That the original Inhabitants of America were descended from our
common Parents, Adam and Eve, will admit of no doubt. In Form,
Figure, and in the powers of the mind, we are the same. The only
difference between the Europeans and Americans was, that the former
were in a civilized state, the other uncivilized. By whom, how, and
when that vast Continent was first peopled, are questions which
have employed the thoughts and pens of learned Men for several
Centuries. Hornius in his De Originibus Americanis,
and Dr. William Robertson in his History of America,
with great probability, were of opinion that they were descended
from the Jews, Canaanites, Phœnicians, Carthaginians, Greeks,
and Scythians; and that the Chinese, Swedes, Norwegians, the Welsh
and the Spaniards, sent Colonies thither in later ages.[a]
Page 2
That America was originally peopled by some of the above Nations
seems most probable from the resemblance between the Inhabitants
and Animals of the northern Regions of America, and the Inhabitants
and Animals of the northern Regions of Europe and Asia. If any
are desirous of knowing the sentiments of different Writers on
this Subject, let them consult the above Authors. In the discusion
of this point I am not concerned; my only design being to examine
which of the European nations, since the eleventh Century
discovered the Western Continent.
When we reflect upon the populousness of America when discovered,
as supposed, in the 12th Century, we must be convinced that it
was known in very early times, many Centuries before any European
landed on the Coasts.
The Spaniards claim the Honor of this Discovery.
Christopher Columbus, a native of Genoa in Italy, by the encouragement
and assistance of Ferdinand and Isabella, King and Queen of Spain,
discovered the West Indian Islands, and some parts of the Continent
of South America, about the year 1492, or 1493 of Christ; and other
parts of it were discovered by Americus Vespucci (Vespucius) about
the year 1497, from whom the whole took its name; but neither of
them seems to have
Page 3
been the first European that visited America. Dr. Gregory Sharp
says that Behaim or Martin of Bohemia was there about the year
1460.[b]
The Spaniards pretend not to any discovery prior to those of Columbus,
Americus, and Behaim.
That the Spaniards have no right to that Continent, as first
Discoverers, appears to me, very evident; for when they landed
there, they found among the Inhabitants some traces of European
languages and manners.
From the Testimonies of Travellers and Historians, there are strong
reasons to believe that the Ancient Britons landed on that Continent
nearly 300 years before Behaim or Columbus, so that if a first
discovery gives a right of possession, the whole Continent belongs
to the Ancient Britons. But, in truth, conquest is only oppression
and Inhumanity. If different nations could be brought to live together
in peace, and honestly and amicably carry on Trade, it would be
highly advantageous to the World; but conquest, such as that
Page 4
of Mexico by Cortez, and of Perun and Chili by Pizarro and Almagro,
in nature and in reason, can give no just right to territory. In
such cases, conquest is only another name for Injustice, Barbarity,
and Murder.
We have, as far as I can now remember, but one instance, upon record,
of an amicable coalition of interests between public bodies; I mean
that of William Penn, the excellent and justly celebrated
Quaker, with the Inhabitants of the Country, now, after his Name
called Pensylvania, a little before the Revolution in 1668. The
peace of that Colony has been less disturbed than that of any other.
The Indians have been very quiet: He deals fairly and openly with
them, and his descendants, as far as I can learn, have always done
the same. The consequence is that though he died in the Fleet Prison,
his posterity now enjoy a Princely Fortune.[c]
But to enter upon my Subject.
I known not how it comes to pass, but of late years most of our
Historians seem to be over fastidious. They object to, and call
in question many facts which have been credited for Centuries,
and which upon the whole are supported by very respectable
Page 5
authorities. In reading History, I make in a strict rule to give
every Writer a fair and candid perusal. While I reject old Women's
Fables, monkish Tales, Absurdities, and pretended Miracles, I am
disposed to receive as Truth, that which seems natural, reasonable,
and well supported by evidence. Agreeably to this rule, I shall
now consider the accounts we have of the Discovery of America by
the Ancient Britons.
I cannot, in Giraldus, find any thing upon the subject. He flourished
about the time when this supposed discovery was made; that is,
during the reigns of Henry the IId. Richard the 1st. and John Kings
of England.[d]
Page 6
When Prince Madog, the supposed first European discoverer of America
sailed, Giraldus was about 25 years of age, and probably abroad for
education. He therefore might have no intelligence of transactions
which took place in a distant, and, to him, little known part of
the World; for it does not appear that he ever was in North Wales,
until he accompained Arch-Bishop Baldwin thither in the year 1188,
when he went to convert the Britons to the Romish Faith, and to
persuade them to engage in a Crusade.—Besides, being a Fleming
by descent, and so nearly connected with the English Court, he
could have very little correspondence with the Britons, who were
far from being easy under the Dominion of the usurping Saxons,
Normans, and especially the Flemings, who had lately invaded and
possessed a part of their Country.
The first account that I can find of the discovery of America by the
Britons is in an History of Wales written by Caradoc of Llancarvan,
Glamorganshire, in the British Language, translated into English
by Humphry Llwyd, and published by Dr. David Powel, in the year
1584. It was re-printed in 1697, under the inspection of W. Wynne,
A. M. Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford. There was another edition
lately published.
This narrative bears the strongest Semblance of Truth, for it is
plain, natural, and simple. It
Page 7
says, that on the death of Owen Gwynedd, Prince of North Wales,
about the year 1169, several of his Children contended for his
Dominions; that Madog, one of his Sons, preceiving his Native Country
engaged, or on the eve of being engaged, in a Civil War, thought
it best to try his Fortune in some foreign Climes. Leaving North
Wales in a very unsettled state, he sailed with a few Ships which he
had fitted up and mann'd for that purpose to the westward, leaving
Ireland to the north. He came at length to an unknown Country where
most things appeared to him new and uncustomary, and the manners of
the Natives far different from what he had seen in Europe. Madog
having viewed the fertility and pleasantness of the Country, left
the most part of those he had taken with him behind, (Sir Thomas
Herbert says that the number he left behind was 120) and returned
to north Wales. Upon his arrival, he described to his Friends what
a fair and extensive land he had met with, void of any Inhabitants,
whilst they employed themselves, and all their skill to supplant
one another, for only a ragged portion of Rocks and Mountains.
Acordingly, having prevailed with considerable Numbers to accompany
him to that Country, he sailed back with Ten Ships and bid adieu
to his Native Land.[e]
Page 8
It is very certain that this account of Madog's Emigration was
not written by Caradoc, for his History comes no lower than the
year 1157; and he seems to have died about the time when this Event
took place. However, it is said by Humphry Llwyd, the Translator of
Caradoc into English, that this part of the History was compiled
from Collections made from time to time, and kept in the Abbies
of Conway in Carnarvonshire North Wales, and Strat Flur. (Strata
Florida, Cardiganshire, South Wales.) The most remarkable occurencies
in the Principality, being registered in these Abbies, were generally
compared together every third year, when the Beirdd or Bards, belonging
to these two Houses, went their ordinary Visitations, which were
called Clera. This custom prevailed till the year 1270, a little
before the death of Llewelyn the last Prince of Wales, and who
was killed near Built in Brecknockshire.
Page 9
The best copy of these registers was taken by Guttun Owen, a Bard,
in the Reign of Edward the IVth. King of England, about the year
1480; before the first Voyage of Columbus; but that the continuation,
though not Caradoc's, is a true History, we have no just reason
to question.
Cynfrig ab Gronow, about the same time with Guttun Owen, mentioned
this Event. Those Bards lived between two and three Hundred Years
after Madog's Emigration; and before them it is alluded
to by Sir Meredyth ab Rhy's about the year 1477. Humphry Llwyd
the Translator of Caradoc flourished in the reign of Henry the
VIIIth, King of England, about 50 or 60 years after Guttun Owen,[f]
and Dr. Powel published Llwyd's Translation, in the reign of Queen
Elizabeth, about 40 Years after the death of Humphry Llwyd, whose
death prevented its earlier publication.
There can be little doubt, but that the writings of Guttun Owen,
Cynfrig ab Gronow, and of Sir
Page 10
Meredyth ab Rhys, were extant in the Days of Llwyd and Powel, and
known to many persons who lived in the principality, as Powel did.
The next account I have met with of this Event is in Hakluyt.
"After the death of Owen Gwynedd, his Sonnes fell at debate who
should inherit after him, for the eldest Sonne born in Matrimony,
Edward, or Jorwerth Drwidion (Drwyndwn) was counted unmeet to govern
because of the maime upon his Face, and Howel that took upon him
the Rule, was a bare Sonne, begotten upon an Irish Woman. Therefore
David, another Sonne, gathered all the power he could, and came
against Howel, and fighting with him, slew him, and afterwards
enjoyed quietly the whole Land of North Wales until his Brother
Jorwerth's Sonne came to Age.
"Madoc, another of Owen Gwyneth's Sonnes, left the land in contentions
betwixt his Brethren, and prepared certain Ships with Men and munition
and fought adventures by Seas, sailing West and leaving the coast
of Ireland so farre North, that he came to a Land unknown, where
he saw many strange things.
"This Land must needs be some parts of the Countrey of which the
Spanyards affirm themselves
Page 11
to be the first Finders since Hauno's[g] Time: whereupon it is
manifest that that Countrey was by Britons discovered long before
Columbus led any Spanyards thither.
"Of the Voyage and return of this Madoc, there be many fables framed,
as the common people do use in distance of place and length of
time, rather to augment than to diminish, but sure it is, there
he was. And after he had returned home, and declared the pleasant
and fruitful Countries that he had seen, without Inhabitants; and
upon the contrary, for what barren and wild Ground his Brethren
and Nephews did murther one another, he prepared a number of Ships,
and got with him such Men and Women as were desirous to live in
quietness, and taking leave of his Friends, took his Journey
thitherwards again.
"Therefore it is supposed that He and his people inhabited part
of those Countries; for it appeareth by Francis Lopez de Gomara
that in Acuzamil, and other places, the people honoured the Cross.
Whereby it may be gathered that Christians had been there before
the coming of the Spanyards; but because this people were not many,
they followed the manner of the Land which they came to, and the
Language they found there.
Page 12
"This Madoc arriving in that Western Countery, unto the which he
came in the year 1170, left most of his people there, and returning
back for more of his own Nation, Acquaintance and Friends to inhabit
that fair and large Countery, went thither again with Ten Sailes,
as I find noted by Guttun Owen.[h] I am of opinion that the Land
whereunto he came was some part of the West Indies.
"Carmina Meredith Filii Rhesi, Mentionem facienda de Madoco, Filio
Oweni Gwyneth, et de sua Navigatione in Terras incognitas. Vixit
hic Meredith circiter, Annum Domini, 1477.
"Madog wyf, mwyedie Wedd
Jawn Genau, Owen Gwynedd,
Ni fynnwn Dir', f y awydd oedd,
Nid Da mawr ond y Moroedd."
These Lines were communicated to our Author he says by the celebrated
William Camden.
Page 13
A Gentleman who is possessed of Sir Meredyth ab Rhys's, "Cywydd i
ddiolch am Rwyd bysgota; i lfan ab Tudor;" "An Ode to thank Evan ab
Tudor, for a Fishing Net;" obligingly favored me with the following
copy of the above Lines.
Mewu Awr dda, Minnau ar Ddwr
o fodd hael a fydd Heliwr.
Madog wych, mwyedig Wedd
Jawn Genau, Owen Gwynedd
Ni fynnai Dir', f' enaid oedd,
Na Da mawr ond y Moroedd.
Literally; "On a happy Hour, I on the water
Of Mannaers mild, the Huntsman will be
Madog bold of pleasing Countenance,
Of the true Lineage of Owen Gwyned.
He covettd not Land, his Ambition was,
Not great Wealth, but the Seas,"
As the Poet seems to be returning thanks to a Friend for a Favour, I
am of opinion that he only alludes to Madog's Success, and expressing
his Hope that he should be as successful in his pursuits. Therefore
in the third Line, I would read, not, wyf, "I am," but wych, "bold,"
"Courageous;" &c. and in the fifth Line, I would read not f' enaid
oedd, "my Soul or Ambition was," but ei enaid oedd, "His Soul,
or Ambition was."
A Gentleman, who, upon the whole, approved of these Alterations,
observed that in the fifth Line,
Page 14
alteration was not necessary; for f'naid oedd, literally, "he was
my Soul," was an apostrophe; in other Words, "I revere his Memory."
The four last of the above Lines were sent to me above 30 Years
ago, by my late learned and excellent Friend, Dr. John Collet,
of Newbury, Berks, which I endeavoured to translate as above.
They were thus rendered into Latin by the late Dr. Samuel Johnson.
Inclytus hic Hæres magni requiescit Oenii,
Consessus tantum mente modoque patrem.
Servilem talis Cultum contempsit Agelli
Et petiit Terras per Freta longa novas.[i]
It hath been said by some Writers that these Lines were found cut
upon a stone in Mexico, but this is said without Foundation. It is
much more probable that they were written, on the above occasion,
by Sir Meredyth ab Rhys, who flourished about 300 Years after Madog's
Voyages. However it is certain that they were written, at least, 15
Years before Columbus first sailed on his American Voyage; when no
European Nation had any idea of a Western Continent. Of consequence,
the
Page 15
Story was not invented to be the Foundation of a Dispute between
the Britons and the Spaniards about the Discovery of the New World.
Another Writer who alludes to Madog's Voyage is the Author of a
Book entitled "a brief Description of the whole World." Edit. 5th.
London Printed, for John Marriott, 1620.
"I am not ignorant that some who make too much of vain Shews, and
of the British Antiquities, have given out to the World, and written
some things to that purpose, that Arthur some time King of Britain
had both Knowledge of those parts (the New World) and some Dominion
in them; for they find (as some report) that King Arthur had under
his Government many Islands and great Countries towards the North
and West, which one of some special Note hath interpreted to signify
America, and the Northern parts thereof, and thereupon have gone about
to entitle the Queen of England (Elizabeth) to be the Soveraigne of
these Provinces by right of Descent from King Arthur. But the Wisdom
of our State has been such as to neglect that Opinion, imagining
it to be grounded upon fabulous Foundations, as many things are,
that are asserted of King Arthur. Only this doth convey some Shew
with it, that, now some Hundred Years, there was a Knight of Wales
who with Shipping, and some pretty Company did go
Page 16
to discover these parts, whereof, as there is some record of reasonable
Credit amongst the Monuments of Wales, so there is nothing which
giveth pregnant Shew thereunto, that in the late Navigations of some
of our Menta Norumbega, and some other northern parts of America
they found some tokens of Civility and Christian Religion; but
especially they do meet with some Words of the Welsh Language, as
that a Bird with a white Head should be called Penguinn, and other
such like; yet because we have now invincible certainty thereof,
and if any thing were done, it was only in the Northern and worse
part, and the Intercourse between Wales and those parts in the
space of 700 Years, was not continued, but quite silenced, we may
go forward with that opinion that these Western Indies were no
way known to former ages."
From this Extract we learn that in the Days of Queen Elizabeth a
Tradition prevailed, that at some former Period, Britons went to
America. But that this happened in the Days of King Arthur, and
that he had knowledge of Foreign Countries, or any Dominion in
them, is altogether in-incredible. The Knight of Wales, mentioned
by our Author certainly was Prince Madog; but his Emigration is
placed too early by about 400 years; for all Writers agree, that
if he sailed at all, it was
Page 17
in 1169, or 1170. The above Book was written during the Reign of
Queen Elizabeth, who ascended the Throne in 1558; and consequently
the interval between Madog's Voyages, and Elizabeth's Accession, was
only about 400 Years. However, the Tradition generally prevailed,
and was supported by one of Special Note, in that Reign,
when Dr. Powel published the History of Caradoc, together with
Humphry Llwyd's and his own Additions.
The next Account of Prince Madog's Adventures, I have met with
is in Hornius De Originibus Americanis. Hagæ Comitis, 1652.
What he hath advanced is much the same, and contains little more,
as he himself says, than Extracts from Llwyd, Hakluyt, and Powel.
His Observations on the Subject are the following.
Ex his concludit omnillo Madocum cum Suis Cambris aliquam partem
Americæ Septentrionalis obtinuisse. Nec aliter statuet quisquis
hanc Navigationem cum Situ Terrarum, vel obiter, contulerit. Nam
post Hiberniam nullæ navigantibus occurrunt terræ nisi
Bermudæ ab omni ævo incultæ, et postea ingens
America. Cumque Zephyrum versus Cursum direxerit Madocus, dubium
non est in ipsam devenerit Virginiam vel novam Angliam, ibique suos
exposuerit. Nec obstat quod tradunt incultam suisse, et Hominibus
vacuam Regionem: Vastissimæ illæ Terræ sunt,
Page 18
et nostro quoque ævo post sex Secula maligne habitantur.
Præterea Tractus ille ad quem Madac appulit desertus esse
potuit; cum tamen alia Loca et interiores partes barbaros Chichimecas
haberent, quibus permixti Cambri et intermissa illa Navigatione,
Linguam Moresque patrios exuerint. In hac vehementer me confirmant
Indigenarum Traditiones. Nam Virginiani et Guahutemallæ antiquis
Temporibus Madocum quendam velut Heroem coluerunt. De Viginianis
Martyr, Dec. VII. C. 3. De Guahutemallis, Dec. VIII C. 5. Habemus
Matec Zungam et Mat Ingam, qui cur Madoc Camber esse
nequeat quem in eos partes delatum domestica evincunt Monumenta,
ratio nulla reddi potest. Ad antiquitatem, quinque illa Secula
sussiciunt quousque altissima Americanorum Memoria, nec sere ultra,
adscendit.[k]
"From hence He (Hakluyt) concludes that Madog with his Cambrians
discovered a part of North America. A cursory attention to the
Figure of the Earth must convince every one, that on this Direction,
he must have landed on that Continent: for beyond Ireland, no Land
can be found except Bermuda, to this Day (about 1650) uncultivated,
but the extensive Continent of America. As Madog directed his course
Westward, it cannot be doubted but that he fell in with Virginia or New
Page 19
England, and there settled. Nor is this contradicted by its being
said that the Country was uninhabited and uncultivated, for that
Country is very extensive, and in our Times, after Six Centuries,
is but thinly Peopled. Besides, that Tract on which Madog landed
might be desert, and yet other Places in the interior Parts possessed
by the barbarous Chichimecas[l] might be populous, with whom the
Cambrians mingled; and the communication being droped, (between
them and their mother Country) they adopted the Language, and the
manners of the Country. The Traditions prevailing among the Natives
strongly confirm me in this Opinion; for the Virginians and
Guahutemallians, from ancient Times, worshiped one Madog as an
Hero. Concerning the Virginians, See Martyr Decade the VII. chap.
3. concerning the Guahutemallians, Decade VIII. chap. 5. Among
them we have Matec Zungam and Mat Jngam, and why this should not
be Madog the Cambrian, whom the Monuments in the Country prove to
have been in those parts, no reason can be given. As to Antiquity,
five Centuries are sufficient, beyond which American Traditions
do not ascend."[m]
Page 20
This Author in the former part of this Chapter, says, Nam ubi
demonstratum suerit, Madocum cambriæ principem olim cum fuæ
Gentis Hominibus novas in Occidente invenisse Terras et inhabitasse:
ejus etiam nomen ac memoriam adhuc inter barbaros superesse, nihil
fere quod amplius ambigamus, restabit. "For when it is demonstrated
that Madog, a Prince of Cambria, with some of his Nation, discovered
and inhabited some Lands in the West, and that his Name and Memory are
Page 21
still retained among them, scarcely any doubt remains."
In the above observations, we have as it appears to me, a clear
proof that Madog visited America, several centuries before the
Spaniards. Matec Zungam, and Mat Jngam, seem to be plain corruptions
of the Name, Madog, the Hero whose Memory was retained, if not
revered, by those who were descended from his Colony.
In the Gentleman's Magazine, Vol. X, for the Year 1740. p. 103,
&c. the following Narrative is inserted.
"These presents may certify all persons whatever, that in the Year
1660, being an Inhabitant of Virginia, and Chaplain to Major General
Bennet of Mansoman County, the said Major Bennet find Sir William
Berkeley sent two Ships to Port Royal, now called South Carolina,
which is sixty Leagues to the Southward of Capefair, and I was
sent therewith to be their Minister. Upon the 8th of April we set
out from Virginia, and arrived at the Harbour's Mouth of Port Royal
the 19th of the same Month, where we waited for the rest of the
Fleet that was to sail from Barbadoes and Bermuda with one Mr.
West, who was to be Deputy Governor of the said Place. As soon as
the Fleet came in, the smallest Vessels that were with us sailed
up the River to a place called the
Page 22
Oyster Point. There I continued about 8 months, all which time
being almost starved for want of provisions, I and 5 more travelled
through the Wilderness, till we came to the Tuscorara Country.
There the Tuscorara Indians took us prisioners, because we told
them that we were bound to Roanock.[n] That night they carried
us to their Town, and shut us up close to our no small dread. The
next Day they entered into a consultation about us, which after it
was over their Interpreter told us that we must prepare ourselves
to die next Morning. Whereupon being very much dejected and speaking
to this Effect in the British Tongue, 'Have I escaped so many Dangers,
and must I now be knocked on the Head like a Dog;' then presently
an Indian came to me, which afterwards appeared to be a War Captain
belonging to the Sachem of the Doegs, (whose Original I find must
needs be from the Old Britons) and took me up by the middle, and
told me in the British Tongue, I should not die, and thereupon
went to the Emperor of Tuscorara, and agreed for my Ransom, and
the Men that were with me. They then wellcomed us to their Town,
and entertained us very civilly and cordially four months; during
which time I had the opportunity of conversing
Page 23
with them familiarly in the British Language, and did preach to
them three times a Week in the same Language; and they would confer
with me about any thing that was difficult therein;[o] and at our
Departure, they abundantly supplied us with whatever was necessary
to our Support and Well-doing. They are setled upon Pontigo River,[p]
Page 24
not far from Cape Atros. This is a brief recital of my Travels,
among the Doeg Indians. Morgan Jones, the Son of John Jones of
Basaleg, near Newport, in the County of Monmouth. I am ready to
conduct any Welshman, or others to the Country. New York, March
10th, 1685-6."
This Letter was sent or given to Dr. Thomas Lloyd of Pensylvania,
by whom it was transmitted to Charle Llwyd Esq. of Dôl y
frân in Montgomeryshire; and afterwards to Dr. Robert Plott
by Edward Llwyd, A. M. Keeper of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
Mr. Theophilus Evans, a Welch Clergyman, who communicated the above
Letter to the Editor
Page 25
of the Gentleman's Magazine, was Vicar of St. David's in Brecon,
well acquainted with the History of the Principality. He has made
several judicious remarks upon it.[q]
He observes that the truth of Madog's Voyage is confirmed by it;
that several Circumstances unite to establish the Fact; and that
several British Words were used by the Mexicans when their Country
was discovered by the Spaniards; such as Pengwyn, "White Head," the
name, not only of a Bird, but also given to high and bare Rocks.[r]
Groeso "Wellcome." Gwenddwr, "white or limpid Water." Bara, "Bread."
Tâd, "Father." Mam "Mother." Buch or Buwch, "a Cow."
Clug-Jâr, "a Partridge, or Heath Cock" (Clugar is now the
Armorican name of a Partridge.) Llwynog, "a Fox," Coch y dwr, "a red
water Bird," Many others are mentioned by Sir Thomas Herbert,
in his Travels.
Page 26
Mr. Jones's Narrative shews that the Descendants of Madog's Colony
were, in some measure, a distinct people in the Year 1660. He not
only conversed freely with them, but preached to them in his Native
Tongue.
When the Spaniards conquered, or rather massacred the Inhabitants
of Mexico, they found among them some traces of Christianity. The
sign of the Cross was highly honoured, possibly worshiped by them.
Having been so many Ages separated from other Christians, their
Religion, more and more, degenerated into Superstition; as,
notwithstanding superior advantages, it did in Europe and in Asia.
Besides, the Similarity of Dialects in different places, already
taken notice of, inclines me to believe that Madog's Colony, in
process of Time, extended itself much farther than the Country
on which they first landed; for we find several British Words in
other places, and in some of the West Indian Islands.[s]
Page 27
The Island Curassoa, or Curazao, possessed by the Dutch, may have
had its name from the British Word, Croesaw, or Croeso, "Wellcome;"
possibly so called for Joy at the sight of Land after a long and
dangerous Voyage. Cape Breton, may also have had its name from
these ancient Navigators, who possibly touched at it in one of their
Voyages.
To strengthen these Conjectures, it is observable that Montezuma,
Emperor of Mexico, on his submission to Cortez, said that their
Chiefs were of foreign Extraction; and, when the above Circumstances
are attended to, we may be disposed to believe that these Foreigners
were ancient Britons[t]
I know not of any Objection to the Account given by Humphry Llwyd
and Dr. Powel, confirmed by Mr Jones's Narrative, but what is grounded
upon the very low Estimation in which the Ancient British Writers
are now undeservedly held.
Page 28
For Argument's sake, let us suppose that the Original Britons were,
in general, a stupid, foolish race of Men, might there not have
arisen, even, among them, in the space of 700, or 800 Years,
one Man blessed with some sagacity and penetration? In early
times the Saxons were a barbarous and savage people. I do not recollect
to have heard of a single instance of Saxon Knowledge or Learning,
before they came to Britain about the Year 449, of Christ. The
Original Inhabitants of this Island were, in some degree, celebrated
for literary Acquisitions in the Days of Julius Cæsar, near
500 Years before the arrival of the Saxons.[u]
Though contrary to History, let us suppose that the Britons were
void of all Understanding and Judgment, of all literary Merit;
that doth not, in the least, affect the Truth of Prince Madog's
Emigration; for by all that appears, it was not
Page 29
owing to Knowledge or Judgment, but was the consequence of Necessity
and Prudence. This Prince, however dull and sottish, might have
sense enough to see that be could no where be in a worse condition
than he was in his Native Country. There he could not live in safety,
being always surrounded by a lawless Banditti, who sacrificed their
Friends, Relations, and even their Parents, to inherit their Dominions
or Possessions, which after all, for the most part, were only a
small beggarly, wild, and uncultivated District; ragged Rocks and
Precipices; barren Mountains; or boggy, unfruitful, and unfriendly
Soil.
If an Objection be made to the Truth of Madog's Voyages, grounded
upon the silence of History for so many Years, it may with no great
difficulty be answered.[v]
The only History of that Period of British affairs were the Registers
kept at Conway, and Strata
Page 30
Florida, above mentioned; or which Guttun Owen took the most exact
and perfect Copy; and the Odes of the Bards, for several Years
afterwards.[w] These are the only records we have of there Times.
Objections shall be more particularly considered when I come to
consider what Lord Lyttlelton and Dr. Robertson have advanced on
this Subject.
The Antients were incapable of pursuing foreign discoveries by
Land or Sea. Their notion of the Figure of the Earth was not just,
for most of them thought that it was a flat extensive plain. Their
Knowlege of Astronomy was very much confined; and their Ignorance of
the Properties of the Loadstone would prevent their undertaking any
Voyage of Consequence. Supposing the Country which Madog discovered
was not America, yet to say the Story is a late Invention, and
forged after the discovery of that Continent by Columbus, with a
View to set up a prior Claim to it, is plainly false; for, besides
the testimony of Peter Martyr, respecting Names and Customs, we
know that the Fact had been celebrated by
Page 31
Welsh Bards before Columbus first sailed to the West.[x]
Some Writers have said, that it was not to America our Welsh Prince
sailed, and in proof say, that America was well known in the 9th
and 10th Centuries. It is most certain that it was well known to
its Inhabitants for thousands of Years. But that it was at all
known to any European before the 12th Century, at soonest, is
incredible. (See page 12th, &c. for there is not even the Shadow
of Authority for it. We are also told that Greenland was the Country
to which Madog sailed, which is by no means probable, nor, indeed,
possible; because it contradicts every historical Evidence that
we have. Had he sailed to Greenland, he must have left Ireland to
the South, on his left Hand, whereas we are expressly told that
he left it to the North, on his right Hand. Besides, it is said, by
all Writers on the subject, that the Country which Madog discovered
was fair,
Page 32
fruitful and pleasant, but Greenland is a miserable, poor Country;
so excessively cold that all attempts to settle in it, have failed;
for the persons left there have always perished. In comparison
with Greenland, therefore, this Prince's Native Country, was a
Paradise. Farther, I cannot learn that the Greenlanders in their
Persons, Manners, and Customs bear any resemblance to the Ancient
Britons; which some American Tribes plainly do. When we compare
circumstances together, we shall be led, with Hakluyt, to conclude
that Madog landed on some part of New England, Virginia, &c. and
that in process of time the Colony extended itself Southward to
Mexico, and other places; and that those Foreign Ancestors of the
Mexican Chiefs, of whom the Spanish Writers often speak in their
accounts of Cortez's Adventures, were Ancient Britons.
The probability that Madog sailed to, or was driven upon some part
of the American Continent seems, evident, though perhaps, we have
not facts sufficiently clear to demonstrate it.
In those ages, before the Invention of the Compass, of the art
of Printing, and of Gun-powder, the Welsh had very few advantages
to boast of above the Native Americans: thence we may conclude
that Madog and his Colony landed amicably,
Page 33
and that they were received by the Natives with Cordiality.
That so extraordinary an Event should not excite either the English
or the Welsh to attempt a Discovery of their hardy Countrymen, and
their New Settlement, can only be accounted for by the Ignorance
and poverty of the times. It is most natural to suppose that the
English knew nothing of this Expedition from a Province which
acknowleged not their Authority, and with which they were almost
continually at War, and whose Inhabitants they would have been
exceedingly glad to hear were all gone away: and the poverty of
the Welsh, robbed of their Inheritance by the usurping Saxons,
Normans, and Flemings, would effectually prevent their making any
attempts.
In short, Mr. Jones's recital of his Travels confirms the Truth of
Prince Madog's Emigration and settlement in some part of America;
for it expressly says, that in the Year 1660, there were some whole
Tribes in North America, who spoke Welsh, and therefore most have
descended from the Ancent Britons.[y]
A Letter written by Charles Lloyd, Esq. of Dôl y frân,
in Montgomeryshire, already mentioned, published in 1777, by the
Revd. N. Owen, junr. A. M.
Page 34
in a pamphlet entitled, "British Remains," strongly confirms Mr.
Jones's Narrative, and of consequence, the Truth of Madog's Voyages.
Mr. Lloyd says, in a Letter, that he had been inform- by a Friend,
that one Stedman of Breconshire, about 30 Years before the Date
of his Letter, was on the Coast of America in a Dutch Bottom, and
being about to land for refreshment, the Natives kept them off by
Force, till at last this Stedman told his fellow Dutch Seamen that
he understood what the Natives spoke. The Dutch bade him speak to
them, and they were thereupon very courteous; they supplied them
with the best things they had, and told Stedman, that they came
from a Country called Gwynedd, (North Wales) in Prydam, (prydain)
fawr, Great Britain.[z] It is supposed by Mr. Lloyd that this place
was situated between Virginia and Florida. It is farther said by
this Gentleman, that one Oliver Humphreys, a Merchant, who died,
not long before the Date of this Letter, told him, that when he
lived at Surinam, he spoke with an English Privateer or Pirate,
Page 35
who being near Florida a careening his Vessel, had learnt, as he
thought the Indian Language, which his Friend said was perfect
Welsh. "My Brother, Mr. Lloyd adds, having heard this, (Mr. Jones's
Adventures) and meeting with this Jones at New York, desired him
to write it, with his own Hand, in his House; and to please me and
my Cousin Thomas Price (of Llanvyllin) he sent me the Original.
This Jones lived within 12 Miles of New-York, and was Contemporary
with me and my Brother at Oxford. He was of Jesus College, and
called then Senior Jones, by Way of distinction."
The Flight of Jones this Gentlemen supposes to have taken place
about the time of Bacon's Rebellion in Virginia, and that he was
with the Indians about the Year 1669.[aa]
The Date of Mr. Lloyd's Letter is Dolobran. 8m 14 D. 3/4.
There is also in Mr. Owen's British Remains an Extract from Dr.
Robert Plott's Writings, in which the Doctor declares his Belief
in Prince Madog's Emigration, and Mr. Jones's Narrative.
Page 36
About the same time, Sir Thomas Herbert published his Travels,
in which he mentions Prince Madog's Voyages. His Narrative, in
some things not material to the question before us, differs from
Llwyd and Powel. He adds that David the Son of Owen Gwynedd having
slain his illegimate Brother Howel in Battle, was best approved
of, and chosen Prince of North Wales; because by the comeliness
of his Person, and Ingenuity, he had gained the affections of the
Lady Emma Plantagenet, Sister to King Henry the Second.[bb] This
Writer must have seen Llwyd's and Powel's Account, and adds, that
Madog after his last Voyage, returned no more.[cc.]
The Language and Customs of the Indians, will be noticed hereafter.
To these Evidences must be added what the Authors of the universal
History, and Dr. Campbell, in his Naval History of Great Britain,
have said.
"That the Welsh contributed towards the peopleing of America is
intimated by some good Authors, and ought to be considered as a
Notion supported
Page 37
by something more than bare Conjectures. Powel, in his History
of Wales informs us that a War happening in that Country for the
Succession, upon the death of Owen Gwyneth. A. D. 1170, and a Bastard
having carried it from his lawful Sons, one of the latter, called,
Madog, put to Sea for new Discoveries, and sailing West from Spain,
he discovered a New World of wonderful Beauty and Fertility. But
finding this uninhabited, upon his return, he carried thither a
great Number of People from Wales. To this delightful Country he
made three Voyages, according to Hakluyt. The Places he discovered
seem to be Virginia, New England, and the adjacent Countries. In
Confirmation of this, Peter Martyr says that the Natives of Virginia
and Guatimala celebrated the Memory of one Madoc as a great and
ancient Hero, and hence it came to pass that Modern Travellers
have found several Old British Words among the Inhabitants of North
America; Matec Zunga and Mat Inga as being in use
among the Guatimallians, in which there is a plain allusion to
Madoc, and that with the D softened into T, according to the Welsh
manner of pronunciation. Nay, Bishop Nicolson seems to believe
that the Welsh Language makes a considerable part of several of
the American Tongues. According to a famous British Antiquary, the
Spainards borrowed their double L. (LL) from the people of Mexico, who
Page 38
received it from the Welsh; and the Dutch brought a Bird with a
white Head from the Streights of Magellan, called by the Natives,
Penguin, which word in the Old British (and in Modern British)
signifies 'White Head;' and therefore seems Originally to have
come from Wales. This must be allowed an additional Argument, to
omit others that occur in Favour of Madoc's three American
Expeditions."[dd]
It would hence seem that these Writers were inclined to believe
the Tradition concerning Madog; for they say that it is a notion
supported by something more than bare Conjectures.
They say also that they have omitted other Arguments in Favour of
Madog's Expeditions.
In the British Tongue, the double L (LL) hath a peculiar sound,
different from any in other Tongues. It hath been said that in
the Spanish it has the same sound. But a Gentleman who understands
the Spanish Language informed me that it is not like the Welsh
double, LL, though it hath a peculiar sound. However, if the Spanish
Tongue hath such a sound, or one near to it, it might have been
derived from the Inhabitants of Mexico or Guatimala; for we have
very strong reasons to
Page 39
believe that the Descendants of Madog's Colony, spread themselves
over a great part of America. But more of this hereafter.
Dr. Campbell in his Naval History agrees with the above Writers,
in his general Account, and concludes with these Observations.
"It must be confessed that there is nothing which absolutely fixes
this Discovery of America, though it must likewise be owned that
the Course before set down might very possibly carry him thither.
The great point is to know how far the fact may be depended upon,
and in relation to this, I will venture to assert that there are
Authentic Records, in the British Tongue, as to this Expedition
of Madog's, wherever he went, prior to the Discovery of America
by Columbus, and that many probable Arguments may be offered in
support of this Notion. That these Britons were the Discoverers
of that new World is also true, though at present we have not an
Opportunity to insist upon them." And in a Note Mr. Campbell adds,
"Meredith ab Reece, a Cambrian Bard, who died in 1477, composed
an Ode in his Native Language on this Expedition,[ee] from which
the particulars above mentioned are taken, and this was prior to
Columbus's Discovery;
Page 40
so that Fact would never have encouraged the framing of this Fable,
even supposing it to be so."[ff]
It is evident, from this Extract, that Dr. Campbell gave credit
to this Tradition, and assigns as a Reason, an Ode written by Sir
Meredyth ab Rhys, (containing an allusion to it) who died about
1477, during the Reign of Richard the 3d, some Years before Columbus
first sailed Westward. Hence then it clearly appears that it was
not a Story invented to dispute the discovery of America with the
Spaniards; for when this Ode was written, Europeans had no Notion
of a Western World. The Voyages of Madog were little known, but
to the Native Welsh, nor did they know whither he went. That it
was to America, was a discovery of after Ages. Had the Story been
first mentioned in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, when at War with
Philip the 2d. King of Spain, it might have appeared suspicious;
but as it had been celebrated and alluded to in an Ode written
50 Years
Page 41
before she was born, there can, in my Opinion, be no room for suspicion.
The Bard wrote an Ode of thanks to a Friend for a Favour, in which
he alludes to a Fact, honourable to his Country men, but then of
no advantage to them, for all Intercourse between the Countries
had ceased for Hundreds of Years.
I now proceed to modern Travellers, who prove, that at present,
there are Tribes In North America descended from the Ancient Britons.
Mr. Charles Beatty, a Missionary from New York, accompanied by
a Mr. Duffield, visited some Inland parts, of North America in
the Year 1766. If I rightly understand his Journal, he travelled
about 400, or 500 Miles, to the South West of New York. During his
Tour he met with several Persons who had been among the Indians
from their Youth, or who had been taken Captives by them, and lived
with them several Years. Among others one Benjamin Sutton, who had
visited different Nations, and had lived many Years with them.
His Account, in Mr. Beatty's Words, was as follows.
"He, (Benjamin Sutton) informed us, when he was with the Chactaw
Nation, or Tribes of Indians at the Mississipi, he went to an Indian
Town a very considerable Distance from New Orleans, whose Inhabitants
were of different Complexions;
Page 42
not so tawny as those of the other Indians, and who spoke Welsh.
He said he saw a Book among them, which he supposed was a Welsh
Bible, which they carefully kept wrapped up in a Skin, but they
could not read it; and that he heard some of these Indians afterwards
in the lower Shawanaugh Town speak Welsh with one Lewis a Welsh-man,
Captive there. This Welsh Tribe now live on the West-side of the
Mississipi River, a great way above New Orleans.
"Levi Hicks—as being among the Indians from his Youth, told us
he had been, when attending an Embassy in a Town of Indians, on the
West-side of the Mississipi River, who talked Welsh, (as he was
told, for he did not understand them) and our Interpreter Joseph
saw some Indians whom he supposed to be of the same Tribe, who
talked Welsh, for he told us some of the Words they said, which
he knew to be Welsh, as he had been acquainted with some Welsh
People.
"Correspondent hereto, I have been informed that many Years ago, a
Clergyman went from Britain to Virginia, and having lived some time
there, went from thence to South Carolina; but either because the
Climate did not agree with him, or for some other reason, resolved
to return to Virginia, and accordingly set out by Land, accompanied
by some other persons; but travelling thro'
Page 43
the back parts of the Country which was very thinly inhabited,
supposing, very probably, this was the nearest Way, he fell in
with a party of Indian Warriors going to attack the Inhabitants
of Virginia, against whom they had declared War.
"The Indians upon examining the Clergyman, and finding that he was
going to Virginia, looked upon him, and his Companions as belonging
to Virginia, and therefore took them all Prisoners, and let them
know they must die. The Clergyman in preparation for another World
went to prayer, and being a Welsh-man, prayed in the Welsh Language,
possibly because this Language was most familiar to him, or to
prevent the Indians understanding him. One or more of the party of
the Indians, was much surprised to hear him pray in their Language.
Upon this they spoke to him, and finding that he could understand
their speech, they got the Sentance of Death reversed; and this
happy Circumstance was the means of saving his Life.
"They took him back with them into their Country where he found a
Tribe, whore Native Language was Welsh, though the Dialect was a
little different from his own, which he soon came to understand.
They shewed him a Book, which he found to be the Bible, but which
they could not read;
Page 44
and if I mistake not, his ability to read it tended to raise their
regard for him.[gg]
"He stayed among them some time and endeavoured to instruct them
in the Christian Religion. He at length proposed to go back to
his own Country, and return to them with some other Teachers, who
would be able to instruct them in their own Language; to which
proposal they consenting, he accordingly set out from thence, and
arrived in Britain, with full intention to return to them with some
of his Country-men in order to teach these Indians Christianity.
But I was acquainted that not long after his arrival he was taken
sick, and died, which put an end to his schemes.[hh]
"Sutton farther told us that among the Delaware Tribe of Indians,
he observed their Women to follow exactly the Custom of the Jewish
Women, in keeping separate from the rest Seven Days at certain
Times as prescribed in the Mosaic Law; that from some Old Men among
them he had
Page 45
heard the following Traditions: That of old Time their people were
divided by a River, and one part tarrying behind;[ii] that they
knew not for certainty, how they came first to this Continent, but
account thus for their coming into there parts, near where they
are now settled: That a King of their Nation, when they formerly
lived far to the West, left his Kingdom to his two Sons; that the
one Son making War upon the other, the latter thereupon determined
to depart and seek some New Habitation; that accordingly he set out
accompanied by a number of his people, and that after wandering
too and fro for the space of 40 Years,[kk] they at length came
to Delaware River, where they settled 370 Years ago. The Way, he
says, they keep an account of this, is by putting on a Black Bead
of Wampum every Year since, on a Belt they have for that purpose.
Page 46
"He farther added that the King of that Country from whence they
came, some Years ago, when the French were in possession of Fort
Duquesne, sent out some of his People, in order if possible, to
find out that part of their Nation that departed to seek a new
Country, and that these Men after seeking six Years, came at length
to the Pickt Town on the Oubache River, and there happened to meet
with a Delaware Indian, named Jack, after the English, whose Language
they could understand; and that by him they were conducted to the
Delaware Towns where they tarried one year, and returned; that
the French sent a White Man with them properly furnished to bring
back an Account of their Conntry who, the Indians said, could not
return in less than 14 Years, for they lived a great Way towards
the Sun setting. It is now, Sutton says, about 10 or 12 Years since
they went away. He added that the Delawares observe the Feast of
first Fruits, or the green Corn Feast. So far Sutton."[ll]
Before I make any Remarks on the above long Extract I will produce
another Evidence of late Date, to confirm the Truth of Mr. Jones's
Narrative. It is an Accouut given by Captain Isaac
Page 47
Stewart, taken from his own Mouth, in March 1782, and inserted in
the Public Advertizer, 0ct. 8th, 1785.
"I was taken Prisoner about 50 Miles to the West-ward of Fort Pitt,
about 18 Years ago by the Indians, and was carried by them to the
Wabash with many more White Men who were executed with Circumstances
of horrid Barbarity. It was my good Fortune to call forth the Sympathy
of what is called the good Woman of the Town, who was permitted to
redeem me from the Flames, by giving, as my Ransom, a Horse.
"After remaining two Years in Bondage among the Indians, a Spaniard
came to the Nation, having been sent from Mexico on Discoveries.
He made Application to the Chiefs for redeeming me and another
White Men, who was in a like Situation, named John Davey (David)
which they complied with. And we took our Departure in Company
with the Spaniard to the Westward, crossing the Mississipi near
Rouge or Red River, up which we travelled 700 Miles, when we came
to a Nation of Indians remarkably White, and whose Hair was of
a reddish Colour, at least, mostly so. They lived on the Banks
of a Small River which is called the River Post. In the Morning
of the Day after our Arrival, the Welsh Man informed me that he
was determined remain with them, giving
Page 48
us a Reason, that he understood their Language, it being very little
different from the Welsh. My Curiosity was excited very much by
this Information, and I went with my Companion to the Chief Men of
the Town, who informed him in a Language that I had no knowledge
of, and which had no affinity to that of other Indian Tongues that
I ever heard, that their Fore Fathers of this Nation came from a
Foreign Country, and landed on the East Side of the Mississipi,
describing particularly the Country now called Florida, and that
on the Spaniards taking possession of Mexico, they fled to their
then Abode. And as a proof of the Truth of what he advanced, he
brought forth Rolls of Parchment, which were carefully tied up in
Otter's Skins, on which were large Characters written with blue
Ink. The Characters I did not understand, and the Welsh Man being
unacquainted with Letters, even, of his own Language, I was not
able to know the meaning of the writing. They are a bold, hardy,
and intrepid people, very Warlike, and the Women beautiful when
compared with other Indians."
Captain Stewart and Mr. Beatty's account are nearly of the same
Date, though related by the Captain in March 1782.
The Riches of the Country I take no Notice of, as they do not concern
my Subject, which is
Page 49
only the Manners, Customs, Traditions, and Language of the Inhabitants.
The Information given us by the Captain and Mr. Beatty, seems to
confirm, I may almost say, establish, the Truth of Llwyd's and
Powel's History, and of Mr. Jones's Narrative. The latter says
that in the Year 1660, some Indian Tribes spoke Welsh; and his
Testimony appears to me unquestionable because he understood it.
Messrs. Stewart and Beatty say that it was the Language of some
Indian Tribes about the Years 1766 and 1768.
This is said by Mr. Beatty on the Testimony of Four different Persons,
Benjamin Sutton, Levi Hicks, Jack (who was himself a Delaware Indian)
and Joseph the Interpreter, who each of them had lived a long time in
the Country, and were acquainted with the Traditions that prevailed
among the Inhabitants. These Persons declared that they know Tribes
of Indians who used the ancient British Tongue.
There is not the least reason to call their Veracity in question, or
even to charge Them with Credulity, for they could have no Interest
in propagating such a report among Persons who were not Welsh, if
it were not true. Captain Stewart seems to have visited parts of
the Country to the West, and
Page 50
South West, far beyond the Extent of Mt. Beatty's Tour.
From these accounts, accurately compared together, it would seem
that the Welsh Tribes are now divided into three Tribes, separate
from one another. The Tuscoraras, on the South side of Lake Erie,
between the Ohio and Mississipi Rivers, behind Pensylvania. The
Delawares, whom I take to be the same with the Doegs, lower down
on the Ohio, and Delaware Rivers; and the other Tribe to the West
of the Mississipi, from whose Country, we are told the Rivers flow
to the South Sea or Pacific Ocean. The Account which the above
named Persons gave to Mr. Beatty is the more credible, as it is
not at all probable, I may say, possible, that either of these
had ever heard of Llwyd and Powel's History; and very little if
any thing of Mr. Jones's Narrative. Of Mr. Jones, however, there
seems to have been some Tradition in the Country, perhaps, among
the Indians; for he must have been the Clergyman alluded to by
Mr. Beatty.
A Tradition supported by such corroborating Circumstances must have
had some foundation of Truth, and as the Language was evidently
Welsh, it appears to me, beyond all reasonable Doubt, that these
Tribes are descended from Prince Madog's Colony. That the Language
was Welsh cannot
Page 51
be denied; for one Lewis a Welsh-man conversed with Indians in
their own Language. It is observable also that they had a Book
among them upon which they set a great Value, though they could
not read it. This Book, I conclude was a Welsh Bible, which Mr.
Jones could read and understand. The Book which Captain Stewart
saw seems also to have been a Welsh Bible, for it was found in the
Hands of a people who spoke Welsh; and we are told by Mr. Beatty
that Mr. Jones's being able to read this Book, much recommended
him to the Indians. The Captain says that the "Welsh-man was not
acquainted with Letters, even, those of his own Language." This seems
rather surprizing to me; for whatever may have been the original
alphabetical Characters of the Ancient Britons, they used the Greek
Characters in the Days of Julius Cæsar.[mm] which I presume,
the Captain could read; and it is almost certain, that the Britons
used the Roman Characters in the twelfth Century when Madog emigrated.
I have no authority positively to assert it, but it is possible
that the Scriptures, translated into
Page 52
Welsh, might be written in Creek Characters, for the Welsh-man
could not read them. Those Characters might be thought Sacred,
because in these Characters, the Gospel was first written. Had
they been Roman, as they had been long in use, the Welsh-man, if
he knew any Letters at all, could not be ignorant of them. Some
parts of North Wales, till of late Years, were far behind other
parts, in every kind of Knowledge; but as Charity-Schools were
opened in South Wales, above fifty Years ago, and in North Wales,
above thirty, the Country is very much improved in this respect.[nn]
Or, perhaps, the Book was written in the Ancient Greek Characters,
of the same Form with those of the Alexandrian Manuscript in the
British Museum. In that Case it is not at all surprizing that neither
the Captain, nor the Welsh-man could read them.
Though the Art of Printing was not discovered in the Days of Madog,
yet there can be no doubt, but that the Britons had Copies of the
Scriptures in their own Language many Centuries before that period;
for it is almost certain that
Page 53
they were converted to Christianity about the Year 177. Madog was
of a Princely Family: it may therefore be reasonably thought that
he and his Companions had one or more Copies among them.
The Jewish Customs mentioned by Mr. Beatty seem to establish the
opinion, that some of the Original Inhabitants of the New Continent,
were Jews, Carthaginians, or Phœnicians, among who those
Customs prevailed.
By the Way, we are told by Travellers, that some of these Customs
now prevail among the Tartars. As we have no Satisfactory, or even
a plausible, Account of the Ten Tribes carried Captives to the
East by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, we may be disposed to
think that the Tartars are descended from them. All the Discoveries
of our late Navigators shew that the North Continent of America is
at no great distance from the Northern, North Eastern, and North
Western parts of Asia and Europe. It is therefore possible that
the Tartars, at different Periods, might have been driven on that
Coast, and people the Country. Some Tartars hunting upon the Ice,
on a sudden Thaw, might be carried on
Page 54
the Ice to America, from whence they could not return.[oo]
As the Captivity happened near 600 Years before Christ, we may
reasonably believe that in the Course of about 2000 Years, the
Americans descended from Tartars might become as numerous as they
are said to have been, when the Europeans landed on their Coast.
This will fully Account for Jewish Customs and Manners in some
parts of America.
Page 55
I now proceed to consider the Objections raised by two very respectable
Authors to Prince Madog's Voyages to America; Lord Lyttelton, and
Dr. William Robertson.
I have already observed, that the Account we have of this Event
in Caradoc's History, was not written by him, but by Humphry Llwyd
and Dr. Powel; but I conceive that Lord Lyttelton was not right
in calling there additions to Caradoc's work "Interpolations."
Besides the Unpoliteness, indeed, the Impropriety of the Word, this
is to charge the above Writers with wilful and direct Forgeries.
Llwyd and Powel were Gentlemen of fair and unblemished Characters,
and good Scholars. Mr. Llwyd's Writings shew him to have been a Man
of Learning and Judgment; and Dr. Powel was the same; and was well
acquainted with all the Transactions in his Native Principality,
and published several things on that Subject, besides this Work;
such as Ponticus Virunnius, and Giraldus's History.
Dr. Powel says that he had compared Llwyd's Translation with the
British Book, of which he had at first two Copies, (meaning, as I
understand him, of Guttun Owen's Book) and that he had received a
third and a larger Copy of it from Robert Glover, Somerset Herald.
This Circumstance
Page 56
shews that he was a diligent and careful Enquirer; and that Llwyd's
Translations and Additions were just, true, and correct. A Gentleman
in the Herald's Office must have known what degree of Credit was
to be given to a Writing on a Subject with which a Person in his
Office must have been conversant; otherwise, it is not probable
that he would have been at the trouble of correcting it, nor would
he have sent it to a Friend as a Voucher of a Fact. Where he found
his Copy to differ from others of Authority and Consistency, he
corrected his Copy by them; for a Person in his Situation must
have had free access to all the Repositories of Antiquity in his
own Office, and to others.[pp] Dr. Powel also corrected his Copy;
whence it appears evident that Guttun Owen's Compilations were
extant in Dr. Powel's Days.
His Lordship supposes that the Doctor dressed up some Tradition
concerning Madog which he found in Guttun Owen and others, in order
to convey an Idea that his Country-man had the Honour of first
discovering America.—It hath already been observed (page 8th)
that this part of History from 1157, to 1270, was not written by Dr.
Page 57
Powel, but by Humphry Llwyd. Had these additions been Inventions,
Humphry Llwyd and Dr. Powel must have been very bad and weak Men;
for as Guttun Owen's Works were extant in their Time, the Forgeries
must have been immediately detected. I really believe that his
Lordship is the first Writer that has charged Dr. Powel with wilful
and designed misrepresentations.
Those writings of Guttun Owen's, which his Lordship allows were
extant in the Days of Dr. Powel, were certainly known before Columbus's
first Voyage; for the Doctor expressly says that he found the
particulars concerning Madog's emigration noted by Guttun Owen,
who wrote, in 1480: consequently this Bard's Writings were known
to Dr. Powel.
Lord Lyttelton grants that Prince Madog was a bolder Navigator
than any of his Countrymen, in the age he lived, and that he was
"famous for some Voyage; but as the Course was not mark'd, it is
of no Importance to the matter in question."
With Submission to his Lordship, I think that the Course is clearly
marked, and so thought Hornius, as appears from what he says in the
Extract above cited: for it is said that Madog sailed west-ward,
and left the Coast of Ireland to the North, and that he fell in
with Land in that Direction.
Page 58
And it is certain that no Land is found in that Direction, but America.
His Lordship also says "that if Madog did really discover any part
of America, or any Islands lying to the South-west of Ireland, in
the Atlantic Ocean, without the help of the Compass, at a time
when Navigation was ill understood, and with Mariners less expert
than any other in Europe, he performed an atchievement incomparably
more extraordinary than that of Columbus."
I agree with his Lordship, that is was an extraordinary atchievement,
superior to that of Columbus, who had many advantages which the
other had not: but as I have already observed, it does not appear
that Prince Madog's first Voyage was the result of Sagacity and
Judgment, but of meer Necessity and Prudence. Most probably, chance
threw him on the American Coast.[qq]
In this paragraph his Lordship, happens, unfortunately, to be mistaken.
The Naval force of the Britons seems to have been very considerable
in the Days of Julius Cæsar.
Page 59
The Reason for which he invaded this Island was, as he says, because
the Britons assisted the Gauls by Land and Sea. Their Naval Power
must have been very considerable, when Vincula dare Oceano, and
Britannos subjugare, were convertible Terms.[rr] Had not the British
Naval Power been then formidable, this would not have been said.
Their Maritme Force, it is true, was much weakened by Cæsar;
yet in no long Time it seems to have been considerably restored,
as appears from the Conduct of later Emperors. Had their Navy,
as hath been asserted by some Writers, consisted only of small
Fishing Boats, now, in the Principality called, Coracles, they
could not have afforded such assistance to the Gauls, as to bring
upon them the Roman power. As to unskilfulness, it doth not appear
from History, that this, with truth, could be said of them.
I know not upon what Authority, it is said by his Lordship that
the Britons were less expert
Page 60
Mariners than any other in Europe; for they seem to have had
Connections in the way of Commerce, with very distant Nations,
before Julius Cæsar; indeed, a very considerable and extensive
Trade with the Phoenicians, and others.
For these Reasons, I am inclined to believe that the Naval power
of the Britons was considerable before the coming of the Romans.
As to succeeding Times, when the Britons were driven into Wales,
a Country with an extensive Sea Coast, they had little to subsist
upon, but a scanty Agriculture, and rich Fisheries; so that very great
Numbers of them were compelled by necessity to pursue a Seafaring
Life.
The strongest objection to the Truth of this Event, which is urged
by his Lordship and by others, is the great Improbability that
such a Voyage could be performed without the assistance of the
Mariner's Compass, not then discovered. This Discovery was made
about the Year, 1300; others say, by Behain above mentioned, above
100 Years later. In answer to this Objection, it may be observed
that previously to Madog's Voyage we read of several others, which
appear to me full as improbable. It is generally understood that
the Phœnicians, Grecians, &c. were acquainted with, and
sailed to Britain, and other Countries, for Tin and Lead, and unto
the Baltic Sea for Amber;
Page 61
Voyages which seen as difficult as that of Madog's, and a longer
Navigation. It was hardly possible for the Britons, not to learn
how to navigate Ships, when they saw how it was done by others.
The return of our Prince to North Wales, and back again to his
Colony, is the most difficult to be accounted for, in the whole
Story: However, I apprehend, that this is not altogether impossible.
Let it be observed that the space of Time in which there Voyages
of Madag's were performed is no where mentioned. They might have
taken up twenty Years or more. Madog, on his return to Wales, might
have sailed Northward by the American Coast, till he came to a
situation where the light of the Sun at Noon was the same, at that
Season, as it was in his Native Country, and then sailing Eastward
(the Polar Star, long before observed would prevent his sailing on
a wrong point) he might safely return to Britain. The experience he
derived from his first Voyage would enable him to join his Companions
whom he had left behind.
That there are strong Currents in the Atlantic Ocean, is well known.
On his return to North Wales, Madog might fall into that Current,
which it is said, runs from the West Indian Islands Northward to
Cape Sable in Nova Scotia, where interrupted
Page 62
by the Land, it runs Eastward towards Britain.
There is a Tradition that a Captain of a Ship dined at Boston, in
New England, on a Sunday, and on the following Sunday, dined at his
own House, in Penzance, Cornwall. This is by no means impossible;
for with favourable Winds and strong Currents, a Ship may run above
14 miles in an Hour.
The late celebrated Dr. Benjamin Franklin of Philadelphia, in a
letter to a Friend well known in the literary World, which I heard
read, said that he was fully convinced that there was such a Current
from West to East, and that he did not think that the Captain's
remarkable Expedition impossible, nor even, altogether, improbable.
It seems to me not a little strange that Lord Lyttelton should
say, "that no certain Monument, Vestige or Memorial of Madog's
Voyage was ever found." It is hardly possible that his Lordship
would say it, if he saw Hornius, and some other authorities, above
produced, especially Peter Martyr for we have above seen that many
such Memorials were, and are now to be found in America.
His Lordship, indeed, seems to have entertained a most contemptible
opinion of the Ancient and the
Page 63
Modern Britons, as appears in his Letter from Snowdon.
These Remarks, I presume, if they do not remove, yet very considerably
weaken, Lord Lyttelton's Objections.[ss]
I shall now confider Dr. Robertson's Observations on this Subject.[tt]
What he hath, in general, advanced, is much the same with what
had been said by Lord Lyttelton and others; and therefore, what
I have already said, will serve as a general Answer: but I must
examine some particulars.
He first says, "that the Pretensions of the Welsh to the Discovery
of America, seem not to rest on a foundation much more solid, (than
the Discovery of it by Behaim) because that Powel, on whose Testimony
the authenticity of the Story rests, published his History above
four Centuries from the Date of the Event which he relates." It
is granted that Humphry Llwyd, and Dr. Powel, lived some Centuries
after Madog's Emigration; but Dr. Robertson must also grant that
there are several Events, mentioned in History, now commonly believed,
even by the learned, which have no memorials
Page 64
for as long a Period. Where shall we find any Evidence for the
Originality of Ossian and Fingal, from the Time in which they are
said to have been written, till their publication, a few Years
ago by Mr. Macpherson? Whether these Poems are of Scots or Irish
Origin I know not; but they were not known to the World till very
lately. If Dr. Robertson says that they always were, and now are
known in the Highlands of Scotland; I say in Answer, so was the
Expedition of Madog in the High Lands of Wales, as appears from
the Poems of Sir Meredyth ab Rhy's, and of other Bards. This, by
the Way, is an Evidence in which the Poems of Ossian and Fingal
are deficient. The silence of History for about 1400 Years is much
more unfriendly to the Authenticity of these Poems, than that of
about 400 to the Truth of Madog's Voyages. Ossian and Fingal are
supposed to have flourished about the End of the 3d Century. The
Bards drew their Information, chiefly, from the Collections preserved
in the Abbies of Conway and Strata Florida, and from the current
Traditions of the Country. We have no regular History of the period
in which this Prince emigrated, but this History of Caradoc, and
of Llwyd's, and Dr. Powel's additions. I think that Dr. Robertson
cannot produce better Authority for any Facts, equal in Antiquity;
I am sure none, for Ossian and Fingal.
Page 65
The Manner in which Dr. Robertson mentions the Verses published,
by Hakluyt and others, is rather observable. "Later Antiquarians,
indeed, appealed to the Testimony of Meredith ab Rhees, a Welsh
Bard, who died in 1477; but he cannot be considered of much more
credit than Powel." This passage implies a severe Reflection on Dr.
Powel. His Evidence is of no weight; it is not worthy of belief;
and, indeed, Sir Meredith ab Rhys, is no better. However I must
beg leave to differ very much, indeed, from the Doctor on
this Head, though I much admire him as a Writer and Historian;
because I think their Evidence is not only equal, but much superior
to his, concerning an Event which took place between two and three
hundred Years nearer to their Times than to his.
I should be very sorry to suspect that Dr. Robertson took notice
of Sir Meredyth ab Rhys, only because he could not well avoid it.
However, as if he wanted to destroy his Authority, he speaks of
him with great Indifference, with a formal, indeed.
He adds, "But if we admit Powel's Story; (Humphry Llwyd's) it does
not follow that the unknown Country which Madog discovered was any
part of America: it is much more probable that it was Madeira,
or some of the Western Isles." With submission, this is altogether
improbable. It is very little farther from North Wales
Page 66
to some parts of America, than to the Madeiras; and, upon the whole,
it is more secure to sail in an open Sea, than among Shelves and
Shoals on an unknown Coast.
But not to insist upon this Circumstance; if the Country Madog
discovered was Madeira, or any of the Western Islands, he must
have found them uninhabited, and entirely uncultivated, covered
with Wood, and without any Traces of Human Beings; for as the Doctor
himself says, this was the state of the Madeiras when discovered
by the Portuguese in 1519. The other Western Isles were not, even,
settled, for some Centuries after Madog's Voyages.[uu]
What the Doctor hath said, after Lord Lyttelton, concerning the
Literature and Naval skill of the ancient Britons, hath been already
animadverted upon. To add more on those particulars, is unnecessary.
If we could find no Word, among the Americans, similar to the ancient
British, in sound and sense, but Pengwyn, I should no more depend
upon that circumstance than Mr. Pennant doth;
Page 67
but that is not the case: for many such words were found among the
Natives of the New World, and in the West Indian Islands, which
are neither obscure nor fanciful; for they had not only a strong
resemblance in found, but convey the same Idea precisely, in both
Languages.
As to traces of Christianity, Hornius hath enumerated many that
were found there by the Spaniards; such as the Cross, Baptism,
the Lord's Supper, 35 days Fast, and the Trinity.[vv]
It is true, that these Customs may have been introduced by other
Nations; by the Chinese, Japanese, &c. as Hornius hath observed:
but this does not concern my subject, which is only to examine
which of the European Nations first visited America. As no
Nation in Europe, but the ancient Britons, hath ever pretended,
or does pretend to have discovered America before, the Spaniards
in 1492, I am inclined to believe that some of these Christian
ordinances and superstitions were introduced by the Britons.
The space of time between the landing of Prince Madog, and Columbus,
above 300 Years, was sufficiently long to disseminate such Notions
and practices through a very great part of America.
Page 68
In short, the account given by Llwyd and Powel hath all the marks
of strict Truth. If it be an Invention without any Foundation,
it is a very singular one, the like to which is hardly to be met
with. All imaginary Heroes and Conquerors, are adorned with every
Virtue; whereas Madog is represented as possessed of no Virtue,
but prudence and Courage.
Having thus made some Animadversions on Lord Lyttelton's, and Dr.
Robertson's Objections to Prince Madog's Adventures, and endeavoured
to shew, that they do not absolutely overthrow the Truth of the
Fact, I only observe farther here, that these eminent Writers have
entirely omitted to take Notice of Mr. Jones's Narrative, and Mr.
Lloyd's Letter, which they had, or ought to have seen, before they
wrote upon the Subject.
That the Welsh Tribes above mentioned are not better known to the
Europeans at this Time, is owing to what I have already observed. They
dwell far to the West of the English provinces. They may have been
driven thither by more powerful Tribes of Indians, or by Europeans,
and may now be reduced to an inconsiderable number, comparatively,
by intestine quarrels or foreign Enemies. However, they seem to
have been numerous when Mr. Jones was among them, and
Page 69
about 20 or 25 Years ago, when Messrs. Beatty and Stewart were among
them.
If Missionaries from different Nations, with cultivated understandings,
and enlarged Minds, acquainted in some measure, at least, with the
Languages of Europe, Asia, and Africa, were sent to the Western
Inland parts of North America, they might be able, to a very
considerable degree of probability, if not of certainty, from their
Language, Customs, and Manners, to trace the Origin of many Tribes
on that vast Continent.[ww]
No Credit can be given to those who are called Traders in the Country;
for as their chief pursuits are profit, they can make but few
discoveries. The Origin and Manners of Nations are not the objects
which they have in View. Instead of conciliating the friendship
and affections of these unhappy, uncivilized and savage people,
they very often shamefully over-reach them, and impose upon them
in Business; and when they are detected and chastised for their
fraudulent Practices, they bitterly complain of ill treatment,
though it often is much better than they deserve.
Page 70
My design, in the above Extracts and Observations, I presume, hath
been answered, which was to shew that the Spaniards have not an
unquestionable right to the Continent of America, as the first
Discoverers among the Europeans; for it appears from well attested
and numerous Relations, Facts and Circumstances, that the Ancient
Britons landed on the American Shores about 300 Years before either,
Behaim, Columbus or Americus Vespucius.
But after all, what is it that gives a people right to a Country?
This question is very easily answered. If Voyagers, by chance,
fall in with a Continent, or Island, uninhabited and uncultivated,
they have a right of possession by the Law of Nature, and or reason;
because no human Being is injured or deprived of his right. But if
they find any Inhabitants there, they can have no right. The Man
who robs us on the High Way, or who breaks open, and plunders our
Houses, hath as good a right to what he takes from us, as Conquerors
to a Country, which they may be able to subdue by Force of Arms.
The right obtained by Conquest if admitted, will justify every
Kind and every degree of oppression, even the slavery of our poor
African Brethren. This principle will justify a Nation in wresting
whole Countries out of the Hands of a
Page 71
cultivated, well ordered and peaceable people. In short, this Principle
will justify the greatest Inhumanity, Cruelty, and Barbarity.
Nations engaged in open Way may, perhaps, be justified in invading
and subduing their Enemies' Territories, because it may be the
happy means of hastening a Peace, and put an end to the shedding
of human Blood. But, on such Occasions, the innocent Inhabitants
should not be wantonly injured; because the quarrel, is not between
private Individuals, but between their Governors, in which their
real Interests are seldom consulted. Very few necessary Wars have
ever disturbed the peace of the World: they generally are the
consequence of Ambition, Pride, and Vanity.
To invade and wantonly destroy, or plunder, the Lands or the Houses
of a quiet, inoffensive and peaceable people; to carry away or
destroy their property, without any provocation on their part,
only because they are not able to resist, are acts in themselves
highly wicked and diabolical.
How Madog and his Colony behaved, when they landed, to the original
Inhabitants of the Country, does not appear; not in a hostile,
but in an amicable and affectionate manner, as may be supposed;
for his memory was held in high esteem by the Mexicans when Cortez
arrived there. He was
Page 72
the Hero whose praises they celebrated in various places. How the
Spaniards behaved is well known. One Author says that Cortez, and
his Army slew four millions of Mexicans and two Emperors, Montezuma,
and Guatimozin, the latter in the most cruel manner.
But if two millions, or even one, were destroyed, it was a
carnage that will reflect the highest disgrace upon the infernal
Perpetrators for ever.
Private Persons are often chargeable with fraudulent Practices, in
their dealings with the unsuspicious Natives of America. There is
no doubt but that the English, as well as other Nations, are often
guilt. But public Bodies, as well as Individuals, are chargeable
with unjust and dishonest proceedings, not only with the Indians,
but with one another.
The Bay of Honduras, and the parts of the adjoining Continent, in
which the English have a right, "to load and carry away Logwood,"
by the 17th article of the Peace in 1762, and by the 6th article
of the Peace in 1783, we are told are already dangerous to the
British Traders. The Conduct of the Spaniards in this matter, is
not only unjustifiable, but shameful among enlightened Nations,
and ought to be represented, in its true Light, to the World. If
the Accounts we have are not exaggerated, their Conduct, if not altered,
Page 73
ought to be resented and chastised. We should not tamely give up
the Sovereignty of the Seas, to any people on Earth, when Justice
and Humanity require us to claim and defend it.
Spanish Pride is become a proverb: however, it requires no inspiration
to foretel, that in the course of not many Years, the Spanish Power
in America will be much reduced.[xx] The Independence of the late
British Colonies in that Country, will, I fear, make them ambitious;
will lead them to enlarge their Territories; the consequence, most
probably, will be, a great Extent of Dominion, and another conquest
of Mexico. This indeed, in no long time, must naturally take place,
if these Colonies firmly adhere to the principles
Page 74
of their Union. This may be expected for the following reasons.
The American Forces are at Hand, ready to undertake Expeditions,
and to accomplish any purpose, before the Spaniards, at so many
thousands of miles distance, can be apprized of their Designs;
and long before they possibly can send sufficient Reinforcements.
Another Reason is, that the Native Spanish Indians, being in the
most abject Slavery to the Prince and the Priests, will naturally and
heartly join the late British Colonies, and assist them in subduing
the Spaniards, in order to emancipate themselves from bondage, and
to regain their long lost Liberties.
The British Colonies have set the example, when they thought themselves
aggrieved. The Tyranny, Oppression and Extortion of the Spaniards
in the higher Ranks, will dispose the Native Descendants of the
original Inhabitants, and doubtless, many of the Native Spaniards,
in the lower Ranks, to imitate their Example.
The Spanish Military Forces in the Country cannot defeat a general
confederacy of the Indians and others; when strengthened by an
Army from the associated American Colonies.
But this prospect, as far as it regards the independent States,
I cannot reflect upon with any
Page 75
pleasure, rather, with Pain; because I am convinced, that it will
not be of any advantage, but rather injurious to them to enlarge
their Territories. It will lead their attention to the Gold Mines
of Mexico, and cause them to neglect their own more fruitful Mines
at home; Commerce and Industry, the nearest and most certain Way
to Honour, Opulence, and Happiness.
This Conduct, at least chiefly, reduced the Spaniards to their
present comparative insignifancy, among the Nations of Europe; and
should this be the conduct of the united States, they may expect
the total Destruction of their Religion, Laws, and Liberties.
May they seriously reflect upon the Conduct of the Athenians and
Carthaginians, in ancient Times; and upon the Conduct of the Venetians,
Genoese, and, especially, Holland, (a District less in dimensions,
than New Jersey, the least of their Colonies by above 2000 square
Miles) in later Times, and they will be soon convinced that Commerce
is the shortest and surest Way to Wealth and Power!
I have above cited a passage from the ancient Universal History,
in which the Writer appears inclined to believe the reality of
Prince Madog's Voyages. But the Author of the History of America,
Modern Part, Vol. 38, p. 5. treats them with
Page 76
contempt. "To recite, says he, the fabulous story of Madog, a Welsh
Prince, and the Tale related by William of Newbury, of two green
Children, who were found in a Field, in the Reign of King Stephen,
would afford the judicious Reader as little Amusement as Instruction."
This voluminous Work, upon the whole, seems well executed, but
like all others of great Length, is very unequal; because written
by persons of different Abilities and Opinions. Gentlemen of great
eminence in the literary World, and of unimpeached Integrity were
engaged; and others, though of acknowledged Abilities, yet, to say
the least, of very suspicious Characters, were employed. Among
the latter, Psalmanazar, who, if he was a Spanish Jesuit, as has
been said, and wrote this article, might be induced by the Amor
Patriæ, to ascribe to his Countrymen the honour of having,
first discoved America. The Author of the above paragraph, whoever
he was, affected to look upon the Tradition concerning Madog, and
the Tale of the two green Children, as equally ill founded, and
unworthy of credit. Whereas in Truth, the one is plainly an idle
monkish Tale, the other a simple Narrative of an Event. One is a
Fact supported by numerous authorities, the other evidently is one
of those prodigies, pretended miracles, and priestly Inventions,
which are
Page 77
to be found in most Authors who wrote during the dark ages of Popery.
We have above seen, that one has been favourably thought of by
several Writers, at home and abroad, and is confirmed by circumstances
and memorials in America: the other I have not seen mentioned by
any Writer, but by William of Newbury, and by a few who have cited
him.[yy]
It is true that in this Century, and about the close of the last,
if not near the beginning of it, many
Page 78
Welsh people settled in America.[zz] But it is as true, that long
before the earliest of these periods, there were whole Tribes in the
inland parts of that Country, who spoke Welsh, and who consequently,
must have been descended from some Colony or Colonies, who had
settled there long before the Year, 1660.
Mr. Jones says that they were numerous, in 1660, and Messrs. Beatty
and Stewart, intimate the same, in 1766, and 1768. It cannot be
thought that there Tribes are descended from emigrants in the present
or last Century. Their Numbers, Customs, Manners, and Traditions,
prove that they have been settled there for many Ages. Besides,
the difference between the European and American Welsh, in Mr.
Jones's time, shews that the two people had then been long asunder;
for it was greater than could take place, within 60, indeed, within
100 Years.
For these reasons I am strongly of opinion, that several American
Tribes are descended from Prince Madog's Colony.
From the earliest account we have of the ancient Britons they seem
to have been the best informed,
Page 79
formed, and most enlightened of all the northern Nations in Europe. The
speech of Caractacus, addressed to the Emperor Claudius, and preserved
by Tacitus, is a proof that good natural Sense and Literature, such
as it was in that Age, in some measure, flourished in Britain.[aaa]
We have also in Cæsar several passages favourable to British
Learning: I see no reason, therefore, why British Writers should
be treated with contempt.
The Scotch writers, especially of late years, have strained every
nerve to establish the reputation of their ancient Authors. Oman
and Fingal are ostentatiously held out, as instances of superior
Page 80
merit and excellence; but the poor Britons are treated with disdain,
as having no merit for imagination, or original Composition.
Taliessyn, a Welsh Bard, who, as already observed, flourished about
the middle of the 6th Century, and who by way of eminence was called
Pen Beirdd y Gorllewin, "Head of the Western Bards;" some of whose
works are come down to us; particularly, an Ode, in Welsh, translated
into Latin sapphic Verre, by David Jones, Vicar of Llanfair Duffryn
Clwyd, Denbighshire, in 1580.[bbb] Owen Cyfeiliog, and Gwalchmai,
in the 12th Century; and many others, at different periods, of
distinguished merit, have appeared in Wales. Some of whom have
plainly alluded to Madog's Adventures. For the Names, Times, and
the Works of these Bards, I refer to Mr. Evans's Specimens of the
ancient Welsh Bards, 1764. To Sir Thomas Herbert's Travels
and to Mr. Warrington's History of Wales, p. 307. Edit.
1788.
I would observe here that though our Northern Country-men affect,
in some degree, to despise the Welsh, as having produced no Man
of Genius,
Page 81
Science, or Renown, which is by no means the Truth, as appears
from what hath been above said; yet it is well known, that the
Stuart, their favourite Family, by the Mother side, is descended
from the ancient Britons.
Fleance, the Son of Banquo, who was murdered by the order of the
Usurper Macbeth, to avoid the like Fate, fled to North Wales, where
he was kindly and hospitably entertained by Prince Gryffydd ab
Llewelyn ab Sitsyllt.[ccc]
Ungenerously he debauched his Daughter, Nest, by whom he had a
Son, called Walter. This Son, being upbraided with his illegitimate
Birth, by one of his Companions, slew him, and fled to Scotland,
where in time he became Lord Steward of that Kingdom; and all the
Families of that name in that Country, are descended from that
Bastard.[ddd]
Page 82
Thus I have, to the best of my Knowledge and judgment, examined the
Truth of the Tradition, concerning Prince Madog ab Owen Gwynedd,
and his Colony's Emigration, about the Year of Christ 1170; and, I
presume, have shewn, contrary to the assertions of Lord Lyttelton
and Dr. Robertson, that there always were, and that there still are
Monuments, Vestiges, and memorials of that Event in America. Having
produced the Evidence, I leave the Reader to draw the conclusion.
| Page |
Line |
Read. |
| 7 |
4 |
perceiving. |
| 10 |
8 from the bottom |
contention. |
| 12 |
13 |
mwyedig. |
| 13 |
6 |
mewn. |
| 14 |
1 |
f'enaid. |
| 26 |
4 note |
formerly. |
| 28 |
last line, note |
restaurata. |
| 31 |
7 note |
somethings. |
| 31 |
|
Taliessyn. |
| 45 |
2 after "River" read, |
"nine parts in ten passing over the River, and
&c. |
| 61 |
16 |
Height. |
The Reader will be so candid as to excuse the above Errors, and
others which may have been overlooked. Those in the Welsh could
hardly have been avoided, as the Printer has no Knowledge of the
Welsh Tongue.
exploravit, "he search'd," and a Substantive,
exploratores, "Searchers." Hence some would derive the word Tartar,
"Tartar," after the Hebrew manner. They also think that the British
word "Tor or Torriad," "a breaking or cutting off," has the same
Origin. Those who travel, may be said to "search." When they travel
in foreign, unknown Countries, they may be said to be "cut off" from
their Friends, as the Ten Tribes were from their native Land by
Nebuchadnezzar.
,
Hebrew, the X, Greek. and the Ch. in Welsh are pronounced exactly
alike. The English, make very little, if any difference in
pronunciation, between the Greek X, and the K, both are sounded
like the English K. but they have a very different sound; of which no