'The Hector. William Hawkins Capt'

Content

Fragment of a journal, describing part of a journey on the third voyage of the East India Company on the Hector , from England to Mosanbique [Mozambique], under Captain William Hawkins. The journal's author is anonymous. There are missing entries between 30 August 1607 and 18 February 1607 [New Style date 18 February 1608].

The journal mentions that the Hector passes the following places: Island of Silvage [Salvage], Grand Canaries, Island of Cape Verde, Boa Wisto [Boa Vista], St Jago Island, Island of Mayo [Maio], coast of Guynea [Guinea], bay of Ethiopia, Malagueta (west coast of Africa), Island of Fernando Lorania [Fernando de Noronha], Cape St Augustine, Antillas [Antilles], Island of Nova Spaggna, Abrollioes [Abrolhos Archipelago], Cape de Buenea Esperanza [Cape of Good Hope], Sera Leona [Sierra Leone], coast of Madagascar, Island of John of Nova [Juan de Nova], and the coast of Mosanbique.

The Journal consists of daily entries recording navigational information including preparation of the course in England, course, wind, watercourse, and general remarks. When the ship is at anchor or sailing near shore, the entries consist of general remarks. The remarks include sightings of reports of merchants (f 4); opinion of the author regarding the voyage (ff 8-10); issues with the crew and punishment (f 11); experience of Serra Leona and the native and Portuguese merchants (ff 14-15). The Journal mentions John Huighen Van Linschoten's book several times as a guide for the voyage (folios 6, 7, and 12). It also mentions the experiences of Francis Derek and Captain Cardish in Mayo, Serra Leona and Cape Verde (f 13). The author cites in Latin a fragment of the Enid [ The Aeneid ] by Virgil (f 11).

The Journal also mentions some officers and crew of the Dragon , Hector and Admiral ships. In addition, the journal mentions Sir William Romney, Governor of the East India Company; William Greenwell, Deputy of the Company; Captain William Keeling; Captain Hawkins; Captain David Middleton; and Sir James Lancaster.

Extent and format

1 volume (19 folios)

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 19; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.

Written in

English in Latin script

Type

Archival file

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

IOR/L/MAR/A/IV

History of this record

Date(s)

4 Mar 1607-12 Mar 1608 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Ships logsTrade (practice)Marine navigationWeather

Places

Sera Leona

People & organisations

Hector

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Cite this record in your research

'The Hector. William Hawkins Capt', British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/MAR/A/IV, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/node/9465> [accessed 8 July 2024]

Link to this record

https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100000001273.0x0001a3

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