1596.
April 25.
Plymouth. |
46. Wm. Stallenge to Sir Robt. Cecil. Is very sorry to write
such unpleasant news, yet has thought it his duty to advertise.
On Friday last certain ships arrived of Sir Francis Drake's fleet at
Falmouth, but himself and Sir John Hawkins, with many other
men of worth, he understands are dead. Sends packet of letters
for Alderman Walker, wherein his servant, Capt. Goodwin, sends a
particular relation of the whole voyage, which he incloses, so that
Sir Robt may be informed by Alderman Walter of all things at
large. Perceives their company are returned in great distress for
want of victuals. Some things they have brought, but as it is
reported nothing near to countervail the charges of the Journey,
Extract Encloses, |
|
46. i. "Journal of the voyage of Sir Francis Drake and
Sir John Hawkins by Capt. Troughton." Set sail from
Plymouth on 28 Aug. [1595] "for our pretended voyage."
Along the coast of Spain many unkind speeches passed
with our generals, "such as Sir John Hawkins never
put off till death." Consultation as to taking the Grand
Canaries, Sir Francis in favour of the design, Sir John
against it, but at the earnest request of some friends
was content to assist, yet in his judgment labour lost.
Anchored 26 Sept. before the fort that guards the landing
place at the Grand Canaries, but after some show of
resistance Sir Thos. Baskervile made his retreat without
putting foot on land. Came to Dominica 28 Oct., and
two days after anchored at Guadaloupe. On 31 Oct.
Sir John Hawkins "not able to bear his griefs out
longer sickened." On 4 Nov. anchored among the Virgin
Islands, and on 12 Nov. at Portorico, where Sir Nicholas
Clifford was killed by a shot, and on this day also died
Sir John Hawkins, whose death of many was much
lamented. Five frigates in the harbor, but only succeeded in burning one of them. Dec. 2 took Rio de la
llatche, where was found great store of pearls, plate,
jewels, and ryals, silks, rich apparel, and much other
luggage, and Sir Francis from another town took great
quantity of pearl and luggage. The Spaniards ransomed
their houses, negroes, and prisoners for 24,000 pieces,
every piece 6s. 6d. They burnt Rio de la Hatche, Bangaria, and Tapia, also Sancta Marta. Great store of gold,
silver, and jewels taken at Nombre de Dios. 29 Dec.
Sir Thos. Baskerville, Col. Gen., with all his ablest captains
and soldiers, took the journey for Panama, "now the
mark of our voyage," but impeded by some Spaniards and
Negroes made their retreat to the ships. [1596] 5 Jany.
all our men being shipped and the town and galliots put
to fire, sailed by advice of a Spaniard to the river
Nicaragua. On 28 Jany. came in with Puerto Bello,
"this morning died our general Sir Francis Drake."
Feb. S Sir Thos. Baskerville, "taking upon him general,"
set sail homewards, but not able to recover higher than
Carthagena put over for Jamaica and lost four ships.
Descried twenty of the King of Spain's war ships
"waiting our home coming." It was Capt. Troughton's
fortune to take the Vice-Admiral, "one of the twelve
apostles of the King, the manner of our fight and my
deserving I leave to the report of even my enemies."
Demanded of Sir Thos. Baskerville his promise of
victuals, but he refusing told him I must make more haste
home than I presumed he would, when in a storm on
14 March I left him. 4 pp. [Dom. Eliz., Vol. 257, Nos.
48, 48 I.] |
