Iair, I would reade Mair, that is, in the Sarasen language,
mixt of Turkish and Aegyptian, Februarie, interpreted by them the moneth to
set ships to the sea.] the fourteenth day of the moneth, and seuenth yeere
of our reigne.
This letter was written also in Greeke, and diuers others languages.
* * * * *
The true copie of a note found wrltten in one of the two ships, to wit, the
Speranza, which wintered in Lappia, Where sir Hugh Willoughby and all his
companie died, being frozen to death. Anno 1553.
The voiage intended for the discouerie of Cathay, and diuers other regions,
dominions, Islands, and places vnknowen, set forth by the right worshipful,
master Sebastian Cabota Esquire, and Gouernour of the mysterie and company
of the Marchants Aduenturers of the citie of London: which fleete being
furnished, did set forth the tenth day of May, 1553. and in the seuenth
yeere of our most dread Soueraigne Lord, and King, Edward the sixt.
The names of the shippes of the fleete and of their burden, together with
the names of the Captaines, and Counsellors, Pilot Maior, Masters of the
ships, Marchants, with other officers, and Mariners, as hereafter
followeth.
THE FIRST SHIP: The Bona Esperanza, Admirall of the fleete, of 120. tunnes,
hauing with her a pinnesse, and a boate.
Sir Hugh Willoughby, knight, Captaine generall of the fleete.
