thereof.
A new course to Noua Hispania, by the way of Santa Marta lesse subiect to danger then the ordinary course. And also because here are but few dwellers or inhabitants, and loosing euery day so many as it doeth, by reason that it is euery day robbed and spoyled by the enemie. But if your Maiestie would command that the fleete of Noua Hispania might direct their course to this Harbour being in their way, and here to water and refresh themselues, all the Pilotes 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 Iland of Cuba, and from thence goe their direct course to Noua Hispania; and by this meanes the Fleete should haue no occasion to passe so many dangers as they doe, by reason of the Huricanos or stormy windes which many times doe come vpon them, when they are vpon the coast of Hispaniola: and this is the cause that there are so many ships cast away, as your Maiestie doeth well know.
And as concerning this course according as I haue certified your Maiestie, 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 company, and then come to S. Marta, and the Fleete of Noua Hispania may come into this Harbour, and the Fleete which doeth goe vnto the firme land, may goe directly to Cartagena as they doe. Then your Maiestie 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 be a defence for those which dwelt heere in the Towne: and the better to effect this purpose, there is hard by the Towne great store of Lyme, Stone, Sande, and Tymber, if occasion should serue.
Cartagena.
Cartagena situate in 11 degrees scant. Cartagena is a Citie, and the principall place of the Bishopricke; it lyeth fourtie leagues from Santa Marta: it standeth in scant 11. degrees. The sayd Citie is situated vpon a sandy banke or bay like vnto an Iland: it hath about 450. dwellers therein. There are very faire
