A Book of American ExplorersHigginson, Thomas Wentworth
History
A Book of American Explorers
Higginson, Thomas Wentworth
America -- Discovery and exploration; United States -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
The 20th of May, we planted another column or pillar, graven with the
king’s arms, on the south side, in a high place at the entrance of a
great river, which we called Libourne,[155] where there is a lake of
fresh water very good.... There we saw the fairest and the greatest
vines with grapes according, and young trees and small woods, very
well smelling, that ever were seen; whereby it appeareth to be the
pleasantest and most commodious dwelling of all the world. Wherefore,
my lord, trusting you will not think it amiss, considering the
commodities that may be brought thence, if we leave a number of men
there, which may fortify and provide themselves of things necessary;
for, in all new discoveries, it is the chiefest thing that may be
done, at the beginning to fortify and people the country. I had not so
soon[156] set this forth to our company, but many of them offered to
tarry there, yet with such a good-will and jolly courage, that such a
number did thus offer themselves, that we had much ado to stay their
importunity. And namely of our shipmates and principal pilots, and
such as we could not spare. Howbeit, we left there but to the number
of thirty in all, gentlemen, soldiers, and mariners, and that at their
own suit and prayer, and of their own free wills, and by the advice
and deliberation of the gentlemen sent on the behalf of the prince and
yours.
And have left unto the fore-head[157] and rulers, following therein
your good-will, Capt. Albert de la Pierria, a soldier of long
experience, and the first that from the beginning did offer to tarry.
And further, by their advice, choice, and will, installed them in
an island[158] on the north side, a place of strong situation and
commodious, upon a river which we named Chenonceau, and the habitation
and fortress Charlesfort. The next day we determined to depart from
this place, being as well contented as was possible that we had so
happily ended our business, with good hope, if occasion would permit,
to discover perfectly the River of Jordan. For this cause, we hoisted
our sails about ten of the clock in the morning. After we were ready
to depart, Capt. Ribaut commanded to shoot off our ordnance to give
a farewell to our Frenchmen, which failed not to do the like on their
part. This being done, we sailed toward the north; and then we named
this river Port Royal because of the largeness and excellent fairness
of the same.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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