y to lead an army by land, or to conduct
ships by sea, anything near the said country. Orellana, of whom the
river of Amazons taketh name, was the first, and Don Antonio de Berreo,
whom we displanted, the last: and I doubt much whether he himself or
any of his yet know the best way into the said empire. It can therefore
hardly be regained, if any strength be formerly set down, but in one
or two places, and but two or three crumsters (Dutch, Kromsteven or
Kromster, a vessel with a bent prow) or galleys built and furnished upon
the river within. The West Indies have many ports, watering places,
and landings; and nearer than 300 miles to Guiana, no man can harbour a
ship, except he know one only place, which is not learned in haste,
and which I will undertake there is not any one of my companies that
knoweth, whosoever hearkened most after it.

Besides, by keeping one good fort, or building one town of strength, the
whole empire is guarded; and whatsoever companies shall be afterwards
planted within the land, although in twenty several provinces, those
shall be able all to reunite themselves upon any occasion either by the
way of one river, or be able to march by land without either wood, bog,
or mountain. Whereas in the West Indies there are few towns or provinces
that can succour or relieve one the other by land or sea. By land the
countries are either desert, mountainous, or strong enemies. By sea, if
any man invade to the eastward, those to the west cannot in many months
turn against the breeze and eastern wind. Besides, the Spaniards are
therein so dispersed as they are nowhere strong, but in Nueva Espana
only; the sharp mountains, the thorns, and poisoned prickles, the sandy
and deep ways in the valleys, the smothering heat and air, and want of
water in other places are their only and best defence; which, because
those nations that invade them are not victualled or provided to stay,
neither have any place to friend adjoining, do serve them instead of
good arms and great multitudes.

The West Indies were first offered her Majesty's grandfather by
Columbus, a stranger, in whom there might be doubt of deceit; and
besides it was then thought incredible that there were such and so many
lands and regions never written of before. This Empire is made known to
her Majesty by her own vassal, and by him that oweth to her more duty
than an ordinary subject; so that it shall ill sort with the many graces
and benefits which I hav