AD. THE ENGLISH VOYAGES 



1597- 



Mascarenhas that he should send me aide and muni- 

 tion. But he sent me word againe, that he had none 

 to spare, and that he did purpose with all speede to 

 goe himselfe to Rio Grande ; and that he was not able 

 to furnish himselfe so well as he could wish, nor to 

 bring his souldiers into the field, for lacke of shot, 

 powder, and other munition, which he did want. 



Hereupon once more the 29 of July I with my 

 souldiers marched to the enemies campe, and there 

 joyning battell with the Indian rebels, which were 

 joyned with the Frenchmen that were their leaders, 

 I did set upon them, and slew great store of them, 

 and tooke foureteene of them prisoners. They doe 

 report the very same newes, which the other French- 

 men did tell me as touching the ships which were in 

 the harbour of Rio Grande ; and how their pretence 

 was to have come and have taken us, and spoyled 

 the countrey. 



But now being put to flight and having received 

 th€ overthrow, they can get no victuals to victuall 

 their shippes : which hath bene the cause that they 

 are mightily hindered in their intent, and dare not 

 come any more to attempt us. And the Indians are 

 so dismayed, that in haste they will have no more 

 helpe nor aide of the Frenchmen. So by these meanes 

 of necessitie the Indians must submit themselves unto 

 us, considering they are quite spoyled and overthrowen 

 for a long time. Likewise they have enformed me 

 touching the silver mines which are found, that it is 

 French ships most true. For those french shippes which were in 

 laden zvtth Rjq Grande have laden great store of the oare. Where- 



great store of ^^^^ j certified Manuel de Mascarenhas of the Frenchmens 

 siiz-er oare. , , . . , . , . ... , . 



newes, ana nowe every thmg did stand ; wishing him to 



make readie foure ships and three hundred souldiers, 



and so to take the harbour of Rio Grande, being now 



cleered and voyde of the enemie : and to search out 



the situation of the place, and where were best to 



fortifie and to build some fortes for the defence of 



62> 



