The translator to the reader (of 1684)

THE present Volume, both for its Curiosity and Ingenuity, I dare recommend unto the perusal of our English nation, whose glorious actions it containeth. What relateth unto the curiosity hereof, this Piece, both of Natural and Humane History, was no sooner published in the Dutch Original, than it was snatch't up for the most curious Library's of Holland; it was Translated into Spanish (two impressions thereof being sent into Spain in one year); it was taken notice of by the learned Academy of Paris; and finally recommended as worthy our esteem, by the ingenious Author of the Weekly Memorials for the Ingenious, printed here at London about two years ago. Neither all this undeservedly, seeing it enlargeth our acquaintance of Natural History, so much prized and enquir'd for, by the Learned of this present Age, with several observations not easily to be found in other accounts already received from America: and besides, it informeth us (with huge novelty) of as great and bold attempts, in point of Military conduct and valour, as ever were performed by mankind; without excepting, here, either Alexander the Great, or Julius Cæsar, or the rest of the Nine Worthy's of Fame. Of all which actions, as we cannot confess ourselves to have been ignorant hitherto (the very name of Bucaniers being, as yet, known but unto few of the Ingenious; as their Lives, Laws, and Conversation, are in a manner unto none) so can they not choose but be admired, out of this ingenuous Author, by whosoever is curious to learn the various revolutions of humane affairs. But, more especially by our English Nation; as unto whom these things more narrowly do appertain. We having here more than half the Book filled with the unparallel'd, if not inimitable, adventures and Heroick exploits of our own Country-men, and Relations; whose undaunted, and exemplary courage, when called upon by our King and Country, we ought to emulate.

From whence it hath proceeded, that nothing of this kind was ever, as yet, published in England, I cannot easily determine; except, as some will say, from some secret Ragion di Stato. Let the reason be as t'will; this is certain, so much the more we are obliged unto this present Author, who though a stranger unto our Nation, yet with that Candour and Fidelity hath recorded our Actions, as to render the Metal of our true English Valour to be the more believed and feared abroad, than if these things had been divulged by our selves at home. From hence peradventure will other Nations learn, that the English people are of their Genius more inclinable to act than to write; seeing as well they as we have lived unacquainted with these actions of our Nation, until such time as a Foreign Author to our Country came to tell them.

Besides the merits of this Piece for its curiosity, another point of no less esteem, is the truth and sincerity wherewith everything seemeth to be penned. No greater ornament or dignity can be added unto History, either humane or natural, than truth. All other embellishments, if this be failing, are of little or no esteem; if this be delivered, are either needless or superfluous. What concerneth this requisite in our Author, his lines do everywhere declare the faithfulness and sincerity of his mind. He writeth not by hearsay, but was an eye witness, as he somewhere telleth you, unto all and every one of the bold and hazardous attempts which he relateth. And these he delivereth with such candour of stile, such ingenuity of mind, such plainness of words, such conciseness of periods, so much divested of Rhetorical Hyperboles, or the least flourishes of Eloquence, so hugely void of Passion or national Reflections, as that he strongly perswadeth all-along to the credit of what he saith; yea, raiseth the mind of the Reader to believe these things far greater than what he hath said; and having read him, leaveth onely this scruple or concern behind, that you can read him no longer. In a word, such are his deserts, that some persons peradventure would not stickle to compare him to the Father of Historians, Philip de Comines; at least thus much may be said, with all truth imaginable, that he resembleth that great Author in many of his excellent qualities.

I know some persons have objected against the greatness of these prodigious Adventures, intimating that the resistance our Bucaniers found in America, was everywhere but small. For the Spaniards, say they, in the West Indies, are become of late years nothing less, but rather much more degenerate than in Europe. The continual Peace they have enjoyed in those parts, the defect of Military Discipline, and European souldiers for their Commanders, much contributing hereunto. But more especially, and above all other reasons, the very luxury of the Soil and Riches, the extreme heat of those Countries, and influence of the Stars being such, as totally inclineth their bodies unto an infinite effeminacy and cowardize of minds.

Unto these Reasons I shall only answer in brief. This History will convince them to be manifestly false. For as to the continual Peace here alleadged, we know that no Peace could ever be established beyond the Line, since the first possession of the West-Indies by the Spaniards, till the burning of Panama. At that time, or few months before, Sir William Godolphin by his prudent negotiation in quality of Embassadour for our most Gracious Monarch, did conclude at Madrid a peace to be observed even beyond the Line, and through the whole extent of the Spanish Dominions in the West-Indies. This transaction gave the Spaniards new causes of complaints against our proceedings, that no sooner a Peace had been established for those parts of America, but our forces had taken and burnt both Chagre, St. Catherine, and Panama. But our reply was convincing, That whereas eight or ten months of time had been allowed by Articles for the publishing of the said Peace through all the Dominions of both Monarchies in America, those Hostilities had been committed, not onely without orders from his Majesty of England, but also within the space of the said eight or ten months of time. Until that time the Spanish Inhabitants of America being, as it were, in a perpetual War with Europe, certain it is that no Coasts nor Kingdoms in the World have been more frequently infested nor alarm'd with the invasions of several Nations than theirs. Thus from the very beginning of their Conquests in America, both English, French, Dutch Portuguese, Swedes, Danes, Curlanders, and all other nations that navigate the Ocean, have frequented the West-Indies, and filled them with their robberies and Assaults. From these occasions have they been in continual watch and ward, and kept their Militia in constant exercise, as also their Garrisons pretty well provided and paid; as fearing every sail they discovered at Sea, to be Pirats of one Nation or another. But much more especially, since that Curasao, Tortuga, and Jamaica have been inhabited by English, French, and Dutch, and bred up that race of Hunts-men, than which, no other ever was more desperate, nor more mortal enemies to the Spaniards, called Bucaniers. Now shall we say, that these People, through too long continuation of Peace, have utterly abolished the exercises of War, having been all-along incessantly vexed with the Tumults and Alarms thereof?

In like manner is it false, to accuse their defect of Military Discipline for want of European Commanders. For who knoweth not that all places, both Military and Civil, through those vast dominions of the West-Indies, are provided out of Spain? And those of the Militia most commonly given unto expert Commanders, trained up from their infancy in the Wars of Europe, either in Africa, Milan, Sicily, Naples, or Flanders, fighting against either English, French, Dutch, Portuguese, or Moors? Yea their very Garrisons, if you search them in those parts, will peradventure be found to be stock'd three parts to four with Souldiers both born and bred in the Kingdom of Spain.

From these Considerations it may be inferr'd what little difference ought to be allowed betwixt the Spanish Souldiers, Inhabitants of the West-Indies, and those of Europe. And how little the Soil or Climate hath influenced or caused their Courage to degenerate towards cowardize or baseness of mind. As if the very same Argument, deduced from the nature of that Climate, did not equally militate against the valour of our famous Bucaniers, and represent this to be of as degenerate Metal as theirs.

But nothing can be more clearly evinced, than is the Valour of the American Spaniards, either Souldiers or Officers, by the sequel of this History. What men ever fought more desperately than the Garrison of Chagre? Their number being 314, and of all these, only thirty remaining; of which number scarce ten were unwounded; and among them, not one officer found alive? Were not 600 killed upon the spot at Panama, 500 at Gibraltar, almost as many more at Puerto del Principe, all dying with their Arms in their hands, and facing bravely the Enemy for the defence of their Country and private Concerns? Did not those of the Town of San Pedro both fortifie themselves, lay several Ambuscades, and lastly sell their lives as dear as any European Souldier could do; Lolonois being forced to gain step by step his advance unto the Town, with huge loss both of bloud and men? Many other instances might be produced out of this compendious Volume, of the generous resistance the Spaniards made in several places, though Fortune favoured not their Arms.

Next, as to the personal Valour of many of their Commanders, What man ever behaved himself more briskly than the Governour of Gibraltar, than the Governour of Puerto del Principe, both dying for the defence of their Towns; than Don Alonso del Campo, and others? Or what examples can easily parallel the desperate courage of the Governour of Chagre? who, though the Palizda's were fired, the Terraplens were sunk into the Ditch, the Breaches were entred, the Houses all burnt above him, the whole Castle taken, his men all killed; yet would not admit of any quarter, but chose rather to die under his Arms, being shot into the brain, than surrender himself as a Prisoner unto the Bucaniers. What lion ever fought to the last gasp more obstinately than the Governour of Puerto Velo? who, seeing the Town enter'd by surprizal in the night, one chief Castle blown up into the Air, all the other Forts and Castles taken, his own assaulted several ways, both Religious men and women placed at the front of the Enemy to fix the Ladders against the Walls; yet spared not to kill as many of the said Religious persons as he could. And at last, the walls being scaled, the Castle enter'd and taken, all his own men overcome by fire and sword, who had cast down their Arms, and begged mercy from the Enemy; yet would admit of none for his own life. Yet, with his own hands killed several of his Souldiers, to force them to stand to their Arms, though all were lost. Yea, though his own Wife and Daughter begged of him upon their knees that he would have his life by craving quarter, though the Enemy desired of him the same thing; yet would hearken to no cries nor perswasions, but they were forced to kill him, combating with his Arms in his hands, being not otherwise able to take him Prisoner, as they were desirous to do. Shall these men be said to be influenced with Cowardize, who thus acted to the very last Scene of their own Tragedies? Or shall we rather say that they wanted no Courage, but Fortune? It being certainly true, that he who is killed in a Batel, may be equally couragious with him that killeth. And that whosoever derogateth from the Valour of the Spaniards in the West-Indies, diminisheth in like manner the Courage of the Bucaniers, his own Country-men, who have seemed to act beyond mortal men in America.

Now, to say something concerning John Esquemeling, the first Author of this History. I take him to be a Dutch-man, or at least born in Flanders, notwithstanding that the Spanish Translation representeth him to be a Native of the Kingdom of France. His printing this History originally in Dutch, which doubtless must be his native Tongue, who otherwise was but an illiterate man, together with the very sound of his name, convincing me thereunto. True it is, he set sail from France, and was some years at Tortuga; but neither of these two Arguments, drawn from the History, are prevalent. For were he to be a French-man born, how came he to learn the Dutch language so perfectly as to prefer it to his own? Especially that not being spoken at Tortuga nor Jamaica, where he resided all the while.

I hope I have made this English Translation something more plain and correct than the Spanish. Some few notorious faults either of the Printer or the Interpreter, I am sure I have redressed. But the Spanish Translator complaining much of the intricacy of Stile in the Original (as flowing from a person who, as hath been said, was no Scholar) as he was pardonable, being in great haste, for not rendring his own Version so distinct and elaborate as he could desire; so must I be excused from the one, that is to say, Elegancy, if I have cautiously declined the other, I mean Confusion.

25. Подготовка группы Игоря Дятлова к походу в контексте версии «контролируемой поставки»

Перевал Дятлова. Смерть, идущая по следу... 25. Подготовка группы Игоря Дятлова к походу в контексте версии «контролируемой поставки»

Как же могла выглядеть последовательность событий, связанных с операцией "контролируемой поставки" радиоактивных вещей через Георгия Кривонищенко, в свете изложенной выше информации? Сложная, многокомпонентная оперативная игра не могла задумываться и реализовываться на уровне территориального Управления КГБ по Свердловску и области. Замысел подобной комбинации должен был вызревать в Москве и притом на довольно высоком уровне, поскольку требовал согласования с разными инстанциями - от ЦК КПСС и Совмина СССР, до Академии наук. Возможным толчком операции послужило обнаружение агентурного канала западной разведки в Челябинске-40, либо смежном ему производстве. Видимо был обнаружен некий шпион иностранной разведки, которого принудили стать "двойным агентом". Все его контакты, само собой, попали под полный контроль советской контрразведки. Практическая работа по реализации дезинформирующей операции началась с подбора надлежащего человека на роль "внедренца". Перевербованный агент, как и всякий "двойник" не внушал полного доверия, иностранной разведке надо было подставить человека, изначально работавшего на отечественную госбезопасность, так сказать, "нашего до мозга костей". Вполне возможно, что первоначально на роль подставного планировался Александр Колеватов, однако затем была найден лучшая кандидатура - Георгий Кривонищенко. Колеватов всё-таки был студентом и его проникновение на атомный объект могло состояться только в будущем (а могло и не состояться вообще). Между тем, Георгий Кривонищенко уже работал в Челябинске-40, и что немаловажно, его отец являлся крупным управленцем.

Примечания

Короли подплава в море червонных валетов. Примечания

{1} Даты до 1 февраля 1918 г. даны по старому стилю. {2} OCR: Кроми был связником между Локкартом и заговорщиками. {3} Камелек — камин или очаг с открытым огнем для обогревания небольшого помещения. {4} Получив от казны пару рыбин на обед, краском тут же съедал одну, а ее голову и другую рыбину целиком отдавал коку для рыбного супа. Избыток рыбьих голов в жидком супе наводил на мысль о двуглавости воблы. {5} Стационер — судно, постоянно находящееся на стоянке (на станции) в каком-нибудь иностранном или своем, не являющемся базой флота порту с определенной задачей (представительство, разведка, оказание помощи). {6} От Астрахани до означенной линии кратчайшее расстояние — 120 миль, что сравнимо с радиусом действия подводных лодок типа «Касатка». — Примеч. авт. {7} 6 саженей = 11 м, а перископная глубина погружения лодок типа «Касатка» составляла 24 фута, или 4 сажени (7,2 м). Наибольшая осадка лодок при плавании в крейсерском положении равнялась 9,8 фута (3 м), позволяя им в указанной части моря ходить только в надводном положении и только по каналам и фарватерам из Астрахани строго на юг, а также в сторону Гурьева, постоянно производя промеры глубин впереди по курсу. Кроме того, успешная стрельба торпедами становилась возможной лишь при глубине более 7 м: на такую глубину погружалась торпеда, не набравшая ход после выстрела, следовательно, при меньшей глубине она могла коснуться грунта.

Chapter IX

The pirates of Panama or The buccaneers of America : Chapter IX

The origin and descent of Captain Henry Morgan His exploits, and the most remarkable actions of his life. CAPTAIN HENRY MORGAN was born in Great Britain, in the principality of Wales; his father was a rich yeoman, or farmer, of good quality, even as most who bear that name in Wales are known to be. Morgan, when young, had no inclination to the calling of his father, and therefore left his country, and came towards the sea-coasts to seek some other employment more suitable to his aspiring humour; where he found several ships at anchor, bound for Barbadoes. With these he resolved to go in the service of one, who, according to the practice of those parts, sold him as soon as he came ashore. He served his time at Barbadoes, and obtaining his liberty, betook himself to Jamaica, there to seek new fortunes: here he found two vessels of pirates ready to go to sea; and being destitute of employment, he went with them, with intent to follow the exercises of that sort of people: he soon learned their manner of living, so exactly, that having performed three or four voyages with profit and success, he agreed with some of his comrades, who had got by the same voyages a little money, to join stocks, and buy a ship. The vessel being bought, they unanimously chose him captain and commander. With this ship he set forth from Jamaica to cruise on the coasts of Campechy, in which voyage he took several ships, with which he returned triumphant. Here he found an old pirate, named Mansvelt (whom we have already mentioned), busied in equipping a considerable fleet, with design to land on the continent, and pillage whatever he could.

24. Возможные кандидаты

Перевал Дятлова. Смерть, идущая по следу... 24. Возможные кандидаты

Самый недоверчивый читатель в этом месте может подумать, что фантазия завела автора совсем уж далеко. И даже разочарованно покрутит пальцем у виска. Самый недоверчивый читатель понимает, что контролируемая поставка потому и называется "контролируемой", что движение ценного (либо опасного) груза требует постоянного наблюдения представителей правоохранительных органов. Его нельзя просто так отдать каким-то мальчишкам или студентам в надежде, что те всё сделают правильно лишь потому, что они - хорошие ребята. Груз нуждается в контроле, в наблюдении и даже в охране от случайной утраты, хищения или повреждения. Рядом с грузом должен быть сотрудник правоохранительных органов и желательно даже не один. Где такой человек в данном случае? Он есть. И даже не один. Начнём с Семёна Золотарёва. Надо сразу сказать, что этот человек уже много лет вызывал и вызывает всякого рода подозрения у многих исследователей трагедии группы Игоря Дятлова. Всё, что связано с ним призрачно, всё оказывается не таким, каким кажется изначально. Долгое время Золотарёва подозревали в том, что он уголовник, который пошёл в январский поход с целью решения неких проблем, связанных с нелегальной золотодобычей в Ивдельском районе. Подобную трактовку образа Семёна Золотарёва предложил несколько лет назад один из исследователей, выступавший в Интернете под nic'ом Doctor, очень харизматичный, самобытный и интересный писатель, внёсший в исследование трагедии Игоря Дятлова немало здравого смысла. Которого, увы, зачастую не хватало и не хватает многим из числа "самодеятельных исследователей" трагедии.

II. На отлете

Побег из ГУЛАГа. Часть 3. II. На отлете

Странное чувство: я собираюсь в отчаянный побег, и стоит кому-нибудь заподозрить меня в этом, расстрел обеспечен и мне, и мужу, — но вместе с тем страдаю от невозможности взглянуть последний раз на то, что остается. Ни на что не хватает времени, сердце заходится от печали: я же расстаюсь со всем, со всеми! Я не успеваю опомниться, и вот мы с сыном уже в поезде и едем увы, знакомой дорогой. По-прежнему у насыпи заключенные копают землю, едут на свидания жены, конфузливо сторонясь других пассажиров. Но я теперь не чувствую себя повязанной с ними одной участью. Я еду не на свидание, а гораздо дальше. Мы с сыном попадаем в компанию студентов, которых послали из лесного техникума нарядчиками и десятниками на лесозаготовки. Настроение у них не очень веселое, и мне еще приходится их утешать. Сапоги выдали не всем, — как по лесу ходить в поношенных штиблетах — неизвестно. Накомарников нет совсем. Сказали, что все выдадут на месте работы, но кто этому поверит? Не ехать было нельзя, потому что лесной техникум на общем собрании вызвался послать студентов на лесозаготовки. Приняли постановление общим криком, а потом уже по разверстке определяли, кого куда. В светлую полярную ночь не спится: душно, жарко, из окон засыпает песком и паровозной сажей. — Ты чего не дрыхнешь? — перешептываются двое студентов на верхних полках. — Помнишь, Мишку убили в прошлом году? — Не в этих местах. Под Архангельском. — Тоже на лесозаготовках. — Случай. — Невеселый! — Ясно. Лесорубам не веселее нашего.

Chapter XV

The pirates of Panama or The buccaneers of America : Chapter XV

Captain Morgan leaves Hispaniola and goes to St. Catherine's, which he takes. CAPTAIN MORGAN and his companions weighed anchor from the Cape of Tiburon, December 16, 1670. Four days after they arrived in sight of St. Catherine's, now in possession of the Spaniards again, as was said before, to which they commonly banish the malefactors of the Spanish dominions in the West Indies. Here are huge quantities of pigeons at certain seasons. It is watered by four rivulets, whereof two are always dry in summer. Here is no trade or commerce exercised by the inhabitants; neither do they plant more fruits than what are necessary for human life, though the country would make very good plantations of tobacco of considerable profit, were it cultivated. As soon as Captain Morgan came near the island with his fleet, he sent one of his best sailing vessels to view the entry of the river, and see if any other ships were there, who might hinder him from landing; as also fearing lest they should give intelligence of his arrival to the inhabitants, and prevent his designs. Next day, before sunrise, all the fleet anchored near the island, in a bay called Aguade Grande. On this bay the Spaniards had built a battery, mounted with four pieces of cannon. Captain Morgan landed about one thousand men in divers squadrons, marching through the woods, though they had no other guides than a few of his own men, who had been there before, under Mansvelt.

Middle Ages

Middle Ages : from 476 to 1492

Middle Ages : from 476 to 1492.

«Шнелльботы» на войне

«Шнелльботы». Германские торпедные катера Второй мировой войны. «Шнелльботы» на войне

Chapter I

The voyage of the Beagle. Chapter I. St.Jago - Cape de Verde Islands

Porto Praya Ribeira Grande Atmospheric Dust with Infusoria Habits of a Sea-slug and Cuttle-fish St. Paul's Rocks, non-volcanic Singular Incrustations Insects the first Colonists of Islands Fernando Noronha Bahia Burnished Rocks Habits of a Diodon Pelagic Confervae and Infusoria Causes of discoloured Sea AFTER having been twice driven back by heavy southwestern gales, Her Majesty's ship Beagle, a ten-gun brig, under the command of Captain Fitz Roy, R. N., sailed from Devonport on the 27th of December, 1831. The object of the expedition was to complete the survey of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, commenced under Captain King in 1826 to 1830,—to survey the shores of Chile, Peru, and of some islands in the Pacific—and to carry a chain of chronometrical measurements round the World. On the 6th of January we reached Teneriffe, but were prevented landing, by fears of our bringing the cholera: the next morning we saw the sun rise behind the rugged outline of the Grand Canary island, and suddenly illuminate the Peak of Teneriffe, whilst the lower parts were veiled in fleecy clouds. This was the first of many delightful days never to be forgotten. On the 16th of January, 1832, we anchored at Porto Praya, in St. Jago, the chief island of the Cape de Verd archipelago. The neighbourhood of Porto Praya, viewed from the sea, wears a desolate aspect. The volcanic fires of a past age, and the scorching heat of a tropical sun, have in most places rendered the soil unfit for vegetation.

Paleolithic

Paleolithic : from 2.6 million years to 12 000 BC

Paleolithic : from 2.6 million years to 12 000 BC.

Карта сайта

Карта сайта Proistoria.org

800 г. до н.э. - 323 г. до н.э.

С 800 г. до н.э. по 323 г. до н.э.

От конца древнегреческих Темных веков примерно в 800 г. до н.э. до смерти Александра Великого в 323 г. до н.э.