The 25 day being the Natiuity of Christ, we came to an anker betweene Old
hauen and Tilberie hope. The same day we turned as high as Porshet.
The 26 day we turned as high as Ratcliffe, and praised God for our safe
returne. And thus I ende, 1580.
[The William with Charles Iackman arriued at a port in Norway betweene
Tronden and Rostock in October 1580, and there did winter: And from thence
departed againe in February following, and went in company of a ship of the
King of Denmarke toward Island: and since that time he was neuer heard of.]
* * * * *
Instructions made by the company of English, merchants for discouery of new
trades, vnto Richard Gibs, William Biggat, Iohn Backhouse, William
Freeman, Iohn Haly, and Iames Woodcock, &c. masters of the 9. ships and
one barke that we had freighted for a voiage with them to be made (by the
grace of God) from hence to S. Nicholas in Russia, and backe againe:
which ships being now in the riuer of Thames are presently ready to
depart vpon the said voyage, with the next apt winds that may serue
thereunto: and with this Fleet afterwards was ioned M. Christopher
Carlisle with the Tyger. The 1 off Iune 1582.
Forasmuch as the number of shippes which we purpose to send in this fleete
together for Saint Nicholas in Russia is greater then at any time
heretofore wee haue sent thither, as also for that some speeches are giuen
out that you shall be met withall by such as with force and violence will
assault you as enemies, to the end that good order may be established among
you for keeping together in company, and vniting your forces, as well for
the better direction to be had in your nauigation, as also for your more
safety and strength against the enemie, we haue thought good to appoint
among you an Admirall and Viceadmirall, and that all of you and eueryone
particularly shall be bound in the summe of one hundred pounds to keepe
company together.