Shadows of the Southern Sky: A Captain’s Journey Begins
Embark on a perilous voyage through the eyes of Captain Francisco de Hoces as he sets sail from Spain in search of the legendary Spice Islands. In this captivating journal entry, witness the preparations and aspirations of a 16th-century explorer.
Discover the challenges and hopes of a maritime expedition as de Hoces details his ship, crew, and supplies. Learn about the strict orders and protocols imposed by the Spanish crown and the camaraderie that binds the sailors together.
This episode offers a rare glimpse into the world of early exploration, filled with anticipation, determination, and a touch of spirituality.
Keywords: Shadows of the Southern Sky, historical fiction, exploration, 16th century, Spain, Moluccas, Francisco de Hoces, ship, crew, voyage, adventure, seafaring, maritime, history, journal, diary, expedition, ocean, discovery.
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Narration: @ThatRobbie
Microphone: Razer Siren Mini
Audio Editing in Cyberlink AudioDirector
Video Editing in Cyberlink PowerDirector
Titles & Thumbnails_ Cyberlink PowerDirector
Stock Images and Video: Adobe Express
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TRANSCRIPT
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Friday, July 24, 1525
With blue skies and favourable winds, we set sail out of La Coruña in the early hours of the morning. The first port of call during this journey to the Moluccas is La Gomera in the Canarias, where we will take on supplies. Our fleet consists of seven ships. Mine is the San Lesmes, a caravel of 80 tonnes. She is a fine craft with a shallow draft. Quick and easy to manage. The scent of her timbers combining with the sea air makes me feel at ease. I am home aboard her. The fleet crew numbers 442 men. My crew is 36 strong. All have confessed and taken the sacrament before our departure, as ordered by Loaisa, the commander. He sails on the 300 tonne Santa Maria, the flagship.
The master of arms and gunner have armed the San Lesmes with six culverins and four falcon cannons. It is presumed that this smaller caravel can be used well in defence situations due to her manoeuvrability and pace. Aside from our weapons, armour, and crew, we have on board a wide range of stores. These include: biscuit, beans, chickpeas, lentils, oil, anchovies, dried fish and pork, cheese, sugar, garlic, rice, flour, dried fruits, wine, and a cow. I am also keeping two spaniels. They make good companions and are accomplished at retrieving game.
All of the captains have been provided with a set of instructions, approved by the king. A summary of these follows:
The expedition is not to discover or touch any land within the limits of the king of Portugal. We are to watch every night for the flagship, which will flash a lantern once and expect a reply of one flash from us. Two, three, and four flashes from the flagship mean we are to go on another tack, shorten sail, and strike sails respectively. Many flashes is the signal for disaster. Pilots, masters and mates are not to drop anchor without first sounding and ascertaining that the bottom is clean and safe. If any inhabited islands are discovered within the Spanish line, communication should be developed with the inhabitants and a sign left to show that they were discovered by order of the king. If any religious crew are willing to remain voluntarily, we should make arrangements for them to land.
In the event that a ship parts company from the fleet, she is to make the best of her way to the Moluccas and wait there for a month. If the fleet does not arrive, we are to place a signal on the ground consisting of five stones arranged as a cross, set up a wooden cross, and leave a document in a jar giving our date of arrival and other particulars. We should leave the same signals if other lands are met.
As we sail further from the coast of Spain, the blue of the sea is deepening. We have been blessed with a gentle swell though this could change at short notice. The situation will be different around the southern reaches of the Americas but the men and I are prepared for this. I anticipate that we are going to have a fruitful and exciting journey. I pray to Jesus and his holy mother Mary that they watch over us in the next months.
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