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Sr. THOMAS FAIRFAX Knight, Lord FAIRFAX of CAMERON,
Sr. THOMAS FAIRFAX Knight, Lord FAIRFAX of CAMERON,
May it please your Excellency , The Divine Providence hath hitherto so ordered my life, that for the greatest part thereof, I have lived (as it were) in exile from my native Countrey: which happened, partly, by reason of my education in the Romish Religion, and that in forraign Universities; and partly, by my entrance into Monasticall orders. For twelve years space of which time, I was wholly disposed of in that part of America called New-Spain, and the parts adjacent. My difficult going thither
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UPON This WORTHY WORK, Of his most worthy Friend THE AUTHOR.
UPON This WORTHY WORK, Of his most worthy Friend THE AUTHOR.
Reader , behold presented to thine eye, What us Columbus off'red long agoe, Of the New-World a new discoverie, Which here our Author doth so clearly show; That he the state which of these Parts would know, Need not hereafter search the plenteous store Of Hackluit, Purchas and Ramusio , Or learn'd Acosta's writings to look o're; Or what Herera hath us told before, Which merit not the credit due from hence, Those being but reck'nings of anothers score. But these the fruits of self-experience: Wher
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CHAP. I.
CHAP. I.
The policy, which for many yeares hath upheld the erring Church of Rome , hath clearly and manifestly been discovered by the many Errors which in severall times by sundry Synods or Generall Councells, (which commonly are but Apes of the Popes fancy, will, pleasure, and ambition) have been enacted into that Church. And for such purposes doth that man of Sinne, and Antichristian tyrant, keep constantly in Rome so many poor Pensionary Bishops as hounds at his table, smelling out his ambitious thoug
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CHAP. II.
CHAP. II.
It is a most true and certain saying, Odia Religionum sunt acerbissima , hatred grounded in points and differences of Religion (let me adde, if ambition blow the fire to that hatred) is the most bitter and uncapable of reconciliation. Nay, it is an observation worth noting of some (see Doctor Day upon the I Cor. 16. 9. Verse) that the neerer any are unto a conjunction in matters of Religion, and yet some difference retained, the deeper is the hatred; As hee observes, a Jew hates a Christian farr
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CHAP. III.
CHAP. III.
All the Kingdomes of America , that have been conquered by the Kings of Spain , are divided as into severall temporall governments, so into severall spirituall jurisdictions, under the name of Provinces, belonging unto severall religious Orders, and their Provincials. These though so farre distant from Europe , yet live with a dependency and subordination unto the Court of Rome , and are bound to send thither a strict account and relation of what most remarkable passages and successes happen the
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CHAP. IV.
CHAP. IV.
In all the Dominions of the King of Spain in America , there are two sorts of Spaniards more opposite one to another then in Europe the Spaniard is opposite to the French, or to the Hollander, or to the Portingall; To wit, they that are born in any parts of Spain and goe thither, and they that are borne there of Spanish parents, whom the Spaniards, to distinguish them from themselves, terme Criolio's , signifying the Natives of that Countrey. This hatred is so great, that I dare say, nothing mig
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CHAP. V.
CHAP. V.
Upon the first of July in the afternoon, Don Carlos de Ybarra Admirall of the Galeons that then lay in the Baye of Cales gave order that a warning Peece should be shot off to warne all Passengers, Souldiers, and Mariners to betake themselves the next morning to their Ships. O what was it to see some of our Apostolicall company who had injoyed much liberty for a moneth in Cales , who had began to entangle their hearts with some young Nuns love, now hang down their heads, and act with sad and demu
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CHAP. VI.
CHAP. VI.
The Admirall of our Fleet wondring much at our slow sailing, who from the second of July to the 19 of August had seen nor discovered any land, save only the Islands of Canaria ; the same day in the morning called to Councell all the Pilots of the ships, to know their Opinions concerning our present being, and the neernesse of Land. The Ships therefore drew neere unto the Admirall one by one, that every Pilot might deliver his opinion. Here was cause of laughter enough, for the passengers to hear
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CHAP. VII.
CHAP. VII.
Upon the 22 day of August , wee sailed so pleasantly that wee soone left the sight of the Islands; The Indians uproare had weaved for us a thred of long discourse; It made some hate their calling to teach and convert Indians , but Calvo hee encouraged us, telling us many Stories of the good and gentle nature of the Indians of Philippinas , to whom we were going, and that most of them were Christians already, who esteemed their Preists as Gods upon the earth; and that those that were not as yet c
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CHAP. VIII.
CHAP. VIII.
Upon the 12 day of September , we happily arrived in America in that famous Towne, called St. John de Ulhua , otherwise Vera Crux ; famous for that it was the first beginning of the famous conquest of that valiant and ever renowned Conqueror Hernando Cortez . Here first was that noble and generous resolution, that never heard of policy, to sinke the ships, which had brought the first Spaniards to that Continent, greater then any of the other three parts of the world, to the intent that they migh
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CHAP. IX.
CHAP. IX.
Upon the 14 day of September we left the Town and Port of S. John de Ulhua , entring into the rode to Mexico , which we found the first three or four leagues to bee very sandy, as wide and open as is our rode from London to S. Albans . The first Indians we met with, was at the old Vera Crux , a Towne seated by the sea side, which the Spaniards that first conquered that countrey thought to have made their chief Harbour: but afterwards by reason of the small shelter they found in it for their ship
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CHAP. X.
CHAP. X.
Tlaxcallan being worth all the rest of the Townes and Villages between S. John de Ulhua and Mexico ; I thought it not fit to parallell it with the others in naming it briefely and passing by it as a Traveller, but rather I judged it convenient, and beseeming my present History, to record to posterity with one whole Chapter, the greatnesse of it, and the valour of its inhabitants, from the conquest of America made by Hernando Cortez . Who being upon his march to Mexico , and having arrived to Zac
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CHAP. XI.
CHAP. XI.
The next place most remarkable in the Rode wherein wee travelled was the City called by the Spaniards, La Puebla de los Angeles , the City of Angels. To the which wee were desirous to goe, knowing that in it there was a Convent of Dominicans of our profession, not having met with any such since the day we departed from St. John de Ulhua . Here wee refreshed our selves at leasure three dayes, finding our selves very welcome to our owne Brethren, who spared nothing that was fit for our entertainme
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CHAP. XII.
CHAP. XII.
It hath been no small peece of Policy in the Fryers and Jesuites of Manila and the Islands of Philippinas to purchase neere about Mexico , some house and Garden to carry thither such Missionary Preists as they yeerly bring from Spain for those parts. For were it not that they found some rest and place of Recreation, but were presently closed up in the Cloisters of Mexico to follow those Religious duties (which sore against their wills most of them are forced to) they would soone after a tedious
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CHAP. XIII.
CHAP. XIII.
Although my travailes by Sea and Land in America were not above three or foure thousand miles (which is not the fift part of it, if exactly compassed) yet for the better compleating of this my worke I thought fit to inlarge my self to a full division of the many and sundry parts thereof, here first in generall; and hereafter more in particular of those parts wherein I lived twelve yeeres, and of those which I more exactly noted and observed as I travailed and passed through them. The chief divis
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CHAP. XIV.
CHAP. XIV.
Having now gone round America with a brief and superficiall description of it, my desire is to shew unto my Reader what parts of it I travailed through, and did abide in, observing more particularly the state, condition, strength, and Commodities of those Countries which lie Southward from Mexico . It is further my desire, nay the chief ground of this my History, that whilst my Country doth here observe an English man, become American , travailing many thousand miles there, as may bee noted from
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CHAP. XV.
CHAP. XV.
Though Chiapa in the opinion of the Spaniards be held to be one of the poorest Countries of America ; because in it as yet there have been no mines discovered, nor golden sands found in the rivers, nor any haven upon the South-sea, whereby commodities are brought in and carried out, as to Mexico, Guaxaca and Guatemala ; yet I may say it exceedeth most Provinces in the greatness and beauty of fair Towns, and yeeldeth to none except it be to Guatemala ; nay it surpasseth all the rest of America in
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CHAP. XVI.
CHAP. XVI.
Chocolatte being this day used not onely over all the West-India's , but also in Spain, Italy , and Flanders , with approbation of many learned Doctors in Physick, among whom Antonio Colmenero of Ledesma ; (who lived once in the India's ) hath composed a learned and curious Treatise concerning the nature and quality of this drink; I thought fit to insert here also somewhat of it concerning my own experience for the space of twelve yeers. This name Chocolatte is an Indian name, and is compounded
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CHAP. XVII.
CHAP. XVII.
The time now being come that I was to leave the little City of Chiapa , I took some occasion before-hand to take my leave of my best friends, whose children I had taught, and at my departure I must confesse I found them kind and bountifull, except it were Donna Magdalena de Morales , from whom I did not expect, neither did I desire any farewell, or Adieu token. But among all, the Governours wife was most liberall unto mee, sending mee many boxes of Aromaticall Chocolatte, and one extraordinary g
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CHAP. XVIII.
CHAP. XVIII.
I had not rid on above a mile from the Church of Xocotenango , when the hils and Mountaines seemed to depart one from another, leaving a more spatious object for the eye to behold, and a wider Valley to wander in. The fame of that City from Mexico and Chiapa had raised up my thoughts to conceit of some strong walls, Towers, Forts or Bulwarks to keep out an aspiring or attempting enemy; But when I came neere and least thought of it, I found my self in it without entring through walls, or gates, o
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CHAP. XIX.
CHAP. XIX.
The condition of the Indians of this Country of Guatemala is as sad, and as much to bee pitied as of any Indians in America , for that I may say it is with them in some sort, as it was with Israel in Egypt , of whom it is said, Exod. 1. 7. They were fruitfull and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty, and the land was filled with them , and therefore Pharaoh said unto his people, Vers. 10. Let us deale wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it come to passe, that wh
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CHAP. XX.
CHAP. XX.
Having read in the University of Guatemala for three years space a whole course of Arts, and having begun to read part of Divinity, the more I studied and grew in knowledge, and the more I controverted by way of Arguments some Truths and points of Religion, the more I found the spirit of Truth inlightening me, and discovering unto me the lies, errors, falsities and superstitions of the Church of Rome . My conscience was much perplexed, and wavering, and I desirous of some good and full satisfact
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CHAP. XXI.
CHAP. XXI.
The chiefe thing which troubled me in my resolved purpose to come home, was the choice of the safest way; which made me utterly forsake the Gulfe (though the easiest way of all, and that sea neerest to the place where I lived) for that I knew I should meet there with many of my acquaintance, and the setting out of the ships was so uncertain, that before they departed, order might come from Guatemala to stop me; if I should go by land through Comayagua to Truxillo , and there wait for the ships,
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CHAP. XXII.
CHAP. XXII.
Now Reader, as the stone that is falling, the neerer it cometh to its Center, more haste it maketh; So I the neerer I am coming to the conclusion of this my History, more haste I desire to make in this last Chapter, for the compleating and finishing of it. With brevity therefore I will relate some of my travels in Europe , in which I will yeeld to many of my Nation, but for America , and my travels and experience there, I dare boldly challenge all travellers of my Country. After my return to Lon
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CHAP. I.
CHAP. I.
How Rome doth yeerely visit the American and Asian Kingdomes . page 1 ....
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CHAP. II.
CHAP. II.
Shewing that the Indians wealth, under a pretence of their Conversion, hath corrupted the hearts of poore begging Fryers, with strife, hatred and ambition. page 3 ....
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CHAP. III.
CHAP. III.
Shewing the manner of the Missions of Fryers, and Jesuites to the India's. pag. 7...
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CHAP. IV.
CHAP. IV.
Shewing to what Provinces of the East and West-India's belonging to the Crowne of Castilia, are sent missions of Fryers and Jesuites. And especially of the Missions sent in the yeer 1625. page 9 ....
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CHAP. V.
CHAP. V.
Of the Indian Fleet, that departed from Cales, Anno Dom. 1625. And of some remarkable passages in that voiage. page 14 ....
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CHAP. VI.
CHAP. VI.
Of our discovery of some Islands, and what trouble befell us in one of them. p. 16 ....
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CHAP. VII.
CHAP. VII.
Of our further sailing to St . John de Ulhua, aliàs, Vera Crux, of our landing there. page 19 ....
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CHAP. VIII.
CHAP. VIII.
Of our landing at Vera Crux, otherwise St. John de Ulhua, and of our entertainment there. page 22 ....
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CHAP. IX.
CHAP. IX.
Of our journey from St. John de Ulhua to Mexico, and of the most remarkable Townes and Villages in the way. page 25 ....
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CHAP. X.
CHAP. X.
Wherein is set downe the Estate and Condition of the great Towne of Tlaxcallan, when the first Spaniards entered into the Empire of Mexico. Cortez his first encounter with the Tlaxcalteca's, their League with him, with a description of the Towne, and of the state and condition of it now. page 29 ....
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CHAP. XI.
CHAP. XI.
Concluding the rest of our Journey from Tlaxcallan to Mexico, through the City of Angels, and Guacocingo. pag. 36 ....
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CHAP. XII.
CHAP. XII.
Shewing some particulars of the great and famous City of Mexico in former times; with a true description of it now. And of the State and Condition of it, in the yeare 1625. pag. 42 ....
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CHAP. XIII.
CHAP. XIII.
Shewing the severall parts of this new world of America; and the places of Note about the famous City of Mexico. p. 68 ....
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CHAP. XIV.
CHAP. XIV.
Shewing my Journey from Mexico to Chiapa, Southward, and the most remarkable places in the way. p. 81 ....
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CHAP. XV.
CHAP. XV.
Describing the Countrey of Chiapa, with the chief Townes and Commodities belonging to it. p. 98 ....
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CHAP. XVI.
CHAP. XVI.
Concerning two daily, and common Drinkes, or Potions much used in the India's, called Chocolatte, and Atolle. p. 106 ....
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CHAP. XVII.
CHAP. XVII.
Shewing my Journey from the City of Chiapa unto Guatemala, and the chief places in the way. p. 111 ....
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CHAP. XVIII.
CHAP. XVIII.
Describing the Dominions, Government, Riches, and greatnesse of the City of Guatemala, and Country belonging to it. p. 118 ....
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CHAP. XIX.
CHAP. XIX.
Shewing the Condition, quality, fashion, and behaviour of the Indians of the Countrey of Guatemala, since the Conquest; and especially of their feasts and solemnities. p. 138 ....
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CHAP. XX.
CHAP. XX.
Shewing how, and why I departed out of Guatemala, to learne the Poconchi language, and to live among the Indians; and of some particular passages, and Accidents whilst I lived there. p. 156 ....
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CHAP. XXI.
CHAP. XXI.
Shewing my Journey from the Towne of Petapa into England; and some chief passages in the way. p. 182 ....
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CHAP. XXII.
CHAP. XXII.
Shewing how, and for what causes, after I had arrived in England, I took yet another journey to Rome, and other parts of Italy, and returned again to settle my selfe in this my Countrey. p. 205 ....
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