HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
29 
some of my observations in writing, (it being at that time 
when the right honourable the Earl of Arundel, and other 
honourable persons, intended to persuade Prince Rupert to 
undertake that business;) which, no doubt, had he performed, 
would have been more effectual to God’s glory, more ad¬ 
vantageous, and more honourable and beneficial unto him¬ 
self and his brethren, than to countenance a civil war in 
this kingdom. I also gave Mr. Porter some of the savages’ 
weapons, as darts, and a knife about two feet long, the 
blade and haft together being much of an equal length; 
and also a curious India painted bow and arrows, with a 
quiver lined with crimson velvet, for all which they offered 
to bring me to his majesty, to kiss his hand; but I refused, 
not thinking my present worthy so great an honour, and 
therefore desired to be excused. Thirdly, because I under¬ 
stand that Mr. Walter Hammond, surgeon, who was, at the 
time of my last being at Madagascar, with us in company, 
hath lately written a book of the worthiness of that country, 
and the benefit thereof, to the encouragement of adven¬ 
turers, and dedicated the same to that same worthy gentle¬ 
man, Captain John Bond, which yet I have not seen. I 
have, for the reasons premised, adventured to deliver my 
opinion in writing to public view, though rudely, being far 
inferior in such abilities to that honest, able person, Mr. 
Hammond, to the further encouragement of the worthy 
adventurers and planters that shall think fit to adventure 
their purses and persons in that excellent and famous 
action; and, perhaps, I may hit upon such inducements, 
by way of trade or commerce, more proper to my vocation, 
as may give more encouragement for the proceedings 
herein, than in any other already settled in the ports of 
America. 
