4 - The arrival and, courtesy of Sir John Hawkins to the distressed Frenchmen in Florida

Summary

As eche of vs were much tormented in minde with diuers cogitations, the third of August I descried foure sailes in the Sea, as I walked vpon a little hill, whereof I was exceeding well apayde. I sent immediately one of them that were with me, to aduertise those of the fort thereof, which were so glad of those newes, that one would haue thought them to be out of their wits, to see them laugh and leape for ioy. After these shippes had cast ancre, we descried that they sent off their shippe boates to land, whereupon I caused one of mine to be armed with diligence to sende to meete them, and to knowe who they were. In the mean while, fearing least they were Spaniards, I set my souldiours in order and readinesse, attending the returne of Captaine Vasseur, and my lieutenant, which were gone to meete them, who brought me word that they were Englishmen. And in trueth they had in their companie one whose name was Martine Attinas of Diepe, which at that time was in their seruice: which in the behalfe of M. John Haukins their Generall came to request me that I would suffer them to take fresh water, whereof they stoode in great neede, signifying vnto me that they had bene aboue 15 dayes on the coast to get some. He brought vnto me from the Generall.