Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Hamond, Walter
HAMOND, WALTER (fl. 1643), author and explorer, published a translation of Ambroise Paré's 'Methode de traicter les Playes faictes par Harquebuses et aultres batons a feu,' 1617, 4to. He was in the service of the East India Company, and was employed by them to explore Madagascar and report on the advisability of annexing the island, of which he gave a glowing description in the two following tracts: 1. 'A Paradox, prooving that the Inhabitants of the Isle called Madagascar or St. Lawrence (in temporall things) are the happiest people in the World. Whereunto is prefixed a briefe and true Description of that Island: the Nature of the Climate, and Condition of the Inhabitants, and their speciall affection to the English above other nations. With most probable arguments of a hopefull and fit Plantation of a Colony there, in respect of the fruitfulnesse of the Soyle, the benignity of the Ayre, and the relieving of our English Ships, both to and from the East Indies. By Wa. Hamond,' London, 1640, 4to (reprinted in the 'Harleian Miscellany,' i. 263 et seq.); and 2. 'Madagascar. The Richest and most Fruitfull Island in the World. Wherein the Temperature of the Clymate, the Nature of the Inhabitants, the Commodities of the Countrie, and the facility and benefit of a Plantation by our people there are compendiously and truely described. Dedicated to the Honourable John Bond, Governour of the Island, whose proceeding is Authorized for this Expedition, both by the King and Parliament,' London, 1643, 4to.
[Allibone's Dict. of British and American Authors; Brunet's Manuel du Libraire; Brit. Mus. Cat.]