Nuno Da Silva’s Third Relation: An Unknown Report on Francis Drake’s Voyage (1577–1580)

Abstract

This paper presents a hitherto unknown account of Francis Drake’s voyage (1577–1580). The author is Nuno da Silva, a Portuguese pilot whom Drake seized on the Island of Santiago in Cape Verde. Since Da Silva was released in Huatulco on 13 May 1579, the account only covers events up to this date. The transcription of the source in its original language (Spanish) and an English translation are provided.