Giovanni da Verrazano's Report to Francis 1, July 8, 1524, The History of the Dauphine and Its Voyage

TO KING FRANCIS I OF FRANCE

After the tempest suffered in the northern parts, Most Serene King, I have not written to Your Majesty that which was experienced by the four ships which thou hadst sent by the Ocean to discover new lands, thinking that thou hadst been certified of everything -- how we were compelled by the impetuous force of the winds to return to Brittany with only the distressed Normanda and Dauphine; where having made repairs, Your Majesty will have learned the voyage we made with them, armed for war, along the coasts of Spain; later, the new disposition with the Dauphine alone to continue the first navigation; having returned from which, I will tell Your Majesty what we have found.

FROM MADEIRA TO THE NEW WORLDTEMPEST IN THE

OCEAN

From the deserted rock near to the Island of Madeira of the lost Serene King of Portugal (a) with the said Dauphine, on the XVII of the month of January past, with fifty men, furnished with victuals, arms and other instruments of war and naval munitions for eight months, we departed, sailing westward by an east-south-east wind blowing with sweet and gentle lenity. In XXV days we sailed eight hundred leagues. The XXIIII day of February (b) we suffered a tempest as severe as ever a man who has navigated suffered. From which, with the divine aid and the goodness of the ship, adapted by its glorious name and fortunate destiny to support the violent waves of the sea, we were delivered. We pursued our navigation continuously toward the west, holding somewhat to the north. In XXV more days we sailed more than 400 leagues where there appeared to us a new land never before seen by anyone, ancient or modern.

(a) commencing 1524. (The same hand had written 1523, then changed 3 to 4.)

(b) perhaps 16 hours.

THE LAND FIRST SEEN IN 34 DEGREES N. LATITUDE

At first it appeared rather low: having approached to within a quarter of a league, we perceived it, by the great fires built on the shore of the sea, to be inhabited. We saw that it ran toward the south; following it, to find some port where we could anchor with the ship and investigate its nature, in the space of fifty leagues we did not find a port or any place where it was possible to stay with the ship. And having seen that it trended continually to the south,

(c) we decided to turn about to coast it toward the north, where we found the same place. We anchored by the coast, sending the small boat to land. We had seen many people who came to the shore of the sea and seeing us approach fled, sometimes halting, turning back, looking with great admiration. Reassuring them by various signs, some of them approached, showing great delight at seeing us, marvelling at our clothes, figures and whiteness, making to us various signs where we could land more conveniently with the small boat, offering us of their foods.

(c) in order not to meet with the Spaniards.

THE FIRST LANDING AND THE FIRST INDIGENES

We were on land, and that which we were able to learn of their life and customs I will tell Your Majesty briefly:

They go nude of evething except that at the private parts they wear some skins of little animals like martens, a girdle of fine grass woven with various tails of other animals which hang around the body as far as the knees: the rest nude; the head likewise. Some wear certain garlands of feathers of birds. They are of dark color not much unlike the Ethiopians, and hair black and thick, and not very long, which they tie together back on the head in the shape of a little tail. As for the symmetry of the men, they are well proportioned, of medium stature, and rather exceed us. In the breast they are broad, their arms well built, the legs and other parts of the body well put together. There is nothing else, except that they incline somewhat to broadness in the face; but not all, for in more we saw the face clear-cut. The eyes black and large, the glance intent and quick. They are of not much strength, in craftiness acute, agile and the greatest runners. From what we were able to learn by experience, they resemble in the last two respects the Orientals, and mostly those of the farthest Sinarian regions. We were not able to learn with particularity of the life and customs of these people because of the shortness of the stay we made on land, on account there being few people and the ship anchored in the high sea.

``FOREST OF LAURELS'' AND ``FIELD OF CEDARS''

We found on the shore, not far from these, other people whose lives we think are similar. I will tell Your Majesty about it, describing at present the site and nature of said land. The maritime shore is all covered with fine sand XV feet high, extending in the form of little hills about fifty paces wide. After going ahead, some rivers and arms of the sea were found which enter through some mouths, coursing the shore on both sides as it follows its winding. Near by appears the spacious land, so high that it exceeds the sandy shore, with many beautiful fields and plains, full of the largest forests, some thin and some dense, clothed with as many colors of trees, with as much beauty and delectable appearance as it would be possible to express. And do not believe, Your Majesty, that these are like the Hyrcanian Forest or the wild solitudes of Scythia and northern countries, full of rugged trees, but adorned and clothed with palms, laurels, cypresses, and other varieties of trees unknown in our Europe; (d) which, for a long distance, exhale the sweetest odors; e) the property of which we were not able to learn, for the cause above narrated, not that it was difficult for us to travel through the forests, because their density is not so great but that they are entirely penetrable. We think that partaking of the Orient on account of the surroundings, they are not without some medical property or aromatic liquor. And other riches: gold, to which land of such a color has every tendency. It is abundant of many animals, stags, deer, hare; likewise of lakes and pools of living water, with various numbers of birds, adapted and convenient for every delectable pleasure of the hunt.

(d) We baptized this land ``Forest of Laurels'' and a little farther down on account of the beautiful cedars it was given the name ``Field of Cedars.''

(e) We smelled the odor a hundred leagues, and farther when they burned the cedars and the winds blew from the land.

SALUBRITY AND MILDNESS OF THE CLIMATE

This land stands in 34 degrees (f). The air salubrious, pure and moderate of heat and cold: in those regions gentle winds blow and those which prevail most continuously are west-north-west and west in summer time, at the beginning of which we were; (g) the sky clear and serene with infrequent rains, and if sometimes with the south winds the air gathers in clouds or darkness, in an instant, not lasting, it is dispelled, again becoming pure and clear; the sea tranquil and not boisterous, the waves of which are placid. And although the shore always tends to lowness, and is barren of ports, it is not therefore troublesome for sailors, being entirely clean and without any rocks; deep, so that within four or five paces from land are found, exclusive of flood or ebb, XX feet of water, increasing in a uniform proportion to the deep of the sea; with such good holding-ground that any ship whatsoever afflicted by the tempest can never perish in those parts unless it breaks its rope. And this we have proved by experience; because many times in the beginning of March when the force of the wind usually prevails in all countries, being anchored in the high sea oppressed by storms, we found the anchor broken before it dragged on the bottom or made any movement.

(f) like Carthage and Damascus.

(g) in those regions.

A SAILOR AMONG THE INDIGENES -- THE LAND OF
``ANNUNCIATA'' AND THE ``ISTHMUS VERAZANIO''

We left this place continually, skirting the coast, which we found turned to the east. Seeing everywhere great fires on account of the multitude of the inhabitants, anchoring there off the shore because it did not contain any port, on account of the need of water we sent the little boat to land with XXV men. Because of the very large waves which the sea cast up on the shore on account of the strand being open, it was not possible without danger of losing the boat for any one to land. We saw many people on shore making various signs of friendship, motioning us ashore; among whom I saw a magnificent deed, as Your Majesty will hear.

Sending ashore by swimming one of our young sailors carrying to them some trinkets, such as little bells, mirrors, and other favors and being approached within 4 fathoms of them, throwing the goods to them and wishing to turn back he was so tossed by the waves that almost half dead he was carried to the edge of the shore. Which having been seen, the people of the land ran immediately to him; taking him by the head, legs and arms, they carried him some distance away. Where, the youth, seeing himself carried in such a way, stricken with terror, uttered very loud cries, which they did similarly in their language, showing him that he should not fear. After that, having placed him on the ground in the sun at the foot of a little hill, they performed great acts of admiration, regarding the whiteness of his flesh, examining him from head to foot. Taking off his shirt and hose, leaving him nude, they made a very large fire near him, placing him near the heat. Which having been seen, the sailors who had remained in the small boat, full of fear, as is their custom in every new case, thought that they wanted to roast him for food. His strength recovered, having remained with them awhile, he showed by signs that he desired to return to the ship; who, with the greatest kindness, holding him always close with various embraces, accompanied him as far as the sea, and in order to assure him more, extending themselves on a high hill, stood to watch him until he was in the boat. Which young man learned of this people that they are thus: of dark color like the others, the flesh more lustrous, of medium stature, the face more clear-cut, much more delicate of body and other members, of much less strength and even of intelligence. He saw nothing else (h).

(h) We called it Annunciata from the day of arrival, where was found an isthmus a mile in width and about 200 long, in which, from the ship, was seen the oriental sea between the west (before had been written ``the east'') and north. Which is the one, without doubt, which goes about the extremity of India, China and Cathay. We navigated along the said isthmus with the continual hope of finding some strait (after this word was written ``to the end of,'' but was cancelled) or true promontory at which the land would end toward the north in order to be able to penetrate to those blassed shores of Cathay. To which isthmus was given by the discoverer (the name Isthmus) Verazanio: as all the land found was named Francesca for our Francis.

THREE DAYS IN ``ARCADIA'' A BOY STOLEN

Having departed thence, following always the shore which turns somewhat toward the north, we came in the space of fifty leagues to another land which appeared much more beautiful and full of the largest forests. Anchoring at which, XX men going about two leagues inland, we found the people through fear had fled to the woods. Seeking everywhere, we met with a very old woman and a damsel of from XVIII to XX years, who through fear had hidden themselves in the grass. The old one had two little girls whom she carried on the shoulders, and back on the neck a boy, all of eight years of age. The young woman had as many of the same but all girls. Having approached toward them, they began to cry out (and) the old woman to make signs to us that the men had fled to the woods. We gave them to eat of our viands, which she accepted with great gusto; the young woman refused everything and with anger threw it to the ground. We took the boy from the old woman to carry to France, and wishing to take the young woman, who was of much beauty and of tall stature, it was not however possible, on account of the very great cries which she uttered, for us to conduct her to the sea. And having to pass through some woods, being far from the ship, we decided to release her carrying only the boy.

THE TEXTILE PLANTS AND THE GRAPE --
THE OFFERING OF FIRE

These we found lighter colored than those past, dressed in certain grasses which grow, pendent from the branches of trees, which they weave with various ends of wild hemp. The head bare in the same form as the others. Their food in general is of pulse with which they abound, differing in color and size from ours, of excellent and delectable flavor; also from hunting, fishes and birds, which they take with bows and with snares. They make (the bows) of tough wood, the arrow of reeds, placing at the extremities bones of fishes and of other animals. The beasts in this part are much wilder than in our Europe because they are continually molested by the hunters. We saw many of their barges constructed from a single tree twenty feet long, four wide, which are not fabricated with stones, iron or other kind of metals, because in all this land, in the space of two hundred leagues which we traveled, only one stone of any species was seen by us. They aid themselves with the fourth element, burning such part of the wood as suffices for the hollow of the barge, also of the stern and prow, so that, navigating, it is possible to plough the waves of the sea.

The land in situation, goodness and beauty, is like the other; the forests open: full of various kinds of trees, but not of such fragrance, on account of being more north and cold. We saw in that (land) many vines of natural growth which, rising, entwine themselves around the trees, as they are accustomed in Sialpine Gaul; which, if they had the perfect system of culture by the agriculturists, without doubt would produce excellent wines, because (of) finding many times the dry fruit of those (vines) sweet and agreeable, not different from ours. They are held in esteem by them, because whereever they (the vines) grow, they lift up the surrounding bushes in order that the fruit may be able to mature. We found wild roses, violets and lillies, and many sorts of herbs, and fragrant flowers different from ours. We did not learn about their habitations on account of their being within, inland. We think, on account of many signs we saw, they are composed of wood and grass, believing also from various conjectures and signs, that many of them, sleeping on the ground, have nothing for cover except the sky. We did not learn else of them. We think all the others of the land passed live in the same manner.

Having remained in this place three days, anchored off the coast, we dccided on account of the scarcity of ports to depart, always skirting the shore (i) toward the north and east, navigating by daylight and casting anchor at night (j).

(i) which we baptized Arcadia on account of the beauty of the trees. In Arcadia we found a man who came to the shore to see what people we were: who stood hesitating and ready for flight. Watching us, he did not permit himself to be approached. He was handsome, nude, with hair fastened back in a knot, of olive color.

We were about XX (in number) ashore and coaxing him he approached to within about two fathoms, showing a burning stick as if to offer us fire. And we made fire with powder and flint-and-steel and he trembled all over with terror and we fired a shot. He stopped as if astonished and prayed, worshipping like a monk, lifting his finger toward the sky, and pointing to the ship and the sea he appeared to bless us.

(j) we followed a coast very green with forests hut without ports, and with some charming promontories and small rivers, We baptized the coast ``di Lorenna'' on account of the Cardinal; the first promontory ``Lanzone,'' the second ``Bonivetto,'' the largest river ``Vandoma'' and a small mountain which stands by the sea '`di 5, Polo'' on account of the Count.

LAND OF ANGOULEME, BAY SANTA MARGARITA (NEW
YORK), THE VERY BIG RIVER (HUDSON). ISLAND OF
QUEEN ALOYSIA (BLOCK ISLAND)

At the end of a hundred leagues we found a very agreeable situation located within two small prominent hills, in the midst of which flowed to the sea a very big river, which was deep within the mouth: and from the sea to the hills of that (place) with the rising of the tides, which we found eight feet any laden ship might have passed. On account of being anchored off the coast in good shelter, we did not wish to adventure in without knowledge of the entrances. We were with the small boat, entering the said river to the land, which we found much populated. The people, almost like the others, clothed with the feathers of birds of various colors, came toward us joyfully, uttering very great exclamations of admiration, showing us where we could land with the boat more safely. We entered said river, within the land, about half a league, where we saw it made a very beautiful lake with a circuit of about three leagues: Through which they (the Indians) went, going from one and another part to the number of XXX of their little barges, with innumerable people, who passed from one shore and the other in order to see us. In an instant, as is wont to happen in navigation, a gale of unfavorable wind blowing in from the sea, we were forced to return to the ship, leaving the said land with much regret because of its commodiousness and beauty, thinking it was not without some properties of value, all of its hills showing indications of minerals (k).

The anchor raised, sailing toward the coast, as thus the land turned, having traveled LXXX leagues always in sight of it, we discovered an island triangular in form, distant ten leagues from the continent, in size like the island of Rhodes, full of hills, covered with trees, much populated (judging) by the continuous fires along all the surrounding shore which we saw they made. We baptized it in the name of your most illustrious mother; (l) not anchoring there on account of the unfavorableness Of the weather.

(k) Called Angouleme from the principality which thou attainedst in lesser fortune, and the bay which that land makes Santa Margarita from the name of thy sister who vanquishes the other matrons of modesty and talent.

(l) Aloysia.

``REFUGlO,'' THE VERY BEAUTIFUL PORT (NEWPORT)
AND ITS TWO KINGS

We came to another land, distant from the island XV leagues, where we found a very beautiful port, and before we entered it, we saw about XX barges of the people who came with various cries of wonder round about the ship. Not approaching nearer than fifty paces, they halted. looking at the edifice (i.e. the ship), our figures and clothes: then all together they uttered loud shout, signifying that they were glad. Having reassured them somewhat, imitating their gestures, they came so near that we threw them some little bells and mirrors and many trinkets. having taken which, regarding them with laughter. They entered the ship confidently. There were among them two Kings, of as good stature and form as it would be possible to tell: the first of about XXXX years, the other a young man of XXIII years, the clothing of whom was thus: the older had on his nude body a skin of a stag, artificially adorned like a damask with various embroideries: the head bare, the hair turned back with various bands, at the neck a broad chain ornamented with many stones of diverse colors. The young man was almost in the same style. This is the most heautiful people and the most civilized in customs that we have found in his navigation. They excel us in size: the are of bronze color, some inclining more to whiteness, others to tany color: the face sharply cut, the hair long and black, upon which they bestow the greatest study in adorning it; the eyes black and alert, the bearing kind and gentle, imitating much the ancient (manner). Of the other paris of the body I will not speak to Your Majesty, having all the proportions which belong to very well built man. Their women are of the same beauty and charm; very graceful; of comely mien and agreeable aspect; of habits and behavior as much according to womanly custom as pertains to human nature: they go nude with only one skin of the stag embroidered like the men and some wear on the arms very rich skins of the lynx; the head bare, with various arrangements of braids, composed of their own hair, which hang on one side and the other of the breast. Some use other hair arrangements like the women of Egypt and of Syria use, and these are they who are advanced in age and are joined in wedlock. They have in the ears various pendant trinkets as the orientals are accustomed to have, the men like the women, among which we saw many plates wrought from copper, by whom it is prized more than gold; which, on account of its color, they do not esteem; wherefore among all it is held by them more worthless; on the other hand rating blue and red above any other. That which they were given by us which they most valued were little bells, blue crystals and other trinkets to place in the ears and on the neck. They did not prize cloth of silk and of gold nor even of other kind nor did they care to have them: likewise with metals like steel and iron; for many times showing them our arms they did not conceive admiration for them nor ask for them, only examining the workrnanship. They did the same with the mirrors: suddenly looking at them. they refused them laughing. They are very liberal, so much so that all which they have they give away. We formed a great friendship with them, and one day, before we had entered with the ship in the port, remaining on account of the unfavorable weather conditions, anchored a league at sea, they came tn great numbers in their little barges to the ship, having painted and decked the face with various colors, showing to us it was evidence of good feeling, bringing to us their food, signaling to us where for the safety of the ship we ought anchor in the port, continually accompanying us until we cast anchor there.

FIFTEEN DAYS AMONG THE INDIGENES OF ``REFUGlO''

In which we remained XV days, supplying ourselves with many necessities on sities; where every day the people came to see us at the ship, bringing their women, of whom they are very careful; because, entering the ship themselves, remaining a long time, they made their women stay in the barges, and however many entreaties we made them, offering to give them various things, it was not possible that they would allow them to enter the ship. And one of the two Kings coming many times with the Queen and many attendants through her desire to see us, at first always stopped on a land distant from us two hundred paces, sending a boat to inform us of their coming, saying they wished to come to see the ship; doing this for a kind of safety, And when they had the response from us, they came quickly, and having stood awhile to look, hearing the noisy clamor of the sailor crowd, sent the Queen with her damsels in a very light barge to to stay on a little island distant from us a quarter of a league; himself remaining a very long time, discoursing by signs and gestures of various fanciful ideas, examining all the equipments of the ship, asking especially their purpose, imitating our manners, tasting our foods, then parted from us benignantly. And one time, our people remaining two or three days on a little island near the ship for various necessities as is the custom of sailors, he came with seven or eight of his attendants. watching our operations, asking many times if we wished to remain there for a long time, offering us his every help. Then, shooting with the how, running, he performed with his attendants various games to give us pleasure.

Many times we were from five to six leagues inland which we found as pleasing as it can be to narrate, adapted to every kind of cultivation grain, wine, oil. Because in that place the fields are from XXV to XXX leagues wide, open and devoid of every impediment of trees, of such fertility that any seed in them would produce the best crops. Entering them into the woods, all of which are penetrable by any numerous army in any way whatsoever, and whose trees, oaks, cypresses, and others, are unknown in our Europe. We found Lucullian apples, (m) plums and filberts, and many kinds of fruits different from ours. Animals there are in very great number, stags, deer, lynx, and other species which, in the way of others, they capture with snares and bows which are their principal arms. The arrows of whom are worked with great beauty, placing at the end, instead of iron, emery, jasper, hard marble, and other sharp stones, by which they served themselves instead of iron in cutting trees, making their barges from a single trunk of a tree, hollowed with wonderful skill, in which from fourteen to XV men will go comfortable; the short oar, broad at the end, working it solely with the strength of the arms at sea without any peril with as much speed as pleases them.

(m) or cherries.

THE COUNTRY OF ``REFUGIO'' THE SIClLlAN
LAMENTATION

Going further, we saw their habitations, circular in form, of XIIII to XV paces, compass, made from semi-circles of wood (i.e. arched saplings, bent in the form of an arbor) separated one from the other, without system of architecture, covered with mats of straw ingeniously worked, which protect them from rain and wind. There is no doubt that if they had the perfection of the arts we have, they would build magnificent edifices, for all the maritime coast is full of blue rocks, crystals and alabaster; and for such cause is full of ports and shelters for ships. They change said houses from one place to another according to the opulence of the site and the season in which they live. Carrying away only the mats, immediately they have other habitations made. There live in each a father and family to a very large number, so that in some we saw XXV and XXX souls. Their food is like the others: of pulse (which they produce with more system of culture than the others, observing the full moon, the rising of the Pleiades, and many customs derived from the ancients) also of the chase and fish. They live a long time and rarely incur illness; if they are oppressed with wounds, without crying they cure themselves by themselves with fire, their end being of old age. We judge they are very compassionate and charitable toward their relatives, making them great lamentations in their adversities, in their grief calling to mind all their good fortunes. The relatives, one with another, at the end of their life use the Sicilian lamentation, mingled with singing lasting a long time. This is as much as we were able to learn about them.

IN THE PARALLEL OF ROME THE ``PETRA VIVA''

The land is situated in the parallel of Rome, in forty and two thirds degrees, but somewhat colder on account of chance and not on account of nature, as I will narrate to Your Majesty in another part, describing at present the situation of said port. The shore of said land runs from west to east. The mouth of the port (n) looks toward the south, half a league wide, after entering which between east and north it extends XII leagues, where, widening itself, it makes an ample bay of about XX leagues in circuit. In which are five little islands of much fertility and beauty, full of high and spreading trees, among which any numerous fleet, without fear of tempest or other impediment of fortune, could rest securely. Turning thence toward the south to the entrance of the port, on one side and the other are very charming hills with many brooks, which from the height to the sea discharge clear waters.

In the midst of the mouth is found a rock of Petra Viva produced by nature, adapted for the building of any desired engine or bulwark for its protection. (o)

(n) which on account of its beauty we called ``Refugio.''

(o) which on account of the nature of the stone and on account of the family of a gentlewoman we called ``La Petra Viva''; on whose right side at said mouth of the port 15 a promontory which we called ``Jovio Promontory.''

AT THE ``SHOALS OF ARMELLINO'' AND AT THE
``PROMONTORY PALLAVICINO'' (CAPE COD)

Being supplied with out every necessity, the 6th day of May we departed from said port, following the shore, never losing sight of the land. We sailed one hundred and fifty leagues (p), finding it of the same nature and somewhat higher with some mountains (q) which all indicated minerals. We did not stop there because the favorableness of the weather served us in sailing along the coast: we think it must conform to the other. (r) The shore ran to the east.

(p) within which space we found shoals which extend from the continent into the sea 50 leagues. Upon which there was over 3 feet of water; on account of which great danger in navigating it, we survived with difficulty and baptized it ``Armellini.''

(q) with a high promontory which we named ``Pallavisino.''

(r) people.

THE ``LAND OF BAD PEOPLE''

In the space of fifty leagues, holding more to the north, we found a high land full of very thick forests, the trees of which were pines, cypresses and such as grow in cold regions. The people all different from others, and as much as those passed were of cultivated manners, these were full of uncouthness and vices, so barbarous that we were never able, with howsoever many signs we made them, to have any intercourse with them. They dress with the skins of hear, lynx, sea-wolves, and other animals. The food, according to that which we were able to learn through going many times to their habitations, we think is of the chase, fish and some products which are of a species of roots which the ground yields by its own self. They do not have pulse, nor did we see any signs or cultivation, nor would the ground, on account of its sterility, be adapted to produce fruit or any grain. If, trading at any time with them, we desired their things, they came to the shore of the sea upon some rock where it was very steep, and -- we remaining in the small boat -- with a cord let down to us what they wished to give, continually crying on land that we should not approach, giving quickly the barter, not takinggtn exchange for it except knives, hooks for fishing, and sharp metal. They had no regard for courtesy, and when they had nothing more to exchange, at their departing the men made at us all the signs of contempt and shame which any brute creature (s) could make. Contrary to their wish XXV armed men of us were inland two and three leagues, (t) and when we descended to the shore they shot at us with their bows, sending forth the greatest cries, then fled into the woods. We do not know any value of any moment in this land except the very great forests, with some hills which possibly have some metal, because on many (natives) we saw ``pater-nosters'' of copper in the ears.

(s) such as showing the rear and laughed

(t) they are in 43 2/3

THE DALMATlA OF THE NEW WORLD
THE RETURN

We departed, skirting the coast between east and north, which we found very beautiful, open and bare of forests, with high mountains back inland, growing smaller toward the shore of the sea. In fifty leagues we discovered XXXII islands (u), all near to the continent, small and of pleasing appearance, high, following the curving of the land, among which were formed most beautiful ports and channels, as are formed in the Adriatic Gulf, in the Illyrias and Dalmatia. We had no intercourse with the peoples and think they were, like the other, devoid of morals and culture. Navigating between east-south-east and north-north-east, in the space of CL leagues we came near the land which the Britons found in the past, which stands in fifty degrees, and having consumed all our naval stores and victuals, having discovered six hundred leagues and more of new land, furnishing ourselves with water and wood, we decided to turn toward France.

(u) among which we called the three larger ``The Three Daughters of Navarra''

THE IDIGENlES WITHOUT RELIGION

How much religion these people whom we have found have, we were not able to learn, through lack of language, either by signs or any gestures. We consider they have neither religion nor law, nor know a First Cause or Author, nor worship the sky, stars, sun or moon or other planets, nor have any species of idolatry, nor did we learn that they make sacrifice or other prayers; nor that their villages had temples or churches for prayer. We think they have not any creed and live in entire freedom, and everything proceeds from ignorance, for they are very easy to persuade, and did with as much enihusiasm and fervor as we all that which by us Christians they saw done concerning the divine worship.

THE LONGITUDE COVERED THE ASTRONOMICAL DIARY

It remains for me to narrate to Your Majesty the order of said navigation as it beats on Cosmography. As I said above, departing from the aforesaid rocks which are situated in the extremity of the west known to the ancients and in the meridian described by the Fortunate Islands, in latitude of XXXII degrees from the equator in our hemisphere, we sailed to the west, as far as the first land we found, MCC leagues, which contain 4,800 miles, counting four miles per league according to the maritime usage of naval experts: ``geometrically,'' according to the proportion of three and one sesqui-seventh times the diameter to the circumference, 92 54164/472433 degrees. That should be, because the chord of the arc of the great circle being 114 6/11 degrees, (and) the chord of the parallel of 34 degrees of the first land found by us, according to the same proportion, 95 233/450 degrees, the circumference of all the circle is shown to be 300 713/1575 degrees, which, allowing for each degree 62 1/2 miles, as the greater (part of those who have experimented to assure us they correspond on earth to the proportion of the heavens, should give us 18,759 31/126 miles, which divided a into 360 parts, would give for each 52 989/9072 miles. And such is the value of a degree of longitude in said parallel of 34 degrees from which, in a straight line, from the meridian of said rocks which stand in 32 degrees, we have calculated the reckoning. Since we have found the said 1200 leagues in a straight line from west to east, in 34 degrees, it traverses therefore through that (distance) the 92 54164/472773 degrees, and so much have we sailed farther to the west unknown to the ancients said parallel of 34 degrees.

This longitudinal distance was know to us navigating with various instruments, without lunar eclipse or the phase by the motion of the sun, alway taking the elevation at any desired hour by the difference the ship made running from one horion to another; ``geometrically'' the interval from one meridian to another was known to us; as I have noted all fully in a little book, together with the rising of the tide, in whatever region, at any time and hour, which I think would prove to be not useless for navigators.

I hope, for better speculation, to discuss it with Your Majesty.

THE OBJECT OF THE VOYAGE

My intention was in this navigation to reach Cathay and the extreme east of Asia, not expecting to find such an obstacle of new land as I found; and if for some reason I expected to find it, I thought it to be not without some strait to penetrate to the Eastern Ocean. And this has been the opinion of all the ancients believing certainly our Western Ocean to be one with the Eastern Ocean of India without interposition of land. This Aristotle affirms, arguing by many similitudes, which opinion is very contrary to the moderns and according to experience untrue. Because the land has been found by them unknown to the ancients, another world with respect to the one which was known to them, it manifestly shows itself to be larger than our Europe and Africa and almost Asia, if we estimate correctly its size; as briefly I will give Your Majesty a little account of it.

THE NEW LANDS FORM A GREAT CONTINENT

Beyond the equator, distant from thc meridian of the Fortunate Islands toward the west 20 32062/4781 degrees, the Spaniards (v) have navigated 54 degrees toward the south, where they have found land without end. Turning thence toward the north along said meridional tine, following the coast as far as 8 degrees -- 89 2970/46781 they have navigated, which, joined to the 20 32060/46781 make 110 44830/46783. And so much have they navigated from said meridian of the Fortunate Islands farther west is the parallel of 21 degrees of latitude.

This distance has not been actually measured by us, on account of not having made said navigations; it may vary more or less. We have calculated it ``geometetrically'' according to the observations of any expert naval scientists who have frequented it, who affirm it to be 1600 leagues, judging by estimate the course of the ship according to the character of the wind for continuous navigation.

I hope in a short time we, ourselves shall have the utmost certainty of it.

On the other hand, we, in this navigation made by order of Your Majesty beyond 92 degrees, etc. from said meridian toward the west to the land we first found in 34 degrees, (y) navigated 300 leagues between east and north and almost 400 leagues to the Cast uninterruptedly along the shore of the land, attaining to 54 degrees, leaving the land that the Lusitanians (z) found a long time ago, which they followed farther north as far as the Arctic circle leaving the end unknown. Therefore the northern latitude joined with the southern, that is, 54 degrees with 66 degrees, make 120 degrees, more latitude than Africa and Europe contain because joining the extremity of Europe, which the limits of Norway form (and) which stand in 71 degrees with the extremity of Africa, which is the Promontory cf Good Hope in 35 degrees, make only 106 degrees, and if the terrestrial area of said land corresponds in extent to the seashore, there is no doubt it exceeds Asia in size.

(v) that is, Magellan.

(w) See Italian text.

(x) for the benefit of posterity.

(y) land near Temistiatin.

(z) that is, Bacalaia, so called from a fish.

PROPORTION BETWEEN LAND AND WATER IN THE
GLOBE

In such way we find the globe of the Earth much larger than the ancients have held and contrary to the Mathematicians who have considered that relatively to the water it (the land) was smaller, which we have found by experience to be the reverse. And as for the corporeal area of space, we judge there cannot be less land than water, as I hope on a better occasion by further reasoning to make clear and proven to Your Majesty.

THE NEW WORLD IS ISOLATED

All this land or New World which above I have described is connected together, not adjoining Asia nor Africa (which I know to a certainty); it may join Europe by Norway and Russia, which would be false according to the ancients, who declare almost all the north from the promontory of the Cimbri to have been navigated to the east, going around as far as the Caspian Sea itself they affirm. It would therefore remain included between two seas, between the Eastern and the Western, and that, accordingly (secondo), shuts off one from the other; because beyond 54 degrees from the equator toward the south it (the new land) extends toward the east for a long distance, and from the north passing 66 degrees it continues, turning toward the east, reaching as far as 70 degrees.

I hope we shall have better assurance of this, with the aid of Your Majesty, whom God Almighty prosper in everlasting glory, that we may see the perfect end of this our cosmography, and that the sacred word of the evangelist may be accomplished: ``Their voice carried over all the earth and their words to the end of the world.''

In the ship Dauphine, VIII of July, M. D. XXIIII.

Humble servant,

Janus Verazanus

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