The rest of the men were soldiers, who stood ranged on each side.

On the outside of these, again, sat the rowers.

These canoes must have in some way resembled the old Roman triremes, for it is said that "there were three galleries on either side of the canoe, one being builded above the other; and in each of these galleries were an equal number of benches, whereon did sit the rowers, about the number of fourscore in each canoe." In the fore part of each canoe sat two men, one holding a drum and the other a piece of brass; whereon both at once struck, marking the time for each stroke.

The rowers, on their part, ended each stroke with a song, giving warning to those on the prow to strike again; and so, rowing evenly, they came across the sea at great speed.
Each of these canoes carried a small cannon, of about a yard in length.

All the men, except the rowers, had swords, daggers, and shields, lances, bows, and arrows, and some had guns.
These canoes came up to the ship and rowed round her in solemn procession, to the great admiration of all on board, who had never beheld a sight like this.