Voyages in Search of the North-West Passage by Richard Hakluyt
page 43 of 168 (25%)
page 43 of 168 (25%)
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It is as likely that they came by the north-west as it is unlikely that they should come either by the south-east, south-west, north- east, or from any other part of Africa or America, and therefore this North-West Passage, having been already so many ways proved by disproving of the others, etc., I shall the less need in this place to use many words otherwise than to conclude in this sort, that they came only by the north-west from England, having these many reasons to lead me thereunto. 1. First, the one-half of the winds of the compass might bring them by the north-west, veering always between two sheets, with which kind of sailing the Indians are only acquainted, not having any use of a bow line or quarter wind, without the which no ship can possibly come, either by the south-east, south-west, or north-east, having so many sundry capes to double, whereunto are required such change and shifts of winds. 2. And it seemeth likely that they should come by the north-west, because the coast whereon they were driven lay east from this our passage, and all winds do naturally drive a ship to an opposite point from whence it bloweth, not being otherwise guided by art, which the Indians do utterly want, and therefore it seemeth that they came directly through this, our strait, which they might do with one wind. 3. For if they had come by the Cape of Good Hope, then must they, as aforesaid, have fallen upon the south parts of America. 4. And if by the Strait of Magellan, then upon the coasts of |
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