A.D. 



1587. 



A new course 

 to Nova His- 

 pania, by the 

 zvay of Santa 

 Marta lesse 

 subject to 

 danger then 

 the ordinary 

 course. 



THE ENGLISH VOYAGES 



any account of it, by reason there is no trade nor traffique 

 to this place from any other places, according as I have 

 certified your Majestie thereof. And also because here are 

 but few dwellers or inhabitants, and loosing every day so 

 many as it doeth, by reason that it is every day robbed 

 and spoyled by the enemie. But if your Majestie would 

 command that the fleete of Nova Hispania might direct 

 their course to this Harbour being in their way, and here 

 to water and refresh themselves, all the Pilots doe say 

 that the Fleete may proceede on their Voyage from this 

 place, still going before the winde, and so goe to the 

 Cape of Saint Anthony which lieth on the Hand of Cuba, 

 and from thence goe their direct course to Nova His- 

 pania; and by this meanes the Fleete should have no 

 occasion to passe so many dangers as they doe, by reason 

 of the Huricanos or stormy windes which many times 

 do come upon them, when they are upon the coast of 

 Hispaniola : and this is the cause that there are so 

 many ships cast away, as your Majestie doeth well 

 know. 



And as concerning this course according as I have 

 certified your Majestie, they shall come into no danger at 

 all, nor shall make any further way about; so by this 

 meanes both the Fleetes may come from Spaine in com- 

 pany, and then come to S. Marta, and the Fleete of Nova 

 Hispania may come into this Harbour, and the Fleete 

 which doeth goe unto the firme land, may goe directly to 

 Cartagena as they doe. Then your Majestie may send to 

 fortifie the said Harbour, and the fortification must be 

 thus : That on the morro or mount which is in the 

 entring in of the said harbour, there be built a litle Fort, 

 and so to plant some small quantitie of ordinance. And 

 hard by on the South side, there to build a litle Towre, 

 and another Sconce, where wee may plant some more 

 ordinance. So by this meanes not onely the Shippes 

 may ride heere in securitie, but also it will bee a defence 

 for those which dwell heere in the Towne : and the better 

 to effect this purpose, there is hard by the Towne great 



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