or Goddess, residing above the Stars, had a sick Husband, who Dreamt that he should be restor’d to his former health so soon as he could but taste of the Fruits which grew on a Tree, whereby the Family of Heaven were kept alive, but that the Tree must needs be cut down, which Ataensic obeying, gave onely two blows, when the Tree, to her great amazement, fell out of Heaven down to the Earth; there being by this means nothing more left to eat in Heaven: Ataensic follow’d the fallen Tree, and being big with Child, bare a Daughter, which growing up to years, was Deliver’d of two Daughters, viz. Taoviscaron and Jouskeha, the eldest of which slew the youngest: By these Fables we may discern their obscure knowledge of Noah’s Flood, Eve’s Fall, and Cain’s Murder. No less ridiculous is that which they believe concerning the Creation, viz. That the Waters were inclos’d within a Frog, which Jouskeha causing to be cut open, all Streams and Rivers issuing out, had their Original from thence: This done, Jouskeha open’d a Pit, out of which came all sorts of Beasts; they ascribe a Bodily shape to the Soul, as also Immortality, but that they live together in a great Village towards the West; from which removing sometimes, they knock at the Doors of their former Friends in the Night, and sow deserted Grounds: That the Journey towards the Village in which the Souls reside is very strange; the Highway thither beginning at a Rock nam’d Ecaregniendi, where they first Paint their Faces, which done, they go to a Hut inhabited by an old Man, nam’d Osotrach, who takes the Brains out of the Souls Head; after which they walk to a broad River, which they cross on a narrow Plank or Bridge, on which a Dog encountring, forces them to leap into the Water, which carries them down to the foremention’d Village. They acknowledge one Oki for the Governor of the Sea, and seasons of the Year: They also Religiously Worship the Rock Tsankchi Arasta, which they believe some ages ago was once a Man, but afterward Transform’d into a Rock, in which a Dæmon resides, who can make their Journies either successful or dangerous, wherefore they offer him Tobacco. Their opinion of Thunder is likewise very ridiculous, for they say that the Devil endeavoring to vomit a horrible Serpent, by straining to evacuate the same, rents the Clouds, and occasions Thunder. Lastly, They relate of a Dwarf call’d Thakabech, who climb’d on the top of a Tree, which by his blowing thereon grew so high, that it touch’d the Clouds, and Thakabech easily stept into them, where he found all sorts of delight and pleasure; but having a Sister on Earth, descended again along the Tree, and fetching his Sister, conducted her above the Stars; mean while, Thakabech going in the Night to see if he had taken any thing in his Net which he had pitch’d, found it full of Fire, and observing the same very narrowly, saw that he had taken the Sun, but durst not approach the same, by reason of its great heat; but making a Mouse, sent her to gnaw the Net in pieces, and set the Sun at liberty. Every twelfth year they keep an extraordinary great Funeral-Feast; for on the Set-time they flock from all parts to the appointed place, every one carrying thither the Bodies or Bones of their Deceas’d Friends, wrapt up in Clothes, and hang them over 133their Meat, which they eat singing; such fond and Superstitious Conceits make up the Religion of these poor deluded People.

Sect. V. Accadia, or Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia, or New Scotland, formerly call’d Accadia, is commonly accounted a part of New France, (viz. that part which lying on the South side of the River Canada, and shooting South-Easterly into a bosom of the Sea, forms it self into a Peninsula, between the Gulph of St. Lawrence, and the Bay Francoise) nevertheless, because of the different concernments of this part of the Countrey, in regard the right of claim to several places in this district, most especially of all Nova Francia besides, hath been long in dispute between Us and the French, it will be most convenient to Treat of it apart; and because the Series of Affairs, from its first discovery, till of late years, appears faithfully represented on the English part, in a Remonstrance Address’d to the King and Council by Sir Lewis Kirk, and his Brother John Kirk Esquire; it will not be amiss (onely adding some few things upon occasion) to follow exactly the Narration of Affairs, deliver’d in the said Remonstrance to this effect.

“1. The whole Tract or Space of Land in America, lying on either side of the River Canada, which a long time since were known by the Names of Nova Francia, and Nova Scotia, were at first discover’d and found out by the English, in the time of Henry the Seventh, King of England; which Expedition was first undertaken at the Command and Charges of that King; afterwards further’d and carry’d on by the favorable Aspect of Queen Elizabeth; so that in process of time, for many years together, the said Tract of Ground, with absolute Priviledge of free Commerce, fell under the Jurisdiction and Power of the Crown of England: Neither was it unto any other Christian Princes, or their Subjects more clearly known or discover’d, untill about the year 1600. some of the French understanding the benefit arising by Traffique in the River of St. Lawrence, having formerly seiz’d upon that Tract of Land, situate on the North side of the said Floud or River Canada, did afterwards, in Anno 1604. (under the Conduct of Peter de Gua, Lord of Monts, who in the year 1606. was follow’d by Monsieur de Pourtrincourt) Possess themselves of L’Accadie, lying on the South side of the said River, naming the whole Nova Francia, challenging to themselves for many years, at least de facto, the Possession thereof, with sole liberty of Commerce there.

“2. In Anno 1621. King James of England looking upon the Possession gotten there by the French, as upon an Invasion, did by his Letters Patents Grant unto Sir William Alexander a Scotchman (Created afterwards Earl of Sterling, by King Charles the First) L’Accadie, by the Name of Nova Scotia; who in the year 1622, and 1623. after Sir Samuel Argal had driven out Biard and Masse, and demolishing their Fort, carry’d them Prisoners to Virginia; having obtain’d the Possession thereof, they Planted a Colony therein, and kept Possession for about two years after, until such time, as upon the Marriage of his Majesty King Charles the First, with the Lady Henrietta Maria, the said L’Accadie, or Nova Scotia, was by Order of the King of England return’d into the Possession of the French.

“3. Afterwards a War arising between his Majesty King Charles the First, and 134Lewis the XIII. Anno 1627. and 1628. Sir David Kirk and his Brethren and Relations of England, did by vertue of his Majestie’s Commission, send to Sea (at their great charge) first three, afterwards nine Ships, with Warlike Preparations for recovering of the Possession of the said Lands, lying on either side of the said River Canada, and to expel and eject all the French Trading in those Parts, wherein they had good Success; and in Anno 1627. did there seize upon about eighteen of the French Ships, wherein were found a hundred thirty five Pieces of Ordnance, design’d for relief of the Royal Fort in L’Accadie, and Quebeck in Nova Francia, under the Command of Monsieur de Rocmand, and Monsieur de la Tour, Father of de la Tour, Governor of the said Royal Fort, whom, together with the said Ships and Guns, they brought into England; and in the year 1628. they Possess’d themselves of the whole Region of Canada or Nova Francia, situate on the North side of the River, together with the Fort or Castle of Quebeck, Sir Lewis Kirk being then constituted Governor of the place, the French being then either expell’d or convey’d into England, and the Arms of the King of England being publickly there erected, and every where plac’d; and before the year 1628. it was brought to pass by the said Sir William Alexander, (assisted both by the advice and charge of the said Kirk) that in the parts of L’Accadie, or Nova Scotia, on the South side of the River Canada, the whole place, with the Forts thereon built, being by him subdu’d, presently came under the Power of the King of England; that Region on the South side falling into the Possession of the said Sir William Alexander, and that on the North side, into the Possession of the Kirks.

“4. On March 29. 1632. a Peace being concluded between King Charles the First, and Lewis the XIII. it was amongst other things on the part of the King of England agreed, That all the Forts, as well in L’Accadie as in Nova Francia, should be restor’d into the Possession of the Subjects of the French King, which was exactly perform’d on the part of the English, though to the great damage of the Kirks; but on the part of the French, although it was agreed, as in the fourth and fifth Articles of Peace is set down, (to which reference is had) yet nothing was ever perform’d of their parts; so that the Kirks did thereupon suffer loss, to the value of five thousand Pounds Sterl. which were to be paid them by Monsieur de Cane a French-man, but remain unpaid to this day.

“5. Anno 1633. the King of England taking notice, that although the Forts and Castles, according to the League, were deliver’d up into the Possession of the French, (especially such as had been erected during their Possession thereof) yet that his English Subjects were not to be excluded from Trade or free Commerce, in those Regions that were first Discover’d and Possess’d by his Subjects, did, with the advice of his Council, by his Letters Patents, Dated May 11. 1633. upon consideration had of the Expences, which the said Kirks had laid out upon the reducing of that Countrey with the Fort of Quebeck, to the value of 50000^lb.; and also of their ready obeisance in resigning up the same on his Royal Command, Grant unto Sir Lewis Kirk, and his Brother John Kirk and his Associates, for the term of thirty one years (not yet expir’d) full Priviledge, not only of Trade and Commerce in the River Canada, and places on either side adjacent, but also to Plant Colonies, and build Forts and Bulwarks where they should think fit.

“6. By vertue of which Commission, Sir Lewis Kirk and his Brother John Kirk, and his Associates, in the Moneth of February next following, viz. in 1633. set forth a Ship call’d The Merry Fortune, Laden with Goods of a considerable value, consign’d to those parts, where during her Trading there, without any just offence given; and in time of Peace, she was by the French forceably seiz’d on, 135and carry’d into France and her Lading, as if she had been lawful Prize, Confiscated; whereupon the Kirks suffer’d loss, to the value of twelve thousand Pounds. And although the Lord Scudamore, Ambassador in France, by the King of Englands special Command, and the said John Kirk being there in Person, by the King’s Command, did often earnestly urge, that the Moneys due to the said Kirks, and the said Ship, with her Lading, might be restor’d, which for no other cause had been seiz’d upon and sold, but only for that by the King’s Commission she was found Trading at Canada; yet he could obtain nothing, but after some years fruitless endeavors return’d into England without accomplishing his desires.

“7. In the year 1654. Cromwel, although an unjust Usurper of the Government, yet upon consideration of the Premises, taking a just occasion for requiring the Possession of L’Accadie, sends forth several Ships under the Command of one Sedgwick, who by vertue of the Authority granted him by Cromwel, assaulted and subdu’d the aforesaid Forts in Nova Scotia, and restor’d them into the Possession of the English: And although in the year 1655. a League of firm Peace and Amity being concluded between Cromwel and the French King, the French Ambassador did often urge the Restitution to the Possession of the French; yet for the same causes aforesaid, which had mov’d Cromwel to seize upon them, it was thought fit still to retain the Possession of them; and although according to the purport of the twenty fifth Article of the Peace, Commissioners on both sides were to be appointed for the deciding and determining that Controversie; yet nothing was done therein, neither did the Commissioners ever meet within three Moneths, as in the twenty fourth Article of the Treaty was provided and agreed: So that now the case is very clear, that the Possession to the English remains firm and just, and that the Forts and Bulwarks before specifi’d, are without all peradventure under the Power and Jurisdiction of the King of England.”

Since the Restauration of his present Majesty, the French Ambassador representing unto the King the Pretensions of the French unto the several Forts and other places in Accadie, and urging the non-performance of the Articles of Agreement between Oliver Cromwel and the French King, mov’d the King of England, As a profess’d Enemy to all Violence, for a Restitution of all the Forts and other places which were then in the possession of the English: Not long after which, whether upon the Ambassadors request, or upon other important Affairs intervening, or upon what other ground soever it were, the French were suffer’d to re-enter on the foresaid places, and do yet keep Possession of them, till such time as the English claim under the just Title of the Kirks, shall meet with some fit occasion of being reviv’d.

That which we suppose gives the French so much the more confidence in their claim of this Country, is their presumption upon the Expedition of James Quartier, whom they will have to be the first Discoverer, if not Possessor, not onely of the Isle of Assumption, but also of this Coast of Nova Francia, not taking notice it seems of Sebastian Cabot, under Henry the Seventh.

The chief places of Note in this Countrey, are, 1. Port Royal, a Colony of French, said to have been Planted there by Monsieur de Montz in 1604. by report, capable of receiving a thousand Ships; and in 1613. (the French being driven out by Sir Samuel Argal, Governor of Virginia, who took Prisoners Biard and Masse, and demolish’d the Fort at Port Royal) given by Patent, as aforemention’d, to Sir William Alexander; afterwards by him sold again to the French; then in the time of Oliver Cromwel re-taken by Major Sedgwick; lastly, re-possess’d by the French. 2. St. Luke’s Bay, or Portua Mouton. 3. Gaspe, or Gachepe. 4. The Haven of Passepay. 5. The Bay de Toutes 136Isles. 6. The Fort de la Heve. 7. The Cape of Sable. Within the Southern Point Forchu, lies the Isle Longu, which boasts of a Silver Mine.

The most noted People of the ancient Inhabitants of Accadie were the Iroquois, lying most South-Westerly upon the Sea Coast, who us’d to drive a great Trade in Beavers and other Commodities.

Westerly before the River Chovacoet lies Bacchus Isle, full of Vineyards.

Remarkable manner of living.

The Inhabitants thereof differ very much from other Salvages, for they shave all the Hair from the Crown of their Head, wear long Locks behind, pleited together, and stuck full of Feathers, Paint their Faces black and red, and go arm’d with Clubs, Bows, Pikes, and Arrows pointed with Fish-bones: They Till their Ground very handsomly, and divide their Fields with Hedges; they Plant Tobacco, Vines, Cabbages, Maiz, and divers Colour’d Beans; the stalks of the Maiz serve in stead of Poles for their Beans to run up upon.

Beyond Cape de Rocher lies the brave Harbor Beauport, which is secur’d from all Winds by an Isle which lies in the midst of it. The Countrey Manur’d in most places, and Fruitful, feeds store of Men and Cattel.

The Haven of Malabar is surrounded in a manner with little Huts, cover’d with Mats, which in the Middle of the Room have a hole for the Smoke to go out at. The Southern shore is Sandy, and very dangerous.

For the more full exemplification of what concerns this part of Nova Francia, we shall conclude with an account of all Material Passages relating to the French, from their own Narrations as followeth.

Quartier’s Expedition.

Scurvy, when known.

Exploit of de la Roque.

The first discoverer of this Coast was Jaques Quartier, sent out Anno 1534. by the French King, Francis the First, in which Expedition he spent five Months; and going from thence to St. Male, discover’d the Inlet Lawrence, Terreneuf, and Natiscotec. The following year prosecuting his Voyage, he Sail’d into the great River Canada, and Winter’d near St. Croix, where he lost divers of his Men by the Scurvy, a Distemper till that time altogether unknown; and such was his condition, that none of his Men had escap’d with life, had not the Inhabitants taught him to cure the same with the Bark and Leaves of the Tree Annedda; with which many recovering, Quartier Weigh’d Anchor, and treacherously carry’d the King Donnacona with many of his Nobles, Prisoners to France; but most of them dying, Quartier brought only a few of them back with him in his third Voyage, six years after the first, when arriving in the Haven St. Croix, he cast up a strong Fort, which he nam’d Charlesbourg Royal, where he staid a whole Winter. Joan de la Roque, whom the French King had made Governor of Quartier’s new-discover’d Countries, Sailing thither with three Ships, met with Quartier’s Fleet near Terreneuf; from whence he was then going home, because he saw no hopes of subduing the Salvages with so small a Force as he had brought with him from France. But de la Roque endeavoring to make a further discovery of Canada, Sail’d up the River Saguenay, where spending both time and Money, he was Commanded home by the French King, and the fruitless Expeditions lay dead till about 1604.

Of de Monts.

Of Poutrincourt.

When Peter de Monts obtaining Letters Patents to Trade for Furs in the foremention’d Countries, Sail’d with two Ships beyond Accadie, up St. Lawrence Bay, where he Landed on the Isle St. Croix, where of ninety seven Men, with which he staid there a whole Winter, he lost thirty five; but having fresh Supplies sent him from France, he remov’d to Port Royal, where leaving forty Men, he return’d home; these forty being reduc’d to twenty three, and in great want, walking along the Sea-shore in a despairing condition, espy’d a Ship coming up with full 137Sail, which upon nearer approach, prov’d a French Vessel, of which Poutrincourt was Commander, who receiving his wretched Countrey-men with great joy, took them with him to Port Royal, being sent thither on purpose to settle a Plantation in Accadie: Meanwhile the Letters Patent granted to Monts, being call’d in, the first Planters in Port Royal were forc’d to desert the same, and return home; and also Poutrincourt returning, came back again three years after to Port Royal, where finding the Houses standing as he had left them, he Manur’d the Countrey all about, and endeavoring to Plant Christianity among the Natives, Christen’d among others an Accadian Lord, who was above a hundred years old; all which Poutrincourt Sailing back to France, related at the Court.

Remarkable Transactions of some Jesuits.

The Jesuits being also inform’d thereof, obtain’d leave of the Queen to send Peter Biard and Euemond Masse thither, on pretence, that Henry the Fourth had himself promis’d them the same Priviledge in his Life time. But the Merchants at Diep, which were concern’d in the new Plantations with Poutrincourt, opposing the going over of the foremention’d Jesuits, express’d themselves very violent against them, and laid to their charge the Blood of the late King, which they said was yet reaking in Paris: What assurance (alleadg’d they) had their Goods which were in the Custody of Men inclin’d to the Spaniards? Must the Christian Religion be promulgated? There are so many Orders of Monks which may easily produce two Men; but if the Queen was resolv’d to send Jesuits thither, they desir’d restauration of the Monies which they had disburs’d: To which Biard and Masse harkening, gather’d up the demanded Monies, under pretence of being requir’d towards the Preaching of the Christian Religion amongst these remote Heathens; by this means getting great Sums, they bought out the foremention’d Merchants, so that the new Plantations fell half to the Jesuits, who setting Sail, and arriving at Port Royal, turn’d all things topsiturvy, and so thwarted Poutrincourt in his designs, that he was forc’d to complain to the French Court of the Jesuits oppression, whose aim it was to get all things into their own Possession; whereupon they Excommunicated Poutrincourt’s Son (who serv’d in his Father’s place at Court), and gain’d the Duke Guereheville in France to be of their Party, by promising him, that he should share in the new Plantations for a contracted Sum of Money: After this they receiv’d all sorts of Arms and Ammunition, with several Brass Guns, of the then King Lewis the XIII. and other gifts Collected and gather’d out of their several Societies, for two new Accadian Apostles. Gilbert du Thet, a subtile man of the same Order, transported their Necessaries.

At this time all things going favorably with the Jesuits, they made themselves Masters of Port Royal, and began to raise a Fort on the River Pemtagovet; but there their happy Proceedings were stop’d, for Captain Argal before-mention’d, Sailing thither in vindication of the English, was encounter’d by du Thet, (who firing the first Gun on Argal, was by him taken off with Chain-shot) and taking Biard and Masse, carry’d them Prisoners to Virginia, and dismantled the Fort built at Port Royal, after which it was by King James given by Patent to Sir William Alexander, as hath been already related, together with what of most remarkable hath happen’d since.

138

Sect. VI. Norumbegua.

Whence denominated.

Norumbegua, lying between Nova Scotia Northward, and New England Southward, is so utterly not taken notice of by many as a distinct Province, that it might seem to be swallow’d up and lost in the two Countreys between which it lies, or at least to be thought a part of Virginia or New England (for Virginia largely taken is said to contain New England, Novum Belgium, and Virginia, especially so call’d) and that so much the rather, because the Bessabees, accounted by Sanson d’Abbeville an ancient People of New England, are written to have liv’d near the River Penobscot, which is reckon’d to be the same with Pemtegovet, or (as some will have it) Norumbegua, from which, or from a certain great City of that Name, the Country for fancy’s sake must needs be denominated; but since most commonly we find it nam’d and treated of apart, it will not be improper to follow that method, carrying the Bounds of New England no farther Northward than the River Quinnebequi or Sagadahoc, and so determining the main part of this Countrey to that space between the aforesaid River and Pemtegovet, excepting a small Southerly portion upon the Banks of the River Chovacovet; so that it appears chiefly situate under the forty third Degree of Northern Latitude.

Towns and Cities not certainly known.

As for the Towns or Cities of this Province, there is but a very uncertain account to be given, forasmuch as the pretended great City Norumbegua, from whence the Province should take its Appellation, is not acknowledg’d by any of the most authentick modern Writers, nor in any late Voyage or Discovery any mention made either of that or any other considerable Town or City. Dr. Heylin supposeth it to be no other than Agguncia, a poor little Village, that seems compos’d of a company of Hutts or Sheaves, cover’d with the Skins of Beasts, or the Barks of Trees. But the most favourable conjecture is, that it might haply be the Ruines of an ancient Town, which the Natives call’d Arambeck, and had probably deserted it long before the arrival of the Europeans in those parts; however, it is not very probable that the Name of the Countrey should be deriv’d from this City, if ever there were any such, or from the River, which appears to have been term’d Norumbegua on purpose to make way for this derivation, whereas Pemtegovet is the ancient Appellation that properly belongs to it; nor hath any modern one been apply’d to it but that of Rio Grande, by Buno in his Comment upon Philip Cluverius, upon what ground is hard to tell, since it is observ’d by Heylin and others, to be neither large, nor otherwise much to be commended, being Navigable not above twenty or thirty Miles, in respect of its many great Cataracts and Falls of Water, an Inconvenience with which many other Rivers of America are prejudic’d, and rendred impassable.

Before and about the Mouth of this River, which is judg’d to be about eight or nine Miles broad, lie many small Islands, or rather Hills, inviron’d with Water, the chiefest of which is by the French call’d La Haute Isle, from the high and Mountainous appearance of it to those that see it from afar off at Sea.

The aforemention’d Buno, though he names, as belonging to Norumbega, these several places, viz. Porto del Refugio, Porto Reale, Paradiso, Flora, and Angolema, from some obscure French testimonies, without particularising any Author, yet he afterwards confesses, that the Names given by the French, and those apply’d by the Spaniards, are so various and disagreeing, and breed such a confusion, that no Charts or Descriptions had concluded upon either.

139As for those who will have Norumbega deriv’d from Norwegia, in respect of a Colony brought thither from Norwey, if the Etymologie be not a little too much forc’d, the Invention may pass well enough till a better be found out.

The temperature and nature of its Soil.

In this Countrey the temperature of the Air is not bad, nor the Soil unfruitful, if it were well cultivated, chiefly towards the Rivers, and where it is not either overgrown with Woods, or craggy with Hills and mountainous Rocks: neither are the Woods unprofitable, for they afford good Timber, and all kind of necessary and useful Wood, especially Beeches, Fir-trees, Wallnut-trees, and other Nuts: The Plains are very pleasant, and yield good Pasturage, onely the Maritime Coasts are so shallow and full of Sands, that the Sailing near them is accounted somewhat dangerous; and this may be imagin’d to be the reason that no Authors have yet met with any Ports or Havens belonging to this Countrey, which they have thought worthy their notice.

CHAP. II. New England.

As Canada is by some accounted a general Province, containing New France, L’Accadie, Norumbega, and other places, so under Virginia largely taken, are comprehended New England, New Netherlands, and Virginia properly so call’d; however, since that part which vulgarly goes under the Name of Virginia and New England were possess’d, if not discover’d, at several times, and their Plantations promoted and propagated upon several occasions, and by distinct Interests, and since New England hath been look’d upon as a place considerable enough for Persons of very eminent quality to concern themselves in it, we rather are induc’d to consider this Countrey as a principal part, than as any way depending on, or being any Branch or Portion of Virginia.

Situation of New England.

It lies between Norumbega, which it hath Northward, and New Netherlands Southward, from forty one to forty five Degrees of Northern Latitude, in the midst of the temperate Zone, and paralell to France and some part of Italy in the Western Hemisphere, so that one would think it should enjoy the same temperature of Air; but the contrary is found, for that part which borders upon the Sea is colder, partly by reason that the Sea-waves break the reflexion of the Sun-beams, partly by reason of the abundance of Vapors, which mounting upward, abate the ardor of them; but the more Inland parts of the Countrey are indifferently warm: Moreover it hath been found by certain experience, that those Countreys which look towards the East, or Sun-rising, are colder than those which lie towards the West, or Sun-setting, and those that have the Evening Winds on them, warmer than those which have the Morning Winds; which being so, it should follow, that the temperature of the Air in those Regions is peculiar to the Bodies of those of our Nation, who being accustom’d to a Climate somewhat temperate, are neither able to endure extremity of Cold, nor immoderate Heat: Yet there are who affirm, that New England, though situate in the midst of the temperate Zone, nevertheless feels both extremities of the two opposite Zones, in the Summer the heat of the Torrid, and in the Winter the cold of the Frigid.

First discovery.

As for the first discovery of this Countrey, it is not to be expected otherwise 140than that of the discovery of those other Countreys hitherto discours’d of, that is to say very uncertain; but because the French boast of Joannes Verrazanus (who though an Italian, was employ’d by the French King Francis the First) as the first Discoverer, not onely of Nova Francia, as hath been already intimated, but also of this Countrey and the adjoyning Coast and Regions, we shall not think it impertinent to give from their own Relations, a brief view of his Voyage, and afterwards a particular Description of the English Plantations there, and of their Transactions, both one with another, and between them and the Nations. The Narration of Verrazanus’s Voyage is as followeth:

Remarkable Voyage of Verrazanus.

“On command of the French King Francis the First, John Verrazanus, Anno 1524. setting Sail Westward from the Canary Isles, discover’d a low American Coast, in thirty four Degrees North Latitude, inhabited by naked People, which behind the sandy Hills facing the Sea, Manur’d many fruitful Plains. Then Sailing a hundred Leagues along the Shore Northerly, he view’d a Countrey full of Vines, which grew up amongst the Boughs of high Trees; and Sailing up a pleasant River, Landed on the Island Clandia, full of woody Mountains: thence he stood for the main Continent; where after having visited a King, Clad in wrought Deer-skin, he Sail’d by a Bay, at whose Mouth appear’d a Rock in an Inlet, twenty Leagues; where appear’d five small Isles, all of them exceeding fruitful. After this (being got a hundred and fifty Leagues to the Northward) he found very salvage People, whose Heads appear’d through Bear-skins and Sea-Calves. By this time having Terreneuf on his Starboard, he return’d back to Diepe.”

Thus far Verrazanus made some discovery of the Coast, which hath since not onely been farther inspected by the English, but also by them Planted and call’d New England.

The setling of Plantations.

This Countrey, whether first discover’d by the said Verrazanus, or together with the rest of largely-taken Virginia, by Sir Walter Raleigh, or, as some say, by Captain Gosnald, in the Year 1602. was so well known to the English in the beginning of King James’s Reign here, that the setling and carrying on of Plantations in this part of America, was vigorously promoted by many of the most eminent Persons in England: whereupon it was about the Year 1606. being the fourth Year of the said King, granted by Patent to several Lords, Knights, Gentlemen and Merchants, under the denomination of The Plymouth Company, both in favour of those generous Spirits, who studied and endeavor’d the good of the Publick by foreign Plantations, and indulgence to those, who not well satisfi’d with the Government of Church and State, and willingly transporting themselves and Families thither, as to their Asylum, could more conveniently be spar’d than the better affected part of the People: And although the Colonies at first sent over succeeded not according to expectation, yet in a short time there Plantations were brought to very great perfection. Captain Weimouth, who had been employ’d there by the Lord Arundel of Warder, for the discovery of the North-West Passage, falling short of his Course, hapned into a River on the Coast of America, call’d Pemmaquid; from whence he brought five of the Natives for England, three of whose Names were Mannida, Skettwarroes and Tasquantum, and Landing at Plymouth, presented them to Sir Ferdinando Gorges, whom he made use of as Instruments for the farther advancement of these Plantations: they were all of one Nation, but of several parts, and several Families; he kept them with him three years, and observing in them an inclination to vertuous Designs, and Spirits above the Vulgar, he gain’d information from 141them what great Rivers ran up into the Land, what Men of note were seated on them, what Power they were of, how Ally’d, what Enemies they had, and the like; and taking some light from thence, sent away a Ship, furnish’d with Men, and all kind of Necessaries convenient for the Service intended, under the Command of Captain Henry Chaloung, a Gentleman of a good Family, and very capable for Undertakings of this nature; and giving him sufficient Instructions what to do, sent along with him two of the said Natives for his better Conduct and Direction, ordering him by all means to keep the Northerly Gage as high as Cape Briton, till they had discover’d the Main, and then to beat it up to the Southward as the Coast tended, till they found by the Natives they were near the place to which they were assign’d. By that time they were about a hundred Leagues off the Island of Canara, the Captain fell sick of a Feaver, and the Winds being Westerly, his Company shap’d their Course for the Indies, and coming to St. John de Porto Rico, the Captain went ashore for the recovery of his Health, whilst the Company took in Water, and such other Provisions as they had present need of, and spent some time in Hunting, and other Recreations; after which steering their intended Course, they were met with by the Spanish Fleet that came from the Havana, taken Prisoners and carried into Spain, the Ship and Goods being confiscated, the Voyage overthrown, and the Natives lost.

Not long after the setting out of Chaloung, Thomas Haman was sent by Sir John Popham, Lord Chief Justice of England, towards the River of Sagadehoc, to the succour of Chaloung, if need were; but not finding him, after he had scowr’d the Coast all about, he return’d back into England.

Captain Prinne was likewise sent from Bristol, who arriving happily in those Parts, brought back with him at his return the most exact Discovery of that Coast that ever had been gain’d till then.

A while after, at the Charge of the said Sir John Popham, a hundred Men were sent to settle a Colony at Sagadehoc, under the Command of George Popham, Raleigh Gilbert, Master of the Ship, who seated themselves in a Peninsula, at the Mouth of this River; which attempting to discover, they met with a Wood near to an Island, distant from the Line about forty five Degrees, and some odd Seconds, where they easily went on Shore. In the Year 1608. the Commander of the Colony deceasing, and not long after him the Lord Chief Justice, who had been the chief that had furnish’d them with fresh Supplies, they return’d for England in those Ships that had been sent them with Succours: At which unexpected return, the Patrons of the Design were so offended, that for a certain time they desisted from their Enterprizes. In the mean while the French making use of this occasion, Planted Colonies in divers places, when Sir Samuel Argal from Virginia disturb’d their Designs, and brought away Prisoners all he could lay hold on.

Suddenly after Captain Hobson and divers others were set out with very great Preparations, and with them two of the Natives which had been detain’d for some time in England, whom they thought to have made use of, the better to draw the rest of the Natives to their Commerce; but because a little before twenty four of them had been treacherously dealt with by one Hunt, they contracted from thence so great an animosity towards the English, that Captain Hobson was constrain’d to return without effecting any thing.

In the Year 1614. Captain John Smith being sent to Fish for Whales, and seek after Mines of Gold and Silver, Landed upon the Island of Monahiggan, where he found some store of Whales, but not such as those by whose Oyl they use to make so much profit.

142About the same time (two of the Natives being recover’d, Erpenow of Capawick, that had escap’d from Captain Hobson, and Assacumet of Pemmaquid, one of those that had been taken Prisoners with Chaloung) Captain Harly, with Necessaries convenient for such a Voyage, was dispatch’d away by Sir Ferdinando Gorges, the Earl of Southampton favouring the Design, and furnishing him with some Land-Soldiers under the Command of Captain Hobson, who not discourag’d with his former ill Success, resolv’d upon a second Adventure.

In the Year 1615. Sir Richard Hakings undertook a Voyage into those Parts by authority of the Council of the second Colony, but by reason of the great Wars among the Natives, his Observations could not be such as might give any farther light than what had been already receiv’d.

Soon after which Captain Dormer coming for England from New-found-Land, and Landing at Plymouth, apply’d himself to the Governor, by whom he was dispatch’d away, with Direction to meet Captain Rocroft, sent away a little before; but Rocroft being dead by that time Dormer could come after him to Virginia, where he heard he was, he returning to Capawick, was there set upon by Erpenow, the foremention’d Salvage, and other Indians that were Conspirators with him; and within a short while after at Virginia, whither he went to be cur’d of the Wounds he receiv’d in that Assassination, he fell sick and died.

About the Year 1623. Captain Robert Gorges, newly come out of the Venetian War, was employ’d by the Council of New Englands Affairs as the Lieutenant-General, to regulate the Abuses of divers Fisher-men and other Interlopers, who without License frequented those Coasts: for which Service he had assign’d to him all that part of the main Land situate upon the North-East side of the Bay of the Messachasets.

By these several Colonies sent so thick one after another, both a full Discovery of the Countrey came to be made, and a large gap open’d to the free possession thereof; yet in regard of the many disappointments and misfortunes the several Companies sent over met with, and counting the vast Charges their setting forth cost the Undertakers, which would have been still increas’d by the need of continu’d Supplies, in all probability New England would have been but thinly peopled to this day, had not a great Tide of People, possess’d with an aversion to the Church-Government of England, and fled into Holland for Liberty of Conscience, eagerly taken hold of this opportunity to make themselves Masters of their own Opinions, and of a Place where they might erect a Government suitable thereunto: and though at first there were some Exceptions taken, as if this Countrey was to be made a Receptacle of Sectaries, and such as condemn’d the Ecclesiastical Government of the Nation, insomuch that Sir Ferdinando Gorges, to whom they apply’d themselves, desiring him to mediate for them to the Council of New Englands Affairs, when they perceiv’d the Authority they had from the Virginia Company, could not warrant their abode there, had enough to do (notwithstanding his Apology, That these things hapned contrary to his expectation) to wipe away the jealousie which was entertain’d of him, it being Order’d, that no more should be suffer’d to pass into New England, but such as should take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy: yet at last there was little notice taken who went, perhaps upon consideration, that the vast resort of People thither would be of greater advantage to the Plantations, than their different Opinions, at so remote a distance, could be prejudicial, so long as they acknowledg’d Obedience to the King and Civil Power: However, Sir Ferdinando, to clear himself the better, mov’d those Lords that were the chief Actors in the Business, to resign their Grand Patent to the King, and pass 143particular Patents to themselves of such part of the Countrey along the Sea-Coast, as might be sufficient for them: To this Motion there being a general Assent given by the Lords, and a Day appointed for the conclusion thereof, an Act was made for the Resignation of the Patent, alloting to each Man their several Bounds. From the uttermost parts began the Limits of the Lord Mougrave, and ended at Hudson’s River. To the Eastward of which River, for the space of sixty Miles in length, was placed the Duke of Richmond’s Assignment: Next to him was setled the Earl of Carlile: Next him the Lord Edward Gorges: Next the Marquess of Hamilton: Then Captain John Mason: And lastly his own, which extended to the great River Sagadehoc, being sixty Miles, and so up into the Main Land a hundred and twenty Miles, which he was pleas’d to call by the Name of The Province of Main.

The Landing of the English in Plymouth Plantation was very much facilitated by the great Mortality that hapned amongst the Indians about that time, amongst the Pecods, Narragansets, Nianticks, Tarantines, Wippanaps, and those of Abargini, Agissawang, and Pockanekie, their Powwows, or Doctors, seeing with amazement their Wigwams, or Streets, lie full of dead Bodies, and in vain expecting help from Squantam their good, or Abbamoch their bad God. Not long before, that blazing Comet, so much talk’d of in Europe, apppear’d after Sun-setting in their Horizon South-West for the space of thirty Sleeps, (for so they reckon their Days). They Landed at first with little or no resistance, a handful of Men onely being sent before to keep possession for their Companions, who arriv’d eight days after; when the Natives appearing with their Bowes and Arrows, let flie their long Shafts amongst them; whereupon one Captain Miles Standish with his Fowling-piece shot the stoutest Sachem amongst the Indians, as he was reaching an Arrow from his Quiver; which the rest seeing, fled into the Woods and Thickets.

The same Year the Merchant-Adventurers in England sent forth store of Servants to provide against the Wants of that place; amongst whom came over a mix’d Multitude, who setled themselves in the Bosom of the Cape now call’d Gloucester.

About the Year 1631. there fled to the English at Water-town the Indians that dwelt thereabouts, for protection against the Tarratines, a sort of cruel and salvage Cannibals, by whom near the Town of Saugust, in the very dead time of the Night, one Lieutenant Walker being on a sudden alarm’d, was shot through his Coat and Buff Jacket with two Indian Arrows. That Night the English stood upon their Guard, and the next Morning sent word to other parts; who gather’d together, and taking counsel how to quit themselves of these Indians, agreed to discharge their great Guns; whose redoubled noise, ratling in the Rocks, struck terror into the Indians, and caus’d them to betake themselves to flight. The Autumn following, others of the Indians, who till then had held a good correspondence with the Planters, began to quarrel about the Bounds of their Land; but a great Mortality, by the raging of the Small-Pox, breaking out amongst them, put an end to that Controversie: There died amongst the rest one of the chief of the Sagamores of the Mattachusets, call’d Sagamore John, who before his Death had been instructed in the Christian Faith, and took care that his two Sons should be nurtured therein.

In the Year 1635. there arrived several Ships with great plenty of Provisions, and many Persons of good Quality, and amongst the rest Sir Henry Vane.

The same Year the People of Cambridge, otherwise call’d New-town, hearing of a fertile place upon the River Canectico, remov’d thither, and erected a new Corporation by the Name of Banectico, being encourag’d thereunto by the Lord Say and the Lord Brooks, and planting a Forrest at the mouth of the River, call’d it Saybrook Forrest.

About the Year 1638. the Pequods, a stout and Warlike Nation, lying to the 144South-West of the Mattachusets, were discover’d upon their March within some few Miles of Hartford: Their coming very much terrifi’d all that inhabited thereabouts; but they took onely three Women and return’d; one of whom making a violent resistance, had her Brains beaten out; the other two they carried away with them, without abusing their Persons, as it was suppos’d they would, for they esteem’d their own Shaws, being black, beyond our Women. Their chief Design was to learn to make Gunpowder; which seeing they could not effect, they look’d upon their Prize as nothing so precious as they imagin’d.

A little after another Indian War threatning the English, they resolv’d together to send an Ambassador to Cannonicus, chief Sachem of the Naragansits, endeavoring to prevent him from confederating with the Pequods, who (as they had Intelligence) were about sending to him to joyn with them: Cannonicus being grown old, had resign’d the Government to his Nephew Mantinemo, a stern Man, and of a cruel Nature. The Ambassadors arriving at his Court, which was about eighty Miles from Boston, the Indian Prince assembled his chief Councellors, and having Entertain’d the Ambassadors Magnificently, and Feasted them Royally, gave them Audience in his State-house; where the Sachem, to manifest his greater State, lay along upon the Ground, with all his Nobility sitting about him, with their Legs doubled up, and their Knees touching their Chin: The English Interpreter having made his Speech in the Name of the rest, both Cannonicus and the young King gave discreet Answers, signifying their Resolutions to keep a fair Correspondence with the English, and yet not to fall out with the Pequods: Who a little after making also their Addresses to the same King, he disswaded them by many Reasons from making War with the English, and to deliver into their hands those Persons that had murther’d any of them. The Pequods nevertheless, though they seem’d inclinable to his Counsel, yet they acted as Enemies; for when the English sent a Company of Soldiers into their Countrey to treat with them about delivering up the Murtherers, they made shew of willingness, but spying their advantage, betook themselves to their Heels; and whomsoever they took stragling by surprise, they revil’d and insulted over in a most cruel manner, vilifying the Christian Religion, and uttering all the Blasphemies they could invent. Whereupon they rais’d fresh Souldiers for the War, to the number of fourscore, out of the several Towns in the Mattachusets, and with some Indian Guides came to their Fort, within which they had pitch’d their Wigwams, the Entrance being on two sides, with intricate Meanders to enter; at which were plac’d Indian Bowe-men, who shot the foremost of the English; yet they had little to boast of in the end, for the English rushing in through the winding Ways, and placing themselves round the Wigwams, made a very prosperous Shot, by directing the Muzzles of their Musquets against the Indians which lay sleeping on the Ground: In the midst of which rouzing terror and confusion they were defeated with little ado, most of them being either wounded, kill’d, or taken. The English thus animated with the first Victory, send their Prisoners to the Pinnaces, and prosecute the War in Hand, marching against the next Body of the Indians, which lay Encamp’d on a Hill about two Miles distant, where they gave them a second Overthrow, slaying many more than in the first Engagement; the rest flying to a very thick inaccessible Swamp or Bog, were there besieg’d by the English; and skulking up and down, as they saw their opportunity they would Shoot at them with their Arrows, and then suddenly fall flat along in the Water; at last the English finding out a Passage into the Swamp, utterly defeated them, and put an end to the War with the loss of few Mens Lives, and not many wounded.

In the Year 1640. there came over a fresh Supply of People into New England, and 145finding no place to settle in within any of the former erected Colonies, they repair’d to a place call’d Long Island, sever’d from the Continent of New-Haven, about sixty Miles off the Sea.

The Year following the four Colonies, namely the Massachusets, Plymouth, Canectico, and New-Haven, taking into consideration the many Nations that were on all sides of them, as the French, Dutch, Jews, and native Indians; as also how the three first went to lay claim to Lands they never had any right to, and the last to be continually quarrelling and contending, where they saw any hopes of prevailing, by Commissioners chosen from the respective Colonies, concluded a firm Confederation to assist each other in all just and lawful Wars; upon which there came in certain Indian Sachems, as Pomham, Miantonemo, Soccanocoh, and Uncas, who not onely submitted to the English Government, but also, if occasion were, in matters of Controversie submitted to their Arbitration: But the Contest between Miantonemo and Uncas was too hot to be appeas’d, (though the English were not wanting to interpose) unless by the Blood of one of them, as will appear by the Consequence: Uncas was a Prince of For, whose Life Miantonemo, though a much more potent Prince, sought to take away by treachery, hiring a young Man of the Pequod Nation to murther him, as the following Story renders suspected; for one dark Evening this Sachem passing from one Wigwam to another, was Shot through the Arm with an Arrow; but recovering the Palace, had the Arrow pull’d out, and his Arm cur’d: the young Man that was suspected being examin’d, how he came by that great store of Wampompeage which was found about him, and being able to give no good account, it increas’d the suspicion, and induc’d Uncas to complain to the English at a General Court held at Boston: Whereupon the young Man was Examin’d in the presence of Miantonemo, who came thither with his Attendants; but the young Man tutor’d, as suppos’d, by Miantonemo, pretended that Uncas had enjoyn’d him to feign that he was hir’d by Miantonemo to kill him: To which Tale of his little belief being given, it was concluded upon farther Examination of him in private that he had done the Fact: nevertheless they let him depart with Miantonemo, advising him to send him home to Uncas; but he in stead of returning him cut off his Head, and forthwith gather’d an Army of a thousand Men to fight with Uncas; who met him with half the Men: the Battel being joyn’d, the Narragansets, though the far greater multitude, were beaten by the Wawhiggins, through the Valour of Uncas their Prince; who perfected his Victory by possessing himself of the Person of Miantonemo, whom, having put his Life-guard to flight, he carried away with him in triumph to the Town of Hartford, desiring to have the advice of the United Colonies what to do with his Prisoner: Whereupon the Commissioners having had sufficient proof of Miantonemo’s treachery towards this Prince, advis’d Uncas to put him to death, but not to exercise that barbarous kind of cruelty which is usual amongst them in these Cases. The Sachem, upon this advice, not long after pretended to remove him to a safer place, but by the Way caus’d him to be Executed: His Subjects and Kindred were troubled at his Death, but the little Princes his Neighbors, over whom he had tyranniz’d, rather rejoyc’d.

In the Year 1645, the Sons of old Canonnicus, their Father being dead, began to fall into hot Contentions with their Neighbors, and being forbidden by the United Colonies, they did not stick to threaten Wars to the English also. Whereupon the Commissioners rais’d an Army of Horse and Foot, and made Major General Edward Gibbons Commander in Chief over them. But the Indians hearing of this Preparation, sent some of their chief Nobility to the Commissioners of the United Colonies, who were assembled at Boston, to Treat about Peace; to which the 146Commissioners agreed, upon condition they should pay a part of the Charges of the War; and that they should send four of their Sons for Hostages till the Sum was paid; and the Hostages being sent back before the Wapom was all paid, the two Princes, Pesicus and Mexanimo, upon the sending a Company of Armed Men to demand it, sent the remainder of the Money.

In the Year 1647. divers Persons of Quality ventur’d their Estates upon an Iron Mill, which they began at Braintree, but it profited the Owners little, rather wasting their Stock, the price of Labor in matters of that nature, being double or treble to what it is in England.

These are the most material Transactions we find deliver’d by any one which hapned from the first discovery till the Year before mention’d: what hath hapned from that time to this, chiefly relates to the several Revolutions that have been in England, and shall be therefore taken notice of when we come to speak of the Government of these Plantations.

The Commodities of this Countrey, together with the Trees and other sorts of Plants.

Though there are, who having remain’d some time, and been concern’d in those Parts, affirm the Soil of New England to be nothing so fruitful as it is believ’d and commonly deliver’d to be, yet we think it not improper to give a brief account of the Trees and other Plants; also the Beasts, Birds, Fishes, and other Commodities which most Writers will have to be the production of this Countrey, especially since we find them compactly summ’d up by an unknown Writer in the Language of the Muses. The recital of the Plants and Trees, which (excepting the Cedar, Sassafras, and Dyers Sumach) are all of the same kind with those that grow in Europe, onely differing in nature, according as the Epithets of many of them declare, is as follows:

Trees both in Hills and Plains in plenty be;

The long-liv’d Oak, and mournful Cypress Tree;

Skie-towring Pines, and Chesnuts coated rough;

The lasting Cedar, with the Walnut tough;

The Rozen-dropping Fir, for Mast in use;

The Boat-men seek for Oars light, neat grown Sprewse;

The brittle Ash, the ever-trembling Asps;

The broad-spread Elm, whose Concave harbors Wasps;

The Water-spungy Alder, good for nought;

Small Eldern by the Indian Fletchers sought;

The knotty Maple, pallid Birch, Hawthorns;

The Horn-bound Tree, that to be cloven scorns;

Which from the tender Vine oft takes his Spouse,

Who twines embracing Arms about his Boughs.

Within this Indian Orchard Fruits be some;

The ruddy Cherry, and the jetty Plumb;

Snake-murthering Hazle, with sweet Saxafrage,

Whose Leaves in Beer allay hot Feavers rage;

The Dyers Shumach, with more Trees there be,

That are both good to use, and rare to see.

Beasts.

The Beasts peculiar to this Countrey are the Moose, the Rackoon, and the Musquash; the two first Land-Animals, the last Amphibious, which with others common to them with us, are thus versifi’d by the abovesaid Author:

The Kingly Lyon, and the strong-arm’d Bear;

The large limb’d Mooses, with the tripping Deer;

Quill-darting Porcupines, that Rackoons be

Castled ith’ hollow of an aged Tree;

The skipping Squirrel, Rabbet, purblind Hare,

Immured in the self-same Castle are,

Lest red-ey’d Ferrets, wily Foxes should,

Them undermine, if Ramper’d but with Mold;

The grim-fac’d Ounce, and rav’nous howling Wolf,

Whose meagre Paunch sucks like a swallowing Gulph;

Black glittering Otters, and rich Coated Beaver;

The Civet-scented Musquash smelling ever.

Of such of these as are altogether unknown to us, take these brief Descriptions.

The Moose.

The Beast call’d a Moose, is not much unlike red Deer, and is as big as an Ox, slow of Foot, Headed like a Buck, with a broad Beam, some being two Yards 147wide in the Head, their flesh is as good as Beef, their Hides good for Clothing; if these were kept tame, and accustom’d to the Yoke, they would be a great Commodity: First, because they are so fruitful, bringing forth three at a time being likewise very uberous: Secondly, because they will live in Winter without any Fodder. There are not many of these in the Massachusets Bay, but forty Miles to the North-East there are great store of them.

The Rackoon.

The Rackoon is a deep Furr’d Beast, not much unlike a Badger, having a Tail like a Fox, as good Meat as a Lamb: These Beasts in the day time sleep in hollow Trees, in a Moon-shine night they go to feed on Clams at a low Tide, by the Sea side, where the English hunt them with their Dogs.

The Musquash.

The Musquash is much like a Beaver for shape, but nothing near so big; the Male hath two Stones, which smell as sweet as Musk, and being kill’d in Winter, never lose their sweet smell: These Skins are no bigger than a Coney-skin, yet are sold for five Shillings apiece, being sent for Tokens into England; one good Skin will perfume a whole house full of Clothes, if it be right and good.

Birds.

The Birds both common and peculiar are thus recited.

The Princely Eagle, and the soaring Hawk,

Whom in their unknown ways there’s none can chawk:

The Humbird for some Queens rich Cage more fit,

Than in the vacant Wilderness to sit.

The swift-wing’d Swallow sweeping to and fro,

As swift as Arrow from Tartarian Bowe.

When as Aurora’s Infant day new springs,

There th’morning mounting Lark her sweet lays sings.

The harmonious Thrush, swift Pigeon, Turtle-dove,

Who to her Mate doth ever constant prove:

The Turky-Pheasant, Heath-cock, Partridge rare,

The Carrion-tearing Crow, and hurtful Stare,

The long-liv’d Raven, th’ominous Screech-Owl,

Who tells, as old Wives say, disasters foul.

The drowsie Madge that leaves her day-lov’d Nest,

And loves to rove, when Day-birds be at rest:

Th’Eel-murthering Hearn, and greedy Cormorant,

That near the Creeks in morish Marshes haunt.

The bellowing Bittern, with the long-leg’d Crane,

Presaging Winters hard, and dearth of Grain.

The Silver Swan that tunes her mournful breath,

To sing the Dirge of her approaching death.

The tattering Oldwives, and the cackling Geese,

The fearful Gull that shuns the murthering Peece.

The strong-wing’d Mallard, with the nimble Teal,

And ill-shape’t Loon, who his harsh Notes doth squeal.

There Widgins, Sheldrakes and Humilitees,

Snites, Doppers, Sea-Larks, in whole million flees.

Of these the Humbird, Loon, and Humility are not to be pass’d by without particular observation.

The Humbird.

The Humbird is one of the wonders of the Countrey, being no bigger than a Hornet, yet hath all the Dimensions of a Bird, as Bill, and Wings with Quills, Spider-like Legs, small Claws: for Colour, she is as glorious as the Rain-bow; as she flies, she makes a little humming noise like a Humble-bee, wherefore she is call’d the Humbird.

The Loon.

The Humility, or Simplicity.

The Loon is an ill-shap’d thing like a Cormorant, but that he can neither go nor flie; he maketh a noise sometimes like Sowgelders Horn. The Humilities or Simplicities (as we may rather call them) are of two sorts, the biggest being as large as a green Plover; the other as big as Birds we call Knots in England. Such is the simplicity of the smaller sorts of these Birds, that one may drive them on a heap like so many Sheep, and seeing a fit time shoot them; the living seeing the dead, settle themselves on the same place again, amongst which the Fowler discharges again: These Birds are to be had upon Sandy Brakes, at the latter end of Summer before the Geese come in.

Fishes.

No less Poetical a Bill of Fare is brought of the Fish on the Sea-Coasts, and in the Rivers of New England in these subsequent Verses.

148The King of Waters, the Sea shouldering Whale,

The snuffing Grampus, with the Oily Seale,

The storm presaging Porpus, Herring-Hog,

Line-shearing Shark, the Catfish and Sea Dog,

The Scale-fenc’d Sturgeon, wry-mouth’d Hollibut,

The flounsing Salmon, Codfish, Greedigut:

Cole, Haddock, Hage, the Thornback, and the Scate,

Whose slimy outside makes him seld in date,

The stately Bass, old Neptune’s fleeting Post,

That Tides it out and in from Sea to Coast.

Consorting Herrings, and the bonny Shad,

Big-belly’d Alewives, Mackrills richly clad

With Rainbow colours, Frostfish and the Smelt,

As good as ever Lady Gustus felt.

The spotted Lamprons, Eels, the Lamperies,

That seek fresh Water-Brooks with Argus Eyes,

These watery Villagers, with thousands more,

Do pass and repass near the Verdant Shore.

Kinds of Shell-fish.

The luscious Lobster, with the Crabfish raw,

The brinish Oyster, Muscle, Periwigge,

And Tortoise sought for by the Indian Sqaw,

Which to the Flats dance many a Winters Jigge,

To dive for Cocles, and to dig for Clams,

Whereby her lazie Husbands guts she crams.

The Seal.

To speak of the most unusual of these sorts of Fish; First the Seal, which is call’d the Sea-Calf, his Skin is good for divers uses, his Body being between Flesh and Fish, it is not very delectable to the Palate, or congruent with the Stomack; his Oil is very good to burn in Lamps, of which he affords a great deal.

The Shark.

The Shark is a kind of Fish as big as a Man, some as big as a Horse, with three rows of Teeth within his Mouth, with which he snaps asunder the Fishermans Lines, if he be not very circumspect: This Fish will leap at a Mans hand if it be over board, and with his Teeth snap off a Mans Leg or Hand if he be Swimming; these are often taken, being good for nothing but Manuring of Land.

The Hollibut.

The Hollibut is not much unlike a Pleace or Turbut, some being two yards long, and one wide, a Foot thick; the plenty of better Fish makes these of little esteem, except the Head and Finns, which Stew’d or Bak’d is very good; these Hollibuts be little set by while Basse is in season.

The Basse.

The Basse is one of the best Fishes in the Countrey, and though Men are soon weary’d with other Fish, yet are they never with Basse; it is a delicate, fine, fat, fast Fish, having a Bone in his Head which contains a Sawcerful of Marrow, sweet and good, pleasant to the Palate, and wholsom to the Stomack: When there be great store of them, we only eat the Heads, and Salt up the Bodies for Winter, which exceeds Ling or Haberdine: Of these Fishes some are three, and some four Foot long, some bigger, some lesser; at some Tides a Man may catch a dozen or twenty of these in three hours; the way to catch them is with Hook and Line: The Fisherman taking a great Cod-line, to which he fasteneth a piece of Lobster, throws it into the Sea, the Fish biting at it, he pulls her to him, and knocks her on the head with a Stick.

Alewives.

Alewives are a kind of Fish which is much like a Herring, which in the later end of April come up to the fresh Rivers to Spawn, in such multitudes as is almost incredible, pressing up in such shallow Waters as will scarce permit them to Swim, having likewise such longing desire after the fresh Water Ponds, that no beatings with Poles, or forcive agitations by other devices, will cause them to return to the Sea, till they have cast their Spawn.

Clamms or Clamps.

Clamms or Clamps, are a Shell-fish not much unlike a Cockle, they lie under the Sand and have every one of them a round hole to take Air, and receive Water at. When the Tide ebbs and flows, a Man running over these Clamm banks will presently be made all wet, by their spouting of Water out of those small holes: These Fishes are in great plenty in most places of the Countrey, which is a great Commodity for the feeding of Swine, both in Winter and Summer; for being 149once us’d to those places, they will repair to them as duly every Ebb, as if they were driven to them by Keepers: In some places of the Countrey there be Clamms as big as a Peny white Loaf, which are great Dainties amongst the Natives, and would be in great esteem amongst the English, were it not for better Fish.

Other Commodities which this Countrey is said to yield, are, in down-right Prose, Furrs, Flax, Linnen, Iron, Pitch, Masts, Cables, and some quantity of Amber; so that if what many Authors have consented to assert concerning New England be not a meer Fiction, what e’re hath been affirm’d of the unfruitfulness of the Country will demonstrably be found invalid.

Noxious Creatures.

There are also to be found here some hurtful Creatures, of which, that which is most injurious to the Person and Life of a Man is the Rattle-Snake, which is generally a yard and a half long, as thick in the middle as the small of a Mans Leg; she hath a yellow Belly, her Back being spotted with black, russet, yellow, and green colours, plac’d like Scales; at her Tail is a Rattle, with which she makes a noise when she is molested, or when she seeth any approach near her; her Neck seems to be no thicker than a Mans Thumb, yet she can swallow a Squirril, having a great wide Mouth, with Teeth as sharp as Needles, wherewith she biteth such as tread upon her, her Poyson lyeth in her Teeth, for she hath no Sting. When any Man is bitten by any of these Creatures, the Poyson spreads so suddenly through the Veins, and so runs to the Heart, that in one hour it causeth Death, unless he hath the Antidote to expel the Poyson, which is a Root call’d Snake-weed, which must be champ’d, the Spittle swallow’d, and the Root apply’d to the Sore; this is present Cure against that which would be present death without it: This Weed is rank Poyson, if it be taken by any man that is not bitten; whosoever is bitten by these Snakes, his flesh becomes as spotted as a Leopard, until he be perfectly cur’d. It is reported, that if the Party live that is bitten, the Snake will die, and if the Party die, the Snake will live. This is a most Poysonous and dangerous Animal, yet nothing so bad as the report goes of it in England; for whereas it is said to kill a Man with its breath, and that it can flie, there is no such matter, for it is naturally the most sleepy and unnimble Creature that lives, never offering to leap or bite any Man, if it be not trodden on first; and it is their desire in hot weather to lie in Paths, where the Sun may shine on them, where they will sleep so soundly, that I have known four Men stride over one of them, and never awake it; five or six Men have been bitten by them, which by using of Snake-weed were all cur’d, never any yet losing his life by them. Cows have been bitten, but being cut in divers places, and this Weed thrust into their flesh, were cur’d; A small Switch will easily kill one of these Snakes. In many places of the Country there be none of them, as at Plymouth, New-town, Igowamme, Nahant, &c. In some places they will live on one side of the River, and swimming but over the Water, as soon as they are come into the Woods, they turn up their yellow Bellies and die. Up into the Countrey, Westward from the Plantations, is a high Hill, which is call’d Rattle-Snake-Hill, where there are great store of these Poysonous Creatures.

There are likewise troublesome Flies.

First there is a wild Bee or Wasp, which commonly guards the Grape, building by Cobweb habitation amongst the Leaves: Secondly a great green Flie, not much unlike our Horse-Flies in England; they will nipp so sore, that they will fetch Blood either of Man or Beast, and are most troublesome where most Cattel are, which brings them from out of the Woods to the Houses; this Flie continues but for the Moneth of June. The third is Gurnipper, which is a small black Flie, no bigger than a Flea; her biting causeth an itching upon the Hands or Face, which 150provoketh scratching, which is troublesome to some; this Flie is busie but in close Mornings or Evenings, and continues not above three Weeks; the least Wind or heat expels them. The fourth is a Musketor, which is not unlike to our Gnats in England; in places where there is no thick Woods or Swamps, there are none or very few. In the new Plantations they are troublesome for the first year, but the Wood decaying they vanish: These Flies cannot endure Wind, heat or cold, so that these are only troublesome in close thick Weather, and against Rain, many that are bitten will fall a scratching, whereupon their Faces and Hands swell.