that is in this ship of Saint John de Anton I pray you pay them double the value for it, which I will satisfy again, and command your men not to do any hurt. And what composition or agreement we have made at my return by God's help I will perform, although I am in doubt that this letter will ever come into your hands; beseeching God, the Saviour of all the world to have us in His keeping, to whom only I give all honour, praise and glory. What I have written, is not only to you Mr. Wynter, but also Mr. Thomas, Mr. Charles, Mr. Caube and Mr. Anthony with all our other good friends, whom I commit to the tuition of Him that with His blood redeemed us, and am in good hope, that we shall be in no more trouble, but that He will keep us in adversity, desiring you for the Passion of Christ, if you fall into any danger, that you will not despair of God's mercy; for He will defend you from all danger, and bring us to our desired haven, to whom be honour glory and praise for ever and ever, Amen. Your sorrowful captain whose heart is heavy for you, Francis Drake.' The style is perhaps the Chaplain's, but the matter Drak's own; and with the penning of this strange letter, so full of piety and good nature, ends his triumphant raid on the virgin coast. -293- |