Travels of Captaine John Smith Volume II - Pages 99-130



                             The True Travels,
                      Adventures, and Observations of
                           Captaine John Smith




                                    THE

                               TRUE TRAVELS,

                                ADVENTURES,

                                    AND

                               OBSERVATIONS

                                    OF

                           Captaine JOHN SMITH,

                  In Europe, Asia, Affrica, and America,
                      from Anno Domini 1593 to 1629.


                                  London,
                    Printed by J. H. for Thomas Slater,
                      and are to bee sold at the Blew
                          Bible in Greene Arbour.

                                   1630.




Page 99 

To the Right Honourable William, Earle of Pembroke, Lord Steward of his 
Majesties most Honourable Houshold. Robert, Earle of Lindsey, Great 
Chamberlaine of England. Henrie, Lord Hunsdon, Vicount Rochford, Earle of 
Dover. And all your Honourable Friends and Well-willers.

My Lords:

Sir Robert Cotton, that most learned Treasurer of Antiquitie, having by 
perusall of my Generall Historie, and others, found that I had likewise 
undergone divers other as hard hazards in the other parts of the world, 
requested me to fix the whole course of my passages in a booke by it 
selfe: whose noble desire I could not but in part satisfie; the rather, 
because they have acted my fatall Tragedies upon the Stage, and racked my 
Relations at their pleasure. To prevent therefore all future misprisions, 
I have compiled this true discourse. Envie hath taxed me to have writ too 
much, and done too little: but that such should know, how little I esteeme 
them, I have writ this; more for the satisfaction of my friends, and all 
generous and well disposed Readers. To speake only of my selfe were 
intolerable ingratitude; because, having had so many co-partners with me; 
I cannot make a Monument for my selfe, and leave them unburied in the 
fields, whose lives begot me the title of a Souldier; for as they were

Page 100 

companions with me in my dangers, so shall they be partakers with me in 
this Tombe.

For my Sea Grammar (caused to bee printed by my worthy friend, Sir Samuel 
Saltonstall) hath found such good entertainment abroad, that I have beene 
importuned by many noble persons, to let this also passe the Presse. Many 
of the most eminent Warriers, and others, what their swords did, their 
penns writ. Though I bee never so much their inferiour, yet I hold it no 
great errour, to follow good examples; nor repine at them, will doe the 
like.

And now my most Honourable good Lords, I know not to whom I may better 
present it, than to your Lordships, whose friendships, as I conceive, are 
as much to each others, as my duty is to you all; and because you are 
acquainted both with my endevours, and writings, I doubt not, but your 
honours will as well accept of this, as of the rest, and Patronize it 
under the shadow of your most noble vertues, which I am ever bound in all 
duty to reverence, and under which I hope to have shelter, against all 
stormes that dare threaten.

Your Honours to be commanded,
John Smith.



Page 101 

The Contents of the severall Chapters

Chap. I.
His birth; apprentiship; going into France; his beginning with ten 
shillings and threepence, his service in Netherlands; his bad passage into 
Scotland; his returne to Willoughby; and how he lived in the woods ... 111 

Chap. II.
The notable villany of foure French Gallants, and his revenge; Smith 
throwne over-boord, Captaine La Roche of Saint Malo releeves him. ... 113 

Chap. III.
A desperate Sea-fight in the Straights; his passage to Rome, Naples, and 
the view of Italy. ... 117 

Chap. IIII.
The Siege of Olumpagh; an excellent stratagem by Smith; another not much 
worse. ... 119 

Chap. V.
The siege of Stowlle-Wesenburg; the effects of Smiths' Fireworkes; a 
worthy exploit of the Earle Rosworme; Earle Meldritch takes the Bashaw 
prisoner. ... 121 

Chap. VI.
A brave encounter of the Turks armie with the Christians; Duke Mercury 
overthroweth Assan Bashaw; He divides the Christian armie; his noblenesse 
and death. ... 124

Page 102 

Chap. VII.
The unhappy siege of Caniza; Earle Meldritch serveth Prince Sigismundus; 
Prince Moyses besiegeth Regall; Smiths three single combats. ... 126
 
Chap. VIII.
Georgio Busca an Albane his ingratitude to Prince Sigismundus; Prince 
Moyses his Lieutenant, is overthrowne by Busca, Generall for the Emperour 
Rodulphus; Smiths Patent from Sigismundus, and reward. ... 131 

Chap. IX.
Sigismundus sends Ambassadours unto the Emperour; the conditions re-
assured; he yieldeth up all to Busca, and returneth to Prague. ... 136

Chap. X.
The Battell of Rottenton; a pretty stratagem of fire-workes by Smith.
... 139
 
Chap. XI.
The names of the English that were slaine in the battle of Rottenton; and 
how Captaine Smith was taken prisoner; and sold for a slave. ... 142
 
Chap. XII.
How Captaine Smith was sent prisoner thorow the Blacke and Dissabacca Sea 
in Tartaria; the description of those Seas, and his usage. ... 144
 
Chap. XIII.
The Turks diet; the Slaves diet; the attire of the Tartars; and manner of 
Warres and Religions, &c. ... 147
 
Chap. XIIII.
The description of the Crym-Tartars; their houses and carts; their 
idolatry in their lodgings. ... 149

Page 103 

Chap. XV.
Their feasts; common diet; Princes estate; buildings; lawes; slaves; 
entertainment of Ambassadours. ... 151
 
Chap. XVI.
How he levieth an Armie; their Armes and Provision; how he divideth the 
spoile; and his service to the Great Turke. ... 154
 
Chap. XVII.
How Captaine Smith escaped his captivity; slew the Bashaw of Nalbrits in 
Cambia; his passage to Russia, Transilvania, and the middest of Europe to 
Affrica. ... 158
 
Chap. XVIII.
The observations of Captaine Smith; Master Henry Archer, and others in 
Barbary. ... 162
 
Chap. XIX.
The strange discoveries and observations of the Portugals in Affrica.
... 167
 
Chap. XX.
A brave Sea-fight betwixt two Spanish men of warre, and Captaine Merham, 
with Smith. ... 171
 
Chap. XXI.
The continuation of the generall History of Virginia; the Summer Iles; and 
New England; with their present estate from 1624. to this present 1629.
... 173
 
Chap. XXII.
The proceedings and present estate of the Summer Iles, from An. Dom. 1624. 
to this present 1629. ... 179

Page 104

Chap. XXIII.
The proceedings and present estate of New England, since 1624. to this 
present 1629. ... 181
 
Chap. XXIIII.
A briefe discourse of divers voyages made unto the goodly Country of 
Guiana, and the great River of the Amazons; relating also the present 
Plantation there. ... 185
 
Chap. XXV.
The beginning and proceedings of the new plantation of St. Christopher by 
Captaine Warner. ... 190

Chap. XXVI.
The first planting of the Barbados. ... 196
 
Chap. XXVII.
The first plantation of the Ile of Mevis. ... 198
 
Chap. XXVIII.
The bad life, qualities and conditions of Pyrats; and how they taught the 
Turks and Moores to become men of warre. ... 201

Page 105

PANEGYRICK VERSES

To my worthy friend, Captaine John Smith.

TWo greatest Shires of England did thee beare,
Renowned Yorkshire, Gaunt-stild Lancashire;
But what's all this? even Earth, Sea, Heaven above,
Tragabigzanda, Callamata's love,
Deare Pocahontas, Madam Shanoi's too,
Who did what love with modesty could doe:
Record thy worth, thy birth, which as I live,
Even in thy reading such choice solace give,
As I could wish (such wishes would doe well)
Many such Smiths in this our Israel.

R. Brathwait.

To my noble brother and friend, Captaine John Smith.

THou hast a course so full of honour runne,
Envy may snarle, as dogges against the Sunne
May barke, not bite: for what deservedly
With thy lifes danger, valour, pollicy,
Quaint warlike stratagems, abillity
And judgement, thou hast got, fame sets so high
Detraction cannot reach: thy worth shall stand
A patterne to succeeding ages, and
Cloth'd in thy owne lines, ever shall adde grace,
Unto thy native Country and thy race;
And when dissolv'd, laid in thy mothers wombe,
These, Cæsar-like, Smiths Epitaph and tombe.

Anthony Fereby.

Page 106 

To his valiant and deserving friend, Captaine John Smith.

MOngst Frenchmen, Spanyards, Hungars, Tartars, Turks,
And wilde Virginians too, this tells thy works:
Now some will aske, what benefit? what gaine?
Is added to thy store for all this paine?
Th' art then content to say, content is all,
Th' ast got content for perils, paine and thrall;
Tis lost to looke for more: for few men now
Regard Wit, Learning, Valour; but allow
The quintessence of praise to him that can
Number his owne got gold, and riches, than
Th' art Valiant, Learned, Wise; Pauls counsell will,
Admire thy merits, magnifie thy skill.
The last of thine to which I set my hand
Was a Sea Grammar; this by Sea and Land,
Serves us for imitation: I know none,
That like thy selfe hast come, and runne, and gone,
To such praise-worthy actions: bee't approv'd,
Th' ast well deserv'd of best men to be lov'd:
If France, or Spaine, or any forren soile
Could claime thee theirs, for these thy paines and toile,
Th' adst got reward and honour: now adayes,
What our owne natives doe, we seldom praise.

Good men will yeeld thee praise; then sleight the rest;
Tis best praise-worthy to have pleas'd the best.

Tuissimus Ed. Jorden.

To my worthy friend, Captaine John Smith.

DEare noble Captaine, who by Sea and Land,
To act the earnest of thy name hast hand
And heart; who canst with skill designe the Fort,
The Leaguer, Harbour, City, Shore, and Port:

Page 107 

Whose sword and pen in bold, ruffe, Martiall wise,
Put forth to try and beare away the prize,
From Cæsar and Blaize Monluc: Can it be,
That Men alone in Gonnels fortune see
Thy worth advanc'd? no wonder since our age,
Is now at large a Bedlem or a Stage.

Rich. James.

To his worthy friend, Captaine John Smith.

THou that hast had a spirit to flie like thunder,
Without thy Countries charge through those strange dangers,
Doth make my muse amaz'd, and more to wonder
That thy deserts should shared be by strangers,
And thou neglected; (ah miracle!) most lamented,
At thy great patience thus to rest contented.
For none can truly say thou didst deceive,
Thy Souldiers, Sailers, Merchants, nor thy friends,
But all from thee a true account receive,
Yet nought to thee all these thy vertues brings;
Is none so noble to advance thy merit,
If any be, let him thy praise inherit.

Ma. Hawkins.

To my worthy friend, Captaine John Smith.

TO combate with three Turks in single du'le,
Before two Armies, who the like hath done?
Slaine thy great Jailor; found a common weale
In faire America where thou hast wonne
No lesse renowne amongst their Savage Kings,
Than Turkish warres, that thus thy honour sings.

Could not those tyrants daunt thy matchlesse spirit,
Nor all the cruelty of envies spight:

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Will not thy Country yet reward thy merit,
Nor in thy acts and writings take delight?
Which here in so few sheets doth more expresse
Than volumes great, this is thy happinesse.

Richard Meade.

To my well deserving friend, Captaine John Smith.

THou hast no need to covet new applause,
Nor doe I thinke vaine-glory moves thee to it;
But since it is thy will (though without cause)
To move a needlesse thing, yet will I doe it:
Doe it in briefe I will, or else I doe the wrong,
And say, rend o're Captaine Smiths former song;
His first then will invite thee to his latter:
Reader 'tis true; I am not brib'd to flatter.

Edw. Ingham.

To his approved friend, the Authour; Captaine John Smith.

THe old Greeke Beard,(*) counts him the onely man,
Who knowes strange Countries, like his Ithacan,
And wise, as valiant, by his observation,
Can tell the severall customes of each Nation:
All these are met in thee, who will not then
Repute thee in the ranke of worthiest men?

To th'Westerne world to former times unknowne,
Thy active spirit hath thy valour showne:
The Turks and Tartars both can testifie,
Thee t'have deserv'd a Captaines dignity;
But verse thou need'st not to expresse thy worth,
Thy acts, this booke doe plainly set it forth.

(* i.e. Bard.)

M. Cartner.

Page 109 

To the Valourous and truly-vertuous souldier, Captaine John Smith.

NO(*) Faith in Campe? tis false: see pious Smith
Hath brought stragling Astraæ backe, and with
An all outdaring spirit made Valour stand
Upheld by Vertue in bold Mars his land:
If Valourous, be praise; how great's his Name?
Whose Valour joynd with Vertue laud's his Fame.
T'was Homers boast of wise Laertes sonne,
(**)Well-read in men and Cities: than thou none
(Great Smith) of these can more true tales rehearse;
What want thy praises then, but Homers verse?

(* Nulla fides pietasque viris, qui castra sequuntur.)
(** Hom. Odyss. a.)

In Smithum Distichon.

Quisque suæ sortis* Faber: an Faber exstitit unquam
Te (Smithe) fortunæ verior usque suæ?

J. C.
C. P.

To his noble friend, Captaine John Smith.

TO see bright honour sparkled all in gore,
Would steele a spirit that ne're fought before:
And that's the height of Fame, when our best bloud,
Is nobly spilt in actions great and good:
So thou hast taught the world to purchase Fame,
Rearing thy story on a glorious frame,
And such foundation doth thy merits make it,
As all detractions rage shall never shake it;
Thy actions crowne themselves, and thy owne pen,
Gives them the best and truest Epiphonem.

Brian O Rourke.

Page 110 

To his truly deserving friend, Captaine John Smith.

CAn one please, all? there's none from Censure free,
To looke for'it then it were absurd in thee;
It's easie worke to censure sweetest Layes,
Where Ignorance is Judge thou'd have no praise:
Wisdome I know will mildly judge of all,
Envious hearts, tongues, pennes, are dippt in Gall.
Proud malignant times will you now bring forth
Monsters at least to snarle at others worth;
O doe not so, but wisely looke on him
That wrought such Honours for his Countries King:
Of Turks and Tartars thou hast wonne the field,
The great Bashaw his courage thou hast quel'd;
In the Hungarian warre thou'st shewd thy Arts,
Prov'd thy Selfe a Souldier true in all parts:
Thy Armes are deckt with that thy Sword hath wonne,
Which mallice can't out-weare till day be done:
For three proud Turks in single fight thou'st slue,
Their Heads adorne thy Armes, for witnesse true;
Let Mars and Neptune both with Pregnant wit,
Extoll thy due deserts, Ile pray for it.

Salo. Tanner.

Page 111 

Chap. I.
His birth; Apprentiship; Going into France; His beginning with ten 
shillings and three pence; His Service in Netherlands; His bad passage 
into Scotland; His returne to Willoughby; And how he lived in the Woods.

HE was borne in Willoughby in Lincolneshire, and a Scholler in the two 
Freeschooles of Alford and Louth. His father anciently descended from the 
ancient Smiths of Crudley in Lancashire; his mother from the Rickands at 
great Heck in York-shire. His parents dying when he was about thirteene 
yeeres of age, left him a competent meanes, which hee not being capable to 
manage, little regarded; his minde being even then set upon brave 
adventures, sould his Satchell, bookes, and all he had, intending secretly 
to get to Sea, but that his fathers death

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stayed him. But now the Guardians of his estate more regarding it than 
him, he had libertie enough, though no meanes, to get beyond the Sea. 
About the age of fifteene yeeres hee was bound an Apprentice to Master 
Thomas Sendall of Linne, the greatest Merchant of all those parts; but 
because hee would not presently send him to Sea, he never saw his master 
in eight yeeres after. At last, he found meanes to attend Master Perigrine 
Barty into France, second sonne to the Right Honourable Perigrine, that 
generous Lord Willoughby and famous Souldier; where comming to his brother 
Robert, then at Orleans, now Earle of Linsey, and Lord great Chamberlaine 
of England; being then but little youths under Tutorage: his service being 
needlesse, within a moneth or six weeks they sent him backe againe to his 
friends. Who when he came from London, they liberally gave him (but out of 
his owne estate) ten shillings to be rid of him; such oft is the share of 
fatherlesse children: but those two Honourable Brethren gave him 
sufficient to returne for England. But it was the least thought of his 
determination, for now being freely at libertie in Paris, growing 
acquainted with one Master David Hume, who making some use of his purse, 
gave him Letters to his friends in Scotland to preferre him to King James. 
Arriving at Roane, he better bethinkes himselfe, seeing his money neere 
spent, downe the River he went to Hayer de grace, where he first began to 
learne the life of a souldier. Peace being concluded in France, he went 
with Captaine Joseph Duxbury into the Low-countries, under whose Colours 
having served three or foure yeeres, he tooke his journey for Scotland, to 
deliver his Letters. At Ancusan he imbarked himselfe for Lethe, but as 
much danger as shipwracke and sicknesse could endure, hee had at the holy 
Ile in Northumberland neere Barwicke: (being recovered) into Scotland he 
went to deliver his Letters. After much kinde usage amongst those honest 
Scots at Ripweth and Broxmoth, but neither money nor meanes to make him a 
Courtier; he returned to Willoughby in

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Lincolne-shire; where within a short time being glutted with too much 
company, wherein he took small delight, he retired himselfe into a little 
wooddie pasture, a good way from any towne, invironed with many hundred 
Acres of other woods: Here by a faire brook he built a Pavillion of 
boughes, where only in his cloaths he lay. His studie was Machiavills Art 
of warre, and Marcus Aurelius; his exercise a good horse, with his lance 
and Ring; his food was thought to be more of venison than any thing else; 
what he wanted, his man brought him. The countrey wondering at such an 
Hermite; His friends perswaded one Seignior Theadora Polaloga, Rider to 
Henry Earle of Lincolne, an excellent Horse-man, and a noble Italian 
Gentleman, to insinuate into his wooddish acquaintances, whose Languages 
and good discourse, and exercise of riding, drew him to stay with him at 
Tattersall. Long these pleasures could not content him, but hee returned 
againe to the Low-Countreyes.



Chapter II.
The notable villany of foure French Gallants, and his revenge; Smith 
throwne over-board; Captaine La Roche of Saint Malo releeves him.

THus when France and Netherlands had taught him to ride a Horse and use 
his Armes, with such rudiments of warre as his as his tender yeeres in 
those martiall Schooles could attaine unto; he was desirous to see more of 
the world, and trie his fortune against the Turkes: both lamenting and 
repenting to have seene so many Christians slaughter one another. 
Opportunitie casting him into the company of foure French Gallants well 
attended, faining to him the one to be a great Lord, the rest his 
Gentlemen, and that they were all devoted that way; over-perswaded him to 
goe with them into France, to

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the Dutchesse of Mercury, from whom they should not only have meanes, but 
also Letters of favour to her noble Duke, then Generall for the Emperour 
Rodolphus in Hungary: which he did, with such ill weather as winter 
affordeth, in the darke night, they arrived in the broad shallow In-let of 
Saint Valleries sur Some in Picardie; his French Lord knowing he had good 
apparell, and better furnished with money than themselves, so plotted with 
the Master of the ship to set his and their owne trunckes a shore, leaving 
Smith aboard till the boat could returne, which was the next day after 
towards evening: the reason hee alleaged was the sea went so high hee 
could come no sooner, and that his Lord was gone to Amiens where they 
would stay his comming; which treacherous villany, when divers other 
souldiers and passengers understood, they had like to have slaine the 
Master, and had they knowne how, would have runne away with the ship.

A Carralue is in value a penny.

Comming on shore hee had but one Carralue, was forced to sell his cloake 
to pay for his passage. One of the souldiers, called Curzianvere, 
compassionating his injury, assured him this great Lord Depreau was only 
the sonne of a Lawyer of Mortaigne in base Britany; and his Attendants 
Cursell, La Nelie, and Monferrat, three young citizens, as arrant cheats 
as himselfe; but if he would accompany him, he would bring him to their 
friends; but in the interim supplied his wants: thus travelling by Deepe, 
Codebeck, Humphla, Pountdemer in Normandie, they came to Cane in base 
Normandie; where both this noble Curzianvere, and the great Prior of the 
great Abbey of S. Steven (where is the ruinous Tombe of William the 
Conquerour,) and many other of his friends kindly welcomed him, and 
brought him to Mortaigne; where hee found Depreau and the rest, but to 
small purpose; for Master Curzianvere was a banished man, and durst not be 
seene, but to his friends: yet the bruit of their cosenage occasioned the 
Lady Collumber, the Baron Larshan, the Lord Shasghe, and divers other 
honourable persons, to

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supply his wants, and with them to recreate himselfe so long as hee would: 
but such pleasant pleasures suited little with his poore estate, and his 
restlesse spirit, that could never finde content, to receive such noble 
favours, as he could neither deserve nor requite: but wandring from Port 
to Port to finde some man of war, spent that he had; and in a Forest, 
neere dead with griefe and cold, a rich Farmer found him by a faire 
Fountaine under a tree. This kinde Pesant releeved him againe to his 
content, to follow his intent. Not long after, as he passed thorow a great 
grove of trees, betweene Pounterson and Dina in Britaine, it was his 
chance to meet Cursell, more miserable than himselfe. His piercing 
injuries had so small patience, as without any word they both drew, and in 
a short time Cursell fell to the ground, where from an old ruinated Tower 
the inhabitants seeing them, were satisfied, when they heard Cursell 
confesse what had formerly passed; and that how in the dividing that they 
had stolne from him, they fell by the ears amongst themselves, that were 
actors in it: but for his part, he excused himselfe to be innocent as well 
of the one, as of the other. In regard of his hurt, Smith was glad to be 
so rid of him, directing his course to an honourable Lord, the Earle of 
Ployer; who during the warre in France, with his two brethren, Viscount 
Poomory, and Baron d'Mercy, who had beene brought up in England; by him he 
was better refurnished than ever. When they had shewed him Saint Malo 
Mount, Saint Michael, Lambal, Simbreack, Lanion, and their owne faire 
Castle of Tuncadeck, Gingan, and divers other places in Britanny (and 
their Brittish Cornwaile), taking his leave, he tooke his way to Raynes, 
the Britaines chiefe Citie, and so to Nantes, Poyters, Rochell, and 
Burdeaux. The rumour of the strength of Bayon in Biskay, caused him to see 
it; and from thence tooke his way from Leskar in Biearne, and Paw in the 
kingdom of Navar to Tolouza in Gascoigne, Bezers and Carcassone, Narbone, 
Montpellier, Nimes in Languedock, and thorow the Country of Avignion, by

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Arles to Marcellos in Province, there imbarking himselfe for Italy, the 
ship was enforced to Tolonne, and putting againe to sea, ill weather so 
grew upon them, they anchored close aboard the shore, under the little 
Isle of S. Mary, against Neice in Savoy. Here the inhumane Provincialls, 
with a rabble of Pilgrimes of divers Nations going to Rome, hourely 
cursing him, not only for a Hugonoit, but his Nation they swore were all 
Pyrats, and so vildly railed on his dread Soveraigne Queene Elizabeth, and 
that they never should have faire weather so long as hee was aboard them; 
their disputations grew to that passion, that they threw him over-board: 
yet God brought him to that little Isle, where was no inhabitants, but a 
few kine and goats. The next morning, he espied two ships more riding by 
them, put in by the storme, that fetched him aboard, well refreshed him, 
and so kindly used him, that he was well contented to trie the rest of his 
fortune with them. After he had related unto them his former discourse, 
what for pitie, and the love of the Honourable Earle of Ployer, this noble 
Britaine his neighbour, Captaine la Roche of Saint Malo, regarded and 
entertained him for his well respected friend. With the next faire wind 
they sailed along by the Coast of Corsica and Sardinia, and crossing the 
gulfe of Tunis, passed by Cape Bona to the Isle of Lampadosa, leaving the 
coast of Barbary till they came at Cape Rosata, and so along the African 
shore, for Alexandria in Egypt. There delivering their fraught, they went 
to Scandaroone; rather to view what ships was in the Roade, than any thing 
else: keeping their course by Cypres and the coast of Asia, sayling by 
Rhodes, the Archipellagans, Candia, and the coast of Gretia, and the Isle 
of Zaffalonia. They lay to and againe a few days betwixt the Isle of 
Corfue and the Cape of Otranto in the Kingdome of Naples, in the Entrance 
of the Adriatike sea.



Page 117

Chapter III.
A desperate Sea-fight in the Straights; His passage to Rome, Naples, and 
the view of Italy.

A desperate sea-fight.

BEtwixt the two Capes they meet with an Argosie of Venice, it seemed the 
Captaine desired to speake with them, whose untoward answer was such, as 
slew them a man; whereupon the Britaine presently gave them the broad-
side, then his Sterne, and his other broad-side also, and continued the 
chase, with his chase peeces, till he gave them so many broad-sides one 
after another, that the Argosies sayles and tackling was so torne, she 
stood to her defence, and made shot for shot; twice in one houre and a 
halfe the Britaine boarded her, yet they cleared themselves: but clapping 
her aboard againe, the Argosie fired him, which, with much danger to them 
both, was presently quenched. This rather augmented the Britaines rage, 
than abated his courage: for having reaccommodated himselfe againe, shot 
her so oft betweene wind and water, shee was readie to sinke; then they 
yeelded; the Britaine lost fifteene men, she twentie, besides divers were 
hurt, the rest went to worke on all hands; some to stop the leakes, others 
to guard the prisoners that were chained, the rest to rifle her. The 
Silkes, Velvets, Cloth of gold and Tissue, Pyasters Chicqueenes and 
Sultanies, which is gold and silver, they unloaded in foure and twentie 
houres, was wonderfull: whereof having sufficient, and tired with toile, 
they cast her off with her company, with as much good merchandize as would 
have fraughted such another Britaine, that was but two hundred Tunnes, she 
foure or five hundred.

To repaire his defects, hee stood for the coast of Calabria, but hearing 
there was six or seven Galleyes at Mesina, hee departed thence for Malta, 
but the wind comming faire, he kept his course along the coast of the

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Kingdome of Sicilia by Sardinia and Corsica, till he came to the Road of 
Antibo in Peamon, where he set Smith on shore with five hundred 
chicqueenes, and a little box God sent him worth neere as much more.

The Popes holy Staires brought from Jerusalem, whereon (they say) Christ 
went up to Pontius Pilate.

Here he left this noble Britaine, and embarked himself, for Lygorne, being 
glad to have such opportunitie and meanes to better his experience by the 
view of Italy; and having passed Tuskany, and the Countrey of Sieana, 
where hee found his deare friends, the two Honourable Brethren, the Lord 
Willoughby and his Brother cruelly wounded, in a desperate fray, yet to 
their exceeding great honour. Then to Viterbo and many other Cities, he 
came to Rome: where it was his chance to see Pope Clement the eight, with 
many Cardinalls, creepe up the holy Stayres, which they say are those our 
Saviour Christ went up to Pontius Pilate, where bloud falling from his 
head, being pricked with his crowne of thornes, the drops are marked with 
nailes of steele, upon them none dare goe but in that manner, saying so 
many Ave-Maries and Paternosters, as is their devotion, and to kisse the 
nailes of steele. But on each side is a paire of such like staires, up 
which you may goe, stand, or kneele, but divided from the holy Staires by 
two walls: right against them is a Chappell, where hangs a great silver 
Lampe, which burneth continually, yet they say the oyle neither increaseth 
nor diminisheth. A little distant is the ancient Church of Saint John de 
Laterane, where he saw him say Masse, which commonly he doth upon some 
Friday once a moneth. Having saluted Father Parsons, that famous English 
Jesuite, and satisfied himselfe with the rarities of Rome, he went down, 
the River of Tiber to Civita Vechia, where he embarked himself, to 
satisfie his eye with the faire Citie of Naples, and her Kingdomes 
nobilitie; returning by Capua, Rome and Seana, he passed by that admired 
Citie of Florence, the Cities and Countries of Bolonia, Ferrara, Mantua, 
Padua, and Venice, whose Gulfe he passed from Malamoco and the Adriatike 
Sea for Ragouza, spending some time to see that barren broken

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coast of Albania and Dalmatia, to Capo de Istria, travelling the maine of 
poore Slavonia by Lubbiano, till he came to Grates in Steria, the Seat of 
Ferdinando Archduke of Austria, now Emperour of Almania: where he met an 
English man, and an Irish Jesuite, who acquainted him with many brave 
Gentlemen of good qualitie, especially with the Lord Ebersbaught, with 
whom trying such conclusions, as he projected to undertake, preferred him 
to Baron Kisell, Generall of the Artillery, and he to a worthy Collonell, 
the Earle of Meldritch, with whom going to Vienne in Austria, under whose 
Regiment, in what service, and how he spent his time, this ensuing 
Discourse will declare.



Chapter IV.
The Siege of Olumpagh: An excellent Stratagem by Smith; Another not much 
worse.

The siege of Olumpagh.

AFter the losse of Caniza, the Turkes with twentie thousand besieged the 
strong Towne of Olumpagh so straightly, as they were cut off from all 
intelligence and hope of succour; till John Smith, this English Gentleman, 
acquainted Baron Kisell, Generall of the Archdukes Artillery, he had 
taught the Governour, his worthy friend, such a Rule, that he would 
undertake to make him know any thing he intended, and have his answer, 
would they bring him but to some place where he might make the flame of a 
Torch seene to the Towne; Kisell inflamed with this strange invention; 
Smith made it so plaine, that forthwith hee gave him guides, who in the 
darke night brought him to a mountaine, where he shewed three Torches 
equidistant from other, which plainly appearing to the Towne, the 
Governour presently apprehended, and answered againe with three other 
fires in like manner; each knowing the others being and intent; Smith, 
though distant seven miles, signified to him these words: On

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Thursday at night I will charge on the East, at the Alarum, salley you; 
Ebersbaught answered he would, and thus it was done: First he writ his 
message as briefe, you see, as could be, then divided the Alphabet in two 
parts thus;

A. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. k. l.
I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I.
m. n. o. p. q. r. s. t. v. w. x.
2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2.
y. z.
2. 2.

An excellent Stratagem.

The first part from A. to L. is signified by shewing and hiding one linke, 
so oft as there is letters from A. to that letter you meane; the other 
part from M. to Z. is mentioned by two lights in like manner. The end of a 
word is signified by shewing of three lights, ever staying your light at 
that letter you meane, till the other may write it in a paper, and answer 
by his signall, which is one light, it is done, beginning to count the 
letters by the lights, every time from A. to M. by this meanes also the 
other returned his answer, whereby each did understand other. The Guides 
all this time having well viewed the Campe, returned to Kisell, who, 
doubting of his power being but ten thousand, was animated by the Guides, 
how the Turkes were so divided by the River in two parts, they could not 
easily second each other. To which Smith added this conclusion; that two 
or three thousand pieces of match fastened to divers small lines of an 
hundred fathome in length being armed with powder, might all be fired and 
stretched at an instant before the Alarum, upon the Plaine of Hysnaburg, 
supported by two staves, at each lines end, in that manner would seeme 
like so many Musketteers; which was put in practice: and being discovered 
by the Turkes, they prepared to encounter these false fires, thinking 
there had beene some great Armie: whilest Kisell with his ten thousand 
being entred the Turks quarter, who ranne up and downe as men amazed. It 
was not long ere Ebersbaught was pell-mell with them

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in their Trenches; in which distracted confusion, a third part of the 
Turkes, that besieged that side towards Knousbruck, were slaine; many of 
the rest drowned, but all fled. The other part of the Armie was so busied 
to resist the false fires, that Kisell before the morning put two thousand 
good souldiers in the Towne, and with small losse was retired; the 
Garrison was well releeved with that they found in the Turkes quarter, 
which caused the Turkes to raise their siege and returne to Caniza: and 
Kisell with much honour was received at Kerment, and occasioned the Author 
a good reward and preferment, to be Captaine of two hundred and fiftie 
Horse-men, under the Conduct of Colonell Voldo, Earle of Meldritch.



Chapter V.
The siege of Stowlle-wesenburg; The effects of Smiths Fireworkes: A worthy 
exploit of Earle Rosworme; Earle Meldritch takes the Bashaw prisoner.

A Generall rumour of a generall peace, now spred it selfe over all the 
face of those tormented Countries: but the Turke intended no such matter, 
but levied souldiers from all parts he could. The Emperour also, by the 
assistance of the Christian Princes, provided three Armies, the one led by 
the Arch-duke Mathias, the Emperours brother, and his Lieutenant Duke 
Mercury to defend Low Hungary, the second, by Ferdinando the Arch-duke of 
Steria, and the Duke of Mantua his Lieutenant to regaine Caniza; the third 
by Gonzago, Governour of High Hungary, to joyne with Georgia Busca, to 
make an absolute conquest of Transilvania.

The siege of Alba Regalis.

Duke Mercury with an Armie of thirtie thousand, whereof neere ten thousand 
were French, besieged Stowllewesenburg, otherwise called Alba Regalis, a 
place so strong by Art and Nature, that it was thought impregnable.

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At his first comming, the Turkes sallied upon the Germane quarter, slew 
neere five hundred, and returned before they were thought on. The next 
night, in like manner they did neere as much to the Bemers, and 
Hungarians; of which fortune still presuming, thinking to have found the 
French quarter as carelesse, eight or nine hundred of them were cut in 
pieces and taken prisoners. In this encounter Mousier Grandvile, a brave 
French Colonell, received seven or eight cruell wounds, yet followed the 
enemie to the Ports; he came off alive, but within three or foure dayes 
died.

The effect of good fireworks.

Earle Meldritch, by the information of three or foure Christians (escaped 
out of the Towne), upon every Alarum, where there was greatest assemblies 
and throng of people, caused Captaine Smith to put in practice his fiery 
Dragons, hee had demonstrated unto him, and the Earle Von Sulch at Comora, 
which hee thus performed: Having prepared fortie or fiftie round-bellied 
earthen pots, and filled them with hand Gunpowder, then covered them with 
Pitch, mingled with Brimstone and Turpentine; and quartering as many 
Musket-bullets, that hung together but only at the Center of the division, 
stucke them round in the mixture about the pots, and covered them againe 
with the same mixture, over that a strong Searcloth, then over all a good 
thicknesse of Towze-match well tempered with oyle of Lin-seed, Campheer, 
and powder of Brimstone, these he fitly placed in Slings, graduated so 
neere as they could to the places of these Assemblies. At midnight upon 
the Alarum, it was a fearfull sight to see the short flaming course of 
their flight in the aire: but presently after their fall, the lamentable 
noise of the miserable slaughtered Turkes was most wonderfull to heare: 
Besides, they had fired that Suburbe at the Port of Buda, in two or three 
places, which so troubled the Turkes to quench, that had there beene any 
meanes to have assaulted them, they could hardly have resisted the fire, 
and their enemies. The Earle Rosworme, contrary to the opinion of all men, 
would needs undertake to finde

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meanes to surprize the Segeth and Suburbe of the Citie, strongly defended 
by a muddie Lake, which was thought unpassable.

The Duke having planted his Ordnance, battered the other side, whilest 
Rosworme, in the darke night, with every man a bundle of sedge and bavins 
still throwne before them, so laded up the Lake, as they surprized that 
unregarded Suburbe before they were discovered: upon which unexpected 
Alarum, the Turkes fled into the Citie; and the other Suburbe not knowing 
the matter, got into the Citie also, leaving their Suburbe for the Duke, 
who with no great resistance, tooke it, with many peeces of Ordnance; the 
Citie, being of no such strength as the Suburbs, with their owne Ordnance 
was so battered, that it was taken perforce, with such a mercilesse 
execution, as was most pitifull to behold. The Bashaw notwithstanding drew 
together a partie of five hundred before his owne Pallace, where he 
intended to die; but seeing most of his men slaine before him, by the 
valiant Captaine Earl Meldritch, who tooke him prisoner with his owne 
hands; and with the hazard of himselfe saved him from the fury of other 
troopes, that did pull downe his Pallace, and would have rent him in 
peeces, had he not beene thus preserved. The Duke thought his victory much 
honoured with such a Prisoner; tooke order hee should bee used like a 
Prince, and with all expedition gave charge presently to repaire the 
breaches, and the ruines of this famous Citie, that had beene in the 
possession of the Turkes neere threescore yeares.



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Chapter VI.
A brave encounter of the Turkes Armie with the Christians; Duke Mercury 
overthroweth Assan Bashaw; Hee divides the Christian Armie; His noblenesse 
and death.

MAhomet, the great Turke, during the siege, had raised an Armie of sixtie 
thousand men to have releeved it; but hearing it was lost, he sent Assan 
Bashaw Generall of his Armie, the Bashaw of Buda, Bashaw Amaroz, to see if 
it were possible to regaine it; The Duke understanding there could be no 
great experience in such a new levied Armie as Assan had; having put a 
strong Garrison into it: and with the brave Colonell Rosworme, Culnits, 
Meldritch, the Rhine-Grave, Vahan and many others; with twenty thousand 
good souldiers, set forward to meet the Turke in the Plaines of Girke. 
Those two Armies encountred as they marched, where began a hot and bloudy 
Skirmish betwixt them, Regiment against Regiment, as they came in order, 
till the night parted them: Here Earle Meldritch was so invironed amongst 
those halfe circuler Regiments of Turkes, they supposed him their 
Prisoner, and his Regiment lost; but his two most couragious friends, 
Vahan and Culnits, made such a passage amongst them, that it was a terror 
to see how horse and man lay sprawling and tumbling, some one way, some 
another on the ground. The Earle there at that time made his valour shine 
more bright than his armour, which seemed then painted with Turkish bloud, 
he slew the brave Zanzack Bugola, and made his passage to his friends, but 
neere halfe his Regiment was slaine.

A brave encounter of the Turkes Armie with the Christians.

Captain Smith had his horse slaine under him, and himselfe sore wounded; 
but he was not long unmounted, for there was choice enough of horses that 
wanted masters. The Turke thinking the victory sure against the Duke,

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whose Armie, by the Siege, and the Garrison, he had left behind him, was 
much weakened, would not be content with one, but he would have all; and 
lest the Duke should returne to Alba Regalis, he sent that night twenty 
thousand to besiege the Citie, assuring them he would keepe the Duke or 
any other from releeving them. Two or three dayes they lay each by other, 
entrenching themselves; the Turkes daring the Duke daily to a sett 
battell, who at length drew out his Army, led by the Rhine-Grave, Culnits 
and Meldritch, who upon their first encounter, charged with that resolute 
and valiant courage, as disordered not only the formost squadrons of the 
Turkes, but enforced all the whole Armie to retire to the Campe, with the 
losse of five or six thousand, with the Bashaw of Buda, and foure or five 
Zanzacks, with divers other great Commanders, two hundred Prisoners, and 
nine peeces of Ordnance. At that instant appeared, as it were, another 
Armie comming out of a valley over a plaine hill, that caused the Duke at 
that time to be contented, and to retire to his Trenches; which gave time 
to Assan to reorder his disordered squadrons.

Here they lay nine or ten dayes, and more supplies repaired to them, 
expecting to try the event in a sett battell; but the souldiers on both 
parties, by reason of their great wants and approach of winter, grew so 
discontented, that they were ready of themselves to breake up the Leager: 
the Bashaw retiring himselfe to Buda, had some of the Reare Troopes cut 
off. Amaroz Bashaw hearing of this, found such bad welcome at Alba 
Regalis, and the Towne so strongly repaired, with so brave a Garrison, 
raised his siege and retired to Zigetum. The Duke understanding that the 
Arch-duke Ferdinando had so resolutely besieged Caniza, as what by the 
losse of Alba Regalis, and the Turks retreat to Buda, being void of hope 
of any reliefe, doubted not but it would become againe the Christians. To 
the furtherance whereof, the Duke divided his Armie into three parts. The 
Earle of Rosworme went with seven thousand to Caniza; the

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Earle of Meldritch with six thousand he sent to assist Georgio Busca 
against the Transilvanians, the rest went with himselfe to the Garrisons 
of Strigonium and Komara; having thus worthily behaved himselfe, he 
arrived at Vienne, where the Arch-dukes and the Nobilitie with as much 
honour received him, as if he had conquered all Hungaria; his very Picture 
they esteemed would make them fortunate, which thousands kept as curiously 
as a precious relique. To requite this honour, preparing himselfe to 
returne into France, to raise new Forces against the next yeare, with the 
two Arch-dukes Mathias and Maximilian and divers others of the Nobilitie, 
was with great magnificence conducted to Nurenburg, there by them royally 
feasted, (how it chanced is not knowne;) but the next morning he was found 
dead, and his brother in law died two dayes after; whose hearts, after 
this great triumph, with much sorrow were carried into France.



Chapter VII.
The unhappie Siege of Caniza; Earle Meldritch serveth Prince Sigismundus; 
Prince Moyses besiegeth Regall; Smiths three single combats; His Patent 
from Sigismundus, and reward.

The unhappie siege of Caniza.

THe worthy Lord Rosworme had not a worse journey to the miserable Seige of 
Caniza, (where by the extremitie of an extraordinary continuing tempest of 
haile, wind, frost and snow, in so much that the Christians were forced to 
leave their Tents and Artillery, and what they had; it being so cold that 
three or foure hundred of them were frozen to death in a night, and two or 
three thousand lost in that miserable flight in the snowie tempest, though 
they did know no enemie at all to follow them:) than the noble Earle of 
Meldritch had to Transilvania: where hearing of the death of Michael and 
the brave Duke Mercury, and knowing the policie of Busca, and the Prince

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his Roialtie, being now beyond all beleefe of men, in possession of the 
best part of Transilvania; perswaded his troopes, in so honest a cause, to 
assist the Prince against the Turke, rather than Busca against the Prince.

Earle Meldritch serveth Prince Sigismundus.

The souldiers being worne out with those hard payes and travells, upon 
hope to have free libertie to make bootie upon what they could get 
possession of from the Turkes, was easily perswaded to follow him 
whithersoever. Now this noble Earle was a Transilvanian borne, and his 
fathers Countrey yet inhabited by the Turkes; for Transilvania was yet in 
three divisions, though the Prince had the hearts both of Country and 
people; yet the Frontiers had a Garrison amongst the unpassable 
mountaines, some for the Emperour, some for the Prince, and some for the 
Turke: to regaine which small estate, hee desired leave of the Prince to 
trie his fortunes, and to make use of that experience, the time of twentie 
yeares had taught him in the Emperours service, promising to spend the 
rest of his dayes for his countries defence in his Excellencies service. 
The Prince glad of so brave a Commander, and so many expert and ancient 
souldiers, made him Campe-master of his Armie, gave him all necessary 
releefe for his troopes and what freedome they desired to plunder the 
Turkes.

Earle Meldritch maketh incursions to discover Regall.

The Earle having made many incursions into the Land of Zarkam among those 
rockie mountains, where were some Turks, some Tartars, but most 
Bandittoes, Rennegadoes, and such like, which sometimes hee forced into 
the Plaines of Regall, where is a Citie not only of men and 
fortifications, strong of it selfe, but so environed with mountaines, that 
made the passages so difficult, that in all these warres no attempt had 
beene made upon it to any purpose: Having satisfied himselfe with the 
Situation, and the most convenient passages to bring his Armie unto it: 
The earth no sooner put on her greene habit, than the Earle overspread her 
with his armed troopes. To possesse himselfe first of the most convenient 
passage, which was a narrow valley betwixt two high mountaines;

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he sent Colonell Veltus with his Regiment, dispersed in companies to lye 
in Ambuscado, as he had directed them, and in the morning to drive all the 
cattell they could finde before a Fort in that passage, whom he supposed 
would sally, seeing but some small partie, to recover their prey: which 
tooke such good successe, that the Garrison was cut off by the Ambuscado, 
and Veltus seized on the Skonces, which was abandoned. Meldritch glad of 
so fortunate a beginning, it was six dayes ere he could with six thousand 
Pioners make a passage for his Ordnance: The Turkes having such warning, 
strengthned the Towne so with men and provision, that they made a scorne 
of so small a number as Meldritch brought with him before the Citie, which 
was but eight thousand. Before they had pitched their Tents, the Turkes 
sallied in such abundance, as for an houre they had rather a bloudy 
battell than a skirmish, but with the losse of neere fifteene hundred on 
both sides. The Turkes were chased till the Cities Ordnance caused the 
Earle to retire. The next day Zachel Moyses, Generall of the Armie, 
pitched also his tents with nine thousand foot and horse, and six and 
twenty peeces of Ordnance; but in regard of the situation of this strong 
Fortresse, they did neither feare them nor hurt them, being upon the point 
of a faire promontory, environed on the one side within halfe a mile with 
an un-usefull mountaine, and on the other side with a faire Plaine, where 
the Christians encamped, but so commanded by their Ordnance, they spent 
neere a month in entrenching themselves, and raising their mounts to plant 
their batteries; which slow proceedings the Turkes oft derided, that the 
Ordnance were at pawne, and how they grew fat for want of exercise, and 
fearing lest they should depart ere they could assault their Citie, sent 
this Challenge to any Captaine in the Armie. That to delight the Ladies, 
who did long to see some court-like pastime, the Lord Turbashaw did defie 
any Captaine, that had the command of a Company, who durst combate with 
him for his head: The matter being discussed, it was accepted, but so many

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questions grew for the undertaking, it was decided by lots, which fell 
upon Captaine Smith, before spoken of.

Three single Combates.

Truce being made for that time, the Rampiers all beset with faire Dames, 
and men in Armes, the Christians in Battalio; Turbashaw with a noise of 
Howboyes entred the fields well mounted and armed; on his shoulders were 
fixed a paire of great wings, compacted of Eagles feathers within a ridge 
of silver, richly garnished with gold and precious stones, a Janizary 
before him, bearing his Lance, on each side another leading his horse; 
where long hee stayed not, ere Smith with a noise of Trumpets, only a Page 
bearing his Lance, passing by him with a courteous salute, tooke his 
ground with such good successe, that at the sound of the charge, he passed 
the Turke throw the sight of his Beaver, face, head, and all, that he fell 
dead to the ground, where alighting and unbracing his Helmet, cut off his 
head, and the Turkes tooke his body; and so returned without any hurt at 
all. The head hee presented to the Lord Moses, the Generall, who kindly 
accepted it; and with joy to the whole armie he was generally welcomed.

The death of this Captaine so swelled in the heart of one Grualgo, his 
vowed friend, as, rather inraged with madnesse than choller, he directed a 
particular challenge to the Conquerour, to regaine his friends head, or 
lose his owne, with his horse and Armour for advantage, which according to 
his desire, was the next day undertaken: as before, upon the sound of the 
Trumpets, their Lances flew in peeces upon a cleare passage; but the Turke 
was neere unhorsed. Their Pistolls was the next, which marked Smith upon 
the placard; but the next shot the Turke was so wounded in the left arme, 
that being not able to rule his horse, and defend himselfe, he was throwne 
to the ground; and so bruised with the fall, that he lost his head, as his 
friend before him; with his horse and Armour; but his body and his rich 
apparell was sent backe to the Towne.

Every day the Turkes made some sallies, but few

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skirmishes would they endure to any purpose. Our workes and approaches 
being not yet advanced to that height and effect which was of necessitie 
to be performed; to delude time, Smith, with so many incontradictible 
perswading reasons, obtained leave that the Ladies might know he was not 
so much enamoured of their servants heads, but if any Turke of their ranke 
would come to the place of combate to redeeme them, should have his also 
upon the like conditions, if he could winne it.

The challenge presently was accepted by Bonny Mulgro.

The next day both the Champions entring the field as before, each 
discharging their Pistoll having no Lances, but such martiall weapons as 
the defendant appointed, no hurt was done; their Battle-axes was the next, 
whose piercing bils made sometime the one, sometime the other to have 
scarce sense to keepe their saddles, specially the Christian received such 
a blow that he lost his Battleaxe, and failed not much to have fallen 
after it, whereat the supposing conquering Turk, had a great shout from 
the Rampiers. The Turk prosecuted his advantage to the uttermost of his 
power; yet the other, what by the readinesse of his horse, and his 
judgement and dexterity in such a businesse, beyond all mens expectation, 
by Gods assistance, not onely avoided the Turkes violence, but having 
drawne his Faulchion, pierced the Turke so under the Culets thorow backe 
and body, that although he alighted from his horse, he stood not long ere 
hee lost his head, as the rest had done.