[Sidenote:  Abundance of whales in 52 degrees.] The 17 we met a ship at sea, and as farre as we could iudge it was a Biskaine:  we thought she went a fishing for whales; for in 52 degrees or thereabout we saw very many.

The 18 was faire, with a good gale at West.

The 19 faire also, with much winde at West and by South.

[They arrive at Dartmouth the 15 of September.] And thus after much variable weather and change of winds we arriued the 15 of September in Dartmouth anno 1587, giuing thanks to God for our safe arriuall.

* * * * *

A letter of the sayd M. Iohn Dauis written to M. Sanderson of London
  concerning his forewritten voyage.

Good M. Sanderson, with Gods great mercy I haue made my safe returne in health, with all my company, and haue sailed threescore leagues further then my determination at my departure.  I haue bene in 73 degrees, finding the sea all open, and forty leagues betweene land and land.  The passage is most probable, the execution easie, as at my comming you shall fully know.

Yesterday the 15 of September I landed all weary; therefore I pray you pardon my shortnesse.

Sandridge this 16 of September anno 1587.

Yours equall as mine owne, which by triall you shall best know,

Iohn Davis.

* * * * *

A Traverse-Booke made by M. Iohn Davis in his third voyage for the
  discouerie of the Northwest passage.  Anno 1587.

[In the following chart, the final column, the DISCOVRSE, is moved to the line after which it is aligned in the original—­KTH]

Moneth D H Course.  L Eleva- The winde.  The DISCOVRSE
          a o e tion
          y u a of the
          e r g pole.
          s. e u D M
              s. e e i
                                s. g. n. 
May
          19 w.s.w. 50 30 n.e. 
               Westerly. 
  This day we departed from Dartmouth at two of the clocke at night.
          20
          21 35 w.s.w. 50 50 n.e. 
                Westerly. 
  This day we descried Silly N. W. by W. from vs.
          22 15 w.n.w. 14 n.e. by e. 
  This day at noone we departed from Silly.
          22 6 w.n.w. 6 n.e. by e.
          22 3 w.n.w. 2
          23 15 n.w. by w. 18 n.e.
          23 39 w.n.w. 36 50 40
  The true course, distance and latitude.
              3 w.n.w. 2 n.n.e.
              6 n.w. by w. 5 n.e. by n.
              3 w.n.w. 3 n.n.e.
             12 w.n.w. 12 n.e. 
Noone the 24 24 w.n.w. 25 51 16.