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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Principal Navigations, Voyages,
+Traffiques, and Discoveries of The English Nation, v3, by Richard Hakluyt
+#6 in our series by Richard Hakluyt
+
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+Title: The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques,
+       and Discoveries of The English Nation, v3
+       North-Eastern Europe and Adjacent Countries
+       Part II. The Muscovy Company and the North-Eastern Passage
+
+Author: Richard Hakluyt
+
+Release Date: February, 2005 [EBook #7476]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on May 8, 2003]
+
+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-Latin-1
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRINCIPAL NAVIGATIONS, V3 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Karl Hagen and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+** Transcriber's Notes **
+
+The printed edition from which this e-text has been produced retains the
+spelling and abbreviations of Hakluyt's 16th-century original. In this
+version, the spelling has been retained, but the following manuscript
+abbreviations have been silently expanded:
+
+- vowels with macrons = vowel + 'n' or 'm'
+- q; = -que (in the Latin)
+- y[e] = the; y[t] = that; w[t] = with
+
+This edition contains footnotes and two types of sidenotes. Most footnotes
+are added by the editor. They follow modern (19th-century) spelling
+conventions. Those that don't are Hakluyt's (and are not always
+systematically marked as such by the editor). The sidenotes are Hakluyt's
+own. Summarizing sidenotes are labelled [Sidenote: ] and placed before the
+sentence to which they apply. Sidenotes that are keyed with a symbol are
+labeled [Marginal note: ] and placed at the point of the symbol, except in
+poetry, where they are moved to the nearest convenient break in the text.
+
+** End Transcriber's Notes **
+
+THE PRINCIPAL
+NAVIGATIONS, VOYAGES, TRAFFIQUES
+AND
+DISCOVERIES
+OF
+THE ENGLISH NATION.
+
+Collected by
+
+RICHARD HAKLUYT, PREACHER,
+
+and Editied by
+
+Edmund Goldsmid, F.R.H.S
+
+VOL. III.
+
+NORTH-EASTERN EUROPE AND ADJACENT COUNTRIES.
+
+PART II.
+
+THE MUSCOVY COMPANY AND THE NORTH-EASTERN PASSAGE.
+
+
+
+
+Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques, and Discoveries
+IN NORTH-EASTERN EUROPE.
+
+A briefe Treatise of the great Duke of Moscouia his genealogie, being taken
+  out of the Moscouites manuscript Chronicles written by a Polacke.
+
+It hath almost euer bene the custome of nations, in searching out the
+infancie and first beginnings of their estate, to ascribe the same vnto
+such authors as liued among men in great honour and endued mankinde with
+some one or other excellent benefite. Nowe, this inbred desire of all
+nations to blaze and set foorth their owne petigree hath so much preuayled
+with the greater part, that leauing the vndoubted trueth, they haue betaken
+themselues vnto meere fables and fictions. Yea and the Chronicles of many
+nations written in diuers and sundrie ages doe testifie the same. Euen so
+the Grecians boasted that they were either Autocthones, that is
+earthbredde, or els lineally descended from the Gods. And the Romans
+affirme that Mars was father vnto their first founder Romulus. Right well
+therefore and iudicially sayth Titus Liuius: Neither meane I to auouch
+(quoth he) ne to disable or confute those thinges which before the building
+and foundation of the Citie haue beene reported, being more adorned and
+fraught with Poeticall fables then with incorrupt and sacred monuments of
+trueth: antiquitie is it to be pardoned in this behalfe, namely in ioyning
+together matters historicall and poeticall, to make the beginnings of
+cities to seeme the more honourable. For sith antiquity it selfe is
+accompted such a notable argument of true nobility, euen priuate men in all
+ages haue contended thereabout. Wherefore citizens of Rome being desirous
+to make demonstration of their Gentrie, vse to haue their auncestors armes
+painted along the walles of their houses: in which regarde they were so
+puffed vp, that oftentimes they would arrogantly disdaine those men, which
+by their owne vertue had attained vnto honour. In like sorte Poets, when
+the originall of their woorthies and braue champions was either vtterly
+vnknowen or somewhat obscure, would ofte referre it vnto their Gods
+themselues. So in these our dayes (to lette passe others) the Turkish
+Emperour with great presumption boasteth himselfe to bee descended of the
+Troian blood. Likewise the great duke of Moscouie, to make himselfe and his
+predecessours seeme the more souereigne, deriueth the beginnings of his
+parentage from the Romane Emperours, yea euen from Augustus Caesar. Albeit
+therefore no man is so fonde as to accept of this report for trueth, yet
+will wee briefly set downe what the Moscouites haue written in their
+Chronicles as touching this matter.
+
+Augustus (beleeue it who listeth) had certaine brethren or kinsfolkes which
+were appoynted gouenours ouer diuers prouinces. Amongst the rest one
+Prussus (of whome Prussia was named) had his place of gouernment assigned
+vnto him vpon the shore of the eastern or Balthick Sea, and vpon the famous
+riuer of Wixel. This mans graund children or nephewes of the fourth
+generation were Rurek, Sinaus, and Truuor, who likewise inhabited in the
+very same places. Whereas therefore, at the very same time the Russians or
+the Moscquites without any ciuill regiment possessed large and spacious
+territories towards the north, the foresayd three brethren, vpon the
+perswasion of one Gostomislius the chiefe citizen of Nouogrod, in the yeare
+since the worldes creation (acording to the computation of the Greekes)
+6370, which was in the yeare of our Lord 572, were sent for, to beare rule.
+And so ioyning their kinsman Olechus vnto them, and diuiding these huge
+countreys among themselues, they laboured to reduce the barbarous and
+sauage people vnto a ciuill kinde of life.
+
+Sinaus and Truuor deceasing without issue, Rurek succeeded and left a sonne
+behinde him named Igor; who not being of sufficient yeres to beare rule,
+was committed vnto the protection of his kinsman Olechus. The sayde Igor
+begate of Olha daughter vnto a citizen of Plesco (who, after her husbande
+was slaine by his enemies, taking her iourney to Constantinople, was there
+baptized by the name of Helena) a sonne called Stoslaus, who fought many
+battels with the neighbour countreys. Howbeit at length Stoslaus was slayne
+by his foe, who making a drinking cup of his skull, engraued therupon in
+golden letters this sentence: Seeking after other mens he lost his owne. He
+left behind him three sonnes, namely Teropolchus, Olega, and Vulodimir. The
+which Vulodimir hauing slaine his two brethren, became sole gouernour of
+Russia, or (as the Moscouites call it) Rosseia, his owne selfe. This man
+beginning at length to loath and mislike the ethnik religion, and the
+multitude of false gods, applyed his minde vnto the religion of Christ, and
+hauing taken to wife Anna sister vnto Basilius and Constantinus Emperours
+of Constantinople, was together with his whole nation, in the yeare of
+Christ 988. baptized, and imbraced the Christian religion, with the rites
+and ceremonies of the Greeke Church, and his name being changed, he was
+called Basilius.
+
+Howbeit Zonoras reporteth that before the time of Vulodimir, Basilius
+Emperour of Constantinople sent a bishop vnto the Russians, by whose meanes
+they were conuerted vnto the Christian faith. He reporteth moreouer that
+they would not be perswaded vnlesse they might see a miracle: whereupon the
+said bishop hauing made his prayers vnto almighty God, threwe the booke of
+the Euangelists into the fire, which remained there vnconsumed. And that by
+this miracle they were moued to giue credits vnto the doctrine of Christ,
+and to conforme themselues thereunto.
+
+The sonnes of Vulodimir were Vuiseslaus, Isoslaus, Iaroslaus, Suatopolcus,
+Borissus, Glebus, Stoslaus, Vulzeuolodus, Stanislaus, Sudislaus, and Podius
+who died in his childhood. Amongst the residue all Russia was diuided by
+their father, who not being contented with their portions, but inuading
+each other, were most of them slaine by their mutuall contentions. Borissus
+and Glebus in regard of their holy conuersation were registred for Saints,
+whose feasts are euery yeere celebrated with great solemnitie vpon the
+twelfth of Nouember.
+
+At length Iaroslaus only got the Souvereigne authoritie into his owne
+hands, and left behind him foure sonnes, Vvlodimir, Isoslauus, Weceslauus,
+and Vuszeuolodus.
+
+The foresaid Vulodimir sonne of Iaroslaus kept his residence at the ancient
+citie of Kiow standing vpon the riuer of Boristhenes, and after diuers
+conflicts with his kinsmen, hauing subdued all the prouinces vnto himselfe,
+was called Monomachos, that is, the onely champion. This man (for I thinke
+it not amisse to report those things which their owne Manuscript Chronicles
+make mention of) waged warre against Constantine the Emperour of
+Constantinople, when he had wasted and ouerrun Thracia, being returned home
+with great and rich spoyles, and making preparation for new wars,
+Constantine sent Neophytus the Metropolitane of Ephesus and two Bishops,
+with the gouernour of Antiochia, and Eustaphius the Abbat of Ierusalem, to
+present rich and magnificent gifts vnto him; as namely, part of the crosse
+of Sauiour Christ, a crowne of gold, a drinking cup curiously made of
+Sardonyx stone, a cloake set all ouer with precious stones, and a golden
+chaine; commaunded them to salute him by the name of Czar (which name, as
+it may be prooued by many arguments, signifieth a king, and not an
+Emperour) and concluded a most inuiolable league of amity and friendship
+with him.
+
+The foresayd Vulodimir begate Vuszeuolodus the second. This Vuszeuolodus
+lefte eight sonnes behind him, Miscislaus, Isoslaus, Stoslaus, Teropolcus,
+Weceslaus, Romanus, Georgius, and Andrew. The sonnes of George were
+Roseslaus, Andrew, Basilius, and Demetrius.
+
+Demetrius begat George, in the yeere 1237. was slaine by one Bathy, a
+Tartarian duke, which Bathy wasted Moscouia, and subdued the same vnto
+himselfe. Since which time the Russians were tributary to the Tartars, and
+were gouerned by such dukes as they pleased to set ouer them. Howbeit the
+Tartars so greatly abused that authoritie, that when they sent their
+ambassadours vnto the prince of Moscouie, he was constrained to goe forth
+and meete with them, and (as Herbortus Fulstinius in his Polonian historie
+reporteth) to offer them a bason full of mares milke, and if they had spilt
+any whit thereof vpon their horses maines, to licke it off with his toung,
+and hauing conducted them into his princely court, to stand bareheaded
+before them while they sate downe, and with all reuerence to giue eare and
+attendance vnto them. But by what meanes they shooke off at the length this
+yoake of seruitude, I will forthwith declare.
+
+About the same time almost all Polonia, and the dukedome of Silesia were
+ouerrun by the Tartars with fire and sword. Who hauing burnt Presla the
+chiefe citie of Silesia, and being come before the citie of Legnitz, they
+fought there a most cruel and bloody field, wherin was slain Duke Henrie
+himselfe being sonne vnto the most holy and deuout lady Heduice, with many
+others, whose monuments and graues be as yet extant in sundry places, and
+with an infinite multitude of common souldiers, insomuch that the Tartars
+filled nine great sackes with the eares of them which they had slaine. The
+Tartars to the end they might obtaine the victorie, presented vnto the view
+of our souldiers the portrature of a mans head placed by arte magique vpon
+a banner, wherein the letter X. was painted, which being shaken and mooued
+vp and downe breathed foorth a most loathsome stench, and strooke such a
+terrour into the hearts of our men, that being as it were astonished with
+the snaky visage of Medusa, they were vtterly daunted and dismayed.
+
+From thence Bathy and his company with the same bloodthirstie intent
+marched into Hungarie, and had almost slaine king Bela the fourth, who
+together with his sonne escaping by flight did scarcely ridde themselues
+out of the enemies hand. And when the whole world almost was exceedingly
+terrified at the cruel inuasions of this most barbarous nation, at length
+Pope Innocentius the fourth sending ambassadours [Marginal note: These
+ambassadours were Iohan. de Plano Carpini and Frier Benedict a Polonian.]
+vnto Bathy obtained peace for fiue yeeres: but to forsake his heathenish
+superstitions and to become a Christian, he would by no meanes bee
+perswaded. For he was by the instigation of the Saracens infected with
+deuilish opinions of Mahomet, as being more agreeable vnto his barbarous
+rudenes, which euen vnto this day the Tartars do maintaine, like as the
+prophane Turkes also.
+
+This Bathy had a sonne called Tamerlan, whome the Mosoouites call
+Temirkutla, who likewise, as it is recorded in histories, attained vnto
+great renoume. For he caried about with him in a cage Baiazet the Turkish
+Emperour being fettered in golden chaines, and made him a laughing stocke
+vnto all men.
+
+Let vs now retume vnto the Russians. George being slaine, Iaroslaus his
+brother succeeded in his room, and left behinde him three sonnes,
+Theodorus, Alexander, and Andreas. Daniel the sonne of Alexander first
+established his royal seat in the citie of Mosco, and magnificently
+building the Castle which before time had been obscure, he tooke vpon him
+the title of the great Duke of Russia. He had fiue sonnes, namely, George,
+Alexander, Borissus, Ophonias, and Iohn. This Iohn succeeded his father,
+and because he continually caried a scrippe about with him to bestow almes,
+he was sirnamed Kaleta, which word signifieth a scrippe. His sonnes were,
+Simeon, Iohn, and Andrew. He gaue vnto his sonne Simeon the prouinces of
+Vvlodimiria and Moscouia: which Simeon deceasing without issue his brother
+Iohn succeeded, who begate a son called Demetrius. This Demetrius had seuen
+sonnes, namely, Daniel, Basilius, George, Andrew, Peter, Iohn, and
+Constantine. Basilius reigned after his fathers death. This man
+disinheriting his sonne whiche was called after his owne name; because he
+suspected his mother of adulterie, at his death surrendred his Dukedome
+vnto his brother George, who kept his nephewe a long time in prison.
+Howbeit at his death, though himselfe had two sonnes namely Andrew and
+Demetrius, yet being stricken perhaps with remorse of conscience, he
+bestowed the Dukedome vpon his nephew Basilius. Against whom his two
+cousins bearing a grudge waged warre, and at length hauing taken him by a
+wyly stratageme they put out his eyes. Notwithstanding the Boiarens (for so
+the Moscouites call their nobles) continued their duetifull alleageance
+vnto this their blinde Duke, whom for his blindnes they called Cziemnox,
+that is to, say, darke or darkened. He left a sonne behind him called Iuan
+Vasilowich who brought the Russian common wealth, being before his time but
+obscure, vnto great excellencie and renowme. Who that he might the better
+get all the superiority into his owne hands put to death so many sonnes and
+nephewes of the former Dukes as he could lay hold on, and began to take
+vpon him the title of the great Duke of Vvlodimiria, Moscouia, and
+Nouogardia, and to cail himself the Monarch or Czar of all Russia. He
+brought vnder his subiection two principall cities, namely Plesco being the
+only walled citie in all Moscouie, and Mouogrod [Transcriber's note: sic.],
+both of them being in regard of traffike most riche and flourishing cities,
+and hauing bin subiect vnto the Lithuanians for the space of 50. yeeres
+before. The treasure of Nouogrod was so exceeding, that the great Duke is
+reported to haue carried home from thence 300. carts laden with gold and
+siluer.
+
+He also was the first man that waged warre against the Polonians and the
+Liuonians: against Polonia he pretended a quarell alleaging that his
+daughter Helena (whome hee had married vnto Alexander the great Duke of
+Lithuania, which was afterward king of Polonia) was euil intreated, and was
+withdrawen from the Greekish religion vnto the ceremonies of the Church of
+Rome. But against the Liuonians for none other cause, but onely for an
+incredible desire of enlarging his dominions. Howbeit what impulsiue causes
+of litle or no moment happened in the mean season, we will in another place
+more plainely declare. Notwithstanding he was very often and in diuers
+battels vanquished by Plettebergius the great master of the Dutch knights:
+but it is not to the purpose to stand any longer vpon this discourse.
+
+He was married first vnto Marie the Duke of Tyuersky his daughter, and of
+her hee begate Iohn, vnto whom in his life time he surrendred his Dukedome,
+and married him vnto the daughter of Stephan the Palatine of Moldauia:
+which Iohn, after he had begotten his sonne Demetrius, deceased before his
+father.
+
+Afterward Iuan Vasilowich aforesaide married a wife called Sophia being
+daughter vnto Thomas Palælogus, which is reported to haue had her dowry out
+of the Popes treasury, because the Moscouite had promised to conforme
+himselfe vnto the Romish Church. This Sophia being a woman of a princely
+and aspiring minde, and often complaining that she was married vnto the
+Tartars vassal, at length by her instant intreatie and continual
+perswasions, and by a notable stratageme she cast off that slauish yoke
+very much vnbeseeming so mighty a prince. For whereas the Tartarian Duke
+had his procuratours and agents in the Moscouites court, who dwelt in their
+owne houses built within the very castle of Mosco, and were eye witnesses
+of all affaires which were there performed: Sophia said she was admonished
+from heauen to builde a Temple in the selfe same place where the Tartars
+house stoode, and to consecrate it vnto Saint Nicholas. Being therfore
+deliuered of a sonne she inuited the Tartarian Duke vnto the solemne
+baptizing of him, and beeing come, shee requested him to giue her his
+house, and obtained it at his hands. Which house being razed and those
+Tartarians espials beeing excluded, the Tartars at length were quite
+bereaued and vtterly dispossessed of their authoritie which they had
+exercised ouer the Russians for many yeres, and could neuer yet recouer it;
+albeit they haue giuen sundry attempts. Of his wife Sophia he begate sixe
+children, namely, a daughter called Helena, and fiue sonnes, that is to
+say, Gabriel, Demetrius, George, Simeon, and Andrew.
+
+The Dukedome of right appertayned vnto Demetrius the sonne of Iohn, which
+was the sonne of Vasilowich by his first marriage. Howbeit Sophia preuailed
+so with her husband, that neglecting his graund-childe Demetrius, hee
+bestowed his Dukedome vpon Gabriel his sonne.
+
+Andrew the younger had a sonne called Vvlodmir, of whom Mary was borne,
+which in the yeere of Christ 1573, was maried vnto Magnus the Duke of
+Holst.
+
+Gabriel hauing obtained the great dukedome of Russia, changed his name
+calling himselfe Basilius, and applied his minde to the atchieuing of high
+and great enterprises. For hee reduced a great part of the dukedome of
+Moscouie, which Vitoldus the great Duke of Lithuania helde in possession,
+vnder his owne iurisdiction, and wonne vpon the riuer of Boristhenes (which
+the Russians call Neiper) many cities and especially Smolensco, in the
+yeere of our Lord 1514. Hauing diuorced his first wife, hee begate of
+Helena daughter vnto Duke Glinskie, Iuan Vasilowich, which now this present
+1580. reigneth as great Duke. He was borne in the yeere of our Lorde 1528.
+the 25. of August, sixe houres after the rising of the sonne. The great
+dukedome of Russia fell vnto the said Iuan Vasilowich in the fifth yeere of
+his age, hauing his vncle George for his great protector; being 25. yeeres
+of age, and being of a strong body and of a courageous mind he subdued the
+Tartars of Cazan and Astracan vpon the riuer of Volgha, carrying their
+Dukes and chieftaines into captiuitie.
+
+But by what wayes and meanes (after the league which by the intercession of
+the most sacred Roman Emperour, continued from the yeere 1503. for the
+space of fifty yeeres, was expired) hauing renewed warres against Liuonia,
+hee brought that most flourishing prouince into extreame miserie, vsing for
+the same purpose a new pretense, and alleadging that it belonged vnto him
+by right of inheritance, I tremble to recount: and it requireth a large
+historie, which perhaps in time and place conuenient some more learned then
+my selfe will take vpon them to addresse.
+
+He is exceedingly addicted vnto piety and deuotion, and doth oftentimes
+obserue very strict fastings and abstinence with his monks: and whereas the
+Russes in doing reuerence and adoration vnto God doe beate their foreheads
+against the ground, this Iuan Vasilowich with performing of the same
+ceremonie causeth his forehead to be ful of boines and swellings, and
+sometimes to be black and blew, and very often to bleed. He is much
+delighted with building of Churches and spareth no cost for that purpose.
+Whether therfore by nature, or (which hee pretendeth to bee the cause) by
+reason of his subiects malice and treacherie, he be so addicted vnto all
+rigour and cruelty, I dare not determine, especially sithens he hath not an
+illiberal or mishapen countenance, as Attila is reported, to haue had. Of
+his first wife which was sister vnto Mikita Romanowich, beeing nowe great
+steward of his houshold, he begate two sonnes, namely Iuan and Theodore.
+And albeit he was fiue times married, yet had he not one childe more.
+
+Whereas this Iuan Vasilowich vpon certaine friuolous reasons calleth
+himselfe the naturall lord of Liuonia, I thought it not amisse to adde an
+Epistle hereunto, which was written by a certaine honourable man concerning
+the same matter.
+
+S. All we which inhabite this Prouince with all seemely reuerence and
+submission of mind, do offer most humble thanks vnto the Emperors most
+sacred and peerelesse maiesty our most gracious lord, in that according to
+his fatherly affection which he beareth towards all Christendome, and for
+the good and commodity of this our distressed and afflicted countrey, which
+these many yeres hath bin in stead of a bulwarke against the inuasion of
+barbarous nations, he hath sent his ambassadors vnto the great duke of
+Moscouia. In regard of which his fatherly loue and great benefite
+vouchsafed on vs, wee are ready when occasion shall serue, to aduenture our
+liues and goods; praying in the meane season vnto Almightie God, who is the
+onely establisher and confounder of common wealths, to bring this excellent
+woorke, the foundation whereof is already laide vnto a prosperous
+conclusion. But as touching the title which the Moscouite maketh to this
+prouince, to say the very trueth, we greatly wondred and were astonished at
+the declaration thereof. For it is most apparent, not onely out of all
+ancient and credible histories, but euen from the experience and state of
+these regions, that the said title and allegations are fabulous and fained.
+For out of all auncient monuments, by what names soeuer they bee called
+(whereof there are diuers extant among vs) it cannot be proued by any
+mention, nor yet by any likelihoode or coniecture, that those things which
+the Moscouite affirmeth concerning the people which were gouernors of these
+regions in times past, and concerning the right and title of his ancestors
+vnto this prouince, are grounded vpon truth.
+
+For it is not vnknowen by what meanes this prouince, partly through the
+industry of marchants, and partly by the benefite of nauigation, was first
+discouered: neither is it vnknowen howe the inhabitants thereof beeing
+wholly addicted vnto heathenish superstitions and idolatrie, were by the
+croised [Footnote: _Croised_: wearing the cross, Crusaders,] knights (who
+drew other knights professing the same order in Prussia to aide and
+accompanie them in this their enterprise) and that with great labour and
+difficultie, conuerted vnto the Christian faith: when as at the same time
+the Liuonians had no knowledge at all of the iurisdiction, religion,
+maners, or language of Moscouie: who had not onely no conuersation nor
+dealings with the Moscouites, but were estranged also from all other
+nations whatsoeuer: for leading a miserable, poore, barbarous, and
+heathenish life, in sauage maner among wilde beastes, and in the desert and
+solitary woods, they were vtterly ignorant of God and destitute of ciuil
+magistrates. Howbeit this kind of gouernment was peculiar vnto them, namely
+that all of one familie and society vsed a kinde of reuerence vnto their
+elders more then to any other, whom also, that their authoritie might be
+the greater, they called by the name of kings, and (albeit one of their
+families consisted of a 100 persons) they obeyed them in al respects, and
+after their rude and barbarous maner did them loyal seruice. At the very
+same time the Moscouites had receiued the religion, and the Ecclesiasticall
+ceremonies of the Greeke and Easterne Church, which religion they published
+and dispersed throughout all prouinces subiect to their dominion, vsing
+their owne proper letters and characters for the same purpose. Of all which
+things the Liuonians which very barbarously inhabited a lande beeing
+enuironed with Russia, Lithuania, Samogitia, Prussia, and the Balthic Sea,
+neuer heard any report at all. It is moreouer to be noted that neuer at any
+time heretofore either within the earth, or in other places of Liuonia,
+there haue bene found any monuments at all of the antiquitie or letters of
+the Russes: which verily must needs haue come to passe, if the Moscouites,
+Russes, or any other nations which vse the foresaid particulars, had borne
+rule and authority ouer the Liuonians: yea there had beene left some
+remainder and token, either of their religion and diuine worship, or of
+their lawes and customes, or at the least of their maners, language, and
+letters. This indeed we can in no wise deny, that euen in Liuonia it selfe,
+there haue bin in times past and at this present are many and diuers
+languages spoken by the people. Howbeit no one language of them all hath
+any affinity either with the Moscouian tongue, or with the tongues of any
+other nations. But whereas the Moscouite pretendeth that there hath been
+visually paide a pension or tribute vnto himselfe and his predecessours out
+of the whole prouince, it is as incredible as the former.
+
+About the beginning of this tragicall warre, the Moscouite, to cloke his
+tyranny and ambition vnder some faire pretense amongst other of his
+demaunds, made mention also of a tribute which should be due vnto him out
+of the bishop of Dorpat his iurisdiction, whereof notwithstanding hee could
+neither bring any iust account, nor affirm any certainty: howbeit there is
+no man liuing to be found which either can tell of his owne remembrance, or
+from the relation of others, that any such tribute was euer paid vnto the
+Moscouite. What time therefore he referred al this negotiation vnto the
+master of the Liuonian order, and commanded him to get what knowledge hee
+could therof from the men of Dorpat, and vrged the tribute, saying if it
+were worth but one haire, that he would not remit it: at length it was
+found recorded in the ancient Chronicles of Dorpat, that beyond the memory
+of man, when the territory of Plesco contained nothing but woods and
+forrests for wilde beastes, that the peasaunts of the liberty of Dorpat
+called Neuhus, by the consent of the Russian borderers, enioyed Bee hiues
+in the said woods, and paid euery yeere in lieu thereof vnto the Russian
+gouernours, sixe shillings of Liuonian coine. But so soone as the Russians
+had felled the woods and had built townes and villages in their place, the
+saide pension ceased together with the trees which were cut downe.
+Wherefore the saide sixe shillings were neuer since that time either
+demanded by the Russes or paid by the Liuonians. These things which I knew
+concerning the causes of the Liuonian warres I thought good to signifie
+vnto you. Giuen the 22. of May, in the yeere of our Lord 1576.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Ordinances, instructions, and aduertisements of and for the direction of
+  the intended voyage for Cathay, compiled, made, and deliuered by the
+  right worshipfull M. Sebastian Cabota Esquier, gouernour of the mysterie
+  and companie of the Marchants aduenturers for the discouerie of Regiones,
+  Dominions, Islands and places vnknowen, the 9. day of May, in the yere of
+  our Lord God, 1553. and in the 7. yeere of the reign of our most dread
+  soueraigne Lord Edward the 6. by the grace of God, king of England,
+  Fraunce, and Ireland, defender of the faith, and of the Church of England
+  and Ireland, in earth supreame head. [Footnote: "Some of these
+  Instructions now indeed appear rather childish, but others might still be
+  used as rules for any well-ordered exploratory expedition."--
+  Nordenskiöld, _Voyage of the Vega_, vol. I, p. 58.]
+
+First the Captaine general, with the pilot maior, the masters, marchants
+and other officers, to be so knit and accorded in vnitie, loue,
+conformitie, and obedience in euery degree on all sides, that no
+dissention, variance, or contention may rise or spring betwixt them and the
+mariners of this companie, to the damage or hinderance of the voyage: for
+that dissention (by many experiences) hath ouerthrown many notable intended
+and likely enterprises and exploits.
+
+2. Item, for as much as euery person hath giuen an othe to be true,
+faithfull, and loial subiects, and liege men to the kings most excellent
+Maiestie, his heires and successors, and for the obseruation of all lawes
+and statutes, made for the preseruation of his most excellent Maiestie, and
+his crown Imperiall of his realmes of England and Ireland, and to serue his
+grace, the Realme, and this present voyage truely, and not to giue vp,
+intermit, or leaue off the said voyage and enterprise vntill it shalbe
+accomplished, so farre forth as possibilitie and the life of man may serue
+or extend: Therfore it behoueth euery person in his degree, as well for
+conscience, as for dueties sake to remember his said charge, and the
+accomplishment thereof.
+
+3. Item, where furthermore euery mariner or passenger in his ship hath
+giuen like othe to bee obedient to the Captaine generall, and to euery
+Captaine and master in his ship, for the obseruation of these present
+orders contained in this booke, and all other which hereafter shalbe made
+by the 12. counsailers in this present book named, or the most part of
+them, for the better conduction, and preseruation of the fleete, and
+atchieuing of the voyage, and to be prompt, ready and obedient in all acts
+and feates of honesty, reason, and duetie to be ministred, shewed and
+executed, in aduancement and preferment of the voyage and exploit: therfore
+it is conuenient that this present booke shall once euery weeke (by the
+discretion of the Captaine) be read to the said companie, to the intent
+that euery man may the better remember his othe, conscience, duetie and
+charge.
+
+4. Item, euery person by vertue of his othe, to doe effectually and with
+good wil (as farre forth as him shall complie) all and euery such act and
+acts, deede and deeds, as shalbe to him or them from time to time
+commanded, committed and enioyned (during the voyage) by the Captain
+generall, with the assent of the Counsell and assistants, as well in and
+during the whole Nauigation and voyage, as also in discouering and landing,
+as cases and occasions shall require.
+
+5. Item, all courses in Nauigation to be set and kept, by the aduice of the
+Captaine, Pilot maior, masters, and masters mates, with the assents of the
+counsailers and the most number of them, and in voyces vniformely agreeing
+in one to preuaile, and take place, so that the Captaine generall, shall in
+all counsailes and assemblies haue a double voyce.
+
+6. Item, that the fleete shal keep together, and not separate themselues
+asunder, as much as by winde and weather may be done or permitted, and that
+the Captaines, Pilots and masters shall speedily come aboord the Admiral,
+when and as often as he shall seeme to haue iust cause to assemble them for
+counsaile or consultation to be had concerning the affaires of the fleete
+and voyage.
+
+7. Item, that the merchants, and other skillful persons in writing, shal
+daily write, describe, and put in memorie the Nauigation of euery day and
+night, with the points, and obseruation of the lands, tides, elements,
+altitude of the sunne, course of the moon and starres, and the same so
+noted by the order of the Master and pilot of euery ship to be put in
+writing, the captaine generall assembling the masters together once euery
+weeke (if winde and weather shal serue) to conferre all the obseruations,
+and notes of the said ships, to the intent it may appeare wherein the notes
+do agree, and wherein they dissent and vpon good debatement, deliberation,
+and conclusion determined, to put the same into a common leger, to remain
+of record for the company: the like order to be kept in proportioning of
+the Cardes, Astrolabes, and, other instruments prepared for the voyage, at
+the charge of the companie.
+
+8. Item, that all enterprises and exploits of discouering or landing to
+search Iles, regions, and such like, to be searched, attempted, and
+enterprised by good deliberation, and common assent, determined aduisedly.
+And that in all enterprises, notable ambassages, suites, requests, or
+presentment of giftes, or presents to Princes, to be done and executed by
+the captaine generall in person, or by such other, as he by common assent
+shall appoint or assigne to doe or cause to be done in the same.
+
+9. Item, the steward and cooke of euery ship, and their associats, to giue
+and render to the captaine and other head officers of their shippe weekely
+(or oftner,) if it shall seeme requisite, a iust or plaine and perfect
+accompt of expenses of the victuals, as wel flesh, fish, bisket, meate, or
+bread, as also of beere, wine, oyle, or vinegar, and all other kinde of
+victualling vnder their charge, and they, and euery of them so to order and
+dispende the same, that no waste or vnprofitable excesse be made otherwise
+then reason and necessitie shall command.
+
+10. Item, when any inferiour or meane officer of what degree or condition
+he shalbe, shalbe tried vntrue, remisse, negligent, or vnprofitable in or
+about his office in the voyage, or not to vse himselfe in his charge
+accordingly, then euery such officer to be punished or remoued at the
+discretion of the captaine and assistants, or the most part of them, and
+the person so remoued not to be reputed, accepted, or taken from the time
+of his remoue, any more for an officer, but to remaine in such condition
+and place, as hee shall be assigned vnto, and none of the companie, to
+resist such chastisement or worthie punishment, as shalbe ministred vnto
+him moderately, according to the fault or desert of his offence, after the
+lawes and common customes of the seas, in such cases heretofore vsed and
+obserued.
+
+11. Item, if any Mariner or officer inferiour shalbe found by his labour
+not meete nor worthie the place that he is presently shipped for, such
+person may bee vnshipped and put on lande at any place within the kings
+Maiesties realme and dominion, and one other person more able and worthy to
+be put in his place, at the discretion of the captaine and masters, and
+order to be taken that the partie dismissed shalbe allowed proportionably
+the value of that he shall haue deserued to the time of his dismission or
+discharge, and he to giue order with sureties, pawn, or other assurance, to
+repay the ouerplus of that he shall haue receiued, which he shall not haue
+deserued, and such wages to be made with the partie newly placed as shalbe
+thought reasonable, and he to haue the furniture of all such necessaries as
+were prepared for the partie dismissed, according to right and conscience.
+
+12. Item, that no blaspheming of God, or detestable swearing be vsed in any
+ship, nor communication of ribaldrie, filthy tales, or vngodly talke to be
+suffred in the company of any ship, neither dicing, carding, tabling, nor
+other diuelish games to be frequented, whereby ensueth not onely pouertie
+to the players, but also strife, variance, brauling, fighting, and
+oftentimes murther to the vtter destruction of the parties, and prouoking
+of Gods most iust wrath, and sworde of vengeance. These and all such like
+pestilences, and contagions of vices, and sinnes to bee eschewed, and the
+offenders once monished, and not reforming, to bee punished at the
+discretion of the captaine and master, as appertaineth.
+
+13. Item, that morning and euening prayer, with other common seruices
+appointed by the kings Maiestie, and lawes of this Realme to be read and
+saide in euery ship daily by the minister in the Admirall, and the marchant
+or some other person learned in other ships, and the Bible or paraphrases
+to be read deuoutly and Christianly to Gods honour, and for his grace to be
+obtained, and had by humble and heartie praier of the Nauigants
+accordingly.
+
+14. Item, that euery officer is to be charged by Inuentorie with the
+particulars of his charge, and to render a perfect accompt of the
+diffraying of the same together with modest and temperate dispending of
+powder, shot, and vse of all kinde of artillery, which is not to be
+misused, but diligently to be preserued for the necessary defence of the
+fleete and voyage, together with due keeping of all instruments of your
+Nauigation, and other requisites.
+
+15. Item, no liquor to be spilt on the balast, nor filthiness to be left
+within boord: the cook room, and all other places to be kept cleane for the
+better health of the companie, the gromals and pages to bee brought vp
+according to the laudable order and vse of the Sea, as well in learning of
+Nauigation, as in exercising of that which to them appertaineth.
+
+16. Item, the liueries in apparel giuen to the mariners be to be kept by
+the marchants, and not to be worne, but by the order of the captaine, when
+he shall see cause to muster or shewe them in good aray, for the
+aduancement and honour of the voyage, and the liueries to bee redeliuered
+to the keeping of the marchants, vntill it shal be thought conuenient for
+euery person to haue the ful vse of his garment.
+
+17. Item, when any mariner or any other passenger shal haue neede of any
+necessarie furniture of apparell for his body, and conseruation of his
+health, the same shall bee deliuered him by the Marchant, at the
+assignement of the captaine and Master of that shippe, wherein such needie
+person shall be, at such reasonable price as the same cost, without any
+gaine to be exacted by the marchants, the value therof to be entred by the
+marchant in his booke, and the same to be discounted off the parties wages,
+that so shal receiue, and weare the same.
+
+18. Item, the sicke, diseased, weake, and visited person within boord, to
+be tendred, relieued, comforted, and holpen in the time of his infirmitie,
+and euery maner of person, without respect, to beare anothers burden, and
+no man to refuse such labour as shall be put to him, for the most benefite,
+and publike wealth of the voyage, and enterprise, to be atchieued exactly.
+
+19. Item, if any person shal fortune to die, or miscary in the voyage, such
+apparell, and other goods, as he shall haue at the time of his death, is to
+be kept by the order of the captaine and Master of the shippe, and an
+inuentorie to be made of it, and conserued to the vse of his wife, and
+children, or otherwise according to his mind, and wil, and the day of his
+death to be entred in the Marchants and Stewards Bookes: to the intent it
+may be knowen what wages he shall haue deserued, to his death, and what
+shall rest due to him.
+
+20. Item, that the Marchants appointed for this present voyage, shall not
+make any shew or sale of any kind of marchandizes, or open their
+commodities to any forrein princes, or any of their subiects, without the
+consent, priuitie, or agreement of the Captaines, the cape Marchants and
+the assistants, or foure of them, whereof the captaine generall, the Pilot
+Maior, and cape marchant to be three, and euery of the pettie marchants to
+shewe his reckoning to the cape marchant, when they, or any of them shall
+be required: and no commutation or trucke to be made by any of the petie
+marchants, without the assent abouesaid: and all wares, and commodities
+trucked, bought or giuen to the companie, by way of marchandise, trucke, or
+any other respect, to be booked by the marchants, and to be wel ordred,
+packed, and conserued in one masse entirely, and not to be broken or
+altered, vntil the shippes shall returne to the right discharges, and
+inuentorie of al goods, wares, and merchandises so trucked, bought, or
+otherwise dispended, to be presented to the Gouernor, Consuls, and
+Assistants in London, [Marginal note: King Edward's Corporation.] in good
+order, to the intent the Kings Maiestie may be truly answered of that which
+to his grace by his grant of corporation is limited, according to our most
+bound dueties, and the whole companie also to haue that which by right vnto
+them appertaineth, and no embezelment shall be vsed, but the truth of the
+whole voyage to bee opened, to the common wealth and benefite of the whole
+companie, and mysterie, as appertaineth, without guile, fraude, or male
+engine.
+
+21. Item, no particular person, to hinder or preiudicate the common stocke
+of the company, in sale or preferment of his own proper wares, and things,
+and no particular emergent or purchase to be employed to any seueral
+profite, vntill the common stocke of the companie shall be furnished, and
+no person to hinder the common benefite in such purchases or contingents,
+as shal fortune to any one of them, by his owne proper policie, industrie,
+or chance, nor no contention to rise in that behalfe, by any occasion of
+iewel, stone, pearles, precious mettals, or other things of the region,
+where it shall chance the same to rise, or to be found bought, trucked,
+permuted, or giuen: but euery person to be bounden in such case, and vpon
+such occasion, by order, and direction, as the generall captaine, and the
+Councell shall establish and determine, to whose order and discretion the
+same is left: for that of things vncertaine, no certaine rules may or can
+be giuen.
+
+22. Item not to disclose to any nation the state of our religion, but to
+passe it ouer in silence, without any declaration of it, seeming to beare
+with such lawes, and rites, as the place hath, where you shall arriue.
+
+23. Item for as much as our people, and shippes may appeare vnto them
+strange and wonderous, and theirs also to ours: it is to be considered, how
+they may be vsed, learning much of their natures and dispositions, by some
+one such person, as you may first either allure, or take to be brought
+aboord your ships, and there to learne as you may, without violence or
+force, and no woman to be tempted, or intreated to incontinencie, or
+dishonestie.
+
+24. Item the person so taken, to be well entertained, vsed, and apparelled,
+to be set on land, to the intent that he or she may allure other to draw
+nigh to shewe the commodities: and if the person taken may be made drunke
+with your beere, or wine, you shal know the secrets of his heart.
+
+25. Item our people may not passe further into a land, then that they may
+be able to recouer their pinnesses, or ships, and not to credit the faire
+words of the strange people, which be many times tried subtile, and false,
+nor to be drawen into perill of losse, for the desire of golde, siluer, or
+riches, and esteeme your owne commodities aboue al other, and in
+countenance shew not much to desire the forren commodities: neuertheless
+take them as for friendship, or by way of permutation.
+
+26. Item euery nation and region is to be considered aduisedly, and not to
+prouoke them by any disdaine, laughing, contempt, or such like, but to vse
+them with prudent circumspection, with al gentlenes, and curtesie, and not
+to tary long in one place, vntill you shall haue attained the most worthy
+place that nay be found, in such sort, as you may returne with victuals
+sufficient prosperously.
+
+27. Item the names of the people of euery Island, are to be taken in
+writing, with the commodities, and incommodities of the same, their
+natures, qualities, and dispositions, the site of the same, and what things
+they are most desirous of, and what commodities they wil most willingly
+depart with, and what mettals they haue in hils, mountaines, streames, or
+riuers, in, or vnder the earth.
+
+28. Item if people shal appeare gathering of stones, gold, mettall, or
+other like, on the sand, your pinnesses may drawe nigh, marking what things
+they gather, vsing or playing vpon the drumme, or such other instruments,
+as may allure them to harkening, to fantasie, or desire to see, and heare
+your instruments and voyces, but keepe you out of danger, and shewe to them
+no poynt or signe of rigour and hostilitie.
+
+29. Item if you shall be inuited into any Lords or Rulers house, to dinner,
+or other parliance, goe in such order of strength, that you may be stronger
+then they, and be warie of woods and ambushes, and that your weapons be not
+out of your possessions.
+
+30. Item if you shall see them weare Lyons or Beares skinnes, hauing long
+bowes, and arrowes, be not afraid of that sight: for such be worne
+oftentimes more to feare strangers, then for any other cause.
+
+31. Item there are people that can swimme in the sea, hauens, and riuers,
+naked, hauing bowes and shafts, coueting to draw nigh your ships, which if
+they shal finde not wel watched, or warded, they wil assault, desirous of
+the bodies of men, which they couet for meate: if you resist them, they
+diue, and so will flee, and therefore diligent watch is to be kept both day
+and night, in some Islands.
+
+32. Item if occasion shal serue, that you may giue aduertisements of your
+proceedings in such things as may correspond to the expectation of the
+company, and likelihood of successe in the voyage, passing such dangers of
+the seas, perils of ice, intolerable coldes, and other impediments, which
+by sundry authors and writers, haue ministred matter of suspition in some
+heads, that this voyage could not succede for the extremitie of the North
+pole, lacke of passage, and such like, which haue caused wauering minds,
+and doubtful heads, not onely to withdraw themselues from the aduenture of
+this voyage, but also disswaded others from the same, the certaintie
+whereof, when you shall haue tried by experience, (most certaine Master of
+all worldly knowledge) then for declaration of the trueth, which you shall
+haue experted, you may by common assent of counsell, sende either by lande,
+or otherwaies, such two or one person, to bring the same by credite, as you
+shal think may passe in safetie: which sending is not be done, but vpon
+vrgent causes, in likely successe of the voyage, in finding of passage, in
+towardlines of beneficiall traffike, or such other like, whereby the
+company being aduertised of your estates and proceedings, may further
+prouide, foresee, and determine that which may seeme most good and
+beneficiall for the publike wealth of the same: either prouiding before
+hand such things, as shall bee requisite for the continuance of the voyage,
+or else otherwise to dispose as occasion shall serue: in which things your
+wisedomes and discretions are to be vsed, and shewed, and the contents of
+this capitule, by you much to be pondred, for that you be not ignorant, how
+many persons, as well the kings Maiestie, the Lords of his honorable
+Counsel, this whole companie, as also your wiues, children, kinsfolkes,
+allies, friends and familiars, be replenished in their hearts with ardent
+desire to learne and know your estates, conditions, and welfares, and in
+what likelihood you be in, to obtain this notable enterprise, which is
+hoped no lesse to succeed to you, then the Orient or Occident Indias haue
+to the high benefite of the Emperour, and kings of Portingal, whose
+subiects industries, and trauailes by sea, haue inriched them, by those
+lands and Islands, which were to all Cosmographers, and other writers both
+vnknowne, and also by apparances of reason voide of experience thought and
+reputed vnhabitable for extremities of heates, and colds, and yet indeed
+tried most rich, peopled, temperate, and so commodious, as all Europe hath
+not the like.
+
+33. Item no conspiracies, parttakings, factions, false tales, vntrue
+reports, which be the very seedes, and fruits of contention, discord, and
+confusion, by euill tongues to be suffered, but the same, and all other
+vngodlines to be chastened charitably with brotherly loue, and alwaies
+obedience to be vsed and practised by al persons in their degrees, not only
+for duetie and conscience sake towards God, vnder whose mercifull hand
+nauigants aboue all other creatures naturally bee most nigh, and vicine,
+but also for prudent and worldly pollicie, and publike weale, considering
+and alwaies hauing present in your mindes that you be all one most royall
+kings subiects, and naturals, with daily remembrance of the great
+importance of the voyage, the honour, glorie, praise, and benefite that
+depend of, and vpon the same, toward the common wealth of this noble
+Realme, the aduancement of you the trauailers therein, your wiues, and
+children, and so to endeuour your selues as that you may satisfie the
+expectation of them, who at their great costs, charges, and expenses, haue
+so furnished you in good sort, and plentie of all necessaries, as the like
+was neuer in any realme seene, vsed, or knowen requisite and needful for
+such an exploit, which is most likely to be atchieued, and brought to good
+effect, if euery person in his vocation shall endeauour himselfe according
+to his charge, and most bounden duetie: praying the liuing God, to giue you
+his grace, to accomplish your charge to his glorie, whose merciful hand
+shal prosper your voyage, and preserue you from all dangers.
+
+In witnes whereof I Sebastian Cabota, Gouernour aforesaide, to these
+present ordinances, haue subscribed my name, and put my seale, the day and
+yeere aboue written.
+
+The names of the twelue Counsellors appointed in this voyage.
+
+1. Sir Hugh Willoughby, Knight, Captaine generall.
+2. Richard Chancelour Captaine of the Edward Bonauenture, and Pilot
+   generall of the fleete.
+3. George Burton Cape marchant.
+4. Master Richard Stafford Minister.
+5. Thomas Langlie Marchant.
+6. Iames Dalabere Gentleman.
+7. William Gefferson Master of the Bona Speranza Admirall.
+8. Stephen Borrough Master of the Edward Bonauenture.
+9. Cornelius Durfurth Master of the Confidentia.
+10. Roger Wilson.   |
+11. Iohn Buckland.  + Masters mates
+12. Richard Ingram. |
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Exemplar Epistolæ seu literarum Missiuarum, quas illustrissimus Princeps
+  Eduardus eius nominis Sextus, Angliæ, Franciæ, et Hiberniæ Rex, misit ad
+  Principes Septentrionalem, ac Orientalem mundi plagam inhabitantes iuxta
+  mare glaciale, nec non Indiam Orientalem; Anno Domini 1553 Regni sui anno
+  septimo, et vltimo.
+
+Eduardus sextus, Angliæ, Franciæ, et Hiberniæ Rex, etc. Omnibus Regibus et
+principibus ac dominis, et cunctis Iudicibus terræ, et ducibus eius,
+quibuscunque est excellens aliqua dignitas in ea, cunctis in locis quæ sunt
+sub vniuerso coelo: Pax, tranquillitas, et honor vobis, terris, et
+regionibus vestris quæ imperio vestro subiacent, cuique vestrum quemadmodum
+conuenit ei. Proptereà quòd indidit Deus Opt. Max. hominibus præ cunctis
+alijs viuentibus; cor et desiderium tale, vt appetat quisque cum alijs
+societatem inire, amare, et vicissim amari, beneficijs afficere, et mutua
+accipere beneficia studeat, ideò cuique pro facultate sua hoc desiderium in
+omnibus quidem hominibus beneficijs fouere et conseruare conuenit, in illis
+autem maximè, qui hoc desiderio adducti, à remotis etiam regionibus ad eos
+veniunt. Quo enim longius iter eius rei gratia ingressi sunt, eò ardentius
+in eis hoc desiderium fuisse declararunt. Insuper etiam ad hoc, nos patrum
+maiorúmque nostrorum exempla inuitant, qui semper humanissimè susceperunt
+et benignissimè tractauerunt illos, qui tum à locis propinquis, tum à
+remotis, eos amicè adibant, eorum se protectioni commendantes. Quod si
+omnibus id præstare æquum est, certè mercatoribus imprimis præstari debet,
+qui per vniuersum orbem discurrunt, mare circumlustrantes et aridam, vt res
+bonas et vtiles, quæ Dei beneficio in regione eorum inueniuntur, ad
+remotissimas regiones et regna adferant, atque inde vicissim referant, quòd
+suæ regioni vtile ibi repeterint: vt et populi ad quos eunt, non
+destituantur commodis quæ non profert illis terra eorum, et ipsi sint
+participes rerum quibus illi abundant. Nam Deus cæli et terræ, humano
+generi maximè consulens, noluit vt omnia in quauis regione inuenirentur,
+quò regio ope alterius regionis indigeret, et gens ab alia gente commodum
+aliquod expectaret, ac ita stabiliretur amicitia inter omnes, singulíque
+omnibus benefacere quærerent. Hoc itaque ineundæ ac stabiliendæ amicitiæ
+desiderio moti viri quidam regni nostri, iter in remotas maritimas regiones
+instituerunt, vt inter nostros et illos populos, viam mercibus inferendis
+et efferendis aperirent nòsque rogauerunt et vt id illis concederemus. Qui
+petitioni illorum annuentes, concessimus viro honorabili et forti, Hugoni
+Wilibeo, et alijs qui cum eo sunt seruis nostris fidis et charis, vt pro
+sua voluntate, in regiones eis priùs incognitas eant, quæsituri ea quibus
+nos caremus, et adducant illis ex nostris terris id quo illi carent. Atque
+ita illis et nobis commodum inde accedat, sítque amicitia perpetua, et
+foedus indissoluble inter illos et nos, dum permittent illi nos accipere de
+rebus, quibus superabundant in regnis suis, et nos concedemus illis ex
+regnis nostris res, quibus destituuntur. Rogamus itaque vos Reges et
+Principes, et omnes quibus aliqua est potestas in terra, vt viris istis
+nostris, transitum permittatis per regiones vestras. Non enim tangent
+quicquam ex rebus vestris inuitis vobis. Cogitate quòd homines et ipsi
+sunt. Et si qua re caruerint, oramus pro vestra beneficentia, eam vos illis
+tribuatis, accipientes vicissim ab eis quod poterunt rependere vobis. Ita
+vos gerite erga eos, quemadmodum cuperetis vt nos, et subditi nostri, nos
+gereremus erga seruos vestros, si quando transierint per regiones nostras.
+Atque promittimus vobis per Deum omnium quæ cælo, terra et mari
+continentur, pérque vitam nostram, et tranquillitatem regnorum nostrorum,
+nos pari benignitate seruos vestros accepturos, si ad regna nostra
+aliquando venerint. Atque à nobis et subditis nostris, ac si nati fuissent
+in regnis nostris ita benignè tractabuntur, vt rependamus vobis
+benignitatem, quam nostris exhibueritis. Postquam vos Reges, Principes,
+etc. rogauimus, vt humanitate et beneficentia omni prosequamini seruos
+nostros nobis charos, oramus omnipotentem Deum nostrum, vt vobis diuturnam
+vitam largiatur, et pacem quæ nullam habeat finem. Scriptum Londini, quæ
+ciuitas est primaria regni nostri, Anno 5515. à creato mundo, mense Iair,
+14. die mensis, anno septimo regni nostri.
+
+
+The same in English.
+
+The copie of the letters missiue, which the right noble Prince Edward the
+  sixt sent to the Kings, Princes, and other Potentates, inhabiting the
+  Northeast partes of the worlde, toward the mighty Empire of Cathay, at
+  such time as Sir Hugh Willoughby knight, and Richard Chancelor, with
+  their company attempted their voyage thither in the yeere of Christ 1553.
+  and the seuenth and last yeere of his raigne.
+
+Edward the sixt, by the grace of God, King of England, France, and Ireland,
+&c. To all Kings, Princes, Rulers, Iudges, and gouernours of the earth, and
+all other hauing any excellent dignitie on the same, in all places vnder
+the vniuersall heauen: peace, tranquillitie, and honour be vnto you, and
+your lands and regions, which are vnder your dominions, and to euery of
+you, as is conuenient.
+
+Forasmuch as the great and Almightie God hath giuen vnto mankinde, aboue
+all other liuing creatures, such an heart and desire, that euery man
+desireth to ioine friendship with other, to loue, and be loued, also to
+giue and receiue mutuall benefites: it is therefore the duety of all men,
+according to their power, to maintaine and increase this desire in euery
+man, with well deseruing to all men, and especially to shew this good
+affection to such, as beeing moued with this desire, come vnto them from
+farre countreis. For how much the longer voyage they haue attempted for
+this intent, so much the more doe they thereby declare that this desire
+hath bene ardent in them. Furthermore also, the examples of our fathers and
+predecessors doe inuite vs hereunto, forasmuch as they haue euer gently and
+louingly intreated such as of friendly mind came to them, aswell from
+Countries neare hand, as farre remote, commending themselues to their
+protection. And if it be right and equity, to shew such humanitie toward
+all men, doubtlesse the same ought chiefly to be shewed to marchants, who
+wandering about the world, search both the land and the sea, to carry such
+good and profitable things, as are found in their Countries, to remote
+regions and kingdomes, and againe to bring from the same, such things as
+they find there commodious for their owne Countries: both aswell that the
+people, to whom they goe, may not be destitute of such commodities as their
+Countries bring not foorth to them, as that also they may be partakers of
+such things, whereof they abound. For the God of heauen and earth greatly
+prouiding for mankinde, would not that all things should be found in one
+region, to the ende that one should haue neede of another, that by this
+meanes friendship might be established among all men, and euery one seeke
+to gratifie all. For the establishing and furtherance of which vniuersall
+amitie, certaine men of our Realme, mooued heereunto by the said desire,
+haue instituted and taken vpon them a voyage by sea into farre Countries,
+to the intent that betweene our people and them, a way may bee opened to
+bring in, and cary out marchandises, desiring vs to further their
+enterprise. Who assenting to their petition, haue licensed the right
+valiant and worthy Sir Hugh Willoughby, knight, and other our trusty and
+faithfull seruants, which are with him, according to their desire, to goe
+to countries to them heeretofore vnknowen, aswell to seeke such things as
+we lacke, as also to cary vnto them from our regions, such things as they
+lacke. So that hereby not onely commoditie may ensue both to them and vs,
+but also an indissoluble and perpetuall league of friendship be established
+betweene vs both, while they permit vs to take of their things, such
+whereof they haue abundance in their regions, and we againe grant them such
+things of ours, whereof they are destitute. We therefore desire you kings
+and princes, and al other, to whom there is any power on the earth, to
+permit vnto these our seruants free passage by your regions and dominions:
+for they shall not touch any thing of yours unwilling vnto you. Consider
+you that they also are men. If therefore they shall stand in neede of any
+thing, we desire you of all humanitie, and for the nobilities which is in
+you, to ayde and helpe them with such things as they lacke, receiuing
+againe of them such things as they shall be able to giue you in recompense.
+Shew your selues so towards them, as you would that we and our subiects
+should shewe ourselues towards your seruants, if at any time they shall
+passe by our regions.
+
+Thus doing, we promise you by the God of all things that are contained in
+heauen, earth, and the Sea, and by the life and tranquillitie of our
+kingdomes, that we will with like humanitie accept your seruants, if at any
+time they shall come to our kingdomes, where they shall as friendly and
+gently bee entertained, as if they were borne in our Dominions, that wee
+may hereby recompence the fauour and benignitie which you haue shewed to
+our men. Thus after we haue desired you Kings and princes, &c. with all
+humanity and fauour, to entertaine our welbeloued seruants, we will pray
+our Almighty God, to graunt you long life, and peace, which neuer shall
+haue ende. Written in London, which is the chiefe citie of our kingdome, in
+the yeere from the creation of the world 5515. in the month of Iair,
+[Marginal note: Iair, I would reade Mair, that is, in the Sarasen language,
+mixt of Turkish and Aegyptian, Februarie, interpreted by them the moneth to
+set ships to the sea.] the fourteenth day of the moneth, and seuenth yeere
+of our reigne.
+
+This letter was written also in Greeke, and diuers others languages.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The true copie of a note found wrltten in one of the two ships, to wit, the
+  Speranza, which wintered in Lappia, Where sir Hugh Willoughby and all his
+  companie died, being frozen to death. Anno 1553.
+
+The voiage intended for the discouerie of Cathay, and diuers other regions,
+dominions, Islands, and places vnknowen, set forth by the right worshipful,
+master Sebastian Cabota Esquire, and Gouernour of the mysterie and company
+of the Marchants Aduenturers of the citie of London: which fleete being
+furnished, did set forth the tenth day of May, 1553. and in the seuenth
+yeere of our most dread Soueraigne Lord, and King, Edward the sixt.
+
+The names of the shippes of the fleete and of their burden, together with
+  the names of the Captaines, and Counsellors, Pilot Maior, Masters of the
+  ships, Marchants, with other officers, and Mariners, as hereafter
+  followeth.
+
+THE FIRST SHIP: The Bona Esperanza, Admirall of the fleete, of 120. tunnes,
+hauing with her a pinnesse, and a boate.
+
+Sir Hugh Willoughby, knight, Captaine generall of the fleete.
+
+William Gefferson, Master of the shippe.
+
+Roger Wilson, his Mate.
+
+William Gittons, Charles Barret, Gabriel Willoughby, Iohn Andrews,
+Alexander Woodfoord, Ralph Chatterton, Marchants.
+
+Mariners and officers, according to the custome, and vse of the Seas,
+
+Iohn Brooke, Master Gunner.
+
+Nicholas Anthony, Boateswaine.
+
+Iohn Web, his Mate.
+
+Christopher Banbrucke, Thomas Dauison, Robert Rosse, Thomas Simpson,
+quarter Masters.
+
+William White, Iames Smith, Thomas Painter, Iohn Smith, their Mates.
+
+Richard Gwinne, George Goiswine, Carpenters.
+
+Robert Gwinne, Purser.
+
+Laurence Edwards, his Mate, and Couper.
+
+Richard Morgan, Cooke.
+
+Thomas Nashe, his Mate.
+
+William Light, Iohn Brande, Cutbert Chelsie, George Blage, Thomas Walker,
+Thomas Allen, Edward Smith, Edward Hunt, Iohn Fawkner, Rowland Brooke.
+
+Alexander Gardiner, Richard Molton, Surgeons, which two were taken in at
+Harwich.
+
+Discharged at Harwich, by reason of sicknes, George Blake, [Footnote: The
+"George Blage" mentioned above.] Nicholas Anthony.
+
+For pickerie ducked at the yards arme, and so discharged Thomas Nash.
+
+
+THE SECOND SHIP: The Edward Bonauenture, of 160. tunnes, with her a
+pinnesse, and a boate.
+
+Richard Chancelor, Captaine, and Pilot maior of the fleete.
+
+Stephen Borowgh, Master of the ship.
+
+Iohn Buckland, his Mate.
+
+George Burton, Arthur Edwards, Marchants.
+
+Iohn Stafford, Minister.
+
+Iames Dallaber, Nicholas Newborrow, Iohn Sedgswike, Thomas Francis, Iohn
+Hasse, Richard Iohnson, William Kempe.
+
+Mariners and officers, according to the custome and vse of the Seas.
+
+Robert Stanton, Master Gunner.
+
+Iohn Walker, his Mate.
+
+Iames Long, Iohn Cocks, Gunners.
+
+Thomas Walter, Surgeon.
+
+Peter Palmer, Boateswaine.
+
+Richard Strowde, his Mate.
+
+Iohn Robinson, Iohn Carowe, Thomas Stone, Roger Lishbie, quarter Masters.
+
+Iohn Austen, Steward: Patricke Steuens, his Mate.
+
+Austen Iacks, Cooke.
+
+William Euery, Cowper.
+
+Griffin Wagham, Carpenter.
+
+Thomas Steltson, Thomas Townes, Iohn Robinson, Iohn White, William
+Laurence, Miles Butter, Iohn Browne, William Morren, William Watson, Thomas
+Handcocks, Edward Pacie, Thomas Browne, Arthur Pet, George Phibarie, Edward
+Patterson, William Beare, Iohn Potter, Nicholas Lawrence, William Burrough
+[Marginal note: Nowe comptroller of Her Maiesties (Queen Elizabeth)
+Nauie.], Roger Welford, Iohn Williams.
+
+
+THE THIRD SHIP: The Bona Confidentia of 90. tunnes, hauing with her a
+pinnesse, and a boate.
+
+Cornelias Durfoorth, Master of the shippe.
+
+Richard Ingram, his Mate.
+
+Thomas Langlie, Edward Kener, Henrie Dorset, Marchants.
+
+Mariners and officers, according to the vse and custome of the Sea.
+
+Henrie Tailer, Master Gunner.
+
+George Thurland, his Mate.
+
+William Hamane, Boateswaine.
+
+Iohn Edwards, his Mate.
+
+Thomas Kirbie, Henrie Dickenson, Iohn Haye, William Shepwash,
+quarter Masters.
+
+Iohn Reyne, Steward.
+
+Thomas Hante, Cooke. William Lassie, his Mate.
+
+Nicholas Knight, Carpenter.
+
+Peter Lewike, Nicholas Wiggleworth, Iohn Moore, William Chapman, Brian
+Chester, William Barrie, Richard Wood, Clement Gibson, Iohn Clarocke,
+Erasmus Bently, Iohn Duriforth.
+
+
+The Iurameutum, or othe, ministred to the Captaine.
+
+You shall sweare to be a faithful, true, and loyal subiect in all points,
+and duties, that to a subiect appertaineth, to our soueraigne Lord the
+kings Maiestie, his heires, and successors: and that you shall wel and
+truely to the vttermost of your capacitie, wit, and knowledge, serue this
+present voiage, committed to your charge, and not to giue vp nor sooner
+intermit the same, vntil you shall haue atchieued the same, so farre
+foorth, as you may without danger of your life, and losse of the fleete:
+you shall giue good, true and faithful counsell to the said societie, and
+to such as shal haue the charge with or vnder you, and not to disclose the
+secrets, or priuities of the same to any person by any maner of meane, to
+the preiudice, hurt, or damage of it. You shal minister iustice to all men
+vnder your charge, without respect of person, or any affection, that might
+moue you to decline from the true ministration of iustice. And further, you
+shal obserue, and cause to be obserued, as much as in you lieth, all and
+singular rules, articles, prouisions hitherto made, or heereafter to be
+made for the preseruation or safeconduct of the fleete and voyage, and
+benefit of the company. You shall not permit nor suffer the stocke or goods
+of the company to be wasted, imbezeled, or consumed, but shall conserue the
+same whole and entire, without diminishment, vntill you shall haue
+deliuered, or cause to be deliuered the same, to the vse of the companie.
+And finally you shall vse your selfe in all points, sorts, and conditions,
+as to a faithfull captaine, and brother of this companie shall belong and
+appertaine: So helpe you God, &c.
+
+
+The othe ministred to the Maister of the ship, &c.
+
+You shall sweare by the holy contents in that booke, that you according and
+to the vttermost of your knowledge and good vnderstanding in mariners
+science and craft, shall in your vocation doe your best to conduct the good
+shippe called the N. &c. whereof you nowe are Maister vnder God, both vnto
+and from the portes of your discouerie, and so vse your indeauour and
+faithfull diligence, in charging, discharging, lading againe, and roomaging
+of the same shippe, as may be most for the benefite and profite of this
+right woorshipfull fellowship: and you shall not priuately bargein, buy,
+sell, exchange, barter, or distribute any goods, wares, merchandise, or
+things whatsoeuer (necessary tackles and victuals for the shippe onely
+excepted) to or for your owne lucre, gaine or profit, neither to nor for
+the priuate lucre, gaine, or profit of any other person or persons
+whatsoeuer. And further, If you shall know any boatswaine, mariner, or any
+other person or persons whatsoeuer, to buy, sell, barter, trucke, or
+exchange any goods, wares, merchandises, or things for priuate account,
+reckoning, or behalfe, you shall doe your best to withstand and let the
+same: and if you cannot commodiously so doe, that then before the discharge
+of such goods bought for priuat account, you shall giue knowledge therof to
+the cape marchant of this said fellowship for the time being. And you shall
+not receiue nor take, nor suffer to be receiued or taken into your said
+ship during this voyage any maner person or persons whatsoeuer, going or
+returning, but onely those mariners which without fraud or guile shall be
+hired to be of your company, and to serue in mariners craft and science
+onely: so helpe you God, &c.
+
+
+These foresaid shippes being fully furnished with their pinnesses and
+boates, well appointed with al maner of artillerie, and other things
+necessary for their defence with al the men aforesaid, departed from
+Ratcliffe, and valed vnto Detford, the 10. day of May, 1553.
+
+The 11. day about two of the clocke, we departed from Detford, passing by
+Greenwhich, saluting the kings Maiesty then being there, shooting off our
+ordinance, and so valed vnto Blackwall, and there remained vntil the 17.
+day, and that day in the morning we went from Blackwall, and came to
+Woolwhich by nine of the clocke, and there remained one tide, and so the
+same night vnto Heyreth.
+
+The 18. day from Heyreth vnto Grauesend, and there remained vntil the
+twentieth day: that day being Saterday, from Grauesend vnto Tilberie hope,
+remayning there vntill the two and twentieth day.
+
+The 22. day from Tilbury Hope to Hollie Hauen.
+
+The 23. day from Hollie Hauen, till we came against Lee, and there remained
+that night, by reason that the winde was contrary to vs.
+
+The 24. day the winde being in the Southwest in the morning, we sailed
+along the coast ouer the Spits, vntill we came against S. Osyth, about sixe
+of the clocke at night, and there came to anker, and abode there all that
+night.
+
+The 25. day about tenne of the clocke we departed from S. Osyth, and so
+sailed forward vnto the Nase, and there abode that night for winde and
+tide.
+
+The 26. day at fiue of the clock in the morning, we weyed our anker, and
+sailed ouer the Nase, the winde being at the Southwest, vntill wee came to
+Orwell wands, and there came to an anker, and abode there vntill the 28.
+day.
+
+The same day being Trinitie Sunday about 7. of the clocke before noone we
+weyed our ankers, and sailed til we came athwart Walsursye, and there came
+to an anker.
+
+The 29. day from thence to Holmehead, where we stayed that day, where we
+consulted which way, and what courses were best to be holden for the
+discouerie of our voyage, and there agreed.
+
+The 30. day of May at fiue of the clocke in the morning wee set saile, and
+came against Yermouth about three leagues into the sea, riding there at
+anker all that night.
+
+The last of May into the sea sixe leagues Northeast, and there taried that
+night, where the winde blew very sore.
+
+The first of Iune the winde being at North contrary to vs, wee came backe
+againe to Orwell, and remained there vntill the 15. day tarying for the
+winde, for all this time the winde was contrary to our purpose.
+
+The 15 day being at Orwel in the latitude of 52 degrees, in the morning wee
+weyed our ankers, and went forth into the wands about two miles from the
+towne, and lay there that night.
+
+The 16 day at eight of the clocke we set forward, and sayled vntill we came
+athwart Alburrough, and there stayed that night.
+
+The 17 day about fiue of the clocke before noone we went backe unto
+Orfordnesse, and there remained vntill the 19 day.
+
+The 19 day at eight of the clocke in the morning we went backe to Orwel,
+and abode there three dayes tarying for the winde.
+
+The 23 day of Iune the wind being faire in the Southwest we hailed into the
+seas to Orfordnesse, and from thence into the seas ten leagues Northeast:
+then being past the sands, we changed our course sixe leagues
+Northnortheast: about midnight we changed our course againe, and went due
+North, continuing in the same vnto the 27 day.
+
+The 27 day about seuen of the clocke Northnorthwest 42 leagues to the ende
+to fall with Shotland: then the wind veared to the West, so that we could
+lie but North and by West, continuing in the same course 40 leagues,
+whereby we could not fetch Shotland: then we sayled North 16 leagues by
+estimation, after that North and by West, and Northnorthwest, then
+Southeast, with diuers other courses, trauersing and tracing the seas, by
+reason of sundry and manifolde contrary windes, vntill the 14 day of Iuly:
+and then the sunne entring into Leo, we discouered land Eastward of vs,
+vnto the which we sayled that night as much as we might: and after wee went
+on shore with our Pinnesse, and found little houses to the number of 30,
+where we knew that it was inhabited, but the people were fled away, as we
+iudged, for feare of vs.
+
+The land was all full of little Islands, and that innumerable, which were
+called (as we learned afterwards) Ægeland and Halgeland [Marginal note: In
+this land dwelt Octher, as it seemeth.][Footnote: See Vol I., p. 51 of this
+Edition.], which lieth from Orfordnesse North and by East, being in the
+latitude of 66 degrees. The distance betweene Orfordnesse and Ægeland 250
+leagues. Then we sailed from thence 12 leagues Northwest, and found many
+other Islandes, and there came to anker the 19 day, and manned our
+Pinnesse, and went on shore to the Islands, and found people mowing and
+making of hay, which came to the shore and welcomed vs. In which place were
+an innumerable sort of Islands, which were called the Isles of Rost, being
+vnder the dominion of the king of Denmarke: which place was in latitude 66
+degrees, and 30 minutes. The winde being contrary, we remayned there three
+dayes, and there was an innumerable sort of foules of diuers kindes, of
+which we tooke very many.
+
+The 22 day the winde coming fayre, we departed from Rost, sailing
+Northnortheast, keeping the sea vntil the 27 day, and then we drew neere
+vnto the land, which was still East of vs: then went forth our Pinnesse to
+seeke harborow, and found many good harbours, of the which we entred into
+one with our shippes, which was called Stanfew [Footnote: Steenfjord, on
+the West of Lofoden.], and the land being Islands, were called Lewfoot, or
+Lofoot, which were plentifully inhabited, and very gentle people, being
+also vnder the king of Denmarke: but we could not learne how farre it was
+from the maine land: and we remained there vntill the 30 day, being in
+latitude 68 degrees, and from the foresaid Rost about 30 leagues
+Northnortheast.
+
+The 30 day of Iuly about noone we weyed our ankers, and went into the Seas,
+and sayled along these Islands Northnortheast, keeping the land still in
+sight vntill the second day of August: then hailing in close aboord the
+land, to the entent to knowe what land it was, there came a skiffe of the
+island aboord of vs, of whom we asked many questions, who shewed vnto us,
+that the Island was called Seynam, which is the latitude of seuenty
+degrees, and from Stanfew thirtie leagues, being also vnder the king of
+Demarke, and that there was no merchandise there, but onely dryed fish; and
+traine oyle. Then we being purposed to goe vnto Finmarke, inquired of him,
+if we might haue a pilot to bring vs vnto Finmarke, and he said, that if we
+could beare in, we should haue a good harbour, and on the next day a pilot
+to bring vs vnto Finmarke, vnto the wardhouse, [Footnote: Vardoe.] which is
+the strongest holde in Finmarke, and most resorted to by report. But when
+wee would haue entred into an harbour, the land being very high on euery
+side, there came such flawes of winde and terrible whirlewinds, that we
+were not able to beare in, but by violence were constrained to take the sea
+agayne, our Pinnesse being vnshipt: we sailed North and by East, the wind
+increasing so sore that we were not able to beare any saile, but tooke them
+in, and lay a drift, to the end to let the storme ouer passe. And that
+night by violence of winde, and thickenesse of mists, we were not able to
+keepe together within sight, and then about midnight we lost our pinnesse,
+which was a discomfort vnto vs. Assoone as it was day, and the fogge
+ouerpast, we looked about, and at the last we descried one of our shippes
+to Leeward of vs: then we spred an hullocke of our foresaile, and bare
+roome with her, which was the Confidence, but the Edward we could not see.
+[Footnote: This vessel's successful voyage is related further on.] Then the
+flaw something abating, we and the Confidence hoysed vp our sailes the
+fourth day, sayling Northeast and by North, to the end to fall with the
+Wardhouse, as we did consult to doe before, in case we should part company.
+Thus running Northeast and by North, and Northeast fiftie leagues, then we
+sounded, and had 160 fadomes, whereby we thought to be farre from land, and
+perceiued that the land lay not as the Globe made mention. Wherfore we
+changed our course the sixt day, and sailed Southeast and by South eight
+and fortie leagues, thinking thereby to find the Wardhouse.
+
+The eight day much winde arising at the Westnorthwest, we not knowing how
+the coast lay, strook our sayles, and lay a drift, where we sounded and
+found 160 fadomes as afore.
+
+The ninth day, the wind vearing to the South Southeast, we sailed Northeast
+25 leagues.
+
+The tenth day we sounded, and could get no ground, neither yet could see
+any land, wherat we wondered: then the wind comming at the Northeast, we
+ran Southeast about 48 leagues.
+
+The 11 day, the winde being at South, we sounded, and found 40 fadoms, and
+faire sand.
+
+The 12 day the winde being at South and by East, we lay with our saile
+East, and East and by North 30 leagues.
+
+[Sidenote: Willoughbie his land in 72 degrees.] The 14 day early in the
+morning we descried land, which land we bare with all, hoising out our boat
+to discouer what land it might be: but the boat could not come to land the
+water was so shoale, where was very much ice also, but there was no
+similitude of habitation, and this land lyeth from Seynam East and by
+North, 160 leagues, being in latitude 72 degrees. Then we plyed to the
+Northward the 15, 16 and 17 day. [Footnote: In _Purchas_, III., p. 462,
+Thomas Edge, a captain in the service of the Muscovy Company, endeavoured
+to show that this land was Spitzbergen. This being proved incorrect, others
+have supposed that the land Willoughby saw was Gooseland. or Novaya Zemlya.
+Nordenskiöld supposes it to be Kolgujev Island. This, he says, would make
+its latitude two degrees less than stated, but such errors are not
+impossible in the determination of the oldest explorers.]
+
+The 18 day, the winde comming at the Northeast, and the Confidence being
+troubled with bilge water, and stocked, we thought it good to seeke harbour
+for her redresse: then we bare roome the 18 day Southsoutheast, about 70
+leagues.
+
+The 21 day we sounded, and found 10 fadome, after that we sounded againe,
+and found but 7 fadome, so shoalder and shoalder water, and yet could see
+no land, where we marueiled greatly: to auoide this danger, we bare roomer
+into the sea all that night Northwest and by the West.
+
+The next day we sounded, and had 20. fadoms, then shaped our course, and
+ran West Southwest vntill the 23. day: then we descried Low land, vnto
+which we bare as nigh as we could, and it appeared vnto vs vnhabitable.
+Then we plyed Westward along by that lande, which lyeth West Southwest, and
+East Northeast, and much winde blowing at the West, we haled into the sea
+North and by East 30. leagues. Then the winde comming about at the
+Northeast, we sailed West Northwest: after that, the winde bearing to the
+Northwest, we lay with our sailes West southwest, about 14. leagues, and
+then descried land, and bare in with it, being the 28 day, finding shoale
+water, and bare in till we came to 3. fadome, then perceiuing it to be
+shoale water, and also seeing drie sands, we haled out againe Northeast
+along that land vntill we came to the point therof. That land turning to
+the Westwarde, we ran along 16. leagues Northwest: then comming into a
+faire bay, we went on land with our boat, which place was vnhabited, but
+yet it appeared vnto vs that the people had bin there, by crosses, and
+other signes: from thence we went all along the coast Westward.
+
+The fourth day of September we lost sight of land, by reason of contrary
+winds, and the eight day we descried land againe. Within two dayes after we
+lost the sight of it: then running West and by South about 30. leagues, we
+gat the sight of land againe, and bare in with it vntill night: then
+perceiuing it to be a lee shore, we gat vs into the sea, to the end to haue
+sea roome.
+
+The 12. of September we hailed to shoareward againe, hauing then
+indifferent wind and weather: then beeing neere vnto the shoare, and the
+tide almost spent, we came to an anker in 30 fadoms water.
+
+The 13. day we came along the coast, which lay Northwest and by West, and
+Southeast and by East.
+
+The 14. day we came to an anker within two leagues of the shoare, hauing
+60. fadoms.
+
+There we went a shore with our boat, and found two or three good
+harboroughs, the land being rocky, and high, but as for people could we see
+none. The 15 day we ran still along the coast vntill the 17 day: then the
+winde being contrary vnto vs, we thought it best to returne vnto the harbor
+which we had found before, and so we bare roomer with the same, howbeit we
+could not accomplish our desire that day. The next day being the 18 of
+September, we entred into the Hauen, and there came to an anker at 6
+fadoms. This hauen runneth into the maine, about two leagues, and is in
+bredth halfe a league, wherein were very many seale fishes, and other great
+fishes, and vpon the maine we saw beares, great deere, foxes, with diuers
+strange beasts, as guloines, [Marginal note: Or, Ellons.] and such other
+which were to vs vnknowen, and also wonderfull. Thus remaining in this
+hauen the space of a weeke, seeing the yeare farre spent, and also very
+euill wether, as frost, snow, and haile, as though it had beene the deepe
+of winter, we thought best to winter there. Wherefore we sent out three men
+Southsouthwest, to search if they could find people who went three dayes
+iourney, but could figd none: after that, we sent other three Westward
+foure daies iourney, which also returned without finding any people. Then
+sent we three men Southeast three dayes three dayes iourney, who in like
+sorte returned without finding of people, or any similitude of habitation.
+
+_Here endeth Sir Hugh Willoughbie his note, which was written with his owne
+hand._
+
+
+These two notes following were written vpon the outside of this Pamphlet,
+or Booke.
+
+1. The proceedings of Sir Hugh Willoughby after he was separated from the
+Edward Bonauenture.
+
+2. Our shippe being at an anker in the harbour called Sterfier in the
+Island Lofoote. [Footnote: The object of Willoughby's voyage was to
+discover a new route to Asia, inaccessible to the armadas of Spain and
+Portugal, a feat only performed in 1878-9 by Professor Nordenskiöld. It was
+the first maritime expedition on a large scale sent out by England. The
+above narrative, written by Willoughby himself, is all we know of that
+unfortunate navigator's proceedings after his separation from the _Edward
+Bonaventure_ in August 1553. The following year some Russian fishermen
+found, at the ship's winter station, the bodies of those who had perished,
+probably of scurvy, with the above journal and a will, referred to in the
+note on page 40. The two ships, with Willoughby's corpse, were sent to
+England in 1555 by George Killingworth.]
+
+The riuer or hauen wherein Sir Hugh Willoughbie with the companie of his
+two ships perished for cold, is called Arzina in Lapland, neere vnto Kegor.
+[Footnote: "With regard to the position of Arzina, it appears from a
+statement in Anthony Jenkinson's first voyage [_see post_] that it took
+seven days to go from Vardoehus to Swjatoinos, and that on the sixth he
+passed the mouth of the river where Sir Hugh Willoughby wintered. At a
+distance from Vardoehus of about six-sevenths of the way Between that town
+and Swjatoinos, there debouches into the Arctic Ocean, in 68 deg. 20 min.
+N. L. and 38 deg. 30 min. E. L. from Greenwich, a river, which in recent
+maps is called the Varzina. It was doubtless at the mouth of this river
+that the two vessels of the first North-East Passage Expedition wintered,
+with so unfortunate an issue for the officers and men."--NORDENSKIÖLD,
+_Voyage of the Vega_, Vol. I., p. 63.] But it appeared by a Will found in
+the ship that Sir Hugh Willoughbie and most of the company were aliue in
+January 1554. [Footnote: The testator was Gabriel Willoughby, and Sir Hugh
+was a witness.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The booke of the great and mighty Emperor of Russia, and Duke of Muscouia,
+  and of the dominions orders and commodities thereunto belonging: drawen
+  by Richard Chancelour.
+
+Forasmuch as it is meete and necessary for all those that minde to take in
+hande the trauell into farre or strange countreys, to endeuour themselues
+not onely to vngerstande the orders, commodities, and fruitfulnesse
+thereof, but also to applie them to the setting foorth of the same, whereby
+it may incourage others to the like trauaile: therefore haue I nowe thought
+good to make a briefe rehearsall of the orders of this my trauaile in
+Russia and Moscouia, and other countreys thereunto adioyning; because it
+was my chaunce to fall with the North partes of Russia before I came
+towards Moscouia, I will partly declare my knowledge therein. Russia is
+very plentifull both of land and people, and also wealthy for such
+commodities as they haue. They be very great fishers for Salmons and small
+Coddes: they haue much oyle which wee call treine oyle, the most whereof is
+made by a riuer called Duina. They make it in other places, but not so much
+as there. They haue also a great trade in seething of salte water. To the
+North parte of that countrey are the places where they haue their Furres,
+as Sables, marterns, greese Beuers, Foxes white, blacke, and redde, Minkes,
+Ermines, Miniuer, and Harts. There are also a fishes teeth, which fish is
+called a Morsse. The takers thereof dwell in a place called Postesora,
+[Footnote: Query, Petschora?] which bring them vpon Hartes to Lampas to
+sell, and from Lampas carie them to a place called Colmogro, [Footnote:
+Cholmogori, near Archangel.] where the hie market is holden on Saint
+Nicholas day. To the West of Colmogra there is a place called Gratanowe, in
+our language Nouogorode, where much fine flaxe and Hempe groweth, and also
+much, waxe and honie. The Dutch marchants haue a Staplehouse there. There
+is also great store of hides, and at a place called Plesco: [Footnote:
+Ploska, on the Dwina.] and thereabout is great store of Flaxe, Hempe, Waxe,
+Honie; and that towne is from Colmogro 120 miles.
+
+There is a place called Vologda; the commodities whereof are Tallowe, Waxe,
+and Flaxe: but not so great plenty as is in Gratanowe. From Vologda to
+Colmogro there runneth a riuer called Duyna, and from thence it falleth
+into the sea. Colmogro serueth Gratonowe, Vologda and the Mosco with all
+the countrey thereabout with salte and saltfish. From Vologda to Ieraslaue
+is two hundreth miles: [Footnote: Rather less; about 160 miles.] which
+towne is very great. The commodities thereof are hides, and talowe, and
+come in great plenty, and some Waxe, but not so plentifull as in other
+places.
+
+The Mosco is from Ieraslaue two hundreth miles. The countrey betwixt them
+is very well replenished with small Villages, which are so well filled with
+people, that it is wonder to see them: the ground is well stored with corne
+which they carie to the citie of Mosco in such abundance that it is wonder
+to see it. You shall meete in a morning seuen or eight hundred sleds
+comming or going thither, that carie corne, and some carie fish. You shall
+haue some that carie corne to the Mosco, and some that fetch corne from
+thence, that at the least dwell a thousand miles off; and all their cariage
+is on sleds. Those which come so farre dwell in the North partes of the
+Dukes dominions, where the cold will suffer no corne to grow, it is so
+extreme. They bring thither fishes, furres, and beastes skinnes. In those
+partes they haue but small store of cattell.
+
+The Mosco it selfe is great: I take the whole towne to bee greater then
+London with the suburbes: but it is very rude, and standeth without all
+order. Their houses are all of timber very dangerous for fire. There is a
+faire Castle, the walles whereof are of bricke, and very high: they say
+they are eighteene foote thicke, but I doe not beleeue it, it doth not so
+seeme, notwithstanding I doe not certainely know it: for no stranger may
+come to viewe it. The one side is ditched, and on the other side runneth a
+riuer called Moscua which runneth into Tartarie and so into the sea called
+Mare Caspium: and on the North side there is a base towne, the which hath
+also a bricke wall about it, and so it ioyneth with the Castle wall. The
+Emperour lieth in the castle, wherein are nine fayre Churches, and therein
+are religious men. Also there is a Metropolitane with diuers Bishops. I
+will not stande in description of their buildinges nor of the strength
+thereof because we haue better in all points in England. They be well
+furnished with ordinance of all sortes.
+
+The Emperours or Dukes house neither in building nor in the outward shew,
+nor yet within the house is so sumptuous as I haue seene. It is very lowe
+built in eight square, much like the olde building of England, with small
+windowes, and so in other poynts.
+
+Now to declare my comming before his Maiestie; [Footnote: Ivan
+Vasilovitsch.] After I had remained twelue daies, the Secretary which hath
+the hearing of strangers did send for me, aduertising me that the Dukes
+pleasure was to haue me to come before his Ma. with the kings my masters
+letters: whereof I was right glad, and so I gaue mine attendance. And when
+the Duke was in his place appointed, the interpretour came for me into the
+vtter chamber, where sate one hundred or moe gentlemen, all in cloth of
+golde very sumptuous, and from thence I came into the Counsaile chamber,
+where sate the Duke himselfe with his nobles, which were a faire company:
+they sate round about the chamber on high, yet so that he himselfe sate
+much higher then any of his nobles in a chaire gilt, and in a long garment
+of beaten golde, with an emperial crowne vpon his head and a stafle of
+Cristall and golde in his right hand, and his other hand halfe leaning on
+his chaire. The Chancelour stoode vp with the Secretary before the Duke.
+After my dutie done and my letter deliuered, he bade me welcome, and
+enquired of me the health of the King my master, and I answered that he was
+in good health at my departure from his court, and that my trust was that
+he was now in the same. Vpon the which he bade me to dinner. The chancelour
+presented my present vnto his Grace bareheaded (for before they were all
+couered) and When his Grace had receiued my letter, I was required to
+depart: for I had charge not to speake to the Duke, but when he spake to
+me. So I departed vnto the Secretaries chamber, where I remayned two
+houres, and then I was sent for agayne vnto another palace which is called
+the golden palace, but I saw no cause why it should be so called; for I
+haue seene many fayrer then it in all poynts: and so I came into the hall,
+which was small and not great as is the Kings Maiesties of England, and the
+table was couered with a tablecloth; and the Marshall sate at the ende of
+the table with a little white rod in his hand, which boorde was fall of
+vessell of golde: and on the other side of the hall did stand a faire
+cupborde of plate. From thence I came into the dining chamber, where the
+Duke himselfe sate at his table without cloth of estate, in a gowne of
+siluer, with a crowne emperiall vpon his head, he sate in a chaire somewhat
+hie: There sate none near him by a great way. There were long tables set
+round about the chamber, which were full set with such as the Duke had at
+dinner: they were all in white. Also the places where the tables stoode
+were higher by two steppes than the rest of the house. In the middest of
+the chamber stoode a table or cupbord to set plate on; which stoode full of
+cuppes of golde: and amongst all the rest there stoode foure marueilous
+great pottes or crudences as they call them, of golde and siluer: I think
+they were a good yarde and a halfe hie. By the cupborde stoode two
+gentlemen with napkins on their shoulders, and in their handes each of them
+had a cuppe of gold set with pearles and precious stones, which were the
+Dukes owne drinking cups; when he was disposed, he drunke them off at a
+draught. And for his seruice at meate it came in without order, yet it was
+very rich seruice, for all were serued in gold, not onely he himselfe, but
+also all the rest of vs, and it was very massie: the cups also were of
+golde and very massie. The number that dined there that day was two hundred
+persons, and all were serued in golden vessell. The gentlemen that waited
+were all in cloth of gold, and they serued him with their caps on their
+heads. Before the seruice came in, the Duke sent to euery man a great
+shiuer of bread, and the bearer called the party so sent to by his name
+aloude, and sayd, John Basiliuich Emperour of Russia and great Duke of
+Moscouia doth reward thee with bread: then must all men stand vp, and doe
+at all times when those words are spoken. And then last of all he giueth
+the Marshall bread, whereof he eateth before the Dukes Grace, and so doth
+reuerence and departeth. Then commeth the Dukes seruice of the Swannes all
+in pieces, and euery one in a seuerall dish: the which the Duke sendeth as
+he did the bread, and the bearer sayth the same wordes as he sayd before.
+As I sayd before, the seruice of his meate is in no order, but commeth in
+dish by dish: and then after that the Duke sendeth drinke, with the like
+saying as before is tolde. Also before dinner hee changed his crowne, and
+in dinner time two crownes; so that I saw three seuerall crownes vpon his
+head in one day. And thus when his seruice was all come in he gaue to euery
+one of his gentlemen waiters meate with his owne hand, and so likewise
+drinke. His intent thereby is, as I haue heard, that euery man shall know
+perfectly his seruants. Thus when dinner is done hee calleth his nobles
+before him name by name, that it is wonder to heare howe he could name
+them, hauing so many as he hath. Thus when dinner was done I departed to my
+lodging, which was an hower within night. I will leaue this, and speake no
+more of him nor his houshold: but I will somewhat declare of his land and
+people, with their nature and power in the wars. This Duke is Lord and
+Emperour of many countries, and his power is marueilous great. For he is
+able to bring into the field two or three hundred thousand men: he neuer
+goeth into, the field himselfe with vnder two hundred thousand men: And
+when he goeth himselfe he furnisheth his borders all with men of warre,
+which are no small number. He leaueth on the borders of Liefland fortie
+thousand men, and vpon the borders of Letto 60 thousand men, and towarde
+the Nagayan Tartars sixtie thousand, which is wonder to heare of: yet doeth
+hee neuer take to his warres neither husbandman nor marchant. All his men
+are horsemen: he vseth no footmen, but such as goe with the ordinance and
+labourers, which are thirtie thousand. The horsemen are all archers, with
+such bowes as the Turkes haue, and they ride short as doe the Turkes. Their
+armour is a coate of plate, with a skull, on their heads. Some of their
+coates are couered with veluet or cloth of gold: their desire is to be
+sumptuous in the field, and especially the nobles and gentlemen: as I haue
+heard their trimming is very costly, and partly I haue seene it, or else I
+would scarcely haue beleeued it: but the Duke himselfe is richly attired
+aboue all measure: his pauilion is couered either with cloth of gold or
+siluer, and so set with stones that it is wonderfull to see it. I haue
+seene the Kings Maiesties of England and the French Kings pauilions, which
+are fayre, yet not like vnto his. And when they bee sent into farre or
+strange countreys, or that strangers come to them, they be very gorgious.
+Els the Duke himselfe goeth but meanly in apparell: and when he goeth
+betwixt one place and another hee is but reasonably apparelled ouer other
+times. In the while that I was in Mosco the Duke sent two Ambassadours to
+the King of Poleland, which had at the lest fiue hundred horses; their
+sumptuousnes was aboue measure, not onely in them selues, but also in their
+horses, as veluet, cloth of golde, and cloth of siluer set with pearles and
+not scant. What shall I farther say? I neuer heard of nor saw men so
+sumptuous: but it is no dayly guise, for when they haue not occasion, as I
+sayd before, all their doing is but meane. And now to the effect of their
+warres: They are men without al order in the field. For they runne hurling
+on heapes, and for the most part they neuer giue battell to their enemies:
+but that which they doe, they doe it all by stelth. But I beleeue they be
+such men for hard liuing as are not vnder the sun: for no cold wil hurt
+them. Yea and though they lie in the field two moneths, at such time as it
+shall freese more then a yard thicke, the common souldier hath neither tent
+nor any thing else ouer his head: the most defence they haue against the
+wether is a felte, which is set against the winde and weather, and when
+Snowe commeth hee doth cast it off, and maketh him a fire, and laieth him
+down thereby. Thus doe the most of all his men, except they bee gentlemen
+which haue other prouision of their owne. Their lying in the fielde is not
+so strange as is their hardnes: for euery man must carie and make prouision
+for himselfe and his horse for a moneth or two, which is very wonderful.
+For he himselfe shall liue vpon water and otemeale mingled together cold,
+and drinke water therto, his horse shall eat green wood, and such like
+baggage, and shall stand open in the cold field without couert, and yet wil
+he labour and serue him right wel. I pray you amongst all our boasting
+warriours how many should we find to endure the field with them but one
+moneth. I know no such region about vs that beareth that name for man and
+beast. Now what might be made of these men if they were trained and broken
+to order and knowledge of ciuill wars? If this Prince had within his
+countreys such men as could make them to vnderstand the things aforesaid, I
+do beleeue that 2 of the best or greatest princes in Christendome were not
+wel able to match with him, considering the greatnes of his power and the
+hardnes of his people and straite liuing both of people and horse, and the
+small charges which his warres stand him in: for he giueth no wages, except
+to strangers. They haue a yerely stipend and not much. As for his own
+countrey men euery one serueth of his owne proper costes and charges,
+sauing that he giueth to his Harcubisiers certaine allowance for powder and
+shot: or else no man in all his countrey hath one pennie wages. But if any
+man hath done very good seruice he giueth him a ferme or a piece of lande;
+for the which hee is bound at all times to be readie with so many men as
+the Duke shall appoynt: who considereth in his mind what that lande or
+ferme is well able to finde: and so many shall he bee bound to furnish at
+all and euery such time as warres are holden in any of the Dukes dominions.
+For there is no man of liuing, but hee is bound likewise, whether the Duke
+call for either souldier or labourer, to furnish them with all such
+necessaries as to them belong.
+
+Also, if any gentleman or man of liuing do die without issue male,
+immediately after his death the Duke entreth his land, notwithstanding he
+haue neuer so many daughters, and peraduenture giueth it foorthwith to
+another man, except a small portion that he spareth to marrie the daughters
+with all. Also if there be a rich man, a fermour, or man of liuing, which
+is stricken in age or by chance is maimed, and be not able to doe the Duke
+seruice, some other gentleman that is not able to liue and more able to doe
+seruice, will come to the Duke and complayne, saying, your Grace hath such
+an one, which is vnmeete to doe seruice to your Highnes, who hath great
+abundance of welth, and likewise your Grace hath many gentlemen which are
+poore and lacke liuing, and we that lacke are well able to doe good
+seruice, your grace might doe well to looke vpon him, and make him to helpe
+those that want. Immediately the Duke sendeth forth to inquire of his
+wealth: and if it be so proued, he shall be called before the Duke, and it
+shall bee sayd vnto him, friend, you haue too much liuing, and are
+vnseruiceable to your prince, lesse will serue you, and the rest will serue
+other men that are more able to serue, whereupon immediately his liuing
+shall be taken away from him, sauing a little to find himselfe and his wife
+on, and he may not once repine thereat: but for answere he will say, that
+he hath nothing, but it is Gods and the Dukes Graces, and cannot say, as we
+the common people in England say, if wee haue any thing; that is God's and
+our owne. Men may say, that these men are in wonderfull great awe, and
+obedience, that thus one must giue and grant his goods which he hath bene
+scraping and scratching for all his life to be at his Princes pleasure and
+commandement. Oh that our sturdie rebels were had in the like subiection to
+knowe their duety towarde their Princes. They may not say as some snudges
+in England say, I would find the Queene a man to serue in my place, or make
+his friends tarrie at home if money, haue the vpper hand. No, no, it is not
+so in this countrey: for hee shall make humble sute to serue the Duke. And
+whom he sendeth most to the warres he thinketh he is most in his fauour:
+and yet as I before haue sayde, hee giueth no wages. If they knewe their
+strength no man were able to make match with them: nor they that dwel neere
+them should haue any rest of them. But I thinke it is not Gods will: for I
+may compare them to a young horse that knoweth not his strength: whome a
+little childe ruleth and guideth with a bridle, for all his great strength:
+for if he did, neither childe nor man could rule him. Their warres are
+holden against the Crimme Tartarians and the Nagaians.
+
+I will stand no longer in the rehearsall of their power and warres. For it
+were too tedious to the reader. But I will in part declare their lawes, and
+punishments, and the execution of iustice. And first I will begin with the
+commons of the countrey, which the gentlemen haue rule on: And that is,
+that euery gentleman hath rule and iustice vpon his owne tenants. And if it
+so fall out that two gentlemens seruants and tenaunts doe disagree, the two
+gentlemen examine the matter, and haue the parties before them, and soe
+giue the sentence. And yet cannot they make the ende betwixt them of the
+controuersie, but either of the gentlemen must bring his seruant or tenant
+before the high iudge or iustice of that countrey, and there present them,
+and declare the matter and case. The plaintife sayth, I require the law:
+which is graunted: then commeth an officer and arresteth the party
+defendant, and vseth him contrarie to the lawes of England. For when they
+attach any man they beate him about the legges, vntill such time as he
+findeth sureties to answere the matter: And if not, his handes and necke
+are bound together, and he is led about the towne and beaten aboute the
+legges, with other extreme punishments till he come to his answere: And the
+Iustice demaundeth if it be for debt, and sayth: Owest thou this man any
+such debt? He will perhaps say nay. Then sayth the Iudge: art thou able to
+denie it? Let vs heare how? By othe sayth the defendant. Then he commandeth
+to leaue beating him till further triall be had.
+
+Their order in one point is commendable. They haue no man of Lawe to plead
+their causes in any court: but euery man pleadeth his owne cause, and
+giueth bill and answere in writing: contrarie to the order in England. The
+complaint is in maner of a supplication, and made to the Dukes grace, and
+deliuered him into his owne hand, requiring to haue iustice as in his
+complaint is alleadged.
+
+The Duke giueth sentence himselfe vpon all matters in the Law. Which is
+very commendable, that such a Prince wil take paines to see ministration of
+iustice. Yet nowithstanding it is wonderfully abused: and thereby the Duke
+is much deceiued. But if it fall out that the officers be espied in cloking
+the trueth, they haue most condigne punishment. And if the plaintife can
+nothing prooue, then the defendant must take his oth vpon the crucifixe
+whether he be in the right or no. Then is demanded if the plaintife be any
+thing able further to make proof: if hee bee not; then sometimes he will
+say, I am able to prooue it by my body and hands, or by my champions body,
+so requiring the Campe. After the other hath his othe, it is graunted
+aswell to the one as to the other. So when they goe to the field, they
+sweare vpon the Crucifixe, that they be both in the right, and that the one
+shall make the other to confesse the trueth before they depart foorth of
+the field: and so they goe both to the battell armed with such weapons as
+they vse in that countrey: they fight all on foote, and seldome the parties
+themselues do fight, except they be Gentlemen, for they stand much vpon
+their reputation, for they wil not fight, but with such as are come of as
+good an house as themselues. So that if either partie require the combate,
+it is granted vnto them, and no champion is to serue in their room: wherein
+is no deceit: but otherwise by champions there is. For although they take
+great othes vpon them to doe the battell truely, yet is the contrarie often
+seene: because the common champions haue none other liuing. And assoone as
+the one partie hath gotten the victorie, he demandeth the debt, and the
+other is carried to prison, and there is shamefully vsed till he take
+order. There is also another order in the lawe, that the plaintife may
+sweare in some causes of debt. And if the partie defendant be poore, he
+shalbe set vnder the Crucifixe, and the partie plaintife must sweare ouer
+his head, and when hee hath taken his othe, the Duke taketh the partie
+defendant home to his house, and vseth him as his bond-man, and putteth him
+to labour, or letteth him for hier to any such as neede him, vntill such
+time as his friends make prousion for his redemption: or else hee remaineth
+in bondage all the dayes of his life. Againe there are many that will sell
+themselues to Gentlemen or Marchants to bee their bond-men, to haue during
+their life meate, drinke and cloth, and at their comming to haue a piece of
+mony, yea and some will sell their wiues and children to be bawdes and
+drudges to the byer. Also they haue a Lawe for Fellons and Pickers contrary
+to the Lawes of England. For by their law they can hang no man for his
+first offence; but may keepe him long in prison, and oftentimes beate him
+with whips and other punishment: and there he shall remaine vntill his
+friends be able to bayle him. If he be a picker or a cut-purse, as there be
+very many, the second time he is taken, he hath a piece of his nose cut
+off, and is burned in the forehead, and kept in prison till hee finde
+sureties for his good behauiour. And, if he be taken the third time, he is
+hanged. And at the first time he is extremely punished and not released,
+except hee haue very good friends, or that some Gentleman require to haue
+him to the warres: And in so doing, he shall enter into great bonds for
+him: by which meanes the countrey is brought into good quietnesse. But they
+be naturally giuen to great deceit, except extreme beating did bridle them.
+They be naturally giuen to hard liuing aswell in fare as in lodging. I
+heard a Russian say, that it was a great deale merrier liuing in prison
+then foorth, but for the great beating. For they haue meate and drinke
+without any labour, and get the charitie of well disposed people: But being
+at libertie they get nothing. The poore is very innumerable, and liue most
+miserably: for I haue seene them eate the pickle of Hearring and other
+stinking fish: nor the fish cannot be so stinking nor rotten, but they will
+eate it and praise it to be more wholesome then other fish or fresh meate.
+In mine opinion there be no such people vnder the sunne for their hardnesse
+of liuing. Well, I will leaue them in this poynt, and will in part declare
+their Religion. They doe obserue the lawe of the Greekes with such excesse
+of superstition, as the like hath not bene heard of. They haue no grauen
+images in their Churches, but all painted, to the intent they will not
+breake the commandement: but to their painted images they vse such
+idolatrie, that the like was neuer heard of in England. They will neither
+worship nor honour any image that is made forth of their owne countrey. For
+their owne images (say they) haue pictures to declare what they be, and
+howe they be of God, and so be not ours: They say, Looke how the Painter or
+Caruer hath made them, so we doe worship them, and they worship none before
+they be Christened. They say we be but halfe Christians: because we obserue
+not part of the olde Law with the Turks. Therefore they call themselues
+more holy then vs. They haue none other learning but their mother tongue,
+nor will suffer no other in their countrey among them. All their seruice in
+Churches is in their mother tongue. They haue the olde and newe Testament,
+which are daily read among them: and yet their superstition is no lesse.
+For when the Priests doe reade, they haue such tricks in their reading,
+that no man can vnderstand them, nor no man giueth eare to them. For all
+the while the Priest readeth, the people sit downe and one talke with
+another. But when the Priest is at seruice no man sitteth, but gagle and
+ducke like so many Geese. And as for their prayers they haue but little
+skill, but vse to say _As bodi pomele_: As much to say, Lord haue mercy
+vpon me. For the tenth man within the land cannot say the Pater noster. And
+as for the Creede, no man may be so bolde as to meddle therewith but in the
+Church: for they say it shoulde not bee spoken of, but in the Churches.
+Speake to them of the Commandements, and they will say they were giuen to
+Moses in the law, which Christ hath now abrogated by his precious death and
+passion: therefore, (say they) we obserue little or none thereof. And I doe
+beleeue them. For if they were examined of their Lawe and Commaundements
+together, they shoulde agree but in fewe poynts. They haue the Sacrament of
+the Lords Supper in both kindes, and more ceremonies then wee haue. They
+present them in a dish in both kindes together, and carrie them rounde
+about the Church vpon the Priestes head, and so doe minister at all such
+times as any shall require. They be great offerers of Candles, and
+sometimes of money, which wee call in England, Soule pense, with more
+ceremonies then I am able to declare. They haue foure Lents in the yeere,
+whereof our Lent is the greatest. Looke as we doe begin on the Wednesday,
+so they doe on the Munday before: And the weeke before that they call The
+Butter weeke: And in that weeke they eate nothing but Butter and milke.
+Howbeit I beleeue there bee in no other countrey the like people for
+drunkennesse. The next Lent is called Saint Peters Lent, and beginneth
+alwayes the Munday next after Trinitie sunday, and endeth on Saint Peters
+euen. If they should breake that fast, their beliefe is, that they should
+not come in at heauen gates. And when any of them die, they haue a
+testimoniall with them in the Coffin, that when the soule commeth to heauen
+gates it may deliuer the same to Saint Peter, which declareth that the
+partie is a true and holy Russian. The third Lent beginneth fifteene dayes
+before the later Lady day, and endeth on our Lady Eeuen. The fourth Lent
+beginneth on Saint Martin's day, and endeth on Christmas Eeuen: which Lent
+is fasted for Saint Philip, Saint Peter, Saint Nicholas, and Saint Clement.
+For they foure be the principall arid greatest Saints in that Countrey. In
+these Lents they eate neither Butter, Egges, Milke, or Cheese; but they are
+very straitely kept with Fish, Cabbages, and Rootes. And out of their
+Lents, they obserue truely the Wednesdayes and Fridayes throughout the
+yeere: and on the Saturday they doe eate flesh. Furthermore they haue a
+great number of Religious men: which are blacke Monks, and they eate no
+flesh throughout the yeere, but fish, milke and Butter. By their order they
+should eate no fresh-fish, and in their Lents they eate nothing but
+Coleworts, Cabbages, salt Cowcumbers, with other rootes, as Radish and such
+like. Their drinke is like our peny Ale, and is called Quass. They haue
+seruice daily in their Churches; and vse to goe to seruice two houres
+before day, and that is ended by day light. At nine of the clocke they goe
+to Masse: that ended, to dinner: and after that to seruice againe: and then
+to supper. You shall vnderstand that at euery dinner and supper they haue
+declared the exposition of the Gospel of that day: but howe they wrest and
+twine the Scripture and that together by report it is wonderfull. As for
+whoredome and drunkennesse there be none such liuing: and for extortion,
+they be the most abhominable under the sunne. Nowe iudge of their
+holinesse. They haue twise as much land as the Duke himselfe hath: but yet
+he is reasonable eeuen with them, as thus: When they take bribes of any of
+the poore and simple, he hath it by an order. When the Abbot of any of
+their houses dieth, then the Duke hath all his goods moueable and
+vnmoueable: so that the successour buieth all at the Dukes hands: and by
+this meane they be the best Fermers the Duke hath. Thus with their Religion
+I make an ende, trusting hereafter to know it better.
+
+To the right worshipful and my singular good Vncle, Master Christopher
+Frothingham, giue these.
+
+Sir, Reade and correct;
+For great is the defect.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Testimonie of M. Richard Eden in his decades, concerning the Booke
+  following.
+
+And whereas (saith he) I haue before made mention howe Moscouie was in our
+time discouered by Richard Chanceler in his voyage toward Cathay, by the
+direction and information of M. Sebastian Cabota, who long before had this
+secret in his minde: I shall not neede here to describe that voyage,
+forasmuch as the same is largely and faithfully written in the Latine
+tongue, by that learned yong man Clement Adams, schoolemaster to the
+Queenes henshmen, as he receiued it at the mouth of the said Richard
+Chanceler.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The newe Nauigation and discouerie of the kingdome of Moscouia, by the
+  Northeast, in the yeere 1553: Enterprised by Sir Hugh Willoughbie knight,
+  and perfourmed by Richard Chancelor Pilot maior of the voyage: Written in
+  Latine by Clement Adams.
+
+At what time our Marchants perceiued the commodities and wares of England
+to bee in small request with the countreys and people about vs, and neere
+vnto vs, and that those Marchandizes which strangers in the time and
+memorie of our auncesters did earnestly seeke and desire, were nowe
+neglected, and the price thereof abated, although by vs carried to their
+owne portes, and all forreine Marchandises in great accompt, and their
+prises wonderfully raised: certaine graue Citizens of London, and men of
+great wisedome, and carefull for the good of their Countrey, began to
+thinke with themselues, howe this mischiefe might bee remedied. Neither was
+a remedie (as it then appeared) wanting to their desires, for the auoyding
+of so great an inconuenience: for seeing that the wealth of the Spaniards
+and Portingales, by the discouerie and search of newe trades and Countreys
+was marueilously increased, supposing the same to be a course and meane for
+them also to obteine the like, they thereupon resolued vpon a newe and
+strange Nauigation. And whereas at the same time one Sebastian Cabota, a
+man in those dayes very renowmed, happened to bee in London, they began
+first of all to deale and consult diligently with him, and after much
+speech and conference together, it was at last concluded that three shippes
+should bee prepared and furnished out, for the search and discouerie of the
+Northerne part of the world, to open a way and passage to our men for
+trauaile to newe and vnknowen kingdomes.
+
+And whereas many things seemed necessary to bee regarded in this so hard
+and difficult a matter, they first make choyse of certaine graue and wise
+persons in maner of a Senate or companie, which should lay their heads
+together, and giue their iudgments, and prouide things requisite and
+profitable for all occasions: by this companie it was thought expedient,
+that a certaine summe of money should publiquely bee collected to serue for
+the furnishing of so many shippes. And lest any priuate man should bee too
+much oppressed and charged, a course was taken that euery man willing to be
+of the societie, should disburse the portion of twentie and fiue pounds a
+piece: so that in short time by this meanes the summe of sixe thousand
+pounds being gathered, the three shippes were bought, the most part whereof
+they prouided to be newly built and trimmed. But in this action, I wote not
+whether I may more admire the care of the Marchants, or the diligence of
+the Shipwrights: for the Marchants, they get very strong and well seasoned
+plankes for the building, the Shippewrights, they with daily trauaile, and
+their greatest skill doe fitte them for the dispatch of the shippes: they
+calke them, pitch them, and among the rest, they make one most stanch and
+firme, by an excellent and ingenious inuention. For they had heard that in
+certaine parts of the Ocean, a kinde of wormes is bredde, which many times
+pearceth and eateth through the strongest oake that is: and therfore that
+the Mariners, and the rest to bee imployed in this voyage might bee free
+and safe from this danger, they couer a piece of the keele of the shippe
+with thinne sheetes of leade: and hauing thus built the ships, and
+furnished them with armour and artillerie, then followed a second care no
+lesse troublesome and necessarie then the former, namely, the prouision of
+victuals, which was to be made according to the time and length of the
+voyage. And whereas they afore determined to haue the East part of the
+world sayled vnto, and yet that the sea towards the same was not open,
+except they kept the Northern tract, whereas yet it was doubtfull whether
+there were any passage yea or no, they resolued to victuall the ships for
+eighteene moneths, which they did for this reason. For our men being to
+passe that huge and colde part of the world, they wisely foreseeing it,
+allowe them sixe moneths victuall to saile to the place, so much more to
+remaine there if the extremitie of the winter hindered their returne, and
+so much more also for the time of their comming home.
+
+Nowe this prouision being made and caried aboord, with armour and munition
+of all sorts, sufficient Captaines and gouenours of so great an enterprise
+were as yet wanting: to which office and place, although many men, (and
+some voyde of experience) offered themselues, yet one Sir Hugh Willoughbie
+a most valiant Gentleman, and well borne, very earnestly requested to haue
+that care and charge committed vnto him: of whom before all others, both by
+reason of his goodly personage (for he was of a tall stature) as also for
+his singular skill in the seruices of warre, the company of the Marchants
+made greatest accompt: so that at the last they concluded and made choyce
+of him for the Generall of this voyage, and appoynted him to the Admirall
+with authortie and command ouer all the rest. And for the gouernement of
+other ships although diuers men seemed willing, and made offers of
+themselues thereunto, yet by a common consent one Richard Chanceler, a man
+of great estimation for many good partes of wit in him, was elected, in
+whom alone great hope for the performance of this businesse rested. This
+man was brought vp by one Master Henry Sidney, a noble young Gentleman and
+very much beloued of King Edward, who at this time comming to the place
+where the Marchants were gathered together, beganne a very eloquent speech
+or Oration, and spake to them after this maner following.
+
+My very worshipfull friends, I cannot but greatly commend your present
+godly and vertuous intention, in the serious enterprising (for the singular
+loue you beare to your Countrey) a matter, which (I hope) will prooue
+profitable for this nation, and honourable to this our land. Which
+intention of yours wee also of the Nobilitie are ready to our power to
+helpe and further: neither doe wee holde any thing so deare and precious
+vnto vs, which wee will not willingly forgoe, and lay out in so commendable
+a cause. But principally I reioyce in my selfe, that I haue nourished and
+maintained that witte, which is like by some meanes and in some measure, to
+profile and steede you in this worthy action. But yet I would not haue you
+ignorant of this one thing, that I doe now part with Chanceler, not because
+I make little reckoning of the man, or that his maintenance is burdenous
+and chargeable vnto mee, but that you might conceiue and vnderstand my good
+will and promptitude for the furtherance of this businesse, and that the
+authoritie and estimation which hee deserueth may be giuen him. You know
+the man by report, I by experience, you by wordes, I by deedes, you by
+speech and companie, but I by the daily triall of his life haue a full and
+perfect knowledge of him. And you are also to remember, into howe many
+perils for your sakes, and his countreys loue, he is nowe to runne: whereof
+it is requisite that wee be not vnmindefull, if it please God to send him
+good successe. Wee commit a little money to the chaunce and hazard of
+Fortune: He commits his life (a thing to a man of all things most deare) to
+the raging Sea, and the vncertainties of many dangers. We shall here liue
+and rest at home quietly with our friends, and acquaintance: but hee in the
+meane time labouring to keepe the ignorant and vnruly Mariners in good
+order and obedience, with howe many cares shall hee trouble and vexe
+himselfe? with how many troubles shall he breake himselfe? and howe many
+disquietings shall hee bee forced to sustaine? We shall keepe our owne
+coastes and countrey: Hee shall seeke strange and vnknowen kingdomes. He
+shall commit his safetie to barbarous and cruell people, and shall hazard
+his life amongst the monstrous and terrible beastes of the Sea. Wherefore
+in respect of the greatnesse of the dangers, and the excellencie of his
+charge, you are to fauour and loue the man thus departing from vs: and if
+it fall so happily out that hee returne againe, it is your part and duetie
+also, liberally to reward him.
+
+After that this noble yong Getleman had deliuered this or some such like
+speech, much more eloquently then I can possiblie report it, the companie
+then present beganne one to looke vpon another, one to question and
+conferre with another: and some (to whom the vertue and sufficiencie of the
+man was knowen) began secretly to reioyce with themselues, and to conceiue
+a speciall hope, that the man would prooue in time very rare and excellent,
+and that his vertues already appearing and shining to the world woulde
+growe to the great honour and aduancement of this kingdome.
+
+After all this, the companie growing to some silence, it seemed good to
+them that were of greatest grauity amongst them, to inquire, search and
+seeke what might be learned and knowen, concerning the Easterly part or
+tract of the world. For which cause two Tartarians, which were then of the
+kings Stable, were sent for, and an interpreter was gotten to be present,
+by whom they were demaunded touching their Countrey and the maners of their
+nation. But they were able to answere nothing to the purpose: being in
+deede more acquainted (as one there merily and openly said) to tosse
+pottes, then to learne the states and dispositions of people. But after
+much adoe and many things passed about this matter, they grew at last to
+this issue, to set downe and appoynt a time for the departure of the
+shippes: because diuers were of opinion, that a great part of the best time
+of the yeere was already spent, and if the delay grewe longer, the way
+would bee stopt and bard by the force of the Ice, and the colde climate:
+and therefore it was thought best by the opinion of them all, that by the
+twentieth day of May, [Marginal note: They departed from Ratcliffe, the 20.
+of May, 1553.] the Captaines and Mariners should take shipping, and depart
+from Radcliffe vpon the ebbe, if it pleased God. They hauing saluted their
+acquaintance, one his wife, another his children, another his kinsfolkes,
+and another his friends deerer then his kinsfolkes, were present and ready
+at the day appoynted: and hauing wayed ancre, they departed with the
+turning of the water, and sailing easily, came first to Greenewich. The
+greater shippes are towed downe with boates, and oares, and the mariners
+being all apparelled in Watchet or skie coloured cloth, rowed amaine, and
+made way with diligence. And being come neere to Greenewich, (where the
+Court then lay) presently vpon the newes therof, the Courtiers came running
+out, and the common people flockt together, standing very thicke vpon the
+shoare: the priuie Counsel, they lookt out at the windowes of the Court,
+and the rest ranne vp to the toppes of the towers: the shippes hereupon
+discharge their Ordinance, and shoot off their pieces after the maner of
+warre, and of the sea, insomuch that the tops of the hilles sounded
+therewith, the valleys and the waters gaue an Eccho, and the Mariners, they
+shouted in such sort, that the skie rang againe with the noyse thereof. One
+stoode in the poope of the ship, and by his gesture bids farewell to his
+friendes in the best maner hee could. Another walkes vpon the hatches,
+another climbes the shrowds, another stands vpon the maine yard, and
+another in the top of the shippe. To be short, it was a very triumph (after
+a sort) in all respects to the beholders. But (alas) the good King Edward
+(in respect of whom principally all this was prepared) hee onely by reason
+of his sickenesse was absent from this shewe, and not long after the
+departure of these ships, the lamentable and most sorrowfull accident of
+his death followed.
+
+But to proceede in the matter.
+
+The shippes going downe with the tyde came at last to Woolwich, where they
+stayed and cast ancre, with purpose to depart therehence againe, as soone
+as the turning of the water, and a better winde should draw them to set
+saile. After this they departed and came to Harwich, in which porte they
+stayed long, not without great losse and consuming of time: yet at the last
+with a good winde they hoysed vp saile, and committed themselues to the
+sea, giuing their last adieu to their natiue Countrey, which they knewe not
+whether they should euer returne to see againe or not. Many of them looked
+oftentimes back, and could not refraine from teares, considering into what
+hazards they were to fall, and what vncertainties of the sea they were to
+make triall of.
+
+Amongst the rest, Richard Chanceler the Captaine of the Edward Bonauenture,
+was not a little grieued with the feare of wanting victuals, part whereof
+was found to be corrupt and putrified at Harwich, and the hoggesheads of
+wine also leaked, and were not stanch: his naturall and fatherly affection
+also somewhat troubled him, for he left behinde him his two little sonnes,
+which were in the case of Orphanes if he spedde not well: the estate also
+of his companie mooued him to care, being in the former respects after a
+sort vnhappie, and were to abide with himselfe euery good or badde
+accident: but in the meane time while his minde was thus tormented with the
+multiplicitie of sorrows and cares, after many dayes sayling, they kenned
+land afarre off, whereunto the Pilots directed the ships: and being come to
+it, they land, and find it to be Rost Island, where they stayed certaine
+dayes, and afterwards set saile againe, and proceeding towards the North,
+they espied certaine other Islands, which were called the Crosse of
+Islands. From which places when they were a little departed, Sir Hugh
+Willoughby the General, a man of good foresight and prouidence in all his
+actions, erected and set out his flagge, by which hee called together the
+chiefest men of the other shippes, that by the helpe and assistance of
+their counsels, the order of the gouernement, and conduction of the shippes
+in the whole voyage might bee the better: who being come together
+accordingly, they conclude and agree, that if any great tempest should
+arise at any time, and happen to disperse and scatter them, euery shippe
+should indeuour his best to goe to Wardhouse, a hauen, or castell of some
+name in the kingdome of Norway, and that they that arriued there first in
+safetie should stay and expect the comming of the rest.
+
+The very same day in the afternoone, about foure of the clocke, so great a
+tempest suddenly arose, and the Seas were so outrageous, that the ships
+could not keepe their intended course, but some were perforce driuen one
+way, and some another way, to their great perill and hazard: The generall
+with his lowdest voyce cried out to Richard Chanceler, and earnestly
+requested him not to goe farre from him: but hee neither would nor could
+keepe companie with him, if he sailed still so fast: for the Admirall was
+of better saile then his shippe. But the said Admirall (I knowe not by what
+meanes) bearing all his sailes, was caried away with so great force and
+swiftnesse, that not long after hee was quite out of sight, and the third
+ship also with the same storme and like rage was dispersed and lost vs.
+
+The shippe boate of the Admirall (striking against the shippe,) was
+ouerwhelmed in the sight and viewe of the Mariners of the Bonauenture: and
+as for them that are already returned and arriued, they know nothing of the
+rest of the ships what was become of them.
+
+But if it be so, that any miserable mishap haue ouertaken them, If the rage
+and furie of the Sea haue deuoured those good men, or if as yet they liue,
+and wander vp and downe in strange Countreys, I must needs say they were
+men worthy of better fortune, and if they be liuing, let vs wish them
+safetie and a good returne: but if the crueltie of death hath taken holde
+of them, God send them a Christian graue and Sepulchre.
+
+Nowe Richard Chanceler with his shippe and company being thus left alone,
+and become very pensiue, heauie, and sorrowfull, by this dispersion of the
+Fleete, hee (according to the order before taken,) shapeth his course for
+Wardhouse in Norway, there to expect and abide the arriuall of the rest of
+the shippes. And being come thither, and hauing stayed there the space of 7
+dayes, and looked in vaine for their comming, hee determined at length to
+proceede alone in the purposed voyage. And as hee was preparing himselfe to
+depart, it happened that hee fell in company and speech with certaine
+Scottish men: who hauing vnderstanding of his intention, and wishing well
+to his actions, beganne earnestly to disswade him from the further
+prosecution of the discouerie, by amplifying the dangers which hee was to
+fall into, and omitted no reason that might serue to that purpose. But hee
+holding nothing so ignominious and reproachfull, as inconstancie and
+leuitie of minde, and perswading himselfe that a man of valour coulde not
+commit a more dishonourable part then for feare of danger to auoyde and
+shunne great attempts, was nothing at all changed or discouraged with the
+speeches and words of the Scots, remaining stedfast and immutable in his
+first resolution: determining either to bring that to passe which was
+intended, or els to die the death.
+
+And as for them which were with Master Chanceler in his shippe, although
+they had great cause of discomfort by the losse of their companie (whom the
+foresaid tempest had separated from them,) and were not a little troubled
+with cogitations and pertubations of minde, in respect of their doubtfull
+course: yet notwithstanding, they were of such consent and agreement of
+minde with Master Chanceler, that they were resolute, and prepared vnder
+his direction and gouernment, to make proofe and triall of all aduentures,
+without all feare or mistrust of future dangers. Which constancie of minde
+in all the companie did exceedingly increase their Captaines carefulnesse:
+for hee being swallowed vp with like good will and loue towards them,
+feared lest through any errour of his, the safetie of the companie should
+bee indangered. To conclude, when they sawe their desire and hope of the
+arriuall of the rest of the shippes to be euery day more and more
+frustrated, they prouided to sea againe, and Master Chanceler held on his
+course towards that vnknowen part of the world, and sailed so farre, that
+hee came at last to the place where he found no night at all, but a
+continual light and brightnesse of the Sunne shining clearely vpon the huge
+and mightie Sea. [Sidenote: They arriue in the Bay of Saint Nicholas.] And
+hauing the benefite of this perpetuall light for certaine dayes, at the
+length it pleased God to bring them into a certaine great Bay, which was of
+one hundreth miles or thereabout ouer. Whereinto they entred, and somewhat
+farre within it cast ancre, and looking euery way about them, it happened
+that they espied a farre off a certaine fisher boate, which Master
+Chanceler, accompanied with a fewe of his men, went towards to common with
+the fishermen that were in it, and to knowe of them what Countrey it was,
+and what people, and of what maner of liuing they were: but they beeing
+amazed with the strange greatnesse of his shippe, (for in those partes
+before that time they had neuer seene the like) beganne presently to auoyde
+and to flee: but hee still following them at last ouertooke them, and being
+come to them, they (being in great feare, as men halfe dead) prostrated
+themselues before him, offering to kisse his feete: but hee (according to
+his great and singular courtesie,) looked pleasantly vpon them, comforting
+them by signes and gestures, refusing those dueties and reuerences of
+theirs, and taking them vp in all louing sort from the ground. And it is
+strange to consider howe much fauour afterwards in that place, this
+humanitie of his did purchase to himselfe. For they being dismissed spread
+by and by a report abroad of the arriuall of a strange nation, of a
+singular gentlenesse and courtesie: whereupon the common people came
+together offering to these newe-come ghests victuals freely, and not
+refusing to traffique with them, except they had bene bound by a certaine
+religious vse and custome, not to buy any forreine commodities, without the
+knowledge and consent of the king.
+
+By this time our men had learned that this Countrey was called Russia, or
+Moscouie, and that Iuan Vasiliwich (which was at that time their Kings
+name) ruled and gouerned farre and wide in those places. And the barbarous
+Russes asked likewise of our men whence they were, and what they came for:
+whereunto answere was made, that they were Englishmen sent into those
+coastes, from the most excellent King Edward the sixt, hauing from him in
+commandement certaine things to deliuer to their King, and seeking nothing
+els but his amitie and friendship, and traffique with his people, whereby
+they doubted not, but that great commoditie and profit would grow to the
+subiects of both kingdomes.
+
+The Barbarians heard these things very gladly, and promised their aide and
+furtherance to acquaint their king out of hand with so honest and a
+reasonable request.
+
+In the meane time Master Chanceler intreated victuals for his money of the
+gouernour of that place (who together with others came aboord him) and
+required hostages of them likewise for the more assurance of safetie to
+himselfe and his company. To whom the gouernours answered, that they knewe
+not in that case the will of their king, but yet were willing in such
+things as they might lawfully doe, to pleasure him: which was as then to
+affoord him the benefit of victuals.
+
+Nowe while these things were a doing, they secretly sent a messenger vnto
+the Emperour, to certifie him of the arriuall of a strange nation, and
+withall to knowe his pleasure concerning them. Which message was very
+welcome vnto him, insomuch that voluntarily he inuited them to come to his
+Court. But if by reason of the tediousnesse of so long a iourney, they
+thought it not best so to doe, then hee graunted libertie to his subiects
+to bargaine, and to traffique with them: and further promised, that if it
+would please then to come to him, hee himselfe would beare the whole
+charges of poste horses. In the meane time the gouernours of the place
+differred the matter from day to day, pretending diuers excuses, and saying
+one while that the consent of all the gouernours, and another while, that
+the great and waightie affaires of the kingdome compelled them to differ
+their answere: and this they did of purpose, so long to protract the time,
+vntill the messenger (sent before to the king) did returne with relation of
+his will and pleasure.
+
+But Master Chanceler, (seeing himselfe held in this suspense with long and
+vaine expectation, and thinking that of intention to delude him, they
+posted the matter off so often,) was very instant with them to performe
+their promise: Which if they would not doe, hee tolde them that hee would
+depart and proceede in his voyage. So that the Moscouites (although as yet
+they knew not the minde of their king) yet fearing the departure in deede
+of our men who had such wares and commodities as they greatly desired, they
+at last resolued to furnish our people with all things necessarie, and to
+conduct them by land to the presence of their king. And so Master Chanceler
+beganne his iourney, which was very long and most troublesome, wherein hee
+had the vse of certaine sleds, and all their carriages are in the same
+sort, the people almost not knowing any other maner of carriage, the cause
+whereof is the exceeding hardnesse of the ground congealed in the winter
+time by the force of the colde, which in those places is very extreme and
+horrible, whereof hereafter we will say something.
+
+But nowe they hauing passed the greater part of their iourney, mette at
+last with the Sleddeman (of whom I spake before) sent to the king secretly
+from the Iustices or gouernours, who by some ill happe had lost his way,
+and had gone to the Sea side, which is neere to the Countrey of the Tartars
+thinking there to haue found our ship. But hauing long erred and wandered
+out of his way, at the last in his direct returne, hee met (as hee was
+coming) our Captaine on the way. To whom hee by and by deliuered the
+Emperours letters, which were written to him with all courtesie and in the
+most louing maner that could be: wherein expresse commandement was giuen,
+that post horses should bee gotten for him and the rest of his company
+without any money. Which thing was of all the Russes in the rest of their
+iourney so willingly done, that they began to quarrell, yea, and to fight
+also in striuing and contending which of them should put their post horses
+to the sledde: so that after much adoe and great paines taken in this long
+and wearie iourney, (for they had trauelled very neere fifteene hundred
+miles) Master Chanceler came at last to Mosco the chiefe citie of the
+kingdome, and the seate of the king: of which citie, and of the Emperour
+himselfe, and of the principall cities of Moscouie, wee will speake
+immediately more at large in this discourse.
+
+
+Of Moscouie, which is also called Russia.
+
+Moscouie, which hath the name also of Russia the white, is a very large and
+spacious Countrey, euery way bounded with diuers nations. Towards the South
+and the East, it is compassed with Tartaria: the Northren side of it
+stretcheth to the Scytian Ocean: vpon the West part border the Lappians, a
+rude and sauage nation, liuing in woods, whose language is not knowen to
+any other people: next vnto these, more towards the South, is Swecia, then
+Finlandia, then Liuonia, and last of all Lituania. This Countrey of
+Moscouie, hath also very many and great riuers in it, and is marish ground,
+in many places: and as for the riuers, the greatest and most famous
+amongst, all the rest, is that, which the Russes in their owne tongue call
+Volga, but others know it by the name of Rha. Next vnto it in fame is
+Tanais, which they call Don, and the third Boristhenes which at this day
+they call Neper. Two of these, to wit, Rha, and Boristhenes yssuing both
+out of one fountaine, runne very farre through the land: Rha receiuing many
+other pleasant riuers into it, and running from the very head or spring of
+it towards the East, after many crooked turnings and windings, dischargeth
+it selfe, and all the other waters and riuers that fall into it by diuers
+passages into the Caspian Sea. Tanais springing from a fountaine of great
+name in those partes, and growing great neere to his head, spreds it selfe
+at length very largely, and makes a great lake: and then growing narrowe
+againe, doth so runne for certaine miles, vntill it fall into another lake,
+which they call Iuan: and therehence fetching a very crooked course, comes
+very neere to the riuer Volga: but disdaining as it were the company of any
+other riuer, doth there turne it selfe againe from Volga, and runnes toward
+the South, and fals at last into the Lake of Moeotis. Boristhenes, which
+comes from the same head that Rha doth, (as wee sayde before) carieth both
+it selfe, and other waters that are neere vnto it, towards the South, not
+refusing the mixture of other small riuers: and running by many great and
+large Countreys fals at last into Pontius Euxinus. Besides these riuers,
+are also in Muscouie certaine lakes, and pooles, the lakes breede fish by
+the celestiall influence: and amongst them all, the chiefest and most
+principall is called Bealozera, which is very famous by reason of a very
+strong towre built in it, wherein the kings of Muscouie reserue and repose
+their treasure in all times of warre and danger.
+
+Touching the Riphean mountaines, whereupon the snow lieth continually, and
+where hence in times past it was thought that Tanais the riuer did spring,
+and that the rest of the wonders of nature, which the Grecians fained and
+inuented of olde, were there to be seene: our men which lately came from
+thence, neither sawe them, not yet haue brought home any perfect relation
+of them, although they remained there for the space of three moneths, and
+had gotten in that time some intelligence of the language of Moscouie. The
+whole Countrey is plaine and champion, and few hils in it: and towards the
+North it hath very large and spacious woods, wherein is great store of
+Firre trees, a wood very necessarie, and fit for the building of houses:
+there are also wilde beastes bred in those woods, as Buffes, Beares, and
+blacke Wolues, and another kinde of beast vnknowen to vs, but called by
+them Rossomakka: and the nature of the same is very rare and wonderfull:
+for when it is great with yong, and ready to bring foorth, it seeketh out
+some narrow place betweene two stakes, and so going through them, presseth
+it selfe, and by that meanes is eased of her burden, which otherwise could
+not be done. They hunt their buffes for the most part a horsebacke, but
+their Beares a foot, with woodden forkes. The north parts of the Countrey
+are reported to be so cold, that the very ice or water which distilleth out
+of the moist wood which they lay upon the fire is presently congealed and
+frozen: the diuersitie growing suddenly to be so great, that in one and the
+selfe same firebrand, a man shall see both fire and ice. When the winter
+doth once begin there it doth still more and more increase by a perpetuitie
+of cold: neither doth that colde slake, vntill the force of the Sunne
+beames doth dissolue the cold, and make glad the earth, returning to it
+againe. Our mariners which we left in the ship in the meane time to keepe
+it, in their going vp onely from their cabbins to the hatches, had their
+breath oftentimes so suddenly taken away, that they eftsoones fell downe as
+men very neere dead, so great is the sharpenesse of that colde climate: but
+as for the South parts of the Countrey, they are somewhat more temperate.
+
+
+Of Mosco the chiefe Citie of the kingdome, and of the Emperour thereof.
+
+It remaineth that a larger discourse be made of Mosco, the principall City
+of that Countrey, and of the Prince also, as before we haue promised. The
+Empire and gouernment of the king is very large, and his wealth at this
+time exceeding great. And because the citie of Mosco is the chiefest of al
+the rest, it seemeth of it selfe to challenge the first place in this
+discourse. Our men say, that in bignesse it is as great as the Citie of
+London, with the suburbes thereof. There are many and great buildings in
+it, but for beautie and fairenesse, nothing comparable to ours. There are
+many Townes and Villages also, but built out of order, and with no
+hansomnesse: their streets and wayes are not paued with stone as ours are:
+the walles of their houses are of wood: the roofes for the most part are
+couered with shingle boords. There is hard by the Citie a very faire
+Castle, strong, and furnished with artillerie, whereunto the Citie is
+ioyned directly towards the North, with a bricke wall: the walles also of
+the Castle are built with bricke, and are in breadth or thickenesse
+eighteene foote. This Castle hath on the one side a drie ditch, on the
+other side the riuer Moscua, whereby it is made almost inexpugnable. The
+same Moscua trending towards the East doth admit into it the companie of
+the riuer Occa.
+
+In the Castle aforesaide, there are in number nine Churches, or Chappells,
+not altogether vnhansome, which are vsed and kept by certaine religious
+men, ouer whom there is after a sort, a Patriarke, or Gouernour, and with
+him other reuerend Fathers all which for the greater part, dwell within the
+Castle. As for the kings Court and Palace, it is not of the neatest, onely
+in forme it is foure square, and of low building, much surpassed and
+excelled by the beautie and elegancie of the houses of the kings of
+England. The windowes are very narrowly built, and some of them by glasse,
+some other by lettisses admit the light: and whereas the Palaces of our
+Princes are decked, and adorned with hangings of cloth of gold, there is
+none such there: they build and ioyne to all their wals benches, and that
+not onely in the Court of the Emperour, but in all priuate mens houses.
+
+Nowe after that they had remained about twelue dayes in the Citie there was
+then a Messenger sent vnto them, to bring them to the Kings house: and they
+being after a sort wearied with their long stay, were very ready, and
+willing so to doe: and being entred within the gates of the Court, there
+sate a very honorable companie of Courtiers, to the number of one hundred,
+all apparelled in cloth of golde, downe to their ankles: and there hence
+being conducted into the chamber of presence, our men beganne to wonder at
+the Maiestie of the Emperour: his seate was aloft, in a very royall throne,
+hauing on his head a Diademe, or Crowne of golde, apparalled with a robe
+all of Goldsmiths worke, and in his hand hee held a Scepter garnished, and
+beset with precious stones: and besides all other notes and apparances of
+honour, there was a Maiestie in his countenance proportionable with the
+excellencie of his estate: on the one side of him stood his chiefe
+Secretaire, on the other side, the great Commander of silence, both of them
+arayed also in cloth of gold: and then there sate the Counsel of one
+hundred and fiftie in number, all in like sort arayed, and of great State.
+This so honorable an assemblie, so great a Maiestie of the Emperour, and of
+the place might very well haue amazed our men, and haue dasht them out of
+countenance: but notwithstanding Master Chanceler being therewithall
+nothing dismaied saluted, and did his duetie to the Emperour, after the
+maner of England, and withall, deliuered vnto him the letters of our king,
+Edward the sixt. The Emperour hauing taken, and read the letters, began a
+litle to question with them, and to aske them of the welfare of our king:
+whereunto our men answered him directly, and in few words: hereupon our men
+presented some thing to the Emperour, by the chiefe Secretary, which at the
+deliuery of it, put of his hat, being before all the time couered: and so
+the Emperour hauing inuited them to dinner, dismissed them from his
+presence: and going into the chamber of him that was Master of the Requests
+to the Emperour, and hauing stayed there the space of two howres, at the
+last, the Messenger commeth, and calleth them to dinner: they goe, and
+being conducted into the golden Court, (for so they call it, although not
+very faire) they finde the Emperour sitting vpon an high and stately seate,
+apparelled with a robe of siluer, and with another Diademe on his head: our
+men being placed ouer against him, sit downe: in the middes of the roome
+stoode a mightie Cupboord vpon a square foote, whereupon stoode also a
+round boord, in manner of a Diamond, broade beneath, and towardes the toppe
+narrowe, and euery steppe rose vp more narrowe then another. Vpon this
+Cupboorde was placed the Emperours plate, which was so much, that the very
+Cupboord it selfe was scant able to sustaine the waight of it: the better
+part of all the vessels, and goblets, was made of very fine gold: and
+amongst the rest, there were foure pots of very large bignesse, which did
+adorne the rest of the plate in great measure: for they were so high, that
+they thought them at the least fiue foote long. There were also vpon this
+Cupbord certaine siluer caskes, not much differing from the quantitie of
+our Fyrkins, wherein was reserued the Emperours drinke: on each side of the
+Hall stood foure Tables, each of them layde and couered with very cleane
+table clothes, whereunto the company ascended by three steps or degrees:
+all which were filled with the assemblie present: the ghests were all
+apparelled with linnen without, and with rich skinnes within, and so did
+notably set out this royall feast The Emperour, when hee takes any bread or
+knife in his hand, doth first of all crosse himselfe vpon his forehead:
+they that are in special fauour with the Emperour sit vpon the same bench
+with him, but somewhat farre from him: and before the comming in of the
+meate, the Emperour himselfe, according to an ancient custome of the kings
+of Moscouy, doth first bestow a piece of bread vpon euery one of his
+ghests, with a loud pronunciation of his title, and honour, in this manner:
+The great Duke of Moscouie, and chiefe Emperour of Russia, Iohn Basiliwich
+(and then the officer nameth the ghest) doth giue thee bread. Whereupon al
+the ghests rise vp, and by and by sit downe againe. This done, the
+Gentleman Vsher of the Hall comes in, with a notable company of seruants,
+carying the dishes, and hauing done his reuerence to the Emperour, puts a
+yong Swanne in a golden platter vpon the table, and immediately takes it
+thence againe, deliuering it to the Caruer, and seuen other of his
+fellowes, to be cut up: which being perfourmed, the meate is then
+distributed to the ghests, with the like pompe, and ceremonies. In the
+meane time, the Gentleman Vsher receiues his bread, and tasteth to the
+Emperour, and afterward, hauing done his reuerence, he departeth. Touching
+the rest of the dishes, because they were brought in out of order, our men
+can report no certaintie: but this is true, that all the furniture of
+dishes, and drinking vessels, which were then for the vse of a hundred
+ghests, was all of pure golde, and the tables were so laden with vessels of
+gold, that there was no roome for some to stand vpon them.
+
+We may not forget, that there were 140. seruitors arayed in cloth of gold,
+that in the dinner time, changed thrise their habit and apparell, which
+seruitors are in like sort serued with bread from the Emperour, as the rest
+of the ghests. Last of all, dinner being ended, and candles brought in,
+(for by this time night was come) the Emperour calleth all his ghests and
+Noble Men by their names, in such sort, that it seemes miraculous, that a
+Prince, otherwise occupied in great matters of estate, should so well
+remember so many and sundry particular names. The Russes tolde our men,
+that the reason thereof, as also of the bestowing of bread in that maner,
+was to the ende that the Emperour might keepe the knowledge of his owne
+houshold: and withal, that such as are vnder his displeasure, might by this
+meanes be knowen.
+
+
+Of the discipline of warre among the Russes.
+
+Whensoeuer the iniuries of their neighbours doe call the King foorth to
+battell, hee neuer armeth a lesse number against the enemie, then 300.
+thousand soldiers, 100. thousand whereof hee carieth out into the field
+with him, and leaueth the rest in garison in some fit places, for the
+better safetie of his Empire. He presseth no husbandman, nor Marchant: for
+the Countrey is so populous, that these being left at home, the youth of
+the Realme is sufficient for all his wars. As many as goe out to warfare
+doe prouide all things of their owne cost: they fight not on foote, but
+altogether on horsebacke: their armour is a coate of maile, and a helmet:
+the coate of maile without is gilded, or els adorned with silke, although
+it pertaine to a common soldier: they haue a great pride in shewing their
+wealth: they vse bowes, and arrowes, as the Turks do: they cary lances also
+into the field. They ride with a short stirrop, after the maner of the
+Turks: They are a kinde of people most sparing in diet, and most patient in
+extremitie of cold, aboue all others. For when the ground is couered with
+snowe, and is growen terrible and hard with the frost, this Russe hangs vp
+his mantle, or souldiers coate, against that part from whence the winde and
+Snowe driues, and so making a little fire, lieth downe with his backe
+towards the weather: this mantle of his serues him for his bed, wall, house
+and all: his drinke is colde water of the riuer, mingled with oatemeale,
+and this is all his good cheere, and he thinketh himselfe well, and
+daintily fedde therewith, and so sitteth downe by his fire, and vpon the
+hard ground, rosteth as it were his wearie sides thus daintily stuffed: the
+hard ground is his feather bed, and some blocke or stone his pillow: and as
+for his horse, he is as it were a chamberfellow with his master, faring
+both alike. How iustly may this barbarous, and rude Russe condemne the
+daintinesse and nicenesse of our Captaines, who liuing in a soile and aire
+much more temperate, yet commonly vse furred boots, and clokes? But thus
+much of the furniture of their common souldiers. But those that are of
+higher degrees come into the field a little better prouided. As for the
+furniture of the Emperour himselfe, it is then aboue all other times, most
+notable. The couerings of his tent for the most part, are all of gold,
+adorned with stones of great price, and with the curious workemanship of
+plumasiers. As often as they are to skirmish with the enemie, they goe
+forth without any order at all: they make no wings, nor militarie diuisions
+of their men, as we doe, but lying for the most part, in ambush, doe
+suddenly set vpon the enemie. Their horses can well abstaine two whole
+daies from any meate. They feede vpon the barkes of trees, and the most
+tender branches, in all the time of warre. And this scant and miserable
+maner of liuing, both the horse and his Master can well endure, sometimes
+for the space of two moneths, lustie, and in good state of body. If any man
+behaue himselfe valiantly in the fielde, to the contentation of the
+Emperour, he bestoweth vpon him in recompense of his seruice, some farme,
+or so much ground as he and his may liue vpon, which notwithstanding after
+his death, returneth againe to the Emperour, if he die without a male
+issue. For although his daughters be neuer so many, yet no part of that
+inheritance comes to them, except peraduenture the Emperour of his
+goodnesse, giue some portion of the land amongst them, to bestowe them
+withall. As for the man, whosoeuer he be, that is in this sort rewarded by
+the Emperours liberalitie, hee is bound in a great summe, to maintaine so
+many souldiers for the warre, when need shall require, as that land, in the
+opinion of the Emperour, is able to maintaine. And all those, to whom any
+land fals by inheritance, are in no better condition: for if they die
+without any male issue, all their lands fall into the hands of the
+Emperour. And moreouer, if there be any rich man amongst them, who in his
+owne person is vnfit for the warres, and yet hath such wealth, that thereby
+many Noble men and warriours might be maintained, if any of the Courtiers
+present his name to the Emperour, the vnhappy man is by and by sent for,
+and in that instant, depriued of all his riches, which with great paines
+and trauell all his life time he had gotten together: except perhaps some
+small portion thereof be left him, to maintaine his wife, children and
+familie. But all this is done of all the people so willingly at the
+Emperours commandement, that a man would thinke, they rather make
+restitution of other mens goods, then giue that which is their owne to
+other men. Nowe the Emperour hauing taken these goods into his hands,
+bestoweth them among his Courtiers, according to their deserts: and the
+oftener that a man is sent to the warres, the more fauour he thinketh is
+borne to him by the Emperour, although he goe vpon his owne charge, as I
+said before. So great is the obedience of all men generally to their
+Prince.
+
+
+Of the Ambassadours of the Emperour of Moscouie.
+
+The Moscouite, with no lesse pompe, and magnificence, then that which we
+haue spoken of, sends his Ambassadors to forrein Princes, in the affaires
+of estate. For while our men were abiding in the Citie of Mosco, there were
+two Ambassadors sent to the King of Poland, accompanied with 500. notable
+horses, and the greater part of the men were arrayed in cloth of gold, and
+of silke, and the worst apparell was of garments of blewe colour, to speake
+nothing of the trappings of the horses, which were adorned with gold and
+siluer, and very curiously embrodered: they had also with them one hundred
+white and faire spare horses, to vse them at such times, as any wearinesse
+came vpon them. But now the time requireth me to speake briefly of other
+Cities of the Moscouites, and of the wares and commodities that the
+Countrey yeeldeth.
+
+
+Nouogorode.
+
+Next vnto Mosco, the Citie of Nouogorode is reputed the chiefest of Russia:
+for although it be in Maiestie inferior to it, yet in greatnesse it goeth
+beyond it. It is the chiefest and greatest Marte Towne of all Moscouie: and
+albeit the Emperour's seate is not there, but at Mosco, yet the
+commodiousness of the riuer, falling into the gulfe, which is called Sinus
+Finnicus, whereby it is well frequented by Marchants, makes it more famous
+then Mosco it selfe. This towne excels all the rest in the commodities of
+flaxe and hempe: It yeeldes also hides, honie, and waxe. The Flemings there
+sometimes had a house of Marchandize, but by reason that they vsed the like
+ill dealing there, which they did with vs, they lost their priuileges, a
+restitution whereof they earnestly sued for at the time that our men were
+there. But those Flemings hearing of the arriuall of our men in those
+parts, wrote their letters to the Emperour against them, accusing them for
+pirats and rouers, wishing him to detaine, and imprison them. Which things
+when they were knowen of our men, they conceiued feare, that they should
+neuer haue returned home. But the Emperour beleeuing rather the Kings
+letters, which our men brought, then the lying and false suggestions of the
+Flemings, vsed no ill intreatie towards them.
+
+
+Yeraslaue.
+
+Yeraslaue also is a Towne of some good fame, for the commodities of hides,
+tallow, and corne, which it yeeldes in great abundance. Cakes of waxe are
+there also to bee solde, although other places haue greater store: This
+Yeraslaue is distant from Mosco, about two hundred miles: and betwixt them
+are many populous villages. Their fields yeeld such store of corne, that in
+conuaying it towards Mosco, sometimes in a forenoone, a man shall see seuen
+hundred or eight hundred sleds, going and comming, laden with corne and
+salt fish: the people come a thousand miles to Mosco, to buy that corne,
+and then cary it away vpon sleds: and these are those people that dwell in
+the North parts, where the colde is so terrible, that no corne doth growe
+there, or if it spring vp it neuer comes to ripenesse. The commodities that
+they bring with them, are salt fish, skinnes, and hides.
+
+
+Vologda.
+
+Vologda being from Mosco, 550. miles yeeldes the commodities of Hempe and
+Flaxe also: although the greatest store of Flaxe is solde at Nouogrode.
+
+
+Plesco.
+
+The Towne of Plesco, is frequented of Marchants for the good store of Honie
+and Waxe that it yeeldeth.
+
+
+Colmagro.
+
+The North parts of Russia yeelde very rare and precious skinnes: and
+amongst the rest, those principally, which we call Sables, worne about the
+neckes of our Noble women and Ladies: it hath also Martins skinnes, white,
+blacke, and red Foxe skinnes, skinnes of Hares, and Ermyns, and others,
+which they call and terme barbarously, as Beuers, Minxes, and Miniuers. The
+sea adioyning, breedes a certaine beast, which they call the Mors, which
+seeketh his foode vpon the rockes, climing vp with the helpe of his teeth.
+The Russes vse to take them, for the great vertue that is in their teeth,
+whereof they make as great accompt, as we doe of the Elephants tooth. These
+commodities they cary vpon Deeres backes to the towne of Lampas: and from
+thence to Colmagro, and there in the winter time, are kept great Faires for
+the sale of them. This Citie of Colmagro, serues all the Countrey about it
+with salt, and salt fish. The Russians also of the North parts, send
+thither oyle, which they call traine, which they make in a riuer called
+Vna, [Marginal note: Or Dwina.] although it be also made elsewhere: and
+here they vse to boile the water of the sea, whereof they make very great
+store of salt.
+
+
+Of controuersies in Lawe, and how they are ended.
+
+Hauing hitherto spoken so much of the chiefest Cities of Russia, as the
+matter required: it remaineth that we speake somewhat of the lawes, that
+the Moscouits doe vse, as farre foorth as the same are come to our
+knowledge. If any controuersie arise among them, they first make their
+Landlords Iudges in the matter, and if they cannot end it, then they
+preferre it to the Magistrate. The plaintif craueth of the said Magistrate,
+that he may haue leaue to enter law against his aduesarie: and hauing
+obtained it, the officer fetcheth the defendant, and beateth him on the
+legges, till he bring forth a suretie for him: but if he be not of such
+credite, as to procure a surety, then are his hands by an officer tied to
+his necke, and he is beaten all the way, till he come before the Iudge. The
+Iudge then asketh him (as for example in the matter of debt) whether he
+oweth any thing to the plaintife. If he denies it, then saith the Iudge,
+How canst thou deny it? the defendant answereth, By an othe: thereupon the
+officer is commaunded to cease from beating of him, vntill the matter be
+further tried. They haue no Lawyers, but euery man is his owne Aduocate,
+and both the complaint of the accuser, and the answere of the defendant,
+are in maner of petition deliuered to the Emperour, intreating iustice at
+his hands. The Emperour himselfe heareth euery great controuersie, and vpon
+the hearing of it, giueth iudgement, and that with great equitie, which I
+take to be a thing worthy of speciall commendation, in the Maiestie of a
+Prince. But although he doe this with a good purpose of mind, yet the
+corrupt Magistrates do wonderfully peruert the same: but if the Emperour
+take them in any fault, he doeth punish them most seuerely. Now at the
+last, when ech partie hath defended his cause with his best reasons, the
+Iudge demandeth of the accuser, whether he hath any more to say for
+himselfe: he answereth, that he will trie the matter in fight by his
+Champion, or else intreateth, that in fight betwixt themselues the matter
+may be ended: which being graunted, they both fight it out: or if both of
+them, or either of them seeme vnfit for that kinde of triall, then they
+haue publike Champions to be hired, which liue by ending of quarrels. These
+Champions are armed with yron axes, and speares, and fight on foote, and he
+whose Champion is ouercome, is by and by taken, and imprisoned, and
+terribly handled, vntill he agree with his aduersarie. But if either of
+them be of any good calling, and degree, and doe challenge one another to
+fight, the Iudge granteth it: in which case they may not vse publike
+Champions. And he that is of any good birth, doth contemne the other, if he
+be basely borne, and wil not fight with him. If a poore man happen to grow
+in debt, his Creditor takes him, and maketh him pay the debt, in working
+either to himselfe, or to some other man, whose wages he taketh vp. And
+there are some among them, that vse willingly to make themselues, their
+wiues, and children, bondslaues vnto rich men, to haue a little money at
+the first into their hands, and so for euer after content themselues with
+meate and drinke: so little accompt doe they make of libertie.
+
+
+Of punishments vpon theeues.
+
+If any man be taken vpon committing of theft, he is imprisoned, and often
+beaten, but not hanged for the first offence, as the manner is with vs: and
+this they call the lawe of mercie. He that offendeth the second time hath
+his nose cut off, and is burnt in the forehead with a hot yron. The third
+time, he is hanged. There are many cutpurses among them, and if the rigour
+of the Prince did not cut them off they could not be auoyded.
+
+
+Of their religion.
+
+They maintaine the opinions of the Greeke Church: they suffer no grauen
+images of saints in their Churches, but their pictures painted in tables
+they haue in great abundance, which they do adore and offer vnto, and burne
+waxe candles before them, and cast holy water vpon them, without other
+honour. They say that our images which are set vp in Churches, and carued,
+haue no diuinitie in them. In their priuate houses they haue images for
+their household saints, and for the most part, they are put in the darkest
+place of the house: hee that comes into his neighbours house doth first
+salute his saints, although he see them not. If any foorme or stoole stand
+in his way, hee oftentimes beateth his browe vpon the same, and often
+ducking downe with his head, and body, worshippeth the chiefe Image. The
+habite, and attire of the Priests, and of the Lay men, doth nothing at all
+differ: as for marriage, it is forbidden to no man: onely this is receiued
+and held amongst them for a rule, and custome, that if a Priests wife doe
+die, he may not marry againe, nor take a second wife: and therefore they of
+secular Priests, as they call them, are made Monkes, to whom then chastitie
+for euer is commanded. Their diuine seruice is all done and said in their
+owne language, that euery man may vnderstand it: they receiue the Lords
+Supper with leauened bread, and after the consecration, they carry it about
+the Church in a saucer, and prohibite no man from receiuing and taking of
+it, that is willing so to doe. They vse both the Olde and the Newe
+Testament, and read both in their owne language, but so confusedly, that
+they themselues that doe reade, vnderstand not what themselues doe say: and
+while any part of either Testament is read, there is liberty giuen by
+custome to prattle, talke, and make a noise: but in the time of the rest of
+the seruice they vse very great silence and reuerence and behaue themselues
+very modestly, and in good sort. As touching the Lords praier, the tenth
+man amongst them knowes it not: and for the articles of our faith, and the
+ten commandements, no man, or at the least very fewe of them doe either
+know them or can say them: their opinion is, that such secrete and holy
+things as they are should not rashly and imprudently be communicated with
+the common people. They holde for a maxime amongst them, that the olde
+Lawe, and the commandements also are abolished by the death and blood of
+Christ: all studies and letters of humanitie they vtterly refuse:
+concerning the Latine, Greeke, and Hebrew tongues, they are altogether
+ignorant in them.
+
+Euery yeere they celebrate foure seuerall fastes, which they call according
+to the names of the Saints: the first beginnes with them, at the time that
+our Lent beginnes. The second is called amongst them the fast of S. Peter.
+The third is taken from the day of the Virgin Marie. And the fourth and
+last begins vpon S. Philips day. But as we begin our Lent vpon Wednesday,
+so they begin theirs vpon the Sunday. Vpon the Saturday they eate flesh:
+whensoeuer any of those fasting feastes doe drawe neere, looke what weeke
+doth immediately goe before them, the same weeke they liue altogether vpon
+white meates, and in their common language they call those weekes, the fast
+of Butter.
+
+In the time of their fasts, the neighbours euery where goe from one to
+another, and visite one another, and kisse one another with kisses of
+peace, in token of their mutuall loue and Christian concord: and then also
+they doe more often then at any other time goe to the holy Communion. When
+seuen dayes are past, from the beginning of the fast, then they doe often
+either goe to their Churches, or keepe themselues at home, and vse often
+prayer: and for that seuennight they eate nothing but hearbes: but after
+that seuennights fast is once past, then they returne to their old
+intemperancie of drinking, for they are notable tospots. As for the keeping
+of their fasting dayes, they doe it very streightly, neither doe they eate
+any thing besides hearbes, and salt fish, as long as those fasting dayes
+doe endure: but vpon euery Wednesday and Friday, in euery weeke thoughout
+the yeere, they fast.
+
+There are very many Monasteries of the order of S. Benedict, amongst them,
+to which many great liuings, for their maintenance, doe belong: for the
+Friers and the Monkes doe at the least possesse the third part of the
+liuings, throughout the whole Moscouite Empire. To those Monkes that are of
+this Order, there is amongst them a perpetuall prohibition, that they may
+eate no flesh: and therefore their meate is onely salt fish, milke, and
+butter: neither is it permitted them by the lawes, and customes of their
+religion, to eate any fresh fish at all: and at those foure fasting times,
+whereof we spake before, they eate no fish at all: onely they liue with
+hearbes, and cucumbers, which they doe continually for that purpose cause
+and take order to grow and spring, for their vse and diet.
+
+As for their drinke, it is very weake, and small. For the discharge of
+their office, they do euery day say seruice, and that early in the mornings
+before day: and they doe in such sort, and with such obseruation begin
+their seruice, that they will be sure to make an ende of it, before day:
+and about nine of the clocke in the morning they celebrate the Communion.
+When they haue so done, they goe to dinner, and after dinner they goe
+againe to seruice, and the like also after supper: and in the meane time
+while they are at dinner there is some exposition or interpretation of the
+Gospel vsed.
+
+Whensoeuer any Abbot of any monasterie dieth, the Emperour taketh all his
+housholde stuffe, beastes, flockes of sheepe, golde, siluer, and all that
+he hath: or els hee that is to succeede him in his place and dignitie doth
+redeeme all those things, and buyeth them of the Emperour for money.
+
+Their churches are built of timber, and the towers of their churches for
+the most part are centered with shingle boordes. At the doores of their
+churches, they vsually build some entrance or porch as we doe, and in their
+churchyardes they erect a certain house of woode, wherein they set vp their
+bels, wherein sometimes they haue but one, in some two, and in some also
+three.
+
+There is one vse and custome amongst them, which is strange and rare, but
+yet it is very ridiculous, and that is this: when any man dyeth amongst
+them, they take the dead body and put it in a coffine or chest, and in the
+hand of the corps they put a little scroule, and in the same there are
+these wordes written, that the same man died a Russe of Russes, hauing
+receiued the faith, and died in the same. This writing or letter they say
+they send to S. Peter, who receiuing it (as they affirme) reades it, and by
+and by admits him into heauen, and that his glory and place is higher and
+greater than the glory of the Christians of the Latine church, reputing
+themselues to be followers of a more sincere faith and religion than they:
+they hold opinion that we are but halfe Christians, and themselues onely to
+be the true and perfect church: these are the foolish and childish dotages
+of such ignorant Barbarians.
+
+
+Of the Moscouites that are Idolaters, dwelling neere to Tartaria.
+
+There is a certaine part of Moscouie bordering vpon the countreys of the
+Tartars, wherein those Moscouites that dwell are very great idolaters: they
+haue one famous idole amongst them, which they call the Golden old wife:
+and they haue a custome that whensoeuer any plague or any calamity doth
+afflict the country, as hunger, warre, or such like, then they goe to
+consult with their idol, which they do after this manner: they fall down
+prostrate before the idol, and pray vnto it, and put in the presence of the
+same, a cymbal: and about the same certaine persons stand, which are chosen
+amongst them by lot: vpon their cymball they place a siluer tode, and sound
+the cymball, and to whomsoeuer of those lotted persons that tode goeth, he
+is taken, and by and by slaine: and immediately, I know not by what
+illusions of the deuill or idole, he is againe restored to life, and then
+doth reueale and deliuer the causes of the present calamitie. And by this
+meanes knowing how to pacifie the idole, they are deliuered from the
+imminent danger.
+
+
+Of the forme of their priuate houses, and of the apparell of the people.
+
+The common houses of the countrey are euery where built of beames of Firre
+tree: the lower beames doe so receiue the round hollownesse of the
+vppermost, that by the meanes of the building thereupon, they resist, and
+expell all winds that blow, and where the timber is ioined together, there
+they stop the chinks with mosse. The forme and fashion of their houses in
+al places is foure square, with streit and narrow windoes, whereby with a
+transparent casement made or couered with skinne like to parchment, they
+receiue the light The roofes of their houses are made of boords couered
+without with ye barke of trees: within their houses they haue benches or
+griezes hard by their wals, which commonly they sleepe vpon, for the common
+people knowe not the vse of beds: they haue stoues wherein in the morning
+they make a fire, and the same fire doth either moderately warme, or make
+very hote the whole house.
+
+The apparell of the people for the most part is made of wooll, their caps
+are picked like vnto a rike or diamond, broad beneath, and sharpe vpward.
+In the maner of making whereof, there is a signe and representation of
+nobilitie: for the loftier or higher their caps are, the greater is their
+birth supposed to be, and the greater reuerence is giuen them by the common
+people.
+
+
+The conclusion to Queen Marie.
+
+These are the things most excellent Queene, which your Subiects newly
+returned from Russia haue brought home concerning the state of that
+countrey: wherfore if your maiestie shall be fauourable, and grant a
+continuance of the trauell, there is no doubt but that the honour and
+renowne of your name will be spred amongst those nations, whereunto three
+onely noble personages from the verie creation haue had accesse, to whom no
+man hath bene comparable.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The copie of the Duke of Moscouie and Emperour of Russia his letters, sent
+  to King Edward the sixt, by the hands of Richard Chancelour.
+
+The Almighty power of God, and the incomprehensible holy Trinitie,
+rightfull Christian beliefe, &c. We great Duke Iuan Vasiliuich, [Marginal
+note: Iuan Vasiluich, that is to say, Iohn the sonne of Basilius.] by the
+grace of God great lord and Emperor of all Russia, great Duke of Volodemer,
+Mosco, and Nouograd, King of Kazan, King of Astracan, lord of Plesko, and
+great duke of Smolensko, of Twerria, Ioughoria, Permia, Vadska, Bulghoria,
+and others, lord and great duke of Nouograd in the Low countrey of
+Chernigo, Resan, Polotskoy, Rostoue, Yaruslaueley, Bealozera, Liefland,
+Oudoria, Obdoria, and Condensa, Commander of all Siberia, and of the North
+parts, and lord of many other countries, greeting. Before all, right great
+and worthy of honour Edward King of England &c. according to our most
+hearty and good zeale with good intent and friendly desire, and according
+to our holy Christian faith, and great gouernance, and being in the light
+of great vnderstanding, our answere by this our honourable writing vnto
+your kingly gouernance, at the request of your faithfull seruant Richard
+Chancelour, with his company, as they shall let you wisely know, is this.
+In the strength of the twentieth yeere of our gouernance, be it knowen that
+at our sea coastes arriued a shippe, with one Richard, and his companie,
+and sayd, that hee was desirous to come into our dominions, and according
+to his request, hath seene our Maiestie, and our eyes: [Marginal note: That
+is, come into our presence.] and hath declared vnto vs your Maiesties
+desire, as that we should grant vnto your subiects, to goe and come, and in
+our dominions, and among our subiects, to frequent free Marts, with all
+sortes of marchandizes, and vpon the same to haue wares for their returne.
+And they haue also deliuered vs your letters, which declare the same
+request. And hereupon we haue giuen order, that wheresoeuer your faithful
+seruant Hugh Willoughbie land or touch in our dominions, to be wel
+entertained, who as yet is not arriued, as your seruant Richard can
+declare.
+
+And we with Christian beliefe and faithfulnes, and according to your
+honourable request, and my honourable commandement will not leaue it
+vndone: and are furthermore willing that you send vnto vs your ships and
+vessels, when and as often as they may haue passage, with good assurance on
+our part to see them harmlesse. And if you send one of your maiesties
+counsel to treate with vs whereby your countrey marchants may with all
+kinds of wares, and where they wil make their market in our dominions, they
+shall haue their free Marte with all free liberties through my whole
+dominions with all kinde of wares to come and goe at their pleasure,
+without any let, damage or impediment, according to this our letter, our
+word and our seale which we haue commaunded to be vnder sealed. Written in
+our dominion, in our citie and our palace in the castle of Mosco, in the
+yeare 7060, the second moneth of February.
+
+[This letter was written in the Moscouian tongue, in letters much like to
+the Greeke letters, very faire written in paper, with a broad seale hanging
+at the same, sealed in paper vpon waxe. This seale was much like the broad
+seale of England, hauing on the one side the image of a man on horseback in
+compleate harnesse fighting with a dragon. Vnder this letter was another
+paper written in the Dutch tongue, which was the interpretation of the
+other written in the Moscouian letters. These letters were sent the next
+yere after the date of king Edwards letters, 1554.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The letters of king Philip and Queene Marie to Iuan Vasiliuich the Emperour
+  of Russia written the first of April 1555 and in the second voyage.
+
+Philip and Marie by the grace of God, King and Queene of England, France,
+Naples, Ierusalem, and Ireland, defenders of the faith, Princes of Spaine
+and Sicilie, Archdukes of Austrich, Dukes of Burgundie, Millaine, and
+Brabant, Counties of Haspurge, Flanders, and Tiroll: To the right High,
+right Mightie, and right excellent Prince, garnished with all gifts of
+nature, by Gods grace Iohn Vasiliuich Emperour of all Russia, great Duke of
+Volodemer, Mosco, and Nouogrod, King of Cazan, King of Astracan, Lord of
+Plesco, and great Duke of Smolensko, of Tueria, Ioughoria, Permia, Vadska,
+Bulghoria, and others, Lorde and great Duke of Nouogrod of the lowe
+Countrey, of Chernigo, Rezan, Polotskay, Rostoue, Yeraslaue, Bealozera,
+Liefland. Oudoria, Obdoria, and Condensa, Commander of all Siberia, and of
+the North partes, and lord of many other countreys, greeting. Whereas by
+the consent and license of our most deare and entirely beloued late
+brother, King Edward the sixt, whose soule God pardon, sundrie of our
+subiects marchants of the citie of London within this our realme of England
+did at their owne proper costs and aduenture furnish three shippes to
+discouer, serch and find lands, Islands, regions, and territories before
+this aduenture not knowen, ne commonly haunted and frequented by seas. The
+one of the which three shippes, named the Edward Bonauenture, (whereof our
+right welbeloued Richard Chancelour was then gouernour and great Captaine)
+chanced by the grace of God, and the good conduct of the sayd Chancelour to
+arriue and winter in the North part of your Empire of Russia. Forasmuch as
+we be credibly informed by the report of our trustie and welbeloued
+subiect, that your Maiestie did not onely call him and certaine of his
+company to your emperiall presence and speech, entertayned and banqueted
+them with all humanitie and gentlenes but also being thereunto requested
+partly by the letters of our said brother, and partly by request of the
+sayd Richard Chancelour haue by your letters patents vnder your seale among
+other things granted: That all such marchants as shall come forth of anie
+of our realms of England or Ireland with al maner of wares, if they wil
+trauel or occupie within your dominions, the same marchants with their
+marchandises in al your lordship may freely, and at their libertie trauaile
+out and in without hindrance or any maner of losse: And of your farther
+ample goodnesse haue promised that our ambassadours, if wee send any, shall
+with free good will passe to and from you without any hindrance or losse,
+with such message as shall come vnto you, and to returne the same to our
+kingdomes well answered, as by the same your letters, written in your
+lordly Palace and Castle of Mosco in the yeere 7063 [Footnote: Should be
+7060.] the moneth of Februarie, more at large appeareth. Like as wee cannot
+but much commend your princely fauour and goodnesse, and in like manner
+thank you for the abundant grace, extended to the sayd Richard Chancelour,
+and others our subiects marchants: Euen so these are to pray and request
+you to continue the same beneuolence toward them, and other our marchants
+and subiects, which doe or heereafter shall resorte to your countrey: And
+for the more assurance and incouragement to trade and exercise the feate of
+marchandise with your subiects and all other marchants within your
+dominions, that it may please you at this our contemplation to assigne and
+authorise such Commissaries as you shall thinke meete to trade and conferre
+with our welbeloued subiects and marchants, the sayd Richard Chancelour,
+George Killingworth, and Richard Graie, bearers of these our letters: who
+are by vs authorised for that purpose: and to confirme and graunt such
+other liberties and priuiledges vnto the Gouernour, Consuls, Assistants,
+and Communaltie of the fellowship of the saide Marchants, as the said
+bearers in their name propone and require by you to be granted for their
+safe conduct, good gouernment, and order to bee erected and continued among
+them in your saide dominions; And this with such your clemencie and
+expedition, as we, vpon the next arriuall of the saide Richard Chancelour
+may bee enformed of your gracious disposition and answere. Which your
+beneuolences so to bee extended, wee bee minded to requite towards any your
+subiects Marchants, that shal frequent this our realme at your
+contemplation therefore to be made. Thus right high, right Excellent, and
+right mightie, Almightie God the Father, the Sonne and the holy Ghost haue
+you in his blessed keeping. Giuen vnder our seale at our Palace of
+Westminster, the first of April, in the yeere from the blessed incarnation
+of our Sauiour Iesus Christ, 1555. and in the first and second yeeres of
+our reignes.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Articles conceiued and determined for the Commission of the Merchants of
+  this company residant in Russia, and at the Wardhouse, for the second
+  voyage, 1555. the first of May, as followeth.
+
+First, the Gouernour, Consuls, Assistants and whole company assembled this
+day in open court, committeth and authorizeth Richard Gray and George
+Killingworth, iointly and seuerally to be Agents, Factors, and Atturneis
+generall and speciall, for the whole body of this company, to buy, sel,
+trucke, change and permute al, and every kind and kindes of wares,
+marchandises and goods to the said company appertaining, now laden and
+shipped in the good ship called the Edward Bonauenture, appointed for
+Russia, the same to vtter and sell to the best commoditie, profit and
+aduantage of the said corporation, be it for ready money, wares and
+merchandises, or truck, presently, or for time, as occasion and benefit of
+the company shal require: and all such wares as they or either of them shal
+buy, trucke, or prouide, or cause to be bought for the company to lade them
+homeward in good order and condition, as by prudent course of marchandises,
+shall, and ought to appertaine, which article extendeth also to Iohn Brooke
+for the Wardhouse, as in the 17. and 18. articles of this commission
+appeareth.
+
+2. Item, it is also committed, as aboue, to the said Agents, to binde and
+charge the said company by debt for wares vpon credit, as good opportunitie
+and occasion shal serue, with power to charge and bind the said company,
+and their successors, for the paiments of such things as shalbe taken vp
+for credite, and the said Agents to be relieued ab opere satis dandi.
+
+3. Item full authoritie and power is committed to the said first named
+factors, together with Richard Chancelor grand Pilot of this fleete, to
+repaire to the Emperors court, there to present the king and Queenes
+Maiesties letters, written in Greeke, Polish, and Italian, and to giue and
+exhibite the marchants presents at such time and place as shalbe thought
+most expedient, they, or one of them to demand, and humbly desire of the
+Emperour such further grants and priuiledges to be made to this companie,
+as may be beneficiall for the same, to continue in traffike with his
+subiects, according to such instructions as bee in this behalfe deuised and
+deliuered to the Agents whereunto relation is to be had, and some one of
+these persons to attend vpon the court for the obtaining of the same, as to
+their discretions shalbe thought good.
+
+4. Item, that all the saide Agents doe well consider, ponder and weigh such
+articles as bee deliuered to them to know the natures, dispositions, lawes,
+customes, maners and behauiours of the people of the countries where they
+shal traffike, as well of the Nobilitie as of the Lawyers, Marchants,
+Mariners and common people, and to note diligently the subtilties of their
+bargaining, buying and selling, making as fewe debtes as possiblie may bee,
+and to bee circumspect, that no lawe neither of religion nor positiue bee
+broken or transgressed by them or any minister vnder them, ne yet by any
+mariner or other person of our nation, and to foresee that all tolles,
+customes, and such other rites be so duely paid, that no forfeiture or
+confiscation may ensue to our goods either outward or inward, and that al
+things passe with quiet, without breach of the publike peace or common
+tranquilitie of any of the places where they shall arriue or traffique.
+
+5. Item, that prouision bee made in Mosco or elsewhere, in one or mo good
+townes, where good trade shall be found for a house or houses for the
+Agents, and companie to inhabite and dwell at your accustomed diets, with
+warehouses, sellers, and other houses of offices requisite, and that none
+of the inferiour ministers of what place or vocation soeuer he be, doe lie
+out of the house of the Agents without licence to be giuen, and that euery
+inferiour officer shalbe obedient to the orders, rules and gouernments of
+the said Agents, and in case any disobedient person shall be found among
+any of them, then such person to be punished for his misbehauiour, at the
+discretion of the said Agents, or of one of them in the absence of the
+other.
+
+6. Item, if any person of the said ministers shall be of such pride or
+obstinacie, that after one or two honest admonitions, hee will not bee
+reformed nor reconciled from his faultes, then the saide Agents to displace
+euery such person from the place or roume to him heere committed, and some
+other discreete person to occupie the same, as to the saide Agents by their
+discretions shal seeme meete.
+
+7. Item, if any person shall be found so arrogant, that he will not be
+ordered nor reformed by the said Agents or by one of them in the absence of
+the other, then the sayde person to bee deliuered to the Iustice of the
+countrey, to receiue such punishment, as the lawes of the countrey doe
+require.
+
+8. Item, that the Agents and factours shall daily one houre in the morning
+conferre and consult together what shall bee most conuenient and beneficial
+for the companie, and such orders as they shall determine, to bee written
+by the Secretarie of the companie in a booke to bee prouided for that
+purpose, and no inferiour person to infringe and breake any such order or
+deuise, but to obserue the same exactly, vpon such reasonable paine as the
+Agents shall put him to by discretion.
+
+9. Item, that the said Agents shall in the ende of euerie weeke, or oftener
+as occasion shall require, peruse, see, and trie, not onely the Casshers,
+bookes, reckonings and accounts, firming the same with their handes, but
+also shall receiue and take weekly the account of euery other officer, as
+well of the Vendes, as of the empteous, and also of the state of the
+houshold expenses, making thereof a perfect declaration as shall
+appertaine, the same accounts also to bee firmed by the saide Agents hands.
+
+10. Item, that no inferior minister shall take vpon him to make any
+bargains or sale of any wares, marchandises or goods, but by the Commission
+and Warrantise of the sayde Agents vnder their handes, and hee not to
+transgresse his Commission by any way, pretense or colour.
+
+11. Item, that euery inferiour minister, that is to vnderstand, all Clerks
+and yong merchants, being at the order of the saide Agents, shall ride,
+goe, saile and trauaile to all such place, and places, as they or hee shall
+be appointed vnto by the saide Agents, and effectually to follow and do all
+that which to him or them shall be committed, well and truely to the most
+benefite of the company, according to the charge to him or them committed,
+euen as by their othes, dueties and bondes of their masters they be bounden
+and charged to doe.
+
+12. Item, that at euery moneths end, all accounts and reckonings shalbe
+brought into perfect order, into the Lidger or memoriall, and the decrees,
+orders, and rules of the Agents together with the priuileges, and copies of
+letters, may and shall be well and truely written by the secretarie, in
+such forme as shalbe appointed for it, and that copies of all their doings
+may be sent home with the said ship at her returne.
+
+13. Item, that all the Agents doe diligently learne and obserue all kinde
+of wares, as wel naturals as forrein, that be beneficiall for this Realme,
+to be sold for the benefit of the company, and what kinde of our
+commodities and other things of these West partes bee most vendible in
+those Realmes with profite, giuing a perfect aduise of all such things
+requisite.
+
+14. Item, if the Emperour will enter into bargain with you for the whole
+masse of your stock, and will haue the trade of it to vtter to his owne
+subiects, then debating the matter prudently among your selues, set such
+high prises of your commodities, as you may assure your selues to be
+gainers in your owne wares, and yet to buy theirs at such base prises, as
+you may here also make a commoditie and gaine at home, hauing in your
+mindes the notable charges that the companie haue diffrayed in aduancing
+this voyage: and the great charges that they sustaine dayly in wages,
+victuals and other things: all which must bee requited by the wise handling
+of this voyage, which being the first president shalbe a perpetual
+president for euer: and therefore all circumspection is to be vsed, and
+foreseene in this first enterprise, which God blesse and prosper vnder you,
+to his glorie, and the publike wealth of this Realme, whereof the Queenes
+Maiestie, and the Lords of the Councell haue conceiued great hope, whose
+expectations are not to be frustrated.
+
+15. Item, it is to be had in minde, that you vse all wayes and meanes
+possible to learne howe men may passe from Russia, either by land or by sea
+to Cathaia, and what may be heard of our other ships, and to what knowledge
+you may come, by conferring with the learned or well trauailed persons,
+either naturall or forrein, such as haue trauailed from the North to the
+South.
+
+16. Item, it is committed to the said Agents, that if they shall be
+certified credibly, that any of our said first ships be arriued in any
+place whereunto passage is to be had by water or by land, that then
+certaine of the company at the discretion of the Agents shall bee appointed
+to be sent to them, to learne their estate and condition, to visite,
+refresh, relieue, and furnish them with all necessaries and requisites, at
+the common charges of the companie, and to imbrace, accept, and intreat
+them as our deare and wel-beloued brethren of this our societie, to their
+reioycing and comfort, aduertising Syr Hugh Willoughbie and others of our
+carefulnes of them and their long absence, with our desire to heare of
+them, with all other things done in their absence for their commoditie, no
+lesse then if they had bene present.
+
+17. Item, it is decreed, that when the ships shal arriue at this going
+foorth at the Wardhouse, that their Agents, with master Chancelor grand
+pilot, Iohn Brooke, merchant, deputed for the Wardhouse, with Iohn Buckland
+master of the Edward, Iohn Howlet master, and Iohn Robins pilot of the
+Philip and Marie, shall conferre and consult together, what is most
+profitable to be done therfore for the benefit of the company, and to
+consider whether they may bargaine with the captaine of the castle, and the
+inhabitants in that place, or alongst the coast for a large quantitie of
+fish, drie or wet, killed by the naturals, or to be taken by our men at a
+price reasonable for trucke of cloth, meale, salt, or beere, and what
+traine oyle, or other commodity is to be had there at this time, or any
+other season of the yeere, and whether there will be had or found
+sufficient lading for both the sayd shippes, to be bought there, and how
+they may conferre with the naturals for a continuance in hanting the place,
+if profit wil so arise to the company, and to consider whether the Edward
+in her returne may receiue at the Wardhouse any kind of lading homeward,
+and what it may amount vnto, and whether it shall be expedient for the
+Philip to abide at the Wardhouse the returne of the Edward out of Russia,
+or getting that she may returne with the first good wind to England,
+without abiding for the Edward, and so to conclude and accord certainely
+among themselues vpon their arriuall, that the certaintie may (vpon good
+deliberation) be so ordered and determined betweene both ships, that the
+one may be assured of the other, and their determinations to be put in
+writing duplicate to remaine with ech ship, according to such order as
+shall be taken betweene them.
+
+18. Item, that Iohn Brooke our marchant for the Wardhouse take good aduise
+of the rest of our Agents, how to vse himselfe in al affaires, whiles the
+ship shalbe at the Wardhouse, he to see good order to be kept, make
+bargains aduisedly, not crediting the people vntill their natures,
+dispositions and fidelities shal be well tried, make no debts, but to take
+ware for ware in hand, and rather be trusted then to trust. Note diligently
+what be the best wares for those parts, and howe the fishe falleth on the
+coast, and by what meane it is to bee bought at the most aduantage, what
+kindes and diuersities of sortes in fishes be, and whether it will keepe
+better in bulke piled, or in caske.
+
+19. Item, he to haue a diligent eye and circumspection to the beere, salt,
+and other liquid wares, and not to suffer any waste to be made by the
+companie, and he in all contracts to require aduise, counsel, and consent
+of the master and pilot, the marchant to be our houswife, as our special
+trust is in him, he to tender that no lawes nor customes of the countrey be
+broken by any of the company, and to render to the prince, and other
+officers, all that which to them doth appertaine, the company to be quiet,
+voide of all quarrelling, fighting, or vexation, absteine from all excesse
+of drinking as much as may bee, and in all to vse and behaue themselues as
+to quiet marchants doeth, and ought to apperteine.
+
+20. Item, it is decreed by the companie, that the Edward shall returne home
+this yeere with as much wares as may be conueniently, and profitably
+prouided, bought, and laden in Russia, and the rest to be taken in at the
+Wardhouse, as by the Agents shall be accorded. But by all meanes it is to
+be foreseene and noted, that the Edward returne home, and not to winter in
+any forrein place, but to come home and bring with her all the whole
+aduertisements of the marchants, with such further aduise for the next
+yeeres prouision, as they shall giue.
+
+21. Item, it is further decreed and ordeined, inuiolably to be obserued,
+that when the good ships, or either of them (by Gods grace) shall returne
+home to the coastes of England, that neither of them shall stay or touch in
+any Hauen or Port of England, other wise then wind and weather shall serue,
+but shall directly saile and come to the Port of the citie of London, the
+place of their right discharge, and that no bulke be broken, hatches
+opened, chest, fardell, trusse, barrel, fat, or whatsoeuer thing it shall
+be, be brought out of the shippe, vntill the companie shall giue order for
+the same, and appoint such persons of the companie as shall be thought meet
+for that purpose, to take viewe, and consider the shippe and her lading and
+shall giue order for the breaking vp of the saide bulke, or giue licence by
+discretion, for things to be brought to land. And that euery officer shall
+shewe the inuoise of his charge to him first committed, and to examine the
+wastes and losses, and to deliuer the remainder to the vse and benefit of
+the company, according to such order as shall be appointed in that behalfe.
+
+22. Item, the company exhorteth, willeth, and requireth, not onely all the
+said Agents, pilots, masters, marchants, clerkes, boatswaines, stewards,
+skafemasters, and all other officers and ministers of this present voyage,
+being put in charge and trust daily to peruse, reade, and studie such
+instructions as be made, giuen, and deliuered to them for perfect knowledge
+of the people of Russia, Moscouia, Wardhouse and other places, their
+dispositions, maners, customes, vses, tolles, cariages, coines, weights,
+numbers, measures, wares, merchandises, commodities, and incommodities, the
+one to be accepted and imbraced, the other to be reiected and vtterly
+abandoned, to the intent that euery man taking charge, may be so well
+taught, perfited, and readily instructed in all the premisses, that by
+ignorance, no losse or preiudice may grow or chance to the company:
+assuring themselues, that for asmuch as the company hath trauelled and
+laboured so in these their instructions to them giuen, that euery man may
+bee perfect, and fully learned to eschew all losses, hurts and damages that
+may insue by pretence or colour of none knowledge, the company entendeth
+not to allow, or accept ignorance for any lawfull or iust cause of excuse,
+in that which shall be misordered by negligence, the burden whereof shall
+light vpon the negligent offending person, especially vpon such as of their
+owne heads, or temeritie, will take vpon him or them to doe or to attempt
+any thing, whereby preiudice may arise, without the commission of the
+Agents as aboue is mentioned, whereunto relation must be had.
+
+23. Forasmuch as it is not possible to write and indite such prescribed
+orders, rules and commissions to the Agents and factours, but that
+occasion, time and place, and the pleasures of the princes, together with
+the operation or successe of fortune shall change or shift the same,
+although not in the whole, yet in part, therefore the said company doe
+commit to you their deare and intire beloued Agents and factors to doe in
+this behalfe for the commodity and wealth of this company, as by your
+directions, vpon good aduised deliberations shalbe thought good and
+beneficiall. Prouided alwayes, that the honour, good name, fame, credite,
+and estimation of the same companie be conserued and preserued: which to
+confirme we beseech the liuing Lord to his glory, the publike benefite of
+this realme, our common profits, and your praises.
+
+Finally for the seruice, and due accomplishment of all the premisses, euery
+Agent and minister of and for this voyage, hath not onely giuen a corporall
+othe vpon the Euangelists, to obserue, and cause to be obserued, this
+commission, and euery part, clause and sentence of the same, as much as in
+him lyeth, as well for his owne part as for any other person, but also haue
+bounde themselues and their friendes to the companie in seuerall summes of
+money, expressed in the actes and records of this societie, for the trueth
+and fidelities of them, for the better, and also manifester testification
+of the trueth, and of their othes, promises, and bands aforesaid, they haue
+to this commission subscribed particularly their seuerall hands, and the
+company also in confirmation of the same, haue set their seale. Yeuen the
+day, moneth, and yeeres first aboue mentioned.
+
+
+The othe ministred to the seruants of the fellowship.
+
+Ye sweare by the holy contents of that booke, that ye shal wel, faithfully
+and truely, and vprightly, and with all your indeuour, serue this right
+worshipfull company in that order, which by this fellowships Agent or
+Agents in the dominions of the Emperours of Russia, &c. shall bee vnto you
+committed, by commission, commandement, or other his direction. And that
+you shall bee obedient and faithfull to the same our Agent or Agents, and
+that well, and truely and vprightly according to the commission, charge,
+commandement, or other direction of the said Agent or Agents to you from
+time to time giuen and to be giuen, you shall prosecute and doe all that
+which in you lieth, for the good renowme, commoditie, benefite and profite
+of the said fellowship: and you shall not directly or indirectly, openly or
+couertly doe, exercise or vse any trade or feate of marchandises for your
+owne priuate account, commodity, gaine or profite, or for the account of or
+for any other person or persons, without consent or licence of this said
+fellowship, first obtained in writing. And if you shall know or vnderstand
+any other person or persons to vse, exercise or doe any trade, traffike or
+feat of marchandise, to or for his or their own account or accounts, at any
+time or times hereafter, that then ye shall truely and plainly disclose,
+open, vtter and reueale, and shew the same vnto this said fellowship,
+without fraude, colour, couin or delay: So helpe you God, &c.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The letter of M. George Killingworth the companies first Agent in Moscouie,
+  touching their interteinement in their second voyage. Anno 1555. the 27.
+  of Nouember in Mosco.
+
+Right worshipful, my duetie, considered, &c. It may please your worship to
+vnderstand, that at the making hereof we all be in good health, thanks be
+to God, saue onely William our cooke as we came from Colmogro fell into the
+river out of the boate, and was drowned. And the 11. day of September wee
+came to Vologda, and there we laide all our wares vp, and sold very little:
+but one marchant would haue giuen vs 12. robles for a broad cloth, and he
+said he would haue had them all, and 4. altines for a pound of sugar, but
+we did refuse it because he was the first, and the marchants were not come
+thither, nor would not come before Winter, trusting to haue more: But I
+feare it will not be much better. Yet notwithstanding we did for the best.
+And the house that our wares lie in costs from that day vntil Easter ten
+robles. And the 28. day of September we did determine with our selues that
+it was good for M. Gray, Arthur Edwards, Thomas Hautory, Christopher
+Hudson, Iohn Segewicke, Richard Ionson, and Richard Iudde, to tarie at
+Vologda, and M. Chancelor, Henry Lane, Edward Prise, Robert Best and I
+should goe to Mosco. And we did lade the Emperours suger, with part of all
+sorts of wares to haue had to the Mosco with vs, but the way was so deepe,
+that we were faine to turne back, and leaue is stil at Vologda till the
+frost. And we went forth with poste horse, and the charge of euery horse
+being stil ten in number, comes to 10 s. 7 d. halfe penie, besides the
+guides. And we came to the Mosco the 4. day of October, and were lodged
+that night in a simple house: but the next day we were sent for to the
+Emperour his secretarie, and he bade vs welcome with a cheerefull
+countenance and cheerefull wordes, and wee shewed him that we had a letter
+from our Queenes grace to the Emperour his grace, and then he desired to
+see them all, and that they might remain with him, to haue them perfect,
+that the true meaning might be declared to the Emperour, and so we did: and
+then we were appointed to a better house: and the seuenth day the secretary
+sent for vs againe, and then he shewed vs that we should haue a better
+house: for it was the Emperour his will, that we should haue all things
+that we did lacke, and did send vs meade of two sorts, and two hens, our
+house free, and euery two dayes to receiue eight hens, seven altines, and
+two pence in money, and meade a certaine, and a poore fellow to make cleane
+our house, and to doe that wherunto we would set him. And wee had giuen
+many rewards before, which you shal perceiue by other, and so we gaue the
+messengers a reward with thanks: and the ninth day we were sent to make vs
+readie to speak, with the Emperour on the morow. And the letters were sent
+vs, that wee might deliuer them our selues, and we came before him the
+tenth day: and before we came to his presence we went thorow a great
+chamber, where stood many small tunnes, pailes, bowles and pots of siluer,
+I meane, like washing bowles, all parsel gilt: and within that another
+chamber, wherein sate (I thinke) neere a hundred in cloth of gold, and then
+into the chamber where his grace sate, and there I thinke were more then in
+the other chamber also in cloth of gold, and we did our duety, and shewed
+his grace our Queenes graces letters, with a note of your present which was
+left in Vologda: and then his grace did aske how our Queenes grace did,
+calling her cousin, saying that hee was glad that wee were come in health
+into his Realme, and we went one by one vnto him, and tooke him by the
+hand, and then his grace did bid vs goe in health, and come to dinner
+againe, and we dined in his presence, and were set with our faces towards
+his grace, and none in the chamber sate with their backes towards him,
+being I thinke neere a hundred at dinner then, and all serued with golde,
+as platters, chargers, pottes, cuppes, and all not slender but very massy,
+and yet a great number of platters of golde, standing still on the
+cupboord, not moued: and diuers times in the dinner time his grace sent vs
+meat and drinke from his owne table, and when we had dined we went vp to
+his grace, and receiued a cuppe with drinke at his owne hand, and the same
+night his grace sent certaine gentlemen to us with diuers sortes of wine
+and mede, to whome wee gaue a rewarde. And afterwarde we were by diuers
+Italians counselled to take heed whom we did trust to make the copie of the
+priuiledges that we would desire to haue, for feare it should not be
+written in the Russie tongue, as we did meane. So first a Russian did write
+for us a breuiat to the Emperor, the tenour wherof was, that we did desire
+a stronger priuilege: and when the Secretary saw it, he did deliuer it to
+his grace, and when we came againe, his grace willed vs to write our minds,
+and hee would see it, and so we did. And his grace is so troubled with
+preparations to warres, that as yet wee haue no answere: but we haue byn
+required of his Secretary, and of the vnder Chancelor, to know what wares
+we had brought into the Realme, and what wares we doe intend to haue, that
+are, or may bee had in this Realme: and we shewed them, and they shewed the
+Emperor therof. And then they said his graces pleasure was, that his best
+marchants of the Mosco should be spoken to, to meet and talk with vs. And
+so a day was appointed, and wee mette in the Secretarie his office, and
+there was the vnder Chancelor, who was not past two yeeres since the
+Emperors marchant, and not his Chancelour: and then the conclusion of our
+talke was, that the Chancelour willed vs to bethinke vs, where we would
+desire to haue a house or houses, that wee might come to them as to our
+owne house, and for marchandize to be made preparation for vs, and they
+would know our prises of our wares and frise: and we answered, that for our
+prices they must see the wares before we coulde make any price thereof, for
+the like in goodnesse hath not bene brought into the Realme, and we did
+looke for an example of all sorts of our wares to come from Vologda, with
+the first sledway, and then they should see them, and then we would shew
+them the prices of them: and likewise we could not tell them what we would
+giue them iustly, till we did knowe as well their iust weights as their
+measures: for in all places where we did come, al weights and measures did
+vary. Then the Secretary (who had made promise vnto vs before) saide, that
+we should haue all the iust measures vnder seale, and he that was found
+faulty in the contrary, to buy or sel with any other measure then that, the
+law was, that he should be punished: he said moreouer, that if it so happen
+that any of our marchants do promise by couenant at any time to deliuer you
+any certain sum of wares in such a place, and of such like goodnesse, at
+such a day, for such a certaine price, and then because of variance, we
+should cause it to be written, according as the bargain is, before a
+iustice or the next ruler to the place: if he did not keepe couenant and
+promise in all points, according to his couenant, that then looke what
+losse or hinderance we could iustly proue that we haue therby, he should
+make it good if he be worth so much: and in like case we must do to them:
+and to that we did agree, saue onely if it were to come ouer the sea, then
+if any such fortune should bee (as God forbid) that the ship should
+mischance or be robbed, and the proofe to be made that such kind of wares
+were laden, the English marchants to beare no losse to the other marchant.
+Then the Chancelor said, me thinks you shall do best to haue your house at
+Colmogro, which is but 100. miles from the right discharge of the ships,
+and yet I trust the ships shall come neerer hereafter, because the ships
+may not tary long for their lading, which is 1000. miles from Vologda by
+water, and all our marchants shall bring all our marchandize to Colmogro to
+you, and so shall our marchants neither go empty nor come empty: for if
+they lacke lading homeward, there is salt, which is good ware here, that
+they may come loden againe. So we were very glad to heare that, and did
+agree to his saying: for we shal neuerthelesse, if we lust, haue a house at
+Vologda, and at the Mosco, yea, and at Nouogrode, or where we wil in
+Rusland: but the three and twentieth of this present we were with the
+Secretary, and then among other talke, we moued, that if we should tary at
+Colmogro with our wares, and should not come to Vologda, or further to
+seeke our market, but tary still at Colmogro, and then the merchants of the
+Mosco and others should not come and bring their wares, and so the ships
+should come, and not haue their lading ready, that then it were a great
+losse and hinderance for vs: then saide hee againe to vs, that the
+marchants had beene againe together with him, and had put the like doubt,
+that if they should come and bring their wares to Colmogro, and that they
+should not find wares there sufficient to serue them, that then they should
+be at great losse and hinderance, they leauing their other trades to fal to
+that: and to that we did answere, that after the time that we do appoint
+with them to bring their wares to Colmogro, God willing, they should neuer
+come thither, but at the beginning of the yere, they should find that our
+marchants would haue at the least for a thousand robles, although the ships
+were not come: so that he saide, that then wee must talke further with the
+marchants: so that as yet I know not, but that we shall haue neede of one
+house at Colmogro, and another at Vologda, and that if they bring not their
+wares to Colmogro, then wee shalbe sure to buy some at Vologda, and to be
+out of bondage.
+
+And thus may we continue three or foure yeeres, and in this space we shall
+know the countrey and the marchants, and which way to saue our selues best,
+and where to plant our houses, and where to seeke for wares: for the Mosco
+is not best for any kind of wares for vs to buy, saue onely waxe, which we
+cannot haue vnder seuen pence the Russe pound, and it lackes two ounces of
+our pound, neither will it be much better cheape, for I haue bidden 6.
+pence for a pound. And I haue bought more, fiue hundred weight of yarne,
+which stands mee in eight pence farthing the Russe pound one with another.
+And if we had receiued any store of money, and were dispatched heere of
+that we tarry for, as I doubt not but we shalbe shortly (you know what I
+meane) then as soone as we haue made sale, I doe intend to goe to Nouogrode
+and to Plesco, whence all the great number of the best tow flaxe, cometh,
+and such wares as are there I trust to buy part. And feare you not but we
+will do that may be done, if God send vs health, desiring you to prepare
+fully for one ship to be ready in the beginning of April to depart off the
+coast of England.
+
+Concerning all those things which we haue done in the wares, you shal
+receiue a perfect note by the next bearer (God willing) for he that carieth
+these from vs is a marchant of Terwill and he was caused to cary these by
+the commandement of the Emperour his secretarie, whose name is Iuan
+Mecallawich Weskawate, whom we take to be our very friend. And if it please
+you to send any letters to Dantiske to Robert Elson, or to William Watson's
+seruant Dunstan Walton to be conueyed to vs, it may please you to inclose
+ours in a letter sent from you to him, written in Polish, Dutch, Latine, or
+Italian: so inclosed, comming to the Mosco to his hands, he wil conuey our
+letters to vs wheresoeuer we be. And I haue written to Dantiske already to
+them for the conueyance of letters from thence.
+
+And to certifie you of the weather here, men say that these hundred yeeres
+was neuer so warme weather in this countrey at this time of the yeere. But
+as yesternight wee receiued a letter from Christopher Hudson [Footnote: Mr.
+John M. Read, in his "Historical Enquiry respecting Henry Hudson," printed
+by the Clarendon Historical Society, is of opinion that both Christopher
+Hudson and the Henry Hudson named in Queeu Mary's Charter as one of the
+founders of the Muscovy Company, were related to the discoverer of Delaware
+Bay. (Clarendon Hist. Soc. Reprints, Series I. p. 149.)] from a citie
+called Yeraslaue, who is comming hither with certaine of our wares, but the
+winter did decieue him, so that he was faine to tarie by the way: and he
+wrote that the Emperours present was deliuered to a gentleman at Vologda,
+and the sled did ouerthrow, and the butte of Hollocke was lost, which made
+vs all very sory.
+
+I pray you be not offended with these my rude letters for lacke of time:
+but assoone as sales be made, I will finde the meanes to conuey you a
+letter with speed: for the way is made so doubtful, that the right
+messenger is so much in doubt, that he would not haue any letters of any
+effect sent by any man, if he might, for he knowes not of these: and to say
+the truth, the way is not for him to trauell in. But I will make another
+shift beside, which I trust shall serue the turne till he come, if sales be
+made before he be readie, which is and shall be as pleaseth God: who euer
+preserue your worship, and send us good sales. Written in haste.
+
+By yours to commaund
+
+GEORGE KILLINGWORTH
+Draper.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+(George Killingworth was furnished with a copy of the following notice of
+  the coines, weights and measures vsed in Russia, written by Iohn Hasse,
+  in the yeere, 1554:--)
+
+Forasrauch as it is most necessary for al marchants which seeks to haue
+traffique in any strange regions, first to acquaint themselues with the
+coines of those lands with which they do intend to ioyne in traffique, and
+how they are called from the valuation of the highest piece to the lowest,
+and in what sort they make their paiments, as also what their common
+weights and measures be: for these causes I haue thought good to write
+something thereof according to mine owne knowledge and experience, to the
+end that, the marchants of that new aduenture, may the better vnderstand
+how the wealth of that new frequented trade will arise.
+
+First, it is to be noted that the Emperour of Russia hath no other coines
+then siluer in all his land, which goeth for paiment amongst merchants, yet
+notwithstanding there is a coine of copper, which serueth for the reliefe
+of the poore in Mosco, and no where els, and that is but only for quasse,
+water and fruit, as nuts, apples, and such other like. The name of which
+money is called Pole or Poles of which Poles there goe to the least of the
+siluer coines, 18. But I will not stand vpon this, because it is no currant
+money among marchants.
+
+Of siluer coines there be three sortes of pieces: the least is a Poledenga,
+the second a Denga, the third, Nowgrote, which is as much to say in English
+as halfepenie, penie and twopence, and for other valued money then this,
+there is none: there are oftentimes there coines of gold, but they come out
+of forrein countreys, whereof there is no ordinarie valuation, but they
+passe according to the agreement of marchants.
+
+Their order in summing of money is this: as we say in England, halfpenie,
+penie, shilling, and pound, so say they Poledenga, Denga, Altine and
+Rubble: there goeth two Poledengas to a Denga, six Dengaes to an Altine,
+and 23 Altines, and two Dengaes to a Rubble.
+
+Concerning the weights of Russia they are these: There are two sortes of
+pounds in vse amongst them, the one great, the other small: the great pound
+is iust two small pounds: they call the great weight by the name of
+Beasemar, and the smal they call the Skalla weight: with this smal weight
+they weigh their siluer coines, of the which the Emperor hath commanded to
+put to euery small pound three Rubbles of siluer, and with the same weight
+they weigh all Grocerie wares, and almost al other wares which come into
+the land, except those which they weigh by the Pode, as hops, salt, iron,
+lead, tinne and batrie with diuers others, notwithstanding they vse to
+weigh batrie more often by the small weight then by the great.
+
+Whensoever you find the prices of your wares rated by the Pode, consider
+that to the great weight, and the pound to be the small. Also they divide
+the small pound into 48 parts, and they call the eight and fortieth part a
+Slotnike, by the which Slotnike the retailers sell their wares out of their
+shops, as Goldsmiths, Grocers, Silkesellers, and such other like as we doe
+vse to retaile by the ounce: and as for their great weight which they cal
+the Beasemar, they sel by pode or shippond. The pode doth containe of the
+great weight, 40 pounds, and of the small 80; there goe 10. podes to a
+shippond.
+
+Yet you must consider that their great weight is not full with ours: for I
+take not their great pound to be full 13 ounces, but aboue 12 I thinke it
+be. But for your iust proofe, weigh 6 Rubbles of Russia money with our
+pound weight, and then shal you see what it lacketh: for 6 Rubbles of
+Russia is by the Emperors standerd, the great pound: so that I thinke it
+the next way to know the iust weight, as well of the great pound as of the
+small.
+
+There is another weight needfull to be knowen, which is the weight of
+Wardhouse, for so much as they weigh all their drie fish by weight, which
+weight is the Baesemar, as they of Russia doe vse, notwithstanding there is
+another sorte in it: the names of those weights are these: the marke pound,
+the great pound, the weie, and the shippond. The marke pound is to be
+vnderstood as our pound, and their great pound is 24 of their marke pound:
+the weie is 3 great pound, and 8 weie is a shippound.
+
+Now concerning their measures. As they haue two sortes of weights, so they
+haue also two sortes of measures: wherewith they measure cloth both linnen
+and wollen: they cal the one an Areshine, and the other a Locut: the
+Areshine I take to bee as much as the Flanders ell, and their Locut halfe
+an English yard: with their Areshine they may mete all such sorts of
+clothes as come into the land, and with the Locut all such cloth both
+linnen and wollen, as they make themselues. And whereas we vse to giue yard
+and inch, or yard and handfull, they do giue nothing but bare measure.
+
+They haue also measure wherewith they doe mete their corne, which they cal
+a Setforth, and the halfe of that an Osmine: this Setforth I take to bee
+three bushels of London measure. And as for their drinke measure, they call
+it a Spanne, which is much like a bucket, and of that I neuer saw any true
+rate, but that some was greater then other some. And as for the measures of
+Wardhouse wherewith they mete their cloth, there is no difference between
+that and the measure of Danske, which is halfe an English ell.
+
+Concerning the tolles and customs of Russia, it was reported to me in
+Moscouia, that the Turkes and Armenians pay the tenth penie custome of all
+the wares they bring into the Emperors land, and aboue that they pay for
+all such goods as they weigh at the Emperours beame, two pence of the
+Rubble, which the buyer or seller must make report to the Master of the
+beame: they also pay a certaine horse toll, which is in diuers places of
+his Realme four pence of a horse.
+
+The Dutch nation are free of this: notwithstanding for certaine offences,
+they had lost their priuiledges which they haue recouered this Summer to
+their great charge. It was reported to me by a Iustice of that countrey,
+that they paied for it thirtie thousand Rubbles, and also that Rye, Dorpte
+and Reuel haue yeelded themselues vnder the gouernment of the Emperor of
+Russia: whether this was a bragge of the Russes or not, I know not, but
+thus he sayd, and in deed whiles we were there, there came a great
+Ambassadour out of Liefland, for the assurance of their priuiledges.
+
+To speake somewhat of the commodities of this countrey, it is to be
+vnderstood, that there is a certaine place foure score miles from the Sea
+called Colmogro: to which place there resorte all the sortes of Wares that
+are in the North parts, as Oyles, Salt, Stockefish, Salmon, Fethers and
+Furres: their Salt they make of saltwater by the sea side: their Oyles they
+make of Seales, whereof they haue great store which is brought out of the
+Bay where our shippes came in: they make it in the Spring of the yeere, and
+bring it to Colmogro to sell, and the marchants there carie it to
+Nouogrode, and so sell it to the Dutch nation. Their Stockefish and Salmon
+commeth from a place called Mallums, not farre from Warehouse: their Salmon
+and their Salt they carrie to Mosco, and their drie fish they carrie to
+Nouogrode, and sell it there to the Lieflanders.
+
+The Furres and Fethers which come to Colmogro, as Sables, Beauers, Minkes,
+Armine, Lettis, Graies, Wooluerings, and white Foxes, with Deere skinnes,
+they are brought thither, by the men of Penninge, Lampas, and Powstezer,
+which fetch them from the Sarnoedes that are counted sauage people: and the
+merchants that bring these Furres doe vse to trucke with the marchants of
+Colmogro for Cloth, Tinne, Batrie, and such other like, and the merchants
+of Colmogro carie them to Nouogrode, Vologda, or Mosco, and sell them
+there. The Fethers which come fom Penning they doe little esteeme.
+
+If our marchants do desire to know the meetest place of Russia for the
+standing house, in mine opinion I take it to be Vologda, which is a great
+towne standing in the heart of Russia, with many great and good towns about
+it. There is great plenty of corne, victuals, and of all such wares as are
+raised in Rusland, but specially, flaxe, hempe, tallow and bacon: there is
+also great store of waxe, but it commeth from the Mosko.
+
+The towne of Vologda is meetest for our marchants, because it lieth amongst
+all the best towns of Russia, and there is no towne in Russia but trades
+with it: also the water is a great commoditie to it. If they plant
+themselues in Mosco or Nouogrode their charge will be great and wonderfull,
+but not so in Vologda: for all things will there be had better cheape by
+the one half. And for their vent, I know no place so meet. It is likely
+that some will think the Mosko to be the meetest by the reason of the
+court, but by that reason I take it to be woorse: for the charge there
+would be so great by crauers and expenses, that the moitie of the profite
+would bee wholly consumed, which in the other place will be saved. And yet
+notwithstanding our marchants may bee there in the Winter to serue the
+Emperour and his court. The Emperour is a great marchant himselfe of waxe
+and sables, which with good foresight may bee procured to their hands: as
+for other commodities there are little or none in Moscovia, besides those
+aboue rehearsed: if there bee other, it is brought thither by the Turkes,
+who will be daintie to buy our clothes considering the charges of cariage
+ouer land.
+
+Our marchants may doe well to prouide for the Russes such wares as the
+Dutch nation doeth serue them of, as Flanders and Holland clothes, which I
+beleeue, they shal serue better and with lesse charge than they of Rye or
+Dorpt, or Reuel: for it is no smal aduenture to bring their clothes out of
+Flanders to either of these places, and their charge not litle to cary them
+ouer lande to Nouogrode, which is from Rye nine hundred Russian miles.
+
+This Nouogrode is a place wel furnished with flaxe, Waxe, Hides, tallow and
+many other things: the best flaxe in Russia is brought thither, and there,
+sold by the hundred bundles, which is done also at Vologda, and they that
+bring the flaxe to Nouogrode, dwell as neere Vologda, as Nouogrode, and
+when they heare of the vtterance which they may haue with our nation, they
+will as willingly come to them as goe to other.
+
+They haue in Russia two sortes of flaxe, the one is called great flaxe, and
+the other small: that which they call great flaxe is better by foure
+rubbles in 100. bundels than the small: It is much longer than the other,
+and cleaner without wood: and whereas of the small flaxe there goe 27. or
+28. bundles to a shippound, there goeth not of the greater sort aboue 22.
+or 24. at the most. There are many other trifles in Russia, as sope, mats,
+&c. but I thinke there will bee no great account made of them.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A copie of the first Priuileges graunted by the Emperour of Russia to the
+  English Marchants in the yeere 1555.
+
+Iohn Vasiliuich, by the grace of God Emperor of Russia, great duke of
+Nouogrode, Moscouia, &c. To all people that shall see, reade, heare or
+vnderstand these presents, greeting. Forasmuch as God hath planted al
+realmes and dominions in the whole world with sundry commodities, so as the
+one hath neede of the amity and commodities of the other, and by means
+thereof traffike is vsed from one to another, and amity therby increased:
+and for that as amongst men nothing is more to be desired than amity,
+without the which no creature being of a naturall good disposition can liue
+in quietnes, so that it is as troublesome to be vtterly wanting, as it is
+perceiued to be grieuous to the body to lacke aire, fire, or any other
+necessaries most requisite for the conseruation and maintenance thereof in
+health: considering also how needfull marchandize is, which furnisheth men
+of all that which is conuenient for their liuing and nouriture, for their
+clothing, trimming, the satisfying of their delights, and all other things
+conuenient and profitable for them, and that marchandize bringeth the same
+commodities from diuers quarters in so great abundance, as by meanes
+thereof, nothing is lacking in any part, and that all things be in euery
+place (where entercourse of marchandizes is receiued and imbraced)
+generally in such sort, as amity thereby is entred into, and planted to
+continue, and the inioyers thereof be as men liuing in a golden world: Vpon
+these respects and other weighty and good considerations, vs hereunto
+mouing, and chiefly vpon the contemplation of the gracious letters,
+directed from the right high, right excellent, and right mighty Queene
+Mary, by the grace of God Queene of England, France, &c. in the fauour of
+her subiects, merchants, the gouernour, consuls, assistants, and
+communaltie of merchants aduenturers for discouery of lands, &c.
+
+Know ye therefore, that we of our grace speciall, meere motion, and
+certaine knowledge, have giuen and graunted, and by these presents for vs,
+our heires and successours, do giue and graunt as much as in vs is and
+lieth, vnto Sebastian Cabota Gouernour, Sir George Barnes knight, &c.
+Consuls: Sir Iohn Gresham, &c. Assistants, and to the communaltie of the
+aforenamed fellowship, and to their successours for euer, and to the
+successours of euerie of them, these articles, graunts, immunities,
+franchises, liberties and priuileges, and euery of them hereafter
+following, expressed and declared. Videlicet:
+
+1. First, we for vs, our heires and successors, do by these presents giue
+and graunt free licence, facultie, authority and power vnto the said
+Gouernour, Consuls, Assistants, and communalty of the said fellowship, and
+to their successors for euer, that all and singular the marchants of the
+same company, their Agents, factours, doers of their businesse, atturneys,
+seruants, and ministers, and euery of them may at all times hereafter for
+euer more surely, freely and safely, with their shippes, merchandizes,
+goods and things whatsoeuer saile, come and enter into all and singular our
+lands, countreis, dominions, cities, townes, villages, castles, portes,
+iurisdictions, and destraicts by sea, land or fresh waters, and there tary,
+abide and soiourne, and buy, sell, barter and change all kind of
+merchandizes with al maner of marchants and people, of whatsoeuer nation,
+rite, condition, state or degrees they be, and with the same or other
+ships, wares, marchandizes, goods and things whatsoeuer they be, vnto other
+empires, kingdomes, dukedomes, parts, and to any other place or places at
+their pleasure and liberty by sea, land or fresh waters may depart, and
+exercise all kinde of merchandizes in our empire and dominions, and euery
+part thereof freely and quietly without any restraint, impeachment, price,
+exaction, prest, straight custome, toll, imposition, or subsidie to be
+demanded, taxed or paid, or at any time hereafter to be demanded, taxed,
+set, leuied or inferred vpon them or any of them, or vpon their goods,
+ships, wares, marchandizes, and things, of, for or vpon any part or parcell
+thereof, or vpon the goods, ships, wares, merchandizes, and things of any
+of them, so that they shall not need any other safe conduct or licence
+generall, ne speciall of vs, our heires or successours, neither shall be
+bound to aske any safe conduct or licence in any of the aforesaid places
+subiect vnto vs.
+
+2. Item, we giue and graunt, to the said marchants this power and liberty,
+that they, ne any of them, ne their goods, wares, marchandizes or things,
+ne any part thereof, shal be by any meanes within our dominions, landes,
+countreyes, castles, townes, villages, or other place or places of our
+iurisdiction, at any time heereafter attached, staied, arrested ne
+disturbed for anie debt, duetie or other thing, for the which they be not
+principall debters or sureties, ne also, for any offence or trespasse
+committed, or that shall be committed, but onely for such as they or any of
+them shall actually commit, and the same offences (if any such happen,)
+shall bee by vs onely heard, and determined.
+
+3. Item, we giue and graunt, that the said Marchants shal and may haue free
+libertie, power and authoritie to name, choose and assigne brokers,
+shippers, packers, weighers, measurers, wagoners, and all other meet and
+necessary laborers for to serue them in their feat of marchandises, and
+minister and giue vnto them and euery of them a corporall othe, to serue
+them well and truely in their offices, and finding them or any of them
+doing contrary to his or their othe, may punish and dismisse them, and from
+time to time choose, sweare, and admit other in their place or places,
+without contradiction, let, vexation or disturbance, either of vs, our
+heires or successors, or of any other our Iustices, officers, ministers or
+subiects whatsoeuer.
+
+4. Item, we giue and graunt vnto the saide Marchants and their successours,
+that such person as is, or shalbe commended vnto vs, our heires or
+successours by the Gouernour, Consuls and assistants of the said fellowship
+residant within the citie of London within the realme of England, to be
+their chiefe Factor within this our empire and dominions, may and shal haue
+ful power and authoritie to gouerne and rule all Englishmen that haue had,
+or shall haue accesse, or repaire in or to this said Empire and
+iurisdictions, or any part thereof, and shal and may minister vnto them,
+and euery of them good iustice in all their causes, plaints, quarrels, and
+disorders between them moued, and to be moued, and assemble, deliberate,
+consult, conclude, define, determine, and make such actes, and ordinances,
+as he so commended with his Assistants shall thinke good and meete for the
+good order, gouernment and rule of the said Marchants, and all other
+Englishmen repairing to this our saide empire or dominions, or any part
+thereof, and to set and leuie vpon all, and euery Englishman, offender or
+offenders, of such their acts and ordinances made, and to be made,
+penalties and mulcts by fine and imprisonment.
+
+5. Item, if it happen that any of the saide Marchants, or other Englishmen,
+as one or more doe rebell against such chiefe Factor or Factors, or his or
+their deputies, and will not dispose him or themselues to obey them and
+euery of them as shall appertaine if the saide Rebels or disobedients doe
+come, and bee founde in our our saide Empire and iurisdictions, or any part
+and place thereof, then wee promise and graunt, that all and euery our
+officers, ministers, and subiects shall effectually ayde and assist the
+saide chiefe Factour or Factours, and their deputies, and for their power
+shall really woorke, to bring such rebell or disobedient rebels, or
+disobedients to due obedience: and to that intent shall tende vnto the same
+Factour or Factours, and their deputies vpon request therefore, to be made,
+prisons, and instruments for punishments from time to time.
+
+6. Item, we promise vnto the saide Marchants, and their sucessours, vpon
+their request to exhibite and doe vnto them good, exact and fauourable
+iustice, with expedition in all their causes, and that when they or any of
+them shall haue accesse, or come to or before any of our Iustices, for any
+their plaints mooued, and to bee mooued betweene any our subiects or other
+stranger, and them, or any of them, that then they shalbe first and
+forthwith heard, as soon as the party which they shal find before our
+Iustices shalbe depeached, which party being heard forthwith, and assoone
+as may be, the said English marchants shall be ridde and dispatched: And if
+any action shall be moued by or against any of the said Marchants being
+absent out of our saide empire and dominions, then such Marchants may
+substitute an Atturney in all and singular his causes to be followed as
+need shall require, and as shall seeme to him expedient.
+
+7. Item, wee graunt and promise to the saide Marchants, and to their
+successours, that if the same Marchants or any of them shall bee wounded,
+or (which God forbid) slaine in any part or place of our Empire or
+dominions, then good information thereof giuen, Wee and our Iustices and
+other officers shall execute due correction and punishment without delay,
+according to the exigence of the case: so that it shall bee an example to
+all other not to commit the like. And if it shall chaunce the factors,
+seruants, or ministers of the saide Marchants or any of them to trespasse
+or offende, whereby they or any of them shall incurre the danger of death
+or punishment, the goods, wares, marchandizes, and things of their Masters
+shall not therefoore bee forfaited, confiscated, spoiled ne seised by any
+meanes by vs, our heires or successours, or by any our officers, ministers
+or subiects, but shall remaine to their vse, franke, free, and discharged
+from all punishment and losse.
+
+8. Item, we graunt that if any of the English nation be arrested for any
+debt, he shal not be laid in prison, so farre as he can put in sufficient
+suretie and pawne: neither shall any sergeant, or officer leade them or any
+of them to prison, before he shall have knowen whether the chiefe Factor or
+factors, or their deputies shalbe sureties, or bring in pawne for such
+arrested: then the officers shal release the partie, and shall set him or
+them at libertie.
+
+9. Moreouer, we giue, graunt and promise to the saide Marchants, that if
+any of their ships or other vessels shall bee spoyled, robbed, or damnified
+in sayling, anckoring or returning to or from our saide Empires and
+Dominions, or any part thereof, by any Pirats, Marchants, or other person,
+whatsoeuer hee or they bee, that then and in such case, wee will doe all
+that in vs is to cause restitution, reparation, and satisfaction to bee
+duely made to the said English marchants by our letters and otherwise, as
+shall stand with our honour, and be consonant to equitie and iustice.
+
+10. Item, for vs, our heires and successours, wee doe promise and graunt to
+performe, mainteine, corroborate, autenticate and obserue all and singular
+the aforesaide liberties, franchises, and priuiledges, like as presently we
+firmely doe intend, and will corroborate, autentike and performe the same
+by all meane and way that we can, as much as may be to the commoditie and
+profite of the said English Marchants, and their successours for euer.
+
+And to the intent that all and singuler the saide giftes, graunts and
+promises, may bee inuiolably obserued and performed, we the said Iohn
+Vasiliuich by the grace of God Emperor of Russia, great Duke of Nouogrode,
+Mosco, &c. for vs, our heires and successors, by our Imperiall and lordly
+word in stead of an othe, haue and doe promise by these presents,
+inuiolably to mainteyne and obserue, and cause to be inuiolably obserued
+and mainteined all and singuler the aforesayde giftes, graunts and promises
+from time to time, and at all and euery time and times heereafter. And for
+the more corroboration hereof haue caused our Signet hereunto to be put:
+Dated in our Castle of Mosco the 20. day of * * * in the yeere * * *.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Charter of the Marchants of Russia, graunted vpon the discouerie of the
+  saide Countrey by King Philip and Queene Marie.
+
+Philip and Marie, by the grace of God King and Queene, &c. To all manner of
+officers, true Iurie men, ministers and subiects, and to all other people
+as well within this our Realme or elsewhere vnder our obeysance,
+iurisdiction, and rule, or otherwise vnto whome these our letters shall bee
+shewed, seene, or read, greeting.
+
+Whereas wee be credibly informed that our right trusttie, right faithfull,
+and welbeloued Counsailors, William Marques of Winchester Lord high
+Treasurer of this our Realme of England, Henrie Earle of Arundel Lord
+Steward of our housholde, Iohn Earle of Bedford Lord keeper of our priuie
+Seale, William Earle of Pembroke, William Lorde Howard of Effingham Lorde
+high Admirall of our saide Realme of England, &c. Haue at their own
+aduenture, costs and charges, prouided, rigged, and tackled certaine ships,
+pinnesses, and other meete vessels, and the same furnished with all things
+necessary haue aduanced and set forward, for to discouer, descrie, and
+finde Isles, landes, territories, Dominions, and Seigniories vnknowen, and
+by our subiects before this not commonly by sea frequented, which by the
+sufferance and grace of Almightie God, it shall chaunce them sailing
+Northwards, Northeastwards, and Northwestwards, or any partes thereof, in
+that race or course which other Christian Monarches (being with vs in
+league and amitie) haue not heeretofore by Seas traffiqued, haunted, or
+frequented, to finde and attaine by their said aduenture, as well for the
+glorie of God, as for the illustrating of our honour and dignitie royall,
+in the increase of the reuenues of our Crowne, and generall wealth of this
+and other our Realmes and Dominions, and of our subiects of the same: And
+to this intent our subiects aboue specified and named, haue most humbly
+beseeched vs, that our abundant grace, fauour and clemencie may be
+gratiously extended vnto them in this behalfe: whereupon wee inclined to
+the petition of the foresaide our Counsailours, subiects and marchants, and
+willing to animate, aduance, further and nourish them in their said godlie,
+honest, and good purpose, and, as we hope, profitable aduenture, and that
+they may the more willingly, and readily atchieue the same. Of our
+especiall grace, certaine knowledge and meere motion, haue graunted, and by
+these presents doe graunt, for vs, our heires and successours, vnto our
+said right trustie, and right faithfull, and right wel beloued
+Counsailours, and the other before named persons, that they by the name of
+marchants aduenturers of England, for the discouery of lands, territories,
+Iles, Dominions, and Seigniories vnknowen, and not before that late
+aduenture or enterprise by sea or Nauigation, commonly frequented as
+aforesaid, shalbe from henceforth one bodie and perpetuall fellowship and
+communaltie of themselues, both in deede and in name, and them, by the
+names of Marchants aduenturers for the discouerie of lands, territories,
+Iles and seigniories vnknowen, and not by the seas, and Nauigations, before
+their saide late aduenture or enterprise by sea or Nauigation commonly
+frequented, We doe imcorporate, name, and declare by these presents, and
+that the same fellowship or communalty from henceforth shalbe, and may haue
+one Gouernour of the saide fellowship, and communaltie of Marchants
+aduenturers.
+
+And in consideration that one Sebastian Cabota hath bin the chiefest setter
+forth of this iourney or voyage, therefore we make, ordeine, and constitute
+him the said Sebastian to be the first and present gouernour of the same
+fellowship and communaltie, by these presents. To haue and enioy the said
+office of Gouernour, to him the said Sebastian Cabota during his naturall
+life, without amouing or dismissing from the same roome.
+
+And furthermore, we graunt vnto the same fellowship and communaltie and
+their successors, that they the saide fellowship and communaltie, and their
+successors after the decease of the saide Sebastian Cabota, shall, and may
+freely and lawfully in places conuenient and honest, assemble themselues
+together, or so many of them as will or can assemble together, as well
+within our citie of London, or elsewhere, as it shall please them, in such
+sort and maner, as other worshipfull corporations of our saide citie haue
+vsed to assemble, and there yeerely name, elect and choose one Gouernour or
+two of themselues, and their liberties, and also as well yeerely during the
+natural life of the said Sebastian Cabota now Gouernour, as also at the
+election of such saide Gouernour or gouernours before his decease, to
+choose, name, and appoint eight and twentie of the most sad, discreete, and
+honest persons of the saide fellowship, and communaltie of Marchant
+aduenturers, as is aboue specified, and 4. of the most expert and skilfull
+persons of the same 28. to be named and called Consuls, and 24. of the
+residue, to be named and called Assistants to the saide Gouernour or
+gouernours, and Consuls for the time being, which shal remaine and stand in
+their authorities for one whole yeere then next following. And if it shall
+fortune the saide Gouernour, Consuls, and assistants, or any of them so to
+be elected, and chosen as is aforesaid, to die within the yeere after his
+or their election, that then and so often, it shall and may be lawfull to
+and for the said fellowship, and communalty, to elect and choose of
+themselues other Gouernour or gouernours, Consuls and assistants, in the
+place and steade of such as so shall happen to die, to serue out the same
+yeere.
+
+And further we do make, ordeine, and constitute George Barnes knight and
+Alderman of our Citie of London, William Garret Alderman of our saide
+Citie, Anthonie Husie, and Iohn Suthcot, to be the first and present 4.
+Consuls of the said fellowship and communalty by these presents, to haue
+and enioy the said offices of Consuls to them the said George Barnes,
+William Garret, Anthony Husie, and Iohn Suthcot, for terme of one whole
+yere next after the date of these our letters patents: And we doe likewise
+make, ordeine and constitute Sir Iohn Gresham knight, Sir Andrew Iudde
+knight, Sir Thomas White knight, Sir Iohn Yorke knight, Thomas Offley the
+elder, Thomas Lodge, Henry Herdson, Iohn Hopkins, William Watson, Will.
+Clifton, Richard Pointer, Richard Chamberlaine, William Mallorie, Thomas
+Pallie the elder, William Allen, Henry Becher, Geffrey Walkenden, Richard
+Fowles, Rowland Heyward, George Eaton, Iohn Ellot, Iohn Sparke, Blase
+Sanders, and Miles Mording, to be the first and present 24. Assistants to
+the saide Gouernour or governours, and Consuls, and to the said fellowship
+and communaltie by these presents, to haue and enioy the said offices of
+assistants to them for terme of one whole yere, next after the date of
+these our letters-patents. And further, we for vs, our heires and
+successors, as much as in vs is, wil and graunt by these presents vnto the
+saide Gouernour, Consuls, assistants, fellowship and company of Marchants
+aduenturers aforesaid, and to their successors, that the said gouernour or
+gouernours, 4. Consuls, and 24. assistants, that now by these patents are
+nominated and appointed, or that hereafter by the saide fellowship and
+communaltie of marchants aduenturers, or the more part of them, which
+shalbe then present, so from time to time to be chosen, so that there be
+15. at the least wholy agreed therof, the said Gouernour or gouernours, or
+one of them, and 2. of the said Consuls shalbe there, and 12. of the
+residue of the said number of 15. shall be of the saide assistants, and in
+the absence of such Gouernour, that then 3. of the said Consuls, and 12. of
+the saide assistants at the least for the time being shal and may haue, vse
+and exercise ful power and authority to rule and gouerne all and singuler
+the Marchants of the said fellowship and communaltie, and to execute and
+doe full and speedie iustice to them, and euery of them, in all their
+causes, differences, variances, controuersies, quarrels, and complaints,
+within any our realmes, dominions and iurisdictions onely moued, and to be
+moued touching their merchandise, traffikes, and occupiers aforesaid, or
+the good order or rule of them or any of them.
+
+Also wee for vs, our heires and successours, so much as in vs is, doe
+likewise by these presents graunt, that the said Gouernour, Consuls,
+assistants, fellowship and communaltie, and their successors shall and may
+haue perpetuall succession, and a common Seale which shall perpetually
+serue for the affaires and businesse of the saide fellowship and
+communaltie. And that they and their successours, shall and may bee for
+euer able persons, and capax in the lawe, for to purchase and possesse in
+fee and perpetuitie, and for term of life or liues, or for terme of yeeres
+or otherwise, lands, tenements, rents, reuersions, and other possessions,
+and hereditaments whatsoeuer they bee, by the name of the Gouernour,
+Consuls, assistants, fellowship and communaltie of the Marchants
+aduenturers by Seas and Nauigations for the discouerie of landes,
+territories, Iles, Dominions, and Seigniories vnknowen, and before the
+saide last aduenture or enterprise by seas not frequented, as before is
+specified, and by the same names shall and may lawfully alien, graunt, let
+and set the same or any part thereof to any person or persons able in the
+lawe to take and receiue the same. So that they doe not graunt nor alien
+the same, or any part thereof into mortmaine, without speciall licence of
+vs, our heires or successours, first had and obtained.
+
+Also wee for vs, our heires and successours haue graunted, and by these
+presents doe graunt vnto the saide Gouernours, Consuls, assistants,
+fellowship and communaltie of the saide Marchants and to their successours,
+that they and their successours, shall and may lawfully purchase vnto them
+and their successors for euer, landes, tenements and hereditaments
+whatsoeuer, of the cleare yeerely value of threescore sixe pounds, thirteen
+shillings and foure pence of lawful money of England and not aboue, as well
+of such lands, tenements and hereditaments, as be holden or shall be holden
+of vs, our heires or successours, as of any other person or persons, the
+statutes prouided against alienations into mortmaine, or any of them, or
+any article or clause in them or any of them contained, or any other lawe,
+custome, statute or prouision to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding.
+And that they by the name of the Gouernour, Consuls, assistants, fellowship
+and communaltie of Marchants aduenturers, for the discouerie of lands,
+territories, Isles, dominions and Seigniories vnknowen by the Seas and
+Nauigations, and not before the said late aduenture or enterprise by seas
+frequented as aforesaid, shall and may be able in the law to implead, and
+be impleaded, to answere, and to be answered, to defende, and to be
+defended before whatsoeuer Iudge or Iustice, temporall or spirituall, or
+other persons whatsoeuer, in whatsoeuer court, or courts, and in all
+actions personall, reall, and mixt, and in euery of them, and in all
+plaints of nouel disseison, and also in all plaints, suites, quarels,
+affaires, businesses and demaunds whatsoeuer they bee, touching and
+concerning the saide fellowship and communaltie, and the affaires and
+businesse of the same onely, in as ample manner and forme, as any other
+corporation of this our Realme may doe.
+
+Moreouer, wee for vs, our heires and successours, haue giuen and graunted,
+and by these presents doe giue and graunt vnto the said Gouernour, Consuls,
+assistants, fellowshippe, and communaltie of Marchants aduenturers
+aforesaide, and to their successours, that the saide Gouernour, or
+Gouernours, Consuls and assistants, and their successors, in maner, forme,
+and number afore rehearsed, shall haue full power and authoritie from time
+to time hereafter, to make, ordein, establish and erect all such statutes,
+actes and ordinaunces, for the gouernement, good condition, and laudable
+rule of the saide fellowship and communaltie of Marchants aduenturers
+aforesaid, as to them shall bee thought good, meete, conuenient and
+necessarie, and also to admit vnto the saide Corporation and fellowship to
+be free of the same, such and as many persons, as to them shal bee thought
+good, meete, conuenient and necessarie. And that euery such person or
+persons, as shall fortune heereafter to bee admitted into the saide
+fellowshippe, communaltie and corporation, shal from the time of his or
+their admittance, be free of the same. And also wee will, and by these
+presents, graunt for vs, our heires and successours, vnto the saide
+Gouernours, Consuls, assistants, fellowship, communaltie of Marchants
+aduenturers aforesaid, and to their successours, that the Gouernour, or
+gouernors, Consuls and assistants of the same, in maner, forme, and number
+afore rehearsed, and their successours for the time being, shall, and may
+haue full power and authoritie by these presents from time to time, as to
+them shal seeme good, to limite, set, ordeine and make, mulcts, and
+penalties by fines, forfeitures, and imprisonments, or any of them vpon any
+offender of the saide fellowship and communaltie, for any offence touching
+the same fellowhip and communaltie, and also that all acts and ordinances
+by them or their successours to bee made, which time shall thinke not
+necessarie or preiudiciall to the saide fellowship or communaltie, at al
+times to reuoke, breake, frustrate, annihilate, repeale and dissolue at
+their pleasure and liberty. And further, wee will, that if any of the saide
+fellowship and communaltie shalbe found contrarious, rebellious, or
+disobedient to the saide Gouernour or gouernours, Consuls, and the said
+assistants for the time being, or to any statutes, acts or ordinances by
+them made or to be made, that then the saide Gouernour or gouernours,
+Consuls, and the saide assistants, in maner, forme, and number aboue
+specified, for the time being, shall and may by vertue of these presents,
+mulct, and punish euery such offender or offenders, as the quality of the
+offence requireth, according to their good discretions.
+
+And further, we will that none of the saide offender or offenders shall
+decline from the power of the saide Gouernour, or gouernours, Consuls and
+assistants, in maner, forme, and number abouesaide for the time being: so
+alwayes, that the saide actes, statutes and ordinances, doe onely touch and
+concerne the saide Gouernour or gouernours, Consuls, assistants, and the
+saide fellowship and communaltie of our before named Marchants aduenturers,
+or the men of the same fellowship and communaltie, and none other; And so
+alwayes, that such their acts, statutes and ordinances bee not against our
+prerogatiue, lawes, statutes, and customes of our realmes and Dominions,
+nor contrary to the seuerall duetie of any our subiects towards vs, our
+heires and successours, nor contrarie to any compacts, treaties, or
+leagues, by vs or any our progenitours heretofore had or made, or hereafter
+by vs, our heires and successours to bee made, to or with any forreine
+Prince or potentate, nor also to the preiudice of the corporation of the
+Maior, communalties and Citizens of our Citie of London, nor to the
+preiudice of any person or persons, bodie politique, or corporate or
+incorporate, iustly pretending, clayming, or hauing any liberties,
+franchises, priuiledges, rightes or preheminences, by vertue or pretext of
+anie graunt, gift, or Letters patents, by vs, or anie our Progenitours,
+heeretofore giuen, graunted, or made.
+
+Moreouer, we for vs, our heires, and successours, will, and by these
+presents, doe graunt vnto the said Gouernors, Consuls, assistants,
+fellowship and communaltie of our Marchants aforesaid, that their said
+Gouernour or gouernours, Consuls and assistants, and their successors for
+the time being, in maner, forme and number aboue rehearsed, shal haue full
+power and authoritie to assigne, constitute and ordaine one officer, or
+diuers officers as well within our aforesaide Citie of London, as also in
+any other place or places of this our Realme of England, or else where
+within our dominions, which officer or officers, wee will to be named and
+called by the name of Sergeant or Serjeants to the fellowship or communalty
+of the said marchants, and that the said sergeant or sergeants, shall and
+may haue full power and authoritie by these presents, to take, leuie and
+gather all maner fines, forfeitures, penalties and mulcts of euery person
+and persons, of the saide fellowship and communaltie conuict, and that
+shalbe conuicted, vpon or for breaking of any statutes, acts, ordinances,
+to bee made by the saide Gouernour or gouernours, Consuls and assistants
+for the time being.
+
+And further, we will and also graunt for vs, our heires, and successours,
+that the saide officer or officers shall haue further power and authoritie
+for the default of payment, or for disobedience in this behalfe (if neede
+be) to set hands and arrest aswell the bodie and bodies, as the goods and
+chattels of such offender, and offenders, and transgressers, in euery place
+and places not franchised. And if it shall fortune any such offender or
+offenders, their goods and chattels or any part thereof, to be in any
+citie, borough, towne incorporate, or other place franchised or
+priuiledged, where the said officer or officers may not lawfully intromit
+or intermeddle, that then the Maior, shirifes, baylifes, and other head
+officers, or ministers, within euery such citie, borough, towne incorparate
+or place or places franchised, vpon a precept to them, or any of them, to
+be directed from the gouernour or gouernours, Consuls and assistants of the
+said fellowship, in number and forme aforesaid, vnder the common seale of
+the sayd fellowship and communaltie for the time being, shall and may
+attach and arrest the body or bodies of such offender or offenders, as also
+take, and seise the goods and chattels of all and euery such offender or
+offenders, being within any such place or places franchised, and the same
+body and bodies, goods and chattels of all and euery such offender and
+offenders, being within any such place or places franchised, and every part
+therof so attached and seazed, shall according to the tenor and purport of
+the sayd precept, returne, and deliuer vnto the sayd officer or officers of
+the aforesaid fellowship, and communaltie.
+
+And further, we will and grant for vs, our heires and successours by these
+presents, that all, and euery such Maior, shirife, baylife, or other head
+officers or ministers of any citie, borough, towne incorporate, or other
+places franchised, shall not be impeached, molested, vexed or sued in any
+our court or courts, for executing or putting in execution of any of the
+said precept or precepts.
+
+[Sidenote: K. Philip and Queene Mary hereby do disannul Pope Alexanders
+diuision. [Footnote: Alexander VI, the father of Lucretia and Cæsar Borgia,
+had divided the Indies between Spain and Portugal.]]. And furthermore, we
+of our ample and abundant grace, meere motion, and certaine knowledge, for
+vs, our heires, and successors, as much as in vs is, haue giuen and
+granted, and by these presents doe giue and grant vnto the sayd gouernour,
+Consuls, assistants, fellowship, and conimunaltie of Marchants aduenturers,
+and to their successors, and to the Factor and Factors, assigne and
+assignes of euery of them, ful and free authoritie, libertie, facultie and
+licence, and power to saile to all portes, regions, dominions, territories,
+landes, Isles, Islands, and coastes of the sea, wheresoeuer before their
+late aduenture or enterprise vnknowen, or by our Marchants and subiects by
+the seas not heretofore commonly frequented, vnder our banner, standerd,
+flags and ensignes, with their shippe, ships, barke, pinnesses, and all
+other vessels of whatsoeuer portage, bulke, quantitie, or qualitie they may
+be, and with any Mariners, and men as they will leade with them in such
+shippe or shippes, or other vessels at their owne and proper costs and
+expences, for to traffique, descrie, discouer and finde, whatsoeuer Isle,
+Islands, countreis, regions, prouinces, creekes, armes of the sea, riuers
+and streames, as wel of Gentiles, as of any other Emperor, king, prince,
+gouernor or Lord whatsoeuer he or they shalbe, and in whatsoeuer part of
+the world they be situated, being before the sayd late aduenture or
+enterprise vnknowen, and by our Marchants and subiects not commonly
+frequented, and to enter and land in the same, without any maner of
+denying, paine, penaltie or forfeiture to be had or taken by anie our
+lawes, customes or statutes to our vse, or to the vse of our heires or
+successors for the same.
+
+And we haue also granted, and by these presents, for vs, our heires and
+successors, doe graunt vnto the sayd Gouernours, Consuls, assistants,
+fellowship and communalty, and to their successours, and to their Factors
+and assignes, and to euery of them, licence for to reare, plant, erect, and
+fasten our banners, standards, flags, and Ensignes, in whatsoeuer citie,
+towne, village, castle, Isle, or maine lande, which shall be by them newly
+found, without any the penalties, forfeitures, or dangers aforesayde, and
+that the sayd fellowship and communalty, and their successors, Factors and
+assignes and euery of them shall and may subdue, possesse, and occupie, all
+maner cities, townes, Isles, and maine lands of infidelitie, which is or
+shal be by them, or any of them newly founde or descried, as our vassals
+and subiects, and for to acquire and get the Dominion, title, and
+iurisdiction of the same Cities, Townes, Castles, Villages, Isles, and
+maine landes, which shall bee by them, or any of them newly discouered or
+found vnto vs, our heires and successours for euer.
+
+And furthermore, whereas by the voyage of our subiects in this last yeere
+[Footnote: Anno 1554.] attempted by Nauigation, towards the discouerie and
+disclosure of vnknowen places, Realmes, Islandes, and Dominions by the seas
+not frequented, it hath pleased Almighty God to cause one of the three
+shippes by them set foorth for the voyage, and purpose aboue mentioned,
+named the Edward Bonaventure, to arriue, abide, and winter within the
+Empire and dominions of the high and mightie Prince our cousin and brother,
+Lord Iohn Basiliuich Emperour of all Russia, Volodomer, great duke of
+Moscouie, &c. Who, of his clemencie, for our loue and zeale, did not onely
+admitte the Captaine, and marchants our subiects into his protection, and
+Princely presence, but also receiued and interteined them very graciously,
+and honourably, granting vnto them by his letters addressed vnto vs, franke
+accesse into all his Seigniories and dominions, with license freely to
+traffique in and out with all his Subiects in all kinde of Marchandise,
+with diuers other gracious priuiledges, liberties and immunities specified
+in his sayde letters vnder his Signet: Know yee therefore that wee of our
+further royall fauour and munificence, of our meere motion, certaine
+knowledge, and speciall grace, for vs our heires and successours, haue
+giuen and graunted, and by these presents doe giue and graunt vnto the same
+Gouernours, Consuls, assistants, fellowship, and comunalty aboue named, and
+to their successours, as much as in vs is, that all the mayne landes,
+Isles, Portes, hauens, creekes, and riuers of the said mighty Emperour of
+all Russia, and great Duke of Mosco, &c. [Sidenote: The largenes of the
+priuiledge of the Moscouite companie.] And all and singuler other lands,
+dominions territories, Isles, Portes, hauens, creekes, riuers, armes of the
+sea, of al and euery other Emperor, king, prince, ruler, and gouernour,
+whatsoeuer he or they before the said late aduenture or enterprise not
+knowen, or by our foresayd marchants and subiects by the seas not commonly
+frequented, nor by any part nor parcell thereof lying Northwards,
+Northeastwards, or Northwestwards, as is aforesayd, by sea shall not be
+visited, frequented nor hanted by any our subiects, other then of the sayd
+company and felowship, and their successours without expresse licence,
+agreement and consent of the Gouernour, Consuls, and Assistants of the said
+felowship and communaltie aboue named, or the more part of them, in manner
+and number aforesayd, for the time being, vpon paine of forfeiture and
+losse, as well of the shippe and shippes, with the appurtenances, as also
+of all the goods, marchandises, and things whatsoeuer they be, of those our
+subiects, not being of the sayd felowship and communalty, which shall
+attempt and presume to saile to any of those places, which bee, or
+hereafter shall happen to bee found, and traffiked vnto: the one hafe of
+the same forfeiture to be to the vse of vs, our heires and successors, and
+the other halfe to be to the vse of the sayd fellowship and communaltie.
+And if it shall fortune, anie stranger or strangers, for to attempt to
+hurt, hinder, or endamage the same marchants, their factors, deputies, or
+assignes, or any of them in sailing, going or returning at any time in the
+sayd aduenture, or for to saile or trade to or from any those places,
+landes or coastes, which by the sayd marchants, their factors, deputies and
+assignes haue bene, or shall bee descried, discouered and found, or
+frequented, aswell within the coastes and limites of gentility, as within
+the dominions and Seigniories of the sayd mighty Emperour and Duke, and of
+all and euery other Emperour, King, Prince, Ruler and gouernour whatsoeuer
+he or they be, before the sayd late aduenture or enterprise not knowen by
+any our said marchants and subiects, by the seas not commonly frequented,
+and lying Northwards, Northwestwards or Northeastwards as aforesaid, then
+wee will and grant, and by these presents doe licence, and authorise for
+vs, our heires and successors, the said marchants, their factors, deputies,
+and assignes, and euery of them to doe their best in their defence, to
+resist the same their enterprises and attempts. Willing therefore, and
+straightly commanding and charging al and singular our Officers, Maiors,
+Sherifes, Escheators, Constables, Bailifes, and all and singuler other our
+ministers and liege men, and subiects whatsoeuer, to bee aiding, fauouring,
+helping and assisting vnto the sayd gouernour or gouernours, Consuls,
+assistants, fellowship and communalty, and to their successors and
+deputies, factors, seruants, and assignes, and to the deputies, factors and
+assignes of euery of them, in executing and enioying the premisses, as well
+on land as in the sea, from time to time, and at all times when you or any
+of you shall be thereunto required. In witnesse whereof, &c.
+
+Apud Westmonasterium, 6 die Feb. Annis Regnorum nostrorum, primo et
+secundo. [Footnote: Anno 1555.]
+
+       *      *       *       *       *
+
+Certaine instructions deliuered in the third voyage, Anno 1556. for Russia,
+  to euery Purser and the rest of the seruants, taken for the voyage, which
+  may serue as good and necessary directions, to all other like
+  aduenturers.
+
+1. First you before the ship doth begin to lade, goe aboord, and shall
+there take, and write one inuentorie, by the aduise of the Master, or of
+some other principall officer there aboord, of all the tackle, apparell,
+cables, ankers, ordinance, chambers, shot, powder, artillerie, and of all
+other necessaries whatsoever doth belong to the sayd ship: and the same
+iustly taken, you shall write in a booke, making the sayd Master, or such
+officer priuie of that which you haue so written, so that the same may not
+be denied, when they shall call accompt thereof: that done, you shall write
+a copie of the same with your owne hand, which you shall deliuer before the
+shippe shall depart, for the voyage to the companies booke keeper here to
+be kept to their behalfe, to the ende that they may be iustly answered the
+same, when time shall require: and this order to be seene and kept euery
+voyage orderly, by the Pursers of the companies owne ship, in any wise.
+
+2. Also when the shippe beginneth to lade, you shall be ready a boord with
+your booke, to enter such goods as shall be brought aboord, to be laden for
+the company, packed, or vnpacked, taking the markes and numbers of euery
+packe, fardell, trusse, or packet, corouoya, chest, fatte, butte, pipe,
+puncheon, whole barrell, halfe barrell, firken, or other caske, maunde, or
+basket, or any other thing, which may, or shall be packed by any other
+manner of waies or deuise. And first, all such packes, or trusses, &c. as
+shal be brought aboord to be laden, not marked by the companies marke, you
+shall doe the best to let that the same be not laden, and to enquire
+diligently to know the owners thereof, if you can, and what commoditie the
+same is, that is so brought aboord to be laden: if you can not know the
+owners of such goods, learne what you can thereof, as well making a note in
+your booke, as also to send or bring word thereof to the Agent, and to some
+one of the foure Marchants with him adioined so speedily as you can, if it
+be here laden or to be laden in this riuer, being not marked with the
+companies marke, as is aforesaid: and when the sayd shippe hath receiued in
+all that the companies Agent will have laden, you shall make a iust copie
+of that which is laden, reciting the parcels, the markes and numbers of
+euery thing plainely, which you shall likewise deliuer to the sayd
+bookekeeper to the vse aforesayd.
+
+3. Also when the ship is ready to depart, you shall come for your cockets
+and letters to the Agent, and shall shew him all such letters as you haue
+receiued of any person or persons priuately or openly, to be deliuered to
+any person or persons in Russia or elsewhere, and also to declare if you
+know any other that shall passe in the ship either master or mariner that
+hath receiued any letters to be priuily deliuered to any there, directed
+from any persons or persons, other then from the Agent here to the Agent
+there: which letters so by you receiued, you shall not carie with you,
+without you be licensed so to doe by the Agent here, and some of the foure
+merchants, as is aforesaid: and such others as doe passe, hauing receiued
+any priuie letters to be deliuered, you shal all that in you lieth, let the
+deliuerie of them at your arriuing in Russia: and also if you haue or do
+receiue, or shal know any other that doth or hath receiued any goods or
+ready money to be imployed in Russia, or to bee deliuered there to any
+person or persons from any person or persons, other then such as bee the
+companies goods, and that vnder their marke, you shall before the ship
+doeth depart, declare the same truely to the sayd Agent, and to some of the
+other merchants to him adioyned, as it is before declared.
+
+4. Also when the shippe is ready to depart, and hath the master and the
+whole company aboord, you shall diligently foresee and take heede, that
+there passe not any priuie person, or persons, other then such as be
+authorized to passe in the said ship, without the licence and warrant of
+one of the Gouernours and of the assistants, for the same his passage, to
+be first shewed. And if there be any such person or persons that is to
+passe and will passe without shewing the same warrant, you shall let the
+passage of any such to the vttermost of your power: And for that there may
+no such priuie person passe vnder the cloke and colour of some mariner, you
+shall vpon the weying of your ships anker, call the master and the manners
+within boord by their names and that by your bookes, to the ende that you
+may see that you haue neither more nor lesse, but iust the number for the
+voyage.
+
+5. Also you must have in remembrance, that if it shall chance the shippe to
+bee put into anie harbour in this coast by contrary windes or otherwise in
+making the voyage, to send word thereof from time to time as the case shall
+require, by your letters in this maner. To Master I. B. Agent for the
+company of the New trades in S. in London: If you doe hier any to bring
+your letters, write that which he must haue for the portage. And for your
+better knowledge and learning, you shall doe very well to keepe a dayly
+note of the voyage both outwards and homewards.
+
+6. And principally see that you forget not dayly in all the voiage both
+morning and euening, to call the company within boord to prayer, in which
+doing you shall please God, and the voiage will haue the better successe
+thereby, and the company prosper the better.
+
+7. Also in calme weather and at other times when you shall fortune to come
+to anker in the seas during the voyage, you shall for the companies
+profite, and for the good husbanding of the victuals aboord, call vpon the
+Boateswaine and other of the company to vse such hookes and other engines
+as they haue aboord to take fish with, that such fish so taken may bee
+eaten for the cause aforesayd: and if there bee no such engines aboord,
+then to prouide some before you goe from hence.
+
+8. And when God shall send you in safetie into the Bay of S. Nicholas at an
+anker, you shall goe a shore with the first boate that shall depart from
+the ship, taking with you such letters as you haue to deliuer to the Agent
+there: and if he be not there at your comming a land, then send the
+companies letters to Colmogro to him by some sure mariner or otherwise, as
+the master and you shall thinke best, but goe not your selfe at any hand,
+nor yet from aboord the ship, vnlesse it be a shore to treate with the
+Agent for the lading of the ship that you be appointed in, which you shall
+applie diligently to haue done so speedily as may be. And for the
+discharging of the goods therein in the Bay, to be carried from thence, see
+that you doe looke well to the vnlading thereof, that there be none other
+goods sent a shore then the companies, and according to the notes entred in
+your booke as is aforesaid: if there be, inquire diligently for whom they
+bee, and what goods they be, noting who is the receiuer of the sayd goods,
+in such sort that the company may haue the true knowledge thereof at your
+comming home.
+
+9. Also there a shore, and likewise aboord, you shall spie and search as
+secretly as you may, to learne and know what bargaining, buying and selling
+there is with the master and the mariners of the shippe and the Russes, or
+with the companies seruants there: and that which you shall perceiue and
+learne, you shall keepe a note thereof in your booke secretly to your
+selfe, which you shall open and disclose at your comming home to the
+gouernours and assistants, in such sort as the trueth of their secret
+trades and occupyings may be reuealed and knowen. You shall need alwayes to
+haue Argos eyes, to spie their secret packing and conueyance, aswell on
+land as aboord the shippe, of and for such furres and other commodities, as
+yeerely they doe vse to buy, packe and conuey hither. If you will bee
+vigilant and secrete in this article, you cannot misse to spie their priuie
+packing one with another, either on shore or aboord the shippe: worke
+herein wisely, and you shall deserue great thanks of the whole company.
+
+10. Also at the lading againe of the shippe, you shall continue and abide
+abord, to the ende that you may note and write in your booke all such goods
+and marchandises as shall be brought and laden, which you shall orderly
+note in all sortes as heretofore, as in the second article partly it is
+touched: and in any wise put the Master and the company in remembrance, to
+looke and foresee substantially to the roomaging of the shippe, by faire
+meanes or threats, as you shall see and thinke will serue for the best.
+
+11. Thus when the shippe is full laden againe, and all things aboord in
+good order, and that you doe fortune to goe a shore to the Agent for your
+letters, and dispatch away: you shall demand whether all the goods be laden
+that were brought thither, and to know the trueth therof, you shal repaire
+to the companies storehouse there at S. Nicholas, to see if there be any
+goods left in the sayd storehouse: if there be, you shal demand why they be
+not laden, and note what kinde of goods they be that be so left: and seeing
+any of the shippes there not fully laden, you shall put the Agent in
+remembrance to lady those goods so left, if any such be to be laden, as is
+aforesayd. And thus God sending you a faire wind, to make speede and away.
+
+12. Finally, when God shall send you to arriue againe vpon this coast in
+safetie, either at Harewich, or elsewhere, goe not you aland, if you may
+possiblie, to the ende that when you be gone a shore, there may no goods be
+sent priuily ashore to be solde, or else to be solde aboord the ship in
+your absence, but keepe you still aboord, if you can by any meanes, for the
+causes aforesaid, and write the company a letter from the shippe of your
+good arriuall, which you may conuey to them by land by some boy or mariner
+of the shippe, or otherwise as you shall thinke best: and likewise when God
+shall send you and the shippe into the riuer here, doe not in any wise
+depart out of the shippe that you be in, vntil the company doe send some
+other aboord the shippe, in your steede and place, to keepe the shippe in
+your absence.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Nauigation and discouerie toward the riuer of Ob, made by Master Steuen
+  Burrough, Master of the Pinnesse called the Serchthrift, with diuers
+  things worth the noting, passed in the yere 1556.
+
+We departed from Ratcliffe to Blackewall the 23 of April. Satturday being
+S. Markes day, we departed from Blackewall to Grays.
+
+The 27 being Munday the right worshipfull Sebastian Cabota came aboard our
+Pinnesse at Grauesende, accompanied with diuers Gentlemen, and Gentlewomen,
+who after that they had viewed our Pinnesse, and tasted of such cheere as
+we could make them aboord, they went on shore, giuing to our mariners right
+liberall rewards: and the good olde Gentleman Master Cabota [Footnote:
+Sebastian Cabot was then 79 years old.] gaue to the poore most liberall
+almes, wishing them to pray for the good fortune, and prosperous successe
+of the Serchthrift our Pinnesse. And then at the signe of the Christopher,
+hee and his friends banketted, and made me, and them that were in the
+company great cheere: and for very ioy that he had to see the towardnes of
+our intended discouery, he entred into the dance himselfe, amongst the rest
+of the young and lusty company: which being ended, hee and his friends
+departed most gently, commending vs to the gouernance of almighty God.
+
+Tuesday (28) we rode still at Grauesend, making prouision for such things
+as we wanted.
+
+Wednesday (29) in the morning we departed from Grauesende, the winde being
+at Southwest, that night we came to an anker thwart our Lady of Hollands.
+
+Thursday (30) at three of the clocke in the morning we weyed, and by eight
+of the clocke, we were at an anker in Orwell wannes, and then incontinent I
+went aboord the Edward Bonauenture, [Footnote: The ship that had
+successfully carried Chancellor in the expedition of 1553-4.] where the
+worshipfull company of marchants appointed me to be, vntill the sayd good
+ship arriued at Wardhouse. Then I returned againe into the pinnesse.
+
+Friday the 15 of May we were within 7 leagues of the shore, on the coast of
+Norway: the latitude at a South sunne, 58 degrees and a halfe, where we saw
+three sailes, beside our owne company: and thus we followed the shoare or
+land, which lieth Northnorthwest, North and by West, and Northwest and by
+North, as it doth appeare by the plat.
+
+Saturday (16) at an East sunne we came to S. Dunstan's Island, [Footnote:
+Bommeloe Island.] which Island I so named. It was off vs East two leagues
+and a halfe, the wind being at Southeast: the latitude this day at a South
+sunne 59 degrees, 42 minutes. Also the high round mountains bare East of
+vs, at a south sunne: and when this hill is East of you, and being bound to
+the Northward, the land lyeth North and halfe a point Westerly, from this
+sayd South sunne, vnto a North sunne twenty leagues Northwest alongst the
+shoare.
+
+Vpon Sunday (17) at sixe of the clocke in the morning, the farthest land
+that we could see that lay Northnorthwest, was East of vs three leagues,
+and then it trended to the Northwards, and to the Eastwards of the North,
+which headland I iudged to be Scoutsnesse. At seuen of the clocke we
+changed our course and went North, the wind being at Southsoutheast, and it
+waxed very thicke and mistie, and when it cleered, we went Northnortheast.
+At a South sunne we lost sight of the Serchthrift, because of the mist,
+making our way North. And when we lost sight of the shoare and pinnesse, we
+were within two leagues and a halfe of the shoare: the last land that we
+saw when this mist came vpon vs, which is to the Northwards of Scoutsnesse,
+lay Northnortheast, and Southsouthwest, and we made our way North vntill a
+west sunne fiue leagues.
+
+From that vntill Munday (18) three a clocke in the morning ten leagues
+Northnortheast: and then we went North and by East, because the winde came
+at the Westsouthwest with thicke miste: the latitude this day at a South
+sunne sixtie three degrees and a halfe truely taken: at this season we had
+sight of our Pinnesse againe.
+
+From that vntill Tuesday (19) a South sunne Northnortheast fortie foure
+leagues, and then Northeast From a South sunne vntill eight of the clocke,
+fifteene leagues Northeast.
+
+From that vntill Wednesday (20) a South sunne Northnortheast, except the
+first watch Northeast: then had we the latitude in sixtie seuen degrees,
+thirtie nine minutes. From that vnto a Northwest sunne eighteen leagues
+Northeast, and then we were within two leagues off the shore, and saw the
+high land to the Southwards of Lowfoot [Footnote: The Lofoden Islands lie
+between 67 deg. 30 min. N. Latitude and 12 deg. and 16 deg. E. longitude.
+They consist of ten large and many small islands, all rocky and
+mountainous. The largest Islands are: Hindoen, E. and W. Waagen, Langoen,
+Andoe, Rost &c.] breake out through the mist, and then we went North and by
+east.
+
+From the sayd Northwest sunne vntill foure of the clocke in the morning
+(21) North and by East ten leagues and a halfe: and then Northnortheast
+vntill a South sunne, the latitude being sixtie nine degrees, and a halfe.
+From that vntill halfe an houre past seuen of the clocke, Northnortheast
+eleuen leagues and a halfe, and then we went Northeast ten leagues. From
+that 3 leagues and a halfe Eastnortheast, and then we sawe the land through
+the cloudes and hazie thwart on the broadside of vs the winde being then at
+Southsouthwest.
+
+From that vntill Saturday (22), at eight of the clocke in the morning
+Eastnortheast, and to the Northwards fortie eight leagues, and then the
+wind came vp at North, wee being aboord the shore, and thwart of the
+Chappell, which I suppose is called Kedilwike [Footnote: Probably
+Hammerfest, the most northern town in Europe]: then we cast the shippes
+head to the seawards, because thee winde was verie scant: and then I caused
+the Pinnesse to beare in with the shore, to see whether she might find an
+harborough for the ships or not, and that she found and saw two roaders
+ride in the sound: and also they sawe houses. But notwithstanding, God be
+praysed, the winde enlarged vpon vs, that we had not occasion to goe into
+the harborough: and then the Pinnesse bare her Myssen mast ouer boord with
+flagge and all, and lost the flagge: with the mast there fell two men ouer
+boord, but God be praised, they were saued: the flagge was a token, whereby
+we might, understand whether there were a good harbour there or not.
+
+[Sidenote: The North Cape so named by Steuen Burrowe.] At the North sunne
+the North Cape (which I so named the first voyage) was thwart of vs, which
+is nine leagues to the Eastwards of the foresayd Chappell from the
+Eastermost point of it. [Footnote: This is a slight error, if by the
+"Chappell" is meant the present site of Hammerfest, as North Cape, which is
+in 71 deg. 10 min. N. latitude, and 25 deg. 46 min. E. longitude, is only
+distant 14-1/2 miles N.E. from that town. Von Herbertstein states that
+Istoma and other Russians had sailed round the North of Norway, in 1496.
+North Cape, or rather Nordkyn, was called then Murmunski Nos (the Norman
+Cape). When Hulsius, in his Collection of Travels, gives Von Herbertstein's
+account of Istoma's voyage, he considers Swjatoi Nos, on the Kola
+peninsula, to be North Cape. (Hamel, _Tradescant_, St. Petersburg, 1847, p.
+40, quoted by Nordenskiöld; _Voyage of the Vega_. Vol. I., p. 218.)]
+
+
+Iune.
+
+The Sunday (7) we weied in Corpus Christi Bay, at a Northeast and by East
+sunne: the Bay is almost halfe a league deepe: the headland which is Corpus
+Christi point, lyeth Southeast and by East, one league from the head of the
+Bay, where we had a great tyde, like a race ouer the flood: the Bay is at
+the least two leagues ouer: so doe I imagine from the fayre foreland to
+Corpus Christi poynt ten leagues Southeast and by East: It floweth in this
+Bay, at a South and by West moone full sea. From that we went vntill seuen
+a clocke at after noone twentie leagues Southeast and by South: and then we
+tooke in all our sailes, because it was then very mistie, and also we met
+with much ice that ran out of the Bay, and then wee went Southsoutheast
+with our foresayle: at eight of the clocke, we heard a piece of ordinance,
+which was out of the Edward, which bade vs farewell, and then we shot off
+another piece, and bade her farewell: wee could not one see the other,
+because of the thicke miste: at a Northwest sunne it began somewhat to
+cleere, and then we sawe a head lande, and the shoare trended to the
+Southwestward, which I iudged to be about Crosse Island: it was off vs at a
+Northnorthwest sunne, Westsouthwest.
+
+From this Northnorthwest sunne, vntill Munday (8), we went Southeast, and
+this morning we came at anker among the shoales that lie off of point Looke
+out, at a Northeast and by East sunne, the wind being at Eastsoutheast. At
+this poynt Looke out, a south Moone maketh a full sea. Cape good fortune
+lyeth from the Isle of Crosses Southeast, and betweene them is tenne
+leagues: point Looke out lyeth from Cape Good fortune Eastsoutheast, and
+betweene them are sixe leagues. S. Edmonds point lieth from point Looke out
+Eastsoutheast, and halfe a point to the Southwards, and betweene them are
+sixe leagues. There is betweene these two points, a Bay that is halfe a
+league deepe, and is full of shoales and dangers. At a Southeast sunne we
+weyed, and turned to the windwards, the winde being at Eastsoutheast: and
+at a Southeast sunne, we came to an anker, being then a full sea, in fiue
+fadoms and a halfe water. It hieth at this place where we roade, and also
+at point Looke out, foure fadome water. At a Westnorthwest sunne we weyed,
+and driued to the windewards, vntill Tuesday (9), a Northnortheast sunne,
+and then being a high water, we came to an anker open of the riuer Cola, in
+eight fadome water. Cape S. Bernard lyeth from S. Edmondes point, Southeast
+and by South, and betwixt them are sixe leagues, and also betwixt them is
+the Riuer Cola, into which Riuer we went this euening.
+
+Wednesday (10) we roade still in the sayd riuer, the winde being at the
+north: we sent our skiffe aland to be dressed: the latitude of the mouth of
+the riuer Cola is sixtie fiue degrees, fortie and eight minutes. [Footnote:
+This is another error, the latitude being 68 deg. 51 min.]
+
+Thursday (11) at 6 of the clocke in the morning, there came aboord of vs
+one of the Russe Lodiaes, rowing with twentie oares, and there were foure
+and twenty men in her. The master of the boate presented me with a great
+loafe of bread, and sixe ringes of bread, which they call Colaches, and
+foure dryed pikes, and a pecke of fine otemeale, and I gaue vnto the Master
+of the boate, a combe, and a small glasse: and he declared vnto me, that he
+was bound to Pechora, and after that, I made them to drinke, the tide being
+somewhat broken, they gently departed. The Masters name was Pheodor.
+
+Whereas the tenth day I sent our Pinnesse on shoare to be mended, because
+she was leake, and weake, with the Carpenter and three men more to helpe
+him, the weather chanced so, that it was Sunday before they could get
+aboord our shippe. All that time they were without prouision of victuals,
+but onely a little bread, which they spent by Thursday at night, thinking
+to haue come aboord when they had listed, but winde and weather denied
+them: insomuch that they were faine to eate grasse, and such weedes as they
+could find then aboue grounde, but fresh water they had plentie, but the
+meate with some of them could scant frame by reason of their queazie
+stomackes.
+
+From Thursday at afternoone, vntill Sunday (14) in the morning, our barke
+did ride such a roadsted that it was to be marueiled, without the helpe of
+God, how she was able to abide it.
+
+[Illustration: Russian "LODJA." After G. de Veer.]
+
+In the bight of the Southeast shoare of the riuer Cola, there is a good
+roade in fiue fadome, or foure fadome and a halfe, at a lowe water: but you
+shall haue no land Northnortheast of you then, I proued with our pinnesse,
+that the depth goeth on the Southeast shoare.
+
+Thursday (18) we weyed our ankers in the riuer Cola, and went into the Sea
+seuen or eight leagues, where we met with the winde farre Northerly, that
+of force it constrained vs to goe againe backe into the sayd riuer, where
+came aboord of vs sundry of their Boates, which declared vnto me that they
+were also bound to the northwards, a fishing for Morse, and Salmon, and
+gaue me liberally of their white and wheaten bread.
+
+As we roade in this riuer, wee sawe dayly comming downe the riuer many of
+their Lodias, and they that had least, had foure and twenty men in them,
+and at the last they grew to thirtie saile of them: and amongst the rest,
+there was one of them whose name was Gabriel, who showed me very much
+friendshippe, and he declared vnto mee, they all were bound to Pechora, a
+fishing for Salmons, and Morses: insomuch that hee shewed mee by
+demonstrations, that with a faire winde wee had seuen or eight dayes
+sailing to the Riuer Pechora, so that I was glad of their company. This
+Gabriel, promised to giue mee warning of shoales, as hee did indeede.
+
+Sunday (21) being the one and twentieth day, Gabriel gaue me a barrell of
+Meade, and one of his speciall friends gaue me a barrell of beere, which
+was caryed vpon mens backs at least 2 miles.
+
+Munday (22) we departed from the riuer Cola, with all the rest of the said
+Lodias, but sailing before the wind, they were all too good for vs
+[Footnote: It is curious to find that the Russian Lodias (of which an
+engraving is annexed) were better sailors than the ships of the more
+civilised Englishmen]: but according to promise, this Gabriel and his
+friend did often strike their sayles, and taried for vs forsaking their
+owne company.
+
+Tuesday (23) at an Eastnortheast sunne we were thwart of Cape S. Iohn.
+[Footnote: Cape Krasnoj.] It is to be vnderstood, that from the Cape S.
+Iohn vnto the riuer or bay that goeth to Mezen, it is all sunke land, and
+full of shoales and dangers, you shall haue scant two fadome water, and see
+no land. And this present day wee came to an anker thwart of a creeke,
+which is 4 or 5 leagues to the Northwards of the sayd Cape, into which
+creeke Gabriel and his fellow rowed, but we could not get in: and before
+night there were aboue 20 saile that went into the sayd creeke, the wind
+being at the Northeast. We had indifferent good landfang.
+
+This aftenoone Gabriel came aboord with his skiffe, and then I rewarded him
+for the good company that he kept with vs ouer the shoales with two small
+iuory combes, and a steele glasse, with two or three trifles more, for
+which he was not vngratefull. But notwithstanding, his first company had
+gotten further to the Northwards.
+
+Wednesday (24) being Midsummer day, we sent our skiffe aland to sound the
+creeke, where they found it almost drie at a low water. And all the Lodias
+within were on ground.
+
+Although the harborough were euil, yet the stormie similitude of the
+Northerly winds tempted vs to set our sayles, and we let slip a cable and
+an anker, and bare with the harborough, for it was then neere a high water:
+and as alwaies in such iournies varieties do chance, when we came vpon the
+barre in the entrance of the creeke, the wind did shrink so suddenly vpon
+vs, that we were not able to lead it in, and before we could haue slatted
+the shippe before the winde, we should haue bene on ground on the lee
+shore, so that we were constrained to let fall an anker vnder our sailes,
+and rode in a very breach, thinking to haue warpt in. Gabriel came out with
+his skiffe, and so did sundry others also, shewing their good will to helpe
+vs, but all to no purpose, for they were likely to haue bene drowned for
+their labour, in so much that I desired Gabriel to lend me his anker,
+because our owne ankers were too big for our skiffe to lay out, who sent me
+his owne, and borrowed another also and sent it vs. Then we layd out one of
+those ankers, with a hawser which he had of 140 fadom long, thinking to
+haue warpt in, but it would not be: for as we shorted vpon the said warpe
+the anker came home, so that we were faine to beare the end of the warpe,
+that we rushed in vpon the other small anker that Gabriel sent aboord, and
+layd that anker to seawards: and then betweene these two ankers we
+trauersed the ships head to seawards, and set our foresaile and maine
+sayle, and when the barke had way, we cut the hawser, and so gate the sea
+to our friend, and tryed out al that day with our maine corse.
+
+The Thursday (25) we went roome with Cape S. Iohn, where we found
+indifferent good rode for a Northnortheast wind, and for a neede, for a
+North and by West winde.
+
+Friday (26) at afternoone we weyed, and departed from thence, the wether
+being meetly faire, and the winde at Eastsoutheast, and plied for the place
+where we left our cable and anker, and pur hawser: and as soone as we were
+at an anker, the foresaid Gabriel came aboord of vs, with 3 or foure more
+of their small boats, and brought with them of their Aquauitæ and Meade,
+professing vnto me very much friendship, and reioiced to see vs againe,
+declaring that they earnestly thought that we had bene lost. This Gabriel
+declared vnto me, that they had saued both the ankers and our hauser, and
+after we had thus communed, I caused 4 or 5 of them to goe into my cabbin,
+where I gaue them figs, and made them such cheere as I could. While I was
+thus banketing of them, there came another of their skiffes aboord with one
+who was a Keril, [Footnote: Karelian.] whose name afterwards I learned, and
+that he dwelt in Colmogro, and Gabriel dwelled in the towne of Cola, which
+is not far from the riuers mouth. This foresaid Keril said vnto me that one
+of the ankers which I borowed was his, I gaue him thanks for the lone of
+it, thinking it had bene sufficient. And as I continued in one accustomed
+maner, that if the present which they brought were worth enterteinment they
+had it accordingly, he brought nothing with him, and therefore I regarded
+him but litle. And thus we ended, and they took their leaue and went
+ashore. At their comming ashore, Gabriel and Keril were at vnconuenient
+words, and by the eares, as I vnderstand: the cause was because the one had
+better enterteinment then the other: but you shal vnderstand that Gabriel
+was not able to make his party good, because there were 17 lodias of the
+Kerils company who tooke his part, and but 2 of Gabriels company.
+
+The next high water Gabriel and his company departed from thence, and rowed
+to their former company and neighbours, which were in number 28 at the
+least, and all of them belonging to the riuer Cola.
+
+And as I vnderstood Keril made reckoning that the hawser which was fast in
+his anker should haue bene his owne, and at first would not deliuer it to
+our boat, insomuch that I sent him worde that I would complaine vpon him,
+whereupon he deliuered the hawser to my company.
+
+The next day being Saturday, (27) I sent our boat on shore to fetch fresh
+water and wood, and at their comming on shore this Keril welcomed our men
+most gently, and also banketed them: and in the meane time caused some of
+his men to fill our baricoes with water, and to help our men to beare wood
+into their boat: and then he put on his best silke coate, and his coller of
+pearles, and came aboord againe, and brought his present with him: and thus
+hauing more respect vnto his present then to his person, because I
+perceiued him to be vainglorious, I bade him welcome, and gaue him a dish
+of figs: and then he declared vnto me that his father was a gentleman, and
+that he was able to shew me pleasure, and not Gabriel, who was but a
+priests sonne.
+
+After their departure from vs we weied, and plied all the ebbe to the
+windewards, the winde being Northerly, and towards night it waxed very
+stormy, so that of force we were constrained to go roome with Cape S. Iohn
+againe, in which storme wee lost our skiffe at our sterne, that wee bought
+at Wardhouse, and there we rode vntil the fourth of Iuly. The latitude of
+Cape S. Iohn is 66 degrees 50 minutes. And it is to be noted, that the land
+of Cape S. Iohn is of height from the full sea marke, as I iudge, 10
+fadomes, being cleane without any trees growing, and also without stones or
+rockes, and consists onely of blacke earth, which is so rotten, that if any
+of it fall into the sea, it will swimme as though it were a piece of wood.
+In which place, about three leagues from the shore you shall not haue aboue
+9 fadom water, and clay ground.
+
+
+Iulie.
+
+Saturday (4) at a Northnorthwest sunne the wind came at Eastnortheast, and
+then we weied, and plied to the Northwards, and as we were two leagues shot
+past the Cape, we saw a house standing in a valley, which is dainty to be
+seene in those parts, and by and by I saw three men on the top of the hil.
+Then I iudged them, as it afterwards proued, that they were men which came
+from some other place to set traps to take vermin [Footnote: Probably
+mountain foxes. Remains of fox-traps are still frequently met with along
+the coast of the Polar Sea, where the Russians have carried on hunting.]
+for their furres, which trappes we did perceiue very thicke, alongst the
+shore as we went.
+
+Sunday (5) at an East sunne we were thwart off the creeke where the Russes
+lay, and there came to an anker, and perceiuing the most part of the Lodias
+to be gone we thought it not good to tary any longer there, but weyed and
+spent all the ebbe, plying to the windewards.
+
+Munday (6) at a South sunne it was high water. All alongst the coast it
+floweth little, onely a South moone makes a full sea: and as we were a
+weying we espied the Russe Lodias, which we first lost. They came out of a
+creeke amongst the sandy hilles, [Footnote: Kija Bay.] which hilles beginne
+15 leagues Northnortheast from Cape S. Iohn.
+
+Plying this ebbe to an end, we came (7) to an anker 6 leagues
+Northnortheast from the place where we saw the Russes come out: and there
+the Russes harboured themselues within a soonke banke, but there was not
+water enough for vs.
+
+At a North sunne we weyed and plied to the Northwards, the land lying
+Northnortheast, and Southsouthwest, vntill a South sunne, and then we were
+in the latitude of 68 degrees and a halfe: and in this latitude ende those
+sandy hilles, and the land beginneth to lie North and by West, South and by
+East, and Northnorthwest, and to the Westwards, and there the water
+beginneth to waxe deepe.
+
+At a Northwest sunne we came to an anker within halfe a league of the
+shore, where wee had good plenty of fish, both Haddocks and Cods, riding in
+10 fadom water.
+
+Wednesday (8) we weyed, and plyed neerer the headland, which is called
+Caninoz, [Footnote: Canin Nos, latitude 68 deg. 30 min. N.] the wind being
+at East and by North.
+
+Thursday (9) the wind being soant we turned to windwards the ebbe, to get
+about Caninoz: the latitude this day at noone was 68 degrees 40 minutes.
+
+Friday (10) we turned to the windward of the ebbe, but to no purpose: and
+as we rode at an anker, we saw the similitude of a storme rising at
+Northnorthwest, and could not tell where to get rode nor succor for that
+winde, and harborough we knew none: and that land which we rode vnder with
+that winde was a lee shore. And as I was musing what was best to be done, I
+saw a saile come out of a creeke vnder the foresayd Caninoz, which was my
+friend Gabriel, who forsooke his harborough and company, and came as neere
+vs as he might, and pointed vs to the Eastwards, and then we weyed and
+followed him, and went East and by South, the wind being at Westnorthwest,
+and very mistie.
+
+Saturday (11) we went Eastsoutheast and followed Gabriel, and he brought vs
+into an harborough called Morgiouets, which is 30 leagues from Caninoz, and
+we had vpon the barre going in two fadome and a fourth part: and after we
+were past in ouer the barre, it waxed deeper, for we had 5 fadoms, 4 and a
+half, and 3 fadom &c. Our barke being mored, I sent some of our men to
+shoare to prouide wood, where they had plenty of drift wood, but none
+growing: and in this place we found plenty of young foule, as Gulles,
+Seapies [Footnote: Probably the little Auk (_Mergulus Alle_, L.)], and
+others, whereof the Russes would eate none, whereof we were nothing sory,
+for there came the more to our part.
+
+Sunday (12) our men cut wood on shoare, and brought it aboord, and wee
+balasted our shippe with stones.
+
+This morning Gabriel saw a smoke on the way, who rowed vnto it with his
+skiffe, which smoke was two leagues from the place where we road: and at a
+Northwest sunne he came aboord again, and brought with him a Samoed,
+[Footnote: This was the first meeting between West Europeans and Samoyeds.]
+which was but a young man: his apparell was then strange vnto vs, and he
+presented me with three young wild geese, and one young barnacle [Footnote:
+_Anser bernicla_, L.].
+
+Munday (13) I sent a man to the maine in Gabriels boat and he brought vs
+aboord 8 barricoes of fresh water: the latitude of the said Morgiouets is
+sixtie eight degrees and a terce. It floweth there at a Southsouthwest
+moone full sea, and hyeth two fadome and a halfe water.
+
+At a Westnorthwest sunne we departed from this place, (14) and went East 25
+leagues, and then saw an Island by North and by West of vs eight leagues,
+which Island is called Dolgoieue: [Footnote: Dolgoi Island.] and from the
+Eastermost part of this Island, there lyeth a sand East and by South 7
+leagues long.
+
+Wednesday (15) at a North and by East sunne Swetinoz [Footnote: Swjatoi
+Nus.] was South of vs 5 leagues. This day at aftemoone we went in ouer the
+dangerous barre of Pechora, and had vpon the barre but one fadome water
+[Footnote: The capes at the Mouth of the Petchora, Cape Ruski Savorot, and
+Cape Medinski Savorot are very nearly in lat. 69 deg.].
+
+Thursday (16) we road still.
+
+Friday (17) I went on shoare and obserued the variation of the Compasse,
+which was three degrees and a halfe from the North to the West: the
+latitude this day was, sixtie nine degrees ten minutes.
+
+From two or three leagues to the Eastward of Swetinoz, vntill the entering
+of the riuer Pechora, it is all sandie hilles, and towards Pechora the
+sandie hilles are very low.
+
+It higheth on the barre of Pechora foure foote water, and it floweth there
+at a Southwest moone a full sea.
+
+Munday (20) at a North and by East sunne, we weyed, and came out ouer the
+sayd dangerous barre, where we had but fiue foote water, insomuch that wee
+found a foote lesse water comming out then wee did going in. I thinke the
+reason was, because when we went in the winde was off the sea, which caused
+the sands to breake on either side of vs, and we kept in the smoothest
+betweene the breaches, which we durst not haue done, except we had seene
+the Russes to haue gone in before vs: and at our comming out the winde was
+off the shoare, and fayre weather, and then the sands did not appeare with
+breaches as at our going in: we thanke God that our ship did draw so little
+water.
+
+When we were a seaboord the barre the wind scanted vpon vs, and was at
+Eastsoutheast, insomuch that we stopped the ebbes, and plyed all the floods
+to the windewards, and made our way Eastnortheast.
+
+Tuesday (21) at a Northwest sunne we thought that we had seen land at East,
+or East and by North of vs: which afterwards prooued to be a monstrous
+heape of ice.
+
+Within a little more than halfe an houre after we first saw this ice, we
+were inclosed within it before we were aware of it, which was a fearefull
+sight to see: for, for the space of sixe houres, it was as much as we could
+doe to keepe our shippe aloofe from one heape of ice, and beare roomer from
+another, with as much wind as we might beare a coarse. And when we had past
+from the danger of this ice, we lay to the Eastwards close by the wind.
+
+The next day (22) we were againe troubled with the ice.
+
+Thursday (23) being calme, we plyed to the windwards, the winde being
+Northerly. We had the latitude this day at noone in 70 degrees 11 minutes.
+
+We had not runne past two houres Northwest, the wind being at
+Northnortheast and Northeast and by North a good gale, but we met againe
+with another heape of ice: we wethered the head of it, and lay a time to
+the seawards, and made way West 6 leagues.
+
+Friday (24) at a Southeast sunne we cast about to the Eastwards, the wind
+being at Northnortheast: the latitude this day at noone was 70 degrees 15
+minutes.
+
+On S. Iames his day (25) bolting to the windewardes, we had the latitude at
+noone in seuenty degrees twentie minutes. The same day at a Southwest
+sunne, there was a monstrous Whale aboord of us, so neere to our side that
+we might haue thrust a sworde or any other weapon in him, which we durst
+not doe for feare hee should haue ouerthrowen our shippe: and then I called
+my company together, and all of vs shouted, and with the crie that we made
+he departed from vs: there was as much aboue water of his backe as the
+bredth of our pinnesse, and at his falling downe, he made such a terrible
+noyse in the water that a man would greatly haue maruelled, except hee had
+knowen the cause of it: but God be thanked, we were quietly deliuered of
+him. [Footnote: Of the various species of Whales, the Narwhal occurs very
+rarely off Novaya Zemlya. It is more common at Hope Island, and Witsen
+states that large herds have been seen between Spitzbergen and Novaya
+Zemlya. The White Whale (_Delphinapterus leucas_, Pallas), on the other
+hand, occurs in large shoals on the coasts of Spitzbergen and Novaya
+Zemlya. In 1871, 2167 White Whales were taken by the Tromsoe fleet alone,
+an estimated value of £6500. In 1880, one vessel had 300 whales at one cast
+of the net, in Magdalena Bay. In former times they appear to have been
+caught at the mouth of the Yenisej, which river they ascend several hundred
+miles. Nordenskiold also saw large shoals off the Taimur peninsula. Other
+species occur seldom off Novaya Zemlya. It is rather amusing to find the
+meeting with a whale mentioned as very remarkable and dangerous. When
+Nearchus sailed with the fleet of Alexander the Great from the Indus to the
+Red Sea, a whale also caused so great a panic that it was only with
+difficulty that the commander could restore order among the frightened
+seamen, and get the rowers to row to the place where the Whale spouted
+water and caused a commotion in the sea like that of a whirlwind. All the
+men shouted, struck the water with their oars, and sounded their trumpets,
+so that the large, and, in the judgment of the Macedonian Heroes, terrible
+animal, was frightened. _(See the "Indica" of Nearchus, preserved to us by
+Arrian, an excellent translation of which, by J. W. McCrindle, appeared in
+1879.)_ Quite otherwise was the Whale regarded on Spitsbergen some few
+years after Burrough's voyage. At the sight of a Whale all men were beside
+themselves with joy, and rushed down into the boats in order to attack and
+kill the valuable, animal. The fishery was carried on with such success,
+that the right Whale _(Balaena mysticetus L.)_, whose pursuit then gave
+full employment to ships by hundreds, and to men by tens of thousands, is
+now practically extirpated. As this Whale still occurs in no limited
+numbers in other parts of the Polar Sea, this state of things shows how
+easily an animal is driven away from a region where it is so much hunted.
+Captain Svend Foeyn, from 1864 to 1881, exclusively hunted another species
+(_Balænoptera Sibbaldii_ Gray), on the coast of Finmark; and other species
+still follow shoals of fish on the Norwegian coast, where they sometimes
+strand and are killed in considerable numbers. (Nordenskiöld's _Voyage of
+the Vega_, vol. I., p. 165).] And a little after we spied certaine Islands,
+with which we bare, and found good harbor in 15 or 18 fadome, and blacke
+oze: we came to an anker at a Northeast sunne, and named the Island S.
+Iames his Island, [Footnote: Evidently one of the Islands at the south of
+Novaya Zemlya.] where we found fresh water.
+
+Sunday, (26) much wind blowing we rode still.
+
+Munday (27) I went on shoare and tooke the latitude, which was 70 degrees
+42 minutes: the variation of the compasse was 7 degrees and a halfe from
+the North to the West.
+
+Tuesday (28) we plyed to the Westwards alongst the shoare, the wind being
+at Northwest, and as I was about to come to anker, we saw a sayle comming
+about the point, whereunder we thought to haue ankered. [Sidenote: The
+relation of Loshak.] Then I sent a skiffe aboord of him, and at their
+coming aboord they tooke acquaintance of them and the chiefe man said hee
+had bene in our company in the riuer Cola, and also declared unto them that
+we were past the way which should bring vs to the Ob. This land, sayd he,
+is called Noua Zembla, that is to say, the New land: and then he came
+aboord himselfe with his skiffe, and at his comming aboord he told me the
+like, and sayd further, that in this Noua Zembla is the highest mountaine
+in the worlde, as he thought, [Footnote: The highest mountains in Novaya
+Zemlya hardly exceed 3500 feet.] and that Camen Boldshay, which is on the
+maine of Pechora, is not to be compared to this mountaine, but I saw it
+not: he made me also certaine demonstrations of the way to the Ob, and
+seemed to make haste on his owne way, being very lothe to tarie, because
+the yeere was farre past, and his neighbour had fet Pechora, and not he: so
+I gaue him a steele glasse, two pewter spoones, and a paire of veluet
+sheathed knives: and then he seemed somewhat the more willing to tary, and
+shewed me as much as he knew for our purpose: he also gaue me 17 wilde
+geese, and shewed me that foure of their lodias were driuen perforce from
+Caninoze to this Noua Zembla. This mans name was Loshak.
+
+Wednesday, (29) as we plied to the Eastwards, we espied another saile,
+which was one of this Loshaks company, and we bare roome, and spake with
+him, who in like sort tolde vs of the Ob, as the other had done.
+
+Thursday, (30) we plied to the Eastwards, the winde being at Eastnortheast.
+
+Friday, (31) the gale of winde began to increase, and came Westerly
+withall, so that by a Northwest sunne we were at an anker among the Islands
+of Vaigats, where we saw two small lodias, the one of them came aboard of
+vs, and presented me with a great loafe of bread: and they told me that
+they were all of Colmogro, except one man that dwelt at Pechora, who seemed
+to be the chiefest among them in killing of the Morse.
+
+There were some of their company on shoare, which did chase a white beare
+ouer the high clifs into the water, which beare the lodia that was aboard
+of vs killed in our sight.
+
+This day there was a great gale of wind at North, and we saw so much ice
+driuing a seaboord, that it was then no going to sea.
+
+
+August.
+
+Saturday (1) I went ashore, and there I saw three morses that they had
+killed: they held one tooth of a Morse, which was not great, at a roble,
+and one white beare skin at three robles and two robles: they further tolde
+me, that there were people called Samoeds on the great Island, and that
+they would not abide them nor vs, who haue no houses, but only couerings
+made of Deere skins, set ouer them with stakes: they are men expert in
+shooting, [Footnote: That the Samoyeds were archers is shewn by old
+drawings, one of which I reproduce from Linschoten. Now the bow has
+completely gone out of use, for Nordenskiöld did not see a single archer.
+Wretched old flint firelocks are, however, common.] and have great plenty
+of Deere.
+
+This night there fell a cruell storme, the wind being at West.
+
+Sunday (2) we had very much winde, with plenty of snow, and we rode with
+two ankers a head.
+
+[Illustration: Samoiedarum, trahis a rangiferis protractis insidentium. Nec
+non Idolorum ab ijsdem cultorum effigies. SAMOYED SLEIGH AND IDOLS. After
+an old Dutch engraving.]
+
+Munday (3) we weyed and went roome with another Island, which was fiue
+leagues Eastnortheast from vs, and there I met againe with Loshak, and went
+on shore with him, and hee brought me to a heap of the Samoeds idols, which
+were in number aboue 300, the worst and the most vnartificiall worke that
+euer I saw: the eyes and mouthes of sundrie of them were bloodie, they had
+the shape of men, women and children, very grosly wrought, and that which
+they had made for other parts, was also sprinckled with blood. Some of
+their idols were an old sticke with two or three notches, mode with a knife
+in it. [Footnote: The accompanying _fac-simile_ of a quaint old engraving
+of a Samoyed sleigh and idols gives an excellent idea of both.] I saw much
+of the footing of the sayd Samoeds, and of the sleds that they ride in.
+There was one of their sleds broken, and lay by the heape of idols, and
+there I saw a deers skinne which the foules had spoyled: and before
+certaine of their idols blocks were made as high as their mouthes, being
+all bloody, I thought that to be the table whereon they offered their
+sacrifice: I saw also the instruments, whereupon they had roasted flesh,
+and as farre as I could perceiue, they make their fire directly under the
+spit.
+
+Loshak being there present tolde me that these Samoeds were not so hurtful
+as they of Ob are, and that they haue no houses, as indeede I saw none, but
+onely tents made of Deers skins, which they vnderproppe with stakes and
+poles: their boates are made of Deers skins, and when they come on shoare
+they cary their boates with them upon their backes: for their cariages they
+haue no other beastes to serue them, but Deere onely. As for bread and
+corne they haue none, except the Russes bring it to them: their knowledge
+is very base, for they know no letter. [Footnote: This is one of the oldest
+accounts of the Samoyeds we possess. Giles Fletcher, who in 1588 was Queen
+Elizabeth's Ambassador to the Czar, writes, in his accounts of Russia, of
+the Samoyeds in the following way:--
+
+"The _Samoyt_ hath his name (as the _Russe_ saith) of eating himselfe: as
+if in times past they lived as the _Cannibals_, eating one another. Which
+they make more probable, because at this time they eate all kind of raw
+flesh, whatsoeuer it bee, euen the very carrion that lyeth in the ditch.
+But as the _Samoits_ themselves will say, they were called _Samoit_, that
+is, _of themselves_, as though they were _Indigenæ_, or people bred upon
+that very soyle that never changed their seate from one place to another,
+as most Nations have done. They are clad in Seale-skinnes, with the hayrie
+side outwards downe as low as the knees, with their Breeches and
+Netherstocks of the same, both men and women. They are all Blacke hayred,
+naturally beardless. And therefore the Men are hardly discerned from the
+Women by their lookes: saue that the Women wear a locke of hayre down along
+both their eares." (_Treatise of Russia and the adjoining Regions_, written
+by Doctor Giles Fletcher, Lord Ambassador from the late Queen, Everglorious
+Elizabeth, to Theodore, then Emperor of Russia, A.D. 1588. _Purchas_, iii.
+p. 413.)
+
+In nearly the same way the Samoyeds are described by G. De Veer, in his
+account of Barents's Second Voyage in 1595.
+
+Serebrenikoff, according to Nordensköld, maintains that _Samodin_ should be
+written instead of _Samoyed_. For _Samoyed_ means "self eater," while
+_Samodin_ denotes an "individual," "one who cannot be mistaken for
+another," and, as the Samoyeds were never cannibals, Serebrenikoff gives a
+preference to the latter name, which is used by the Russians at Chabarova,
+and appears to be a literal translation of the name which the Samoyeds give
+themselves. Nordenskiöld, however, considers it probable that the old
+tradition of man-eaters (_androphagi_), living in the north, which
+onginated with Herodotus, and was afterwards universally adopted in the
+geographical literature of the Middle Ages, reappears in Russianised form
+in the name _Samoyed_. With all due respect for Nordenskiöld, I am inclined
+to agree with Serebrenikoff. In the account of the journey which the
+Italian minorite, Joannes de Piano Carpini, undertook in High Asia in
+1245-47, an extraordinary account of the Samoyeds and neighbouring tribes
+is given. (See Vol. II. of these Collections, pp. 28 and 95).--I give a
+very curious engraving of Samoyeds from Schleissing.--Nordenskiöld inserts,
+in his _Voyage of the Vega_, the following interesting communication from
+Professor Ahlquist, of Helsingfors:--.
+
+"The Samoyeds are reckoned, along with the Tungoose, the Mongolian, the
+Turkish and the Finnish-Ugrian races, to belong to the so-called Altaic or
+Ural-Altaic stem. What is mainly characteristic of this stem, is that all
+the languages occurring within it belong to the so-called agglutinating
+type. For in these languages the relations of ideas are expressed
+exclusively by terminations or suffixes--inflections, prefixes and
+prepositions, as expressive of relations, being completely unknown to them.
+Other peculiarities characteristic of the Altaic languages are the vocal
+harmony occurring in many of them, the inability to have more than one
+consonant in the beginning of a word, and the expression of the plural by a
+peculiar affix, the case terminations being the same in the plural as in
+the singular. The affinity between the different branches of the Altaic
+stem is thus founded mainly on analogy or resemblance in the construction
+of the languages, while the different tongues in the material of language
+(both in the words themselves and in the expression of relations) show a
+very limited affinity or none at all. The circumstance that the Samoyeds
+for the present have as their nearest neighbours several Finnish-Ugrian
+races (Lapps, Syrjaeni, Ostjaks, and Voguls), and that these to a great
+extent carry on the same modes of life as themselves, has led some authors
+to assume a close affinity between the Samoyeds and the Fins and the
+Finnish races in general. The speech of the two neighbouring tribes,
+however, affords no ground for such a supposition. Even the language of the
+Ostjak, which is the most closely related to that of the Samoyeds, is
+separated heaven-wide from it and has nothing in common with it, except a
+small number of borrowed words (chiefly names of articles from the Polar
+nomad's life), which the Ostjak has taken from the language of his northern
+neighbour. With respect to their language, however, the Samoyeds are said
+to stand at a like distance from the other branches of the stem in
+question. To what extent craniology or modern anthropology can more
+accurately determine the affinity-relationship of the Samoyed to other
+tribes, is still a question of the future."
+
+At the present day, the Samoyeds dwell in skin tents. They dress
+principally in reindeer-skins, and the women's holiday-dress is
+particularly showy. Their boots, also of reindeer-skin, are beautifully and
+tastefully embroidered. In summer, the men go bare-headed: the women divide
+their hair into tresses, and use artificial plaits, ornamented with pearls,
+buttons, &c. Like the man, the woman is small, with coarse black hair, face
+of a yellow colour, small and sunken eyes, a flat nose, broad cheek-bones,
+slender legs, and small feet and hands. She competes with the man in dirt.
+Nordenskiöld places the Samoyeds in the lowest rank of all the Polar races.
+The women have perfectly equal rights with the men.]
+
+Tuesday (4) we turned for the harborough where Loshaks barke lay, whereas
+before we road vnder an Island. And there he came aboord of vs and said
+vnto me: if God sende winde and weather to serue, I will goe to the Ob with
+you, because the Morses were scant at these Islands of Vaigats, but if he
+could not get to the riuer of Ob, then he sayd hee would goe to the riuer
+of Naramzay, where the people were not altogether so sauage as the Samoyds
+of the Ob are: hee shewed me that they will shoot at all men to the
+vttermost of their power, that cannot speake their speech.
+
+Wednesday (5) we saw a terrible heape of ice approach neere vnto vs, and
+therefore wee thought good with al speed possible to depart from thence,
+and so I returned to the Westwards againe, to the Island where we were the
+31. of Iuly.
+
+[Illustration: SAMOYED ARCHERS. After Unschoten.]
+
+[Illustration: SAMOYEDS. From Schleissing's Nou-entdecktes Sieweria,
+worinnen die Zobeln gefangen werden. Zittan 1693.]
+
+Thursday (6) I went a shoare, and tooke the latitude, which was 70 degrees
+25 minutes: and the variation of the compasse was 8 degrees from the North
+to the West.
+
+Loshak and the two small Lodias of Pechora departed from this Island, while
+I was on shoare taking the latitude, and went to the Southwards: I
+maruailed why he departed so suddenly, and went ouer the shoales amongst
+the Islands where it was impossible for vs to follow them. But after I
+perceiued them to be weatherwise.
+
+Friday (7) we road still, the winde being at Northnortheast, with a cruel
+storme. The ice came in so abundantly about vs at both ends of the Island
+that, we rode vnder, that it was a fearefull sight to behold: the storme
+continued with snow, raine, and hayle plenty.
+
+Saturday (8) we rode still also, the storme being somewhat abated, but it
+was altogether misty, that we were not able to see a cables length about
+vs, the winde being at Northeast and by East.
+
+Sunday (9) at foure of the clocke in the morning we departed from this
+Island, the winde being at Southeast, and as we were cleere a sea boord the
+small Islandes and shoales, it came so thick with mistes that we could not
+see a base shotte from vs. Then we took in all our sailes to make little
+way.
+
+At a Southeast sunne it waxed cleere, and then we set our sayles, and lay
+close by the wind to the Southwards alongst the Islands of Vaigats. At a
+west sunne we tooke in our sayle againe because of the great mist and
+raine. Wee sounded at this place, and had fiue and twenty fadomes water,
+and soft black oze, being three leagues from the shoare, the winde being at
+South and by East, but still misty.
+
+Munday (10) at an East sunne we sounded, and had 40 fadomes, and oze, still
+misty: at noone wee sounded againe, and had 36 fadome, still misty.
+
+Tuesday (11) at an Eastnortheast sunne we let fall our anker in three and
+twenty fadome, the mist still continuing.
+
+Wednesday (12) at three of the clocke in the morning the mist brake vp, the
+wind being at Northeast and by East, and then we saw part of the Islands of
+Vaigats, which we bare withal, and went Eastsoutheast close by the winde:
+at a West sunne we were at an anker vnder the Southwest part of the said
+Vaigats, and then I sent our skiffe to shoare with three men in her, to see
+if they might speake with any of the Samoeds, but could not: all that day
+was rainie, but not windie.
+
+Thursday (13) the wind came Westerly, so that we were faine to seeke vs
+another place to ride in, because the wind came a seaboord land, and
+although it were misty, yet wee followed the shoare by our lead: and as we
+brought land in the wind of vs, we let fall our anker. At a West sunne the
+mist brake up, so that we might see about vs, and then we might perceiue
+that we were entred into a sound.
+
+This aftemoone we tooke in two or three skiffes lading of stones to ballast
+our shippe withall. It hyeth here four foot water, and floweth by fits,
+vncertaine to be iudged.
+
+Friday (14) we rode still in the sound, the wind at Southwest, with very
+much raine, and at the end of the raine it waxed againe mistie.
+
+Saturday (15) there was much wind at West, and much raine, and then againe
+mistie.
+
+Sunday (16) was very mistie and much winde.
+
+Munday (17) very mistie, the winde at Westnorthwest.
+
+Tuesday (18) was also mistie, except at noone: then the sunne brake out
+through the mist, so that we had the latitude in 70 degrees 10 minutes: the
+afternoone was misty againe, the wind being at Westnorthwest.
+
+Wednesday (19) at three of the clocke afternoone the mist brake vp, and the
+wind came at Eastnortheast, and then we weyed, and went South and by East,
+vntil seuen of the clocke, eight leagues, thinking to haue had sight of the
+sandie hilles that are to the Eastwards of the riuer Pechora. At a
+Northwest sunne we took in our maine saile, because the wind increased, and
+went with a foresaile Westnorthwest, the wind being at Eastnortheast: at
+night there grewe so terrible a storme, that we saw not the like, although
+we had indured many stormes since we came out of England. It was wonderfull
+that our barke was able to brooke such monstrous and terrible seas, without
+the great helpe of God, who neuer fayleth them at neede, that put their
+sure trust in him.
+
+Thursday (20) at a Southsouthwest sunne, thanks be to God, the storme was
+at the highest, and then the winde began to slake, and came Northerly
+withall, and then I reckoned the Westermost point of the riuer Pechora to
+be South of vs 15 leagues. At a Westsouthwest sunne we set our maine sayle,
+and lay close by the winde, the winde being at Northwest and by North,
+making but little way, because the billow went so high: at midnight wee
+cast about, and the shippe caped Northnortheast, making little way.
+
+Friday (21) at noone we had the latitude in 70 degrees 8 minutes, and we
+sounded, and had 29 fadomes sand, and in maner, stremy ground. At West
+sunne we cast about to the Westwards, and a little after the wind came vp
+at West.
+
+Saturday (22) was calme: the latitude this day at noone was 70 degrees and
+a terce, we sounded heere, and had nine and forty fadomes and oze, which
+oze signified that we drew towards Noua Zembla.
+
+And thus we being out of al hope to discouer any more to the Eastward this
+yeere, wee thought it best to returne, and that for three causes.
+
+The first, the continuall Northeast and Northerly winds, which haue more
+power after a man is past to the eastwards of Caninoze, then in any place
+that I doe know in these Northerly regions.
+
+Second, because of great and terrible abundance of ice which we saw with
+our eies, and we doubt greater store abideth in those parts: I aduentured
+already somewhat too farre in it, but I thanke God for my safe deliuerance
+from it.
+
+Third, because the nights waxed darke, and the winter began to draw on with
+his stormes: and therefore I resolued to take the first best wind that God
+should send, and plie towards the bay of S. Nicholas, and to see if wee
+might do any good there, if God would permitt it.
+
+This present Saturday we saw very much ice, and were within two or three
+leagues of it: it shewed vnto vs as though it had beene a firme land as
+farre as we might see from Northwest off vs to the Eastwards: and this
+afternoone the Lord sent vs a little gale of wind at South, so that we bare
+cleere of the Westermost part of it, thanks be to God. And then against
+night it waxed calme againe, and the winde was at Southwest: we made our
+way vntill Sunday (23) noone Northwest and by West, and then we had the
+latitude in 70 degrees and a halfe, the winde at Southwest: there was a
+billow, so that we could not discerne to take the latitude exactly, but by
+a reasonable gesse.
+
+Munday (24) there was a pretie gale of wind at South, so that wee went West
+and by South, the latitude this day at noone was 70 degrees 10 minutes: wee
+had little winde all day: at a Westnorthwest sunne we sounded, and had 29
+fadoms blacke sandie oze, and then we were Northeast 5 leagues from the
+Northeast part of the Island Colgoieue.
+
+Tuesday (25) the wind all Westerly we plyed to the windwards.
+
+Wednesday (26) the wind was all Westerly, and calme: wee had the latitude
+this day in 70 degrees 10 minutes, we being within three leagues of the
+North part of the Island Colgoieue.
+
+Thursday, (27) we went roome about the Westermost part of the Island,
+seeking where we might finde a place to ride in for a Northwest wind, and
+could not find none, and then we cast about againe to the seawards, and the
+winde came at Westsouthwest, and this morning we had plenty of snow.
+
+Friday, (28) the winde being at Southwest and by West, we plied to the
+windewards.
+
+Saturday (29) the winde being at South we plyed to the Westwards, and at
+afternoone the mist brake vp, and then we might see the land seuen or eight
+leagues to the Eastwards of Caninoz: we sounded a little before and had 35
+fadoms and oze. And a while after wee sounded againe, and had 19. fadome
+and sand: then we were within three leagues and a halfe of the shore, and
+towards night there came downe so much winde, that we were faine to bring
+our ship a trie, and laide her head to the Westwards.
+
+Sunday, (30) the winde became more calme, and when it waxed verie mystie:
+At noone wee cast about to the Eastwards, the winde beeing at South, and
+ranne eight houres on that boorde, and then we cast about and caped West
+southwest: we sounded and had 32 fathomes, and found oaze like clay.
+
+Munday, (31) we doubled about Caninoze, and came at an anker there, to the
+intent that we might kill some fish if God permit it, and there we gate a
+great Nuse, which Nuses were there so plentie, that they would scarcely
+suffer any other fish to come neere the hookes: the said Nuses caried away
+sundrie of our hookes and leads.
+
+A little after at a West Sunne, the winde began to blow stormie at West
+southwest, so that we were faine to wey and forsake our fishing ground, and
+went close by the winde Southwest, and Southwest and by West, making our
+way South southwest.
+
+
+September.
+
+Tuesday (1) at a West Sunne we sounded and had 20. fathoms, and broken
+Wilkeshels: I reckoned Caninoze to be 24 leagues Northnortheast from vs.
+
+The eleuenth day we arriued at Colmogro, and there we wintered, expecting
+the approch of the next Summer to proceede farther in our intended
+discouerie for the Ob: which (by reason of our imploiments to Wardhouse the
+next spring for the search of some English ships) [Footnote: The fate of
+the three vessels that were employed on the first English Expedition to the
+North-East (see p. 29) was equally unfortunate. The _Edward Bonaventure_,
+commanded, as we have seen, by Chancellor, sailed in 1553 from England to
+the White Sea, returned to England in 1554, and was on the way plundered by
+the Dutch (Purchas, iii., p. 250); started again with Chancellor for the
+Dwina in 1555, and returned the same year to England under John Buckland;
+accompanied Burrough in 1556 to the Kola Peninsula: went thence to the
+Dwina to convey to England Chancellor and a Russian Embassy, the vessel,
+besides, carrying £20,000 worth of goods. It was wrecked in Aberdour Bay,
+near Aberdeen, on the 20th (10th) November, and Chancellor, his wife, and
+seven Russians were drowned.--The _Bona Esperanza_, commanded by Willoughby
+in 1553, carried him and his crew to perish at the mouth of the Varzina.
+The vessel was recovered, and was to have been used in 1556 to carry to
+England the Embassy already mentioned. It reached a harbour near
+Trondhjeim, but after leaving there, was never heard of again.--The _Bona
+Confidenzia_ was also saved after the fatal wintering at the Varzina, and
+was employed in escorting the Embassy in 1556, but stranded on the
+Norwegian coast, every soul on board perishing. (See the account of the
+Russian Embassy to England, pp. 142-3.)--The vessels alluded to by Burrough
+are the _Edward Bonaventure_ and _Bona Confidenzia_.] was not accordingly
+performed.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Certaine notes vnperfectly written by Richard Iohnson seruant to Master
+  Richard Chancelour, which was in the discouerie of Vaigatz and Noua
+  Zembla, with Steuen Burrowe in the Serchthrift 1556. and afterwarde among
+  the Samoedes, whose deuilish rites hee describeth.
+
+First, after we departed out of England we fell with Norway, and on that
+coste lieth Northbern or Northbergen, and this people are vnder the King of
+Denmarke: But they differ in their speech from the Danes, for they speake
+Norsh. And North of Northbern lie the Isles of Roste and Lofoot, and these
+Islands pertaine vnto Finmarke, and they keepe the laws and speake the
+language of the Islanders. And at the Eastermost part of that land is a
+castle which is called the Wardhouse, and the King of Denmarke doeth
+fortifie it with men of warre: and the Russes may not goe to the Westward
+of that castle. And East Southeast from that castle is a lande called
+Lappia: in which lande be two maner of people, that is to say, the Lappians
+and the Scrickfinnes, which Scrickfinnes are a wilde people which neither
+know God, nor yet good order: and these people liue in tents made of Deares
+skinnes: and they haue no certaine habitations, but continue in heards and
+companies by one hundred and two hundreds. And they are a people of small
+stature, and are clothed in Deares skinnes and drinke nothing but water,
+and eate no bread but flesh all raw. And the Lappians bee a people
+adioyning to them and be much like to them in al conditions: but the
+Emperour of Russia hath of late ouercome manie of them, and they are in
+subiection to him. And this people will say that they beleeue in the Russes
+God. And they liue in tents as the other doe. And Southeast and by South
+from Lappia lyeth a prouince called Corelia, and these people are called
+Kerilli. And South southeast from Corelia lyeth a countrey called
+Nouogardia. And these three nations are vnder the Emperour of Russia, and
+the Russes keepe the Lawe of the Greekes in their Churches, and write
+somewhat like as the Greekes write, and they speake their owne language,
+and they abhorre the Latine tongue, neither haue they to doe with the Pope
+of Rome, and they holde it not good to worshippe any carued Image, yet they
+will worshippe paynted Images on tables or boords. And in Russia their
+Churches, steeples, and houses are all of wood: and their shippes that they
+haue are sowed with withes and haue no nayles. The Kerilles, Russians or
+Moscouians bee much alike in all conditions. And South from the Moscouians
+lye the Tartarians, which bee Mahumetans, and liue in tentes and wagons,
+and keepe in heardes and companies: and they holde it not good to abide
+long in one place, for they will say, when they will curse any of their
+children, I woulde thou mightest tary so long in a place that thou mightest
+smell thine owne dung, as the Christians doe: and this is the greatest
+curse that they haue. And East Northeast of Russia lieth Lampas, which is a
+place where the Russes, Tartars, and Samoeds meete twise a yeere, and make
+the faire to barter wares for wares. And Northeast from Lampas lieth the
+countrey of the Samoeds, which be about the riuer of Pechere, and these
+Samoeds bee in subiection to the Emperour of Russia, and they lie in tentes
+made of Deere skinnes, and they vse much witchcraft, and shoot well in
+bowes. And Northeast from the river Pechere [Footnote: Or, Pechora.] lieth
+Vaygatz, and there are the wilde Samoeds which will not suffer the Russes
+to land out of the Sea, but they will kill them and eate them, as wee are
+tolde by the Russes: and they liue in heards, and haue all their carriages
+with deere, for they haue no horses. Beyond Vaygatz lyeth a lande called
+Noua Zembla, which is a great lande, but wee sawe no people, and there we
+had Foule inough, and there wee sawe white Foxes and white Beares And the
+sayde Samoeds which are about the bankes of Pechere, which are in
+subiection to the Emperour of Russia, when they will remoue from one place
+to another, then they will make sacrifices in manner following. Euerie
+kinred doeth sacrifice in their owne tent, and hee that is most auncient is
+their Priest. And first the Priest doth beginne to play vpon a thing like
+to a great sieue, with a skinne on the one ende like a drumme: and the
+sticke that he playeth with is about a spannne long, and one ende is round
+like a ball, couered with the skinne of an Harte. Also the Priest hath vpon
+his head a thing of white like a garlande, and his face is couered with a
+piece of a shirt of maile, with manie small ribbes, and teeth of fishes,
+and wilde beastes hanging on the same maile. Then he singeth as wee vse
+heere in Englande to hallow, whope, or showte at houndes, and the rest of
+the company answere him with this Owtis, Igha, Igha, Igha, and then the
+Priest replieth againe, with his voyces. And they answere him with the
+selfsame wordes so manie times, that in the ende he becommeth as it were
+madde, and falling downe as hee were dead, hauing nothing on him but a
+shirt, lying vpon his backe I might perceiue him to breathe. I asked them
+why hee lay so, and they answered mee, Now doeth our God tell him what wee
+shall doe, and whither we shall goe. And when he had lyen still a little
+while, they cried thus three times together, Oghao, Oghao, Oghao, and as
+they vse these three calles, hee riseth with his head and lieth downe
+againe, and then hee rose vp and sang with like voyces as hee did before:
+and his audience answered him, Igha, Igha, Igha. Then hee commaunded them
+to kill fiue Olens or great Deere, and continued singing still both hee and
+they as before. Then hee tooke a sworde of a cubite and a spanne long, (I
+did not mete it my selfe) and put it into his bellie halfeway and sometime
+lesse, but no wounde was to bee seene, (they continuing in their sweete
+song still). Then he put the sworde into the fire till it was warme, and so
+thrust it into the slitte of his shirte and thrust it through his bodie, as
+I thought, in at his nauill and out at his fundament: the poynt beeing out
+of his shirt behind, I layde my finger vpon it, then hee pulled out the
+sworde and sate downe. This beeing done, they set a kettle of water ouer
+the fire to heate, and when the water doeth seethe, the Priest beginneth to
+sing againe they answering him, for so long as the water was in heating,
+they sate and sang not. Then they made a thing being foure square, and in
+height and squarenesse of a chaire, and couered with a gown very close the
+forepart thereof, for the hinder part stood to the tents side. Their tents
+are rounde and are called Chome in their language. The water still seething
+on the fire, and this square seate being ready, the Priest put off his
+shirt, and the thing like a garland which was on his head, with those
+things which couered his face, and he had on yet all this while a paire of
+hosen of deeres skins with the haire on, which came vp to his buttocks. So
+he went into the square seate, and sate down like a tailour and sang with a
+strong voyce or hallowing. Then they tooke a small line made of deeres
+skinnes of four fathoms long, and with a smal knotte the Priest made it
+fast about his necke, and vnder his left arme, and gaue it vnto two men
+standing on both sides of him, which held the ends together. Then the
+kettle of hote water was set before him in the square seat, al this time
+the square seat was not couered, and then it was couered with a gown of
+broad cloth without lining, such as the Russes do weare. Then the 2. men
+which did hold the ends of the line stil standing there, began to draw, and
+drew til they had drawn the ends of the line stiffe and together, and then
+I hearde a thing fall into the kettle of water which was before him in the
+tent. Thereupon I asked them that sate by me what it was that fell into the
+water that stoode before him. And they answered me, that it was his head,
+his shoulder and left arme, which the line had cut off, I meane the knot
+which I sawe afterwarde drawen hard together. Then I rose vp and would haue
+looked whether it were so or not, but they laid hold on me, and said, that
+if they should see him with their bodily eyes, they shoulde liue no longer.
+And the most part of them can speake the Russe tongue to be vnderstood: and
+they tooke me to be a Russian. Then they beganne to hallow with these
+wordes. Oghaoo, Oghaoo, Oghaoo, many times together. And as they were thus
+singing and out calling, I sawe a thing like a finger of a man two times
+together thrust through the gowne from the Priest. I asked them that sate
+next to me what it was that I sawe, and they saide, not his finger; for he
+was yet dead: and that which I saw appeare through the gowne was a beast,
+but what beast they knew not nor would not tell. And I looked vpon the
+gowne, and there was no hole to bee seene; and then at the last the Priest
+lifted vp his head with his shoulder and arme, and all his bodie, and came
+forth to the fire. Thus farre of their seruice which I sawe during the
+space of certaine houres: but how they doe worship their Idols that I saw
+not: for they put vp their stuffe for to remoue from that place where they
+lay. And I went to him that serued the Priest, and asked him what their God
+saide to him when he lay as dead. Hee answered, that his owne people doeth
+not know: neither is it for them to know, for they must doe as he
+commanded. This I saw the fift day of Ianuarie in the yere of our Lord
+1556, after the English account.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A discourse of the honourable receiuing into England of the first
+  Ambassador from the Emperor of Russia, in the yeere of Christ 1556. and
+  in the third yeere of the raigne of Queene Marie, seruing for the third
+  voyage to Moscouie. Registred by Master Iohn Incent Protonotarie.
+
+It is here recorded by writing and autenticall testimonie, partly for
+memorie of things done, and partly for the veritie to be knowen to
+posteritie in time to come, that whereas the most high and mightie Iuan
+Vasiliuich Emperour of all Russia, great Duke of Volodemer, Moscouia and
+Nouogrode, Emperor of Cassan, and of Astrachan, Lord of Pleskie, and great
+Duke of Smolenskie, Tuerskie, Yowgoriskie, Permskie, Viatskie, Bolgarskie
+and Sibierskie, Emperour and great Duke of many others, as Nouogrode in the
+nether countries, Chernigoskie, Rezanskie, Polodskie, Rezewskie, Bielskie,
+Rostoskie, Yeraslaueskie, Bealozarskie, Oudarskie, Obdorskie, Condenskie,
+and manie other countries, and lord ouer all those partes, in the yeere of
+our Lord God, folowing the account of the Latin church, 1556. sent by the
+sea from the port of S. Nicholas in Russia, his right honorable ambassador
+sirnamed Osep Napea, [Footnote: Ossip Gregorjevitsch Nepeja.] his high
+officer in the towne and countrey of Vologda, to the most famous and
+excellent princes, Philip and Mary by the grace of God king and Queene of
+England, Spaine, France and Ireland, defenders of the faith, Archdukes of
+Austria, dukes of Burgundie, Millaine, and Brabant, counties of Haspurge,
+Flanders and Tyroll, his ambassador and Orator with certaine letters
+tenderly conceiued, together with certaine presents and gifts mentioned in
+the foot of this memorial, as a manifest argument and token of a mutual
+amity and friendship to be made and continued betweene their maiesties and
+subiects respectiuely, for the commoditie and benefit of both the realmes
+and people: which Orator was the 20. day of Iuly imbarked and shipped in,
+and vpon a good English ship named the Edward Bonauenture, belonging to the
+Gouernour, Consuls and company of English marchants. Richard Chancelor
+being grand Pilot, and Iohn Buckland master of the said ship. In which was
+laden at the aduenture of the foresaid Ambassador and marchants at seueral
+accounts, goods and merchandizes, viz. in waxe, trane oyle, tallow, furres,
+felts, yarne and such like, to the summe of 20000. li. sterling, together
+with 16. Russies attendant vpon the person of the said Ambassador.
+[Sidenote: Foure ships.] Ouer and aboue ten other Russies shipped within
+the said Bay of S. Nicholas, in one other good ship to the said company
+also belonging called the Bona Speranza, with goods of the said Orators and
+marchants to the value of 6000. lib. sterling, as by the inuoices and
+letters of lading of the said seueral ships (whereunto relation is to be
+had) particularly appeareth. Which good ships comming in good order into
+the seas, and trauersing the same in their iourney towards the coast of
+England, were by the contrary winds and extreme tempests of weather seuered
+the one from the other, that is to say, the saide Bona Speranza with two
+other English ships also appertaining to the saide company, the one
+sirnamed the Philip and Mary, the other the Confidentia, were driuen on the
+coast of Norway, into Drenton water, where the saide Confidentia was seene
+to perish on a Rocke, and the other, videlicet, the Bona Speranza, with her
+whole company, being to the number of foure and twentie persons seemed to
+winter there, whereof no certaintie at this present day is knowen. The
+third, videlicet, the Philip and Mary arriued in the Thames nigh London the
+eighteenth day of April, in the yeere of our Lord one thousand fiue hundred
+fiftie and seuen. [Sidenote: The Edward Bonauenture arriued in Scotland, in
+the Bay of Pettuslego, November 7. 1556.] The Edward Bonauenture trauersing
+the seas foure moneths, finally the tenth day of Nouember of the aforesaide
+yeere of our Lorde one thousand fiue hundred fiftie and sixe, arriued
+within the Scottish coast in a Bay named Pettislego, where by outragious
+tempests, and extreme stormes, the said ship being beaten from her ground
+tackles, was driuen vpon the rockes on shoare, where she brake and split in
+pieces in such sort, as the grand Pilot vsing all carefulnesse for the
+safetie of the bodie of the sayde Ambassadour and his trayne, taking the
+boat of the said ship, trusting to attaine the shore, and so to save and
+preserue the bodie, [Sidenote: Richard Chancelor drowned.] and seuen of the
+companie or attendants of the saide Ambassadour, the same boat by rigorous
+waues of the seas, was by darke night ouerwhelmed and drowned, wherein
+perished not only the bodie of the said grand Pilot, with seuen Russes, but
+also diuers of the Mariners of the sayd ship: the noble personage of the
+saide Ambassadour with a fewe others (by Gods preseruation and speciall
+fauour) onely with much difficultie saued. In which shipwracke not onely
+the saide shippe was broken, but also the whole masse and bodie of the
+goods laden in her, was by the rude and rauenous people of the Countrey
+thereunto adioyning, rifled, spoyled and caried away, to the manifest losse
+and vtter destruction of all the lading of the said ship, and together with
+the ship apparell, ordinance and furniture belonging to the companie, in
+value of one thousand pounds, of all which was not restored toward the
+costs and charges to the summe of fiue hundred pounds sterling.
+
+As soone as by letters addressed to the saide companie, and in London
+delivered the sixt of December last past, it was to them certainely knowen
+of the losse of their Pilote, men, goods and ship, the same merchants with
+all celeritie and expedition, obteined not onely the Queenes maiesties most
+gracious and fauourable letters to the Ladie Dowager and lordes of the
+Councell of Scotland for the gentle comfortment and entertainment of the
+saide Ambassadour, his traine and companie, with preseruation and
+restitution of his goods, as in such miserable cases, to Christian pitie,
+princely honour and meere Iustice appertaineth, but also addressed two
+Gentlemen of good learning, grauitie and estimation, videlicet, Master
+Lawrence Hussie Doctor of the Ciuill Lawe, and George Gilpin with money and
+other requisites into the Realme of Scotland, to comfort, ayde, assist, and
+relieue him and his there, and also to conduct the Ambassadour into
+England, sending with them by poste a Talmach or Speachman for the better
+furniture of the seruice of the sayde Ambassadour, trusting thereby to haue
+the more ample and speedie redresse of restitution: which personages vsing
+diligence, arriued at Edenborough (where the Queenes court was) the three
+and twentieth day of the saide moneth of December, who first visiting the
+saide Ambassadour, declaring the causes of their comming and Commission,
+shewing the letters addressed in his fauour, the order giuen them for his
+solace and furniture of all such things as hee would haue, together with
+their daily and readie seruice to attend vpon his person and affaires,
+repaired consequently vnto the Dowager Queene, deliuering the letters.
+Whereupon they receiued gentle answeres, with hope and comfort of speedie
+restitution of the goods, apparell, iewels, and letters: for the more
+apparance whereof, the Queene sent first certaine Commissioners with an
+Harold of armes to Pettislego, the place of the Shipwracke, commaunding by
+Proclamation and other Edictes, all such persons (no degree excepted) as
+had any part of such goods as were spoyled and taken out or from the ship
+to bring them in, and to restore the same with such further order as her
+grace by aduise of her Council thought expedient: by reason whereof not
+without great labours, paines and charges (after long time) diuers small
+parcels of Waxe, and other small trifling things of no value, were by the
+poorer sort of the Scottes brought to the Commissioners, but the Iewels,
+rich apparell, presents, gold, siluer, costly furres, and such like, were
+conueyed away, concealed and vtterly embezelled. Whereupon, the Queene at
+the request of the said Ambassadour, caused diuers persons to the number of
+180. or moe, to be called personally before her princely presence, to
+answer to the said spoile, and really to exhibit and bring in all such
+things as were spoiled and violently taken, and caried out of the same,
+whereof not onely good testimonie by writing was shewed, but also the
+things themselues found in the hands of the Scottish subiects, who by
+subtile and craftie dealings, by conniuence of the commissioners, so vsed
+or rather abused themselues towards the same Orator & his attendants, that
+no effectuall restitution was made: but he fatigated with daily attendance
+and charges, the 14. day of February next ensuing, distrusting any reall
+and effectual rendring of the saide goods and marchandizes and other the
+premisses, vpon leaue obtained of the saide Queene, departed towards
+England, hauing attending vpon him the said two English Gentlemen and
+others (leauing neuerthelesse in Scotland three Englishmen to pursue the
+deliuerie of such things as were collected to haue bene sent by ship to him
+in England: which being in Aprill next, and not before imbarked for London,
+was not at this present day here arriued) came the 18. day of Februarie to
+Barwike within the dominion and realme of England, where he was by the
+Queenes maiesties letters and commandement honourably receiued, vsed and
+interteined by the right honourable lord Wharton, lord Warden of the East
+marches, with goodly conducting from place to place, as the dayly iourneys
+done ordinarily did lie, in such order, maner and forme, as to a personage
+of such estate appertaineth. He prosecuting his voyage vntil the 27. of
+Februarie [Footnote: 1557.] approched to the citie of London within twelue
+English miles, where he was receiued with fourscore merchants with chaines
+of gold and goodly apparell, as wel in order of men seruants in one
+vniforme liuerie, as also in and vpon good horses and geldings, who
+conducting him to a marchants house foure miles from London, receiued there
+a quantitie of gold, veluet and silke, with all furniture thereunto
+requisite, wherewith he made him a riding garment, reposing himselfe that
+night. The next day being Saturday and the last day of Februarie, he was by
+the merchants aduenturing for Russia, to the number of one hundred and
+fortie persons, and so many or more seruants in one liuerie, as abouesaid,
+conducted towards the citie of London, where by the way he had not onely
+the hunting of the Foxe and such like sport shewed him, but also by the
+Queenes maiesties commandement was receiued and embraced by the right
+honourable Viscount Montague, sent by her grace for his entertainment: he
+being accompanied with diuers lustie knights, esquiers, gentlemen and
+yeomen to the number of three hundred horses led him to the North partes of
+the Citie of London, where by foure notable merchants richly apparelled was
+presented to him a right faire and large gelding richly trapped, together
+with a footcloth of Orient crimson veluet, enriched with gold laces, all
+furnished in most glorious fashion, of the present, and gift of the sayde
+merchants: where vpon the Ambassadour at instant desire mounted, riding on
+the way towards Smithfield barres, the first limites of the liberties of
+the Citie of London. The Lord Maior accompanied with all the Aldermen in
+their skarlet did receiue him, and so riding through the Citie of London in
+the middle, betweene the Lord Maior and Viscount Montague, a great number
+of merchants and notable personages riding before, and a large troupe of
+seruants and apprentises following, was conducted through the Citie of
+London (with great admiration and plausibilitie of the people running
+plentifully on all sides, and replenishing all streets in such sort as no
+man without difficultie might passe) into his lodging situate in Fant
+church streete, where were prouided for him two chambers richly hanged and
+decked, ouer and aboue the gallant furniture of the whole house, together
+with an ample and rich cupboord of plate of all sortes, to furnish and
+serue him at all meales, and other seruices during his abode in London,
+which was, as is vnderwritten, vntil the third day of May: during which
+time daily diuers Aldermen and the grauest personages of the said companie
+did visite him, prouiding all kind of victuals for his table and his
+seruants, with al sorts of Officers to attend vpon him in good sort and
+condition, as to such an ambassadour of honour doeth and ought to
+appertaine.
+
+It is also to be remembred that at his first entrance into his chamber,
+there was presented vnto him on the Queenes Maiesties behalfe for a gift
+and present, and his better furniture in apparel, one rich piece of cloth
+of tissue, a piece of cloth of golde, another piece of cloth of golde
+raised with crimosin veluet, a piece of crimosin veluet in graine, a piece
+of purple veluet, a piece of Damaske purpled, a piece of crimosin damaske,
+which he most thankfully accepted. In this beautifull lodging refreshing
+and preparing himselfe and his traine with things requisite he abode,
+expecting the kings maiesties repaire out of Flanders into England, whose
+highnesse arriuing the one and twentie of March, the same Ambassadour the
+fiue and twentieth of March being the Annunciation of our Ladie (the day
+tweluemoneth he took his leaue from the Emperour his master) was most
+honourably brought to the King and Queenes maiesties court at Westminster,
+where accompanied first with the said Viscount and other notable
+personages, and the merchants, hee arriuing at Westminster bridge, was
+there receiued with sixe lords, conducted into a stately chamber, where by
+the lords, Chancellor, Treasurer, Priuie seale, Admirall, bishop of Elie,
+and other Counsellers, hee was visited and saluted: and consequently was
+brought vnto the Kings and Queenes maiesties presence, sitting vnder a
+stately cloth of honour, the chamber most richly decked and furnished, and
+most honourably presented. Where, after that hee had deliuered his letters,
+made his Oration, giuen two timber of Sables, and the report of the same
+made both in English and Spanish, in most louing maner embraced, was with
+much honour and high entertainement, in sight of a great confluence of
+people, Lordes and Ladies eftsoones remitted by water to his former
+lodging, to the which, within two dayes after by the assignement of the
+King and Queenes maiesties, repaired and conferred with him secretly two
+graue Counsellers, that is, the lord Bishop of Elie, and Sir William Peter
+Knight, chiefe Secretary to their Highnesse, who after diuers secret talkes
+and conferences, reported to their highnesse their proceedings, the
+grauitie, wisedome, and stately behauior of the sayd Ambassadour, in such
+sort as was much to their maiesties contentations.
+
+Finally concluding vpon such treaties and articles of amitie, as the
+letters of the Kings and Queenes maiesties most graciously vnder the greate
+seale of England to him by the sayd counsellers deliuered, doth appeare.
+
+The three and twentieth of April, being the feast of S. George, wherein was
+celebrated the solemnitie of the Noble order of the Garter at Westminster,
+the same lord ambassadour was eftsoones required to haue audience: and
+therefore conducted from the sayd lodging to the court by the right Noble
+the lords Talbot and Lumley to their maiesties presence: where, after his
+Oration made, and thanks both giuen and receiued, hee most honourably tooke
+his leaue with commendations to the Emperour. Which being done, he was with
+special honour led into the chappell, where before the Kings and Queens
+maiesties, in the sight of the whole Order of the Garter, was prepared for
+him a stately seate, wherein he accompanied with the Duke of Norfolke, the
+lords last aboue mentioned, and many other honourable personages, was
+present at the whole seruice, in ceremonies which were to him most
+acceptable: the diuine seruice ended, he eftsoones was remitted and reduced
+to his barge, and so repaired to his lodging, in like order and gratulation
+of the people vniuersally as before.
+
+The time of the yeere hasting the profection and departure of the
+Ambassador, the merchants hauing prepared foure goodly and well trimmed
+shippes laden with all kinds of merchandises apt for Russia, the same
+Ambassadour making prouision for such things as him pleased, the same ships
+in good order valed downe the Riuer of Thames, from London to Grauesend,
+where the same Ambassadour with his traine and furniture was imbarked
+towards his voyage homeward, which God prosper in all felicitie.
+
+It is also to be remembred, that during the whole abode of the sayd
+Ambassadour in England, the Agents of the sayde marchants did not onely
+prosecute and pursue the matter of restitution in Scotland, and caused such
+things to be laden in an English shippe hired purposely to conuey the
+Ambassadours goods to London, there to be deliuered to him, but also during
+his abode in London, did both inuite him to the Maior, and diuers
+worshipfull mens houses, feasting and banquetting him right friendly,
+shewing vnto him the most notable and commendable sights of London, as the
+kings palace and house, the Churches of Westminster and Powles, the Tower
+and Guild hall of London, and such like memorable spectacles. And also the
+said 29. day of April, the said merchants assembling themselues together in
+the house of the Drapers hal of London, exhibited and gaue vnto the said
+Ambassador, a notable supper garnished with musicke, Enterludes and
+bankets: in the which a cup of wine being drunke to him in the name and
+lieu of the whole companie, it was signified to him that the whole company
+with most liberall and friendly hearts, did frankly giue to him and his all
+maner of costs and charges in victuals riding from Scotland to London
+during his abode there, and vntill setting of saile aboord the ship, and
+requesting him to accept the same in good part as a testimonie and witnes
+of their good hearts, zeale and tendernesse towards him and his countrey.
+
+It is to be considered that of the Bona Speranza no word nor knowledge was
+had at this present day, nor yet of the arriual of the ships or goods from
+Scotland.
+
+The third day of May the Ambassadour departed from London to Grauesend,
+accompanied by diuers Aldermen and merchants, who in good gard set him
+aboord the noble shippe, the Primrose Admirall to the Fleete, where leaue
+was taken on both sides and parts, after many imbracements and diuers
+farewels not without expressing of teares.
+
+[Sidenote: The King and Queens second letters to the Emperour of Russia.]
+Memorandum, that the first day of May the Councillers, videlicet, the
+Bishop of Elye, and Sir William Peter on the behalfe of the Kings and
+Queens Maiesties repairing to the lorde Ambassadour did not onely deliuer
+vnto him their highness letters of recommendations vnder the great seale of
+England to the Emperour, very tenderly and friendly written, but also on
+their Maiesties behalf gaue and deliuered certaine notable presents to the
+Emperours person, and also gifts for the lord Ambassadours proper vse and
+behoof, as by the particulars vnder written appeareth, with such further
+good wordes and commendations, as the more friendly haue not bin heard,
+whereby it appeareth how well affected their honours be to haue and
+continue amitie and traffique betweene their honours and their subiects:
+which thing as the kings and Queenes maiesties haue shewed of their
+princely munificences and liberalities, so haue likewise the merchants and
+fellowship of the Aduenturers, for and to Russia, manifested to the world
+their good willes, mindes and zeales borne to this new commensed voyage, as
+by the discourse aboue mentioned, and other the notable actes ouer long to
+be recited in this present memoriall, doeth and may most clearely appeare,
+the like whereof is not in any president or historie to bee shewed.
+
+Forasmuch as it may bee doubted how the ship named the Edward Bonauenture
+suffered shipwracke, what became of the goods, howe much they were spoiled
+and deteined, how little restored, what charges and expenses ensued, what
+personages were drowned, how the rest of the ships either arriued or
+perished, or howe the disposition of almightie God hath wrought his
+pleasure in them, how the same ambassadour hath bene after the miserable
+case of shipwracke in Scotland vnreuerently abused, and consequently into
+England receiued and conducted, there intertained, vsed, honoured, and
+finally in good safetie towards his returne, and repaire furnished, and
+with much liberalitie and franke handling friendly dismissed, to the intent
+that the trueth of the premisses may be to the most mightie Emperour of
+Russia sincerely signified in eschewment of all events and misfortunes that
+may chance in this voyage (which God defend) to the Ambassadours person,
+traine, and goods, this present memoriall is written, and autentikely made,
+and by the sayde Ambassadour his seruants, whose names be vnderwritten, and
+traine in presence of the Notarie, and witnesses vndernamed, recognized,
+and acknowledged. Giuen the day, moneth, and yeere vnderwritten, of which
+instrument into euery of the sayde Shippes one testimoniall is deliuered,
+and the first remaineth with the sayde Companie in London.
+
+
+Giftes sent the King and Queenes Maiesties of England by the Emperour of
+  Russia, by the report of the Ambassadour, and spoyled by the Scots after
+  the Shipwracke.
+
+  1 First, sixe timber of Sables rich in colour and haire.
+  2 Item, twentie entire Sables exceeding beautifull with teeth, eares and
+      clawes.
+  3 Item, foure living Sables with chaines and collars.
+  4 Item, thirtie Lusarnes large and beautifull.
+  5 Item, sixe large and great skinnes very rich and rare, worne onely by
+      the Emperour for worthinesse.
+  6 Item, a large and faire white Ierfawcon [Footnote: Gerfalcon] for the
+      wild Swanne, Crane, Goose, and other great Fowles, together with a
+      drumme of siluer, the hoopes gilt, vsed for a lure to call the sayd
+      Hawke.
+
+Giftes sent to the Emperour of Russia by the King and Queenes Maiesties of
+  England.
+
+  1 First, two rich pieces of cloth of Tissue.
+  2 Item, one fine piece of Scarlet
+  3 Item, one fine Violet in graine.
+  4 Item, one fine Azur cloth.
+  5 Item, a notable paire of Brigandines with a Murrian couered with
+      crimson veluet and gilt nailes.
+  6 Item, a male and Female Lions.
+
+Giftes giuen to the Ambassadour at his departure, ouer and aboue such as
+  were deliuered vnto him at his first arriual.
+
+  1 First, a chaine of golde of one hundred pound.
+  2 Item, a large Bason and Euer, siluer and gilt.
+  3 item, a paire of pottle pots gilt.
+  4 Item, a paire of flaggons gilt.
+
+The names of all such Russies as, were attendant vpon the Ambassadour, at
+  and before his departure out of England.
+
+    Isaak Fwesscheneke.
+    Demetre.
+    Gorbolones.
+    Symonde.
+    Yeroffia.
+    Stephen.
+    Lowca.
+    Andria.
+    Foma.
+
+Memorandum, the day and yeere of our Lord aboue mentioned, in the house of
+the worshipfull Iohn Dimmocke Citizen and Draper of London, situate within
+the famous Citie of London in the Realme of England, the abouenamed
+honourable Osep Gregorywich Napea, Ambassadour and Orator aboue mentioned,
+personally constituted and present, hauing declared vnto him by the mouth
+of the right worshipfull master Anthony Hussie Esquire, the effect of the
+causes and contents, of, and in this booke, at the interpretation of Robert
+Best his interpreter sworne, recognized, and knowledged in presence of me
+the Notarie and personages vnderwritten, the contents of this booke to be
+true, as well for his owne person as for his seruants aboue named, which
+did not subscribe their names as is ahoue mentioned, but onely recognized
+the same. In witness whereof, I Iohn Incent, Notary Publike, at the request
+of the said master Anthonie Hussie, and other of the Marchants haue to
+these presents vnderwritten set my accustomed signe, with the Subscription
+of my name, the day and yeere aboue written, being present the right
+Worshipfull,
+
+    Andrew Iudde, Knight.
+    George Barne,   "     and Alderman of London.
+    William Chester "                 "
+    Rafe Greeneaway,                  "
+    Iohn Mersh Esquier.
+    Iohn Dimmock.
+    Blase Sanders.
+    Hubert Hussie, and
+    Robert Best aboue mentioned.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The voyage of the foresaid M. Stephen Burrough, An. 1557. from Colmogro to
+  Wardhouse, which was sent to seeke the Bona Esperanza, the Bona
+  Confidentia, and the Philip and Mary, which were not heard of the yeere
+  before. [Footnote: This voyage of Burrough's, undertaken at his own
+  instance, to the coast of Russian Lapland, has attracted little notice:
+  we learn from it, however, that the Dutch, even at this time, carried on
+  an extensive trade with Russian Lapland.]
+
+
+May.
+
+Vpon Sunday the 23 of May, I departed with the Searchthrift from Colmogro,
+the latitude whereof is 64. degrees, 25. minutes, and the variation of the
+compasse, 5 degrees, 10. minutes from the North to the East.
+
+Wednesday (26) we came to the Island called Pozanka, which Island is within
+foure leagues of the barre Berozoua. It floweth here at an East and by
+South moone full sea.
+
+Saturday (29) in the morning we departed from Pozanka, and plied to the
+barre of Berozoua Gooba, whereupon wee came to anker at a lowe water, and
+sounded the said Barre with our two Skiffes, and found in the best upon the
+shoaldest of the barre 13. foote water by the rule. It higheth vpon this
+barre, in spring streames 3. foote water: and an East Moone maketh a full
+sea vpon this barre.
+
+Sunday (30) in the morning wee departed from the barre of Berozoua, and
+plied along by the shoalds in fiue fadome, vntill I had sight of S.
+Nicholas roade, and then wee cast about to the Northwards, and went with a
+hommocke, which is halfe a mile to Eastwards of Coya Reca, which hommocke
+and S. Nicholas abbey lye Southsouthwest, and Northnortheast, and betweene
+them are 11. leagues. Coia Reca is halfe a mile to the Eastwards of
+Coscaynos. Coscaynos and the middles of the Island called Mondeustoua
+ostroue, which is thwart of the barre of Berozoua lieth South and by East,
+North and by West, and betweene them are 4. leagues, or as you may say from
+the Seaboord part of the barre to Coscaynos are 3. leagues and a halfe.
+
+Munday (31) at a Northeast and by East sunne we were thwart of Coscaynos.
+
+Dogs nose lieth from Coscaynos Northnorthwest, and betweene them are eight
+leagues: and Dogs nose sheweth like a Gurnerds head, if you be inwardly on
+both sides of it: on the lowe point of Dogs nose there standeth a crosse
+alone.
+
+
+Iune.
+
+1. From Dogs nose to Foxnose are three leagues, North, and by West.
+
+The 2 day of Iune I went on shoare 2. miles to the Northwards of Dogs nose,
+and had the latitude of that place in 65. degrees, 47. minutes. It floweth
+a shoare at this place, at an East moone full sea, and the ship lay thwart
+to wende a flood, in the off, at a Southsoutheast moone. So that it is to
+be vnderstoode, that when it is a full sea on the shoare, it is two points
+to ebbe, before it be a lowe water in the off. The variation of the
+Compasse at this place is 4. degrees from the North to the East.
+
+This day (3) the Northnorthwest winde put vs backe againe with Dogs nose,
+where a ship may ride thwart of a salt house, in 4. fadome, or 4. fadome
+and a halfe of water, and haue Landfange for a North and by West winde:
+which Salt house is halfe a mile to the Southwards of Dogs nose.
+
+Friday (4) at a Southsouthwest Sunne, wee departed from this Salt house. It
+is to be noted that foure miles to the Norhwards of Dogs nose there growe
+no trees on the banke by the water side and the bankes consist of fullers
+earth. Ouer the cliffes there growe some trees: so that Dogs nose is the
+better to be knowen because it is fullers earth, and the like I haue not
+seene in all that Countrey.
+
+A head of Foxe nose a league from the shoare there are 15. fadome: betwixt
+Foxe nose and Zolatitsa there are 6. leagues, I meane the Southerly part of
+Foxe nose.
+
+Sunday (6) I sounded the barre of Zolatitsa, which the Russes told me was a
+good harborow, but in the best of it I found but 4. foote water.
+
+Munday (7) I had the latitude in 66. degrees, and then was point Pentecost
+sixe leagues south of vs.
+
+Wednesday (9) I went on land at Crosse Island, and tooke the latitude,
+which was 66. degrees, 24. minutes.
+
+We being one league Northeast of Crosse Island, I sawe the land on the
+Eastside, which I iudged to be Cape good fortune, and it was then
+Eastsoutheast of vs 9 leagues.
+
+Cape grace is 7. leagues and a halfe Northeast from Crosse Island.
+
+There are 2. Islands 5. leagues Northnortheast from Cape grace, the
+Southermost of them is a little long Island almost a mile long, and the
+Northermost a little round island, and they are both hard aboord the shore.
+
+Cape Race is from the Southermost Island North and by West, betweene them
+are two leagues, and from that and halfe a league Northnorthwest, there is
+another poynt. Betweene which poynt and Cape Race, the Russes haue a
+Stanauish or harborow for their Lodias: and to the Westwards of the sayd
+poynt, there is a shoale bay.
+
+Three leagues and a halfe to Northwards of Cape Race, we had the latitude
+on the 10. day of this moneth in 67. degrees 10. minutes. Riding within
+half a league of the shoare in this latitude I found it to be a full sea at
+a North and by East moone. I had where we roade, two and twentie fadoome,
+and the tallow which is taken vp is full of great broken shels, and some
+stones withal like vnto small sand congealed together.
+
+From a South sunne that wee weyed, the winde being at North and by East,
+wee driued to the windwards halfe the ebbe, with the ships head to the
+Eastwards. [Sidenote: Frost in Iune] And then when we cast her head to the
+Westwards, we sounded, and had 22. fadome broken shels, and gray sand; this
+present day was very mistie, with frost on the shrowds as the mist fell.
+
+Friday (11) in the morning at an East sunne, the mist brake up a little,
+the winde being at North and by West a stiffe gale, our shrowdes and roapes
+ouer head being couered with frost, and likely to be a storme: I thought it
+good to seeke an harborow, and so plied roome with the Islands which are
+two leagues to the Southwards of Cape Race, and within these Islands
+(thankes bee to God) we found harborow for vs. It higheth at these Islands
+two fadome water: it floweth in the harborow at this place at a
+Southsoutheast moone ful sea: and a sea boord it floweth at a
+Southsouthwest moone a full sea. The Russes call this Island Tri Ostroue.
+
+You may come in betweene the little Island and the great Island, and keepe
+you in the mids of the Sound, and if you borrowe on any side, let it bee on
+the greatest Island, and you shall haue at a low water, foure fadome, and
+three fadome and a halfe, and three fadome, vntill that you be shot so
+farre in as the narrowest, which is between the Northermost point of the
+greatest Island, and the Southerne point of the maine which is right
+against it, and then hale to the Northwards with the crosse which standeth
+in the maine, and you shall haue at a lowe water 10. foote water, and faire
+sand. And if you be disposed to goe through the Sound to the Southwards,
+keepe the Northwest shoare aboorde, for on the Island side after you be
+shotte so far in as the crosse, it is a shoale of rockes halfe the sound
+ouer: which rockes do last vnto the Southerly part of the great Island, and
+rather to the Southwards. And if you be constrained to seeke a harbor for
+Northerly windes, when you come out of the sea hale in with the Southerly
+part of the great Island, gluing the Island a faire birth, and as you
+shoote towards the maine, you shall finde roade for all Northerly windes,
+in foure fadome, fiue, sixe, and seuen fadome, at a lowe water.
+
+Also within this great Island (if neede bee) you may haue a good place to
+ground a ship in: the great Island is almost a mile long and a quarter of a
+mile ouer.
+
+This storm of Northerly winde lasted vntill the 16. of this moneth and then
+the winde came Southerly, but we could not get out for ice. I went on shore
+at the crosse, and tooke the latitude, which is 66. degrees, 58. minutes,
+30. seconds: the variation of the Compasse 3. degrees and a halfe from the
+North to the East.
+
+Thursday (17) being faire weather, and the winde at North we plied to the
+winde-wards with sailes and oares: wee stopped the flood this day three
+leagues to the Northwards of Cape Race, two miles from the shore, and had
+twentie fadome water, faire gray and blacke sand, and broken shels. And
+when the slake came wee wayed and made aboord to the shoare-wards, and had
+within two cables length of the shoare, eighteene fadomes faire gray and
+blacke sand: a man may finde roade there for a North winde, and so to the
+Westwards.
+
+Two leagues to the Southward of Corpus Christi poynt, you may haue Landfang
+for a North and by East-winde, and from that to the Westwards in 23. fadome
+almost a mile from shoare, and faire sand, and amongst the sand little yong
+small limpets, or such like as growe vpon muscles: and within two cables
+length and lesse of the shoare are eighteene fadomes, and the sounding
+aforesayd, but the yong limpets more plentifull. It was a full sea where we
+roade, almost a mile from shoare, at a South and by West moone: two leagues
+to the Southwards of Corpus Christi point is the vttermost land, which land
+and Cape Race lyeth South and halfe a point to Westwards, and North and
+halfe a point to the Eastwards, and between them are sixe leagues. Riding
+this day (19) sixe leagues to the Northwards of Cape Race, the winde at
+Northnorthwest, with mist and frost, at noone the sunne appeared through
+the mist, so that I had the latitude in 67. degrees, 29. minutes.
+
+Munday (21) we were thwart of Corpus Christi point, two leagues and a halfe
+from shoare, or rather more, where we sounded, and had 36. fadoms, and
+broken cocle shels, with brannie sand, but the broken shels very thicke.
+
+Tuesday (22) in the morning we were shotte a head of Cape gallant, which
+the Russes call Sotinoz. And as were shot almost halfe a league betwixt it,
+and Cape comfort, the wind came vp at the Northwest, and after to the
+Northwards, so that we were faine to beare roome to seeke a harbour, where
+we found good harbour for all windes, and the least 7. fadome water
+betweene S. Iohns Islands and the maine.
+
+After that we came to an ancre, we tooke the latitude, which was 68.
+degrees, 1 minute, after noone, the winde at North with plentie of snowe.
+
+At a West Sunne there came aboord us certaine Lappians in a boate, to the
+number of sixeteene persons, and amongst them there were two wenches, and
+some of them could speake the Russe tongue: I asked them where their
+abiding was, and they tolde mee that there was a companie or heard of them,
+to the number of 100. men, besides women and children, but a little from vs
+in the riuer Iekonga.
+
+They tolde me that they had bene to seeke meate among the rockes, saying,
+If wee get no meate, wee eate none. I sawe them eate rocke weedes as
+hungerly, as a cowe doeth grasse when shee is hungrie. I sawe them also
+eate foules egges rawe, and the yong birdes also that were in the egges.
+
+I obserued certaine wordes of their language, which I thought good to set
+downe for their vse, that hereafter shall haue occasion to continue this
+voyage.
+
+COWGHTIE COTEAT,  what call you this.
+PODDYTHECKE,      come hither.
+AUANCHYTHOCKE,    get the hence.
+ANNA,             farewell.
+TEYRUE,           good morrowe.
+IOMME LEMAUFES,   I thanke you.
+PASSEUELLIE,      a friend.
+OLMUELKE,         a man.
+CAPTELLA,         a woman.
+ALKE,             a sonne.
+NEIT,             a daughter, or yong wench.
+OVUIE,            a head.
+CYELME,           an eye.
+NENNA,            a nose.
+NEALMA,           a mouth.
+PANNEA,           teeth.
+NEUGHTEMA,        a tongue.
+SEAMAN,           a beard.
+PEALLEE,          an eare.
+TEAPPAT,          the necke.
+VOAPT,            the haire.
+KEAT,             a hand.
+SOARME,           fingers.
+IOWLKIE,          a legge.
+PEELKIE,          the thombe, or great toe.
+SARKE,            wollen cloth.
+LEIN,             linnen cloth.
+PAYTE,            a shirt.
+TOL,              fire.
+KEATSE,           water.
+MURR,             wood.
+VANNACE,          a boate.
+ARICA,            an oare.
+NURR,             a roape.
+PEYUE,            a day.
+HYR,              a night.
+PEVUEZEA,         the Sunne.
+MANNA,            the Moone.
+LASTE,            starres.
+COSAM VOLKA,      whither goe you.
+OTTAPP,           sleepe.
+TALLYE,           that.
+KEIEDDE PIEUE,    a weeke.
+ISCKIE,           a yeere.
+KESSE,            Sommer.
+TALUE,            Winter.
+IOWKSAM,          colde.
+PAROX,            warme.
+ABRYE,            raine.
+YOUGHANG,         yce.
+KEATYKYE,         a stone.
+SELLOWPE,         siluer.
+SOLDA,            golde.
+TENNAE,           tinne.
+VESKUE,           copper.
+ROWADT,           yron.
+NEYBX,            a knife.
+AXSHE,            a hatchet.
+LEABEE,           bread.
+IEAUEGOAT,        meale.
+PENCKA,           the winde.
+IOWTE,            A platter.
+KEMNIE,           a kettle.
+KEESTES,          gloues.
+SAPEGE,           shoes.
+CONDE,            a wilde Deare.
+POATSA,           the labouring Deare.
+
+Their wordes of number are these as followeth.
+
+OFTE,             One.
+NOUMPTE,          Two.
+COLME,            Three.
+NELLYE,          Four.
+VITTE,            Five.
+COWTE,            Six.
+KEYDEEM,          Seven.
+KAFFTS,           Eight
+OWGHCHTE,         Nine.
+LOCKE,            Ten.
+OSTRETUMBELOCKE,  Eleven.
+COWGHTNUMBELOCKE, Twelve.
+COLMENONBELOCKE,  Thirteen.
+NELLYNOMBELOCKE,  Fourteen.
+VlTTIENOMBELOCKE, Fifteen.
+COWTENOMBELOCKE,  Sixteen.
+KEYDEMNOMBELOCKE  Seventeen.
+KAFTSNOMBELOCKE,  Eighteen.
+OWGHTNOMBELOCKE,  Nineteen.
+COFFTEYLOCKE,     Twenty.
+COLMELOCKE,       Thirty.
+NELLY LOCKE.      Forty.
+VITTELOCKE,       Fifty.
+COWTELOCKE,       Sixty.
+KEYDEMLOCKE,      Seventy.
+KAFFTSELOCKE,     Eighty.
+OUGHCHETELOKE,    Ninety.
+TEWET,            One hundred.
+
+Friday (25) in the morning we departed from Saint Iohns Island: to the
+Westwards thereof, a mile from the shoare, we sounded, and had 36. fadoms,
+and oazie sand.
+
+Iuana Creos is from Cape gallant Westnorthwest, and halfe a point to the
+Northwards, and betweene them is 7. leagues. The point of the Island, which
+is Cape comfort, lyeth from Iuana Creos, Northwest and by North, and almost
+the 3. part of a point to the Westwards, and betweene them are 3. leagues.
+
+The Eastermost of S. Georges Islands, or the 7. Islands, lyeth from Iuana
+Creos Northwest, and halfe a point to the Northwards, and betweene them are
+14. leagues and a halfe. The vttermost of the 7. Islands, and Cape Comfort,
+lieth Northwest, and by North, Southeast, and by South.
+
+Vnder the Southermost Island you shall finde good roade for all Northerly
+windes from the Northwest to the Northeast. From the Southeast part of the
+7. Islands, vnto the Northwest part of them, are 3. leagues and a halfe.
+
+From the Northwest part of the Islands aforesaid, vnto S. Peters Islands,
+are 11. leagues Northwest.
+
+(26). S. Peters Islands rise an indifferent low point, not seeming to be an
+Island, and as if it had a castle vpon it.
+
+S. Pauls Islands lie from S. Peters Islands Northwest and to the Westwards,
+and betweene them are 6. leagues. Within these Islands there is a faire
+sandy bay, and there may be found a good roade for Northerly windes.
+
+Cape Sower beere lyeth from S. Pauls Islands Northwest and by West, and
+betweene them are 5. leagues.
+
+Cape comfort, which is the Island of Kildina, lieth from Cape Sower beere,
+6. leagues West Northwest, and it is altogether a bay betweene them seeming
+many Islands in it.
+
+From Cape Bonauenture, to Chebe Nauoloche are 10. leagues Northwest, and a
+litle to the Westwards. Chebe Nauoloche is a faire point, whereon standeth
+a certaine blacke, like an emptie butte standing a head.
+
+From Chebe Nauoloch to Kegor, is 9. leagues and a halfe Northwest, and
+halfe a poynt to the Westwards. Kegor riseth as you come from the Eastwards
+like 2. round homocks standing together, and a faire saddle betweene them.
+
+It floweth where we road this Sunday (27) to the Eastwards of Kegor, at a
+Southeast and by East moone, a full sea: we roade in 15. fadome water
+within halfe a mile of the shoare: at a Northwest Sunne the mist came downe
+so thicke, that we were faine to come to an ancre within lesse then a mile
+of the point that turneth to Doms haff, where we had 33. fadome, and the
+sounding like to the skurfe of a skalde head.
+
+Munday (28) at afternoone, wee came into the Sound of Wardhouse, although
+it were very mistie. Then I sent a man a shoare to know some newes, and to
+see whether they would heare any thing of our ships [Marginal note: Which
+were the Bona Esperanza, the Bona confidentia and the Philip and Marie.
+Whereof the two first were lost].
+
+Tuesday (29) I went on shoare, and dined with the Captaines deputie, who
+made mee great cheere: the Captaine himselfe was not as yet come from
+Bergen: they looked for him euery houre, and they said that he would bring
+newes with him.
+
+At a Northwest and by North sunne we departed from Wardhouse, toward
+Colmogro.
+
+Wednesday (30) we came to Kegor, where we met with the winde at East
+Southeast, so that we were faine to go in to a bay to the Westwards of the
+point Kegor, where a man may moare 2. or 3. small ships, that shall not
+draw past 11. or 12. foote water, for all windes, an East Northeast winde
+is the worst. It is a ledge of rocks that defendeth the Northerly winds
+from the place where they moare. When we came into the bay we saw there a
+barke which was of Dronton [Marginal note: Or, Trondon], and three or foure
+Norway yeaghes, belonging to Northberne: so when I came a shoare, I met
+first with the Dutchmen, amongst whom was the Borrowmasters sonne of
+Dronton, who tolde me that the Philip and Mary wintered at Dronton, and
+departed from thence for England in March: and withall he shewed me that
+the Confidence was lost, and that he had bought her sailes for his ship.
+Then the Dutchmen caried me to their Boothe, and made me good cheere, where
+I sawe the Lappians chepen of the said Dutchmen, both siluer platters and
+dishes, spoones, gilt rings, ornaments for girdles of siluer and gilt, and
+certaine things made to hang about the necke, with siluer chaines belonging
+to them.
+
+The Dutchmen bring hither mightie strong beere, I am certain that our
+English double beere would not be liked of the Kerile and Llappians, as
+long as that would last.
+
+Here I sawe the Dutchmen also haue course cloth, both blew, greene, and
+redde, and sad horseflesh colour. And hither they bring also Ottars cases
+and foxe cases, both blacke and redde: our English foxe cases are but
+counterfaits vnto them.
+
+They would not let me vnderstand any of their prises, but as I otherwise
+vnderstood they bartered 2. load of siluer for 100 of stockfish, and 2.
+loade is a doller. And the Dutchmen told me, and they had made a notable
+good yeere this present yeere 1557. They tolde me that they should be faine
+to goe to Wardhouse with one lading, and lay it on land there, and so come
+againe and fetch another. The Borrowmasters sonne told me, that he would go
+to Amsterdam with his lading of stockfish, who gaue me a barrell of strong
+beere, and brought it in aboord our ship himseelf.
+
+After this I went among the Russes and Kerils, who offered me fish to sell,
+and likewise the Lappians desired me to look vpon their fish. I made them
+answere, that I had nowe no wares nor money to barter with them, and said
+that I came only to see if I might meete with our English ships. Then they
+desired me that I would come thither the next yeere: I said to them, If I
+should come the next yeere, I think here would not be fish ynough to serue
+the Dutch and vs also. They answered me, that if more ships did resort
+thither, there would more people labour to kill and make fish: and further
+they said, that some of them came thither a fishing 8 weekes iourney with
+Deere, which Deere will trauaile more speedily then horses will.
+
+As I was thus in talke with the Kerils and Lappians, the Emperour of Russia
+his deputie (who was there to gather the tribute of the Lappians) sent for
+me to come to his tent, who after familiar salutations, made me good
+cheere. He demanded of me why none of our ships came thither. I answered
+him, because we knew not the place before now, neither yet heard of any
+faire that was kept there. Then said he, If you will come hither, here
+would more people resort to kill fish, I think it good (said he) that you
+make a beginning. I tolde him, that by the grace of God the next yeere, one
+English ship should come thither.
+
+Because I sawe the seruants of the King of Denmarke there also gathering
+the tribute, I asked Vasilie Pheodoruich the Russie deputie, whether the
+Denmarks would not be a let to vs, if we should come to this Kegor. And he
+said no, they should not: for this land is my kings, and therefore be bolde
+to come hither.
+
+The Kerils and the Lappians solde no fish, vntil the said deputie had
+looked upon it, and giuen them leaue to sell. I asked him what wares were
+best for vs to bring thither, and he said, siluer, pearles, cloth, blewe,
+red, and greene, meale, strong beere, wine, pewter, foxe cases, and gold.
+
+The Lappians pay tribute to the Emperour of Russia, to the king of
+Denmarke, and to the king of Sweden. He told me that the Riuer Cola is
+little more then 20. leagues to the Southwards of Kegor, where we should
+haue great plentie of salmon, if corne were any thing cheape in Russia: for
+then poore men would resort thither to kill salmon.
+
+The Dutchmen tolde me that they had made a good yeere of this, but the
+Kerils complained of it because they could not sell all their fish, and
+that which they sold was as pleased the Dutchmen, and at their own price. I
+asked the Kerils at what price they sold their fish to the Russes, and they
+said good cheape: wee sell 24. fishes for 4. altines. I thinke they solde
+little aboue 20. pence, the 25. fishes this yeere.
+
+The Dutchmen tolde me that the best stockfish is made at Kegor. I sawe at
+Vasiltes tent 7. or 8. iauelins, and halfe a dozen of bowes bent, with
+their budgets of arrowes, and likewise swords with other weapons: Otherwise
+I sawe no weapons there.
+
+I was also conueyed to their lodgings, which gathered tribute for the king
+of Denmarke, where I sawe a pair of bilbowes: and I asked whether they were
+for the Lappians (if neede were,) and they said no, but onely for their
+owne company if they should chance to be vnruly.
+
+The Kerils and the Lappians are not to be trusted, for they will steale as
+well as the Russes, if they may conueniently come by any thing.
+
+Concerning my voyage, because the winde was scant to goe backe againe to
+Colmogro, I tarried to the Eastwards of the poynt Kegor, and sent to land,
+and baked two batches of bread in the ouens that the Kerils haue for their
+prouision.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Instructions giuen to the Masters and Mariners to be obserued in and about
+  this Fleete, passing this yeere 1577. toward the Bay of S. Nicolas in
+  Russia, for this present Race to be made and returne of the same by Gods
+  grace to the port of London, the place of their right discharge, as in
+  the Articles ensuing is deduced.
+
+First, it is accorded and agreed betweene the seuerall proprietaries and
+owners, masters and companies of the foure ships, surnamed the Primrose,
+the Iohn Euangelist, the Anne and the Trinitie, and the Lieutenant,
+Consuls, assistants and companie of the Marchant aduenturers, that the
+aboue named foure ships shall in good order and conduct, saile, passe, and
+trauaile together in one flote, ging, and conserue of societie, to be kept
+indissolubly and not to be seuered, but vnited within continuall sight, so
+farre foorth as (by winde and weather) by possibilitie shall or may be
+without any separation or departure of one from the other.
+
+2 Item, it is agreed that the good ship named the Primerose, shalbe
+Admirall of this flote, and that Anthonie Ienkinson Gentleman, shalbe
+captaine thereof: and that all the other 3. ships shall ensue and folow her
+in all courses, and that no course or waying (in harborough especially)
+shall be made without aduice, consent and agreement of the sayd Captaine,
+the Master, his mate, and two other officers of the said ship, or of three
+of them at the least.
+
+3 Item, that the said Anthonie is and shalbe reputed and taken for Captaine
+general of the said flote together with all such orders, preeminences,
+priuiledges and preferments as by the order of seas is due and accustomed
+to a Captaine during his abode and exercise of the same.
+
+4 If is also ordeined, that if any one or moe of the said 3. ships shalbe
+out of sight either before or behinde the Admirall, that then the rest of
+the ships shall tacke or take off their sailes in such sort as they may
+meete and come together, in as good order as may be, to the intent to keepe
+the consortment exactly in all poynts.
+
+5 It is constituted, that if any ships shalbe seuered by mist or darke
+weather, in such sort as the one cannot haue sight of the other, then and
+in such case the Admiral shall make sound and noise by drumme, trumpet,
+horne, gunne or otherwise or meanes, that the ships may come as nigh
+together, as by safetie and good order they may.
+
+6 It is also to be obserued, that euery day once the other three shippes
+shall send and come aboord the Admirall, and there consult and determine of
+such matter and things as shall be for the assurance of their Nauigation,
+and most expedition of the same.
+
+7 Item, that notes and entries be daily made of their Nauigations put in
+writing and memory, and that the yong Mariners and apprentices may be
+taught and caused to learne and obserue the same.
+
+8 It is accorded that the said Captaine shall haue the principall rule and
+gouernement of the apprentices: And that not onely they, but also all the
+other sailers, shalbe attendant and obedient to him, as of duetie and
+reason appertaineth.
+
+9 Also that no beere nor broth, or other liquor be spilt vpon the balast,
+or other place of the ship, whereby any anoyance, stinke, or other
+vnsauorinesse shall growe in the shippe to the infection or hurt of the
+persons in the same.
+
+10 Item, that the Captaine by discretion shall from time to time disship
+any artificer or English seruingman or apprentice out of the Primrose into
+any other of the three ships, and in lieu of him or them, take any such
+apprentice as he shall thinke conuenient and most meete to serue the
+benefite of the companie.
+
+11 Item, that great respect be had to the Gunners and Cookes roomes, that
+all danger and perill of powder and fire may be eschewed and auoyded.
+
+12 Item, that singular care and respect be had to the ports of the ship,
+aswell in Nauigation as in harborow, and especially in lading and vnlading
+of the shippes, that nothing be lacking or surcharged: and that the bookes
+may oftentimes be conferred and made to agree in eschuement of such losses,
+as may ensue.
+
+13 Special foresight is to be had, that at the Wardhouse no trecherie,
+inuasion, or ether peril of molestation be done or procured to be attempted
+to our ships by any kings, princes, or companies, that do mislike this new
+found trade by seas to Russia, or would let and hinder the same, where of
+no small boast hath bene made; which giueth occasion of more circumspection
+and diligence.
+
+14 If the winde and weather will serue, it is thought good rather to goe by
+the Wardhouse then to come in and ancre there, lest any male engine, or
+danger may be the rather attempted against vs, our goods and ships as
+aboue.
+
+15 It is thought good that Richard Iohnson, late seruant to M. Chanceler,
+shall be sent home in this next returne to instruct the company of the
+state of the Countrey, and of such questions as may be demanded of him, for
+our better aduertisements and resolutions, in such doubts as shall arise
+here: and that he shall haue the roome of the Captaine in such sort as
+Master Ienkinson is in this present cocket assigned vnto. And if Iohnson
+can not, may not, nor will not returne and occupie the said place, then any
+other person to be preferred thereunto, as by the discretion of our said
+Captaine, with consent of our Agents, shall be thought meete and apt to
+supply the same.
+
+16 Prouided alway, that the ships returning be not disfurnished of one such
+able man, as shall occupie the Captainship in like order, as is, and hath
+bene in such case appoynted, as reason and good order requireth.
+
+17 Item that all other former orders, rules, and deuises, made and prouided
+for the good order of our ships, wares, and goods, being not repugnant,
+contrary or diuerse to these articles, and the contents of the same, shall
+be, and stand in full force and effect to be in all respects obserued and
+kept of all and euery person and persons, whom the same doth or shall touch
+or concerne.
+
+In witnesse of the premisses faithfully to be obserued and kept, the owners
+and Masters of the said foure ships, together with the said Captaine, to
+these seuenteene articles, contained in two sheetes of paper, haue
+subscribed their hands. Given in London the third of May, in the yeere of
+our Lord God 1557.
+
+Owners, of the Primerose
+  Andrewe Iudde,
+  William Chester,
+  Anthony Hickman,
+  Edward Casteline.
+
+Owners of the Iohn Euangelist
+  Andrew Iudde,
+  William Chester.
+
+Owner of the Anne
+  Iohn Dimocke.
+
+Owner of the Trinitie
+  R. T.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A letter of the Company of the Marchants aduenturers to Russia vnto George
+  Killingworth, Richard Gray, and Henry Lane their Agents there, to be
+  deliuered in Colmogro or els where: sent in the Iohn Euangclist.
+
+After our heartie commendations vnto you and to either of you: your
+generall letter and other particular letters with two bookes of the sale
+and remainders of our goods, and the buying of wares there with you, we
+receiued about the ende of Nouember out of the Edward, with heauie newes of
+the losse of the sayde good shippe and goods at Petslego in Scotland, with
+the death of Richard Chancelor and his Boy, with certaine of the
+Embassadours seruants, and he himselfe with nine of his seruants escaped
+very hardly onely by the power of God: but all his goods and ours in maner
+were lost and pilfred away by the Scots, and that that is saued is not yet
+come to our hands, but we looke for it daily, and it will skant pay the
+charges for the recouering of it. No remedy but patience: and to pray to
+God to send vs better fortune hereafter. As touching the receiuing and
+entertaining of the Embssadour and his retinewe since his comming to
+England at the king and Queenes Maiesties hands, with the Counsell and
+Lords of this Realme, and the Marchants that be free in Russia with
+feasting and beneuolence giuen him, wee referre it to his report and
+others. The like we thinke haue not bene seene nor shewed here of a long
+time to any Ambassadour. The Philip and Marie arriued here tenne dayes
+past: she wintered in Norway. The Confidence is lost there. And as for the
+Bona Esperanza, as yet we haue no newes of her. We feare it is wrong with
+her. By your billes of lading receiued in your generall letters we perceiue
+what wares are laden in them both. Your letters haue no date nor mention
+where they were made, which were written by Henry Lane, and firmed by you
+George Killingworth, and Richard Gray: both it and the other letters and
+Bookes came so sore spoyled and broken with water that we cannot make our
+reckoning by them. You shall vnderstand we haue fraighted for the parts of
+Russia foure good shippes to be laden by you and your order: That is to
+say, The Primerose of the burthen of 240. Tunnes, Master vnder God Iohn
+Buckland: The Iohn Euangelist of 170. Tunnes, Master vnder God Laurence
+Roundal: The Anne of London of the burthen of 160. tunnes. Master vnder God
+Dauid Philly, and the Trinitie of London of the burthen of 140. Tunnes
+Master vnder God Iohn Robins, as by their Charter parties may appeare:
+which you may require to see for diuerse causes. You shall receiue, God
+willing, out of the said good ships, God sending them in safety for the vse
+of the Company, these kinds of wares following, all marked with the general
+marke of the Company as followeth. 25. fardels containing 207. sorting
+clothes, one fine violet in graine, and one skarlet, and 40. cottons for
+wrappers, beginning with number 1. and ending with number 52. The sorting
+clothes may cost the first peny 5. li. 9. s. the cloth, one with the other.
+The fine violet 18. li. 6. s. 6. d. The skarlet 17. li 13. s 6. d., the
+cottons at 9. li. 10. s. the packe, accompting 7. cottons for a packe, more
+500. pieces of Hampshire kersies, that is 400. watchets, 43. blewes, 53.
+reds, 15. greenes, 5. ginger colours, and 2. yelowes which cost the first
+penny 4. li. 6. s. the packe, and 3. packes containing 21. cottons at 9.
+li. 10. s. the packe, and part of the clothes is measured by Arshines. More
+9. barrels of Pewter of Thomas Hasels making, &c. Also the wares bee packed
+and laden as is aforesayde, as by an Inuoyce in euery Shippe more plainly
+may appear. So that when it shall please God to send the said good ships to
+you in safetie, you are to receiue our said goods, and to procure the sales
+to our most aduantage either by ready money, time or barter: hauing
+consideration that you doe make good debts, and giue such time, if you give
+any, as you may employ and returne the same against the next voyage; and
+also foreseeing that you barter to a profit, and for such wares as be here
+most vendible, as waxe, tallowe, traine oyle, hempe and flax. Of furres we
+desire no great plentie, becuase they be dead wares. And as for Felts we
+will in no wise you send any. And whereas you have provided tarre, and as
+we suppose, some hempe ready bought, our aduise is, that in no wise you
+send any of them hither vnwrought, because our fraight is 4. li a tunne or
+little lesse which is so deare as it would not beare the charges: and
+therefore we haue sent you 7. ropemakers, as by the copies of their
+covenants here inclosed shall appeare. Whom we wil you set to work with al
+expedition in making of cables and ropes of al sorts, from the smallest
+rope to xii. inches: And that such tarre and hempe as is already brought to
+the water side, they may there make it out, and after that you settle their
+worke in Vologhda or Colmogro as you shall thinke good, where their stuffe
+may be neerest to them: at which place and places you doe assigne them a
+principall overseer aswell to see the deliuerie of the stuffe vnwrought, as
+also to take charge of the stuffe wrought, and to foresee that neither the
+yarne be burnt in tarring, nor the hempe rotted in the watering: and also
+to furnish them so with labourers, workemen and stuffe, as hereafter when
+these workmen shall come away, we be not destitute of good workmen, and
+that these may dispatch as much as possibly they may, doing it
+substancially: for we esteme it a principal commoditie, and that the
+Counsel of England doth well allowe. Let all diligence be vsed, that at the
+returne of these shippes we may see samples of all ropes and cables if it
+be possible, and so after to continue in worke, that we may haue good store
+against the next yeere. [Sidenote: Danske the old chiefe place for Cables.]
+Therefore they haue neede to haue a place to worke in, in the winter: and
+at any hand let them haue helpe enough to spinne their stuffe: for seeing
+you haue great plentie of hempe there, and at a reasonable price, we trust
+we shallbe able to bring as good stuffe from thence, and better cheape then
+out of Danske: if it be diligently vsed; and haue a good ouerseer. Let the
+chiefest lading of these foure shippes be principally in wexe, flaxe,
+tallowe, and traine oyle. And if there be any more wares than these ships
+be able to take in, then leaue that which is least in valew and grossest in
+stouage vntill the next shipping: for wee doe purpose to ground our selues
+chiefly vpon these commodities, as wexe, cables and ropes, traine oyle,
+flaxe and some linen yarne. [Sidenote: Commodities not bearing the charges
+of long fraight.] As for Masts, Tarre, Hempe, Feathers, or any such other
+like, they would not beare the charges to haue any, considering our deere
+fraight. We haue sent you a Skinner to be there at our charges for meate,
+drinke, and lodging, to viewe and see such furres as you shall cheape or
+buye, not minding neuerthelesse, that you shall charge your selues with
+many, except those which bee most vendible, as good marterns, miniuers,
+otherwise called Lettis and Mynkes. Of these you may send vs plentie,
+finding them good and at a reasonable price. As for Sables and other rich
+Furres, they bee not euery mans money: therefore you may send the fewer,
+vsing partly the discretion of the skinner in that behalfe.
+
+Wee heare that there is great plentie of steele in Russia and Tartarie,
+whereof wee would you sent vs part for an example, and to write your mindes
+in it what store is to be had: for we heare say there is great plentie, and
+that the Tartars steele is better then that in Russia. And likewise we be
+informed that there is great plentie of Copper in the Emperours Dominions:
+we would he certified of it what plentie there is, and whether it be in
+plates or in round flat cakes, and send vs some for an example. Also we
+would haue you to certifie vs what kinde of wollen cloth the men of Rie and
+Reuel, and the Holes and Lettoes doe bring to Russia, and send the
+skantlings of them with part of the lists and a full aduise of the lengths
+and breadths, colours and prices, and whether they be strained or not: and
+what number of them may be vttered in a yeere, to the intent we may make
+prouision for them for the like sortes, and all other Flemish wares which
+they bring thither and be most vendible there. And to certifie vs whether
+our set clothes be vendible there or not: and whether they be rowed and
+shorne: because ofttimes they goe vndrest. Moreouer, we will you send vs of
+euery commoditie in that Countrey part, but no great quantitie other then
+such as is before declared. And likewise euery kinde of Lether, whereof wee
+bee informed there is great store bought yeerely by the Esterlings and
+Duches for hie Almaigne and Germaine.
+
+More, that you doe send vs for proofe a quantity of such earth, hearbes, or
+what thing soeuer it be, that the Russes do die and colour any kinde of
+cloth linen or wollen, Lether or any other thing withall: and also part of
+that which the Tartars and Turkes doe bring thither, and how it must be
+vsed in dying and colouring. Moreouer, that you haue a speciall foresight
+in the chusing of your Tallowe, and that it may be well purified and tried,
+or els it will in one yeere putrifie and consume.
+
+Also that you certifie vs the trueth of the waights and measures, and howe
+they doe answere with ours, and to send vs 3. robles in money, that we may
+trie the iust value of them.
+
+Also we doe send you in these ships ten young men that be bound Prentises
+to the Companie, whom we will you to appoynt euery of them as you shall
+there finde most apt and meete, some to keepe accompts, some to buy and
+sell by your order and Commission, and some to send abroad into the notable
+Cities of the Countrey for vnderstanding and knowledge. And we will you
+send vs aduertisement from time to time as well as of the demeanours of our
+Prentises which we doe send now as also of such other as bee already there
+with you. And if you finde any of them remisse, negligent, or otherwise
+misuse themselues and will not be ruled, and then you doe send him home,
+and the cause why.
+
+And because we doe perceiue the Countrey to be large, and that you haue
+three housholds, we doe appoynt Henry Lane to be one of our Agents, and to
+ioin with you in all your doings, and to haue like authoritie and power as
+you George Killingworth and Rich and Gray haue: not doubting but you three
+will so conferre together, as both our Prentises and others may be
+appoynted and diuided euery of them to his office, and to that he can best
+skill of: and you also so diuide your selues euery of you to an house, as
+by aduertisement one from another, our businesse and trafficke may take
+good successe. And for diuers considerations, to auoyde many troubles and
+businesse that might happen, wee haue appoynted that hee which shall abide
+at Colmogro (which we doe think to bee most meetest Henry Lane) shall haue
+with him there such of our young men, as can best skill in keeping of
+accompts after the maner of Marchants, that is, by Debitor and Creditor:
+And that there shall be the place, where our bookes shalbe kept: because it
+is nearer the sea side, where our goods shalbe discharged and our ships
+laden. And the said Henry Lane to be charged with all such goods as we
+shall discharge there out of our ships, according to our Inuoyces. Which
+goods are to be sent from Colmogro to Vologhda or to Mosco, or to any other
+place where you three or two of you do appoynt them to be sold, so that
+Henry Lane be one. And so from time to time immediately as any thing is
+sold, doe you certifie the same to Henry Lane, that he may enter it into
+the Bookes as appertaineth: otherwise he should be too farre behinde in his
+Bookes at the comming of our ships, when he should send vs the accompt of
+the whole yeere passed. And we will also that you George Killingworth and
+Richard Gray doe in the fine of April next send either of you vnto Henry
+Lane a whole, perfit, and iust accompt firmed with your owne hands of all
+the goods you haue solde and bought vntill that time, and what remaineth
+vnsolde: and also the accompt of all maner costs of wares, and charges of
+you and the yong men vnder you particularly in such sort as the said
+accompt may bee with him in Colmogro at the fine of May at the furthest: to
+the intent that hee may make all our accompts perfite against the comming
+of our ships: and in any wise to keepe accompt of euery voyage by it selfe,
+and not minde one voyage with another at no hand. And as we will haue you
+to keepe accompt of euery voyage by it selfe, euen so wee would haue all
+the whole costes and charges of euery yeere put into the voyage of that
+yeere. As the charges of all the last yeere must be put to the accompt of
+the third voyage: and the charges of this yeere present, must in the fine
+of April next, be put to the fourth voyage. Not doubting but your wisedome
+is such that you will not take it in euill part, that wee doe appoynt Henry
+Lane to take the accompt of the rest. For we doe it for none other cause,
+but to keepe a good order in our bookes, that his bookes and ours may by
+this meanes agree: and hee being the yonger man, may best take paines: and
+that you doe keepe accompt of euery kinde of wares by it selfe, to the
+intent wee may perceiue wherein is our most gaine. And also in the making
+of your returne, in any wise name in your billes of lading, letters, and
+accompts, what wares doe appertaine to the first, second, and third voyage:
+and that wee may knowe the same by the numbers or otherwise as you shall
+thinke good by your wisedomes, putting the charges of the said wares vnto
+them, as nigh as you can. And all such money as shall bee made of your
+goods in any place, wee referre that to your discretion, where it shall
+remaine vntill it bee employed, either at Vologhda, Mosco, or els where.
+And likewise wee will that Henry Lane doe make in a readinesse about the
+beginning of Iune euery yeere our whole accompt of the voyage in that yeere
+passed: in such sort that wee may receiue the same by our shippes: and that
+wee may plainely perceiue what sales are made, and what remaineth of the
+first, second, third, and fourth voyage, and what charges haue been layde
+out for the sayd voyages, and what wares bee bought, and laden, and what
+they cost, and for what voyage euery parcell thereof is: and to send vs a
+copie of the same accompt in euery shippe. And also forasmuch as at this
+time we haue sent you but small store of wares in comparison of that we
+haue hope will bee vttered in short space, and yet neuerthelesse much more
+then you wrote for, whereby there shall not be sufficient to make any ample
+returne: and vnderstandinig that there is great quantitie of goods stayed
+for our trade there by the Emperour, wee haue mooued the Embassador that
+you may haue credite for such quantitie as shall seeme good to you to
+prouide for our benefite. Which credite if you may by his means obtaine, or
+otherwise haue, we would you bought as much Wexe principally as you may
+get. For if there be in that countrey so great quantitie, as we be informed
+there is, it will be the best commoditie we may haue: for hauing that
+wholly in our hands, we may serue our owne countrey and others. Therefore
+seeing the Emperour doth minde, that such commodities as bee in his
+dominions shall not passe to Rie and Reuel and Poland as they haue done,
+but bee reserued for vs: therefore we must so lay for it, that it may not
+ly upon their hands that haue it to sell, always hauing consideration in
+the price and time as our next dispatch may correspond. Whereof you may
+send a certaine aduise, as well what you shall receiue of credit, and to
+what quantite, as also what wares are remaining in your hands: which
+together well considered, you may aduertise vs as well for how many
+hundreth tonnes we must prouide fraight against the next yeere, as also
+what sortes, quantities and qualities of wares we shall send you, as well
+to pay your credite, as also to furnish the next aduenture after. Of this
+we would be answered largely. For we trust by this time you are able to
+giue full instructions of the state of the countrey: according to the
+articles of your first Commissions, and what commodities doe principally
+abound there with their prices: and likewise what of our commodities haue
+most vtterance there, and what prices will be given for them there: and all
+other things requisite and necessary to be knowen.
+
+Also we doe vnderstand that in the Countrey of Permia or about the river of
+Pechora, is great quantitie of Yewe, and likewise in the Countrey of Vgory,
+which we be desirous to haue knowledge of because it is a special
+commoditie for our Realme. [Sidenote: Leonard Brian sent to search out Yewe
+in the North parts of Russia.] Thereon wee haue sent you a yong man, whose
+name is Leonard Brian, that hath some knowledge in the wood, to show you in
+what sorte it must be cut and clouen. So our minde is if there be any
+store, and that it bee found to be good, that there you doe prouide a good
+quantitie against the next yeere for the comming of our shippes and if
+there can bee found none that will serue for our purpose then you may set
+the sayd Leonard Brian to any other businesse that you shall finde most
+fittest for him, vntill the returne of our ships the next yeere. For he is
+hired by the yeere onely for that purpose. We doubt not but that hee shall
+doe you good seruice there. For hee hath good knowledge of wares of that
+Countrey for his bringing vp hath bene most in Danske, and hath good
+vnderstanding in making of Ropes and Cables. Also we doe send you two
+Coopers to remaine there with you at our finding hogmeat and drinke and
+lodging to make in a readinesse all such caske as shalbe needfull for
+traine oyle, tallowe, or any thing else One of them may goe with Leoonard
+Brian to cut and cleue such Yewe as he shall like there. And because we be
+not sure what timber they shall finde there to make Caske, we haue laden in
+these ships 140. tunnes emptie Caske, that is 94. tunnes shaken Caske and
+46. tunnes whole, and ten thousand hoopes, and 480. wrethes of twigs: they
+may be doing with that till they can prouide other timber, which we would
+be glad to heare of. They haue an example with them of the bigness of the
+Caske they shall make. Neuerthelesse, all such Buttes and Hoggesheads as
+may be found to serue we will shalbe filled with Traine Oyle.
+
+Also we charge you that you suffer no goods nor marchandise of any persons
+being not free of the Company, and of the accompt of the Company to be
+laden in any wise in our ships either now or at any time hereafter: except
+the Emperour or Ambassadour minde to send any thing to the King and Queenes
+Maiesties, or to any noble man, or to the Marchants of the Companie: Nor
+likewise that you suffer any goods that goe in these ships to be brought on
+land there, except the Ambassadours goods, and the Physitions and
+Apothecaries, and others that he hath with him, who carie no Marchandise.
+And because our ships be freighted by the great, it shalbe very needful
+that you do appoynt certaine to see the romaging of the ships, and to giue
+the master or Boatswaine, or him that will take vpon him to romage, a good
+reward for his labour to see the goods well romaged. If it be iii d. or
+iiii d. the tunne, it shall not be amisse. For if it be not substantially
+well looked into, it may bee a great deale of money [illegible] of our
+wayes.
+
+Also because we reckon that from the Mosco will bee always better
+conueyance of letters to vs by land: our minde is that from time to time as
+occasion shall serue, our Agents shall write to him that shall lie at Mosco
+of all things that shall passe, that hee may giue vs large instructions, as
+well what is solde and bought as also what lading we shall take, and what
+quantitie and kinde of goodes we shall send. For hitherto we haue had but a
+slender aduise, more like a bill to serue a Chapman, then for quantitie of
+wares to serue a kingdom. For we must procure to vtter good quantities of
+wares, especially the commodities of our Realme, although we affoord a good
+penyworth, to the intent to make other that haue traded thither, wearie,
+and so to bring our selues and our commodities in estimation, and likewise
+to procure to haue the chiefe commodities of that countrey in our hand, as
+waxe and such others, that other nations may be serued by vs and at our
+hands. For wee doe vnderstand that the greatest quantitie of waxe that
+commeth to Danske, Lubeck, and Hambourgh, commeth out of Russia. Therefore
+if wee should buy part, and they also buy, it would raise the price there,
+and would bee little woorth here. And all such letters of importance and
+secrecie as you doe send by land for any wares or otherwise, you must write
+them in Cyphers, after the order of a booke sent you in the shippes: always
+taking good heede in placing of your letters and cyphers, that wee may
+vnderstand them by the same booke heere, and to send them in such sort that
+we may haue them here by Christmas or Candlemas, if it be possible. And
+because you cannot so certainly aduertise vs by letters of your doings, but
+some doubt may arise, whereof we would most gladly be certified: our mind
+is therefore that with these ships you send vs home one such yong man as is
+most expert in knowledge of that countrey, and can best certifie vs in such
+questions as may be demanded, whome we will remit vnto you again in the
+next ships. We thinke Arthur Edwards wilbe fittest for that purpose:
+neuerthelesse vse your discretion in that matter.
+
+As touching our goods that were robbed and pilfred out of our ships at
+Colmogro and Vologda we trust by this time they are restored againe, and
+the malefactors so punished that other may take example for doing the like,
+otherwise it will be an euil president. Moreouer, we doe perceiue that
+Richard Gray doeth buy mastes to send into England; they will not quit the
+costes, except we had a ship of purpose for them. And likewise that Steuen
+Burrow is returned from his discouere with the Serchthrift and wintereth at
+Colmogro, and is minded to set forth in the beginning of Iune next to seeke
+the riuer of Ob. We pray God to speede him well, and trust to haue him here
+in England this yeere to bring vs good newes.
+
+We doe perceiue there is a riuer found about the mouth of S. Nicholas Bay
+that hath thirteen foot vpon the barre at a lowe water, and is as neere
+Colmogro as S. Nicholas: which will be a great pleasure vnto vs. We will
+that Steuen Burrowe doe proceed on his voiage to discouer. [Sidenote: M.
+Anthonie Ienkinson his first trauaile intended for Cathay by the Caspian
+sea and Beghar.] Also we haue sent you one Anthonie Ienkinson Gentleman, a
+man well trauelled, whom we mind to vse in further travelling, according to
+a Commission deliuered him, subscribed by master Antonie Huse and others.
+Wherefore we will you deliuer him one or more of such painfull young men as
+he shal thinke meetest for his purpose: and likewise such money and wares
+as he shal think best to take with him. He must haue fourty pounds a yeere
+for foure yeeres, to be paid him by the halfe yeere, or as he wil demaund
+it of you, so let him haue it from Easter last. Also the prices of wares
+here at this present are, bale flaxe twenty pound the packe and better,
+towe flaxe twentie eight pound the hundred, traine oyle at nine pound the
+tunne, waxe at foure pound the hundred, tallow at sixteen shillings the
+hundred, cables and ropes very deare: as yet there are no shippes come out
+of Danske.
+
+Kept vntill the tenth day of this present. As this day came the goods, out
+of Scotland that were recouered out of the Edward Bonauenture: and nowe we
+doe preceiue that the caske that the trayne oyle came in, is verie good,
+and much better then ours. Therefore our minde is, that you shall lade it
+all in such barrels of the biggest sort as you laded in the Edward, and no
+long barrels nor small. And that caske that wee haue sent may serue for the
+Tallowe or anie other ware that is not leakage. Neuerthelesse this voyage
+you must take such as you can get.
+
+Also if the Emperour bee minded to deliuer you any summe of money, or good
+Waxe, at as reasonable a price as you may buye for readie money, wee will
+that you shall take it and lade it for our accomptes, and to come at our
+aduenture, and hee to bee payed at the return of the Shippes in Veluets,
+Sattens, or any other kinde of silk, or cloth of golde, cloth of tissue, or
+according as his Commission shall bee that hee shall sende vs in the
+shippes and according to such paternes as hee shall send. Wee doe not finde
+the Ambassadour nowe at the last so conformable to reason as wee had
+thought wee shoulde. Hee is very mistrustfull, and thinketh euery man will
+beguile him. Therefore you had neede to take heede howe you haue to doe
+with him or with any such, and to make your bargaines plaine, and to set
+them downe in writing. For they bee subtill people, and doe not alwaies
+speake the trueth, and thinke other men to bee like themselues. Therefore
+we would haue none of them to send any goods in our shippes at any time,
+nor none to come for passengers, vnless the Emperour doe make bargaine with
+you, as is aforesaid, for his owne person.
+
+Also we charge you not to suffer any of our nation to send any wares to
+their wiues or friends in any of our ships; but to take their money there
+to be paid heere by the companie and not otherwise: and to haue
+consideration how you doe take the roble. For although we doe rate it after
+sixteene shillings eight pence of our money, yet it is not worth past 12 or
+13 shillings sterling. Moreouer, you had neede to sende newe accomptes, for
+them that came in the Edward bee marred and torne, so that we can make no
+reckoning by them: and likewise to write vs a perfect note of all the
+goodes which you receiued the last voyage out of the Edward, and heerein
+not to faile.
+
+    Andrew Iudde.
+    George Barne.
+    Anthonie Huse.
+    William Garrand.
+    William Chester.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A Letter of Master Thomas Hawtrey to the worshipfull Master Henrie Lane
+  Agent at Colmogro, written in Vologda the 31. of Ianuarie 1557.
+
+Worshipfull Sir, heartie commendations premised. These may bee to aduertise
+you, that yesterday the thirtieth, of this present came hither Robert Best,
+and brought with him two hundred robles, that is, one hundred for this
+place, and one hundred for you at Colmogro. As for hempe which is here at
+two robles and a halfe the bercouite, Master Gray hath written to buy no
+more at that price: for Iohn Sedgewicke hath bought for sixe or seuen
+hundred robles worth at Nouogrode for one roble and a halfe the bercouite,
+and better cheape: and white Nouogrode flaxe is there at three robles the
+bercouite. I trust hee will doe much good by his going thither. As I doe
+vnderstand, Richard Iohnson is gone to Nouogrode with money to him, I doubt
+not but Master Gray hath aduertised you of all their doings, both at the
+Mosco and the Nouogrod. And touching our doings heere, you shall perceiue
+that wee haue solde wares of this fourth voyage for one hundred and fourtie
+robles, besides fiftie robles of the second and third voyage since the
+giuing vp of my last account, and for wares of the Countrey, you shall
+vnderstand that I haue bought tried and vntried for 77. robles foure
+hundred podes of tried tallowe, beside foure hundred podes that I haue
+giuen out money for, whereof God graunt good receipt when the time commeth,
+which is in lent. And in browne flaxe and hempe I haue bought seuenteene
+bercouites, sixe podes and sixteene pound, which cost 28. robles, eleuen
+altines two pence. And as for other kindes of wares I haue bought none as
+yet And for mastes to bee prouided, you shall vnderstand that I wrote a
+letter to Totma the 28. of this present for fiftie mastes to wit, for 25.
+of fifteene fathoms, and 25. of foureteene fathoms, to be an arshine and a
+halfe at the small ende. [Sidenote: An Arshine is 3. quarters of a yard or
+more.] And more, I haue written for 30. great trees to be two arshines and
+a halfe at the small ende, and for the other that were prouided the last
+yeere, I trust they will be sent downe in the spring of the yeere.
+[Sidenote: A rope house erected by Colmogro.]And as concerning the
+Ropemakers, you shall vnderstand that their abiding place shall bee with
+you at Colmogro, as I doe thinke Master Gray has aduertised you. For, as
+Roger Bontigne Master of the woorkes doeth say, there is no place more
+meete for their purpose then with you: and there it will be made with
+lesser cost, considering that the pale is the one halfe of it: which is to
+set one pale more to that, and so for to couer it ouer, which as they say,
+will be but little cost. They doe pray that it may bee made sixteene foote
+broade, and one hundred and eightie fathoms long: and that in the midde way
+twentie foote from the pale towarde the water side there may be a house
+made to tarre in, standing alone by it selfe for danger of fire. The Tarre
+house that they woulde haue made, is to bee fifteene fathoms long, and ten
+fathoms broade, and they would that house should be made first: for I
+thinke they will not tarre before they come there. And farther they desire
+that you will prouide for as much tarre as you may, for heere wee haue
+small store, but when the time commeth that it shoulde be made, I will
+prouide as much as I can here, that it may bee sent downe when the Nasade
+commeth. The stuffe that they haue readie spunne is about fiue thousand
+waight, and they say that they trust to haue by that time they come downe
+yarne ynough to make 20. cables. As concerning a copie of the Alphabet in
+ciphers Master Gray hath written hither that Robert Austen had one, which
+he willed that he shoulde deliuer to you. Thus I surcease, beseeching God
+to preserue you in health, and to send you your hearts desire.
+
+By yours to command to his power,
+
+Thomas Hawtrey.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A letter of master Richard Gray one of the first Agents of the Moscouie
+  companie to Master Henrie Lane at Mosco, written in Colmogro the 19. of
+  Februarie 1558.
+
+[Sidenote: Lampas a great mart for the Samoeds in the North.] Worshipfull
+Sir, after heartie commendations &e. You shall vnderstand that this Lent
+commeth to Lampas such a number of men of diuers nations with wares, as
+hath not bene seene these ten yeeres. Thither came many out of Vgori:
+therefore I would haue bene there my selfe, and also haue receiued such
+money as is owning vs in wares by Kerill his brother and Osep Boscouo. For
+as you well know, thence they will go with their wares to the Mosco, and
+make vs payment with delayes, as they haue done these other yeeres past.
+Colobone and his partner be departed towards Lampas with seuen sleddes
+laden with victuals. Others also are gone to that Mart. As touching the
+bringing of money with you, it will bee good, for I assure you since our
+comming to this countrey haue not so many persons gone to the Sea, as will
+doe this yeere. Trusting that God will send good store of traine oyle, I
+will cause as much caske to bee in a readinesse as I can, if you shall
+think it meete to send some money before. All our old hempe is spunne and
+wrought in tenne cables from fifteene ynches to ten the least, and
+thirteene Hausers from six ynches to three ynches: and all may weigh white
+eight and twenty thousand pound weight and vpwarde. There is in hempe ockam
+fiue thousand pound two hundred weight in twelue sackes at the least: the
+flaxe that came downe in the Nassadaes with those seuen podes that came
+last is all spunne with a good part of that hempe that came last. God send
+more shortly, for all that is here and that is comming in the three other
+sleddes will bee dispatched by the fourth weeke in Lent. Within these few
+dayes I bought thirteen podes, seuen pound of hempe that cost two robles,
+twenty eight altines, foure pence, which together with that that was bought
+before, shall bee laide in dipping and sounding lines, for it is very good.
+There are spent aboue fiftie barrels of tarre alreadie: you shall
+vnderstand that these eight workemen will spinne and lay aboue fourescore
+and tenne thousand pound of hempe, so it bee dressed readie to their hands,
+hauing two to turne the wheeles, and two to winde vp. Therefore I haue
+agreed with these two boyes to serue the worshipfull companie foure yeeres
+a piece. One of them windeth vp and is very apt to spinne: therefore I will
+haue two other young men Russes to spinne, if they can finde good sureties
+for their trueth. I haue bene in hand with these two yong men that came put
+of the Trinitie, and they with me, but vnder seuen pound a year they will
+not serue, nor Thomas Bunting that was Roger Bunting his seruant. Therefore
+I would haue three Russes at the least to spinne, fiue of them will be as
+good as these three, and will not be so chargeable all, as one of these
+would be. I thinke it were good that our Nassada were somewhat strengthened
+in her floore on both sides with plankes of fiue or sixe ynches thicke,
+from the stemme to the sterne, as I haue written to Thomas Hawtrey at
+Vologda. Also if you shall so thinke meet, your waxe and tallowe shall be
+laden in two Dosnickes, for they bee meete to goe aboord the shippes: I doe
+intend to set vp an house at Boroseua ouer against the place whereat the
+shippes shall ride, your aduise therein I expect it shall not cost aboue
+three robles, and yet if we will, there shall be two warme roomes in it. As
+for other matter at this present I haue not to trouble you withall, and if
+it would please yow I would be glad to heare some good newes of Master
+Ienkinson. Thus Iesus be with you and be his guide.
+
+Postscriptum.
+
+[Sidenote: White hawks and white beares prohibited without licence.] As for
+these our Hawkes they bee not white, but white and mayled, but indeede be
+Iarfawkons. These dayes past our Olen died. So this yeere our Masters of
+the companie are like to haue none, nor any white beares. Neither may any
+passe out of the realme without a special licence from the Emperour.
+
+I intend God willing to goe to Lampas, if I doe I will take foure or fiue
+kerseys with me, but as for money there is small store here to carie.
+
+Yours, Richard Gray.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A letter of Thomas Alcocke to the worshipfull Richard Gray, and Henrie Lane
+  Agents in Moscouia from Tirwill in Polonia, written in Tirwill the 26. of
+  Aprill 1558.
+
+My duety premised vnto your worships, with commendations &c. It may please
+you to be aduertised, that my last I sent from Smolensco, which I trust you
+haue receiued with other letters to diuers of our Englishmen, wherein I
+certified you of my long retayning there, as also of my departure from
+thence, and howe that I had hired a Totar to bring mee to Danske. We came
+to a certaine village on Satterday the sixe and twentieth of Februarie, and
+there remained that night and Sunday to refresh our horses, intending to
+haue gone away on Munday earely. But on Saterday at night one of his
+neighbours departed to Tirwill, and there declared to the Captaine howe
+that at such a place there was a Dutch man that was come from the Mosco,
+and woulde ride to Danske, saying, for the one, I cannot tell what he is.
+The Captaine incontinent ridde to the King to shewe him thereof, so that
+without any delay there was sent out for mee one of the Gentlemen of the
+Kings house, and one of the Mesnickes of the Towne with sixe Officers to
+take mee. They came thither in the night about midnight, and there
+apprehended mee and tooke all that I had from me: they left me nothing but
+my clothes to put on my backe, and so brought mee to Tirwill to the
+Captaines house, where before I dyned, I had a payre of fetters clapped on
+my legges, wherewithall I sate vntill it was Munday in the Easter-weeke. On
+which day, after long and earnest calling to the Captaine as he ridde by
+the windowe, he commaunded the Marshall that mine yrons shoulde be taken
+off, but no worde I could heare when I should be deliuered out of
+captiuitie till it was Saint George his day: on which day I was had before
+the Marshall, who declared vnto me that the Kings Maiestie had shewed his
+mercie and goodnesse towardes mee: for his pleasure was that I should be
+deliuered out of prison to depart into England, but no way else. So after I
+had giuen thankes for the Kings Maiesties goodnesse shewed vnto me, I
+desired him that he woulde be a meane that I might haue the remaynder of
+such thinges as were taken from me restored vnto me againe. Hee made me
+answere, that I might thanke God that I escaped with my head, and that if
+euer there came any more of vs through the land, they should not so doe.
+The weeke before Easter they deliuered mee my Corobia againe with all
+thinges that were therein. They tooke from mee in money nine Hungers
+gylderns in golde, fiue shillings foure pence in Lettoes money, fourtie
+Altines in Russe money, whereof twentie and more were for tokens, halfe an
+angell and a quarter of Master Doctour Standishes, with his golde
+ring.[Sidenote: Doctor Standish the Emperours Phisition.] Your two pieces
+of money (Master Gray) that you sent to your wife and daughter, with my two
+pieces of Boghary money. Of all this I had eight Hungers gilderns deliuered
+mee the thirde weeke of mine imprisonment to paye for my charges, which
+stoode mee in a Doller a weeke. So that at the day of my deliuerie I had
+but three gyldernes left me. For the rest I made a supplication to the
+Captaine and had the like answere giuen mee as the Marshall gaue me. So
+that all the rest of the thinges before written are lost, and no recouerie
+to bee had, which grieueth me more for the tokens sake then doeth mine
+eight weeks imprisonment. They haue also my sword, my bootes, my bowe and
+arrowes that I bought at Smolensco, which cost me foure marks, my sled, my
+felt, the comhold, a booke of the Flowres of godly prayers, and my booke
+wherein my charges were written. Of all these I can get nothing againe, not
+so much as my two bookes.
+
+After I had remayned there fiue and thirtie dayes, I was had before the
+Captaine vp into a great chamber to bee examined for letters and of the
+cause of my comming through the Countrey. In the Captaines companie was one
+of the Lordes of Danske. They demaunded of mee where my letters were, I
+declared vnto them that I had none: your Officers (sayd I) tooke me when I
+was in my bedde, they searched mee and tooke all that I had from mee, if
+there be any they shall finde them among my stuffe which they haue. They
+asked mee then, for what cause I went home ouer lande? I declared vnto
+them, that the Winter beeing a warme season, and hauing intelligence that
+the frozen Sea was not much frozen, and supposing this Sommer it would be
+nauigable, I was onely sent to prouide a Shippe to be sent to passe the
+sayde Seas to discouer Cataia: which if God graunted wee might doe, it
+woulde not onely bee a commoditie to the Realme of Englande, but vnto all
+Christian landes, by the riches that might be brought from thence, if the
+histories bee true that are written thereof. Much other communication I had
+with them concerning the same voyage. Then he demaunded of mee what wares
+wee brought into Russia, and what we carried from thence. I declared the
+same vnto them. Then they burdened mee, that wee brought thither thousandes
+of ordinance, as also of harneis, swordes, with other munitions of warre,
+artificers, copper, with many other things; I made them answere, that wee
+had brought thither about one hundred shirtes of mayle, such olde thinges
+newe scowred as no man in Englande woulde weare. Other talke they had with
+mee concerning the trade of Moscouia too long to commit to writing.
+
+[Sidenote: An attempt to hinder our trade to Mosvouia by the Hans townes
+and Easterlings.] At my comming hither heere were Ambassadours from the
+townes of Danske, Lubeck, and Hamburgh, as also out of Liefland to desire
+this King to bee their Captaine and head their intended voyage, which was
+to stoppe all such shippes as shoulde goe out of England for Mocouia.
+Whereunto the King graunted, and immediately they departed to prepare their
+shippes. So that I am afraide that either these our enemies, or the great
+warres that we haue with France and Scotland will be an occasion that you
+shall haue no shippes at Colmogro this yeere.
+
+To conclude, although I haue no tokens to deliuer them, that the tokens
+taken from me were sent vnto, yet I will declare vnto them that I had
+tokens for them, with the mischance. And thus I commit you to Almightie God
+with the rest of the companie who keepe you in health to his holy will and
+pleasure.
+
+By yours to commaund
+
+THOMAS ALCOCKE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A Letter of Master Anthonie Ienkinson vpon his returne from Boghar to the
+  worshipful Master Henrie Lane Agent for the Moscouie compante resident in
+  Vologda, written in the Mosco the 18. of September, 1559.
+
+Worshipfull Sir, after my heartie commendations premised with most desire
+to God of your welfare and prosperous successe in all your affaires. It may
+please you to bee aduertised that the fourth of this present I arriued with
+Richard Iohnson and Robert Iohnson all in health, thankes bee to God. Wee
+haue bene as farre as Boghar, [Footnote: Bokhara.] and had proceeded
+farther on our voyage toward the lande of Cathay, had it not bene for the
+vncessant any continuall warres, which are in all these brutall and wilde
+countrey, that it is at this present impossible to passe, neither went
+there any Carauan of people from Boghar that way these three yeere. And
+although our iourney hath bene so miserable, dangerous, and chargeable with
+losses, charges and expenses, as my penne is not able to expresse the same:
+yet shall wee bee able to satisfie the woorshipfull Companies mindes, as
+touching the discouerie of The Caspian Sea, with the trade of merchandise
+to bee had in such landes and countreyes as bee thereabout adiacent, and,
+haue brought of the wares and commodities of those Countries able to
+answere the principall with profite: wishing that there were vtterance for
+as great a quantitie of kersies and other wares as there is profile to bee
+had in the sales of a small quantitie, (all such euill fortunes beeing
+escaped as to vs haue chaunced this present voyage,) for then it woulde be
+a trade woorthie to bee followed. Sir, for that I trust you will be here
+shortly (which I much desire) I will deferre the discourse with you at
+large vntill your comming, as well touching my trauel, as of other things.
+Sir, Iohn Lucke departed from hence toward England the seuenth of this
+present, and intendeth to passe by the way of Sweden, by whom I sent a
+letter to the worshipfull Companie, and haue written that I intend to come
+downe vnto Colmogoro to be readie there at the next shipping to imbarke my
+selfe for England, declaring that my seruice shal not be needful here, for
+that you are a man able to serne their worships in greater affaires then
+they haue heere to doe, so farre as I perceiue. As touching the Companies
+affaires heere, I referre you to Christopher Hudsons letters, for that I am
+but newly arriued. Hauing heere but litle businesse to doe, I send you
+Richard Iohnson to helpe you there in your affaires. Thus giuing you most
+heartie thanks for my wench Aura Soltana, I commend you to the tuition of
+God, who send you health with hearts desire. [Sidenote: This was a yong
+Tartar girle which he gaue to the Queene afterwards.]
+
+Your assured to command,
+
+Anthonie Ienkinson.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A Letter of the Moscouie companie to their Agents in Russia, Master Henrie
+  Lane, Christopher Hudson, and Thomas Glouer sent in their seuenth voyage
+  to Saint Nicholas with three ships, the Swallowe, the Philip and Marie,
+  and the Iesus the fifth of May, 1560.
+
+After our heartie commendations to you. The twelfth day of the last moneth
+here arriued in safety, thanks be to God, our two ships, and by them we
+receiued your letters and inuoices very well perceiuing what you haue laden
+in them. The tallowe came euill conditioned and broken, by reason it came
+in Corrobias, wee lose and spoyle more then the Caske will cost, and much
+of this tallowe is verie euill, blacke, soft and putrified. Touching the
+Waxe, as yet wee knowe not howe the weight will rise, by reason that some
+of it was lost in the barkes. The weight of the last yeeres waxe did not
+rise so well as the other yeeres before it did. There had neede good heede
+bee taken in the weighing. Also much of this Waxe had a great foote, and is
+not so faire waxe as in times past wee baue had. You must cause the foote
+to bee taken off before you doe weigh it, or else you must seeke to haue a
+good allowance for it. The traine Oyles which you laded this yeere came
+well conditioned, and the caske was good and of a good sise. But if they
+were made a little bigger, it were the better, for they be not hogsheads.
+You haue written to vs to send you caske which is not heere to be had,
+neither doe wee thinke it so best if it were heere, considering it must goe
+either shaken and bounde vp, or else emptie, which will bee pesterable, and
+likewise will shrinke and drie, and not be fitte to lade oyles in.
+Therefore our minde is, you shall cause so much caske to bee made there of
+the sise of hogsheads as will serue both for; your oyles and tallowe, and
+let them be well trimmed with pitch on the heads and seames, and stand full
+of water three or foure dayes before you put Oyles in them; Your Cowper may
+bee ouerseer to them that make them, that they be well hooped and cleere
+tymber without knottes, the woorst caske you may put the tallowe in. Hee
+that seeth the filling of the oyles had neede to looke well to it, for
+there was much water in this that, came nowe. Wee perceiue you haue bought
+and haue in a readinesse one hundred and fourtie tunnes of oyles, and that
+if neede bee you may haue more store. Wherefore we doe minde to send, you
+shipping for three hundred tunnes and vpwards, because we would haue this
+next Summer as great a returne as you can of the commodities of that
+Countrey, as also such of our wares as you haue that are not vendible, or
+will not be solde or bartered, because we would haue a ful knowledge and
+state of our accounts. The Sables which you sent this yeere be very base,
+among them all we could not make one principall timber: wee haue alwayes
+written vnto you to send them that bee good or else none. The Woluerings
+were indifferent, and some of the wolues, the rest verie base, the Lusernes
+but meane, the Lettes not so large skinnes as we hane had: the best is,
+they were of a new death. As for the Ermines, they cost more there with
+you, then we can sell them for here. Therefore buy no more of them, nor of
+Squirels, for wee lost the one halfe in the other. The wares that we would
+haue you prouide against the comming of the shippes are, Waxe, Tallowe,
+trayne Oyles, Flaxe, Cables and Ropes, and Furres, such as we haue written
+to you for in our last letters by the shippes: and from hencefoorth not to
+make any great prouision of any rich Furres except principall Sables and
+Lettes: for now there is a Proclamation made that no furres shall be worne
+here, but such as the like is growing here within this our Realme. Also we
+perceiue that there might be a great deale of tallowe more prouided in a
+yeere than you send. Therefore our minde is, you should enlarge somewhat
+more in the price, and to send vs if you can three thousand podes a yeere:
+for we doe most good in it. And likewise the Russes, if you would giue them
+a reasonable price for their wares, woulde be the willinger to buy and sell
+with you, and not to carie so much to Nouogrode as they doe, but woulde
+rather bring it to Vologda to you, both Waxe, Tallowe, Flaxe, Hempe, and
+all kinde of other wares fitte for our Countrey. Our minde is you should
+prouide for the next ships fiue hundred Losh hides, of them that be large
+and faire, and thickest in hand, and to be circumspect in the choosing,
+that you buy them that bee killed in season and well dryed and whole. If
+they be good we may sell them here for sixteene shillings and better the
+piece, wee would haue the whole skinnes that is, the necke and legges
+withal, for these that you sent now lacke their neckes and legges.
+Neuerthelesse for this time you must sende them as you may get them: if you
+coulde finde the meanes that the haire might bee clipped off them, they
+woulde not take so much roome in the shippes as they doe. We perceiue by
+your letters that the prices of Waxe doe rise there with you, by reason
+that the Poles and Lifelanders doe trade into Russia by licence: which, if
+there shoulde bee peace betweene them, would be an occasion that all other
+commodities in Russia woulde rise to a bigger price, and not be sufficient
+to serue them and vs too, and likewise woulde bring downe there the price
+of our commodities. Therefore we thinke it good you shoulde make a
+supplication to the Emperour in the name of The Companie to returne the
+trade from Rye and Reuel to vs, especially for such wares as wee doe buy:
+promising that wee will bee bounde to take them at a reasonable price, as
+wee haue bought them in times past: and likewise that wee will bring to
+them such wares of ours, as are thought fitte for the Countrey, and so sell
+them at such reasonable prices as wee haue done. If this shoulde not come
+to passe, wee might be out of hope of doing any good by the trade there:
+but that we haue a further hope of some good trade to be found out by
+Master Antonie Ienkinson: by reason we doe perceiue by your letters, that
+raw silke is as plentifull in Persia, as flaxe is in Russia: beside other
+commodities that may come from thence. Wee vnderstand by your letters that
+you be at a point with the Russe for the Waxe, Tallow, and traine oyles
+that he shipped the last yere for 311 robles 20 altines, which is well:
+although much be not gotten by it, but because they should not vnderstand
+our reckonings. We much maruel what you mean to buy Seale skins and tanne
+them. All that you haue sent in times past lie here vnsold, and will yeelde
+no money. If you send 100 of them tawed with the haire on, they will bee
+solde, or else not. In our shippe we will send you such things as you write
+to haue for the ropers: and wee would they should make more store of small
+cables and ropes, as cables of 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. inches. For these great
+cables be not for euery man; and the greatest cables bee not best laded:
+and likewise small ropes for shroudes, sholes, and other small tackeling:
+and that you looke better to the spinning of their yarne that it be euen
+and well tarred. The sables that you doe mind to send vs let them be
+principall and fayre, and not past foure or fine timbars. For they will not
+be so commonly worne here as they haue bin with noble men: and likewise of
+Luserns send fewe and principal good. We mind to send you in our shippes
+100 tunnes of salte. And because we perceiue that balast is hardly to be
+had at our lading place there with you, we would you shoulde haue in a
+readinesse 100 tunnes of the white stones whereof you sent vs home an
+example two yeres past. And likewise to haue in a readinesse mastes of all
+sortes for our shippes: for we know not what neede wee shall haue of them.
+The bringer hereof is Thomas Alcock, he could not be suffered the last
+yeare to passe through Poland. And as we, wrote vnto you in our shippes,
+hee is our seruant for yeares: And for that we know him to be honest, true
+and painefull, our mind is he shalbe placed where he may do best seruice.
+He doth know the commodities and discommodities of all kinde of wares which
+you doe send vs. Therefore we would you should credite his sayings both in
+quantitie of wares and goodnes, as also wherin is most our profit. We see
+by your letters that your opinion is that the rope-makers should remaine
+there two yeres more; and that you haue prouided great plentie of hempe,
+which we are content withall. But as yet we haue solde none of our cables
+or halsers, neither is the proofe of them knowen; because the first you
+sent vs were made of flaxe, which are worth no money: for after they be
+once wet they will rotte and moulder away like mosse. And those which you
+sent vs now last, by misfortune there with you at the lading were wette and
+fretted in many places, and haue lost their colour: by meanes whereof they
+be not so vendible as if they had come well conditioned. Of an hard
+beginning we trust God will send vs a good ending. We hope in your next
+letters to heare good newes of the proceedings of Master Antonie Ienkinson.
+We perceiue by his letters that Astracan is not so good a Mart towne as the
+fame hath gone of it: and maruell much that round pewter should be so good,
+and good chepe there, and from whence it should come. And whereas you write
+that you wil come for England in our next shippes, we would gladly haue you
+to remaine there vntill the next yere following, for the better instruction
+of our seruants there; who have not had so long time of continuance for the
+language and knowledge of the people, countrey, and wares as you haue had.
+[Sidenote: Christopher Hodson and Thomas Glouer appointed Agents 1560.]
+Neuerthelesse if you will needs come away, we haue no doubt, but that you
+will leaue good order with our seruants there, namely with Christopher
+Hodson and Thomas Glouer, whom we appoint to remaine there as Agents in
+your roome, till further order bee taken: not doubting but that they will
+vse themselues so discreetely and wisely in all their doings, as shall be
+to the worship and benefite of this company. And as we haue a good hope in
+them that they will be carefull, diligent and true in all their doings: so
+haue we no lesse hope, in all the rest of our seruants there, that they
+will bee not onely obedient to them (considering what roome they be in) but
+also will be carefull, diligent and true euery one in his roome and place
+for the benefite and profite of the company: That hereafter in the absence
+of others they may be called and placed in the like roome there or
+elsewhere. And if you find any to be disobedient and stobborne, and will
+not be ruled; wee will you shall send him home in our shippes: who shall
+find such small fauour and friendship during the time that he hath to
+serue, as by his disobedience and euill seruice hee hath deserued. And
+whereas Christopher Hodson hath written to come home, as partly he hath
+good cause, considering the death of his father and mother: yet in regard
+that Sir George Barne and the Ladie his wife were his special friends in
+his absence, we doubt not but that he wil remain in the roome, which we
+haue appointed him, if you doe not tarie and remaine there, till farther
+order be taken: and for his seruice and paines hee shall be considered, as
+reason is, as friendly as if his friends were liuing. Thus we trust you
+will take such order the one to remaine at the Mosco, and the other at
+Colmogro, or elsewhere, as most neede is. Thomas Alcocke is desirous to be
+in the Mosco: neuerthelesse you shall find him reasonable to serue where he
+may doe most good. The 62 robles which you receiued of Iohn Boucher we haue
+payed him here, and also the 8 robles, which you receiued the yere before
+of Christopher Rose, and the money which you receiued more of George
+Burton, for the which we haue you our debtors. Thus we rest, referring that
+which is here omitted to the report of the bringer: and so God haue you in
+his keeping. Also we would that you should send vs in our shippes 200
+horse-clothes more. The things before written wee would that you should let
+our seruants see and reade, to the intent they may perceiue our mindes.
+
+
+Another letter to the foresaid parties. 1560.
+
+This letter before written is the copie of one sent you by Thomas Alcock,
+trusting that hee was with you long since. [Sidenote: Stockholme.] The 26
+day of the last moneth we receiued a letter from him, dated in Stockholme
+in Sweden the 14 day of Ianuary, and we perceiue by his letter that hee had
+talked with a Dutch man that came lately from the Mosco, who informed him
+that our friend Master Antony Ienkinson was returned to the Mosco in
+September last past, but how farre he had beene, or what he had done, he
+could not tell. [Sidenote: Iohn Luck taken prisoner in Lieflande.] Also he
+wrote that one Iohn Lucke a Ioyner was taken by the Liefelanders, and put
+in prison. As yet wee haue not heard from the sayd Iohn Lucke, nor know not
+whether he be released out of prison or not. We suppose that by him you
+wrote some letter which as yet is not come to our hands: so that we thinke
+hee is yet in prison, or otherwise dispatched out of the way. The fifteenth
+day of December wee receiued a letter from Christopher Hodson, dated in the
+Mosco the 29 of Iuly, by the way of Danske: which is in effect a copie of
+such another receiued from him in our shippes. [Sidenote: The Swallow.] You
+shal vnderstand that we haue laden in three good shippes of ours these kind
+of wares following: to wit, in the Swallowe of London, Master vnder God
+Steuen Burrow, 34 fardels N'o 136 broad short clothes, and foure fardels
+N'o 58 Hampshire Kersies: and 23 pipes of bastards and seckes, and 263
+pieces of raisins and 4 hogsheds N'o 154 pieces of round pewter, and ten
+hogsheds and poncheons of prunes, and one dryfatte with Almonds. [Sidenote:
+The Philip and Marie.] And in the Philip and Marie, Master vnder God Thomas
+Wade, 25 fardels N'o 100 broad clothes, and three fardels N'o 42 Hampshire
+Kersies and thirtie pipes of seckes and bastards, and 100 pieces of
+raisins. [Sidenote: The Iesus.] And in the Iesus of London, Master vnder
+God Arthur Pette, 10 fardels N'o 40 broade shorte clothes, and twenty seuen
+pipes of bastards and seckes, as by the Inuoices herewith inclosed may
+appeare: Also you shall receiue such necessaries as you did write to bee
+sent for the rope makers: trusting that you shall haue better successe with
+them which you shall send vs in these ships, then with the rest which you
+haue sent vs yet: for we as yet haue sold none of them. And whereas we
+wrote vnto you in our former letter, that we would send you a hundred
+tunnes of salte, by reason it is so deare here we doe send you but nine
+tunnes and a halfe, for it cost here tenpence the bushell the first penie:
+namely in the Swallow 6 tunnes and a halfe, in the Philip and Marie one
+tunne and a halfe, and in the Iesus one tunne and a halfe: The 4 hogsheads
+of round pewter goe in the Swallow and in the Philip and Marie N'o 154
+pieces, as is aforesaid. We send you three ships, trusting that you haue
+prouided according to our former writing good store of lading for them. If
+yee haue more wares then will lade the ships, let it be Traine oyles that
+you leaue behinde: the price is not here so good as it was; it is worth
+here 9 pound the tunne. We thinke it good you should let the smaller ship
+bring as much of the traine as she can cary: And that the masters of the
+ships do looke wel to the romaging, for they might bring away a great deale
+more than they doe, if they would take paine in the romaging: and bestowe
+the traine by it selfe, and the waxe and tallowe by it selfe: for the
+leakage of the traine doth fowle the other wares much. As for Allard the
+skinner, if you thinke good he may come home in these shippes. We haue no
+doubt but that you Henrie Lane, if you minde to come home now in these
+ships as you requested, will leaue such good order there with our seruants
+as shall bee for our most profite and their preferment, if they doe their
+dueties diligently and truely. If our friend Master Antonie Ienkinson bee
+returned, and meane to come away in these ships to declare his mind and
+opinion of his trauaile, if need require and he be so minded he may returne
+thither by land and be there by the fine of Ianuarie or before. But as we
+be vncertaine whether he be returned or not: so we know not what he hath
+done, nor what benefite may arise hereafter of his trauaile. Therefore in
+this wee remit it to his and your good discretions. Wee send you Thomas
+Hawtrey which is our seruant for yeeres: our minde is he should be placed,
+where he may doe best seruice.
+
+Also we send you Nicholas Chancelour to remaine there, who is our
+apprentice for yeeres: our minde is hee should be set about such businesse
+as he is most fit for: he hath been kept at writing schoole along: he hath
+his Algorisme, and hath vnderstanding of keeping of bookes of reckonings.
+We send you now but 100 Kersies: but against the next yeere, if occasion
+serue, wee will send you a greater quantitie, according as you shall aduise
+vs: One of the pipes of seckes that is in the Swallow, which hath 2 round
+compasses upon the bung, is to be presented to the Emperour: for it is
+special good. The nete waight of the 10 puncheons of prunes is 4300. 2
+thirds 1 pound. It is written particularly vpon the head of euery puncheon:
+and the nete weight of the fatte of almonds is 500 li. two quarters. The
+raisins, prunes, and almonds you were best to dispatch away at a reasonable
+price, and principally the raisins, for in keeping of them will be great
+losse in the waight, and the fruit will decay. We thinke it good that you
+prouide against the next yeere for the comming of our shippes 20 or 30
+bullockes killed and salted, for beefe is very deare here. Therefore you
+were best to saue some of this salt that we doe send you in these ships for
+the purpose. [Sidenote: The salt of Russia is not so good as Baye salt.]
+The salte of that countrey is not so good. In this you may take the opinion
+of the masters of the shippes. [Sidenote: Foxe skinnes white, blacke and
+russet vendible in England.] Foxe skins, white, blacke, and russet will be
+vendible here. The last yere you sent none: but there were mariners that
+bought many. If any of the mariners doe buy any trifling furres or other
+commodities, we will they shall be registred in our pursers bookes, to the
+intent we may know what they be. We desire to know how the Emperour tooke
+the letter which we sent in our ships, as an answere to the letter that
+came in his name and vnder his seale for the sixe thousand dallers.
+[Sidenote: May 5. 1560.] Thus wee rest, committing you to God, from London
+the fift day of May 1560.
+
+For lacke of time the gouernours haue not firmed this letter: which is the
+copie of the other two letters firmed by them.
+
+Yours, William Mericke.
+Yours, Blase Sanders.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The maner of Iustice by lots in Russia, written by Master Henrie Lane, and
+  executed in a controuersie betweene him and one Sheray Costromitskey in
+  Mosco. 1560.
+
+After the comming home into Russia of Ioseph Napea the first ambassadour to
+Queene Marie, I remaining the Agent there, sundrie Russian marchants by
+Iosephs procurement obtained letters from the Emperour to freight goods and
+passe in our ships for England: which thing vpon good consideration I
+answered and refused. They were then driuen to credite vs and compound in
+value vntill the next returne. At which time, notwithstanding good accompt
+in the value of 600 robles, there grewe question by their double demand.
+[Sidenote: Triall by combat or lot.] So in April Anno 1560. before my
+comming from Moscouia, they obtained trial by combat or letter to haue
+their summe double, or as I proffered 600 robles. For combatte I was
+prouided of a strong willing Englishman, Robert Best, one of the companies
+seruants: whome the Russes with their Champion refused. So that we had the
+words of our priuiledge put in effect, which were to draw lots. The day and
+maner of triall appointed by the Emperour at his castle in his palace and
+high Court of Moscouia was thus. The Emperours two Treasurers, being also
+Chancelours and chiefe Iudges, sate in court. They appointed officers to
+bring me, mine interpreter, and the other, through the great presse within
+the rayle or barre, and permitted me to sit downe some distance from them:
+the aduerse parties being without at the barre. Both parties were first
+perswaded with great curtesie, to wit, I to enlarge mine offer, and the
+Russes to mitigate their challenge. Notwithstanding that I protested my
+conscience to be cleere, and their gaine by accompt to bee sufficient, yet
+of gentlenes at the magistrates request, I made proffer of 100 robles more:
+which was openly commended, but of the plaintifes not accepted. Then
+sentence passed with our names in two equall balles of waxe made and holden
+vp by the Iudges, their sleeues stripped vp. Then with standing vp and
+wishing well to the trueth attributed to him that should be first drawen,
+by both consents among the multitude they called a tall gentleman, saying:
+Thou with such a coate or cap, come vp: where roome with speede was made.
+He was commanded to holde his cappe, wherein they put the balles, by the
+crowne vpright in sight, his arme not abasing. With like circumspection,
+they called at aduenture another tall gentleman, commanding him to strip vp
+his right sleene, and willed him with his bare arme to reach vp, and in
+Gods name seuerally to take out the two balles: which he did, deliuering to
+either Iudge one. Then with great admiration the lotte in ball first taken
+out was mine: which was by open sentence so pronounced before all the
+people, and to be the right and true parte. The chiefe plaintifes name was
+Sheray Costromitsky. I was willed forthwith to pay the plaintifes the summe
+by me appointed. Out of which for their wrong or sinne, as it was termed,
+they payd tenne in the hundred to the Emperor. Many dayes after, as their
+maner is, the people took our nation to be true and vpright dealers, and
+talked of this iudgement to our great credite.
+
+The former letters dated 1558, 1559, and 1560, should all followe M.
+  Ienkinsons voyage to Boghar.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The first voyage made by Master Anthonie Ienkinson, from the Citie of
+  London toward the land of Russia, begun the twelfth of May, in the yeere
+  1557.
+
+First by the grace of God, the day and yeere aboue mentioned, I departed
+from the sayd Citie, and the same day at Grauesend embarked my selfe in a
+good shippe, named the Primerose, being appointed, although vnworthy,
+chiefe captaine of the same, and also of the other 3 good ships, to say,
+the Iohn Euangelist, the Anne, and the Trinitie, hauing also the conduct of
+the Emperour of Russia his ambassadour named Osep Nepea Gregoriwich, who
+passed with his company in the sayde Primerose. And thus our foure tall
+shippes being well appointed, aswell for men as victuals as other
+necessarie furniture, the saide twelfth day of the moneth of May, we weyed
+our ankers, and departed from the saide Grauesend, in the after noone, and
+plying down the Thames, the wind being Easterly, and fayre weather, the 13
+day we came a ground with the Primerose, upon a sand called the blacke
+taile, where we sate fast vntill the 14 day in the morning, and then God be
+praysed, she came off: and that day we plyed downe as ferre as our Ladie of
+Holland, and there came to an anker, the wind being Easterly, and there
+remayned vntill the 20 day: then we weyed and went out at Goldmore gate,
+and from thence in at Balsey slade, and so into Orwel wands, where we came
+to an anker: but as we came out at the sayd Goldemore gate, the Trinitie
+came on ground on certaine rockes, that lye to the Northward of the said
+gate, and was like to be bilged and lost. But by the aide of God, at the
+last she came off againe, being very leake: and the 21 day the Primerose
+remaining at an anker in the wands, the other three shippes bare into Orwel
+hauen where I caused the sayd Trinitie to be grounded, searched, and
+repaired. So we remayned in the said hauen, vntill the 28. day: and then
+the winde being Westerly, the three shippes that were in the hauen, weyed
+and came forth, and in comming forth the Iohn Euangelist came on ground
+vpon a sand, called the Andros, where she remained one tide, and the next
+full sea she came off againe without any great hurt, God be praised.
+
+The 29 day in the morning all foure ships weied in the Wands, and that tide
+went as farre as Orfordnesse, where we came an anker, because the wind was
+Northerly: And about sixe of the clocke at night, the wind vered to the
+Southwest and we weyed anker, and bare cleere of the nesse, and then set
+our course Northeast and by North vntill midnight, being then cleare of
+Yarmouth sands. [Sidenote: Iune.] Then we winded North and by West, and
+Northnorthwest, vntill the first of Iune at noone, then it waxed calme and
+continued so vntill the second day at noone: then the winde came at
+Northwest, with a tempest, and much raine, and we lay close by, and caped
+Northnortheast, and Northeast and by North, as the winde shifted, and so
+continued vntill the third day at noone: then the wind vered Westerly
+againe, and we went North our right course, and so continued our way vntill
+the fourth day, at three of the clocke in the afternoone, at which time the
+wind vered to the Northwest againe and blew a fresh gale, and so continued
+vntill the seuenth day in the morning, we lying with all our shippes close
+by, and caping to the Northwards: and then the wind vering more Northerly,
+we were forced to put roomer with the coast of England againe, and fell
+ouerthwart Newcastle, but went not into the hauen, and so plied vpon the
+coast the eighth day and the ninth.
+
+The tenth day the winde came to the Northnorthwest, and we were forced to
+beare roomer with Flamborow head, where we came to an anker, and there
+remained vntil the seuenteenth day. Then the winde came faire, and we
+weyed, and set our course North and by East, and so continued the same with
+a mery winde vntill the 21 at noone, at which time we tooke the sunne, and
+had the latitude in sixty degrees. Then we shifted our course, and went
+Northnortheast, and Northeast and by North, vntill the 25. day. [Sidenote:
+Heilick Islands in 66 degrees 40 minutes.] Then we discouered certaine
+Islands, called Heilick Islands, lying from vs Northeast, being in the
+latitude of sixtie sixe degrees, 40 minutes. [Sidenote: Rost Islands.] Then
+we went north and by West, because we would not come too nigh the land, and
+running that course foure houres, we discouered, and had sight of Rost
+Islands, ioining to the main land of Finmarke. Thus continuing our course
+along the coast of Norway and Finmark, the 27 day we tooke the Sunne, being
+as farre shot as Lofoot, and had the latitude in 69 degrees. And the same
+day in the afternoone appeared ouer our heads a rainebow, like a
+semicircle, with both ends vpwarde. [Sidenote: Malestrand a strange whirle
+poole.] Note that there is between the said Rost Islands and Lofoot, a
+whirle poole called Malestrand, [Footnote: Maelström.] which from halfe
+ebbe vntill halfe flood, maketh such a terrible noise, that it shaketh the
+ringes in the doores of the inhabitants houses of the sayd Islands tenne
+miles off. Also if there commeth any Whale within the current of the same,
+they make a pitifull crie. Moreouer, if great trees be caried into it by
+force of streams, and after with the ebbe be cast out againe, the ends and
+boughs of them haue bene so beaten, that they are like the stalkes of hempe
+that is bruised. Note, that all the coaste of Finmarke is high mountaines
+and hils, being couered all the yere with snow. And hard aboord the shoare
+of this coast, there is 100 or 150 fadomes of water in depth. [Sidenote:
+Zenam Island.] Thus proceeding and sailing forward, we fell with an Island
+called Zenam, being in the latitude of 70 degrees. About this Island we saw
+many Whales, very monstrous, about our ships, some, by estimation of 60
+foot long: and being the ingendring time they roared and cried terriblie.
+[Sidenote: Kettelwike Island.] From thence we fell with an Island, called
+Kettelwicke.
+
+This coast from Rost vnto Lofoot lieth North and south, and from Lofoot to
+Zenam Northeast and southwest, and from Zenam to Kettelwike Eastnortheast
+and Westsouthwest. [Sidenote: Inger sound.] From the said Kettelwike we
+sailed East and by North 10 leagues, and fell with a land called Inger
+sound, where we fished, being becalmed, and tooke great plenty of Cods.
+[Sidenote: The North Cape.] Thus plying along the coast, we fell with a
+Cape, called the North Cape, which is the Northermost land that wee passe
+in our voyage to S. Nicholas, and is in the latitude of 71 degrees and ten
+minutes, and is from Inger sound East, and to the Northwards 15 leagues.
+And being at this North Cape the second day of Iuly, we had the sunne at
+North 4 degrees aboue the Horizon. The third day wee came to Wardhouse,
+hauing such mists that we could not see the land. [Sidenote: Wardhouse]
+This Wardhouse is a Castle standing in an Island 2 miles from the maine of
+Finland, subiect to the king of Denmarke, and the Easternmost land that he
+hath. There are two other Islands neere adioining vnto that, whereon the
+Castle of Wardhouse standeth. The inhabitants of those three Islands liue
+onely by fishing, and make much, stockefish which they dry with frost:
+their most feeding is fish; bread and drinke they haue none, but such as is
+brought them from other places. [Sidenote: Cattell fed with fish.] They
+haue small store of cattell, which are also fed with fish. From Wardhouse
+we sailed Southsoutheast ten leagues, and fell with a Cape of land called
+Kegor, [Footnote: Cape Njemetsky.] the Northermost part of the land of
+Lappia. [Sidenote: The Monastery of Pechinchow.] And betweene Wardhouse,
+and the said Cape is a great Bay, called Dommeshaff, [Footnote: Varanger
+fjord.] in the South part whereof is a Monasterie of Monkes of the Russes
+religion, called Pechinchow. Thus proceeding forward and sayling along the
+coast of the said land of Lappia, winding Southeast, the fourth day through
+great mists and darkenes we lost the company of the other three ships, and
+met not with them againe, vntill the seuenth day, when we fell with a Cape
+or head land called Swetinoz, [Footnote: Cape Swjatojnos.] which is the
+entring into the Bay of S. Nicholas. At this Cape lieth a great stone, to
+the which the barkes that passed thereby, were wont to make offrings of
+butter, meale, and other victuals, thinking that vnlesse they did so, their
+barkes or vessels should there perish, as it hath bene oftentimes seene:
+and there it is very darke and mistie. [Sidenote: Arzina reca the riuer
+where Hugh Willoughbie was frozen.] Note that the sixt day we passed by the
+place where Sir Hugh Willoughbie, with all his company perished, which is
+called Arzina reca, that to say, the riuer Arzina. [Footnote: Varzina.]
+
+The land of Lappia is an high land, hauing snow lying on it commonly all
+the yere. The people of the Countrey are halfe Gentiles: they liue in the
+summer time neere the sea side, and vse to take fish, of the which they
+make bread, and in the winter they remoue vp into the countrey into the
+woods, where they vse hunting, and kill Deere, Beares, Woolues, Foxes, and
+other beasts, with whose flesh they be nourished, [Sidenote: The Lappians
+couered all sauing their eies.] and with their skinnes apparelled in such
+strange fashion, that there is nothing seene of them bare but their eies.
+They haue none other habitation, but onely in tents, remouing from place to
+place according to the season of the yeere. They know no arte nor facultie,
+but onely shooting, which they exercise dayly, as well men as women, and
+kill such beasts as serue them for their foode. Thus proceeding along the
+coast from Swetinoz aforesaid, the ninth day of Iuly wee came to Cape
+Grace, [Footnote: Cape Krasnoj.] being in the latitude of 66 degrees and 45
+minutes, and is at the entring in of the Bay of S. Nicholas. Aboord this
+land there is 20 or 30 fadoms water, and sundry grounds good to anker in.
+[Sidenote: The current at Cape Grace.] The current at this Cape runneth
+Southwest and Northeast. From this Cape wee proceeded along vntill we came
+to Crosse Island, which is seuen leagues from the sayd Cape Southwest: and
+from this Island, wee set ouer to the other side of the Bay, and went
+Southwest, and fell with an head land called Foxenose, which is from the
+sayd Island 25 leagues. [Sidenote: The entering of the Bay of S. Nicholas
+is seuen leagues broad at the least.] The entring of this Bay from Crosse
+Island to the neerest land on the other side is seuen leagues ouer. From
+Foxenose proceeding forward the twelfth day of the sayd moneth of Iuly, all
+our foure ships arriued in safetie at the road of Saint Nicholas in the
+land of Russia, where we ankered, and had sailed from London vnto the said
+roade seuen hundred and fifty leagues. The Russian ambassadour and his
+company with great ioy got to shore, and our ships here forthwith
+discharged themselues: and being laden againe, and hauing a faire winde,
+departed toward England the first of August. [Sidenote: August.] The third
+of the sayd moneth I with other of my company came vnto the citie of
+Colmogro, being an hundred verstes from the Bay of Saint Nicholas, and in
+the latitude of 64 degrees 25 minutes. I taried at the said Colmogro vntill
+the fifteenth day: and then I departed in a little boate vp the great riuer
+of Dwina, which runneth very swiftly, [Sidenote: Pinego River.] and the
+selfe same day passed by the mouth of a riuer called Pinego, leauing it on
+our lefte hand fifteen verstes from Colmogro. On both sides of the mouth of
+this riuer Pinego is high land, great rockes of Alablaster, great woods,
+and Pineapple trees lying along within the ground, which by report haue
+lien there since Noes flood. [Sidenote: The towne of Yemps.] And thus
+proceeding forward the nineteenth day in the morning, I came into a town
+called Yemps, an hundred verstes from Colmogro. All this way along they
+make much tarre, pitch and ashes of Aspen trees. [Sidenote: Vstiug.] From
+thence I came to a place called Vstiug, an ancient citie the last day of
+August. At this citie meete two riuers: the one called Iug, and the other
+Sucana, both which fall into the aforesaid riuer of Dwina. The riuer Iug
+hath his spring in the land of the Tartars called Cheremizzi, ioining to
+the countrey of Permia: and Succana hath his head from a lake not farre
+from the citie of Vologda. Thus departing from Vstiug, and passing by the
+riuer Succana, we came to a towne called Totma. About this place the water
+is verie shallow, and stonie, and troublesome for Barkes and boats of that
+countrey, which they call Nassades, and Dosneckes, to passe that way:
+wherein marchandise are transported from the aforesayd Colmogro to the
+citie of Vologhda. [Sidenote: The description of their Nassades.] These
+vessels called Nassades, are very long builded, broade made, and close
+aboue, flatte bottomed, and draw not aboue foure foote water; and will came
+two hundred tunnes: they haue none iron appertaining to them but all of
+timber, and when the winde serueth, they are made to sayle. Otherwise they
+haue many men, some to hale and drawe by the neckes with long small ropes
+made fast to the sayd boats, and some set with long poles. There are many
+of these barks vpon the riuer of Dwina: And the most part of them belongeth
+vnto the citie of Vologhda: for there dwell many marchants, and they
+occupie the said boates with carying of salte from the sea side vnto the
+sayd Vologhda. The twentieth of September I came vnto Vologhda, which is a
+great citie, and the riuer passeth through the midst of the same. The
+houses are builded with wood of Firre trees, ioyned one with another, and
+round without: the houses are foure square without any iron or stone worke,
+couered with birch barkes, and wood ouer the same: Their Churches are all
+of wood, two for euery parish, one to be heated for Winter, and the other
+for Summer.
+
+On the toppes of their houses they laye much earth, for feare of burning:
+for they are sore plagued with fire. This Vologhda is in 59 degrees, eleuen
+minutes, and is from Colmogro, 1000 verstes.
+
+All the way I neuer came in house, but lodged in the wildernesse, by the
+riuers side, and caried prouision for the way. [Sidenote: Good counsell for
+trauellers.] And he that will trauell those wayes, must carie with him an
+hatchet, a tinder boxe, and a kettle, to make fire and seethe meate, when
+he hath it: for there is small succour in those parts, vnlesse it be in
+townes.
+
+[Sidenote: December.] The first day of December, I departed from Vologhda
+in poste in a sled, as the maner is in Winter. And the way to Moscua is as
+followeth. From Vologda to Commelski, 27 verstes, so to Olmor 25 verstes,
+so to Teloytske 20 verstes, so to Vre 30 verstes, so to Voshansko 30
+versus, then to Yeraslaue 30 verstes, which standeth vpon the great riuer
+Volga, so to Rostoue, 50 verstes, then to Rogarin 30 verstes, so to
+Peraslaue 10 verstes, which is a great town, standing hard by a faire lake.
+From thence to Dowbnay 30 verstes, so to Godoroke 30 verstes, so to Owchay
+30 verstes, and last to the Mosco 25 verstes, where I arriued the sixt day
+of December.
+
+There are 14 postes called Yannes betweene Vologhda and Mosco, which are
+accompted 500 verstes asunder.
+
+The 10 day of December I was sent for to the Emperors Castle by the sayd
+Emperour, and deliuered my letters vnto the Secretary, who talked with me
+of diuers matters, by the commandement of the Emperour. And after that my
+letters were translated, I was answered that I was welcome, and that the
+Emperour would giue me that I desired.
+
+The 25 day, being the day of the natiuitie, I came into the Emperours
+presence, and kissed his hand, who sate aloft in a goodly chaire of estate,
+hauing on his heade a crowne most richly decked, and a staffe of gold in
+his hand, all apparelled with golde, and garnished with precious stones.
+
+There sate distant from him about two yardes his brother, and next vnto him
+a boy of twelue yeares of age, who was inheritor to the Emperor of Casan,
+conquered by this Emperor 8 yeares past. Then sate his nobilitie round
+about him, richly apparelled with gold and stone. And after I had done
+obeisance to the Emperour, he with his own mouth calling me by my name,
+bade me to dinner, and so I departed to my lodging till dinner time, which
+was at sixe of the clocke, by candle light.
+
+The Emperour dined in a fayre great hall, in the midst whereof was a pillar
+foure square, very artificially made, about which were diuers tables set,
+and at the vppermost part of the hall, sate the Emperour himselfe, and at
+his table sate his brother, his Vncles sonne, the Metropolitane, the young
+Emperour of Casan, and diuers of his noble men, all of one side. There were
+diuers Ambassadors, and other strangers, as well Christians as heathens,
+diuersly apparelled, to the number of 600 men, which dined in the sayd
+hall, besides 2000 Tartars, men of warre, which were newly come to render
+themselues to the Emperour, and were appointed to serue him in his wars
+against the Lieflanders, but they dined in other hals. I was set at a litle
+table, hauing no stranger with me, directly before the Emperors face. Being
+thus set and placed, the Emperour sent me diuers bowles of wine, and meade,
+and many dishes of meat from his own hand, which were brought me by a Duke,
+and my table serued all in gold and siluer, and so likewise on other
+tables, there were set bowles of gold, set with stone, worth by estimation
+400 pounds sterling one cup, besides the plate which serued the tables.
+
+There was also a cupbord of plate, most sumptuous and rich, which was not
+vsed: among the which, was a piece of golde of two yardes long, wrought in
+the toppe with towers, and dragons heads, also diuers barrels of gold and
+siluer, with Castles on the bungs, richly and artificially made. The
+Emperour and all the hall throughout was serued with Dukes: and when dinner
+was ended, the Emperour called me by name, and gaue me drinke with his own
+hand, and so I departed to my lodging.
+
+Note, that when the Emperour drinketh, all the company stand vp, and at
+euery time he drinketh or tasteth of a dish of meate he blesseth himselfe.
+Many other things I sawe that day, not here noted.
+
+The 4 of Ianuary, which was Twelftide with them, the Emperour, with his
+brother and all his nobles, all most richly appareled with gold, pearles,
+precious stones, and costly furres, with a crowne vpon his head, of the
+Tartarian fashion, went to the Church in procession, with the Metropolitan,
+and diuers bishops and priests. That day I was before the Emperour again in
+Russe apparell, and the Emperour asked if that were not I, and his
+Chancelor answered yea. Then he bad me to dinner: then came he out of the
+church, and went with the procession vpon the riuer, being all frozen, and
+there standing bare headed, with all his Nobles, there was a hole made in
+the ice, and the Metropolitan hallowed the water with great solemnitie and
+seruice, and did cast of the sayd water vpon the Emperors sonne and the
+Nobility. That done, the people with great thronging filled pots of the
+said water to carie home to their houses, and diuers children were throwen
+in, and sicke people, and plucked out quickly againe, and diuers Tartars
+christened: all which the Emperour beheld. Also there were brought the
+Emperours best horses, to drink at the sayd hallowed water. All this being
+ended, he returned to his palace againe, and went to dinner by candle
+light, and sate in a woodden house, very fairely gilt. There dined in the
+place, about 300 strangers, and I sate alone as I did before, directly
+before the Emperour, and had my meat, bread and drinke sent me from the
+Emperour.
+
+The citie of Mosco is great, the houses for the most part of wood, and some
+of stone, with windowes of yron, which serue for summer time. There are
+many faire Churches of stone, but more of wood, which are made hot in the
+winter time. The Emperors lodging is in a faire and large castle, walled
+foure square of bricke, high, and thicke, situated vpon a hill, 2 miles
+about, and the riuer on the Southwest side of it, and it hath 16 gates in
+the walles, and as many bulwarks. [Footnote: The Kremlin Palace.] His
+palace is separated from the rest of the Castle, by a long wall going north
+and south, to the riuer side. In his palace are Churches, some of stone and
+some of wood, with round towers fairely gilded. In the Church doores and
+within the Churches are images of golde: the chiefe markets for all things,
+are within the sayd Castle, and for sundry things sundry markets, and euery
+science by it selfe. And in the winter there is a great market without the
+castle, vpon the riuer being frozen, and there is sold corne, earthen pots,
+tubs, sleds, &c. The castle is in circuit 2900 pases.
+
+The coontrey is ful of marish ground, and plaine, in woods and riuers
+abundant, but it bringeth forth good plenty of corne. This Emperour is of
+great power: for he hath conquered much, as wel of the Lieflanders, Poles,
+Lettoes, and Swethens, as also of the Tartars, and Gentiles, called
+Samoeds, hauing thereby much inlarged his dominions. He keepeth his people
+in great subiection: all matters passe his iudgement, be they neuer so
+small. The law is sharpe for all offenders.
+
+The Metropolitan dealeth in matters of religion, as himselfe listeth, whome
+the Emperour greatly honoreth. They vse the ceremonies, and orders of the
+Greeke Church. They worship many images painted on tables, and specially
+the image of S. Nicholas. Their Priests be maried, but their wiues being
+dead, they may not marie the second time, and so become Monkes, whereof
+there are a great number in the land.
+
+They haue foure Lents in the yeere, and the weeke before Shrofetide, they
+call the Butter weeke, &c.
+
+They haue many sortes of meats and drinkes, when they banket and delight in
+eating of grosse meates, and stinking fishe. Before they drinke they vse to
+blowe in the cup: their greatest friendship is in drinking: they are great
+talkers and lyers, without any faith or trust in their words, flatterers
+and dissemblers. The women be there very obedient to their husbands, and
+are kept straightly from going abroad, but at some seasons.
+
+At my being there, I heard of men and women that drunke away their
+children, and all their goods at the Emperors tauerne, and not being able
+to pay, hauing impauned himselfe, the Tauerner bringeth him out to the
+highway, and beates him vpon the legges: then they that passe by, knowing
+the cause, and hauing peraduenture compassion vpon him, giue the money, and
+so he is ransomed.
+
+In euery good towne there is a drunken Tauerne called a Cursemay, which the
+Emperour sometime letteth out to farme, and sometimes bestoweth for a yeare
+or two on some duke or gentleman, in recompense of his seruice: and for
+that time he is Lord of all the towne, robbing and spoiling, and doing what
+pleaseth him: and then he be growen rich, is taken by the Emperor, and sent
+to the warres againe, where he shall spend all that which he hath gotten by
+ill meanes: so that the Emperour in his warres is little charged, but all
+the burden lieth vpon the poore people.
+
+They vse sadles made of wood and sinewes, with the tree gilded with damaske
+worke, and the seat couered with cloth sometimes of golde, and the rest
+Saphian leather, well stitched. They vse little drummes at their sadle
+bowes, by the sound whereof their horses vse to runne more swiftly.
+
+The Russe is appareled in this manner: his vpper garment is of golde,
+silke, or cloth, long, downe to the foot, and buttoned with great buttons
+of siluer, or els laces of silke, set on with brooches, the sleeues thereof
+very long, which he weareth on his arme, ruffed vp. Vnder that he hath
+another long garment, buttoned with silke buttons, with a high coller
+standing vp of some colour and that garment is made straight. Then his
+shirt is very fine, and wrought with red silk, or some gold, with a coller
+of pearle. Vnder his shirt he hath linnen breeches, vpon his legs, a paire
+of hose without feete, and his bootes of red or yellow leather. On his head
+hee weareth a white Colepecke, with buttons of siluer, gold, pearle, or
+stone, and vnder it a black Foxe cap, turned vp very broad.
+
+When he rideth on horsebacke to the warres, or any iourney, he hath a sword
+of the Turkish fashion, and his bowe and arrowes of the same maner. In the
+towne he weareth no weapon, but onely two or three paire of kniues, hauing
+the hafts of the tooth of a fish, called the Morse.
+
+In the Winter time, the people trauell with sleds, in towne and countrey,
+the way being hard, and smooth with snow; the waters and riuers are all
+frozen, and one horse with a sled, will draw a man vpon it 400 miles, in
+three daies: but in the Summer time, the way is deepe with mire, and
+trauelling is very ill.
+
+The Russe, if he be a man of any abilitie, neuer goeth out of his house in
+the winter, but vpon his sled, and in Summer vpon his horse: and in his
+sled he sits vpon a carpet, or a white Beares skinne: the sled is drawen
+with a horse well decked, with many Foxes and Woolues tailes at his necke,
+and is conducted by a little boy vpon his backe: his seruants stand vpon
+the taile of the sled &c.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The voyage, wherein Osep Napea the Moscouite Ambassadour returned home into
+  his countrey, with his entertainement at his arriuall, at Colmogro: and a
+  large description of the maners of the Countrey.
+
+The twelfth of Maye, in the yeare of our Lorde 1557 there departed from
+Grauesend, foure good shippes well appointed for Marchants, which were
+presently bound into the Baye of S. Nicholas in Russia, with which shippes
+was transported, or caried home, one Osep Gregoriwich Napea, who was sent
+Messenger from the Emperour and great Duke of Moscouia. The foure ships
+were these, whose names follow, viz.
+
+    The Primerose Admirall.
+    The Iohn Euangelist Viceadmirall.
+    The Anne and the Trinitie Attendants.
+
+The 13 of Iuly, the foresayd foure shippes came to an anker in the Baye of
+S. Nicholas, befor an Abbey, called the Abbey of S. Nicholas, whereas the
+sayde Messenger, Osep Gregoriwich Napea went a shoare, and as many English
+men as came to serue the Emperour remained with him at the Abbey for the
+space of sixe daies, vntill he had gotten all his things a shoare, and
+laden the same in the barkes, to goe vp the riuer Dwina, vnto Vologhda,
+which is by water 1000 verstes, and euery verste is about three quarters of
+an English mile.
+
+[Sidenote: Presents vsed in Russia are all for the most part of victuals.]
+The 20 of Iuly, we departed from S. Nicholas, and the 24 of the same, we
+came to Colmogro, where we remained eight daies and the sayd Messenger was
+there of all his acquaintance welcommed home, and had presents innumerable
+sent vnto him, but it was nothing but meate, and drinke. Some sent white
+bread, some rie bread, and some buttered bread and pancakes, beefe, mutton,
+bacon, egges, butter, fishes, swannes, geese, duckes, hennes, and all maner
+of victuals, both fish and flesh, in the best maner, that the rude people
+could deuise: for among them, these presents are highly esteemed.
+
+The 29 of Iuly, we departed from Colmogro, and the 14 of August we came to
+Vstiug, where we remained one day, and changed our barkes or boates.
+
+The 27 of August, we came to Vologhda, where we remained 4 dayes vnlading
+the barkes, and lading our chestes and things in small waggons, with one
+horse in a piece, which in their tongue are called Telegos, and with these
+Telegoes they caried our stuffe from Vologhda vnto the Mosco, which is 500
+verstes: and we were vpon the same way 14 daies: for we went no faster then
+the Telegoes.
+
+[Sidenote: The citie of Boghar.] There are three great townes betweene the
+Mosco and Vologhda, that is to say, Yeraslaue, Rostaue, and Pereslaue. Vpon
+one side of Yeraslaue runneth a famous riuer which is called Volga. It
+runneth into the Caspian sea, and it diuideth it selfe before it come into
+the Mare Caspium, in 50 parts or more, and neere vnto the same sea there
+stands a great Citie, called Boghar, the inhabitants of which are called by
+the same name.
+
+The people of the said Citie doe traffique vnto the Citie of Mosco: their
+commodities are spices, muske, ambergreese, rubarbe, with other drugs. They
+bring also many furres, which they buy in Siberia coming towards the Mosco:
+the sayd people are of the sect of Mahomet.
+
+[Sidenote: They arrived at Mosco.] The 12 of September we came vnto the
+citie of Mosco, where we were brought by Napea, and two of the Emperours
+gentlemen vnto a large house, where euery one of vs had his chamber
+appointed.
+
+The 14 of September we were commanded to come vnto the Emperour, and
+immediately after our coming we were brought into his presence, vnto whom
+each of vs did his duetie accordingly, and kissed his right hand, his
+maiestie sitting in his chaire of estate, with his crowne on his bead, and
+a staffe of goldsmiths worke in his left hand well garnished with rich and
+costly stones: and when we had all kissed his hand and done our dueties,
+his maiestie did declare by his interpreter that we were all welcome vnto
+him, and into his countrey, and thereupon willed vs to dine with him: that
+day we gaue thanks vnto his maiestie, and so departed vntil the dinner was
+readie.
+
+When dinner time approached, we were brought againe into the Emperour's
+dining chamber, where we were set on one side of a table that stoode ouer
+against the Emperours table, to the end that he might wel behold vs al: and
+when we came into the foresayd chamber, we found there readie set these
+tables following.
+
+First at the vpper end of one table were set the Emperour his maiestie, his
+brother, and the Emperour of Cazan, which is prisoner. About two yardes
+lower sate the Emperour of Cazan his sonne, being a child of fiue yeeres of
+age, and beneath him sate the most part of the Emperors noble men.
+
+And at another table neere vnto the Emperours table, there was set a Monke
+all alone, which was in all points as well serued as the Emperour. At
+another table sate another kinde of people called Chirkasses, [Footnote:
+Kirghis.] which the Emperour entertaineth for men of warre to serue against
+his enemies. Of which people and of their countrey, I will hereafter make
+mention.
+
+All the tables aforesayde were couered onely with salt and bread, and after
+that we had sitten awhile, the Emperour sent vnto euery one of vs a piece
+of bread, which were given and deliuered vnto euery man seuerally by these
+words: The Emperour and great Duke giueth the bread this day, and in like
+manner three or foure times before dinner was ended, he sent vnto euery man
+drinke, which was giuen by these words, The Emperour and great Duke giueth
+thee to drinke. All the tables aforesayd were serued in vessels of pure and
+fine golde, as well basons and ewers, platters, dishes and sawcers, as also
+of great pots, with an innumerable sorte of small drinking pottes of diuers
+fashions, whereof a great number were set with stone. As for costly meates
+I haue many times seene better: but for change of wines, and diuers sorts
+of meads, it was wonderfull: for there was not left at any time so much
+void roome on the table, that one cuppe more might haue bin set, and as far
+as I could perceiue, all the rest were in the like maner serued.
+
+In the dinner time, there came in sixe singers which stood in the midst of
+the chamber, and their faces towards the Emperour, who sang there before
+dinner was ended three seuerall times, whose songs or voyces delighted our
+eares little or nothing.
+
+The Emperour neuer putteth morsell of meate in his mouth, but he first
+blesseth it himselfe, and in like maner as often as he drinketh: for after
+his maner he is very religious, and he esteemeth his religious men aboue
+his noble men.
+
+This dinner continued about the space of fiue houres, which being ended,
+and the tables taken vp, we came into the midst of the chamber, where we
+did reuerence vnto the Emperors maiestie, and then he deliuered vnto euery
+one of vs with his own hands a cup of mead, which when euery man had
+receiued and drunke a quantity thereof, we were licensed to depart, and so
+ended that dinner. And because the Emperour would haue vs to be mery he
+sent to our lodging the same Euening three barrels of meade of sundry
+sortes, of the quantitie in all of one hogshed.
+
+The 16 day of September the Emperour sent home vnto our lodging for euery
+of vs a Tartarie horse to ride from place to place as we had occasion, for
+that the streetes of Mosco are very fowle and mirie in the Summer.
+
+[Sidenote: M. Standish doctor of Phisicke.] The 18 of September there were
+giuen vnto master Standish doctor in Physick, and the rest of our men of
+our occupations, certaine furred gownes of branched veluet and gold, and
+some of red damaske, of which master Doctors gowne was furred with Sables,
+and the rest were furred some with white Ermine, and some with gray
+Squirel, and all faced and edged round about with blacke beauer.
+
+The 1 of October in the morning we were commanded to come vnto the Emperors
+court, and when we came thither, we were brought vnto the Emperor vnto whom
+we did our duties accordingly: whereupon he willed vs to dine with him that
+day, and so with thanks vnto his maiestie, we departed vntill dinner time,
+at which time we came, and found the tables couered with bread and salt as
+at the first: and after that we were all set vpon one side of the table,
+the Emperors maiestie according to his accustomed maner sent vnto euery man
+a piece of bread by some of the Dukes which attended on his highnesse.
+
+And whereas the 14 of September we were serued in vessels of gold, we were
+now serued in vessels of siluer, and yet not so abundantly as was the first
+of gold: they brought drinke vnto the table in siluer boles which conteined
+at the least sixe gallons a piece, and euerie man had a smal siluer cuppe
+to drinke in, and another to dip or to take his drinke out of the great
+boll withall: the dinner being ended, the Emperour gaue vnto euery one of
+vs a cup with meade, which when we had receiued, we gaue thanks and
+departed.
+
+Moreouer, whensoeuer the Emperors pleasure is that any stranger shall dine
+with him, he doth send for them in the morning, and when they come before
+him, he with his owne mouth biddeth them to dinner, and this order he
+alwaies obserueth.
+
+The 10 of October the Emperour gaue vnto M. Standish 70 rubles in money,
+and to the rest of our men of occupations 30 rubles apiece.
+
+The 3 of Nouember we dined againe with the Emperour, where we were serued
+as before.
+
+[Sidenote: Long Dinners.] The 6 of December being S. Nicholas day, we dined
+againe at the Emperours, for that is one of the principall feasts which the
+Moscouites hold: we were serued in siluer vessels and ordered in all points
+as before, and it was past 7 of the clocke at night before dinner was
+ended.
+
+The Emperours maiestie vseth euery yeare in the moneth of December, to haue
+all his ordinance that is in the citie of Mosco caried into the field which
+is without the Suburbs of the citie, and there to haue it planted and bent
+vpon two houses of Wood filled within with earth: against which two houses
+there were two faire white markes set vp, at which markes they discharge
+all their ordinance, to the ende the Emperour may see what his Gunners can
+doe. [Sidenote: Ordinance in Russia.] They haue faire ordinance of brasse
+of all sortes, bases, faulcons, minions, sakers, culuerings, cannons double
+and royall, basiliskes long and large, they haue sixe great pieces whose
+shot is a yard of height, which shot a man may easily discerne as they
+flee: they haue also a great many of morter pieces or potguns, out of which
+pieces they shoote wild fire. [Footnote: The cannon in use in the 16th
+century were all cast, and in England font metal or bronze was mostly
+employed. The falcon seems to have been of 2-1/2 inches bore; the minion
+3-1/2 inches; the saker about the same; the culverin 5-1/2 inches--the
+weight of the shot not being proportionate to the bore. The falconet,
+minion, falcon, saker, and demi-culverin were known respectively as 2, 3,
+4, 6, and 9-pounders; while the heavier pieces, or culverins, ranged from
+15-pounders up to the "cannon-royall," or 63-pounders. Mortars were first
+introduced in the reign of Henry VIII. According to Stowe, those made for
+this monarch in 1543 were "at the mouth from 11 to 19 inches wide," and
+were employed to throw hollow shot of cast iron, filled like modern bombs
+with combustibles, and furnished with a fuse. Some of these 16th century
+guns may still be seen at the Tower of London.]
+
+[Sidenote: A yerely triumph.] The 12 of December the Emperours Maiestie and
+all his nobility came into the field on horsebacke, in most goodly order,
+hauing very fine Iennets and Turkie horses garnished with gold and siluer
+abundantly. The Emperors maiestie hauing on him a gowne of rich tissue, and
+a cap of skarlet on his head, set not only with pearles, but also with a
+great number of rich and costly stones: his noble men were all in gownes of
+cloth of gold, which did ride before him in good order by 3. and 3. and
+before them there went 5000 harquebusiers, which went by 5 and 5 in a rank
+in very good order, euery of them carying his gun vpon his left shoulder,
+and his match in his right hand, and in this order they marched into the
+field whereas the foresayd ordinance was planted.
+
+And before the Emperors maiestie came into the field, there was a certaine
+stage made of small poles which was a quarter of a mile long, and about
+threescore yardes off from the stage of poles were certaine pieces of ice
+of two foot thicke, and six foote high set vp, which ranke of ice was as
+long as the stage of poles, and as soone as the Emperors maiestie came into
+the field, the harquebusiers went vpon the stage of poles where they
+settled themselues in order. And when the Emperors maiestie was setled
+where he would be, and where he might see all the ordinance discharged and
+shot off, the harquebusiers began to shoot off at the banke of ice, as
+though it had bin in any skirmish or battel, who ceased not shooting vntill
+they had beaten all the ice flat on the ground.
+
+After the handguns, they shot off their wild fire vp into the aire, which
+was a goodly sight to behold. And after this, they began to discharge the
+smal pieces of brasse, beginning with the smallest and so orderly bigger
+and bigger, vntill the last and biggest. When they had shot them all off,
+they began to charge them againe, and so shot them al off 3 times after the
+first order, beginning with the smallest and ending with the greatest. And
+note that before they had ended their shooting, the 2 houses that they shot
+vnto were beaten in pieces, and yet they were strongly made of Wood and
+filled with earth, being at the least 30 foote thicke. This triumph being
+ended, the Emperour departed and rode home in the same order that he came
+foorth into the field. The ordinance is discharged euery yeare in the
+moneth of December, according to the order before mentioned.
+
+On Christmas day we were all willed to dine with the Emperors Maiestie,
+where for bread, meat and drinke, we were serued as at other times before:
+but for goodly and rich plate, we neuer saw the like or so much before.
+There dined that day in the Emperors presence aboue 500 strangers, and two
+hundred Russes, and all they were serued in vessels of gold, and that as
+much as could stand one by another vpon the tables. Besides this there were
+foure cupbords garnished with goodly plate both of gold and siluer. Among
+the which there were 12 barrels of siluer, conteining aboue 12 gallons a
+piece, and at each end of euery barrell were 6 hoopes of fine gold: this
+dinner continued about sixe houres.
+
+[Sidenote: The hallowing of the riuer of Mosco.] Euery yeare vpon the 12
+day they vse to blesse or sanctifie the riuer Moscua, which runneth through
+the citie of Mosco, after this maner.
+
+First they make a square hole in the ice about 3 fadoms large euery way,
+which is trimmed about the sides and edges with white boords. Then about 9
+of the clocke they come out of the church with procession towards the riuer
+in this wise.
+
+First and foremost there goe certaine young men with waxe tapers burning,
+and one carying a great lanterne: then follow certaine banners, then the
+crosse, then the images of our Lady, of S. Nicholas, and of other Saints,
+which images men carie vpon their shoulders: after the images follow
+certaine priests to the number of 100 or more: after them the Metropolitan
+who is led betweene two priests, and after the Metropolitan came the
+Emperour with his crowne vpon his head, and after his maiestie all his
+noble men orderly. Thus they followed the procession vnto the water, and
+when they came vnto the hole that was made, the priests set themselues in
+order round about it. And at one side of the same poole there was a
+scaffold of boords made, vpon which stood a faire chaire in which the
+Metropolitan was set, but the Emperours maiestie stood vpon the ice.
+
+After this the priests began to sing, to blesse and to sense, and did their
+seruice, and so by that time that they had done, the water was holy, which
+being sanctified, the Metropolitan tooke a litle thereof in his hands, and
+cast it on the Emperour, likewise vpon certaine of the Dukes, and then they
+returned againe to the church with the priests that sate about the water:
+but that pressse that there was about the water when the Emperor was gone,
+was wonderful to behold, for there came aboue 5000 pots to be filled of
+that water: for that Moscouite which hath no part of that water, thinks
+himselfe vnhappy.
+
+And very many went naked into the water, both men and women and children:
+after the presse was a litle gone, the Emperours Iennets and horses were
+brought to drinke of the same water, and likewise many other men brought
+their horses thither to drinke, and by that means they make their horses as
+holy as themselues.
+
+All these ceremonies being ended, we went to the Emperour to dinner, where
+we were serued in vessels of siluer, and in all other points as we had bene
+beforetime.
+
+[Sidenote: The Russes Lent.] The Russes begin their Lent alwaies 8 weekes
+before Easter: the first weeke they eate egs, milke, cheese and butter, and
+make great cheare with pancakes and such other things, one friend visiting
+another, and from the same Sunday vntil our Shrofesunday there are but few
+Russes sober, but they are drunke day by day, and it is accompted for no
+reproch or shame among them.
+
+The next weeke being our first weeke of Lent, or our clensing weeke,
+beginning our Shrofesunday, they make and keepe a great fast. It is
+reported, and the people do verily beleeue that the Metropolitan neither
+eateth nor drinketh any maner of thing for the space of seuen dayes, and
+they say that there are many religious men which doe the like.
+
+The Emperors Maiestie eateth but one morsel of bread, and drinketh but one
+draught of drinke once in the day during that weeke, and all men that are
+of any reputation come not out of their houses during that time, so that
+the streetes are almost void of company, sauing a few poore folkes which
+wander to and fro. The other sixe weeks they keepe as we do ours, but not
+one of them will eate either butter, cheese, egs or milke.
+
+On Palme Sunday they haue a very solemne procession in this maner
+following.
+
+First, they haue a tree of a good bignesse which is made fast vpon two
+sleds, as though it were growing there, and it is hanged with apples,
+raisins, figs and dates, and with many other fruits abundantly. In the
+midst of the same tree stand 5 boyes in white vestures, which sing in the
+tree before the procession: after this there followed certaine yong men
+with waxe tapers in their hands burning, and a great lanterne that al the
+light should not go out: after them followed two with long banners, and
+sixe with round plates set vpon long staues: the plates were of copper very
+ful of holes and thin: then followed 6 carying painted images vpon their
+shoulders, after the images followed certaine priests to the number of 100
+or more, with goodly vestures, whereof 10 or 12 are of white damaske set
+and imbrodered round about with faire and orient pearles, as great as
+pease, and among them certaine Sapphires and other stones. After them
+followed the one halfe of the Emperours noble men: then cometh the Emperors
+maiestie and the Metropolitane, after this maner.
+
+First, there is a horse, couered with white linen cloth down to the ground,
+his eares being made long with the same cloth like to an asses ears. Vpon
+this horse the Metropolitane sitteth sidelong, like a woman: in his lappe
+lieth a faire booke, with a crucifix of Goldsmiths worke vpon the couer
+which he holdeth fast with his left hand, and in his right hand he hath a
+crosse of gold, with which crosse he ceaseth not to blesse the people as he
+rideth.
+
+There are to the number of 30 men which spread abroad their garments before
+the horse, and as soone as the horse is past ouer any of them, they take
+them vp againe and run before, and spread them againe, so that the horse
+doth alway go on some of them. They which spread the garments are all
+priests sonnes, and for their labours the Emperour giueth vnto them new
+garments.
+
+[Sidenote: The Emperor leadeth the Metropolitans horse in procession.] One
+of the Emperors noble men leadeth the horse by the head, but the Emperour
+himselfe going on foote leadeth the horse by the ende of the reine of his
+bridle with one of his hands, and in the other of his hands he had a branch
+of a Palme tree: after this followed the rest of the Emperors Noble men and
+Gentlemen, with a great number of other people. In this order they went
+from one church to another within the castle, about the distance of two
+flights shot: and so returned againe to the Emperours Church, where they
+made an end of their seruice. Which being done, the Emperours maiestie and
+certaine of his noble men went to the Metropolitane his house to dinner,
+where of delicate fishes and good drinks there was no lacke.
+
+The rest of this weeke vntil Easter day they kept very solemnely,
+continuing in their houses for the most part, and vpon Munday or Thursday
+the Emperour doth alwayes vse to receiue the Sacrament, and so doe most of
+his nobles.
+
+Vpon good Friday they continue all the day in contemplation and prayers,
+and they vse euery yere on good Friday to let loose a prisoner in the stead
+of Barrabas. The night following they go to the Church where they sleepe
+vntil the next morning, and at Easter they haue the resurrection, and after
+euery of the Lents they eat flesh the next weeke following, Friday,
+Saturday and all.
+
+They haue an order at Easter which they alwaies obserue, and that is this:
+euery yere against Easter to die or colour red with Brazell a great number
+of egs, of which euery man and woman giueth one vnto the priest of their
+Parish vpon Easter day in the morning. And moreouer the common people vse
+to carie in their hands one of their red egs, not onely vpon Easter day,
+but also three or foure dayes after, and gentlemen and gentlewomen haue egs
+gilded which they cary in like maner. They vse it as they say for a great
+loue, and in token of the resurrection, whereof they reioyce. [Sidenote:
+Kissing vsed in the Greek church.] For when two friends meete during the
+Easter holy dayes, they come and take one another by the hand: the one of
+them sayth, the Lord or Christ is risen, the other answereth, it is so of a
+truth, and then they kisse and exchange their egs both men and women,
+continuing in kissing 4 dayes together.
+
+The 12 of Aprill being Tuesday in the Easter weeke, Master Ienkinson and
+Master Graie, and certayne other of vs English men dined with the Emperor,
+where we were serued as we had bin before time. And after diner the
+Emperours maiestie gave vnto master Ienkinson and vnto M. Gray, and so
+orderly vnto euery one of vs a cup of Mead, according to his accustomed
+maner which when euery man had received and giuen thanks, M. Ienkinson
+stepped into the midst of the chamber before the Emperours maiestie, and
+gaue thankes to his highnesse for his goodnesse vnto him extended, desiring
+his grace to licence him to depart, and in like maner did M. Gray. His
+maiestie did not only licence them to depart, but also graunted vnto Master
+Ienkinson his letters vnder his great seale, vnto all princes through whose
+dominions master Ienkinson should haue occasion to passe, that he might the
+sooner and quietlier passe by meanes thereof. [Sidenote: With these letters
+M. Ienkinson tooke his voyage the same April to Boghar.] Which being
+granted, master Ienkinson and Gray lowly submitted themselues, thanking his
+maiestie. So the Emperour gaue vnto either of them a cuppe of mead to
+drinke, and willed them to depart at their pleasure in Gods peace.
+
+The 14. of Aprill in the morning, when M. Gray and I were ready to depart
+towards England, the Chancellors sent vnto vs and willed vs to come to
+their office in the Chancerie, where at our comming they shewed vs a great
+number of the Emperors iewels, and rich robes, willing vs to marke and
+beholde them well, to the end that at our arriuall into England, we might
+make report what we had seene there.
+
+[Sidenote: The Emperors wardrobe.] The chiefest was his maiesties crowne,
+being close vnder the top very faire wrought: in mine opinion, the
+workmanship of so much gold few men can amend. It was adorned and decked
+with rich and precious stones abundantly, among the which one was a rubie,
+which stood a handfull higher then the top of the crown vpon a small wier,
+it was as big as a good beane: the same crown was lined with a faire blacke
+Sable, worth by report 40. robles.
+
+Wee sawe all his maiesties robes which were very richly set with stones,
+they shewed vs manie other great stones of diuers kindes, but the most part
+of them were vneuen, in maner as they came out of the worke, for they doe
+more esteeme the greatnesse of stones, then the proportion of them.
+
+We saw two goodlie gownes which were as heauie as a man could easily
+carrie, all set with pearles ouer and ouer: the gards or borders round
+about them were garnished with saphires and other good stones abundantly.
+One of the same gownes was very rich, for the pearles were very large,
+round and orient: as for the rest of his gownes and garments, they were of
+rich tissue and cloth of gold and all furred with very blacke Sables.
+
+When we had sufficiently perused all these things, they willed master Gray
+at his arriuall in England, to prouide if he could, such iewels and rich
+clothes as he had seene there, and better if he could, declaring that the
+Emperour would gladly bestow his money vpon such things.
+
+So we tooke our leaue the same time, and departed towards Vologda
+immediatly.
+
+
+The maners, vsages, and ceremonies of the Russes.
+
+Of the Emperour.
+
+The Emperours name in their tongue is Iuan Vasiliuich, that is as much to
+say, as Iohn the sonne of Vasilie [Marginal note: Or, Basilius.] and by his
+princely state hee is called Otesara [Footnote: Czar.] as his predecessors
+haue bene before, which to interprete, is a king, that giueth not tribute
+to any man. And this word Otesara his maiesties interpreters haue of late
+dayes interpreted to be Emperour, so that now hee is called Emperour and
+great Duke of all Russia, &c. Before his father they were neither called
+Emperours nor kings but onely Ruese Velike, that is to say, great Duke. And
+as this Emperor which now is Iuan Vasiliuich, doeth exceede his
+predecessors in name, that is, from a Duke to an Emperour, euen so much by
+report he doeth exceede them in stoutnesse of courage and valiantnesse, and
+a great deale more: for he is no more afraid of his enemies which are not
+few, then the Hobbie of the larks.
+
+His enemies with whom he hath warres for the most part are these: Litto,
+Poland, Sweden, Denmarke, Lifland, the Crimmes, Nagaians, and the whole
+nation of the Tartarians, which are a stoute and a hardie people as any
+vnder the Sunne.
+
+This Emperour vseth great familiaritie, as wel vnto all his nobles and
+subiects, as also vnto strangers which serue him either in his warres, or
+in occupations: for his pleasure is that they shall dine oftentimes in the
+yeere in his presence, and besides that he is oftentimes abroad, either at
+one Church or another, and walking with his noble men abroad. And by this
+meanes he is not onely beloued of his nobles and commons, but also had in
+great dread and feare through all his dominions, so that I thinke no prince
+in Christendome is more feared of his owne then he is, nor yet better
+beloued. For if he bid any of his Dukes goe, they will runne, if he giue
+any euil or angrie worde to any of them, the partie will not come into his
+maiesties presence againe of a long time if he be not sent for, but will
+faine him to be very sicke, and will let the haire of his head grow very
+long, without either cutting or shauing, which is an euident token that hee
+is in the Emperors displeasure: for when they be in their prosperity, they
+account it a shame to weare long haire, in consideration whereof, they vse
+to haue their heads shauen.
+
+[Sidenote: Note.] His maiesty heareth all complaints himselfe, and with his
+owne mouth giueth sentence, and iudgement of all matters, and that with
+expedition: but religious matters he medleth not withall, but referreth
+them wholly vnto the Metropolitane.
+
+His maiestie retaineth and well rewardeth all strangers that come to serue
+him, and especially men of warre.
+
+Hee delighteth not greatly in hawking, hunting, or any other pastime, nor
+in hearing instruments or musicke, but setteth all his whole delight vpon
+two things: First, to serue God, as vndoubtedly he is very deuoute in his
+religion, and the second, howe to subdue and conquere his enemies.
+
+He hath abundance of gold and siluer in his owne handes or treasurie: but
+the most part of his subiects know not a crowne from a counter, nor gold
+from copper, they are so much cumbred therewithall, and he that is worth 2.
+3. or 4. grotes, is a rich man.
+
+
+Of their religious men.
+
+The Metropolitane is next vnto God, our Lady and S. Nicholas excepted: for
+the Emperors maiestie iudgeth and affirmeth him to be of higher dignitie
+then himselfe; for that, saith he, he is Gods spiritual officer, and I the
+Emperour am his temporall officer, and therefore his maiestie submitteth
+himselfe vnto him in many things concerning religious matters, as in
+leading the Metropolitans horse vpon Palme Sunday, and giuing him leaue to
+sitte on a chaire vpon the 12. day, when the riuer Mosco was in blessing,
+his maiestie standing on the yce.
+
+All matters of religion are reformed by the Metropolitane, he heareth the
+causes and giueth sentence as himselfe listeth, and is authorized so to
+doe, whether it be to whip, hang or burne, his will must needs be
+fulfilled.
+
+They haue both monks, friers and nunnes, with a great number of great and
+rich monasteries: they keepe great hospitalitie, and doe relieue much poore
+people day by day. I haue bene in one of the monasteries called Troietes,
+[Footnote: There was a monastery answering this description, but its name
+was Trajetski.] which is walled about with bricke very strongly like a
+castle, and much ordinance of brasse vpon the walles of the same. They told
+me themselues that there are seuen hundred brethren of them which belong
+vnto that house. The most part of the lands, towns, and villages which are
+within 40. miles of it, belong vnto the same. They shewed me the church,
+wherein were as many images as could hang about, or vpon the wals of the
+Church round about, and euen the roofe of the church was painted ful of
+images. The chiefe image was of our Ladie, which was garnished with gold,
+rubies, saphirs and other rich stones abundantly. In the midst of the
+church stood 12. waxe tapers of two yards long, and a fathom about in
+bignesse, and there stands a kettle full of waxe with about 100. weight,
+wherein there is alwayes the wicke of a candle burning, as it were a lampe
+which goeth not out day nor night.
+
+They shewed me a coffin couered with cloth of gold which stoode vpon one
+side within their church, in which they told me lay a holy man, who neuer
+eate or dranke, and yet that he liueth. And they told me (supposing that I
+had beleeued them) that he healeth many diseases, and giueth the blind
+their sight, with many other miracles, but I was hard of belief because I
+saw him worke no miracle whilest I was there.
+
+After this they brought me into their sellers, and made me taste of diuers
+kinds of drinks, both wine and beere, mead and quassie, of sundry colours
+and kinds. Such abundance of drink as they haue in their sellers, I doe
+suppose few princes haue more, or so much at once.
+
+Their barrels or vessels are of an vnmeasurable bignes and sise: some of
+them are 3. yards long and more, and 2. yards and more broad in their
+heads: they conteine 6. or 7. tunnes a piece: they haue none in their
+sellers of their owne making that are lesse then a tunne. They haue 9. or
+10. great vautes which are full of those barrels which are seldome
+remooued: for they haue trunks which come downe through the roofe of the
+vautes in sundry places, through which they powre drinke downe, hauing the
+caske right vnder it to receiue the same, for it should be a great trouble
+to bring it all downe the stayres.
+
+[Sidenote: The hospitalitie of their monasteries.] They giue bread, meat
+and drinke vnto all men that come to them, not onely while they are at
+their abbey, but also when they depart, to serue them by the way.
+
+There are a great number of such monasteries in the Realm, and the Emperors
+maiesty rideth oftentimes from one to another of them, and lieth at them 3.
+or 4. daies together.
+
+The same monkes are as great merchants as any in the land of Russia, and
+doe occupy buying and selling as much as any other men, and haue boats
+which passe too and fro in the riuers with merchandize from place to place
+where any of their countrey do traffike.
+
+They eate no flesh during their liues as it is reported: but vpon Sunday,
+Munday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday it is lawfull for them to eate
+egges, butter, cheese, and milke, and at all times to eate fish, and after
+this sort they lead their liues.
+
+They weare all blacke garments, and so doe none other in all the lande, but
+at that abbey onely.
+
+[Sidenote: Want of preachers cause of great ignorance and idolatry.] They
+haue no preachers no not one in al the land to instruct the People, so that
+there are many, and the most part of the poore in the countrey, who if one
+aske them how many gods there be, they wil say a great many, meaning that
+euery image which they haue is a god: for all the countrey and the
+Emperours maiesty himselfe wil blesse and bowe, and knocke their heads
+before their images, in so much that they will crie earnestly unto their
+images to helpe them to the things which they need. Al men are bound by
+their law to haue those images in their houses, and ouer euery gate in all
+their townes and cities are images set vp, vnto which the people bow and
+bend, and knocke their heads against the ground before them: as often as
+they come by any church or crosse they do in like maner. And when they come
+to any house, they blesse themselues 3. or 4. times before they will salute
+any man in the house.
+
+They reckon and hold it for great sinne to touch or handle any of their
+images within the circle of the boord where the painting is, but they keep
+them very daintily, and rich men deck them ouer and about with gold, siluer
+and stones, and hang them ouer and about with cloth of gold.
+
+The priestes are married as other men are, and weare all their garments as
+other men doe, except their nightcaps, which is cloth of some sad colour,
+being round, and reacheth vnto the eares: their crownes are shauen, but the
+rest of their haire they let grow as long as nature will permit, so that it
+hangeth beneath their eares vpon their shoulders: their beards they neuer
+shaue: if his wife happen to die, it is not lawfull for him to mary againe
+during his life.
+
+They minister the Communion with bread and wine after our order, but he
+breaketh the bread and putteth it into the cup vnto the wine, and commonly
+some are partakers with them: and they take the bread out againe with a
+spoon together with part of the wine, and so take it themselues, and giue
+it to others that receiue with them after the same maner.
+
+Their ceremonies are al as they say, according to the Greeke Church vsed at
+this present day, and they allow no other religion but the Greeks, and
+their owne: and will not permit any nation but the Greeks to be buried in
+their sacred burials, or churchyards.
+
+All their churches are full of images, vnto the which the people when they
+assemble, doe bowe and knocke their heads, as I haue before said, that some
+will haue knobbes vpon their foreheads with knocking, as great as egges.
+
+[Sidenote: Al their seruice is in their mother tongue.] All their seruice
+is in the Russe tongue, and they and the common people haue no other
+praiers but this, _Ghospodi Iesus Christos esine voze ponuloi nashe_. That
+is to say, O Lorde Iesus Christ, sonne of God haue mercy upon vs: and this
+is their prayer, so that the most part of the vnlearned know neither Pater
+noster, nor the Beliefe, nor Ten commandements, nor scarcely vnderstand the
+one halfe of their seruice which is read in their Churches.
+
+
+Of their Baptisme.
+
+When any child is borne, it is not baptised vntil the next Sunday, and if
+it chance that it be not baptized then, it must tary vntil the next Sunday
+after the birth, and it is lawfull for them to take as manie Godfathers and
+Godmothers as they will, the more the better.
+
+When they go to the Church, the midwife goeth foremost, carrying the
+childe, and the Godfathers and Godmothers follow into the midst of the
+Church, where there is a small table ready set, and on it an earthen pot
+ful of warme water, about the which the Godfathers and Godmothers, with the
+childe, settle themselues: then the clerke giueth vnto euery of them a smal
+waxe candle burning, then commeth the priest, and beginneth to say certaine
+words, which the Godfathers and Godmothers must answere word for word,
+among which one is, that the childe shal forsake the deuill, and as that
+name is pronounced, they must all spit at the word as often as it is
+repeated. Then he blesseth the water which is in the pot, and doth breathe
+ouer it: then he taketh al the candles which the gosseps haue, and holding
+them all in one hand letteth part of them drop into the water, and then
+giueth euery one his candle againe, and when the water is sanctified, he
+taketh the childe and holdeth it in a small tubbe, and one of the
+Godfathers taketh the pot with warme water, and powreth it all vpon the
+childs head.
+
+After this he hath many more ceremonies, as anoynting eares and eyes with
+spittle, and making certaine crosses with oyle vpon the backe, head, and
+brest of the childe: then taking the childe in his armes, carieth it to the
+images of S. Nicholas, and our Ladie, &c. and speaketh vnto the images,
+desiring them to take charge of the childe, that he may liue, and beleeue
+as a Christian man or woman ought to doe, with many other words. Then
+comming backe from the images, he taketh a paire of sheares and clippeth
+the yong and tender haires of the childes head in three or foure places,
+and then deliuereth the childe, whereunto euery of the Godfathers and
+Godmothers lay a hand: then the priest chargeth them, that the childe be
+brought vp in the faith and feare of God or Christ, and that it be
+instructed to clinege and bow to the images, end so they make an end: then
+one of the Godfathers must hang a crosse about the necke of the childe,
+which he must alwayes weare, for that Russe which hath not a crosse about
+his necke they esteeme as no Christian man, and thereupon they say that we
+are no Christians, because we do not weare crosses as they do.
+
+
+Of their Matrimonie.
+
+Their matrimonie is nothing solemnized, but rather in most points
+abominable, and as neere as I can learne, in this wise following.
+
+First, when there is loue betweene the parties, the man sendeth vnto the
+woman a small chest or boxe, wherein is a whip, needles, threed, silke,
+linnen cloth, sheares, and such necessaries as shee shall occupie when she
+is a wife, and perhaps sendeth therewithall raisins, figs or some such
+things, giuing her to vnderstand, that if she doe offend she must be beaten
+with the whip, and by the needles, threed, cloth, &c. that she should apply
+her selfe diligently to sowe, and do such things as shee could best doe,
+and by the raisins or fruites he meaneth if she doe well, no good thing
+shalbe withdrawn from her, nor be too deare for her: and she sendeth vnto
+him a shirt, handkerchers, and some such things of her owne making. And now
+to the effect.
+
+When they are agreed, and the day of marriage appointed when they shall goe
+towardes the Church, the bride will in no wise consent to go out of the
+house, but resisteth and striueth with them that would haue her out, and
+faineth her selfe to weepe, yet in the end, two women get her out, and lead
+her towards the church, her face being couered close, because of her
+dissimulation, that it should not be openly perceiued: for she maketh a
+great noise, as though she were sobbing and weeping, vntil she come at the
+Church, and then her face is vncouered. The man commeth after among other
+of his friends, and they cary with them to the church a great pot of wine
+or mead: then the priest coupleth them together much after our order, one
+promising to loue and seme the other during their liues together, &c. which
+being done, they begin to drinke, and first the woman drinketh to the man,
+and when he hath drunke he letteth the cuppe fell to the ground, hasting
+immediately to tread vpon it, and so doth she, and whether of them tread
+first vpon it must haue the victorie and be master at all times after,
+which commonly happeneth to the man, for he is readiest to set his foot on
+it, because he letteth it fall himselfe, then they goe home againe, the
+womans face beeing vncouered. The boyes in the streetes crie out and make a
+noyse in the meanetime, with very dishonest wordes.
+
+When they come home, the wife is set at the vpper end of the table, and the
+husband next vnto her: they fall then to drinking till they bee all drunke,
+they perchance haue a minstrell or two, and two naked men, which led her
+from the Church daunce naked a long time before all the companie. When they
+are wearie of drinking, the bride and the bridegrome get them to bed, for
+it is in the euening alwayes when any of them are married: and when they
+are going to bedde, the bridegrome putteth certain money both golde and
+siluer, if he haue it, into one of his boots, and then sitteth down in the
+chamber, crossing his legges, and then the bride must plucke off one of his
+boots, which she will, and if she happen on the boote wherein the money is,
+she hath not onely the money for her labor, but is also at such choyse, as
+she need not euer from that day forth to pul off his boots, but if she
+misse the boot wherin the money is, she doth not onely loose the money, but
+is also bound from that day forwards to pull off his boots continually.
+
+Then they continue in drinking and making good cheere three daies
+following, being accompanied with certaine of their friends, and during the
+same three daies he is called a Duke, and shee a dutches, although they be
+very poore persons, and this is as much as I haue learned of their
+matrimony: but one common rule is amongst them, if the woman be not beaten
+with the whip once a weeke, she will not be good, and therefore they looke
+for it orderly, and the women say, that if their husbands did not beate
+them, they should not loue them.
+
+They vse to marry there very yong, their sonnes at 16. and 18. yeeres old,
+and the daughters at 12. or 13. yeeres or yonger: they vse to keepe their
+wiues very closely, I meane those that be of any reputation, so that a man
+shall not see one of them but at a chance, when she goeth to church at
+Christmas or at Easter, or els going to visite some of her friends.
+
+The most part of the women vse to ride a stride in saddles with styropes,
+as men do, and some of them on sleds, which in summer is not commendable.
+
+[Sidenote: The women of Russia paint their faces.] The husband is bound to
+finde the wife colours to paint her withall, for they vse ordinarily to
+paynt themselues: it is such a common practise among them, that it is
+counted for no shame: they grease their faces with such colours, that a man
+may discerne them hanging on their faces almost a flight shoote off: I
+cannot so well liken them as to a millers wife, for they looke as though
+they were beaten about the face with a bagge of meale, but their eye browes
+they colour as blacke as ieat.
+
+The best propertie that the women haue, is that they can sowe well, and
+imbroder with silke and golde excellently.
+
+
+Of their buriall.
+
+When any man or woman dieth, they stretch him out, and put a new paire of
+shooes on his feete, because he hath a great iourney to goe: then doe they
+winde him in a sheet, as we doe, but they forget not to put a testimonie in
+his right hand, which the priest giueth him, to testifie vnto S. Nicholas
+that he died a Christian man or woman. And they put the coarse alwayes in a
+coffin of wood, although the partie be very poore: and when they goe
+towards the Church, the friends and kinsemen of the partie departed carrie
+in their hands small waxe candles, and they weepe and howle, and make much
+lamentation.
+
+They that be hanged or beheaded, or such like, haue no testimonie with
+them: how they are receiued into heauen, it is a wonder, without their
+passport.
+
+There are a great number of poore people among them which die daily for
+lacke of sustenance, which is a pitifull case to beholde: for there hath
+beene buried in a small time, within these two yeeres, aboue 80. persons
+young and old, which haue died onely for lacke of sustenance: for if they
+had had straw and water enough, they would make shift to liue: [Sidenote:
+Bread made of straw.] for a great many are forced in the winter to drie
+straw and stampe it, and to make bread thereof, or at the least they eate
+it in stead of bread. In the summer they make good shift with grasse,
+herbes and rootes: barks of trees are good meat with them at all times.
+[Sidenote: The vnmercifulnesse of the Russes toward the poor.] There is no
+people in the world, as I suppose, that liue so miserably as do the pouerty
+in those parts, and the most part of them that haue sufficient for
+themselues, and also to relieue others that need, are so vmnerciful that
+they care not how many they see die of famine or hunger in the streets.
+
+[Sidenote: Stooues or baths vsuall with the Muscovites.] It is a countrey
+full of diseases, diuers, and euill, and the best remedy is for anie of
+them, as they holde opinion, to goe often vnto the hote houses, as in a
+maner euery man hath one of his owne, which hee heateth commonly twise
+euery weeke, and all the bouseholde sweate, and wash themselues therein.
+
+
+The names of certaine sortes of drinkes vsed in Russia, and commonly drunke
+  in the Emperours Court.
+
+[Sidenote: Reported by Thomas Bulley.] The first and principall meade is
+made of the iuice or liccour taken from a berrie called in Russia, Malieno,
+which is of a marueilous sweete taste, and of a carmosant colour, which
+berry I haue seene in Paris.
+
+The second meade is called Visnoua, because it is made of a berry so
+called, and is like a black gooseberrie: but it is like in colour and taste
+to the red wine of France.
+
+The third meade is called Amarodina or Smorodina, short, of a small berry
+much like to the small rezin, and groweth in great plentie in Russia.
+
+The fourth meade is called Chereunikyna, which is made of the wilde blacke
+cherry.
+
+The fift meade is made of hony and water, with other mixtures.
+
+There is also a delicate drinke drawn from the root of the birch tree,
+called in the Russe tongue Berozeuites, which drinke the noble men and
+others vse in Aprill, May, and Iune, which are the three moneths of the
+spring time: for after those moneths, the sappe of the tree dryeth, and
+then they cannot haue it.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The voyage of Master Anthony Ienkinson, made from the citie of Mosco in
+  Russia, to the citie of Boghar in Bactria, in the yeere 1558: written by
+  himselfe to the Merchants of London of the Moscouie company.
+
+The 23. day of April, in the yeere 1558. (hauing obtained the Emperor of
+Russia his letters, directed vnto sundry kings and princes, by whose
+dominions I should passe) I departed from Mosco by water, hauing with mee
+two of your seruants, namely, Richard Iohnson, and Robert Iohnson, and a
+Tartar Tolmach, with diuers parcels of wares, as by the inuentory
+appeareth: and the 28. day we came to a town called Collom, distant from
+the Mosco 20. leagues, and passing one league beyond the saide Collom, we
+came vnto a riuer called Occa, into the which the riuer Mosco falleth, and
+looseth his name: and passing downe the said riuer Occa 8. leagues, we came
+vnto a castle called Terreuettisko, which we left vpon our right hand, and
+proceeding forward, the second day of May, we came vnto another castle
+called Peroslaue, distant 8. leagues, leauing it also on our right hand.
+The third day we came vnto the place where olde Rezan was situate, beeing
+now most of it ruined and ouergrowen, and distant from the said Peroslaue,
+6. leagues: the 4. day we passed by a castle called Terrecouia, from Rezan
+12. leagues, and the 6. day we came to another castle called Cassim, vnder
+the gouernment of a Tartar prince named Vtzar Zegoline, sometime Emperour
+of the worthy citie of Cazan, and now subiect vnto the Emperour of Russia.
+But leauing Cassim on our left hand, the 8. day we came vnto a faire town
+called Morom, from Cassim 20. leagues, where we took the sonne, and found
+the lattitude 56 degrees: and proceeding forward the 11. day, we came vnto
+another faire town and castle called Nyse Nouogrode, situated at the
+falling of the foresaid riuer Occa into the worthie riuer of Volga, distant
+from the saide Moron [Transcriber's note: sic.] 25. leagues, in the
+latitude of 56. degrees 18. minutes. From Rezan to this Nyse Nouogrod, on
+both sides the said riuer of Occa, is raised the greatest store of waxe and
+hony in all the land of Russia. We tarried at the foresaid Nyse Nouogrode
+vntil the 19. day, for the comming of a captain which was sent by the
+Emperour to rule at Astracan, who beeing arriued, and hauing the number of
+500. great boates vnder his conduct, some laden with victuals, souldiers,
+and munition: and other some with merchandise, departed altogether the said
+19. day from the said Nyse Nouogrode, and the 22. we came vnto a castle
+called Vasiliagorod, distant 25. leagues, which we left vpon our right
+hand. This towne or castle had his name of this Emperors father, who was
+called Vasilius, and gorod in the Russe tongue is as much as to say as a
+castle, so that Vasiliagorod is to say, Vasilius castle: and it was the
+furthest place that the said Emperour conquered from the Tartars. But this
+present Emperour his sonne, called Iuan Vasiliwich, hath had great good
+successe in his warres, both against the Christians and also the
+Mahometists and Gentiles, but especially against the Tartars, inlarging his
+Empire euen to the Caspian sea, hauing conquered the famous riuer of Volga,
+with all the countries there about adiacent. Thus proceeding on our iourney
+the 25. day of May aforesaide, wee came to another castle called
+Sabowshare, which wee left on our right hand, distant from Vasiliagorod 16.
+leagues. The countrey heereabout is called Mordouits, and the habitants did
+professe the law of the Gentiles: but nowe beeing conquered by this
+Emperour of Russia, most of them are christened, but lie in the woods and
+wildernesse, without towne or habitation.
+
+[Sidenote: Cazan.] The 27. day we passed by another castle called Swyasko,
+distant from Shabowshare aforesaid 25. leagues: we left it on our, right
+hand, and the 29. came vnto an Island one league from the citie of Cazan,
+from which falleth downe a riuer called Cazanka reca, and entreth into the
+foresaide Volga. Cazan is a faire town after the Russe or Tartar fashion,
+with a strong castle, situated vpon a high hill, and was walled round about
+with timber and earth, but now the Emperour of Russia hath giuen order to
+plucke downe the old walles and to builde them againe of free stone. It
+hath bene a citie of great wealth and riches, and being in the hands of the
+Tartars it was a kingdome of it selfe, and did more vexe the Russes in
+their warres, then any other nation: but 9 yeres past, this Emperour of
+Russia conquered it, and tooke the king captiue, who being but young is
+nowe baptised, and brought vp in his court with two other princes, which
+were also kings of the said Cazan, and being ech of them in time of their
+raignes in danger of their subiects through ciuil discord, came and rendred
+themselues at seueral times vnto the said Emperor, so that at this present
+there are three princes in the court of Russia, which had bene Emperours of
+the said Cazan, whom the Emperour vseth with great honour.
+
+[Sidenote: The Island of marchants.] We remained at Cazan till the 13. day
+of Iune, and then departed from thence: and the same day passed by an
+Island called the Island of merchants, because it was woont be a place
+where all merchants, as well Russes and Cazanites, as Nagayans and Crimmes,
+and diuers other nations did resort to keepe mart for buying and selling,
+but nowe it is forsaken, and standeth without any such resort thither, or
+at Cazan, or at any place about it, from Mosco vnto Mare Caspium.
+[Sidenote: The riuer of Cama.] Thus proceeding forward the 14. day, we
+passed by a goodly riuer called Cama, which we left on our left hand. The
+riuer falleth out of the countrey of Permia into the riuer of Volga, and is
+from Cazan 15. leagues: and the countrey lying betwixt the said Cazan and
+the said riuer Cama on the left hand of Volga is called Vachen, and the
+inhabitants be Gentiles, and liue in the wildernesse without house or
+habitation: and the countrey on the other side of Volga ouer against the
+said riuer Cama is called the land of Cheremizes, halfe Gentiles, halfe
+Tartars, and all the land on the left hand of the said Volga from the said
+riuer vnto Astracan, and so following the North and Northeast side of the
+Caspian sea, [Sidenote: Nagay Tartars.] to a land of the Tartars called
+Turkemen, is called the countrey of Magnat or Nagay, whose inhabitants are
+of the law of Mahomet, and were all destroyed in the yeere 1558, at my
+being at Astracan, through ciuill warres among them, accompanied with
+famine, pestilence, and such plagues, in such sort that in the said yeere
+there were consumed of the people, in one sort and another, aboue one
+hundred thousand: the like plague was neuer seen in those parts, so that
+the said countrey of Nagay being a countrey of great pasture, remaineth now
+vn-replenished to the great contentation of the Russes, who haue had cruel
+warres a long time together.
+
+The Nagayans when they flurished, liued in this maner: they were diuided
+into diuers companies called Hords, and euery hord had a ruler, whom they
+obeyed as their king, and was called a Murse. [Sidenote: Hords.] Towne or
+house they had none, but liued in the open fields, every Murse or King
+hauing his Hords or people about him, with their wives, children and
+cattell, who hauing consumed the pasture in one place, remooued unto
+another; and when they remooue they haue houses like tents set vpon wagons
+or carts, which are drawen from place to place with camels, and therin
+their wiues, children, and all their riches, which is very litle, is caried
+about, and euery man hath at the least foure or fiue wives besides
+concubines. Vse of money they haue none, but doe barter their cattell for
+apparell and other necessaries. They delight in no arte nor science, except
+the warres, wherein they are expert, but for the most part they be
+pasturing people, and haue great store of cattell, which is all their
+riches. They eate much flesh, and especially the horse, and they drinke
+mares milk, wherewith they be oftentimes drunke: they are seditious and
+inclined to theft and murther. Corne they sowe not, neither do eate any
+bread, mocking the Christians for the same, and disabling our strengths,
+saying we liue by eating the top of a weede, and drinke a drinke made out
+of the same, allowing their great deuouring of flesh, and drinking of milke
+to be the increase of their strength. But now to proceed forward to my
+iourney.
+
+[Sidenote: The Crimme Tarters.] All the countrey vpon our right hand the
+riuer Volga, from ouer against the riuer Cama, vnto the towne of Astracan,
+is the land of Crimme, whose inhabitants be also of the lawe of Mahomet,
+and liue for the most part according to the fashions of the Nagayes, having
+continuall wars with the Emperour of Russia, and are valiant in the fielde,
+hauing countenance, and support from the great Turke.
+
+[Sidenote: The River of Samar.] The 16. day of Iune we passed by certaine
+fishermens houses called Petowse twenty leagues from the riuer Cama, where
+is great fishing for sturgeon, so continuing our way untill the 22. day,
+and passing by another great riuer called Samar, which falleth out of the
+aforesaide countrey, and runneth through Negay, and entreth into the saide
+riuer of Volga. The 28. day wee came vnto a great hill, where was in times
+past a castle made by the Crimmes, but now it is ruined, being the iust
+midway betweene the said Cazan and Astrachan, which is 200. leagues or
+thereabout, in the latitude of 51. degrees 47. minutes. [Sidenote: Licoris
+in great plentie.] Vpon all this shore groweth great abundance of Licoris,
+whose root runneth within the ground like a vine.
+
+Thus going forward the sixt day of Iuly we came to a place called
+Perouolog, so named because in times past the Tartars caried theit bortes
+from Volga vnto the riuer Tanais, otherwise called Don, by land, when they
+would robbe such as passed downe the said Volga to Astracan, and also such
+as passed downe by the riuer Tanais, to Asou, Caffa, or any other towne
+situated vpon Mare Euxinum, into which sea Tanais falleth, who hath his
+springs in the countrey of Rezan, out of a plaine ground. It is at this
+straight of Perouolog from the one riuer to the other two leagues by land,
+and is a dangerous place for theeues and robbers, but now it is not so
+euill as it hath bene, by reason of the Emperour of Russia his conquests.
+
+Departing from Perouolog, hauing the wildernesse on both sides, wee sawe a
+great heard of Nagayans, pasturing, as is abouesaid, by estimation aboue a
+thousand camels drawing of cartes with houses vpon them like tents, of a
+strange fashion, seeming to bee a farre off a towne: that Hord was
+belonging to a great Murse called Smille, the greatest prince in all Nagay,
+who had slaine and driuen away all the rest, not sparing his owne brethren
+and children, and hauing peace with this Emperour of Russia he hath what he
+needeth, and ruleth alone: so that now the Russes liue in peace with the
+Nagayans, who were wont to haue mortall warres together.
+
+The 14. day of Iuly passing by an old castle, which was Old Astracan, and
+leauing it vpon our right hand, we arriued at New Astracan, which this
+Emperour of Russia conquered sixe yeeres past, in the yeere 1552. It is
+from the Mosco vnto Astracan sixe hundred leagues, or thereabout.
+[Sidenote: Astracan.] The towne of Astracan is situated in an Island vpon a
+hill side, hauing a castle within the same, wailed about with earth and
+timber, neither faire nor strong: The towne is also walled about with
+earth; the buildings and houses (except it be the captaines lodging, and
+certaine other gentlemens) most base and simple. [Sidenote: Store of
+Sturgions.] The Island is most destitute and barren of wood and pasture,
+and the ground will beare no corne: the aire is there most infected, by
+reason (as I suppose) of much fish, and specially Sturgion, by which onely
+the inhabitants liue, hauing great scarsitie of flesh and bread. They hang
+vp their fish in their streets and houses to dry for their prouision, which
+causeth such abundance of flies to increase there, as the like was neuer
+seene in any land, to their great plague. And at my being at the sayd
+Astracan, there was a great famine and plague among the people, and
+specially among the Tartars called Nagayans, who the same time came thither
+in great numbers to render themselues to the Russes their enemies, and to
+seeke succour at their hands, their countrey being destroyed, as I said
+before: but they were but ill entertained or relieued, for there died a
+great number of them for hunger, which lay all the Island through in heapes
+dead and like to beasts vnburied, very pitifull to behold: many of them
+were also sold by the Russes, and the rest were banished from the Island.
+At that time it had bene an easie thing to haue conuerted that wicked
+Nation to the Christian faith, if the Russes themselues had bene good
+Christians: but how should they shew compassion vnto other Nations, when
+they are not mercifull vnto their owne? At my being there I could haue
+bought many goodly Tartars children, if I would haue had a thousand, of
+their owne fathers and mothers, to say a boy or a wench for a loafe of
+bread woorth sixe pence in England, but we had more need of victuals at
+that time then of any such merchandise. This Astracan is the furthest hold
+that that this Emperour of Russia has conquered of the Tartars towards the
+Caspian sea, which he keepeth very strong, sending thither euery yere
+prouision of men and victuals, and timber to build the castle.
+
+There is a certaine trade of merchandise there vsed, but as yet so small
+and beggerly, that it is not woorth the making mention, and yet there come
+merchants thither from diuers places. The chiefest commodities that the
+Russes bring thither are redde hides, redde sheepes skinnes, woodden
+vessels, bridles, and saddles, kniues, and other trifles, with corne,
+bacon, and other victuals. The Tartars bring thither diuers kindes of wares
+made of cotten wooll, with diuers kindes of wrought silkes: and they that
+come out of Persia, namely from Shamacki doe bring sowing silke, which is
+the coursest that they vse in Russeland, Crasco, diuers kinds of pide
+silkes for girdles, shirts of male, bowes, swords, and such like things:
+and some yeeres corne, and wallnuts, but all such things in such small
+quantitie, the merchants being so beggerly and poore that bring the same,
+that it is not worth the writing, neither is there any hope of trade in all
+those parts woorth the folowing.
+
+[Sidenote: The length of the Island of Astracan] This foresaid Island of
+Astracan is in length twelue leagues, and in bredth three, and lieth East
+and West in the latitude of fortie seuen degrees, nine minutes: we taried
+there vntil the sixt day of August, and hauing bought and prouided a boate
+in company with certaine Tartars and Persians, we laded our goods and
+imbarked our selves; and the same day departed I, with the said two
+Iohnsons hauing the whole charge of the Nauigation downe the sayd riuer
+Volga, being very crooked, and full of flats towards the mouth thereof.
+[Sidenote: They enter into the Caspian sea.] We entred into the Caspian sea
+the tenth day of August at the Easterly side of the sayd riuer, being
+twentie leagues from Astracan aforesayd, in the latitude of fortie six
+degrees, twentie seuen minutes.
+
+Volga hath seuentie mouthes or fals into the sea: and we hauing a large
+wind, kept the Northeast shore, and the eleuenth day we sailed seuen
+leagues Eastnortheast, and came vnto an Island hauing an high hill therein,
+called Accurgar, a good marke in the sea. From thence East tenne leagues,
+we fell with another Island called Bawhiata, much higher then the other.
+Within these two Islands to the Northwards, is a great Baie called the Blew
+sea. [Sidenote: The Blew sea.] From thence wee sailed East and by North ten
+leagues, and hauing a contrary wind, we came to an anker in a fadome water,
+and so rid vntill the fifteenth day, hauing a great storme at Southeast,
+being a most contrary wind, which we rid out. Then the wind came to the
+North, and we weyed, and set our course Southeast, and that day sailed
+eight leagues.
+
+[Sidenote: Baughleata being 74 leagues from Volga.] Thus proceeding
+forwards, the 17. day wee lost sight of land, and the same day sailed
+thirtie leagues, and the 18. day twentie leagues winding East, and fell
+with a land called Baughleata, being 74. leagues fromm the mouth of the
+said Volga, in the latitude of 46. degrees 54. minutes, the coast lying
+neerest East and by South, and West and by North. At the point of this land
+lieth buried a holy Prophet, as the Tartars call him, of their law, where
+great deuotion is vsed of all such Mahometists as doe passe that way.
+
+[Sidenote: Iaic riuer.] The nineteenth day the winde being West, and we
+winding Eastsoutheast, we sailed tenne leagues, and passed by a great riuer
+called Iaic, which hath his spring in the lande of Siberia, nigh vnto the
+foresaid riuer Cama, and runneth through the lande of Nagay, billing into
+this Mare Caspium. [Sidenote: Serachick] And vp this riuer one dayes
+tourney is a Towne called Serachick, subiect to the aforesaid Tartar prince
+called Murse Smille, which is nowe in friendship with the Emperour of
+Russia. Here is no trade of merchandize vsed, for that the people haue no
+vse of money, and are all men of warre, and pasturers of cattel, and giuen
+much to theft and murther. Thus being at an anker against this riuer Iaic,
+and all our men being on land, sauing I, who lay sore sicke, and fiue
+Tartars whereof one was reputed a holy man, because he came from Mecka,
+there came vnto vs a boate with thirtie men well armed and appointed, who
+boorded vs, and began to enter into our barke, and our holy Tartar called
+Azy, perceiuing that, asked them what they would haue, and withall made a
+prayer: with that these rouers staied, declaring that they were Gentlemen,
+banished from their countrey, and out of liuing, and came to see if there
+were any Russes or other Christians (which they call Caphars) in our barke:
+To whom this Azi most stoutly answered, that there were none, auowing the
+same by great othes of their lawe, (which lightly they will not breake)
+whom the rouers beleeued, and vpon his words departed. And so through the
+fidelitie of that Tartar, I with all my company and goods were saued, and
+our men being come on boord, and the wind faire, we departed from that
+place, and winding East and Southeast, that day being the 20. of August
+sailed 16. leagues.
+
+[Sidenote: The Countrie of Colmack] The 21. day we passed ouer a Bay of 6.
+leagues broad, and fell with a Cape of land, hauing two Islands at the
+Southeast part thereof, being a good marke in the sea: and doubling that
+Cape the land trended Northeast, and maketh another Bay, into which felleth
+the great riuer Yem, springing out of the land of Colmack.
+
+The 22. 23. and 24. dayes, we were at an anker.
+
+The 25. the winde came faire, and wee sailed that day 20. leagues, and
+passed by an Island of lowe land, and thereabout are many flats and sands:
+and to the Northward Of this Island there goeth in a great Bay, but we set
+off from this Island, and winded South to come into deepe water, being much
+troubled with shoalds and flats, and ran that course 10. leagues, then East
+Southeast 20. leagues, and fel with the maine land, being full of copped
+hils, and passing along the coast 20. leagues, the further we sailed, the
+higher was the land.
+
+The 27. day we crossed ouer a Bay, the South shore being the higher land,
+and fel with a high point of land: and being ouerthwart the Cape, there
+rose such a storme at the East, that we thought verily we should haue
+perished: this storme continued 3. dayes. [Sidenote: The port of
+Manguslaue.] From this Cape we passed to a port called Magnuslaue. The
+place where we should haue arriued at the Southernmost part of the Caspian
+sea, is 12. leagues within a Bay: but we being sore tormented and tossed
+with this foresaid storme, were driuen vnto another land on the other side
+the Bay, ouerthwart the sayd Manguslaue being very lowe land, and a place
+as well for the ill commoditie of the hauen, as of those brute field
+people, where neuer barke nor boate had before arriued, not liked of vs.
+
+But yet here we sent certaine of our men to land to talke with the
+gouernour and people, as well for our good vsage at their handes, as also
+for prouision of camels to carry our goods from the sayd sea side to a
+place called Sellyzure, being from the place of our landing fiue and
+twentie dayes iourney. Our messengers returned with comfortable wordes and
+faire promises of all things. [Sidenote: They goe on land.] Wherefore the
+3. day of September 1558. we discharged our barke, and I with my companie
+were gently entertained of the Prince and of his people. But before our
+departure from thence, we found them to be very bad and brutish people, for
+they ceased not daily to molest vs, either by fighting, stealing or
+begging, raising the prise of horse and camels, and victuals, dooble that
+it was woont there to be, and forced vs to buy the water that we did
+drinke: which caused vs to hasten away, and to conclude with them as well
+for the hire of camels, as for the prise of such as wee bought, with other
+prouision, according to their owne demaund: So that for euery camels
+lading, being but 400. waight of ours, we agreed to giue three hides of
+Russia, and foure woodden dishes, and to the Prince or gouernour of the
+sayd people, one ninth, and two seuenths: Namely, nine seuerall things, and
+twise seuen seuerall things: for money they vse none.
+
+[Sidenote: The countrey of Manguslaue.] And thus being ready, the
+foureteenth of September we departed from that place, being a Carauan of a
+thousand Camels. And hauing trauailed fiue dayes iourney, we came to
+another Princes Dominion, and vpon the way there came vnto vs certaine
+Tartars on horseback, being well armed, and seruants vnto the saide Prince
+called Timor Soltan, gouernour of the said countrey of Manguslaue, where
+wee meant to haue arriued and discharged our barke, if the great storm
+aforesayd had not disappointed. These aforesaid Tartars stayd our Carauan
+in the name of their Prince, and opened our wares, and tooke such things as
+they thought best for their saide prince without money, but for such things
+as they tooke from me, which was a ninth (after much dissension) I ridde
+vnto the same Prince, and presented my selfe before him, requesting his
+fauour, and pasport to trauaile through his countrey, and not to be robbed
+nor spoiled of his people: which request he graunted me, and intertained me
+very gently, commaunding me to be well feasted with flesh and mares milke:
+for bread they vse none, nor other drinke except water: but money he had
+none to giue mee for such thinges as he tooke of mee, which might be of
+value in Russe money, fifteene rubbles, but he gaue me his letter, and a
+horse woorth seuen rubbles. And so I departed from him being glad that I
+was gone: for he was reported to be a very tyrant, and if I had not gone
+vnto him, I vnderstoode his commaundement was that I should haue beene
+robbed and destroyed.
+
+This Soltan liued in the fields without Castle or towne, and sate, at my
+being with him, in a little rounde house made of reedes couered without
+with felt, and within with Carpets. There was with him the great
+Metropolitan of that wilde Country, esteemed of the people, as the Bishop
+of Rome is in most parts of Europe, with diuers other of his chiefe men.
+The Soltan with this Metropolitan demanded of me many questions, as wel
+touching our kingdoms, lawes, and Religion, as also the cause of my coming
+into those parts, with my further pretence. To whom I answered concerning
+all things, as vnto me seemed best, which they tooke in good part.
+[Sidenote: 20 dayes trauaile in the wildernese, with scarcite of water.] So
+hauing leaue I departed and ouertooke our Carauan and proceeded on our
+iourney, and trauailed 20 dayes in the wildernes from the sea side without
+seeing towne or habitation, carying prouision of victuals with vs for the
+same time, and were driuen by necessity to eate one of my camels and a
+horse for our part, as other did the like: and during the said 20 daies we
+found no water, but such as we drew out of old deepe welles, being very
+brackish and salt, and yet sometimes passed two or three dayes without the
+same. [Sidenote: Another gulfe of the Caspian sea.] And the 5. day of
+October ensuing, we came gulfe of the Caspian sea againe, where we found
+the vnto a water very fresh and sweete: at this gulfe the customers of the
+king of Turkeman met vs, who tooke custome of euery 25. one, and 7. ninthes
+for the saide king and his brethren, which being receiued they departed,
+and we remained there a day after to refresh our selues.
+
+[Sidenote: Will. de Rubricis describeth this riuer of Ardok, cap. 4.] Note
+that in times past there did fal into this gulf the great river Oxus, which
+hath his springs in the mountains of Paraponisus in India, and now commeth
+not so far, but falleth into another riuer called Ardock, which runneth
+toward the North, and consumeth himself in the ground passing vnder ground
+aboue 500. miles, and then issueth out againe and falleth into the lake of
+Kithay. [Footnote: Oxus, the Jihun of the Arab, the Amu-darya of the
+Persians, and the Vak-shu of the Hindus, is a river of Central Asia, in
+Turkestan, draining the Great Pamir through two head streams--the Panja or
+southern, rising in Lake Victoria, 13,900 feet above the sea-level, and the
+Ak-su or Murghah, or northern, said to flow from Lake Barkal Yasin, 13,000
+feet above the sea-level, and receiving the outflow of Lake Kara-kul above
+the junction. The united stream flows westwards towards Balkh, before
+reaching which it gradually trends to the northwest until, after a course
+of about 1300 miles, it reaches the south coast of the Aral Sea. In parts
+the stream has a breadth of 800 yards, with a depth of 20 feet, and a very
+rapid current; but the vast quantity of sedimentary matter which it brings
+down to the month, forming shifting sands and banks, renders it difficult
+to navigate. A great portion of the volume of the stream is absorbed in the
+irrigation of the Khivan Oasis. The tendency of the Oxus, like that of the
+great Siberian rivers, is to press continually on its right or east bank,
+and twice within historic times it has oscillated between the Caspian and
+Aral Seas. In the fourteenth century it is supposed to have entered the
+Caspian by the Uzboi channel, near Mikhailovsk. It was proposed at one time
+to attempt to reopen this bed, but the scheme has been abandoned in favour
+of the steppe river, Chagan. Herodotus seems to refer to the Oxus under the
+name of Araxes, but his description is confused, and many of his
+commentators suppose that the Araxes of Herodotus is the river of the same
+name in Armenia; while others suppose that it is either the Volga or the
+Jaxartes. Strabo says that the Oxus rose in the Indian mountains and flowed
+into the Caspian, which is also the opinion of Mela and Ptolemy. Pliny
+makes it rise in a lake called Oxus, and the truth of his statement is now
+confirmed.]
+
+[Sidenote: Sellizure, or Shayzure.] We hauing refreshed our selues at the
+foresaide gulfe, departed thence the 4. day of October, and the seuenth day
+arriued at a castle called Sellizure, where the king called Azim Can,
+remained with 3. other of his brethren, and the 9. day I was commaunded to
+come before his presence, to whom I deliuered the Emporors letters of
+Russia: and I also gaue him a present of a ninth, who entertained me very
+well, and caused me to eate in his presence as his brethren did, feasting
+me with flesh of a wilde horse, and mares milk without bread. [Sidenote:
+Letters of safteconduct] And the next day he sent for me again, and asked
+of me diuers questions, as wel touching the affaires of the Emperour of
+Russia, as of our countrey and lawes, to which I answered as I thought
+good: so that at my departure he gaue me his letters of safe conduct.
+
+This Castle of Sellizure is situated vpon an high hill, where the King
+called the Can lyeth, whose palace is built of earth very basely, and not
+strong: the people are but poore, and haue litle trade of merchandise among
+them. The South part of this Castle is lowe lande, but very fruitfull,
+where grow many good fruites, among which there is one called a Dynie, of a
+great bignesse and full of moysture, which the people do eate after meate
+in steade of drinke. Also there growes another fruite called a Carbuse of
+the bignesse of a great cucumber, yellow and sweete as sugar: also a
+certaine corne called Iegur, whose stalke is much like a sugar cane, and as
+high, and the graine like rice, which groweth at the toppe of the cane like
+a cluster of grapes; the water that serueth all that countrey is drawen by
+ditches out of the riuer Oxus, vnto the great destruction of the said
+riuer, for which cause it falleth not into the Caspian sea as it hath done
+in times past, and in short time all that land is like to be destroied, and
+to become a wildernes for want of water, when the riuer of Oxus shal faile.
+
+[Sidenote: Vrgence.] The 14. day of the moneth we departed from this Castle
+of Sellizure, and the 16. of the same we arriued at a citie called Vrgence,
+where we paid custome as wel for our own heads, as for our camels and
+horses. And hauing there soiourned one moneth, attending the time of our
+further trauaile, the king of that countrey called Aly Soltan, brother to
+the forenamed Azym Can, returned from a towne called Corasan, within the
+borders of Persia, which he lately had conquered from the Persians, with
+whom he and the rest of the kings of Tartaria haue continuall warres.
+Before this king also I was commanded to come, to whom I likewise presented
+the Emperors letters of Russia, and he intertained me wel, and demanded of
+me diuers questions, and at my departure gaue me his letters of safe
+conduct.
+
+This city or towne of Vrgence standeth in a plaine ground, with walles of
+the earth, by estimation 4. miles about it. The buildings within it are
+also of earth, but ruined and out of good order: it hath one long street
+that is couered aboue, which is the place of their market. It hath bene
+wonne and lost 4. times within 7. yeeres by ciuill warres, by meanes
+whereof there are but few merchants in it, and they very poore, and in all
+that towne I could not sell about 4. kerseis. The chiefest commodities
+there sold are such wares as come from Boghar, and out of Persia, but in
+most smal quantity not worth the writing. [Sidenote: The countrey of
+Turkeman.] All the land from the Caspian sea to this Citie of Vrgence is
+called the land of Turkeman, and is subiect to the said Azim Can, and his
+brethren which be fiue in number, and one of them hath the name of the
+chiefe king called Can, but he is little obeyed sauing in his owne
+Dominion, and where he dwelleth: for euery one will be King of his owne
+portion, and one brother seeketh alwayes to destroy another, hauing no
+natural loue among them, by reason that they are begotten of diuers women,
+and commonly they are the children of slaues, either Christians or
+Gentiles, which the father doeth keepe as concubines, and euery Can or
+Sultan hath at least 4. or 5. wiues, besides young maidens and boyes,
+liuing most viciously: and when there are warres betwixt these brethren,
+(as they are seldome without) he that is ouercome if he be not slaine,
+flieth to the field with such companie of men as will followe him, and
+there liueth in the wildemesse resorting to watering places, and so robbeth
+and spoileth as many Carauans of Marchants and others as they be able to
+ouercome, continuing in this sort his wicked life, vntil such time as he
+may get power and aide to inuade some of his brethren againe. From the
+Caspian sea vnto the Castle of Sellizure aforesaid, and all the Countreis
+about the said Sea, the people liue without towne or habitation in the
+wilde fields, remouing from one place to another in great companies with
+their cattel, whereof they haue great store, as camels, horses, and sheepe
+both tame and wilde. Their sheepe are of great stature with great buttocks,
+weighing 60. or 80. pound in weight. There are many wild horses which the
+Tartars doe many times kil with their hawkes, and that in this order. The
+hawkes are lured to sease vpon the beasts neckes or heads, which with
+chafing of themselues and sore beating of the hawkes are tired: then the
+hunter following his game doeth slay the horse with his arrow or sword. In
+all this lande there groweth no grasse, but a certaine brush or heath,
+whereon the cattell feeding become very fat.
+
+The Tartars neuer ride without their bow, arrowes, and sword, although it
+be on hawking, or at any other pleasure, and they are good archers both on
+horsebacke, and on foote also. These people haue not the vse of golde,
+siluer, or any other coyne, but when they lacke apparell or other
+necessaries, they barter their cattell for the same. Bread they haue none,
+for they neither till nor sow: they be great deuourers of flesh, which they
+cut in smal pieces, and eat it by handfuls most greedily, and especially
+the horseflesh. Their chiefest drink is mares milke sowred, as I haue said
+before of the Nagayans, and they wilbe drunk with the same. They haue no
+riuers nor places of water in this countrey, vntil you come to the foresaid
+gulf, distant from the place of our landing 20. dayes iourney, except it be
+in wels, the water whereof is saltish, and yet distant the one from the
+other two daies iourney and more. They eate their meate vpon the ground,
+sitting with their legs double vnder them, and so also when they pray. Art
+or science they haue none, but liue most idlely, sitting round in great
+companies in the fields, deuising, and talking most vainely.
+
+[Sidenote: The riuer of Ardock falleth into the lake of Kitay.] The 26. day
+of Nouember, we departed from the towne of Vrgence, and hauing trauailed by
+the riuer Oxus, 100 miles, we passed ouer another great riuer called
+Ardock, where we paid a certaine pety custome. This riuer Ardock is great,
+and very swift, falling out of the foresaid Oxus and passing about 1000.
+mile to the Northward, it then consumeth it selfe in the ground, and
+passing vnder the same about 500. mile, issueth out againe, and falleth
+into the lake of Kitay, as I haue before declared.
+
+[Sidenote: The castle of Kait.] The 7. of December following, we arriued at
+a Castle called Kait, subiect to a Soltan called Saramet Soltan, who meant
+to haue robbed all the Christians in the Carauan, had it not bene for feare
+of his brother the king of Vrgence, as we were informed by one of his
+chiefest counsellers, who willed vs to make him a present, which he tooke,
+and deliuered: besides, we paid at the said castle for custome, of euery
+camel one red hide of Russia, besides pety gifts to his officers.
+
+Thus proceeding in our iourney, the tenth day at night being at rest, and
+our watch set, there came vnto vs foure horsemen, which wee tooke as spies,
+from whom wee tooke their weapons and bound them, and hauing well examined
+them, they confessed that they had seene the tract of many horsemen, and no
+footing of camels, and gaue vs to vnderstand, that there were rouers and
+theeues abroade: for there trauaile few people that are true and peaceable
+in that Countrey, but in companie of Carauan, where there be many camels:
+and horsefeeting new without camels were to be doubted. Whereupon we
+consulted and determined amongst our selues, and sent a poste to the said
+Soltan of Kayte, who immediatly came himselfe with 300. men, and mette
+these foure suspected men which we sent vnto him, and examined them so
+streightly, and threatned them in such sort, that they confessed, there was
+a banished Prince with 40. men 3. daies iourney forward, who lay in wait to
+destroy vs, if he could, and that they themselues were of his companie.
+
+The Soltan therefore vnderstanding, that the theeues were not many,
+appointed vs 80. men well armed with a Captaine to goe with vs, and conduct
+vs in our way. And the Soltan himselfe returned backe againe, taking the
+foure theeues with him. These souldiers trauailed with vs two dayes,
+consuming much of our victuals. And the 3. day in the morning very earely
+they set out before our Carauan, and hauing ranged the wildernes for the
+space of foure houres, they mette vs, comming towards vs as fast as their
+horse could runne, and declared that they had founde the tract of horses
+not farre from vs, perceiuing well that we shoulde meete with enemies, and
+therefore willed vs to appoint our selues for them, and asked vs what we
+would giue them to conduct vs further, or else they would returne. To whom
+we offered as we thought good, but they refused our offer, and would haue
+more; and so we not agreeing they departed from vs, and went back to their
+Soltan, who (as wee coniectured) was priuie to the conspiracie. [Sidenote:
+Diuination by sorcerie] But they being gone, certaine Tartars of our
+companie called holy men, (because they had bene at Mecha) caused the whole
+Carauan to stay, and would make their prayers, and deuine how wee should
+prosper in our iourney and whether we should meet with any ill company or
+no? To which, our whole Carauan did agree. And they tooke certaine sheepe
+and killed them, and tooke the blade bones of the same, and first sodde
+them and then burnt them, and tooke of the blood of the said sheepe, and
+mingled it with the powder of the saide bones, and wrote certaine
+Characters with the saide blood, vsing many other ceremonies and wordes,
+and by the same deuined and found, that wee shoulde meete with enemies and
+theeues (to our great trouble) but should ouercome them, to which sorcerie,
+I and my companie gaue no credit, but we found it true: for within 3.
+houres after that the souldiers departed from vs, which was the 15. day of
+December, in the morning, we escried farre off diuers horsemen which made
+towards vs, and we (perceiuing them to be rouers) gathered ourselues
+together, being 40. of vs wel appointed, and able to fight, and we made our
+prayers together euery one after his lawe; professing to liue and die one
+with another, and so prepared our selues. When the theeues were nigh vnto
+vs, we perceiued them to be in number 37. men well armed, and appointed
+with bowes, arrowes and swords, and the captaine a prince banished from his
+Countrey. They willed vs to yeelde our selues, or els to be slaine, but wee
+defied them, wherewith they shotte at vs all at once, and wee at them very
+hotly, and so continued our fight from morning vntil two houres within
+night, diuers men, horses and camels being wounded and slaine on both
+partes: [Sidenote: Handguns very profitable.] and had it not bene for 4.
+handgunnes which I and my companie had and vsed, we had bene ouercome and
+destroyed: for the theeues were better armed, and were also better archers
+than we: But after wee had slaine diuers of their men and horses with our
+gunnes, they durst not approch so nigh, which caused them to come to a
+truce with vs vntill the next morning, which we accepted, and encamped our
+selues vpon a hill, and made the fashion of a Castle, walling it about with
+packes of wares, and laide our horses and camels within the same to saue
+them from the shotte of arrowes: and the theeues also incamped within an
+arrowe shotte of vs, but they were betwixt vs and the water, which was to
+our great discomfort, because neither we nor our camels had drunke in 2.
+dayes before.
+
+Thus keeping good watch, when halfe the night was spent, the Prince of the
+theeues sent a messenger halfe way vnto vs, requiring to talke with our
+Captaine, in their tongue, the Carauan Basha, who answered the messenger, I
+will not depart from my companie to goe into the halfe way to talke with
+thee: but if that thy Prince with all his companie will sweare by our Lawe
+to keepe the truce, then will I send a man to talke with thee, or els not.
+Which the Prince vnderstanding as well himselfe as his company, swore so
+loude that we might all heare. And then we sent one of our company (reputed
+a holy man) to talke with the same messenger. [Sidenote: Bussarmans.
+Caphar.] The message was pronounced aloude in this order, our Prince
+demaundeth of the Carauan Basha, and of all you that be Bussarmans, (that
+is to say circumcised) not desiring your bloods, that you deliuer into his
+hands as many Caphars, that is unbeleeuers (meaning vs the Christians) as
+are among you with their goods, and in so doing, hee will suffer you to
+depart with your goods in quietnesse, and on the contrary, you shall be
+handled with no lesse cruelty then the Caphars, if hee ouercome you, as he
+doubteth not. To the which our Carauan Basha answered, that he had no
+Christians in his company, nor other strangers, but two Turkes which were
+of their Law, and although hee had, hee would rather die then deliuer them,
+and that we were not afraide of his threatnings, and that should he know
+when day appeared. And so passing in talke, the theeues (contrary to their
+othe) caried our holy man away to their Prince, crying with a lowde voyce
+in token of victory, Ollo, ollo. Wherewith we were much discomforted,
+fearing that that holy man would betray vs: but be being cruelly handled
+and much examined, would not to death confesse anything which was to vs
+preiudliciall, neither touching vs, nor yet what men they had slaine and
+wounded of ours the day before. When the night was spent, in the morning we
+prepared our selues to battel againe: which the theeues perceiuing,
+required to fall to agreement and asked much of vs: And to be briefe, the
+most part of our companie being loth to go to battel againe, and hauing
+litle to loose, and safeconduct to passe, we were compelled to agree, and
+to giue the theeues 20 ninths (that is to say) 20 times 9 seuerall things,
+and a camell to cary away the same, which being receiued, the theeues
+departed into the wildernes to their old habitation, and we went on our way
+forward. [Sidenote: The river of Oxus.] And that night came to the riuer
+Oxus, where we refreshed our selues, hauing bene 3. dayes without water and
+drinke, and tarried there all the next day, making mery with our slaine
+horses and camels, and then departed from that place, [Sidenote: A
+wildernes of sande.] and for feare of meeting with the said theeues againe
+or such like, we left the high way which went along, the said riuer, and
+passed through a wildernes of sand, and traulled 4 dayes in the same before
+we came to water: and then came to a wel, the water being very brackish,
+and we then as before were in neede of water, and of other victuals, being
+forced to kill our horses and camels to eate.
+
+In this wildernes also we had almost fallen into the hands of theeues: for
+one night being at rest, there came certaine scouts, and caried away
+certaine of our men which lay a litle separated from the Carauan, wherewith
+there was a great shoute and crie, and we immedately laded our camels, and
+departed being about midnight and very darke, and droue sore till we came
+to the riuer Oxus againe, and then we feared nothing being walled with the
+said riuer: and whether it was for that we had gotten the water, or for
+that the same theeues were far from vs when the scouts discouered vs, we
+knowe not, but we escaped that danger.
+
+[Sidenote: Boghar a citie of Bactria.] So vpon the 23 day of December we
+arriued at the citie of Boghar in the lande of Bactria. This Boghar is
+situated in the lowest part of all the land, walled about with a high wall
+of earth, with diuers gates into the same: it is diuided into 3 partitions,
+whereof two parts are the kings, and the 3 part is for Marchants and
+markets, and euery science hath their dwelling and market by themselues.
+The Citie is very great, and the houses for the most part of earth, but
+there are also many houses, temples and monuments of stone sumptuously
+builded, and gilt, and especially bathstoues so artificially built, that
+the like thereof is not in the world: the maner whereof is too long to
+rehearse. [Sidenote: A strange worme in mens legs.] There is a little riuer
+running through the middest of the said Citie, but the water there of is
+most vnholsome, for it breedeth sometimes in men that drinke thereof, and
+especially in them that be not there borne, a worme of an ell long, which
+lyeth commonly in the legge betwixt the flesh and the skinne, and is pluckt
+out about the ancle with great art and cunning, the Surgeons being much
+practised therein, and if shee breaks in plucking out, the partie dieth,
+and euery day she commeth out about an inch, which is rolled vp, and so
+worketh till she be all out. And yet it is there forbidden to drinke any
+other thing then water, and mares milke, and whosoeuer is found to breake
+that law is whipped and beaten most cruelly through the open markets, and
+there are officers appointed for the same, who haue authoritie to goe into
+any mans house, to search if he haue either Aquauitae, wine, or brage, and
+finding the same, doe breake the vessels, spoile the drinke, and punish the
+masters of the house most cruelly, yea, and many times if they perceiue but
+by the breath of a man that he hath drunke, without further examination he
+shall not escape their hands.
+
+There is a Metropolitane in this Boghar, who causeth this to bee so
+streightly kept: and he is more obeyed then the king, and will depose the
+king, and place another at his will and pleasure, as he did by this king
+that raigned at our being there, and his predecessour, by the meanes of the
+said Metropolitan: for he betrayed him, and in the night slewe him in his
+chamber, who was a Prince who loued all Christians well.
+
+This Countrey of Boghar was sometime subiect to the Persians, and do now
+speake the Persian tongue, but yet now it is a kingdome of it selfe, and
+hath most cruell warres continually with the sayd Persians about their
+religion, although they be all Mahometists. One occasion of their wars is,
+for that the Persians will not cut the haire of their vpper lips, as the
+Bogharians and all other Tartars doe, which they accompt great sinne, and
+cal them Caphars, that is Vnbeleeuers, as they doe the Christians.
+
+[Sidenote: The coyne of Boghar.] The king of Boghar hath no great power or
+riches, his reuenues are but small, and he is most meinteined by the Citie:
+for he taketh the tenth penie of all things that are there solde, as well
+by the craftsmen as by the marchants, to the great impouerishment of the
+people, whom he keepeth in great subiection, and when he lacketh money, he
+sendeth his officers to the shops of the sayd Marchants to take their wares
+to pay his debts, and will haue credit of force, as the like he did to pay
+me certaine money that he owed me for 19 pieces of Kersey. Their money is
+siluer and copper, for gold there is none current: they haue but one piece
+of siluer, and that is worth 12. pence English, and the copper money are
+called Pooles, and 120 of them goeth the value of the said 12. pence, and
+is more common paiment then the siluer, which the king causeth to rise and
+fall to his most aduantage euery other moneth, and sometimes twise a
+moneth, not caring to oppresse his people, for that he loketh not to reigne
+aboue 2 or 3 yeres before he be either slaine, or driuen away, to the great
+destruction of the countrey and merchants.
+
+The 26 day of the moneth I was commanded to come before the said king, to
+whom I presented the Emperour of Russia his letters, who interteined vs
+most gently, and caused vs to eate in his presence, and diuers times he
+sent for me, and deuised with me familiarly in his secret chamber, as well
+of the power of the Emperour, and the great Turke as also of our countries,
+lawes, and religion, and caused vs to shoote in handguns before him, and
+did himselfe practise the vse thereof. But after all this great
+intertainement before my departure he shewed himselfe a very Tartar: for he
+went to the wars owing me money, and saw me not payd before his departure.
+And although indeede he gaue order for the same, yet was I verie ill
+satisfied, and forced to rebate part, and to take wares as payment for the
+rest contrary to my expectation: but of a begger better paiment I could not
+haue, and glad I was so to be paid and dispatched.
+
+But yet I must needs praise and commend this barbarous king who immediately
+after my arriual at Boghar, hauing vnderstoode our trouble with the
+theeues, sent 100 men well armed, and gaue them great charge not to returne
+before they had either slaine or taken the sayd theeues. Who according to
+their commission ranged the wildernes in such sort, that they met with the
+said company of theeues, and slew part, and part fledde, and foure they
+tooke and brought vnto the king, and two of them were sore wounded in our
+skirmish with our gunnes: And after the king had sent for me to come to see
+them, he caused them all 4 to be hanged at his palace gate, because they
+were Gentlemen, to the example of others. And of such goods as were gotten
+againe, I had part restored me, and this good iustice I found at his hands.
+
+There is yeerely great resort of Marchants to this Citie of Boghar, which
+trauaile in great Carauans from the countries thereabout adioining, as
+India, Persia, Balgh, Russia, with diuers others, and in times past from
+Cathay, when there was passage: but these Marchants are so beggerly and
+poore, and bring so little quantitie of wares, lying two or 3 yeeres to
+sell the same, that there is no hope of any good trade there to be had
+worthy the following.
+
+The chiefe commodities that are brought thither out of these foresayd
+Countreys, are these following.
+
+[Sidenote: Marchandise of India.] The Indians doe bring fine whites, which
+the Tartars do all roll about their heads, and al other kinds of whites,
+which serue for apparell made of cotton wooll and crasko, but golde,
+siluer, precious stones, and spices they bring none. I enquired and
+perceiued that all such trade passeth to the Ocean sea, and the vaines
+where all such things are gotten are in the subiection of the Portingals.
+The Indians carie them from Boghar againe wrought silkes, red hides,
+slaues, and horses, with such like, but of Kerseis and other cloth, they
+make little accompt. I offered to barter with Marchants of those Countreis,
+which came from the furthest parts of India, euen from the countrey of
+Bengala, and the riuer Ganges, to giue them Kersies for their commodities,
+but they would not barter for such commoditie as cloth.
+
+[Sidenote: Marchandise of Persia.] The Persians do bring thither Craska,
+wollen cloth, linnen cloth, diuers kindes of wrought pide silkes,
+Argomacks, with such like, and doe carie from thence redde hides with other
+Russe warres, and slaues, which are of diuers countreies, but cloth they
+will by none, for that they bring themselues, and is brought vnto them as I
+haue inquired from Allepo in Syria, and the parts of Turkie. [Sidenote:
+Marchandise of Russia.] The Russes doe carie vnto Boghar, redde hides,
+sheepe skinnes, wollen cloth of diuers sorts, woodden vessels, bridles,
+saddles, with such like, and doe carie away from thence diuers kindes of
+wares made of cotton wooll, diuers kinds of silkes, Crasca, with other
+things, but there is but smal vtterance. [Sidenote: Marchandise of Cathay.]
+From the Countreis of Cathay are brought thither in time of peace, and when
+the way is open, musk, rubarbe, satten, damaske, with diuers other things.
+At my being at Boghar, there came Carauans out of all these foresaid
+Countries, except from Cathay: and the cause why there came none from
+thence was the great warres that had dured 3 yeeres before my comming
+thither, and yet dured betwixt 2 great Countries and cities of Tartars,
+that are directly in the way betwixt the said Boghar and the said Cathay,
+and certaine barbarous field people, as well Gentiles as Mahometists
+bordering to the said Cities. [Sidenote: Taskent and Caskar.] The cities
+are called Taskent and Caskar, and the people that warre against Taskent
+are called Cassaks of the law of Mahomet: and they which warre with the
+sayd countrey of Caskar are called Kings, Gentiles and idolaters. These 2
+barbarous nations are of great force liuing in the fields without house or
+towne, and haue almost subdued the foresaid cities, and so stopped vp the
+way, that it is impossible for any Carauan to passe vnspoiled: so that 3
+yeeres before our being there, no Carauan had gone, or vsed trade betwixt
+the countries of Cathay and Boghar, and when the way is cleare, it is 9
+moneths iourney.
+
+To speake of the said countrey of Cathay, and of such newes as I haue heard
+thereof, I haue thought it best to reserue it to our meeting. I hauing made
+my solace at Boghar in the Winter time, and hauing learned by much
+inquisition, the trade thereof, as also of all the other countries thereto
+adioyning, and the time of the yeere being come, for all Carauans to
+depart, and also the king being gone to the warres, and newes come that he
+was fled, and I aduertised by the Metropolitan himselfe, that I should
+depart, because the towne was like to bee besieged: I thought it good and
+meete, to take my iourney some way, and determined to haue gone from thence
+into Persia, and to haue seene the trade of that countrey, although I had
+enformed my selfe sufficiently thereof, as well at Astracan, as at Boghar:
+and perceiued well the trades not to be much vnlike the trades of Tartaria:
+but when I should haue taken my iourney that way, it was let by diuers
+occasions: the one was, the great wars that did newly begin betwixt the
+Sophie, and the kings of Tartaria, whereby the waies were destroyed: and
+there was a Carauan destroied with rouers and theeues, which came out of
+India and Persia, by safe conduct: and about ten daies iourney from Boghar,
+they were robbed, and a great part slaine. [Sidenote: He returneth the
+eight of March 1559.] Also the Metropolitan of Boghar, who is greater then
+the king, tooke the Emperors letters of Russia from me, without which I
+should haue bene taken slaue in euery place: also all such wares as I had
+receiued in barter for cloth, and as I tooke perforce of the king, and
+other his Nobles, in paiment of money due vnto me, were not vendible in
+Persia: for which causes and diuers others, I was constrained to come backe
+againe to Mare Caspium, the same way I went: so that the eight of March
+1559, we departed out of the said Citie of Boghar, being a Carauan of 600
+Camels: and if we had not departed when we did, I and my company had bene
+in danger to haue lost life and goods. For, ten daies after our departure,
+the king of Samarcand came with an armie, and besieged the said Citie of
+Boghar, the king being absent, and gone to the wars against another prince,
+his kinsman, as the like chanceth in those Countries once in two or three
+yeres. For it is maruell, if a King reigne there aboue three or foure
+yeres, to the great destruction of the Countrey, and marchants.
+
+[Sidenote: Vrgence.] The 25 of March, we came to the foresayd towne of
+Vrgence, and escaped the danger of 400 rouers, which lay in waite for vs
+backe againe, being the most of them of kindred to that company of theeues,
+which we met with going foorth; as we perceiued by foure spies, which were
+taken. [Sidenote: The king of Balke, or Balgh.] There were in my company,
+and committed to my charge, two ambaassadors, the one from the king of
+Boghar, the other from the king of Balke, and were sent vnto the Emperor of
+Russia. And after having taried at Vrgence, and the Castle of Sellysure,
+eight daies for the assembling, and making ready of our Carauan, the second
+of Aprill we departed from thence, hauing foure more Ambassadors in our
+companie, sent from the king of Vrgence, and other Soltans, his brethren,
+vnto the Emperor of Russia, with answere of such letters as I brought them:
+and the same Ambassadors were also committed vnto my charge by the sayde
+Kings and princes: to whome I promised most faithfully, and swore by our
+law, that they should be well vsed in Rusland, and suffered to depart from
+thence againe in safetie, according as the Emperor had written also in his
+letters: for they somewhat doubted, because there had none gone out of
+Tartaria into Russia, of long time before.
+
+The 23 of Aprill, we arriued at the Mare Caspium againe, where we found our
+barke which we came in, but neither anker, cable, cocke, nor saile:
+neuerthelesse wee brought hempe with vs, and spunne a cable our selues,
+with the rest of our tackling, and made vs a saile of cloth of cotton
+wooll, and rigged our barke as well as we could, but boate or anker we had
+none. In the meane time being deuising to make an anker of wood of a cart
+wheele, there arriued a barke, which came from Astracan, with Tartars and
+Russes, which had 2 ankers, with whom I agreed for the one: and thus being
+in a readinesse, we set saile and departed, I, and the two Iohnsons being
+Master and Mariners ourselues, hauing in our barke the said sixe
+ambassadors, and 25 Russes which had bene slaues a long time in Tartaria,
+nor euer had before my comming, libertie, or meanes to get home, and these
+slaues serued to rowe, when neede was. Thus sailing sometimes along the
+coast, and sometimes out of sight of lande, the 13. day of May, hauing a
+contrary winde, wee came to an anker, being three leagues from the shoare,
+and there rose a sore storme, which continued 44. houres, and our cable
+being of our our owne spinning, brake, and lost our anker, and being off a
+lee shoare, and hauing no boate to helpe vs, we hoysed our saile, and bare
+roomer with the said shoare, looking for present death: but as God prouided
+vs, we ranne into a creeke ful of oze, and so saued our selues with our
+barke, and liued in great discomfort for a time. For although we should
+haue escaped with our liues the danger of the sea, yet if our barke had
+perished, we knew we should haue bene either destroyed, or taken slaues by
+the people of that Countrey, who liue wildly in the field, like beasts,
+without house or habitation. Thus when the storme was seazed, we went out
+of the creeke againe: and hauing set the land with our Compasse, and taken
+certaine markes of the same, during the time of the tempest, whilest we
+ridde at our anker, we went directly to the place where we ridde, with our
+barke againe, and found our anker which we lost: whereat the Tartars much
+marueiled howe we did it. While we were in the creeke, we made an anker of
+wood of cart wheeles, which we had in our barke, which we threw away, when
+wee had found our yron anker againe. Within two days after, there arose
+another great storme, at the Northeast, and we lay a trie, being driuen far
+into the sea, and had much ado to keepe our barke from sinking, the billowe
+was so great: but at the last, hauing faire weather, we tooke the Sunne,
+and knowing howe the land lay from vs we fel with the Riuer Yaik, according
+to our desire, wherof the Tartars were very glad, fearing that wee should
+haue bene driuen to the coast of Persia, whose people were vnto them great
+enemies.
+
+[Sidenote: The English flag in the Caspian sea.] Note, that during the time
+of our Nauigation, wee set vp the redde crosse of S. George in our flagges,
+for honour of the Christians, which I suppose was neuer seene in the
+Caspian sea before. We passed in this voyage diuers fortunes:
+notwithstanding the 28. of May we arriued in safetie at Astracan, and there
+remained till the tenth of Iune following, as well to prepare vs small
+boates, to goe vp against the streame of Volga, with our goods, as also for
+the companie of the Ambassadours of Tartarie, committed vnto me, to bee
+brought to the presence of the Emperour of Russia.
+
+[Sidenote: A notable description of the Caspian Sea.] This Caspian sea (to
+say some thing of it) is in length about two hundred leagues, and in
+breadth 160, without any issue to other seas: to the East part whereof,
+ioyneth the great desert countrey of the Tartars, called Turkemen: to the
+West, the countreyes of the Chyreasses, the mountaines of Caucasus, and the
+Mare Euxinum, which is from the said Caspian Sea a hundred leagues. To the
+North is the riuer Volga, and the land of Nagay, and to the South parte
+ioyne the countreys of Media and Persia. This sea is fresh water in many
+places, and in other places as salt as our great Ocean. It hath many goodly
+Riuers falling into it, and it auoideth not it selfe except it be vnder
+ground. The notable riuers that fall into it are first the great riuer of
+Volga, called in the Tartar tongue Edell, which springeth out of a lake in
+a marrish or plaine ground, not farre from the Citie of Nouogrode in
+Russia, and it is from the spring to the Sea, aboue two thousande English
+miles. It hath diuers other goodly Riuers falling into it, as out of
+Siberia, Yaic, and Yem: Also out of the mountaines of Caucasus, the Riuers
+of Cyrus and Arash, and diuers others.
+
+As touching the trade of Shamaky in Media and Tebris, with other townes in
+Persia, I haue enquired, and do well vnderstand, that it is euen like to
+the trades of Tartaria, that is little vtterance, and small profite: and I
+haue bene aduertised that the chiefe trade of Persia is into Syria, and so
+transported into the Leuant sea. The fewe shippes vpon the Caspian Seas,
+the want of Mart and port Townes, the pouertie of the people, and the ice,
+maketh that trade naught.
+
+At Astracan there were merchants of Shamaky, with whom I offered to barter,
+and to giue them kersies for their wares, but they would not, saying, they
+had them as good cheape in their countrey, as I offred them, which was sixe
+rubbles for a kersie, that I asked: and while I was at Boghar, there were
+brought thither out of Persia, Cloth, and diuers commodities of our
+countries, which were sold as good cheape, as I might sell ours.
+
+The tenth day of Iune we departed from Astracan towards the Mosco, hauing
+an hundred gunners in our company at the Emperors charges, for the safe
+conduct at the Tartar Ambassadors and me. And the eight and twentieth day
+of Iuly folowing, wee arriued at the citie of Cazan, hauing bene vpon the
+way from Astracan thither, sixe weekes and more, without any refreshing of
+victuals: for in all that way there is no habitation.
+
+[Sidenote: His arriual at Mosco the 2. of September.] The seuenth of August
+folowing, wee departed from Cazan, and transported our goods by water, as
+farre as the citie of Morum, and then by land; so that the second of
+September, we arriued at the citie of Mosco, and the fourth day I came
+before the Emperours Maiestie, kissed his hand, and presented him a white
+Cowes taile of Cathay, and a drumme of Tartária, which he well accepted.
+Also I brought before him all the Ambassadors that were committed to my
+charge, with all the Russe slaues: and that day I dined in his Maiesties
+presence, and at dinner his Grace sent me meate by a Duke, and asked me
+diuers questions touching the lands and countreis where I had bene. And
+thus I remained at the Mosco about your affaires, vntil the 17. day of
+February that your wares were sent downe: and then hauing a license of the
+Emperors Maiestie to depart, the 21. day I came to your house at Vologhda,
+and there remained vntil the breaking vp of the yere: and then hauing seene
+all your goods laden into your boates, I departed, with the same, and
+arriued withall in safetie at Colmogro the 9. of May 1560. And here I cease
+for this time, intreating you to heare with this my large discourse, which
+by reason of the varietie of matter, I could make no shorter, and I beseech
+God to prosper all your attempts.
+
+
+The latitudes of certaine principall places in Russia, and other Regions.
+
+                                  Deg.      Min.
+  Mosco in                         55        10
+  Nouogrod the great               58        26
+  Nouogrod the lesse               56        33
+  Colmogro                         64        10
+  Vologhda                         59        11
+  Cazan                            55        33
+  Oweke                            51        40
+  Astracan                         47         9
+  At the entrance into the
+    Caspian sea.                   46        42
+  Manguslaue beyond the
+    Caspian sea.                   45        04
+  Vrgence in Tartary 20.
+    dayes iourney from the
+    Caspian sea.                   42        18
+  Boghar a citie in Tartary
+    20. dayes iourney from
+    Vrgcnce.                       39        10
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Certaine notes gathered by Richard Iohnson (which was at Boghar with M.
+  Anthony Ienkinson) of the reports of Russes and other strangers, of the
+  wayes of Russia to Cathaya, and of diuers and strange people.
+
+The first note giuen by one named Sarnichoke a Tartarian subiect to the
+  Prince of Boghar, which are also Tartars bordering vpon Kizilbash or
+  Persia, declaring the way from Astracan, being the furthest part of
+  Russia, to Cathaya as foloweth.
+
+First from Astracan to Serachick by land, trauailing by leysure as
+Merchants vse with wares, is 10. dayes iourney.
+
+From Serachick to a towne named [Marginal note: Or Vrgema.] Vrgenshe, 15.
+dayes.
+
+From Vrgenshe to Boghar, 15. dayes.
+
+From Boghar to Cascar, 30. dayes.
+
+From Cascar to Cathaya, 30. dayes iourney.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+By the same partie a note of another way more sure to traueile, as he
+  reporteth.
+
+From Astracan to Turkemen by the Caspian sea, 10. dayes, with barkes.
+
+From Turkemen by lande specially with Camels, bearing the weight of 15.
+poodes for their common burthens, is 10. dayes to Vrgenshe.
+
+From Vrgenshe to Boghar, 15. dayes.
+
+Note. At this Citie of Boghar is the marte or meeting place betweene the
+Turkes and nations of those parts and the Cathayans.
+
+Also the toll there is the 40. part to be payed of Merchandizes or goods.
+
+From thence to Cascar is one moneths iourney, and from Cascar (being the
+frontier of the great Can, hauing many townes and fortes by the way) is
+also a moneths trauel for merchants by land to Cathay.
+
+Further, as he hath heard (not hauing bene in those parts himselfe) ships
+may saile from the dominions of Cathaia vnto India. But of other waies, or
+how the seas lie by any coast hee knoweth not.
+
+
+The instruction of another Tartarian merchant dwelling in the citie of
+  Boghar, as he hath learned by other his countreymen which haue bene
+  there.
+
+First from Astracan by sea to Serachick is 15 dayes: affirming also that a
+man may trauell the other way before written by Turkemen.
+
+From Serachick to Vrgence is 15 dayes.
+
+From Vrgence to Boghar also 15 dayes.
+
+Note. These last 30 daies iourney is without habitation of houses:
+therefore trauellers lodge in their own tents, carying with them to eate,
+their seuerall prouisions: and for drinesse there bee many wels of faire
+water at equall baiting places not farre distant dayly to be had.
+
+From Boghar to Taskent easie travelling with goods, is 14 dayes by land.
+
+From Taskent to Occient 7 dayes.
+
+From Occient to Cascar 20 daies. This Cascar is the head towne or citie of
+another prince, lying betweene Boghar and Cathaia, called Reshit can.
+
+From Cascar to Sowchick 30 daies iourney, which Sowchick is the first
+border of Kathay.
+
+From Sowchick to Camchick 5 dayes iourney, and from Camchick to Cathay is 2
+moneths iourney, all the way being inhabited, temperate, and wel
+replenished with innumerable fruits, and the chiefe citie in that whole
+land is called Cambalu, which is yet 10 dayes iourney from Cathay.
+
+Beyond this land of Cathay, which they praise to be ciuill and vnspeakeably
+rich, is the countrey named in the Tartarian tongue Cara-calmack inhabited
+with blacke people: but in Cathay the most part thereof stretching to the
+sunne rising, are people white and of faire complexion. Their religion
+also, as the Tartars report, is christian, or after the maner of
+Christians, and their language peculiar, differing from the Tartarian
+tongue.
+
+There are no great and furious Beares in trauelling through the waies
+aforesaid, but wolues white and blacke. And because that woods are not of
+such quantitie there, as in these parts of Russia, but in maner rather
+scant then plentiful, as is reported, the Beares breed not that way, but
+some other beasts (as namely one in Russe called Barse) are in those
+coasts. This Barse appeareth by a skinne of one seene here to sell, to be
+nere so great as a big lion, spotted very faire and therefore we here take
+it to be a Leopard or Tiger.
+
+[Sidenote: Angrim] Note that 20 daies iourney from Cathay is a country
+named Angrim, where liueth the beast that beareth the best Muske, and the
+principal thereof is cut out of the knee of the male. [Sidenote: Mandeuille
+speaketh hereof.] The people are taunie, and for that the men are not
+bearded nor differ in complexion from women, they have certaine tokens of
+iron, that is to say: the men weare the sunne round like a bosse vpon their
+shoulders, and women on their priuie parts. Their feeding is raw flesh in
+the same land, and in another called Titay: [Marginal Note: or Kitay.] the
+Duke there is called Can. [Sidenote: Small people.] They worship the fire,
+and it is 34 dayes iourney from great Cathay, and in the way lyeth the
+beautifull people, eating with kniues of golde, and are called Comorom, and
+the land of small people is neerer the Mosko then Cathay.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The instructions of one of Permia, who reporteth he had bene at Cathay the
+  way before written, and also another way neere the sea coast, as
+  foloweth, which note was sent out of Russia from Giles Holmes.
+
+[Sidenote: Pechora but sixe days iourney by land or water from Ob.] First
+from the prouince of Dwina is knowen the way to Pechora, and from Pechora
+traueiling with Olens or harts, is sixe dayes iourney by land, and in the
+Sommer as much by water to the riuer of Ob.
+
+The Ob is a riuer full of flats, the mouth of it is 70. Russe miles ouer.
+And from thence three dayes iourney on the right hand is a place called
+Chorno-lese, to say in English, blacke woods, and from thence neere hand is
+a people called Pechey-cony, wearing their haire by his description after
+the Irish fashion.
+
+From Pechey-cony to Ioult Calmachey three dayes iourney, and from thence to
+Chorno Callachay three dayes tending to the Southeast.
+
+These two people are of the Tartarian faith, and tributaries to the great
+Can.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Here follow certaine countreys of the Samoeds which dwell vpon the riuer
+  Ob, and vpon the sea coasts beyond the same, taken outof the Russe tongue
+  word by word, and trauailed by a Russe born in Colmogro, whose name was
+  Pheodor Towtigin, who by report, was slaine in his second voyage in one
+  of the said countreys.
+
+Vpon the East part beyond the countrey of Vgori, the riuer Ob is the most
+Westernmost part thereof. Vpon the sea coast dwell Samoeds, and their
+countrey is called Molgomsey, whose meate is flesh of Olens, or Harts, and
+Fish, and doe eate one another sometimes among themselues. And if any
+Marchants come vnto them, then they kill one of their children for their
+sakes to feast them withall. And if a Marchant chance to die with them,
+they burie him not, but eate him, and so doe they eate them of their owne
+countrey likewise. [Sidenote: Travelling on dogs and harts.] They be euill
+of sight, and haue small noses, but they be swift and shoote very well, and
+they trauaile on Harts and on dogges, and their apparell is Sables and
+Harts skinnes. They haue no Marchandise but Sables onely.
+
+2 Item, on the same coast or quarter beyond those people; and by the sea
+side also doth dwell another kinde of Samoeds in like maner, hauing another
+language. One moneth in the yeere they liue in the sea, and doe not come or
+dwell on the dry land for that moneth.
+
+3 Item beyond these people, on the sea coast, there is another kinde of
+Samoeds, their meate is flesh and fish, and their merchandise are Sables,
+white and blacke Foxes (which the Russes call Pselts) and Harts skinnes,
+and Fawnes skinnes.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The relation of Chaggi Memet a Persian Marchant, to Baptista Ramusius, and
+  other notable citizens of Venice; touching the way from Tauris the chiefe
+  city of Persia, to Campion a citie of Cathay ouer land: in which voyage
+  he himselfe had passed before with the Carauans.
+
+
+From Tauris to Soltania.     6 dayes iourney
+From Soltania to Casbin.     4   "     "
+From Casbin to Veremi.       6   "     "
+From Veremi to Eri.         15   "     "
+From Eri to Boghara.        20   "     "
+From Boghara to Samarchand.  5   "     "
+From Samarchand to Cascar.  25   "     "
+From Cascar to Acsu.        20   "     "
+From Acsu to Cuchi.         20   "     "
+From Cuchi to Chialis.      10   "     "
+From Chialis to Turfon.     10   "     "
+From Turfon to Camul.       13   "     "
+From Camul to Succuir.      15   "     "
+From Succuir to Gauta.       5   "     "
+From Gauta to Campion.       6   "     "
+
+Which Campion is a citie of the Empire of Cathay in the prouince of Tangut,
+from whence the greatest quantitie of Rubarbe commeth.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A letter of Sigismond king of Polonia, written in the 39. yeere of his
+  reigne to Elizabeth the Queenes most excellent Maiestie of England, &c.
+
+Sigismundus Augustus by the grace of God king of Polonia, great Duke of
+Lituania, Russia, Prussia, Massouia, and Samogetia, &c. Lord and heire &c.
+to the most Noble Princesse Ladie Elizabeth by the same grace of God Queene
+of England, France and Ireland, &c. our deare sister, and kinsewoman,
+greeting and increase of all felicitie. Whereas your Maiestie writeth to vs
+that you haue receiued two of our letters, wee haue looked that you should
+haue answered to them both. [Sidenote: The trade to Narue forbidden by the
+K. of Poland.] First to the one in which we intreated more at large in
+forbidding the voyage to Narue, which if it had bene done, we had bene
+vnburdened of so often writing of one matter: and might haue answered your
+Maiestie much better to the purpose. Now we thus answere to your Maiestie
+to those matters of the which you writte to vs the 3 of October from
+Windsore. [Sidenote: The ancient couenants of trafficke between England and
+Prussia.] First, forasmuch as your Maiestie at the request of our letters
+hath discharged the arrest of Marchants goods, and of the names of the men
+of Danske our subiects, which was set vpon them by the commandement of your
+Maiestie: and also haue restored the olde and ancient libertie of
+traffique, we acknowlege great pleasure done vnto vs in the same: and also
+think it to bee done according to common agreement made in times past.
+Neither were we euer at any time of any other opinion touching your
+Maiestie, but that wee should obtaine right and reason at your hands.
+Forasmuch as we likewise shall at all times be ready to grant to your
+Maiestie, making any request for your subiects, so farre as shall stand
+with iustice, yet neither will we yeeld any thing to your Maiestie in
+contention of loue, beneuolence, and mutuall office, but that we iudge
+euery good turne of yours to be recompensed by vs to the vttermost: and
+that shall we prooue as occasion shall serue. [Sidenote: The olde libertie
+of trafficke.] Therefore we shall commaund the arrests, if any be made by
+our subiects (as it is vnknowen to vs) of merchants goods and English names
+to be discharged: and shall conserue the olde libertie of trafficke, and
+all other things which shall seeme to apperteine to neighbourhood betweene
+vs and your Maiestie: so that none of the subiects of your Maiestie
+hereafter presume to vse the nauigation to the Narue forbidden by vs, and
+full of danger not onely to our parts, but also to the open destruction of
+all Christians and liberall nations. [Sidenote: The meanes of increase of
+the power of the Muscouite.] The which as we haue written afore, so now we
+write againe to your Maiesty that we know and feele of a surety, the
+Moscouite, enemy to all liberty vnder the heauens, dayly to grow mightier
+by the increase of such things as he brought to the Naure, while not onely
+wares but also weapons heretofore vnknowen to him, and artificers and arts
+be brought vnto him: by meane whereof he maketh himselfe strong to vanquish
+all others. Which things, as long as this voyage to Narue is vsed, can not
+be stopped. And we perfectly know your Maiesty can not be ignorant how
+great the cruelty is of the said enemy, of what force he is, what tyranny
+he vseth on his subiects, and in what seruile sort they be under him. We
+seemed hitherto to vanquish him onely in this, that he was rude of arts,
+and ignorant of policies. If so be that this nauigation to the Naure
+continue, what shall be vnknowen to him? Therefore we that know best, and
+border vpon him, do admonish other Christian princes in time, that they do
+not betray their dignity, liberty and life of them and their subiects to a
+most barbarous and cruell enemy, as we can no lesse do by the duty of a
+Christian prince. For now we do foresee, except other princes take this
+admonition, the Moscuite puffed vp in pride with those things that he
+brought to the Narue, and made more perfect in warlike affaires with
+engines of warre and shippes, will make assault this way on Christendome,
+to slay or make bound all that shall withstand him: which God defend. With
+which our admonition diuers princes already content themselues, and
+abstaine from the Narue. The others that will not abstaine from the sayd
+voyage shalbe impeached by our nauie, and incurre the danger of losse of
+life, liberty, wife and children. Now therefore if the subiects of your
+Maiesty will forbeare this voyage to Narue, there shalbe nothing denied to
+them of vs. Let your Maiesty well weigh and consider the reasons and
+occasions of our stopping of ships going to the Narue. In which stopping,
+our subiects of Danske be in no fault, as we haue already written to your
+Maiesty, neither vse we their counsell in the same. In any other matter, if
+there be any fault in them against your Maiesty or your subiects, we will
+gladly do iustice vpon them, that your Maiesty may well vnderstand that we
+be careful of you and your subiects. Neither thinke we it meet to take
+Hamburgh, or any other place to iudge the matter: for we have our councell
+and iudgement seat at Rie, where your Maiesty and your subiects, or any
+other shal haue iustice administred vnto them, with whom we haue had
+ancient league and amity. And thus much we haue thought good to let your
+Maiesty vnderstand. Fare ye well. Dated the sixt of December the 39 of our
+reigne. [Footnote: A.D. 1559]
+
+Sigismundus Augustus Rex.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Queenes Maiesties Letters to the Emperour of Russia, requesting
+  licence, and safe conduct for M. Anthony Ienkinson to passe thorow his
+  kingdome of Russia, into Persia, to the Great Sophie, 1561.
+
+ELIZABETHA Dei gratia, Angliae, &c. Regina, serenissimo et potentissimo
+principi, D. Ioanni Basiliuich, Imperatori totius Russiæ, Magno Duci, &c.
+Salutem, et omnium rerum prosperarum foelicissimum incrementum.
+Potentissime Princeps, res est nobis ad memorandum longè gratissima, illa
+vestræ Maiestatis erga nos et nostros amicitia. Quæ tempore foelicissimæ
+memoriæ Regis Edwardi sexti, fratris nostri charissimi, Dei benignitate
+incepta, deinceps verò vestra non solùm singulari humanitate alta atque
+fota, sed incredibili etiam bonitate aucta atque cumulata, nunc autem
+omnibus beneuolentiæ vestræ officijs sic firmata est atque constabilita, vt
+iam minimè dubitemus, quin ea ad laudem Dei, ad gloriam vtriusque nostrum,
+ad publicam nostrorum vtrobique regnorum immensam commoditatem, ad priuatam
+singulorum vtrinque subditorum optatam spem, certàmque foelicitatem multis
+sit deinceps seculis duratura. Et quanquam hæc vestra bonitas, plenissimè
+sese effudit in omnes nostros subditos, qui sese in ullas imperij vestri
+partes vnquam receperunt, (pro qua ingentes nostras, vt par est, gratias
+vestræ Maiestati habemus, vestrísque vicissim in omni opportunitatis loco
+libentissimè feremus) tamen abundantia benignitatis vestræ, in accipiendo,
+támque humanitèr tractando nostrum fidelem et perdilectum famulum Antonium
+Ienkinson, qui has perfert literas, seorsim nobis gratissima existit. Nam
+præterquam quòd nullis non locis vestri Imperij et magna libertate, et
+summa humanitate vestræ serenitatis non permissu solùm, sed iussu etiam
+frueretur, vestra bonitas tamen non in hac domestica benignè feciendi
+ratione conquieuit, sed perlibentèr et vltrò eundum nostrum hunc
+perdilectum famulum, varijs exteris princibus, quoquouersus ipse iter suum
+instituerat, literis suis, suo magno Imperiali sigillo consignatis
+commendauit. Quod beneficium illi vbiuis gentium, et viam sine vllo
+periculo, propter publicam vestram fidem, et aduentum cum magno fauore,
+propter vestram commendationem, optatè quidem et foeliciter communiuit
+Itaque quemadmodum gemina hæc vestra beneuolentia, cum illa generalis
+exhibita in vestro regno negotiantibus subditis nostris vniuersis, tum ista
+seorsim præstita huic Antonio Ienkinson, perfideli nostro famulo, nobis in
+mente non solùm ad gratam perpetuamque memoriam, verùm etiam ad mutuam, vel
+opportunam compensationem, firmissimè defixa est: ita, petimus à vestra
+Maiestate vt vtramque beneuolentiæ vestræ rationem et communem nostris
+vniuersis, et priuatam huic nostro dilecto famulo, vtrisque deinceps
+dignetur tueri, atque conseruare. Neque nos quidem diffidemus, quin quem
+fauorem vestra Maiestas anteà sua sponte Antonio Ienkinson, tum quidem
+priuato ostendit, eundem nunc nostra rogatu eidem Antonio in nostrum iam
+famulatum cooptato benignè velit denuò declarere. Et proptereà petimus à
+vestra Maiestate, vt dignetur iterum concedere eidem nostro famulo literas
+suas commeatus, publicæ fidei, ac saluiconductus, quarum tenore,
+authoritate, atque præsidio, sit illi, familiaribus suis, et seruis, tutum,
+liberumque, cum mercibus, sarcinis, equis, et bonis suis vniuersis,
+inuehendis euehendísque, per vestra regna, domicilia, atque prouincias,
+proficisci, ire, transire, redire, abire, et istic morari, quandiu
+placuerit, et inde recedere quandocunque illi aut suis libitum fuerit. Et
+sicut non dubitamus, quin vestra Maiestas hæc omnia humanitatis grata
+officia, pro immensa bonitate suæ naturæ benignè et largiter huic famulo
+nostro sit concessura ita valdè optamus, adeóque petimus, vt vestra
+Maiestas eodem nostrum famulum, vnà cum omnibus suis familiaribus, ac
+bonis, exteris alijs principibus literis suis dignetur commendare,
+presertim verò atque seorsim Magno Sophi, Persarum Imperatori, in cuius
+etiam imperia et ditiones idem noster famulus gratia potissimè experiundi
+peregrina, commercia, proficisci vnà cum suis constituit.
+
+Confidimus igitur hæc omnia nostra postulata pro famuli spe, pro nostra
+expectatione, pro vestra bonitate, pro nostrorum utrinque subditorum
+commoditate, fausta illi, grata nobis, acccpta etiam vestræ Maiestati, et
+nostris vtrobíque perquam vtilia euasura. Deus vestræ Maiestatis, &c. Datum
+in celeberrima nostra Ciuitate Londini, anno mundi 5523. Domini ac Dei
+nostri Iesu Christi 1561. regnorum verò nostrorum tertio.
+
+
+The same in English
+
+Elizabeth by the grace of God, Queene of England, &c. to the right
+excellent, and right mightie Prince, Lord Iohn Basiliwich, Emperour of all
+Russia, &c. greeting, and most happie increase in all prosperitie. Right
+mightie Prince, the amitie of your Maiestie towards vs and our subiects is
+very pleasant to vs to be remembred, which being begun by the goodnesse of
+God in the reigne of our most deare brother of happie memorie, King Edward
+the sixt, and afterwards, through your not onely singular humanitie, fed,
+and nourished, but also through your incredible goodnesse increased, and
+augmented, is now firmed and established, with all maner of tokens of your
+beneuolence, that now we doubt not, but that from hencefoorth, during many
+ages, the same shall endure to the praise of God, to both our glories, to
+the publike great commoditie of our Realmes on either part, and to the
+priuate desired hope; and certeine felicitie of all our subiects. And
+although that this your goodnesse hath bene abundantly extended to all our
+subiects that have at any time repaired into any part of your Empire, for
+the which wee giue (as reason is) your Maiestie right heartie thanks, and
+will againe shew the like vnto yours, right willingly, whensoeuer
+opportunitie shall require: yet the abundance of your benignitie both in
+receiuing, and also in enterteining our faithfull and beloued seruant,
+Anthonie Ienkinson, the bringer of these our letters, is vnto vs for him
+priuately very thankefull. For besides this, that in all places of your
+Empire, he not onely by your Maiesties sufferance, but also by your
+commandement, enioyed much libertie, and great friendship, your goodnesse
+not ceasing in this your domesticall disposition of clemencie, did right
+willingly, and of your owne abundant grace, commend the same our
+well-beloued seruant, by your letters sealed with your Imperiall seale, to
+sundrie forren Princes, vnto whom he was minded to iourney: which your
+magnificence did purchase unto him happily, according to his desire, both
+passage without all perill, through your notable credit, and also
+atchieuing of his iourney through your commendation. Therefore like as
+these your duplicated beneuolences, both that one generally exhibited to
+all our subiects frequenting that your Realme, and also this the other
+extended apart to this our right faithfull seruant Anthonie Ienkinson, is
+right assuredly fastened in our remembrance, not onely for a perpetuall and
+gratefull memorial, but also for a mutuall and meet compensation: so we
+desire of your Maiestie, to vouchsafe from hencefoorth to conserue and
+continue the geminate disposition of your beneuolences, both generally to
+all our subiects, and also priuately to this, our beloued seruant. And we
+doubt not, but that at our request, you will againe graciously shew vnto
+the same Anthony, now admitted into our seruice, the like favor as
+heretofore your Maiesty of your meere motion did exhibite vnto him, being
+then a priuate person. And therefore we desire your Maiesty eftsones to
+grant to the same our seruant, your letters of licence, pasport, and safe
+conduct, through the tenour, authority, and helpe whereof, he, his
+seruants, together with their merchandises, baggages, horses, and goods
+whatsoeuer, that shall be brought in, or carried out, by or thorow all your
+empire, kingdome, dominions, and provinces, may surely and freely iourney,
+go, passe, repasse, depart, and there tary so long as it shall please him:
+and from thence returne whensoeuer it shall seeme good to him or his: and
+as we doubt not, but that your Maiesty in the goodnesse of your nature will
+graciously and abundantly grant all these good offices of humanity, so we
+do heartily desire that your Maiesty wil likewise vouchsafe to commend the
+same our seruant, together with all his goods, by your letters to other
+forren Princes, and especially to the great Sophy, and Emperour of Persia,
+into whose empire and iurisdictions the same our seruant purposeth with his
+for to iourney, chiefly for triall of forren merchandises.
+
+We therefore doe trust that all these our demands shall tend, and haue
+effect, according to the hope of our seruant, and to our expectation, for
+your wealth, for the commodity of both our subiects, lucky to him,
+thankefull to vs, acceptable to your Maiesty, and very profitable to our
+subiects on either part. God grant vnto your Maiesty long and happy
+felicity in earth, and euerlasting in heauen. Dated in our famous city of
+London the 25 day of the moneth of April, in the yeere of the creation of
+the world 5523, and of our Lord God Iesus Christ 1561, and of our reigne
+the third.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Queenes Maiesties Letters to the great Sophy of Persia, sent by M.
+  Anthonie Ienkinson. 1561.
+
+ELizabetha Dei gratia, Angliæ, Franciæ, et Hiberniæ Regina, &c.
+Potentissimo, et inuictissimo Principi, Magno Sophi Persarum, Medorum,
+Parthorum, Hircanorum, Carmanorum, Margianorum, populorum ris et vltrà
+Tygrim fluuium, et omnium intra Mare Caspium, et Persicum sinum nationum
+atque Gentium Imperatori salutem, et rerum prosperarum foelicissimum
+incrementum. Summi Dei benignitate factum est, vt quas gentes, non solum
+immensa terrarum spacia, et insuperabiles marium vastitates sed et ipsi
+etiam cælorum cardines longissimè disiunxerunt, ipsæ tamen literarum bono
+et mentis certa cogitata, et humanitatis grata officia, et intelligentiæ
+mutuæ multa commoda facilè inter se et opportunè possint communicare.
+Itaque cùm perdilectus, et fidelis noster famulus Antonius Ienkinson, qui
+has literas nostras perfert, cum bona venia, fauore, et gratia nostra hoc
+Angliæ nostræ regnum excedere, et in Persiam vsque, vestrásque alias
+ditiones Dei benignitate penetrare constituerit, hoc illius institutum
+perlaudabile quidem grato nostro fauore prosequi, et promouere studuimus:
+id quod eo nos libentius facimus, quoniam hoc eius propositum ex honesto
+studio commercij constituendi potissimum cùm vestris subditis, alijsque
+peregrinis hominibus, ad vestra regna confluentibus, omninò exortum sit.
+Propterea nobis et scribendum ad vestram Maiestatem, ab eaque petendum esse
+duximus, vt nostro rogatu dignetur concedere huic famulo nostro Antonio
+Ienkinson literas publicæ fidei et salui conductus, quarum authoritate
+atque præsidio, licitum, liberúmque sit illi, vnà cum suis familiaribus,
+seruis, sarcinis, mercibus et bonis vniuersis, per vestra regna, domicilia,
+ditiones, atque prouincias liberè, et sine impedimento proficisci, ire,
+transire, redire, abire, et istic morari, quamdiu placuerit, et inde
+recedere, quandocunque illi vel suis lubitum fuerit. Si hæc sancta
+hospitalitis iura et duleia communis humanitatis officia, inter nos, nostra
+regna nostrósque subditos libentèr constitui, sincerè coli, et constanter
+conseruari queant, speramus nos, Deum Optimum Maximum effecturum, vt ab
+hijs paruis initijs, grandiora rerum momenta, nobis ad magna ornamenta
+atque decus nostris ad summa commoda atque vsus, aliquando sint oritura:
+siquidem, vt non, terra, non mare, non coelum, ad nos longissimè sperandos
+quàm diuina ratio communis humanitatis, et mutuæ beneuolentiæ ad nos
+firmissimè coniungendos plus virium habuisse videatur. Deus salutem omnem,
+et foelicem in terris, et perpetuam in coelis, vestræ concedat Maiestati.
+Datum in Anglia, in celebri nostra vrbe Londino, 25 die mensis Aprilis,
+anno mundi 5523. Domini ac Dei nostri Iesu Christi, 1561, regnorum vero
+nostrorum tertio.
+
+
+The same in English.
+
+[Sidenote: This letter was also written in Hebrew and Italian.] Elizabeth
+by the grace of God, Queene of England, &c. To the right mightie, and right
+victorious Prince, the great Sophie, Emperour of the Persians, Medes,
+Parthians Hircans, Carmanians, Margians, of the people on this side, and
+beyond the river of Tygris, and of all men, and nations, betweene the
+Caspian sea, and the gulfe of Persia, greeting and most happie increase in
+all prosperitie. By the goodness of the Almightie God it is ordeined, that
+those people which not onely the huge distance of the lands, and the
+inuincible widenesse of the seas, but also the very quarters of the heavens
+do most farre separate, and set asunder, may neuerthelesse through good
+commendation by writing, both ease, and also communicate betweene them, not
+onely the conceiued thoughts, or deliberations, and gratefull offices of
+humanitie, but also many commodities of mutuall intelligence. Therefore
+whereas our faithfull, and right wellbeloued seruant Anthonie Ienkinson,
+bearer of these our letters, is determined with our licence, fauor, and
+grace, to passe out of this our Realme, and by Gods sufferance to trauell
+euen into Persia, and other your iurisdictions; we minde truely with our
+good favour to set forward, and aduance that his right laudable purpose:
+and that the more willingly, for that this his enterprise is only grounded
+upon an honest intent to establish trade of merchandise with your subiects,
+and with other strangers traffiking in your realmes. Wherfore we haue
+thought good, both to write to your Maiestie, and also to desire the same,
+to vouchsafe at our request, to grant to our sayd seruant, Anthonie
+Ienkinson, good passports and safe conducts, by meanes and authoritie
+wherof, it may be free and lawfull for him, together with his familiars,
+seruants, cariages, merchandise, and goods whatsoeuer, thorow your Realmes,
+Dominions, Iurisdictions, and Prouinces, freely, and without impeachment,
+to iourney, go, passe, repasse, and tarry so long as he shall please and
+from thence to retourne whensoeuer he or they shall thinke good. If these
+holy dueties of entertainment, and sweet offices of naturall humanitie may
+be willingly concluded, sincerely embraced, and firmly obserued between vs,
+and our Realmes, and subiects, then we do hope that the Almightie God will
+bring it to passe, that of these small beginnings, greater moments of
+things shall hereafter spring, both to our furniture and honours, and also
+to the great commodities, and vse of our peoples: so it will be knowen that
+neither the earth, the seas, nor the heauens, haue so much force to
+separate vs, as the godly disposition of naturall humanity, and mutual
+beneuolence haue to ioyne vs strongly together. God grant vnto your
+Maiestie long and happy felicity in earth, and perpetuall in heauen. Dated
+in England in our famous citie of London, the 25 day of the moneth of
+April, in the yere of the creation of the world 5523, and of our Lord and
+God Iesus: Christ, 1561, and of our reigne the third.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A remembrance giuen by vs the Gouernours, Consuls, and Assistants of the
+  company of Merchants trading into Russia, the eight day of May 1561, to
+  our trustie friend Anthonie Ienkinson, at his departure towards Russia,
+  and so to Persia, in this our eight iourney.
+
+First you shall vnderstand that we haue laden in our good ship, called the
+Swallow, one Chest, the keyes whereof we doe heere deliuer you, and also a
+bill, wherein are written particularly the contents in the sayd Chest, and
+what euery thing did cost: and because, as you know, the sayd Chest is of
+charge, we desire you to haue a speciall regard vnto it, and when God shall
+send you vnto Mosco, our mindes and will is, that you, with the aduise of
+our Agents there, doe appoint some such presents for the Emperour and his
+sonne, either wine, cloth of golde, scarlet, or plate, as to your good
+discretion shall be thought meet, and when you haue deliuercd vnto him the
+Queenes Maiesties letters and our sayd present in the name of the Company,
+we thinke it good that you make your humble sute vnto his Highnesse in our
+name, to get his licence or safe conduct for you and all other our seruants
+or Agents at all times hereafter with such wares and merchandise as you at
+this time, or they hereafter at all other times shall thinke good to passe
+out of his dominions towards Tartaria, Persia, or other places, and also to
+retourne vnto Mosco with such wares and merchandises as you shall bring or
+send from any land or countrey that is not in his dominions, and if it be
+thought good by you and our Agents there to make composition with the
+emperor or his officers for some certeine custome or tole vpon such goods
+as we shall passe that way, to the intent we might be the better fauored,
+we refer it to your discretion, foreseeing that the opening of this matter
+be not preiudiciall vnto our former priuileges.
+
+And for the sale of our cloth of gold, plate, pearles, saphyres, and other
+iewels, we put our trust and confidence in you principally to sell them for
+ready money, time to good debtors, or in barter for good wares, so that you
+make our other Agents priuy how and for what price you sell any of the
+premisses, and also deliver such sums of money, billes or wares, as you
+shall receiue, vnto our said Agents: thinking good further, that if you
+perceiue that the plate or other iewels, or any part thereof will not be
+sold for profit before your departure from the Mosco, that then you cause
+them to be safe-packed, and set order they may be sent hither againe in our
+shippes the next yere; except you perceiue that there may be some profit in
+carrying some part of them into Persia, which we would not to be of any
+great value.
+
+We have also laden in the sayd Swallow and the other two ships 80 fardles,
+conteining 400 kersies, as by youre inuoice doth appeare, which fardles be
+packed, and appointed to be caried into Persia: neuerthelesse, if you
+chance to finde good sales for them in the Mosco, we thinke it were good to
+sell part of them there, and to cary the lesse quantity with you, because
+we be vncertaine what vent or sale you shall find in Persia or other places
+where you shall come.
+
+If you obtaine the Emperours licence to passe out of his dominions, and to
+returne, as aforesaid, and that you perceiue you may safely do the same,
+our minde is, that at such time as you thinke best and most conuenient for
+that purpose, you do apppoint so many, and such of our hired seruants or
+apprentices as you thinke necessary and meet for our affaires, and may best
+be spared, to go with you in your said voyage, whereof we would one to be
+such as you might make priuy of all your doings for diuers considerations
+and causes that may happen: which seruants and apprentises, we will and
+command, by this our remembrance, to be obedient vnto you as vnto vs, not
+onely to goe with you and to doe such things as you command them in your
+presence, but also to goe vnto such countreys or places as you shall
+appoint them vnto, either with wares or without wares and there to remaine
+and continue so long as you shall thinke good, and if they or any of them
+will refuse to do such things as you do appoint them, as aforesaid, or that
+any of them (be he hired seruant or apprentise) do misuse himselfe by any
+maner of disobedience or disorder, and will not by gentle and faire meanes
+be reformed, we will that you send him backe to the Mosco, with straight
+order that he may be sent from thence hither, aad let vs haue knowledge of
+his euill behauior, to the intent that if he be a hired seruant we may pay
+him his wages according to his seruice, and if he be an apprentise we may
+vse him according to his deserts.
+
+We will also that you take with you such kersies, scarlet, and other
+clothes, or any other such wares of ours, as you shall thinke good, and so
+in the name of God to take your iourney towards Persia, either by the way
+of Astracan and Mare Caspium, or otherwise as you shall see cause: and when
+God sendeth you into Persia, our minde is, that you repaire vnto the great
+Sophy with the Queenes Maiesties letters, if he be not too farre from the
+Caspian sea for you to trauell, and that you make him such a present as you
+shall thinke meet, and if you passe by any other kings, princes, or
+gouernors, before or after you come to the presence of the Sophy, likewise
+to make them some present, as you see cause, according to their estate and
+dignitie, and withall to procure letters of priuilege or safeconduct of the
+sayd Sophy or other princes in as large and ample maner as you can, for the
+sure establishing of further trade in merchandise by vs heereafter to be
+made, frequented and continued in those parts, not onely that we may freely
+sell in all places within his dominions such wares as we cary thither, but
+also buy and bring away any maner of wares or merchandise whatsoeuer it be,
+that is for our purpose and commoditie within his dominions, with free
+passage also for vs at all times, to passe as often as we will with our
+goods and merchandise into any part of India or other countreys thereunto
+adioyning, and in like maner to returne thorow his dominions into Russia or
+elswhere.
+
+And for the sale of our kersies or other wares that you shall haue with
+you, as our trust is that you will doe for our most profit and commoditie:
+euen so we referre all vnto your good discretion, as well in the sale of
+our sayd goods, as to make our returne in such things as you shall finde
+there, and thinke best for our profit. [Sidenote: The passage of Noua
+Zembla.] But if passage cannot be had into Persia by Astracan, or
+otherwise, the next Summer, which shalbe in the yere 1562, then our minde
+is, that you procure to sell our kersies, and other such wares as are
+appointed for Persia, in the Mosco, or other the Emperours dominions, if
+you may sell them for any reasonable price, and then to employ your selfe
+with such other of your seruants, as you shall thinke meet for the search
+of the passage by Noua Zembla, or els you to returne for England as you
+thinke good. Prouided alwayes, that if you do perceiue or vnderstand, that
+passage is like to be had into Persia the Summer folowing, which shalbe in
+the yeere 1563, and that you can not sell our kersies in the Emperours
+dominions, as aforesayd, at a reasonable price: then we will rather they
+may be kept till the said Summer in the yeere 1563, and then you to proceed
+forwards vpon your iourney towards Persia as aforesayd. If passage into
+Persia cannot be obteined the next yeere, neither good hope of passage in
+the yeere 1563, neither yet in the meane time good sale of our kersies in
+the Emperours dominions then we thinke good for you to see if you can
+practise to carry your said wares by safe conduct thorow Polonia or any
+other wayes vnto Constantinople, or els where you thinke beter sale may he
+had, then in Russia.
+
+Thus haue we giuen you to vnderstand our meanings in this intended
+aduenture; but forasmuch as we do consider and know that if we should
+prescribe vnto you any certaine way, or direct order what you should doe,
+we might so worke cleane contrary to our purpose and intent: therefore
+knowing your approved wisedome with your experience, and also your carefull
+and diligent minde in the atchieuing and bringing to good successe (by the
+helpe of almighty God) all things that you take in hand, we doe commit our
+whole affaires concerning the said aduenture wholly vnto your good
+discretion, praying God so to prosper you as may be first for his glory,
+secondly for the honour and commoditie of this realme and next for our
+profit, with the increase of your good name for euer.
+
+And yet further desiring, and also most earnestly requiring you, as you
+tender the state of our company, that you will haue a speciall regard vnto
+the order of our houses and our seruants as well at Colmogro and Vologda,
+as at Mosco and to see and consider if any misorder be amongst our seruants
+or apprentises wherby you thinke we might hereafter be put to hinderance or
+losse of any part of our goods or priuilege there, that you doe not onely
+see the same reformed, but also to certifie vs thereof by your letter at
+large, as our trust is in you.
+
+[Sidenote: Weight and drugs deliuered to M. Ienkinson.] And for the better
+knowledge to be had in the prices and goodnes of such things as we do
+partly suppose you shall finde in the partes of Russia, we doe heerewith
+deliuer you a quantitie of certeine drugges, wherby you may perceiue how to
+know the best, and also there are noted the prices of such wares and
+drugges as be heere most vendible: also we deliuer you herewith one pound
+and one ounce weight in brasse, to the end, that you may therby, and with
+the bill of prices of wares, know what things be worth here. As for the
+knowledge of silks, we need not to giue you any instructions thereof, other
+than you know.
+
+And if you vnderstand that any commoditie in Russia be profitable for vs to
+haue with you in Persia or other places, our minde is that our Agents shall
+either prouide it for you, or deliuer you money to make prouision your
+selfe. [Sidenote: The maine sea within thirtie days of Colmogro.] And
+because the Russes say that in traueiling Eastwardes from Colmogro thirty
+or forty dayes iourney, there is the maine sea to be found, we think that
+Richard Iohnson might imploy his time that way by land, and to be at Mosco
+time enough to goe with you into Persia: for if it be true that he may
+trauell to the sea that way, and that he may know how many miles it is
+towards the East from Colmogro, it will be a great helpe for vs to finde
+out the straight and passage that way, if any be there to be had.
+
+
+William Gerard.
+Thomas Lodge.
+William Merike.
+Blase Sanders.
+
+Gouernors.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A compendious and briefe declaration of the iourney of M. Anth. Ienkinson,
+  from the famous citie of London into the land of Persia, passing in this
+  same iourney thorow Russia, Moscouia, and Mare Caspium, alias Hircanum,
+  sent and imployed therein by the right worshipfull Societie of the
+  Merchants Aduenturers, for discouerie of Lands, Islands, &c. Being begun
+  the fourteenth day of May, Anno 1561, and in the third yere of the reigne
+  of the Queenes Maiestie that now is: this present declaration being
+  directed and written to the foresayd Societie.
+
+First imbarking my selfe in a good shippe of yours, named the Swallow, at
+Grauesend, hauing a faire and good winde, our anker then weyed, and
+committing all to the protection of our God, hauing in our sailing
+diuersitie of windes, and thereby forced to direct and obserue sundry
+courses (not here rehearsed, because you haue bene thereof heretofore amply
+informed) on the fourteenth day of Iuly, the yere aforesayd I arriued the
+bay of S. Nicholas in Russia: and the sixe and twentieth day of the same
+moneth, after conference then had with your Agents there, concerning your
+worships affaires, I departed from thence, passing thorow the countrey of
+Vago, and on the eight day of August then following, I came to Vologda,
+which is distant from Colmogro, seuen hundred miles, where I remained foure
+dayes, attending the arriual of one of your boats, wherein was laden a
+chest of iewels with the present, by your worships appointed for the
+Emperors Maiesty: [Sidenote: The Queenes letters to the Emperour of
+Russia.] which being arriued, and the chest receiued, I therewith departed
+toward the city of Mosco, and came thither the twentieth day of the same
+moneth, where I immediately caused my comming to be signified vnto the
+Secretary of the Imperiall Maiesty, with the Queenes Highnesse letters
+address vnto the same his Maiestie, who informed the Emperour thereof. But
+his Highnesse hauing great affaires, and being at that present ready to be
+married vnto a Ladie of Chircassi, of the Mahometicall law, commanded that
+no stranger, Ambassadour, nor other, should come before him for a time with
+further streight charge, that during the space of three dayes that the same
+solemne feast was celebratine the gates of the citie should be shut, and
+that no person, stranger or natiue (certeine of his houshold reserued)
+should come out of their said houses during the said triumph, the cause
+thereof vnto this day not being knowen.
+
+The sixt of September following, the Emperour made a great feast, whereunto
+were called all Ambassadours and strangers being of reputation, and hauing
+affaires: amongst whom I was one, but being willed by the Secretary first
+to come, and to shew him the Queenes Maiesties letters, I refused so to
+doe, saying I would deliuer the same unto the Emperours owne hands: and not
+otherwise: which heard the Secretarie answered, that vnlesse he might first
+peruse the sayd letters, I should not come into the Emperors presence, so
+that I was not at the feast. Neuerthelesse, I was aduertised by a noble man
+that I was inquired for by the Emperours Maiestie, although the cause of my
+absence was to his Maiestie vnknowen. The next day following, I caused a
+supplication to be made, and presented it to his Highnesse owne hands, and
+thereby declared the cause of my comming, signified by the Queenes
+Maiesties letters, and the answere of his sayd Secretary, most humbly
+beseeching his Grace that he would receiue and accept the same her
+Highnesse letters, with such honour and friendship, as his letters sent by
+Osep Napea were receiued by the hands of our late Souereigne Lady Queene
+Mary, or els that it would please his Highnes to dismisse me, saying that I
+would not deliuer the said letters but vnto his owne hands, for that it is
+so vsed in our countrey. Thus the matter being pondered, and the effect of
+my supplication well digested, I was foorthwith commaunded to come with the
+said letters before his Maiestie, and so deliuered the same into his owne
+hands (with such presents as by you were appointed) according to my
+request, which were gratefully accepted, and the same day I dined in his
+Grace's presence, with great entertainment. [Sidenote: Request to passe
+into Persia thorow Moscovie] Shortly after, I desired to know whether I
+should be licenced to passe thorow his Highnesse dominions into the land of
+Persia, according to the Queenes Maiesties request: hereunto it was
+answered, that I should not passe thither, for that his Maiestie meant to
+send an armie of men that way into the land of Chircassi, whereby my
+iourney should be both dangerous and troublesome, and that if I should
+perish therein, it would be much to his Graces dishonour, but he doubted
+other matters, although they were not expressed. Thus hauing received his
+answere, neither to my expectation, nor yet contentation, and there
+remaining a good part of the yere, hauing in that time solde the most part
+of your kerses and other wares appointed for Persia, when the time of the
+yeere required to returne for England, I desired passport, and post horses
+for money, which was granted, [Sidenote: Osep Napea, Ambassadour from the
+Emperor of Russia to Queen Mary.] but hauing received my passport, ready to
+depart, there came unto our house there Osep Napea, who perswaded me that I
+should not depart that day, saying that the Emperor was not truely
+informed, imputing great fault to the frowardnesse of the Secretary, who
+was not my friend: before whom comming againe the next day, and finding the
+same Secretary and Osep Napea together, after many allegations and
+obiections of things, and perceiuing that I would depart, I was willed to
+remaine vntill the Emperours Maiestie were spoken with againe touching my
+passage: wherewith I was content, and within three dayes after sending for
+me, he declared that the Emperours pleasure was, that I should not onely
+passe thorow his dominions into Persia, but also haue his Graces letters of
+commendations to forren princes, with certaine his affaires committed to my
+charge, too long here to rehearse: [Sidenote: An Ambassador of Persia.]
+whereupon I appointed my selfe for the voyage, and the 15 day of March, the
+yeere aforesaid, I dined againe in his Maiesties presence in company of an
+Ambassadour of Persia and others, and receiuing a cup of drinke at his
+Maiesties hands, I tooke my leaue of his Highnesse, who did not only giue
+me letters, as aforesayd, but also committed matter of importance and
+charge vnto me, to be done when I should arrive in those countreys whither
+I intended to go, [Sidenote: Astracan.] and hauing all things in readinesse
+for the same voyage, I departed from the city of Mosco the 27 day of April
+1561, downe by the great riuer of Volga, in company of the said Ambassadour
+of Persia, with whom I had great friendship and conference all the way
+downe the same riuer vnto Astracan, where we arriued all in health the 10
+day of Iune.
+
+And as touching the situations of the cities, townes, castles and
+countreys, aswell of Mahometans as also of Gentils adioyning to the same,
+whereby I passed from Mosco vnto Astracan, I omit in this breuiat to
+rehearse, for that I heretofore haue declared the same most amply vnto you
+in my voyage to Boghar. [Sidenote: M. Ienkinsons voyage to Boghar.] Thus
+being arriued at Astracan, as is aforesayd, I repaired vnto the captaine
+there, vnto whom I was commended from the Emperours Maiesty, with great
+charge that he not only should ayd and succor me with all things needfull
+during my abode there, but also to safeconduct me with 50 gunners well
+appointed in two stroogs or brigantines into the Caspian sea, vntill I had
+passed certaine dangerous places which pirats and rouers accustome to
+haunt, and hauing prepared my barke for the sea, the Ambassador of Persia
+being before departed in a barke of his owne the 15 day of Iuly, the yeere
+aforesayd, I and my company tooke our voyage from the sayd Astracan,
+[Sidenote: He passeth the Caspian Sea.] and the next day at a West sunne,
+passed the mouth of the said riuer being twenty miles distant, lying next
+Southeast. The 18 at a Southwest Sunne, we passed by three Islands being
+distant nine miles from the said mouth of Volga, and Southsouthwest from
+thence, sailing Southsouthwest the next day, at a West and by North sun we
+fel with the land called Challica Ostriua, being foure round Islands
+together, distant from the said three Islands forty miles. [Sidenote: The
+countrey of Tumen.] From thence sailing the said course the next day, we
+had sight of a land called Tuke, in the countrey of Tumen, where pirats and
+rouers do vse: for feare of whom we haled off into the sea due East forty
+miles, and fell vpon shallowes out of the sight of land, and there were
+like to haue perished, escaping most hardly: [Sidenote: The Island of
+Chatelet.] then the 22 day we had sight of a goodly Island called Chatalet,
+distant from the said Challica Ostriua an hundred miles, the wind being
+contrary, and a stiffe gale, we were not able to seize it: but were forced
+to come to an anker to the leeward of the same sixe miles off in three or
+foure fathom water, being distant from the maine land to the Westward of
+vs, which was called Skafcayl or Connyk a countrey of Mahometans, about
+miles, and so riding at two ankers a head, hauing no other prouision, we
+lost one of them, the storme and sea being growen very sore, and thereby
+our barke was so full of leaks, that with continuall pumping we had much
+adoe to keepe her aboue water, although we threw much of our goods
+ouerboord, with losse of our boat, and our selues thereby in great danger
+like to haue perished either in the sea or els vpon the lee shore, where we
+should haue fallen into the hands of those wicked infidels, who attended
+our shipwracke and surely it was very vnlike that we should haue escaped
+both the extremities, but onely by the power and mercy of God, for the
+storme continued seuen dayes, to wit, vntill the thirtieth day of the same
+moneth: [Sidenote: The Island of Shiruansha.] and then the winde comming vp
+at the West with faire weather, our anker weyed, and our saile displayed,
+lying South, the next day haling to the shore with a West sunne, we were
+nie a land called by the inhabitants Shryuansha, and there we came againe
+to an anker, hauing the winde contrary, being distant from the said
+Chatalet 150 miles, and there we continued untill the third day of August,
+[Sidenote: Derbent.] then hauing a faire winde, winding Southsoutheast, and
+sailing threescore miles, the next day at a Southeast sunne we arriued at a
+city called Derbent in the king of Hircans dominion, where comming to land,
+and saluting the captaine there with a present, he made to me and my
+company a dinner, and there taking fresh water I departed.
+
+[Sidenote: A mighty wall.] This city of Derbent is an ancient towne hauing
+an olde castle therein, being situated vpon an hill called Castow, builded
+all of free stone much after our building, the walles very high and thicke,
+and was first erected by king Alexander the great, when he warred against
+the Persians and Medians, and then hee made a wall of a woonderfull height
+and thicknesse, extending from the same city to the Georgians, yea vnto the
+principall city thereof named Tewflish, [Marginal note: Or, Tiphlis.] which
+wall though it now be rased, or otherwise decayed, yet the foundation
+remaineth, and the wall was made to the intent that the inhabitants of that
+countrey then newly conquered by the said Alexander should not lightly
+flee, nor his enemies easily inuade. [Sidenote: Fortie one degrees] This
+city of Derbent being now vnder the power of the Sophy of Persia, bordereth
+vpon the sea, adioyning to the foresaid land of Shalfcall, in the latitude
+of 41 degrees. [Sidenote: Shabran.] From thence sailing Southeast and
+Southsoutheast about 80 miles, the sixt day of August, the yere aforesaid,
+we arriued at our landing place called Shabran, where my barke discharged:
+the goods layd on shore, and there being in my tent keeping great watch for
+feare of rouers, [Sidenote: Alean Murey the gouernour.] whereof there is
+great plenty, being field people, the gouernor of the said countrey named
+Alean Murey, comming vnto me, entertained me very gently, vnto whom giuing
+a present, he appointed for my safegard forty armed men to watch and ward
+me, vntill he might haue newes from the king of Shiruan. The 12 day of the
+same moneth newes did come from the king, with order that I should repaire
+vnto him with all speed: and for expedition, aswell camels to the number of
+fiue and forty to cary my goods, as also horses for me and my company were
+in readinesse, so that the goods laden, and taking my iourney from thence
+the said twelft day, on the 18 of the same moneth I came to a city called
+Shamaky, in the said countrey of Hircan, otherwise called Shiruan, and
+there the king hath a faire place, where my lodging being appointed, the
+goods were discharged: [Sidenote: King Obdolowcan.] the next day being the
+19 day, I was sent for to come to the king, named Obdolowcan, who kept his
+court at that time in the high mountaines in tents, distant from the said
+Shamaki twentie miles, to auoyd the iniury of the heat: and the 20 day I
+came before his presence, who gently interteined me, and hauing kissed his
+hands, he bad me to dinner, and commanded me to sit downe not farre from
+him. [Sidenote: The maiestie and attire of King Obdolowcan.] This king did
+sit in a very rich pauillion, wrought with silke and golde, placed very
+pleasantly, vpon a hill side, of sixteene fathom long, and sixe fathom
+broad, hauing before him a goodly fountaine of faire water; whereof he and
+his nobility did drinke, he being a prince of a meane stature, and of a
+fierce countenance, richly apparrelled with long garments of silke, and
+cloth of gold, imbrodred with pearles and stone: vpon his head was a
+tolipane with a sharpe ende standing vpwards halfe a yard long, of rich
+cloth of golde, wrapped about with a piece of India silke of twentie yards
+long, wrought with golde, and on the left side of his tolipane stood a
+plume of fethers, set in a trunke of golde richly inameled, and set with
+precious stones: his earerings had pendants of golde a handfull long, with
+two great rubies of great value, set in the ends thereof: all the ground
+within his pauilion was couered with rich carpets, and vnder himselfe was
+spred a square carpet wrought with siluer and golde, and thereupon was layd
+two suitable cushions. Thus the king with his nobility sitting in his
+pauilion with his legs acrosse, and perceiuing that it was painfull for me
+so to sit, his highnesse caused a stoole to be brought in, and did will me
+to sit thereupon, after my fashion. Dinner time then approching, diuers
+clothes were spred upon the ground, and sundry dishes serued, and set in a
+ranke with diuers kindes of meats, to the number of 140 dishes, as I
+numbred them, which being taken away with the table clothes, and others
+spred, a banket of fruits of sundry kindes, with other banketting meates,
+to the number of 150 dishes, were brought in: so that two seruices occupied
+290 dishes, and at the end of the sayd dinner and banket, the king said
+vnto me, Quoshe quelde, that is to say, Welcome: and called for a cup of
+water to be drawen at a fountaine, and tasting thereof, did deliuer me the
+rest, demanding how I did like the same, and whether there were so good in
+our countrey or not: vnto whom I answered in such sort, that he was
+therewith contented: then he proponed vnto me sundry questions, both
+touching religion, and also the state of our countreys, and further
+questioned whether the Emperor of Almaine, the Emperor of Russia, or the
+great Turke, were of most power, with many other things too long here to
+rehearse, to whom I answered as I thought most meet. [Sidenote: The Queenes
+letters to Sophy.] Then he demanded whether I intended to goe any further,
+and the cause of my comming: vnto that I answered that I was sent with
+letters from the Queenes most excellent Maiesty of England into the great
+Sophy, to intreat friendship and free passage, and for his safeconduct to
+be granted vnto English merchants to trade into his Segniories, with the
+like also to be granted to his subiects, when they should come into our
+countreys, to the honour and wealth of both realmes, and commodity of both
+their subiects, with diuers other words, which I omit to rehearse.
+[Sidenote: Casbin.] This sayd king much allowing this declaration sayd,
+that he would not onely giue me passage, but also men to safeconduct me
+vnto the sayd Sophy, lying from the foresayd citie of Shamaki thirty dayes
+iourney, vp into the land of Persia, at a castle called Casbin: so
+departing from the king at that time, within three dayes after, being the
+foure and twentieth day of August the yere aforesayd, he sent for me
+againe: vnto whom I repaired in the morning, [Sidenote: Multitude of
+concubines.] and the king not being risen out of his bed (for his maner is,
+that watching in the night, and then banketting with his women, being an
+hundred and forty in number, he sleepeth most in the day) did giue one
+commandement that I should ride on hawking with many Gentlemen of his
+Court, and that they should shew me so much game and pastime as might be:
+which was done, and many cranes killed. We returned from hawking about
+three of the clocke at the afternoone: the king then risen, and ready to
+dinner, I was inuited thereunto, and approaching nigh to the entring in of
+his tent, and being in his sight, two gentlemen incountered me with two
+garments of that countrey fashion, side, downe to the ground, the one of
+silke, and the other of silke and golde, sent vnto me from the king, and
+after that they caused me to put off my vpper garment, being a gowne of
+blacke veluet furred with Sables, they put the sayd two garments vpon my
+backe, and so conducted me vnto the king, before whom doing reuerence, and
+kissing his hand, he commanded me to sit not farre from him, and so I dined
+in his presence, he at the time being very mery, and demanding of me many
+questions, and amongst other, how I like the maner of their hawking. Dinner
+so ended, I required his highnesse safeconduct for to depart towards the
+Sophy, who dismissing me with great fauour, and appointing his Ambassadour
+(which returned out of Russia) and others, to safeconduct me, he gaue me at
+my departure a faire horse with all furniture, and custome free from thence
+with all my goods. So I returned to Shamaki againe, where I remained vntill
+the sixt of October, to prouide camels, horses, and other necessaries for
+my sayd intended iourney.
+
+[Sidenote: The description of Hircania.] But now before I proceed further,
+I purpose to write something of this countrey of Hircan, now called
+Shiruan, with the townes and commodities of the same. This countrey of
+Hircan in times past was of great renowne, hauing many cities, townes, and
+castles in it: and the kings thereof in time of antiquity were of great
+power, able to make wars with the Sophies of Persia: but now it is not
+onely otherwise (for that the cities, townes, and castles be decayed) but
+also the king is subiect to the sayd Sophie (although they haue their
+proper king) and be at the commandement of the sayd Sophy, who conquered
+them not many yeres passed, [Sidenote: Diversity in religion.] for their
+diuersity in religion, and caused not onely all the nobility and gentlemen
+of that countrey to be put to death, but also ouer and besides, rased the
+walles of the cities, townes, and castles of the said realme, to the intent
+that there should be no rebellion, [Sidenote: Barbarous cruelty.] and for
+their great terror, caused a turret of free stone and flints to be erected
+in the sayd city called Shamaki, and in a ranke of flints of the said
+turret, did set the heads of the sayd nobility and gentlemen, then
+executed. [Sidenote: The citie of Arrash or Erex.] This city is distant
+from the sea side, with camels seuen dayes iourney, but now the same being
+much decayed, and chiefly inhabited with Armenians, another city called
+Arrash, bordering vpon the Georgians, is the chiefest and most opulent in
+the trade of merchandise, and thereabouts is nourished the most abundant
+growth of raw silke, and thither the Turks, Syrians, and other strangers do
+resort and trafficke. [Sidenote: The commodities of this countrey.] There
+be also diuers good and necessary commodities to be prouided and had in
+this sayd realme: viz. galles rough and smooth, cotton wooll, allome, and
+raw silke of the naturall growth of that countrey: besides, nere all kinde
+of spices and drugges, and some other commodities, which are brought
+thither from out of East India, but in the lesse quantity, for that they be
+not assured to haue vent or vtterance of the same: but the chiefest
+commodities be there, raw silks of all sorts, whereof there is great
+plenty. [Sidenote: The strong castle of Gullistone defaced.] Not farre from
+the sayd city of Shamaki, there was an olde castle called Gullistone, now
+beaten downe by this Sophy, which was esteemed to be one of the strongest
+castles in the world, and was besieged by Alexander the great, long time
+before he could win it. And not farre from the sayd castle was a Nunry of
+sumptuous building, wherein was buried a kings daughter, named Ameleck
+Channa, who slew herselfe with a knife, for that her father would haue
+forced her (she professing chastity) to haue married with a king of
+Tartarie: vpon which occasion the maidens of that countrey do resort
+thither once euery yere to lament her death.
+
+Also in the sayd countrey there is an high hill called Quiquifs, vpon the
+toppe whereof (as it is commonly reported) did dwell a great Giant, named
+Arneoste, hauing vpon his head two great hornes, and eares, and eyes like a
+Horse, and a taile like a Cow. It is further sayd that this monster kept a
+passage thereby, vntill there came an holy man, termed Haucoir Hamshe, a
+kinseman to one of the Sophies, who mounted the sayd hill, and combating
+with the sayd Giant, did binde not onely him in chaines, but also his woman
+called Lamisache with his sonne named After: for which victory they of that
+countrey haue this holy man in great reputation, and the hill at this day
+(as it is bruited) sauoureth so ill, that no person may come nigh vnto it:
+but whether it be true or not, I referre it to further knowledge.
+
+[Sidenote: The towne of Yauate.] Now to returne to the discourse of the
+proceeding in my voyage, towards the great Sophie. The 6 of October in the
+yeere aforesayd, I with my company departed from Shamachi aforesaid, and
+hauing iourneyed threescore miles, came to a towne called Yauate, wherein
+the king hath a faire house with orchards and gardens well replenished with
+fruits of all sorts. By this towne passeth a great riuer called Cor, which
+springeth in the mountaines of the Georgians, and passing thorow the
+countrey of Hircania aforesayd, falleth into the Caspian or Hircan sea, at
+a place betweene two ancient townes called Shabran and Bachu, situate
+within the realme of Hircane, and from thence issueth further, passing
+thorow a fruitful countrey, inhabited with pasturing people, which dwell in
+the Summer season vpon mountaines, and in Winter they remooue into the
+valleyes without resorting to townes or any other habitation: and when they
+remooue, they doe iourney in carrauans or troops of people and cattell,
+carrying all their wiues, children and baggage vpon bullocks. [Sidenote:
+The city of Ardouil] Now passing this wilde people ten dayes iourney,
+comming into no towne or house, the sixteenth day of October we arriued at
+a citie called Ardouill, where we were lodged in an hospitall builded with
+faire stone, and erected by this Sophies father named Ismael, onely for the
+succour and lodging of strangers and other trauellers, wherein all men haue
+victuals and feeding for man and horse, for three dayes and no longer. This
+foresayd late prince Ismael lieth buried in a faire Meskit, with a
+sumptuous sepulchre in the same, which he caused to be made in his life
+time. This towne Ardouill is in the latitude of eight and thirtie degrees,
+an ancient citie in the prouince of Aderraugan, wherein the Princes of
+Persia are commonly buried: and there Alexander the great did keepe his
+Court when he inuaded the Persians. [Sidenote: The citie Tebris or Tauris]
+Foure dayes iourney to the Westward is the citie Tebris in olde time called
+Tauris, the greatest citie in Persia, but not of such trade of merchandise
+as it hath bene, or as others be at this time, by meane of the great
+inuasion of the Turke, who hath conquered from the Sophie almost to the
+sayd citie of Tauris, which the said Turke once sacked, and thereby caused
+the Sophie to forsake the same, and to keepe his court ten dayes iourney
+from thence, at the sayd citie of Casbin.
+
+The 21 day we departed from Ordowil aforesayd, trauelling for the most part
+ouer mountaines all in the night season, and resting in the day, being
+destitute of wood, and therefore were forced to vse for fewell the dung of
+horses and camels, which we bought deare of the pasturing people.
+[Sidenote: M. Ienkinsons arriuall at the Sophies court 2. Nouember, 1562.]
+Thus passing ten dayes iourney the yere aforesayd, the second day of
+Nouember we arriued at the foresaid citie of Casbin, where the saide Sophie
+keepeth his court, and were appointed to a lodging not farre from the kings
+pallace, and within two dayes after the Sophie commanded a prince called
+Shalli Murzy, sonne to Obdolowcan king of Shiruan aforesayd, to send for me
+to his house, who asked me in the name of the said Sophy how I did, and
+whether I were in health, and after did welcome me, and inuited me to
+dinner, whereat I had great enterteinment, and so from thence I returned to
+my lodging. The next day after I sent my interpreter vnto the Sophies
+Secretarie, declaring that I had letters directed from our most gracious
+Souereigne ladie the Queenes most excellent Maiestie of the Realme of
+England, vnto the sayd Sophy, and that the cause of my comming was
+expressed in the same letters, desiring that at conuenient time I might
+come into his Maiesties presence, who aduertising the Sophy thereof,
+shortly after answered me that there were great affaires in hand: which
+being finished, I should come before his presence, willing me in the meane
+time to make ready my present if I had any to deliuer.
+
+[Sidenote: The Turkes Ambassadour to the Sophie.] At this time the great
+Turkes Ambassadour arriued foure dayes before my comming, who was sent
+thither to conclude a perpetuall peace betwixt the same great Turke and the
+Sophie, and brought with him a present in golde, and faire horses with rich
+furnitures, and other gifts, esteemed to bee woorth forty thousand pound.
+And thereupon a peace was concluded with ioyfull feasts, triumphs and
+solemnities, corroborated with strong othes, by their law of Alkaron, for
+either to obserue the same, and to liue alwayes after as sworne brethren,
+ayding the one the other against all princes that should warre against
+them, or either of them. And upon this conclusion the Sophy caused the
+great Turkes sonne named Baiset Soltan, a valiant Prince (who being fled
+from his father vnto the Sophie, had remained in his Court the space of
+foure yeeres) to be put to death. In which time the said Turkes sonne had
+caused mortall warres betwixt the sayd princes, and much preuailed therein:
+the Turke demanded therefore his sonne to be sent vnto him; and the Sophy
+refused thereunto to consent. But now being slaine according to the Turks
+will, the Sophy sent him his head for a present, not a little desired, and
+acceptable to the vnnaturall father. Discoursing at my first arriuall with
+the king of Shiruan of sundry matters, and being interteined as hath bene
+before declared, the sayd King named Obdolocan, demaunding whether we of
+England had friendship with the Turks or not: I answered, that we neuer had
+friendship with them, and that therefore they would not suffer vs to passe
+thorow their countrey into the Sophy his dominions, and that there is a
+nation named the Venetians, not farre distant from vs, which are in great
+league with the sayd Turks, who trade into his dominions with our
+commodities, chiefly to barter the same for raw silks, which (as we
+vnderstand) come from thence: and that if it would please the said Sophy
+and other Princes of that countrey, to suffer our merchants to trade into
+those dominions, and to give vs pasport and safe conduct for the same, as
+the said Turke hath granted to the sayd Venetians, I doubted not but that
+it should grow to such a trade to the profit of them as neuer before had
+beene the like, and that they should be both furnished with our
+commodities, and also haue vtterance of theirs, although there neuer came
+Turke into their land, perswading with many other words for a trade to be
+had. This king vnderstanding the matter liked it marueilously, saying, that
+he would write vnto the Sophy concerning the same: as he did in very deed,
+assuring me that the Sophy would graunt my request, and that at my returne
+vnto him he would giue me letters of safe conduct, and priuiledges. The
+Turkes Ambassadour was not then come into the land, neither any peace hoped
+to be concluded, but great preparation was made for warre, which was like
+much to have furthered my purpose, but it chanced otherwise. [Sidenote: The
+Turkes merchaunts withstand M. Ienkinson.] For the Turks Ambassadour being
+arriued, and the peace concluded, the Turkish merchants there at that time
+present, declared to the same Ambassadour, that my comming thither (naming
+me by the name of Franke) would in great part destroy their trade, and that
+it should be good for him to perswade the Sophy not to fauour me, as his
+Highnesse meant to obserue the league and friendship with the great Turke
+his master, which request of the Turkish merchants the same Ambassadour
+earnestly preferred, and being afterwards dismissed with great honour, he
+departed out of the Realme with the Turks sonnes head as aforesayd, and
+other presents.
+
+[Sidenote: Shaw Thomas the Sophies name.] The 20 day of Nouember aforesayd,
+I was sent for to come before the said Sophy, otherwise called Shaw Thomas,
+and about three of the clocke at afternoone I came to the Court, and in
+lighting from my horse at the Court gate, before my feet touched the
+ground, a paire of the Sophies owne shoes termed in the Persian tongue
+Basmackes, such as hee himselfe weareth when he ariseth in the night to
+pray (as his maner is) were put vpon my feet, for without the same shoes I
+might not be suffred to tread vpon his holy ground, being a Christian, and
+called amongst them Gower, that is, vnbeleeuer, and vncleane: esteeming all
+to be infidels and Pagans which do not beleeue as they do, in their false
+filthie prophets, Mahomet and Murtezalli. At the sayd Court gate the things
+that I brought to present his Maiestie with, were deuided by sundry parcels
+to sundry seruitors of the Court, to cary before me, for none of my company
+or seruants might be suffered to enter into the Court with me, my
+interpreter onely excepted. [Sidenote: The Queenes letters deliuered.] Thus
+commihg before his Maiestie with such reuerence as I thought meete to be
+vsed, I deliuered the Queenes Maiesties letters with my present, which hee
+accepting, demaunded of mee of what countrey of Franks I was, and what
+affaires I had there to doe: Vnto whom I answered that I was of the famous
+Citie of London within the noble Realme of England, and that I was sent
+thither from the most excellent and gracious soueraigne Lady Elizabeth
+Queene of the saide Realme for to treate of friendship, and free passage of
+our Merchants and people, to repaire and traffique within his dominions,
+for to bring in our commodities, and to carry away theirs, to the honour of
+both princes, the mutuall commoditie of both Realmes, and wealth of the
+Subiects, with other wordes here omitted. He then demaunded me in what
+language the letters were written, I answered, in the Latine, Italian and
+Hebrew: well said he, we haue none within our Realme that vnderstand those
+tongues. Whereupon I answered that such a famous and worthy prince (as hee
+was) wanted not people of all nations within his large dominions to
+interprete the same. [Sidenote: The Sophies questions.] Then he questioned
+with me of the state of our Countreys, and of the power of the Emperour of
+Almaine, king Philip, and the great Turke, and which of them was of most
+power: whom I answered to his contentation, not dispraysing the great
+Turke, their late concluded friendship considered. Then he reasoned with
+mee much of Religion, demaunding whether I were a Gower, that is to say, an
+vnbeleeuer, or a Muselman, that is, of Mahomets lawe. Vnto whom I answered,
+that I was neither vnbeleeuer nor Mahometan, but a Christian. What is that,
+said he vnto the king of the Georgians sonne, who being a Christian was
+fled vnto the said Sophie, and he answered that a Christian was he that
+beleeueth in Iesus Christus, affirming him to be the Sonne of God, and the
+greatest Prophet. Doest thou beleeue so, said the Sophie vnto me: Yea that
+I do, said I: Oh thou vnbeleeuer, said he, we haue no neede to haue
+friendship with the vnbeleeuers, and so willed me to depart. I being glad
+thereof, did reuerence and went my way, being accompanied with many of his
+gentlemen and others, and after me followed a man with a Basinet of sand,
+sifting all the way that I had gone within the said pallace, euen from the
+said Sophies sight vnto the court gate.
+
+[Sidenote: The curtesie of Shalley Murzey.] Thus I repaired againe vnto my
+lodging, and the said night Shally Murzey sonne to the king of Hircan
+aforesaid, who fauoured me very much for that I was commended unto him from
+his father, willed mee not to doubt of any thing, putting mee in hope that
+I should haue good successe with the Sophie, and good intertainment.
+
+Thus I continued for a time, dayly resorting vnto me diuers gentlemen sent
+by the Sophie to conferre with me, especially touching the affaires of the
+Emperour of Russia, and to know by what way I intended to returne into my
+countrey, either by the way that I came, or by the way of Ormus, and so
+with the Portingals ships. [Sidenote: Warres intended against the
+portingals.] Vnto whom I answered, that I durst not returne by the way of
+Ormus, the Portingals and wee not being friendes, fully perceiuing their
+meaning: for I was aduertised that the saide Sophie meant to haue warres
+with the Portingals, and would haue charged mee that I had bene come for a
+spie to passe through his dominions unto the saide Portingals, thinking
+them and us to be all one people, and calling all by the name of Franks,
+but by the prouidence of God this was preuented.
+
+After this the saide Sophie conferred with his nobilitie and counsel
+concerning me, who perswaded that he should not enterteine me wel, neither
+dismisse me with letters or gifts, considering that I was a Franke, and of
+that nation that was an enemie to the great Turke his brother, perswading
+that if he did otherwise, and that the newes thereof should come to the
+knowledge of the Turke, it should be a meane to breake their new league and
+friendship lately concluded: disswading further because he had no neede,
+neither that it was requisite for him to haue friendship with vnbeleeuers,
+whose Countreys lay farre from him, and that it was best for him to send me
+with my letters vnto the said great Turke for a present, which he was fully
+determined to haue done at some meet time, meaning to send his Ambassadour
+vnto the said great Turke very shortly after.
+
+[Sidenote: The king of Hircans second letters in Mr Ienkinson's behalfe.]
+But the king of Hircanes sonne aforesaide, vnderstanding this deliberation,
+sent a man in post vnto his father, for to declare and impart the purpose
+vnto him, who as a gracious prince, considering that I had passed through
+his dominions, and that I had iourneyed for a good intent, did write to the
+Sophie al that which he vnderstood of his said determination, and that it
+should not stand with his Maiesties honour to doe mee any harme or
+displeasure, but rather to giue mee good entertainment, seeing I was come
+into his land of my free will, and not by constraint, and that if hee vsed
+me euill, there would few strangers resort into his country, which would
+bee greatly vnto his hinderance, with many other perswasions: which after
+that the saide Sophie had well and throughly pondered and digested (much
+esteeming the same king of Hircane, being one of the valiantest princes
+vnder him and his nigh kinseman) changed his determined purpose, and the
+twentieth of March 1562. he sent to me a rich garment of cloth of golde,
+and so dismissed me without any harme.
+
+[Sidenote: Conference with Indian Merchants.] During the time that I
+soiourned at the sayde City of Casbin, diuers merchants out of India came
+thither vnto mee, with whom I conferred for a trade of spices: whereunto
+they answered that they would bring of all sorts so much as we would haue,
+if they were sure of vent, whereof I did promise to assure them, so that I
+doubt not but that great abundance thereof may from time to time be there
+prouided and had.
+
+[Sidenote: Mr Ienkinsons returne.] The same twentieth day of March I
+returned from the saide Citie of Casbin where I remayned all the Winter,
+hauing sent away all my Camels before, and the thirtieth day I came to the
+saide Citie of Ardouil, and the fifteenth of April vnto Zauat aforesayd,
+where king Obdolowcan was at that present, who immediately sent for me, and
+demaunding of me many questions, declared that if it had not bene for him,
+I had bene vtterly cast away, and sent to the great Turke for a present by
+the Sophie, through the euill perswasion of his wicked counsell, that the
+Zieties and holy men were the chiefe and principal procurers and moouers
+thereof: but the Sophie himselfe ment mee much good at the first, and
+thought to haue giuen me good entertainement, and so had done, had not the
+peace and league fortuned to haue bene concluded betweene them and the
+great Turke. [Sidenote: Priviledges obtained of Obdowlocan, which are
+hereafter annexed.] Neuerthelesse, sayd he, the Sophie hath written vnto me
+to enterteine you well, and you are welcome into my Countrey, and so he
+intreated me very gently, in whose Court I remained seuen dayes, and
+obteined of him letters of safe conductes and priuiledges in your names to
+bee free from paying custome, which I deliuered vnto your seruants Thomas
+Alcocke and George Wrenne, at their departure towards Persia for your
+affaires: and his highnesse did giue mee two garments of silke, and so
+dismissed me with great fauour, sending with me his Ambassadour againe vnto
+the Emperour of Russia, and committed the chiefest secret of his affaires
+vnto me, to declare the same vnto the Emperours Maiestie at my returne: and
+thus departing the tenth day of April, I came to the City of Shamachi, and
+there remayning certeine dayes for prouision of Camels downe to the Sea
+side, I sent from thence before men to repaire my Barke, and to make her in
+a readinesse. [Sidenote: An Armenian sent to M. Ienkinson from the king of
+Georgia] And during my abode in Shammachi, there came vnto me an Armenian
+sent from the king of Georgia, who declared the lamentable estate of the
+same king, that being enclosed betwixt those two cruell tyrants and mightie
+princes, the said great Turke and the Sophie, hee had continuall warres
+with them, requiring for the loue of Christ and as I was a Christian, that
+I would send him comfort by the said Armenian, and aduise how he might send
+his Ambassadour to the sayd Emperour of Russia, and whether I thought that
+he would support him or no: and with many other wordes required me to
+declare his necessitie vnto the same Emperour at my returne: adding further
+that the said king would haue written vnto me his minde, but that hee
+doubted the safe passage of his messenger. Vnto whom I did likewise answere
+by word of mouth, not onely perswading him to send his Ambassadour to
+Russia, not doubting but that hee should finde him most honourable and
+inclined to helpe him, [Sidenote: Teneruk king of Chircassi.] but also I
+directed him his way how the sayde king might send by the Countrey of
+Chircassi, through the fauour of Teneruk king of the said country, whose
+daughter the said king had lately married. And thus dismissing the saide
+Armenian, within two dayes after I sent Edward Cleark your seruaunt vnto
+the Citie of Arrash, where the most store of Silkes is to be had, giuing
+him Commission to haue passed further into the saide Countrey of Georgia,
+and there to haue repaired vnto the sayde king. And after my commendations
+premised, and my minde declared to haue pursued for safeconduct of the same
+Prince for our Merchants to trade into his dominions, and that obtained to
+haue returned againe with speede. The same your seruaunt iourneying to the
+sayd Citie of Arrash, and there finding certaine Merchants Armenians, which
+promised to goe to the sayd City of Georgia, comming to the borders
+thereof, was perceiued by a Captaine there, that he was a Christian, and
+thereupon demaunded whither he went, and vnderstanding that he could not
+passe further without great suspition, answered that he came thither to buy
+Silkes, and shewed the king of Hircanes letters which he had with him, and
+so returned backe againe, and the fifteenth of April came to Shamachi: from
+whence I departed the sixteene of the same moneth, and the one and twentie
+therof comming to the Sea side, and finding my barke in a readinesse, I
+caused your goods to be laden, and there attended a faire winde.
+
+But before I proceede any further to speake of my returne, I intend with
+your fauours somewhat to treate of the countrey of Persia, of the great
+Sophie, and of his countrey, lawes and religion.
+
+[Sidenote: The description of Persia.] This land of Persia is great and
+ample, deuided into many kingdomes and prouinces, as Gillan, Corasan,
+Shiruan, and many others hauing diuers Cities, townes and castles in the
+same. Euery prouince hath his seuerall King, or Sultan, all in obedience to
+the great Sophie. [Sidenote: The chiefe Cities of Persia.] The names of the
+chiefest Cities be these: Teueris, Casbin, Keshan, Yesse, Meskit, Heirin,
+Ardouill, Shamachi, Arrash with many others. The countrey for the most part
+toward the sea side is plaine and full of pasture, but into the land, high,
+full of mountaines, and sharpe. To the South it bordereth vpon Arabia and
+the East Ocean. To the North vpon the Caspian sea and the lands of
+Tartaria. To the East vpon the prouinces of India, and to the West vpon the
+confines of Chaldea, Syria, and other the Turkes lands. All within these
+dominions be of the Sophies, named Shaw Thamas, sonne to Ismael Sophie.
+This Sophie that now raigneth is nothing valiant, although his power be
+great, and his people martiall: and through his pusillanimitie the Turke
+hath much inuaded his countreys, euen nigh vnto the Citie of Teueris,
+wherein hee was wont to keepe his chiefe court. And now hauing forsaken the
+same, is chiefly resident at Casbin aforesaide, and alwayes as the said
+Turke pursueth him, he not being able to withstand the Turke in the fielde,
+trusting rather to the mountaines for his safegard, then to his fortes and
+castles, hath caused the same to bee rased within his dominions, and his
+ordinance to be molten, to the intent that his enemies pursuing him, they
+should not strengthen themselues with the same.
+
+This prince is of the age of fiftie yeeres, and of a reasonable stature,
+hauing fiue children. His eldest sonne he keepeth captiue in prison, for
+that he feareth him for his valiantnesse and actiuitie: he professeth a
+kinde of holynesse, and saith that hee is descended of the Blood of Mahomet
+and Murtezalli: [Sidenote: The difference of religion.] and although these
+Persians bee Mahometans, as the Turkes and Tartars bee, yet honour they
+this false fained Murtezalli, saying that hee was the chiefest disciple
+that Mahomet had, cursing and chiding dayly three other disciples that
+Mahomet had called Ouear, Vsiran, and Abebeck, and these three did slay the
+saide Murtezalli, for which cause and other differences of holy men and
+lawes, they haue had and haue with the Turkes and Tartars mortall warres.
+To intreat of their religion at large, being more or lesse Mahomets lawe
+and Alkaron, I shall not heed at this present. These persons are comely and
+of good complexion, proude and of good courage, esteeming themselues to bee
+best of all nations, both for their religion and holinesse, which is most
+erroneous, and also for all other their fashions. They be martial,
+delighting in faire horses and good harnesse, soone angrie, craftie and
+hard people. Thus much have I haue thought good to treate of this nation,
+and nowe I returne to discourse the proceeding of the rest of my voyage.
+
+[Sidenote: The 30. of May 1563.] My barke being ready at the Caspian sea as
+aforesaide, hauing a faire winde, and committing our selues vnto God the
+30. day of May 1563. we arriued at Astracan, hauing passed no lesse dangers
+vpon the Sea in our returne, then wee sustained in our going foorth, and
+remayning at the said Astracan, vntill the tenth day of Iune, one hundred
+gunners being there admitted vnto mee for my safegard vp the riuer Volga;
+the fifteenth of Iuly I arriued at the Citie of Cazan, where the Captaine
+entertained me well, and so dismissing mee, I was conducted from place to
+place vnto the Citie of Mosco, where I arriued the twentieth day of August
+1563. in safetie, thankes bee to God, with all such goods, merchandizes,
+and iewels, as I had prouided as well for the Emperours stocke and accompt,
+as also of yours, all which goods I was commaunded to bring into the
+Emperours treasurie before it was opened, which I did, and deliuered those
+parcels of wares which were for his Maiesties accompt, videlicit, precious
+stones, and wrought silkes of sundry colours and sortes, much to his
+Highnesse contentation, and the residue belonging to you, viz. Crasko, and
+rawe silkes, with other merchandizes, (as by accompt appeareth) were
+brought vnto your house, whereof part there remained, and the rest was
+laden in your shippes lately returned.
+
+Shortly after my comming to the Mosco, I came before the Emperours
+Maiestie, and presented vnto him the apparell giuen vnto me by the Sophie,
+whose highnesse conferred with mee touching the princes affaires which he
+had committed to my charge: and my proceedings therein it pleased him so to
+accept, that they were much to his contentation, saying vnto mee, I haue
+perceiued your good seruice, for the which I doe thanke you, and will
+recompence you for the same, wishing that I would trauell againe in such
+his other affaires, wherein hee was minded to employ mee: to whom I
+answered, that it was to my heartie reioycing that my seruice was so
+acceptable vnto his highnesse, acknowledging all that I had done to bee but
+of duetie, humbly beseeching his grace to continue his goodnesse vnto your
+worships, and euen at that instant I humbly requested his Maiestie to
+vouchsafe to graunt vnto you a new priuiledge more ample then the first,
+which imntediately was graunted, and so I departed. [Sidenote: New
+privileges obtained hereafter following.] And afterwards having penned a
+briefe note howe I meant to haue the same priuiledges made, I repaired
+dayly to the Secretary for the perfecting of the same, and obtained it
+vnder his Maiesties broade seale, which at my departure from thence, I
+deliuered vnto the custody of Thomas Glouer your Agent there. The copy
+whereof, and also of the other priuiledges graunted and giuen by the king
+of Hircan, I haue already deliuered vnto you. Soiourning all that winter at
+Mosco, and in the meane time hauing bargained with the Emperours Maiestie,
+I sent away your seruant Edward Clarke hither ouerland with aduise, and
+also made preparation for sending againe into Persia in meete time of the
+yeere. [Sidenote: 28 Septemb. 1564.] And committing the charge thereof vnto
+your seruants Thomas Alcocke, George Wrenne, and Richard Cheinie, the 28.
+of Iune last, I departed in poste from the said Mosco, and comming to
+Colmogro and so downe to the Sea Side, I found your ships laden and ready
+to depart, where I embarked my selfe in your good ship called the Swallow,
+the 9. of Iuly, one thousand fiue hundred sixtie foure, and hauing passed
+the Seas with great and extreme dangers of losse of shippe, goods and life,
+the 28. of September last (God be praised) we arriued here at London in
+safetie.
+
+Thus knowing that the couragious and valiant souldier, which aduentureth
+both fame, member and life, to serue faithfully his soueraigne, esteemeth
+not the perils and dangers passed (the victorie once obtained) neither for
+his guerdon desireth any thing more, then that his seruice bee well taken
+of him for whom he enterprised it: So I perceiuing your fauourable
+beneuolence to me extended in accepting my trauels in good part to your
+contentations, do thinke my selfe therewith in great part recompensed:
+beseeching Almightie God so to prosper your aduentures, from time to time
+hereafter to be made for reaping the fruits of my trauels (at your great
+charges, and to my no small dangers) that ye may plentifully gather in and
+enioy the same, to the illustrating of the Queenes most excellent Maiestie,
+the honour and commoditie of this her highnesse Realme, and to the ample
+benefit and abundant enriching of you and your succession, and posteritie
+for euer.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A copie of the priviledges giuen by Obdolowcan King of Hircania, to the
+  company of English merchants Aduenturers for Russia, Persia, and Mare
+  Caspium, with all the lands and countreys adioyning to the same, obtained
+  by M. Anthonie Ienkinson at his being there about the affaires of the
+  said company, April 14. Anno 1563.
+
+We Obdolowcan by the mightie power of God maker of heauen and of earth,
+appointed and now raigning king of Shiruan and Hircan, of our meere motion
+and great goodnes, at the earnest sute and request of our fauoured and
+welbeloued Anthonie Ienkinson Ambassadour, haue giuen and graunted vnto the
+right worshipfull Sir William Garret, sir William Chester, sir Thomas
+Lodge, M. Richard Mallarie, and M. Richard Chamberlaine, with all their
+company of merchants Aduenturers of the Citie of London in England, free
+libertie, safe conduct, and licence to come or sende their factors in trade
+of merchandize into our countreys, and to buy and sell with our merchants
+and others, either for ready money or barter, and to tary and abide in our
+countrey, so long as they will, and to goe away when they list, without
+impediment, let, or hinderance, either of body or goods.
+
+And further our commaundement and pleasure is, that the said English
+merchants with their company, shall pay no maner of custome for wares,
+which they or their factors shal buy or sel within our dominions. And if at
+any time our customers or other officers, or any of them, doe disturbe,
+misuse, force or constraine the said English merchants or any of them, or
+their factors, to pay any maner of custome or duetie for any wares they
+bring in or cary out of our dominions contrary to this our commandement,
+and the same be knowen vnto vs, then we will that the saide customers and
+officers shall loose and be put out of their said offices, with our further
+displeasure, and the saide English merchants to haue restored all such
+money and wares as our customers haue taken of them for our said custome.
+And whensoeuer the saide English merchants or their factors shall bring any
+maner of wares meete for our treasurie, then our treasurer shall take the
+said wares into our treasurie, and shall giue vnto the said English
+merchants, either ready money or raw silkes, to the value of their saide
+wares. And wheresoeuer this our letter of priuiledges shall bee seene and
+read within our dominion, we straightly wil and command that it take
+effect, and be obeyed in al points.
+
+Dated at our place of Iauat, the day and yere aboue written, and sealed
+with our princely seale, and firmed by our Secretarie in the 12. yere of
+our raigne.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The second voiage into Persia made by Tho. Alcock, who was slaine there,
+  and by George Wrenne, and Ric. Cheinie seruants to the worshipfull
+  companie of Moscouie merchants in Anno 1563. written by the said Richard
+  Cheinie.
+
+It may please your worships to vnderstand, that in the yere 1563. I was
+appointed by M. Antho. Ienkinson, and M. Thomas Glouer your Agent in
+Russia, to goe for Persia in your worships affaires, one Thomas Alcock
+hauing the charge of the voyage committed to him, and I one of your
+worships seruants being ioyned with him in your busines, hauing with vs, as
+they said 1500. rubbles. [Sidenote: A rubble is a marke English.] And if it
+shall please you I cannot tell certainly what summe of money we had then of
+the Emperors: for I received none, nor disbursed any of it in wares for the
+voyage. Also, God I take to record, I could not tell what stocke your
+worships had there, for the bookes were kept so priuily that a man could
+neuer see them. The 10. of May anno 1563, we departed from a towne called
+Yeraslaue vpon our voyage toward Persia. The 24. of Iuly we arriued at
+Astracan: and the second of August wee departed from Astracan, and the 4.
+of the same moneth we came to the Caspian sea, and the 11. day of the said
+moneth we arriued at our port in Media: and the 21. of the said August wee
+arriued at Shammaki, whereas the king Obdolocan lay in the fielde. We were
+wel entertained of heathen people, for the thirde day after our arriuall at
+Shammaki we were called before the king: we gaue him a present, and he
+entertained vs very well.
+
+At our comming to the Court wee were commaunded to come before the king,
+who sate in his tent vpon the ground with his legs a crosse, and all his
+dukes round about his tent, the ground being couered with carpets: wee were
+commaunded to sit downe, the King appointing euery man his place to sit.
+And the king commaunded the Emperour of Russelands Merchants to rise vp,
+and to giue vs the vpper hande. [Sidenote: Casbin.] The 20. of October
+Thomas Alcock departed from Shammaki towards Casbin, leauing mee at
+Shammaki to recouer such debts as the dukes of Shammaki ought for wares
+which thay tooke of him at his going to Casbin. In the time I lay there I
+could recouer but little. [Sidenote: Leuuacta.] And at Thomas Alcocks
+comming from Casbin, who arriued at a towne called Leuuacta, whereas the
+king Obdolocan lay, a day and a halfes iourney from the towne whereas I
+lay, I hearing of his arriuing there, departed from Shammaki, finding him
+there in safetie with all such goods as he had with him. During his abode
+there for seuen dayes he made suite to the king for such money as the dukes
+ought him. But the king was displeased for that the Emperour of Russelands
+merchants had slaine a Boserman at his going to Casbin. [Sidenote: A
+Boserman is a Renegado.] Thomas Alcocke seeing the King would shewe vs no
+fauour, and also hearing from Shammaki, that the Russes sent their goods to
+the sea side, for that they feared that the king of Persia should haue
+knowledge of the death of the Boserman, willed mee to depart to Shammaki
+with all such goods as he had brought with him from Casbin, I leauing him
+at the Court.
+
+[Sidenote: Thomas Alcocke slaine in the way betweene Leuuacta and
+Shammaki.] The thirde day after mine arriuall at Shammaki, I had newes that
+Thomas Alcocke was slaine comming on his way towards me. Then the king
+Obdolocan vnderstanding of his death, demaunded whether he had euer a
+brother. Some said I was, some saide I was not his brother. When this fell
+out, your worships had no other seruant there but mee among those heathen
+people. Who hauing such a summe of goods lying vnder my handes, and seeing
+howe the Russes sent their goods with as much hast as they might to the sea
+side, and hauing but foure men to sende our wares to the sea side, I vsed
+such diligence, that within two dayes after Thomas Alcocke was slaine, I
+sent in company with the Russes goods, all your worships goods with a
+Mariner, William August, and a Swethen, for that they might the safer
+arriue at the seaside, being safely layd in. All which goods afterwards
+arriued in Russeland in good condition, Master Glouer hauing the receipt of
+all things which I sent then out of those parties into Russeland.
+[Sidenote: Keselbash, or Ieselbash.] Concerning my selfe, I remained after
+I had sent the goods into Russeland sixe weekes in Shammaki, for the
+recouery of such debts as were owing, and at last with much trouble
+recouered to the summe of fiftene hundreth rubbles or there about, which M.
+Glouer receiued of me at my comming to Mosco, and all such goods as I
+brought with me out of Keselbash, as by a note of my hand that hee hath
+shall appeare. Also he hauing the receipt of all such goods as I sent into
+Russeland by these two aboue named, he then had that voyage in venter of
+his owne better then an hundreth rubbles, one Richard Iohnson twentie
+rubles, one Thomas Pette fiftie rubles, one Euan Chermisin a Tartar
+seuentie rubles. All these had their returne: M. Glouer allowed himselfe
+God knoweth howe, I then being in Persia in your worships affaires.
+
+And whereas he saith, the Emperour had but for his part a dobble, as farre
+as I can see, knowing what the wares cost in those partes, hee had treble.
+If they gaue him so much wares, all charges turned to your worships, as
+well of the Emperours as of their owne returnes. I haue sowen the seede,
+and other men haue gathered the haruest: I haue trauailed both by lande and
+by water full many a time with a sorrowfull heart, aswell for the safegarde
+of their goods as yours, how to frame all things to the best, and they haue
+reaped the fruites of my trauaile. But euer my prayer was to God, to
+deliuer mee out of those miseries which I suffered for your seruice among
+those heathen people. Therefore knowing my duetie which I haue done, as a
+true seruant ought to do, I beseech your worships (although I haue but
+small recompence for my seruice,) yet let me haue no wrong, and God will
+prosper you the better.
+
+Also, to informe your worships of your Persian voyage what I iudge: it is a
+voyage to bee followed. [Sidenote: Gillan in Persia.] The king of Gillan,
+whereas yet you haue had no traffique, liueth al by marchandise: and it is
+neere Casbin, and not past six weekes trauaile from Ormus, whither all the
+spices be brought: and here, (I meane at Gillan) a trade may be
+established: But your worships must send such men as are no riotous liuers,
+nor drunkards. For if such men goe, it wil be to your dishonour and great
+hinderance, as appeared by experience the yeere 1565. when as Richard
+Iohnson went to Persia, whose iourney had bene better stayed then set
+forward. For whereas before wee had the name among those heathen people to
+be such marchants as they thought none like in all respects, his vicious
+liuing there hath made vs to be compted worse then the Russes.
+
+Againe, if such men trauaile in your affaires in such a voyage, you shall
+neuer know what gaine is to be gotten. For how can such men imploy
+themselues to seeke the trade, that are inclined to such vices? or howe can
+God prosper them in your affaires? But when a trade is established by wise
+and discreet men, then wil it be for your worships to traffique there, and
+not before: for a voiage or market made euil at the first, is the occasion
+that your worships shal neuer vnderstand what gaine is to be gotten thereby
+hereafter.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The thirde voyage into Persia, begun in the yeere 1565. by Richard Iohnson,
+  Alexander Kitchin, and Arthur Edwards.
+
+A letter of Arthur Edwards to M. Thomas Nicols, Secretarie to the
+  worshipful company trading into Russia and other the North parts,
+  concerning the preparation of their voyage into Persia.
+
+Master Nicols, my bounden duetie remembred, with desire of God for the
+preseruation of you and yours: you shall vnderstand that the second of
+March I was sent by M. Thomas Glouer (your Agent) vnto Ieraslaue,
+[Sidenote: Ieraslaue a towne vpon the riuer of Volga.] appointed to receiue
+such goods as should come from Vologhda, as also such kinde of wares as
+should be bought and sent from Mosco by your Agent, and M. Edward Clarke,
+thought meete for your voyage of Persia. And further, I was to prouide for
+biscuit, beere, and beefe, and other victuals, and things otherwayes
+needful according to aduise. [Sidenote: Richard Iohnson chiefe of the third
+voyage into Persia.] Thus I remained here vntil the comming of your Agent,
+which was the 12. of May, who taried here three dayes, to see vs set
+forwards on our voyage, and then he departed towards Colmogro, hauing
+appointed (as chiefe for your voyage of Persia) Richard Iohnson. For my
+part I am willing, as also haue bene and shalbe content to submit my selfe
+vnder him, whom the Agent shall appoint, although he were such a one as you
+should thinke in some respects vnmeete. Thirtie two packes of carseis are
+all of that kinde of cloth that we shall haue with vs. The other 18. packs
+that should haue gone, were sold in Mosco. What other goods are shipped for
+our voyage, you shall vnderstand by your Agents letters. Whereas Edward
+Clarke (being an honest man) was appointed Agent for Persia, as one for
+those parts more fit then any I do know here, God hath taken him vnto his
+mercie, who departed this present life the 16. of March last past. I wished
+for God for my part he had liued: for my desire was in his company to haue
+traueiled into Persia. [Sidenote: A barke of 30. tunnes made at Ieraslaue
+1564. to passe the Caspian seas.] Your barke or craer made here for the
+riuer of Volga and the Caspian sea is very litle, of the burthen of 30.
+tunnes at the most. It is handsomly made after the English fashion: but I
+thinke it too litle for your goods and prouision of victuals. If the
+worshipful company would send hither a Shipwright, being skilfull to make
+one of the burden of 60. tunnes or more, drawing but sixe foote water at
+the most when it is laden, I thinke it should be profitable. For if your
+owne goods would not lade the same, here be Marchants that would bee glad
+and faine to giue great fraight to lade their goods with vs, whereby your
+charges would be much lessened: And so it may happen, the wages of your men
+hired here may be saued, and your seruants and goods in farre greater
+assurance: for their boates here are dangerous to saile with and to passe
+the Caspian sea. There be Carpenters here that will doe well ynough hauing
+one to instruct them. Your wares bought here, and orders taken for those
+that goe for your voyage of Persia are yet vnknowen vnto me: wherefore I
+cannot (as I would at this present) write to you thereof. Yet, (as you do
+know) it was the Gouernors mind I should be acquainted with greater
+affaires then these. Howbeit I doubt not but I shall be informed of them
+that are appointed, and all things shall be bought when they shall see time
+and haue more laisure. Thus in hast (as appeareth) I commit you and yours
+into the hands of almightie God; who preserue you in perfect health with
+increase of worship.
+
+From Ieraslaue the 15. of May 1565.
+
+By yours to command here or elsewhere during life. Arthur Edwards.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Another letter of the said M. Arthur Edwards, written the 26. of, April
+  1566. in Shamaki in Media, to the right worshipful Sir Thomas Lodge
+  Knight and Alderman: and in his absence to M. Thomas Nicols, Secretarie
+  to the right worshipfull companie trading into Russia, Persia, and other
+  the North and East partes, touching the successe of Richard Iohnson in
+  the third voiage into Persia.
+
+Worshipfull Sir, my bounden duetie remembred, with heartie prayer vnto God
+for the preseruation of you and yours in perfect health with increase of
+worship. It may please you that my last letter I sent you was from Astracan
+the 26 of Iuly 1565. [Sidenote: They departed from Astracan the 30. of Iuly
+1565.] From whence Richard Iohnson, my selfe, and Alexander Kitchin,
+departed as the 30 of the same. And by meanes of contrary windes, it was
+the 23 of August before we came to our desired port named Nazauoe. There,
+after we had gotten your goods on land, with much labour and strength of
+men, as also windlesses deuised and made, we haled your barke ouer a barre
+of beach or peeble stones into a small Riuer, sending your ships apparell
+with other things to an house hired in a village thereby. And as soone as
+we might get camels, being the fift of September we departed thence, and
+came to this towne of Shamaki the 11. of the same: [Sidenote: Presents to
+the King Obdolowcan.] and the 17. day following, we presented vnto
+Abdollocan the king of this countrey, one timber of Sables, one tunne or
+nest of siluer cups parsill gilt, three Morses teeth, 4. Arshines of
+scarlet, 3. pieces of karseis, with 40. red foxes.
+
+He receiued our presents with giuing vs thanks for our good wils, demanding
+if M. Ienkinson were in good-health, and whether he would returne into
+these parts againe. He willed vs also himselfe to sit downe before him the
+distance of a quoits cast from his tent, where he sate with diuers of his
+counsaile and nobilitie, sending vs from his table such meate as was before
+him: [Sidenote: A house giuen our men in Shamaki by the king.] And after
+certaine talke had with vs, he sayd, if he might perceiue or know any maner
+of person to doe vs any wrong, he would punish them in example of others,
+whereby we should liue in quietnesse, and haue no cause to complaine,
+giuing vs a little house for the time, vntill a better might be prouided in
+such place as we should thinke most meete, neuer willing vs to rise or
+depart, vntill such time as we of our selues thought it conuenient. At the
+taking of our leaue, hee willed vs to put our whole minds and requests in
+writing, that he might further vnderstand our desires. [Sidenote: The death
+of Abdollocan the 2. of October 1565.] But while we were about to doe so,
+God tooke this good king our friend out of this present life the 2. of
+October past. The want of him hath bene the cause that as yet wee cannot
+receiue certaine debts. Howbeit, we doubt not but we shall recouer all such
+summes of money as are owing vs for this voyage. As for Thomas Alcocks
+debts they are past hope of recouerie, which had not bene lost if the king
+had liued. [Sidenote: Mursay the new king of Media.] We trust in the place
+of him, God will send as friendly a king towards vs, which [Transcriber's
+note: 'towardswvsoh :' in original.] by report (and as we be credibly
+informed,) shall bee his sonne named the Mursay: who since the death of his
+father, at our being with him, promised to shew vs more friendship then
+ever we found. God grant the same.
+
+Great troubles haue chanced in these parts. Of those which were of the old
+kings counsell or bare any rule about him in these quarters, some are in
+prison, some are pinched by the purse, and other sent for vnto the Shaugh.
+These troubles haue partly bene the let that wares were not sold as they
+might, to more profite. [Sidenote: The death of Alexander Kitchin the 23.
+of October 1565.] Your Agent Richard Iohnson bought foure horses, minding
+to haue sent to Casbin Alexander Kitchin, whom God tooke to his mercy the
+23. of October last: and before him departed Richard Dauis one of your
+Mariners, whose soules I trust the Lord hath receiued to his mercy. We are
+now destitute of others to supply their roumes. Foure Mariners were few
+enough to saile your barke, whereof at this present we haue but one, whose
+name is William Smith, an honest yong man, and one that doeth good seruice
+here. For want and lacke of Mariners that should know their labours, we all
+were like to be cast away in a storme. For all the broad side of our barke
+lay in the water, and we had much adoe to recouer it, but God of his mercy
+deliuered vs. Mariners here may doe you good seruice all the winter
+otherwayes: and merchants here will be gladder to ship their goods in vs
+giuing good fraight. One merchant at this present is content to pay 20.
+rubbles for twentie camels lading fraight to Astracan. [Sidenote: The
+Caspian sea very shoald in diuers places.] Such barkes as must passe these
+seas, may not draw aboue fiue foote of water, because that in many places
+are very shallow waters. Wee mind hereafter to make the Russian boates more
+strong, and they shall serue our turnes very well.
+
+And whereas some in time past tooke great paines, trauell and care, and
+could not haue their desire in the getting of the Shaughs letters or
+priuiledge: Now, I trust (with Gods helpe) they may be obtained: which
+being had, will be beneficiall to the company, and great quietnes to those
+that shal remaine here, although heretofore things haue chanced ill, as the
+like in other countries hath bene. But I doubt not, this priuiledge once
+gotten and obtained, we shall liue in quietnesse and rest, and shall
+shortly grow into a great trade for silkes both raw and wrought, with all
+kind of spices and drugs, and other commodities here, as to M. Anthonie
+Ienkinson is well knowen, who (I doubt not) hath long agoe throughly
+aduertised the Companie thereof.
+
+[Sidenote: The murthering of Thomas Alcock.] The trueth of the slaughter of
+Thomas Alcock your seruant, is not certainly knowen. Some thinke it was by
+the meanes of a noble man, with whom your sayd seruant was earnest in
+demanding of your debts: vpon whose words he was so offended, that he
+procured his death. But other doe thinke verily, that in riding from the
+Court without companie, false knaues lay in waite, thinking he had much
+about him, and so slew him. I doubt not though this misfortune hath
+chanced, that things shall come well to passe, and that we shall be better
+beloued when we shall be more knowen.
+
+Honest merchants are glad of our being here, and seeke to grow in
+acquaintance with vs, being glad to further vs in that they may, and haue
+spoken in our fauours to the chiefest of this Countrey: one being a noble
+man, with whom your Agent and I are entred into friendship, who is at this
+time in great fauour with the Shaugh. [Sidenote: Cozamomet a noble man that
+fauoured our nation.] He hath here and in other places of these parts set a
+good stay in things since the kings death: he is well knowen to M.
+Ienkinson, his name is Cozamomet. Also another Duke named Ameddin-beck is
+our great friend. And his sister is the Shaughes wife. These two haue
+promised your Agent by their lawe, not onely to procure to get the Shaughes
+priuiledge but also that I shall haue the debts paied me of those that went
+from hence to Casbin, if we would send one with them. In consideration
+whereof, I was vpon short warning (for want of a better) appointed by your
+agent, M. Richard Iohnson, all excuses laied apart, presently to put my
+selfe in readinesse, and to depart in company with these noblemen: with
+charge, when God should send me to Casbin, to vse my discretion with their
+aduise, for the recouering of your debts and priuiledge. I shall haue with
+mee one interpreter and two bought seruants: one of which partly
+vnderstandeth this tongue, and may be put in trust whatsoeuer should become
+of me. [Sidenote: The value of a tumen.] I, haue receuied 6. tumens in
+ready money, 200. shaughs is a tumen, reckoning euery shaugh for sixe pence
+Russe. I haue further receiued two timbers of Sables, one to be sold, the
+other to bee giuen to Thomas the Shaugh: and haue order further to giue as
+I shall see good to those that shall further my suite, and as occasion
+serueth. And forasmuch as I am commanded to go, I shall willingly do my
+best, putting my trust in God that he will send me well to speed in this
+iourney.
+
+For all kind of wares bought or sold, you shal throughly be aduertised by
+your Agent Richard Iohnson, whose reckonings or accompts at no hands I
+might see or be priuie vnto. Your karseis were good and well sorted, they
+are and will be sold from 150. shaughs, to 160. the piece. Two hundred
+pieces were sold vnder, that needed not: one 100. pieces at 146. and 147.
+the piece but more would haue bene giuen, if circumspection had bene vsed.
+They were sold to those noble men aforesayd, which as yet it was not knowen
+that I should haue gone with them. They may stand vs much in stead, as they
+haue promised vs their good wils in that they may doe. [Sidenote: What a
+batman is.] Here is at this time bought for England 11. packes of rawe
+silke, 25. and 26. batmans being in euery packe: The batman being 7. pound,
+which may be 6. pound and a halfe of English waight, being bought here from
+66. to 70. shaughes the batman. It is fine and good, litle course at this
+time was to be had. And where course silke might be had being at Grosin, we
+could not send thither: for that time was neglected at the first. When wee
+shall haue lidgers here to remaine in Sommer, we may buy it at the first
+hand of the countrey people that bring it to sell hither, and to other
+places. I would to God the Companie could find the meanes to haue a vent to
+make sales for the one halfe that we may buy here. The Companie may haue
+for 30. or 40. thousand pounds yeerely. [Sidenote: Varas a great mart for
+silke.] And as appeareth by your Agents wordes being at Varas, he and
+others sawe there so great abundance, that by report of diuers, you may
+bestow (if it were not for the Turkes) for a two hundred thousand pounds:
+besides silke of all colours died in graine, bound vp in pound waights, I
+thinke 15. of our ounces to their pound waight, and here sold for 23.
+shaughs, at 6. d. the shaugh, may be 11. s. 6. pence.
+
+[Sidenote: Gilan 7. dayes sailing from Astracan.] From Astracan in 7. or 8.
+dayes, wee may saile with our barke to a place named Gilan: the which place
+in time to come, (I thinke) shall serue our purpose best to goe vnto. Alom
+is there good cheape, being brought from thence hither to Shamaki, and sold
+here for two bists their batman, which may be 5. pence in our money: and so
+I haue bought to bee sent home 223. batmans for example. And at Gilan there
+is rawe silke enough for the companies stocke. [Sidenote: Gilan 4. dayes
+iourney from Casbin.] I beleeue, if any great store of wares be sent from
+you, that must be the place: and from thence a man may trauell in 4. dayes
+to Casbin, and there make quicke and better sales, at which place your
+commodities are to be sold. For there be the chiefe and best merchants, and
+diuers other cities round about, to wit, Teueris, Ardouil, and Caishan,
+being the heart of the countrey, where there is more ciuilitie and
+merchants are better vsed. Concerning this point I haue inquired of diuers
+merchants both Russes and others that haue bene in those parts and found
+them all agreeing in one tale, and perceiue the same to be true, and that
+all kind of wares come from thence into these parts. [Sidenote: From Casbin
+to Ormus a moneths trauel with camels.] And from Casbin to Ormus is about
+30. daies trauelling with camels. I haue written the prices of wares in my
+letter to the gouernour both for spices and some drugs which I do know.
+
+Also you shall vnderstand here is plentie of yew for bowstaues. I caused
+three horse loades to be bought vs for to know the trueth: but they were
+cut out of season this moneth of April, the sap being in them. Three
+moneths I neuer left speaking to the Countrey men to bring some. Your Agent
+will send some home for example.
+
+This day being the 26. of Aprill I departed towards Casbin: God giue me a
+good houre and well to speed, with a mery heart in returning againe, as my
+hope is I shall. I haue written my mind to M. Glouer your Agent, what
+Russian wares I thinke best to be brought for this Countrey, and to send
+some one hither that hath the Russe tongue, for we haue need. [Sidenote:
+The secret doings of the Moscouie company.] And the companie shall do well
+hereafter in taking of seruants to be sent hither, to see that they be such
+as haue discretion, and be something broken in the world, and seene in the
+trade of merchandise, and one (if they can get some such) as can speake the
+Portingall tongue, may do them as good seruice, as those that shall be here
+two yeeres before him: for then we may buy a slaue that can speake this
+language and the Portingal tongue also, which shall then interprete vnto vs
+in all your secret doings, not making the Russes priuy: for they are sory
+that we doe trade into these partes for we are better beloued then they
+are: because they are giuen to be drunkards, they are much hated of these
+people. It is to be wished that none should serue your worships in these
+parts that be giuen to that kind of vice: And that your chiefe Agent and
+Factor should be able to rule and gouerne himselfe, that no dishonestie
+should be imputed to him and vs. By his euill vsage he paied here 24
+rubbles, being in this Countrey 4. tumens for a boy, that he was charged to
+haue conueied away from a Tesicke one of this countrey men, who willed him
+to sweare that he knew not where the boy was become, and he should not pay
+it. If he were honest he might do your worships good seruice because of his
+Russian tongue.
+
+Your London reds are not to be sent hither, for they will not giue aboue
+18. shaughes their arshine. [Sidenote: Orient reds of Venice die.] Here be
+reds of more orient colour, being Venice die. The people are giuen much to
+weare cloth: the common peoples pecially weare karseis, and the merchants
+of more wealth weare broad cloth. You shall doe well to send fiue or sixe
+broad clothes, some blackes, pukes, or other sad colours, that maybe
+affoorded at 20. shaughes the arshine, and not aboue. It is here reported
+that King Philip hath giuen the Turkes a great ouerthrow at Malta, and
+taken 70. or 80. of his chiefe captains.
+
+Thus wishing I had more time to write, I pray you to beare with this my
+scribled letter, and after you haue red it, that M. Nicols may haue a sight
+thereof,
+
+By your seruant to command,
+
+Arthur Edwards.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Commodities to be caried out of England into Persia, with their prizes
+  there.
+
+1 Karseis are sold there for 180. Shaughes: [Sidenote: A shaugh is 6d.
+  English.] so that a karsey is sold there in Persia for foure pound ten
+  shillings: for euery shaugh is sixe pence English, and euery Bist is two
+  pence halfepeny English, and in Russe money three pence.
+2 Tinne is sold in Persia for 14. and 18. shaughes the batman. The batman
+  containing as I haue mentioned before.
+3 Brasil is at 10. and 12. shaughes the batman.
+4 Red cloth fine, at 25. and 30. shaughes the yard.
+5 Copper at 20. and 25. shaughes the batman.
+
+Commodities to be brought out of Persia for England.
+
+1 Raw silke at 60 shaughs the batman.
+2 Pepper at 32. shaughs the batman,
+3 Ginger at 18. and 20. shaughs the batman.
+4 Nutmegs at 30. shaughs the batman.
+5 Brimstone at 4. shaughs the great batman.
+
+The great batman is 12. li. English.
+
+6 Allom at 2. bists and a halfe the batman and lesse.
+7 Rice at halfe a bist the batman.
+8 Gals at halfe a bist the batman,
+9 Cloues at 40. shaughs the batman
+10 Yew for bow staues, at [Transcriber's note: blank in original.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A letter of M. Arthur Edwards, written the 8. of August 1566. from the
+  towne of Shamaki in Media, to the right worshipfull the Gouernours,
+  Consuls, Assistants and generalitie of the Companie of Russia, &c.
+  Shewing his accesse vnto the Emperour of Persia, his conference with him,
+  his obtaining of a priuiledge, with diuers other good obseruations.
+
+Right worshipfull Sirs, my bounden dutie remembered, with most humble
+commendations and like request to God for the preseruation of your good
+healths, with the rest of the companie, &c. [Sidenote: His arrival at
+Casbin the 25. of May.] It may please you to vnderstand, that the last
+letter which I sent you from hence was of the 26. of April of this present
+yeere by Richard Iohnson at my departure towards Casbin: to which citie I
+came the 25. of May folowing, not slacking any day, houre, nor moment, to
+procure and make friends for the speedie bringing me before the presence of
+the Shaugh, being the 29. day of the same moneth brought before him, with,
+whose maiestie I was in talke (as 1 thinke) two houres. He willed me twise
+to come neerer him, demanding what were my requests: and hauing heard them,
+he promised me his gracious letters. [Sidenote: Conference and demands of
+the Shaugh.] Afterwards he called me twise againe to come neerer him, and
+talked with me of our Queenes maiestie and Countrey, and what commodities
+we had, and what other commodities we desired: and then of other countries
+adioining to vs and their commodities, as also of king Philip, what
+ouerthrow he gaue the Turks at the siege of Malta. And how long we had
+traded into Russeland and Moscouia, and in what space we might saile out of
+England into Russeland, and how many weekes trauell it is from Comolgro to
+Astracan: and then came to discourse of Russeland, and what townes the
+Emperour had wonne, declaring vnto me himselfe most of our commodities.
+[Sidenote: All sorts of cloth to be spent, specially Westerne dozens died
+into scarlet.] In the end he willed that your worships should send him of
+all sorts of clothes, but of one especially which maidens do make (as he
+sayd:) He named it Karengi, I thinke it is Westerne dozens died into
+scarlets. Time will not permit mee to write at large the conference which I
+had with his maiesty. It was strange to his people (knowing our religion)
+to see me so long in talke with him, willing his Secretarie before mee to
+write what he was desirous of: to wit, of London clothes, three or foure of
+all sorts for example, being well shorne and drest. Violets in graine and
+fine reds be most worne, but other good colours will away, when they shall
+see them. I wore a garment of London russet, being much esteemed. You shall
+doe well lo send such sorts as be liuely to the sight, and some blacks for
+womens garments, with some Orenge colours and tawneis. Here is much broad
+cloth worne. [Sidenote: London clothes much talked of in Persia.] They
+talke much of London clothes, and they that know the wearing, are desirous
+of them before the cloth of the womens making, for they find it nothing
+durable. For when it commeth to weare on the threed, it renteth like paper.
+[Sidenote: Much Venice clothe worn in Persia.] Here is much Venice cloth
+worne, being cromplisted a yard and a halfe broad, and sold here from 24.
+to 30. shaughes their arshine, being longer by two inches then the Russe
+arshine is; I wish also that you send some good chamlets and veluets died
+in graine, with purple colours and fine reds: because these are most worne.
+Also some blacks with other colours: some cloth of gold, tissue and bocky,
+some veluets wrought with gold, with sattins and damaskes, most purple, and
+reds of all sorts. You may not forget to send some Western karseis, to wit,
+dozens, which be thicked well, and close shut in the weauing, being died
+into fine reds, and some skarlets: for I thinke there is no such cloth for
+their caps.
+
+[Sidenote: The second admission to the Shaughs presence, the 29. of Iune
+1566. at which time he reciued the priuiledge. The Shaughs promise to
+increase the priuiledge.] Your worships shall vnderstand, that after my
+first departure from the presence of the Prince, I neglected no time in
+daily attendance on them, who had my priuiledge in writing, that I might
+haue it in readinesse at such time as I should againe bee called before the
+presence of the Shaugh, which was the 29. of Iune last. I was in apparell
+that he gaue vnto me, with other garments to mine interpreter, and one of
+your seruants, and then I receiued your letters or privilege, according to
+my desire, sealed and firmed with the Shaughs owne hand. Praysed bee God
+who hath wrought with me, and for me, in all my doings.
+
+The 29. of Iune is one of their chiefe festiuall daies, so that all his
+nobilitie was there present, with two Ambassadors in companie with his
+maiestie, who sayd vnto me that if my letters were not to my mind, in time
+to come they should be mended. Whereupon I made my reuerence, and gaue his
+highnesse most humble and heartie thanks, saying, that with as much speed
+as might bee, our Queenes Maiestie should vnderstand of his goodnesse
+towardes her Merchants, which I thought would write their letters of
+request vnto his Highnes, in such forme and order as by them should be
+thought meete and requisite for their good assurance in the trade of
+merchandizes: who replied with these wordes: when wee shall see their
+reasonable requests, we will shew them our farther good will, and so I
+departed.
+
+Since the receiuing of the Shaughs letters, I haue eaten in company of good
+Dukes and others, who before would not come neere me. And euery day some
+would come to my Shop, and eate and drinke with me out of mine owne dish.
+Likewise in riding from Casbin hither, on the way when I sate downe to
+dinner, they would come and eate with mee vnbidden, when I wished them
+further off: for I spared them that, which gladly I would haue eaten my
+selfe. I doubt not but we shall liue here from hencefoorth in quietnes: for
+now in all places where I come, I am friendly vsed with the best.
+
+I was asked by the Shaugh if you were able to bring him yeerly one hundred
+thousand pieces of kersies, and clothes. And I answered him, saying, your
+worships were able to furnish his countrey with two hundred thousand.
+Whereat his Highnesse reioyced: for the Turkes Ambassador the last yere, as
+diuers haue told me, did put the Shaugh in despaire, saying, that the,
+Turke would not permit any cloth to be brought into his countrey.
+
+[Sidenote: Aleppo a citie of great trade.] There is a citie in Syria named
+Aleppo, wherein coninually are many Venetians dwelling, besides other that
+come yeerely and there buy wools, gals, tallow, saffron, skins, cotton
+wooll, and other wares, and great store of spices. [Sidenote: Armenians
+barter with the Venetians.] Also the Armenians yeerly receeiue at the
+Venetians hands, karsies in barter for rawe silks, giuing sometimes 60.
+pieces of karsies for 70. batmans of silke of this countrey, and 40. pieces
+for Grosin silke. And karsies sold commonly for ready money in Aleppo, at
+11. and 12. duckets the piece, (the ducket being here woorth 12. shillings)
+may cost the first peny 132. and 144. Shaughs a karsie. [Sidenote: The
+distance from Shamaky to Alappo.] By report it is one moneths trauel from
+this towne of Shamaky to Aleppo, and from thence to Tripolis, six dayes
+iourney: and from Tripolis to Venice by water, a moneth or fiue weekes
+sailing. As I learne, from hence to Venice may easily be trauelled in lesse
+then three moneths. Therefore I wish your worships to procure some trustie
+and assured friend there, to whom from hence letters may be sent For I can
+haue them here to put in suerties to deliuer my letters, and to bring
+answere. If I had any other here with me, I would nothing haue doubted to
+haue brought you the Shaughs letters that way.
+
+[Sidenote: Armenians and others desirous to barter silke and spices for
+karsies.] The Armenians and other are desirous to barter with vs, giuing
+silke for katsies, and also will seme vs of all kind of Spices, we giuing
+them sufficient warning to fetch it in the Indies, and will deliuer it vs
+in Shamaky at these prizes.
+
+Pepper this townes batman for 18. Shaughs, euery Shaugh is sixepence.
+
+Maces large for 40. Shaughs, and 45. the batman.
+
+Cloues for 40. Shaughs the batman.
+
+Nutmegs for 16. and 18. Shaughs the batman.
+
+Sinamon for 40. Shaughs the batman. I doubt not but there will be profile
+and good done in spices, with drugs and other like in time.
+
+From Casbin to Ormus is six weeks trauel, and from hence to Casbin is 16.
+dayes with camels laden: but if one trauell with a good Mule vnladen, it
+may be gone in seuen or eight dayes. And I thinke to Ormus and other
+places, may be trauelled in like order and proportion, with cattel vnladen.
+But here in all places as men may trauel, they must carie their owne
+prouision on horses, which they are to buy, and thus they, uauel but a
+footepasse.
+
+[Sidenote: The Shaugh desirous to bargaine for our commodities.] The Shaugh
+himselfe is desirous to bargaine with you who will giue money, silke, and
+other wares as we will, and take our wares as we may affoord them, willing
+me himselfe to bring such wares as we might gaine by him. The Armenians by
+report, and as I perceiue, bring from Aleppo yeerely, foure, fiue, and six
+thousand pieces of karsies, and clothes, besides those which other men
+bring. If your Worships might procure and find vent or sales for rawe
+silke, and silke died in graine, besides other silkes wrought and made
+here, by which, profile may be made: then you might send a great substance
+of wares hither. But I feare you shall be hindered by the Venetians if they
+may: for I know it will grieue them that you doe trade into these partes:
+for in short time it shall cleane alter their trade, and hinder the sales
+of their clothes in Aleppo and other places adioyning. You shall understand
+that 60. batmans of silke is a Mules lading: and as it is reported, one
+village of the Armenians yerely carieth 400. and 500. Mules lading of silke
+to Aleppo, and bringeth thence 800. or a thousand Mules laden with karsies
+and Venice clothes. And 18. pieces of karsies are a Mules lading.
+[Sidenote: 2000. pieces of karsies to be sent into Persia.] But I wish you
+not to send aboue 2000. pieces of karseis, although I haue bene willed to
+write for more. If I might haue had any vnderstanding what your Worships
+had written for in your letters sent this yeere, I should in this my letter
+haue bene better able to haue answered you. They which be now in Astracan,
+might haue written some thing vnto me hither, if it had pleased them, or
+else haue sent me such letters of mine, as I hope some of my friends haue
+written to me: for here are arriued eight weekes past, two boates with
+wares and Russes, by whom they might haue written, had it bene but 3. or 4.
+lines. They promised the Russes to write, but promise was not kept. I would
+be sory that any boat should depart out of these partes, and not write vnto
+them, waying how all things stand. I heare they haue bought a boat, which
+coast 40. rubbles, and shipped certaine wares to come hither. God send them
+in safetie. I do tarie their comming, or els I had thought to haue come to
+Astraean in those boates which departed hence lately.
+
+[Sidenote: He departed from Casbin the 15 of Iuly.] The fifteenth of Iuly
+last, I departed from Casbin, and came to this towne the 29. of the same.
+And the fourth of August I found means to arrest the falsest knaue in this
+countrey, to wit, the Customer for 22. tumens, and 100. shaughs, (200.
+shaughs is a tumen.) I haue caused him to put in suerties for his foorth
+comming at all times, what ende I shall haue with him, God knoweth, the
+debt will be recouered, but not yet, for he must pay the Shaugh 1000.
+rubbles. These partes as yet are in no stay for lacke of a Gouernour or
+head to rule, which I thinke shall bee the Mursey. Within 5. or 6. dayes we
+shall know, for it is time, because men are in feare to trauell for being
+robbed. If there were a prince placed, I should soone get in your debts,
+for they dare not disobey the Shaughs letters or priuiledge: wherein he
+hath not onely written that our debts shall be paied, but also that we
+shall be taken heed to, so as we need not to doubt (God willing) in time to
+come, to be here as wel vsed as we are in Russeland. [Sidenote: Rich.
+Iohnsons great negligence.] The bils of debt that Rich. Iohnson left with
+me, had neither the parties name nor summe of money in two of them, and in
+other bils but his owne name. If I had not used discretion in causing to be
+written in our priuiledge, that such debtes as are owing, should be paied
+any of vs in the absence of the other, some men would not haue paied one
+penie, but onely to Richard Iohnson, who hath written but his owne name
+onely in the bils. I receiued in Casbin of Forackan in part of 29. tumens,
+300. shaughs in money: the rest he will deliuer me here in silke, and this
+is all that I haue receiued to this day. And as for Hawrambecks twelue
+tumens, I make accompt, that if I could ride to speake with him, I should
+be paid in money and wares. Touching Ackons money, by meanes of Duke
+Ameddinbeck, who first owed the debt, because they meant not to pay a
+penie, he did rather seeke to hinder my sute then to further mee, but I
+found out a present remedie: for God sent me friends that were alwayes
+about the Shaugh, and daily put on his apparell, who opened all my sute,
+and brought mee to the presence of the Shaugh before that Cozomomet sawe
+the Shaughs eyes. [Sidenote: Cozomomet was Arthur Edwards friend to the
+Shaugh.] But Cozomomet in the end was my friend: for he was sent for, and
+declared vnto the Shaugh what good merchants we were, vsing trueth in all
+our doings, and how we were in great fauour with the Emperour of Russia,
+and what good commodities wee might bring into his Countrey, with other
+talke. And daily he was sent for to the Shaugh about the affaires in those
+partes, for no man was able to aduise the Shaugh of the state and affaires
+of those Countreys so much as hee was. He owed your Worships seuen tumens
+and 48. shaughs, which was not all this time to be gotten at his hands: for
+hee was at great charges in riding to Casbin, and giuing great gifts since
+his comming, which he twise declared vnto mee. I feeling his griefe became
+Physicion to ease his pain, and forgaue him his debt abouesayd, in
+recompence of ten pieces of karsies, that were promised him by Richard
+Iohnson and me, to giue him at the comming of our goods, in consideration
+that he should with speed doe what lay in him, to dispatch me away: for I
+perceiue hee procured other that did helpe me in my sute to delay me of,
+till time he had his purpose. [Sidenote: Victuals and all things dear at
+Casbin.] I neuer was in quiet, till I had the Princes priuiledge, and had
+got mee out of Casbin: for victuals, and all other things are very deare
+there, because they are brought thither from farre off. As for all other
+smal debts (which may be about 7. tumens) when our Merchants are come
+hither, we shall seeke, to get them in as we may. I wish your Worships to
+send some bullion to bee coyned here, it will please the prince there, and
+be profitable to you. Silke is better cheape by two or three shaughs the
+batman, then it was the last yeere. You shall vnderstand that I haue
+written two letters of all my proceedings, which I sent from Casbin long
+since: to wit, the 24. and 29. of Iune last, by one of your seruants to
+Gilan, there to take ship and to goe to Astracan, and to deliuer the same
+vnto your Factors, which might haue bene to their quietnes and mine, long
+agoe. But I am right sorie to heare since my comming hither, that he hath
+plaied the loitering merchant in Gilan, not going in those boats that went
+first, but taried for the last boats. But I will teach him, to the example
+of other, how he shall make haste hereafter in such affaires. The karsies
+which you sent last, being bought of M. Quarles, were good and full lengths
+and well sorted. [Sidenote: The Ambassador of the prince of Gilan.] The
+Ambassador of Gilan was in Casbin, at my being there. I hope in God, if I
+remaine here, and may goe to Gilan to obtaine for your worships the like
+priuiledge at the kings hand there also. [Sidenote: Gilan but five dayes
+riding from Casbin.] For I haue something moued the matter, being put in
+such comfort, that I doubt not the getting thereof with small charges,
+which I had done at this time if I had had other here with me to put in
+trust: for from Casbin to Gilan is but 5. dayes riding, which Countrey may
+be profitable to your Worships. There is in that Prouince good store of
+silke, better cheape, and better in goodnesse then this countrey silke is.
+Also great store of Alom, being there sold this townes batman, for one bist
+and a halfe. I haue made reckoning, al charges borne from hence to
+Colmogro, and from thence fraight into England at three pounds the tunne,
+al charges accounted, will not stand you in aboue 18. and 20. shillings the
+hundreth. You haue yeerly by report two or three hundred tunnes lading.
+Other commodities there for England I heare not of. [Sidenote: Gals.] As
+for gals here to bee bought, there is no profit to be done by them. They be
+brought from Aleppo, and sold here not vnder 3. or 4. shaughs their batman,
+being six pounds English waight. [Sidenote: Graine.] Graine that you die
+scarlet withall is worth the batman ready mony, 200 shaughs, reckoning the
+shaugh for 6. pence Russe, it may be 6. rubbles their batman. Your worships
+may send some portion of mony, if you may buy, as I thinke you may, for 12.
+and 13. s. a pound the berries, so you shall gaine both in the price and
+waight. [Sidenote: Ormus Aleppo.] If one Englishman more had bene here with
+me, to whom I might haue deliueied our bils of debts and other things,
+whatsoeuer should haue chanced of me, I would then haue become seruant to
+mine Interpreter, and so haue gone to Ormus and Aleppo, which both ioyne on
+the borders of this countrey, being the chiefe Marte townes, whereunto from
+all places merchants resort. And thus would I haue spent 4. or 5. months in
+trauelling for further knowledge of things for to haue certified your
+worships of. I hope in God to vse things in such order, that yeerly you
+shall haue returne of your goods from hence, as you haue forth of
+Russeland, and in those ships. For if we may, as I doubt not with
+diligence, prouide to make sales in time, and with speed receiue silke at
+the Shaughs hand, and other mens, that it may be sent from hence to be in
+Astracan at the beginning of Aprill, from whence it may be sent to Colmogro
+in three moneths and lesse, and there to be ready with the rest of your
+goods by the end of Iune for your ships to receiue, that will be time
+inough. This I doubt, not to bring to passe within a yeere or two, when we
+are throughly setled in these parts, and better knowen. [Sidenote: M.
+Anthonie Ienkinsons offer to the Persain.] Moreouer you shall vnderstand,
+that at my last being in the presence of the Shaugh, it was sayd to mee
+that M. Anthonie Ienkinson did proffer to take all the rawe silke in those
+parties, delivering cloth and other commodities for the same. I assure you
+there is in those parts to be had three or foure thousand horses, lading,
+euery horse load being 50. or 60. batmans, beside silke of Grosin. Great
+abundance of silke at times is sent out of these parts, to wit. 4. or 5.
+hundred horse lodes at a time by the Turkes, who bring great store of
+siluer to be coined, to wit, Dollars at ten shaughs the piece. The Hungarie
+Ducket is at 12. shaughs. And hauing money in readines at the time of the
+yeere, they buy silke the better cheape, when the countrey men bring it
+first to be sold. If your worships may bargaine with the Venetians to take
+silke at your hands, or otherwise deale with them, I doe not mistrust but
+to haue at the Shaughs hand sixe batmans of silke for two pieces and a
+halfe of karsies. Your good aduise herein, and in other matters, I trust
+you will write with conuenient speed. [Sidenote: M. Anthonie Ienkinson
+commended.] Master Anthonie Ienkinson hath deserued great commendation at
+all your worships hands: for the good report of his well and wise doings in
+those parts, was oftentimes a comfort to me to heare thereof, and some good
+helpe to me in my proceedings. To this day I neuer heard from any of our
+merchants. God graunt me in health to see your worships, for I haue had a
+carefull trauell, with many a sorowfull day and vnquiet sleepes. Neither
+had I the company of one English person, to whom sometimes I might haue
+eased my pensiue heart, as God well knoweth, who hath deliuered me from
+mine enemies. Thus almightie God graunt you in health and wealth long to
+liue.
+
+Your humble seruant at commandement during life,
+
+Arthur Edwards.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Another letter of Arthur Edwards written in Astracan the 16. of Iune 1567.
+  at his returne in his first voiage out of Persia, to the right
+  worshipfull Companie trading into Russia, Persia, and other the North and
+  Northeast partes.
+
+It may please your Worships that herein I haue written not onely certaine
+articles of your priuiledge, but also the Gouernours names, with the
+Consuls, Assistants and generalitie. [Sidenote: The Shaughs letters to the
+Moscouy companie.] Also such commodities as the Prince or Emperour of the
+Countrey hath written in one of his letters directed to your Worships to be
+sent him, with other notes which I thought good to be remembered, as may
+appeare hereafter following. Your priuiledge is written, graunted, and
+giuen in the names of these sixe persons following: to wit, sir William
+Garrard, sir William Chester, gouernours, sir Thomas Lodge, master Anthony
+Ienkinson, master Thomas Nicols and Arthur Edwards.
+
+1 First, it is granted that you shall pay no maner of customes or tols, any
+kinde of wayes now, nor in time comming, vnto his heires after him. And
+that all English merchants, such as you shall appoint now and hereafter,
+shall and may passe and repasse into all places of his dominions and other
+countries adioining in the trade of merchandise, to buy and sell all maner
+of commodities, with all maner of persons.
+
+2 Item, that in all places where any of our merchants shall haue their
+resort, or abiding, his chiefe Gouernours, Rulers and. Iustices shall take
+heed vnto vs, being our aide and defence against all euil persons,
+punishing those that shall do vs any wrong.
+
+3 Item, that for all such debts as shall be owing by any maner of person,
+iustice shal be done on the partie, and we paid at the day.
+
+4 Item, that no maner of persons whatsoever estate or degree they be of,
+shall be so hardie as to take any kind of wares, or any gifts, without any
+leaue and good will.
+
+5 Item, if by chance medley any of our merchants or seruants, as God
+forbid, should kill any of his subiects, that no part of your goods shall
+be touched or medled withall, neither any partie but the offendour, and
+true iustice to bee ministred, and being any of vs, not to suffer without
+the Princes knowledge and aduise.
+
+6 Item, that all such debts as are now owing, or hereafter shall be, are to
+be paied vnto any of vs, in the absence of the other, be the partie dead,
+or aliue.
+
+7 Item, that no person returne any kind of wares backe againe, being once
+bought or sold.
+
+8 Item, that when God shall send your goods to shore, presently his people
+shall helpe vs on land with them.
+
+These articles before written, I trust in God wil content your minds, vntil
+your farther letters be hitherto written vnto the Prince, who I am assured
+will graunt your farther reasonable requests, which his maiestie hath
+promised. For I moued the question, declaring vnto him that I thought your
+worships would write your letters of requests, to craue his farther good
+will, as should be thought meet for your better assurance in the trade of
+merchandise: you will hardly beleeue what long and gracious, talke he had
+with mee, which I assure you continued two houres, which was strange vnto
+the people and other merchant strangers. For betwixt euery question that
+his maiestie moued, when I had answered him, hee would talke with his
+Nobles and other his seruants hauing some knowledge of our Westerne parts
+and commodities, and then againe would demaund other questions. He caused
+his Secretarie to write the articles before named, in all of his foure
+letters giuen me (whereof two as I required, are in the Turkish tongue to
+be sent you.) On the, backe side of the one, hee hath written what wares
+his Maiestie would haue you to send him. He held me one houre within night
+before I departed from him.
+
+
+These bee the names of the wares or commodities, which on the backe side of
+  one of his letters the Shaugh hath written to you to be sent him.
+
+First, some cloth of Gold, with cloth of Tissue, and cloth of Botky, as
+Veluets wrought with gold.
+
+Item, good veluets, to wit, crimosins, purples, reds, greenes and blackes.
+Those colours his maiestie requireth, for they are most worne. And though
+there be some of these wares made in his citie of Cassan, yet nothing like
+in goodnes, to those that you may procure for him. Small profite I thinke
+will be in these wares: yet for diuers considerations, as also to satisfie
+the Princes mind, I wish you to send some, and those that be especiall
+good.
+
+Item, good damasks and sattins of all sortes, with an hundred pieces of
+good chamlets, which are woorth here 80. shaughs the piece, at sixe pence
+the shaugh, and those silkes to bee of those colours aboue written, to wit,
+crimosins, purples, reds, greenes, blackes, with some light watchet
+colours.
+
+Item, three or foure complete harnesses that wil abide the shot of a
+handgun with 10. or 12. targets of steele, being good.
+
+Item, ten or twelue good shirts of male being very good or els none, that
+may abide the shot of an arrow, and two buffe ierkins.
+
+Item, ten or twelue pieces of Westerne karsies, being thicked well and
+close shut in the weauing, and died into scarlets and fine reds. I thinke
+there wil be no such cloth for noblemens caps. The prince named them
+karangies [Marginal note: By the word Karangies, I thinke they meane
+Karsies.], saying, that maidens did make them, and is desirous of them.
+
+Item, six pieces of fine Holland cloth for the Prince, with some other for
+Noblemen, of a lower price.
+
+Item, twentie handguns being good, some of them with fire lockes, and also
+six good dags, with locks to trauell withall.
+
+Item 100. brusshes for garments (none made of swines haire,) for gifts, and
+otherwise to be sold.
+
+Item, six stone bowes that shoot lead pellets.
+
+Item, a mill to grind corne in the field as they goe, finely deuised: for
+Cozomomet willed me to write for one to be sent, to giue the Prince.
+
+Item, the Prince requireth of all sortes and colours of London clothes. I
+wish you to send no lesse then 40. or 50. for I know they will be sold to
+profit, especially such cloth as may be affoorded for 20. shaughs the
+arshine, which is longer by two of mine inches then Russia arshine is. Let
+there be fine skarlets, violets in graine, fine reds, blacks, browne
+blewes, foure or fiue of euery sort, for the Prince and other lords: the
+rest of other colours liuely to the sight, as London russets, tawnies, lion
+colours, good liuely greenes, with other, as you shall thinke good: for the
+prince desireth to see of all sorts, which will be an occasion that the
+Venetians and Turkes shall bee in lesse estimation then they are: for they
+themselues do feare, and secretly say the same. And truely the Princes
+subiects intend to enter into trade with vs for spices and other
+commodities that they were woont to sell vnto the Venetians and Turkes.
+
+Thus I commit you all to God, who send you health with increase of worship.
+Written in Astracan the 16. of Iune, 1567.
+
+By your seruant during life to command,
+
+Arthur Edwards.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Distances of certaine places in Russia.
+
+The way from Saint Nicholas Baie to Mosco.
+
+                           versts
+To Colmogro                   100
+To Vstiug                     500
+To Totma                      250
+To Vologhda                   250
+All by the riuer of Dwina    1100
+
+To Yenslaue                   180
+To Rostoue                     60
+To Pecaslaue                   60
+To Mosko                      120
+By land East and West         440
+
+The way from Mosko to Smolensko.
+
+To Moram                      300
+To Smolensko                  200
+
+The way from Mosko to Nouogrod.
+
+To Ottuer                     180
+To Torzhoke                    60
+To Wisnouolloko                60
+To Nouogrod                   150
+Southeast and Northwest       450
+
+The way from Nouogrod to Narue
+
+To Teseua                      50
+To the Friers                  60
+To Yria Niagorod               40
+To Narue                       15
+Southwest and Northeast        165
+
+From Nouogrod to Vobsky, is 180. versts by East.
+
+The way from Vobski to Ry in Liefland.
+
+                              versts
+To Newhouse                    50
+To Gouen on the borders |
+To Wenden               |
+To Trecado              | Al is  200
+To Newslot              | versts.
+To Rie                  |
+
+The way from Mosco to Astracan.
+To Costrom
+To Nisnoaogrod
+To Cazan
+To Astracan in all is 2800 versts
+
+The way from Vologhda to Narue.
+
+To Belozerco                   140
+To Batag                        80
+To Witergen                     40
+To Ladiski                      60
+To Onega lake                   80
+To Oher                         90
+To Narue                       180
+Southwest and Northeast 770 versts
+
+To go with a small boat within the land from S. Nicholas to Wardhouse.
+
+To Newnox riuer        |
+To Ousca Gouba         |
+To Lobshanga           |
+To Oust Nauelocki      | To Wardhouse
+To Orlouanos           | in
+To Solusca Monasterie  | all 800.
+To Candelox            | versts
+To Oust Colla          | Northwest
+To Zhemaker            | and Southeast
+To Poganna Volocki     |
+To Chibe Nanolocke     |
+To Kegor               |
+
+The way from Colmogro to Mixemske Sloboda, where the Samoeds keep their
+  Mart.
+
+To Vst Pinnego         |
+To Palango             |
+To Vescom              |
+To Soyaua              | Al is 230 versts
+To Coula               |
+To Nendega             |
+To Lampas              |
+To Sloboda             |
+
+The way to Vromo from Mazemske Sloboda, where the Losh hides are gotten.
+
+To Lampas              | All is 115. versts
+To Pogorel             | Northeast and
+To Zapolle             | Southwest.
+To Vromo               |
+
+
+The way and distances from Saint Nicholas, to the Caspian Sea.
+
+If you goe straight from Saint Nicholas, to the Caspian Sea, you must goe
+to Vologhda by water, as by the easiest passage, and that is accomplished,
+passing day and night, in foureteene dayes and foureteene nights, in boates
+cut out of a tree: (the boates are called Stroogs) 1100. versts it is.
+
+By horse and sleds in 8. dayes you may passe it in Winter. In Summer the
+way is dangerous by meanes of marishes and bogs, and not safely then to be
+passed. Then from Vologhda to Yeraslaue 180. versts ouer land. This
+Yeraslaue standeth vpon the riuer of Volga, 180. versts I say distant from
+Vologhda.
+
+To the Caspian sea are 2700. versts from Yeraslaue.
+
+So from S. Nicholas to the Caspian sea, are 3800. 80. versts.
+
+The iourney from S. Nicholas to Yeraslaue is accomplished in foureteene
+dayes by water, and two dayes by land. 16. dayes.
+
+From thence to Astracan men trauell by water in 30. dayes and 30. nights.
+
+So between S. Nicholas and the Caspian sea, are 46. dayes iourney.
+
+There passe downe Volga euery Summer, 500. boats great and smal, from all
+the vpper parts of the riuer, whereof some be of 500. tunne. They go for
+Minerall salt and for Sturgeon.
+
+The salt lieth in rocks (and is whitish red, and in fine sand) as it were
+30. miles from Astracan toward the Caspian sea. They dig it themselues and
+pay nothing for it, but to the prince a peny a pood, viz. 40. pound waight.
+
+[Sidenote: Fishing for Sturgeon for 3 moneths.] The Sturgeon which they
+call Ocetera is taken fiftie miles on this side Astracan. Along the riuer
+the space of 20. miles, they make their booties in plaine grounds, and fish
+for the space of three moneths, viz. from the end of May till, the end of
+August, and hauing salt they vse to salt them.
+
+The riuer is there 5. or 6. miles broad, but with some Islands. The riuer
+below Yeraslaue, where it is most narrow, is a mile broad from side to
+side.
+
+The riuer runneth vpon red clay, all woods of birch and oke on the riuer
+sides, saue about the townes of the fishing places.
+
+Dwina from S. Nicholas to Vstiug runneth all on chalke and sand: the fish
+are sweete and fat The Mene a fish with a great head a foot long breedeth
+about Vologda, and is fat and delicate.
+
+Between Vobsko and Nouogrod, the space of an 180. miles, groweth flax: the
+whole soile in length is so imploied, and as much in breadth: this is vpon
+a flat soile.
+
+The hempe groweth about Smolensko vpon the Polish border, 300. miles in
+compasse: much of the soile is so imploied.
+
+[Sidenote: The Englishmen in making of cables set on worke 100 men in
+Russia.] Of this hempe they bring in Winter to Vologda and Colmogro, and we
+set in worke in making of cables aboue 100 men.
+
+The Russians do spin and hachell it, and the English tarre it in threed and
+lay the cable. And one cable of those is woorth two of Danzick, because the
+Danzickers put in old cable and rotten stuffe, which in fowle weather is
+found of no strength.
+
+[Sidenote: Sosnoua tree excellent for the cure of the wolfe.] Sosnoua, a
+tree that cureth the wolfe with the shauings of the wood, groweth in these
+parts, and of the barks they make ropes as big as a mans arme for their
+boats.
+
+The Samoeds lacking linnen make handkerchiefs and towels of the very wood
+of this tree. The wood of this tree is as heauie as hollie, and the
+shauings tough.
+
+[Sidenote: The description of Rose Island.] Rose Island in S. Nicholas Baie
+is full of Roses damaske and red, of violets and wild Rosemarie: This
+Island is neere 7. or 8. miles about, and good pasture, and hath the name
+of the roses.
+
+The snow here about the midst of May is cleared, hauing bin two moneths in
+melting, then the ground is made dry within 14. dayes after, and then the
+grasse is knee high within a moneth. Then after September the frost commeth
+in, the snow is a yard deepe vpon plaine ground. The Island hath Firre and
+Birch, and a faire fresh spring neere the house built there by the English.
+
+       *       *      *       *       *
+
+The way discouered by water by vs Thomas Southam and Iohn Sparke, from the
+  towne of Colmogro, by the Westerne bottome of the Baie of S. Nicholas,
+  vnto the citie of Nouogrod in Russia, containing many particulars of the
+  way, and distance of miles, as hereafter foloweth. Anno 1566.
+
+We departed from Colmogro about 10. of the clocke afore noone in a Lodia or
+Barke, which we hired to bring vs along the coast to a place called Soroka,
+and in the sayd barke we hired 6. mariners, and a boy to conduct vs to the
+place before rehearsed.
+
+The Lodia or barke was of the burden of 25. tunnes or thereabout, wherewith
+we valed downe the riuer of Dwina, the winde being then calme, vnto a
+monasterie, called S. Michael where we were, constrained to anker because
+of a contrary wind which there met vs.
+
+[Sidenote: A verst is but 3 quarters of an english mile.] From Colmogro to
+this monasterie are 50. versts or miles of Russia, at which place we taried
+till the 21. day in the morning, and then hauing the wind somewhat faire,
+we set saile and departed thence.
+
+21 We departed, from the monasterie of S. Michael, hauing the wind somewhat
+faire, and arriued at Rose Island, ouer and against the monasterie of S.
+Nicholas, the 22. day at 2. of the clocke in the morning, which is 35.
+miles distant from the monasterie of S. Michael. By reason of contrary wind
+and tide we were constrained to tary there all that day.
+
+23 We departed from the monasterie of S. Nicholas at 7. of the clocke in
+the euening, and came to an anker at the Beacons, and continued there vntil
+halfe an houre past 10. of the clocke, and then set from thence, the wind
+being South: our course was West vntil 5. of the clock in the morning, when
+as we came to an anker against Newnox towne, where we continued vntil the
+25. day.
+
+[Sidenote: At this towne Newnox Richard Chanceller in his first voyage,
+with his companie ashipboard were relieved.] The sayd towne of Newnox is
+from the monasterie of S. Nicholas 35. miles.
+
+25 We departed from Newnox hauen at one of the clocke in the after noone,
+the wind at South and Southeast, and our course Northwest and by West.
+
+The point of Tolstick which is the headland before the entrance of Newnox
+hauen, and the headland of Seusemski lie next Southeast and by South,
+Northwest and by North. We came to an anker there this day at 4. of the
+clock in the afternoone being from Newnox hauen 15. miles, where we
+continued in harbour til the 27, day of the moneth, by reason of contrary
+winds.
+
+27 We departed from Seusemski in the morning at 5. of the clocke, the wind
+next at East and by North, and our course Northwest and by West.
+
+The said land of Seusemski and the headland going into Owna riuer lieth
+East and by South, west and by North, and between them is 25. miles.
+
+This day at Sunne set we came to an Island called Sogisney passing betwixt
+it and the maine, with the wind at South and by East, our course was West
+and by South, being 85. miles from Owna riuer.
+
+Being past the said Island 10. miles, the wind came contrary, whereupon we
+returned to the Island of Sogisney, where we remained vntil the 29. day.
+
+29 The 29. day we departed from Sogisney aforesayd, at 5. of the clocke in
+the afternoone, the wind at East northeast, and our course was Southwest
+and by west, passing by an Island called Anger, being 30. miles from
+Sogisney, and keeping on our course, we came by the headland of an Island
+called Abdon, being from the Island of Anger 15. miles, where we found many
+rocks: and if the great prouidence of God had not preserued vs, wee had
+there perished, being fallen amongst them in the night time, and our pilot
+none of the perfectest, which was contrary to his profession as we found
+it.
+
+But whosoeuer will trauell that way must either keepe hard aboord the
+shore, for that there is a chanell which goeth along the coast within the
+rocks, or els giue the headland a birth of 6. miles at the least, and so
+goe a seaboord all: for there are ledges of rocks that lie fiue miles from
+the headland.
+
+We gaue the headland a birth of 3. miles, notwithstanding there lay two
+rockes two miles to sea boord of vs, so that we were inclosed with them,
+and sate vpon the highest of them: but it pleased God to make it calme, and
+giue vs the day also, or els we had miscaried.
+
+30 We departed from the headland of the Island of Abdon, at 4. of the
+clocke in the morning, directing our course West, and at 10. of the clocke
+before noone, we arriued at a monasterie named Solofky, which is 15. miles
+from Abdon.
+
+At this monasterie we continued vntill the 31. day of this moneth. We had
+here detracted vs by the chiefe monkes of the monasterie, their letter and
+house seale, and a seruant of theirs to conduct vs safely through the
+dangerous riuer of Owiga.
+
+The people of all those parts are wild, and speake another kind of
+language, and are for the most part all tenants to the monasterie. The
+effect of the letter was, that they should be ready to helpe and assist vs
+in all dangerous places, and carie our boats and goods ouer land in places
+needfull, as in deed they did, as hereafter shall appeare.
+
+Note, that at our being at the monasterie, there was no Abbot for the place
+as then chosen: for 15. dayes before our arriual there, the Abbot was sent
+for by the Emperour, and made Metropolitane of the realme, as he now is.
+The number of monkes belonging to the monasterie are at the least 200.
+
+31 Wee departed from the monasterie of Solofky, as is aforesayde, to a
+faire stone house of theirs, which is 5. miles from the monasterie, lying
+from it South and by West.
+
+[Sidenote: August] 1 We departed from the Stone house at 3. of the clocke
+in the morning: our course was West for 60. versts, and then passing
+betwixt diuers and sundry rocks, with many small Islands round about vs for
+the space of 20 miles, keeping most commonly the same course still, we then
+shaped a new course, and yet sundry times shifting, [Sidenote: The riuer
+Owiga.] but we alwayes kept the Southwest, and neerest of all South
+southwest vntill we came within two miles of the entrance of the riuer
+Owiga where we were to beare in, West and by North.
+
+From the riuer Owiga, to the Islands and rocks before mentioned, are 20.
+miles.
+
+We arriued about 4. of the clocke in the after noone within the riuer of
+Owiga, at a place named Soroka, at which place we forsooke our barke or
+Lodia, and continued there in making prouision for small boates to carie vs
+vp the riuer vntill the 3. day of the same.
+
+3 We departed from Soroka at two of the clocke in the afternoone, with 3.
+boats and 12. men to rowe, and set the foresaid boates vp the riuer of
+Owiga, which we hired.
+
+[Sidenote: The fall of a riuer.] We went this day 7. miles to a place
+called Ostroue, where we lay all night, but in the way 4. miles from
+Soroka, at a place where the water falleth from the rocks, as if it came
+steepe downe from a mountain, we were constrained to take out our goods and
+wares out of the said boats, and caused them to be caried a mile ouer land,
+and afterwards also had our boates in like sort caried or drawen ouer land
+by force of men which there dwelled, being tenants to the monasterie
+aforesaid.
+
+And when our boats were come to the place where our wares were laid, we
+lanched our boats and laded our wares againe, and went to the place before
+named, where we continued and remained that night.
+
+We departed from Ostroue in the morning before Sunne rising, rowing and
+setting vp the riuer 5. miles, where we came to a place whereas we were
+againe constrained to take out our wares, and to carie them and our boats
+three miles ouer land, so that with rowing, drawing and setting, we went
+this day 7. miles more to a place called Sloboday, where we lay all night.
+
+5 We departed from Sloboday in the morning at Sunne rising, and at sixe of
+the clocke in the aftemoone, we came to a village called Paranda, which is
+from Sloboday 30. miles, where wee remained all that night.
+
+6 We departed from Paranda at 6. of the clocke in the morning, and all that
+day what with setting and drawing our boats, we went but 11. miles, for we
+twise vnladed our wares, and drew our boats ouerland, in one place a mile
+and an halfe, in another place as it were the eight part of a mile, and so
+we came to a place called Voyets, where we taried all that night.
+
+7 We departed from Voyets at 4. of the clocke in the morning, and so came
+to an Ozera or lake, called after the name of the riuer, and vnto a place
+called Quequenich, wee rowed all this day, and came thither by one of the
+clock in the afternoone, which is 25. miles from Voyets, and there we
+remained all night to hire men and boats to carie vs forward on our
+iourney.
+
+Here departed backe from vs the seruant which we had at the Monasterie,
+being sent by the monkes to go thus far with vs. And after that he had
+hired the boats and taken the mens names that should conduct vs, and giuen
+them charge to deliuer vs with all things in safetie, at a place being a
+litle towne called Pouensa, then hee departed from vs without taking any
+reward for his paines, for so he was charged and commanded by the monkes.
+
+[Sidenote: A lake very full of Islands.] 8 We departed from Quequenich at
+sunne rising, and all that day rowed vpon the lake amongst many Islands.
+The inhabitants doe there report that there are as many Islands in their
+lake, as there are dayes in the yeere. In the euening we came to a village
+named Tellekina, which is 60. miles from Quequenich.
+
+9 We departed from Tellekina in the morning at 5. of the clocke, and so
+entring into a riuer, we went that day 13. miles. In one place we caried
+our boates and goods ouerland 3. miles. At euening we came to a place
+called Oreiche na maelay, where we lay all night.
+
+10 Wee departed thence at 5. of the clocke in the morning, and so rowing,
+came to a place where the riuer ended, being 20 miles distant from the
+place where wee lay all night, at which place wee forsooke our boates and
+vnladed our wares, and sent a man to the towne of Pouensa, which was seuen
+mile ony for horses to cary vs and our wares to the said place. The horses
+came, and we laded our goods, and at sixe of the clocke in the afternoone
+wee arriued at the towne of Pouensa, with all things in safetie.
+
+[Sidenote: The famous lake of Onega.] This towne of Pouensa standeth within
+one mile lake of of the famous lake or Ozera of Onega, which is 320. miles
+long and in some places 70. miles ouer. But where it is narrowest it is 25.
+miles ouer, being fed with many goodly riuers which fall into it. Hard
+aboord the shore within 6. miles, you shall haue 40. and 45. fathoms of
+depth.
+
+Here it is to bee noted that from this place of Pouensa vnto the village of
+Soroka downe those dangerous riuers which wee came through, at no time of
+the yeere can or may any man cary or transport any goods that come from
+Nouogrod, or the Narue, and such other places: for in the Sommer it is
+impossible to cary downe any wares by reason of the great fals of water
+that doe descend from the rockes. Likewise in the Winter by reason of the
+great force and fall of waters which make so terrible raises, that in those
+places it neuer freezeth, but all such wares as come from Nouogrod to
+Pouensa, are transported by land to a place called Some in the Winter,
+which Some standeth on the sea side, as doth Soroka. The ready way from
+Pouensa by land to this place of Some, with the distance of miles I will
+shew hereafter.
+
+12 We departed from Pouensa at 9. of the clocke in the morning, with 2.
+smal boats which we hired to cary vs to a place called Toluo vpon the lake
+of Onega, being 50 miles from Pouensa, where we arriued the 13. day in the
+morning, where wee bought a boate that caried vs and all our wares from
+thence to the Citie of Nouogrod.
+
+14 We departed from Toluo at 3. of the clocke in the afternoone, and at the
+euening arriued at a certaine Island named Salasalma, vpon the said lake 7.
+miles from Toluo, and by reason of contrary windes we there taried vntill
+the 16. day of this moneth.
+
+16 We departed from Salasalma, at 8. of the clocke in the morning, and came
+to an Island the 17. day in the morning, named Vorronia, where wee
+continued by reason of contrary winds, vntill the 21. day of the said
+moneth, and it is 60. miles from Salasalma.
+
+[Sidenote: S. Clement his Monasterie.] 21 We departed from Vorronia Island
+two houres before day, and arriued at S. Clements Monasterie at 2. of the
+clocke in the after noone, being from Vorronia 48. miles.
+
+22 We departed from S. Clements Monasterie at the breake of the day, hauing
+a faire wind all a long the lake: we sailed without striking of saile vntil
+two houres within night, and then entred into a riuer called Swire, at a
+Monasterie called Vosnessino Christo, fiue miles from the entrance of the
+riuer, where we taried al night. It is from S. Clements Monastery 160.
+miles: the streame of that riuer went with vs.
+
+23 Wee departed from Vosnessino Christo before Sunne rising, and valed
+downe the riuer sometime sailing, and sometime rowing, so that this day wee
+went 90. miles and lay at night at a place called Vassian.
+
+24 Wee departed from Vassian at the breake of the day, and came to a place
+called Selucax [Marginal note: Or Sermaxe.], where we lay all night, and is
+10. miles from Vassian.
+
+[Sidenote: The riuer of Volhuski. The lake of Ladeskai.] 25 We departed
+from Selucaxe at 4 of the clocke in the morning, and entred vpon the Lake
+of Ladiskaie, the winde being calme al that day sauing 3. hours, and then
+it was with vs, so that we sailed and rowed that day 10. miles, along vpon
+the said lake, and entred into the riuer of Volhuski, which riuer hath his
+beginning 20. miles aboue Nouogrod, and runneth through the midst of the
+Citie, and so falleth into this lake, which is farre longer then the lake
+of Onega, but it is not so broad. This lake falleth into the sea that
+commeth from the Sound: where any vessel or boat, hauing a good pilot, may
+goe through the Sound into England.
+
+As soone as we were entred into the riuer, we came to a Monasterie called
+S. Nicholas Medued, where we lay all that night.
+
+[Sidenote: The Monasterie of Gosnopoli.] 26 Wee departed from S. Nicholas
+Medued, at fiue of the clocke in the morning, rowing and drawing our boates
+all day, and came at night to another Monasterie called Gosnopoli, which is
+30 miles from S. Nicholas Medued, where we lay all that night.
+
+27 We departed from Gosnopoli at 6. of the clocke in the morning, and at
+euening came to a place called Moislaue, where we lay all night, being 46.
+miles from the Monasterie of Gosnopoli.
+
+28 We departed from Moislaue, and the saide day at night came to a place
+called Grussina, 35. miles from Moislaue where we lodged.
+
+29 Wee departed from Grussina in the morning, and the same day at euening
+came to a place called Petroe Suetoe, where we lay all night, being 40
+miles from Grussina.
+
+[Sidenote: The citie of Nouogrod.] 30 We departed from Petroe Suetoe in the
+morning, and at two of the clock in the afternoone we arriued at the Citie
+of Nouogrod, being twentie miles from Petroe Suetoe. Here we found William
+Rowlie Agent to the company, who was there stayed with all his company, and
+was not licenced to depart thence for the Mosco, by reason that the plague
+was then in the Citie of Nouogrod. Vnto him we deliuered all the wares that
+wee brought from Colmogro, for by the way we sold not a peny worth, the
+people of the countrey euery where be so miserable.
+
+The right way to bring and transport wares from Nouogrod to Rose Island
+into S. Nicholas bay, where our Ships yeerely lade, with the distance of
+miles from place to place, is as followeth:
+
+20 Miles from Nouogrod to Petroe Suetoe.
+
+40 Miles from thence to Grusina.
+
+35 Miles from thence to Moislaue.
+
+46 Miles from thence to the Monasterie Gosnopoli.
+
+15 Miles from thence to Ladega towne.
+
+15 Miles from thence to Selunaz ouer the lake of Ladega, albeit there be
+many villages all along the lake.
+
+180 Miles from Ladega towne vp the riuer of Swire, vnto the Monasterie of
+Vosnessino Christo, albeit there are many villages vpon the riuer: for
+within euery fiue or sixe miles you shall haue villages or small townes.
+
+160 Miles from Vosnessino Christo to S. Clements Monastery, albeit there be
+many villages all along the lake of Onega.
+
+48 Miles from thence to Voronia.
+
+67 Miles from thence to Toluo towne: and there are diuers villages al along
+the lake where the carriers may lie, and haue meate for man and horse.
+
+50 Miles from thence to Pouensa, where Onega lake endeth.
+
+The way from Pouensa to Some towne is this:
+
+  30 Miles from Pouensa to Mastlelina.
+  10 Miles from thence to Tellekina.
+  30 Miles from thence to Toluich.
+  35 Miles from thence to Carraich.
+  20 Miles from thence to Varnich.
+  10 Miles from thence to Ostrouo.
+  15 Miles from thence to Lapina.
+  20 Miles from thence to Some it selfe.
+
+Note, that from the Citie of Nouogrod vnto the towne of Some is 936. miles,
+and from the towne of Some vnto the Monasterie of S. Nicholas or Rose
+Island, ouer and against where our Ships do ride, is iust as many miles as
+is Soroka village from S. Nicholas, as the Russes doe accompt it, as also
+we do iudge it, namely 325. miles. So that from Nouogrod to S. Nicholas
+road, is by our accompt 1261. miles or versts.
+
+[Sidenote: Trauel by Sleds.] Furthermore it is to be noted that all such
+wares as shall be bought at Nouogrod, and sent to Some towne, must be sent
+by sled way in the Winter: for if any ware should be sent from Nouogrod by
+water in the spring of the yeere after the yce is gone, then must the said
+wares remaine at Pouensa towne al that Summer, by reason that in the Summer
+there is no way to goe from Pouensa vnto Some towne.
+
+At Pouensa there are many warehouses to be hired, so that if there were as
+much goods as ten ships could cary away, you might haue warehouses to put
+it in: but if there should remaine much ware all the Summer, to be caried
+in the Winter to Some towne, then horses are not easily to be gotten at
+that place to cary it thither: [Sidenote: 2000. Sleds belonging to one
+towne.] so that your wares once bought at Nouogrod, you musthaue cariers
+there to cary it to the towne of Some by Sleds, whereof you may there haue
+2000. if you will, by the report of the Russes.
+
+For from Nouogrod yerely there go many Sleds in the Winter to fetche salt
+from Some, with carriers and emptie Sleds there to buy it, and to bring it
+to Nouogrod to sell it in the market or otherwise.
+
+[Sidenote: A good caueat for seasonable trauell.] From Nouogrod vnto Some
+towne you may haue a pood of wares carted for eight pence or nine pence:
+but in any wise your wares must bee sent from Nouogrod by the sixt of
+Ianuary, so that the wares may bee at Some by Candlemas, or soone after:
+for if your wares should tary by the way vntill the 15. of February, when
+the Sunne is of some power, then is it dangerous: for the heate of the
+Sunne in the day causeth the deepe lakes of Ladega, and specially of Onega
+to cleaue: and if there should come then a sudden thaw, as oftentimes in
+that time of the yeere doeth, then doe these lakes open and breake, whereby
+many men are lost, and both men and horse drowned, although other riuers do
+remaine frozen a long time after.
+
+In the towne of Some also there are many warehouses, whereof we cannot be
+destitute for the reposing of our wares, as also as many barkes as you wil
+to transport your wares from thence to S. Nicholas road, and that for three
+pence a poods caryage: so that from the Citie of Nouogrod vnto S. Nicholas
+road you may haue wares caried for two altines. The pood commeth vnto 23.
+altines the tunne.
+
+[Sidenote: Nouogrod within 180 miles of the Narue.] Prouided alwayes, that
+you buy your wares there your selfe, and send it thence: for there is no
+hope that the natiues will bring their wares from Nouogrod to Some, in hope
+to sell vnto vs, considering the great trade that they haue at the Narue,
+which is within 180. miles off them.
+
+Written by Thomas Southam a seruant to the company.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+An Act for the corporation of Merchants aduenturers for the discouering of
+  new trades, made in the eight yere of Queene Elizabeth. Anno 1566.
+
+Whereas diuers very good Subiects of this Realme of England in the latter
+end of the reigne of the late right high and mightie prince our Soueraigne
+Lord king Edward the sixt, at the gracious incouragement, and right good
+liking of the said king, and by his Maiesties liberall example, did at
+their aduenture, and to their exceeding great charges, for the glory of
+God, the honor and increase of the reuenues of the Crowne, and the common
+vtilitie of the whole Realme of England, set forth three ships for the
+discouery by Sea, of Isles, lands, territories, dominions, and Seigniories
+vnknowen, and by the Subiects of the sayd late king not commonly by seas
+frequented: and after that Almightie God had called to his mercie the said
+king, who died before the finishing and sealing of his most ample and
+gracious letters of priuiledges promised to the said Subiects, as wel in
+consideration of the said enterprise, as for diuers other respects it
+pleased our late soueraigne Q. Mary, at the humble suites of the same
+subiects, to graunt by her letters Patents vnder the great Seale of
+England, bearing date at Westminster the 26. day of February, in the second
+yeere of her raigne, for the considerations mentioned in the said letters
+Patents, to the saide subiects being specially named in the saide letters
+Patents, and to their successors, that they by the name of Merchants
+aduenturers of England, for the discouerie of lands, territories, Isles,
+dominions, and Seigniores vnknowen, and not before their late aduenture or
+enterprise, by seas or Nauigations commonly frequented, should be from
+thenceforth one body, and perpetual felowship and communalitie of
+themselues, both in deed and in name, and that same felowship and
+communaltie from thenceforth should and might haue one or two gouernours,
+foure Consuls, and 24. assistants, of the said fellowship and comminaltie
+of Merchants aduenturers, and that they by the name of the Gouernour,
+Consuls, assistants, felowship, and comminaltie of Merchants aduenturers,
+for the discouery of lands, territories, Isles, dominions, and Seigniories
+vnknowen by the seas and Nauigations, and not before their said late
+aduenture or enterprise, by Seas frequented, should or might be able in the
+lawe to implead and to be impleaded, to answere and to be answered, to
+defend, and to be defended, before whatsoeuer Iudge or Iustice temporall or
+spiritual, or other persons whatsoeuer, in whatsoeuer court or courts, and
+in all actions, real, personal, and mixt, and in euery of them, and in all
+plaints of Nouel descision, and also in all plaints, suites, quarrels,
+affaires, businesse, and demaunds whatsoeuer they be, touching and
+concerning the said felowship and comminaltie, and the affaires and
+businesse of the same only in as ample maner and forme, as any other
+corporation of this Realme might doe, giuing also, and granting vnto them
+by the said letters Patents, diners authorities, powers, iurisdictions,
+prehemmences, franchises, liberties and priuiledges, as by the same letters
+Patents more at large will appeare. And among other things mentioned in the
+said letters Patents, whereas one of the three ships, by the said
+fellowship before that time set foorth for the voyage of discouery
+aforesaid, named the Edward Bonauenture, had arriued within the Empire and
+dominion of the high and mightie Prince Lord Iohn Vasiliwich, Emperour of
+all Russia, Vlodimersky, great duke of Musky, &c. who receiued the Captaine
+and Merchants of the saide shippe very graciously, granting vnto them
+freely to traffique with his subiects in all kinde of Merchandizes, with
+diuers other gracious priuiledges and liberties: therefore the said late
+Queene by the same letters Patents, for her, her heires and successors, did
+graunt that all the maine lands, Isles, ports, hauens, creeks, and riuers
+of the said mighty Emperour of all Russia, and great duke of Mosco, &c. and
+all and singular other lands, dominions, territories, Isles, ports, hauens,
+creeks, riuers, armes of the seas, of al and euery other Emperour, king,
+prince, ruler, or gouernour whatsoeuer he or they be, before the said late
+aduenture or enterprise not knowen, or by the aforesaid merchants and
+subiects of the said king and Queene, by, the seas not commonly frequented,
+nor any part or parcel thereof, and lying Northwards, Northeastwards, or
+Northwestwards, as in the said letters patents is mentioned, should not be
+visited, frequented nor haunted by any the subiects of the said late
+Queene, other then of the said company and fellowship, and their
+successors, without expresse licence, agreement, and consent of the
+Gouerner, Consuls, and Assistants of the said felowship, and communaltie or
+the more part of them, in maner and forme, as is expressed in the saide
+letters patents, vpon paine of forfeiture and losse aswell of the ship and
+ships, with the appurtenances, as also of the goods, merchandizes, and
+things whatsoeuer they be, of those the subiects of the said late Queene
+not being of the saide fellowship and communaltie, which should attempt or
+presume to saile to any of those places, which then were, or after should
+happen to be found and traffiqued vnto, the one halfe of the same
+forfeiture to be to the vse of the said late Queene, her heires and
+successors, and the other halfe to be to the vse of the said felowship and
+communaltie, as by the same letters patents more plainly will appeare.
+
+Since the making of which letters patents, the said fellowship haue, to
+their exceeding great costes, losses and expences, not onely by their
+trading into the said dominions of the saide mightie prince of Russia, &c.
+found out conuenient way to saile into the saide dominions: but also
+passing thorow the same, and ouer the Caspian sea, haue discouered very
+commodious trades into Armenia, Media, Hyrcania, Persia, and other
+dominions in Asia minor, hoping by Gods grace to discouer also the countrey
+of Cathaia, and other regions very conuenient to be traded into by
+merchants of this realme, for the great benefite and commodities of the
+same.
+
+[Sidenote: This is meant for Alderman Bond the elder.] And forasmuch as
+diuers subiects of this realme, vnderstanding the premises, and perceiuing
+that now after the charge and trauel aforesaid, diuers wares and
+merchandizes are brought by the saide fellowship into this Realme, out of
+the dominions already discouered, which bee within this realme of good
+estimation, minding for their peculiar gaine, vtterly to decay the trade of
+the sayde fellowship, haue contrary to the tenor of the same letters
+patents, in great disorder traded into the dominions of the said mightie
+prince of Russia, &c. to the great detriment of this common wealth: And for
+that the name by which the saide felowship is incorporated by the letters
+patents aforesaid, is long, and consisteth of very many words: [Sidenote:
+English Merchants for discouery of new trades.] Therfore be it enacted by
+the Queenes most excellent Maiestie, the Lords spiritual and temporal, and
+the commons in this present parliament assembled, and by authoritie of the
+same, that the said felowship, company, society and corporation made or
+created by the said letters patents, shal at al time and times from
+henceforth be incorporated, named and called only by the name of the
+fellowship of English merchants, for disouery of new trades, and by the
+same name for euer shall and may continue a perpetuall body incorporate in
+deede and name, and onely by the same name from henceforth, shall implead,
+and be impleaded, answere and be answered, defend and be defended, sue and
+bee sued, in whatsoeuer courts and places, and shall and may by the same
+name bee inabled to purchase, haue, holde, possesse, reteine, and enioy
+whatsoeuer manors, landes, tenements, rents, reuersions, seruices, and
+hereditaments not exceeding a hundred marks yeerly, not being holden of the
+Queenes matestie, her heires, or successors by knights seruice in Capite,
+and all goods, merchandizes, chattels, and other things whatsoeuer, and
+shall and may by the same name make and do all things as any other
+corporation may do, and also shall haue and enioy all and singular the
+liberties, priuiledges, iurisdictions, franchises, preheminences, powers,
+authorities, and things, and may doe and execute all other matters and
+things in the sayd letters patents mentioned, or in any wise conteined. And
+that no part nor parcell of the maine lands, Isles, ports, hauens, roades,
+creekes, riuers, armes of the seas of any Emperour, king, prince, ruler or
+gouernor whatsoeuer he or they be, before the said first enterprise made by
+the merchants, of the saide corporation, not knowen by the merchants and
+subiects of this Realme, or by them not commonly by seas frequented, and
+lying from the City of London Northwards, Northwestwards, or
+Northeastwards, nor any part or parcel of the maine lands, dominions,
+isles, ports, roades, hauens, creeks, armes of the Seas, that now be
+subiect to the said high and mightie prince Lord Iohn Vasiliwich, his
+heires, or successours, or to the Emperour, chiefe gouernour or ruler of
+the said country of Russia for the time being, his heires or successors,
+nor the countries of Armenia maior or minor, Media, Hyrcania, Persia, or
+the Caspian sea, nor any part of them shall be sailed or traffiqued vnto,
+visited, frequented, or haunted by any person being or that shalbe a
+subiect or denizen of this realme, by themselues, their factor or factors,
+or any other to their vse or commoditie, by any wayes or meanes, directly
+or indirectly, other then by the order, agreement, consent, or ratification
+of the gouernour, Consuls and assistants of the saide fellowship and
+comminaltie, or the more part of them, and their successors for the time
+being: vpon paine that euery person and persons offending in this behalfe,
+shall forfeit and loose, Ipso facto, euery such ship and ships, with the
+appurtenances, and all such goods, Merchandizes, and things whatsoeuer, as
+by any such person or persons shalbe by any wayes or meanes, directly or
+indirectly, prouided, caried, conducted, brought, or exchanged, in, at, to,
+through or from any of the places prohibited, as is aforesiade, contrary to
+the true intent of this statute: the one moietie of all which forfeitures
+to bee to our said souereigne Lady the Queenes Maiestie, her heires and
+successors, and the other moietie thereof to the sayde fellowship of
+English Merchants for discouery of newe trades, and their successors, to be
+seized and taken wheresoeuer they may be found, by any person or persons,
+to the vse of our said Souereigne Lady, her heires and successors, and of
+the said fellowship of English Merchants for discouery of newe trades, and
+of their successors, or the same or the value thereof to bee demaunded or
+sued for by the Queenes highnesse, her heires and successors, or by the
+saide fellowship of English Merchants for the discouery of newe trades, or
+their successors, or their atturney or atturneis, or by any person or
+persons being of the same fellowship of English Merchants for discouery of
+newe trades, or their successors in any court of Record, or in any other
+Court or courtes within this Realme, or els where, by Action of debt,
+action of detinue, bill, plaint, information, or otherwise: in which suite
+no essoine, protection, wager of lawe, or iniunction shal be allowed, for,
+or on the behalfe of the partie or parties defendant.
+
+Prouided alwayes, that whereas diuers Subiects of this Realme being not of
+the fellowship aforesaid, haue heretofore made aduentures to and from some
+of the places prohibited by the said letters patents, that the said
+subiects, their heires, executors, administrators and assignees, or any of
+them shall not be impeached, impleaded, troubled, sued, nor molested for
+the same in their goods or persons in any maner of wise, either by our
+saide souereigne Lady, her heires or successors, or the said fellowship, or
+their successors.
+
+Prouided also, that it shall be lawfull for any subiect of this Realme,
+hauing presently any shipping, goods, wares, or ready money, remayning at
+or in any place, of or within the dominion of the said mighty prince of
+Russia, or in any other of the places prohibited to be visited or
+traffiqued vnto by this statute or the said letters Patent, to fetch,
+brings and conuey the same, or cause the same to be brought or conueyed
+from thence by sea or otherwise, before the feast of S. Iohn Baptist, which
+shalbe in the yeere of our Lord God 1568. any thing, conteined in this
+statute, or in the said letters Patents to the contrary notwithstanding.
+
+Prouided also, that it shall be lawfull for any of the subiects of this
+Realme, to saile to the port, towne, territorie, or castle of Wardhouse, or
+to any of the coastes, townes, hauens, creekes, riuers, Islands, and land
+of Norway for trade of fishing or any other trade there vsed by the
+subiects of this Realme, any thing in this statute to the contrary
+notwithstanding.
+
+And for the better maintenance of the Nauie and Mariners of this Realme, be
+it prouided and inacted that it shall not be lawfull to the saide
+fellowship and company, nor to any of them to cary and transport, or cause
+to be caried any commodie of this Realme to their newe trade, but only in
+English ships, and to be sailed for the most part with English Mariners,
+nor also to bring into this Realme nor into Flanders from their saide new
+trade, any merchandizes, or other commodities but in English ships, and
+sailed for the most part by the English Mariners, on paine to forfeit for
+euery such offence two hundred pounds, whereof the one moietie shall be to
+the Queenes Maiestie, her heires and successors, the other moietie to the
+head officers of any port towne, hauing any hauen or harborough decayed, by
+what name soeuer they bee incorporate, to the reparation of such
+harborough, that will sue for the same in any Court of Record, by action,
+bill, plaint or information, wherein no essoine, protection, wager of lawe
+for the defendant shall be admitted or allowed.
+
+Prouided also, and be it enacted, that no maner of person or persons shall
+from henceforth carrie or transport, or cause to be carried or transported
+out of this Realme of England, any maner of clothes or karsies into any of
+the partes where the said fellowship and societie is priuiledged to trade
+by this Act, before the same clothes and karsies shall be all dressed, and
+for the most part died within this Realme vpon paine of forfeiture for
+euery such cloth and karsie, otherwise caried and transported, fiue pounds:
+the one halfe thereof to the Queenes Maiestie, her heires and successors,
+the other halfe to the Master and Wardens of the Cloth-workers in the Citie
+of London for the time being, by what name soeuer they be incorporate that
+will sue for the same.
+
+Prouided also that whensoeuer the said societie of company shall willingly
+withdraw, and discontinue wholy by the space of three yeeres in time of
+peace, the discharging of their merchandizes at the road of S. Nicholas bay
+in Russia, and doe not discharge their said merchandizes at some other port
+or roade lying on that North coast of Russia, or other territofie nowe
+subiect to the saide mightie prince of Russia, &c. hitherto by the subiects
+of this realme not commonly frequented, that then during the time of any
+such discontinuance and withdrawing, as is aforesaid, it shalbe lawful to
+all the subiects of this realme to trade to the Narue onely in English
+bottoms, any thing in this Act to the contrary notwithstanding.
+
+Prouided also, that euery of the Queenes Maiesties Subiects inhabiting
+within the Citie of Yorke, the townes of Newcastle vpon Tine, Hull and of
+Boston, hauing continually traded the course of merchandize by the space of
+ten yeeres, and which before 25. of December that shalbe in Anno D. 1567.
+shal contribute, ioyne, and put in stocke, to, with, and amongst the said
+company, such summe and summes of money, as any of the said company, which
+hath throughly continued and contributed to the saide newe trade, from the
+yeere 1552. hath done, and before the saide 25. of December 1567. shall do
+for the furniture of one ordinary, full and intire portion, or share, and
+do in all things behaue himselfe as others of the said societie be bound to
+doe, and hereafter shall bee bound to do by the priuiledges, ordinances and
+statutes of the saide company, shall from the same 25. day of December
+1567. be, and be accompted free, and as one of the said societie and
+company, and subiect to the priuiledges, ordinances and statutes of the
+saide company, reasonably made and to be made, any thing in this present
+Act to the contrary notwithstanding.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A very briefe remembrance of a voyage made by M. Anthony Ienkinson, from
+  London in Moscouia, sent from the Queenes Maiestie to the Emperour, in
+  the yeere 1566.
+
+The fourth day of May in the yere aforesaid, I imbarked my selfe at
+Grauesend in the good ship called the Harry of London, and hauing had a
+prosperous voyage arriued at the bay of S. Nicholas in Russia the 10. day
+of Iuly following, and immediately I sent in post to the Emperor to
+aduertise of my comming, and traueiling then thorowe the countrey, I with
+my company came to the Mosco where the Emperour kept his court, the 23. of
+August and foorthwith gaue the Secretarie to vnderstand of my arriuall, who
+aduertised the Emperours Maiestie of it, and the first day of September,
+being a solemne feast among the Russes, I came before the Emperours
+Maiestie, sitting in his seate of honour, and hauing kissed his hand and
+done the Queenes Maiesties commendations, and deliuered her graces letters
+and present, he bad me to dinner, which I accepted, and had much honour
+done vnto me both then and all the time of my abode in Russia.
+
+
+END OF VOL III.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Principal Navigations, Voyages,
+Traffiques, and Discoveries of The English Nation, v3, by Richard Hakluyt
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRINCIPAL NAVIGATIONS, V3 ***
+
+This file should be named 7476-8.txt or 7476-8.zip
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