goe for the West India; and so much the rather, because we had good pilots for that place, who vndertooke more then was after performed. So we bent our course for the Isles of Cape Verde, and arriuing at the Isle of S. Iago the 30 of August, we presently landed at Praia, where we found a smal barke in the rode laden with wine and meale.
The towne of Praya vpon the Isle of S. Iago taken. After we were departed from this vile coast of Guyny our Generall to our great comforts began to recouer strength; so that being now at Praia, he was able to land with vs. In our landing the people made a shew of great resistance, but we entred the towne without hindrance, being a very pretie towne, hauing a small fort in it, with 6 or 8 cast pieces.
Being here on shore, and finding nothing left in the towne, diuers of our company were very importunate with our Generall that he would go to the citie of S. Iago being 6 miles off: through their importunitie he yeelded consent, and so we marched towards the citie with 280 souldiers. As we passed by the Negros and herdsmen, they would crie vnto vs Guarda S. Iago. That night we lost our way, and lay vnder a hedge. The next morning the Ordinance of S. Iago was shot off to giue vs notice where the towne was: so wee marched towards it at the breake of the day. The countrey then being all spred ouer with people made shew of feare only to draw vs into the town: but we farther marched with our colours flying by the drumme. The gentelmen would come gallopping by vs and viewing vs very much. But when we came in sight of the towne, we could see no way how to get into it, but by one little path downe a very steepe hill, only man by man to go downe.
A description of the town of S. Iago taken by sir Francis Drake 1585. The strength and situation of this towne was sufficient to haue danted a man of very good courage, for it standeth between two steepe cliffes strongly housed, and three exceeding good forts commanding the whole, the chiefest and best standing vpon the top of the hill right ouer the towne: so that from thence with muskets they command euery streete, the other 2 forts standing by the waters side, all three commanding the rode, and these two euery streete in the towne. Vpon the front of the towne the sea beateth, the rest standeth betweene two mighty cliffes, not accessible but by one small path, by which wee were enforced to goe. Our Generall seeing himselfe thus straighted, and perceiuing
