A DESCRIPTION Of the ISLAND of JAMAICA;

With the other Isles and Territories in AMERICA, to which the English are Related, viz.

  • Barbadoes,
  • St. Christophers,
  • Nievis, or Me­vis,
  • Antego,
  • St. Vincent,
  • Dominica,
  • Montserrat,
  • Anguilla,
  • Barbada,
  • Bermudes,
  • Carolina,
  • Virginia,
  • Maryland,
  • New-York,
  • New England,
  • New-Found-Land.

Taken from the Notes of Sr. Thomas Linch Knight, Governour of Jamaica; and other Experienced Persons in the said Places. Illustrated with Maps.

Published by Richard Blome.

LONDON, Printed by T. Milbourn, and sold by the Book-sellers of London, and West­minster, 1672.

TO HIS SACRED MAJESTY CHARLES II.
King of England, Scot­land, France, and Ire­land, &c.

Dread Soveraign,

THIS small Treatise, or Description, of Your Ma­jesties Dominions and Territories in America, [Page] humbly presents its self unto Your Royal Pa­tronage, by the hands of

Your MAJESTIES most humble and obedient Subject and Servant, Richard Blome.

THE PREFACE TO THE READER.

HAving the Favour of some Notes from my Honoured Friend Sir Thomas Linch Knight, about the Descrip­tion of the Island of Jamaica, whose Worth and Ingenuity hath lately merited from his Majesty the Go­vernment of the said Isle; as like­wise the opportunity of several Pa­pers [Page] relating to the Affairs and De­scription of the other Isles and Ter­ritories in America, wherein the English are concerned, which I re­ceived from the hands of several of my Friends who are related thereunto, I thought them very fit to be Published. The said Notes and Papers I have digested into a clearer and more compen­dious Method; being brief De­scriptions thereof, which this small Treatise only aimeth at; and not to trouble the Reader with large and unnecessary discourses no ways proper for the Design in hand: for by that means, I might (by the help of a large Print which some Publisher of Books call Ornamen­tal) have put them to an unne­cessary charge in Buying, and as great a trouble in Reading. I have also added some Maps for [Page] the more utility thereof, which were taken from the Latest Sur­veys.

Rich. Blome.

Errata.

In Page 126. Line 8. the word [not] to be omitted.

A NEW SURVEY, OR, Description of the Island of JAMAICA.

THe Island of Jamaica lyeth betwixt the Tropicks in the 17.Its Scitu­ation. and 18. De­grees of Northern Lati­tude; and beareth from off the Island of Hispaniola Eastward, a­bout 35. Leagues.

From the Island of Cuba North­wards, about 20. Leagues.

[Page 2] From Porto Bello Southwards, about 160. Leagues.

From Carthagena South-easter­ly about 140. Leagues.

From Rio de la Hache in the Continent South-easterly, 160. Leagues.

The forme and Extent of the Isle.

It is something inclined to an Oval Forme,Its Form Ex­tent. being from East to West 170 Miles in length; and from North to South in the midst where it is broadest about 70, it waxing narrower and narrower at both extream ends.

From East to West along the the midst of the Isle runns a con­tinued Ridge of lofty Mount [...]ins which are full of fresh Springs, whence flow the many Rivers that [Page 3] so plentifully waters the Island, to the great refreshment and accom­modation of the Inhabitants.

The Soyle, Fertility, &c.

It is in most parts (especially the north) of a rich and fat Soyle, Its Soyl, and Fer­tility. be­ing of a blackish Earth, in many places mixt with a Clay, and in some, as the south West Parts, it is of a more red and loose Earth, but every where incomparable apt to produce, and liberally to answer the Cultivators cost and paines for what is planted; being alwayes Springing, and its Trees and Plants never disrobed of their summer Livery, every month be­ing to them as our May, or April.

Here are many Savanas which are intermixed with the Hills and Woods, Savanas, formerly Fields of Indian Maiz. (especially in the [Page 4] North and South parts, where are great store of wild Cattel) which by report were sometimes Feilds of Indian Maiz, or Wheat, which when the Spaniards became Masters of the Isle, they conver­ted to Pasture for the feeding of their Cattel; bringing hither from Spain, Horses, Cowes, Hoggs, and Asenegros for a Breed, after they had destroyed all the Na­tives, or Indians, which according to calculation, did amount to a­bout 60000. which Cattel did exceedingly encrease, witness the great heards of Horses, and other Cattel, that are now wild in the Woods; besides the great quan­tities of Cows that have been Killed by the English, since they became Masters thereof: And these Savanas are the most bar­ren, as being so long made use [Page 5] of without Tillage; yet doth they produce such great Plenty of Grass, that the English are constrained oft-times to burn it up.

The Air, and Temperature.

The Air is here more tempe­rate then in any of the Caribbee Isles, The Air & Tem­perature as seated more Northerly, and of as mild a temperature (as to Heate) as any place between the Tropicks, being always cooled with fresh Breezes, that constant­ly bow easterly, and refreshed with frequent Showers of Rain, and such Dews that fall in the night (much quickning the growth of what is Planted) that it may truly be called temperate and healthful; and by reason of its continuall Verdure (as I have be­fore noted) exceeding Delight­ful.

[Page 6] And it is observed that the west and east Parts of the Isle are most subject to Raine and Windes; and the Woods being also thick, and close, rendreth the Aire less agree­able, then the North and South Parts, which are more plain and open, and less subject to Raine and Winds. The Mountaines which run along the midle of the Isle from one extreame point to the other, are much Cooler then the other parts, insomuch that oft times in the mornings there is small white Frosts.

This Island is in no parts troubled with those storms of Wind called Huricanes, Huri­canes not in this Isle. which all the Ca­ribbee Isles are much pestered with, having somtimes by the violence of those Gusts, their Ships forced out of their Roads; and on Shore, their Houses blown down, and pro­visions, [Page 7] &c. rooted out of the Earth.

The Weather.

The Weather of this Isle is less certain then in the rest of the Ca­ribbee Islands; the most observa­ble wett seasons are in November or May; The Winter known only by Rain and Thunder there being no seem­able Winter but by a little more Rain, and Thunder, in the winter months.

The winds here constantly blow all the day from nine in the mor­ning easterly, and become more fresher as the Sun mounteth higher, by reason of which, at midd-day Travel or Labour is suf­ferable. But from eight at Night to about eight in the Morning, it frequently blows Westerly; and with these Winds, or Breezes, the [Page 8] Vessells get out of the Harbours, and ply to wind-ward.

There is scarce any sencible lengthning or shortning of the Days or Nights, Dayes, & Nights almost e­qual. but are almost alwayes of an equal length.

The Sea ebbs and flowes sel­dome above a foot.

Hurricanes are here never known, as before I have noted; nor hath any Vessel been lost, or cast away on the Coast, since the English were Masters of it.

The Commodities, which this Island Produceth.

This Isle hath, and produceth many excellent Commodities and that in exceeding great Plenty, as Sugars so good, that they out­sell those of the Barbadoes 5. s. per Cent. there being at present about [Page 9] Sugar Works, Sugars. which may produce yearly 1710 thousand weight of Sugar, those still encreasing, and divers others a going up.

Cocao, the principal,Cocao. and most beneficial Commodity of the Isle, which I shall anon take occasion to speak of more at large; and that by reason of the aptness of the ground to produce and beare it above other places: here being at present above 60. Cocao Walks; besides abundance of young Walks which are a growing up, and still more a planting, so that in time it will become the only noted place for that Commodity in the world, which is so much made use of by us, and other Nations, but in far greater measure by the Spa­niards who alone are enough to take of the product of the Isle; so that there is no fear that it will [Page 10] become a drugg, and lye upon the hands of the Planter.

Indico this Isle produceth very good,Indico there being at present more then 60. Indico Works, which may produce about 50000. weight of Indico per. Annum, and do like­wise much encrease.

Cotton here hath an especial fineness,Cotton. and is by all preferred before that of the Carribbee Isles.

Tobacco is here indifferent good,Tobacco. being esstemed better then that of the Barbadoes, but it is not much planted, only a sufficiency to serve themselves; the other Commodities being more beni­ficial.

Hydes, Hydes of which great quanti­tyes have been Yearly made, and are found to be very large and good.Tortoise Shells.

Great store of Tortoises are ta­ken [Page 11] on this Coast, whose meat (being excellent) they eat, and their Shells so much esteemed here in England for several curi­ous Works, finds good vent.

Here are great variety of Woods for Dyers, Curious Woods. as Fustick, Red-Wood, a kind of Logg-Wood, &c. also Caedar, Mothogeney, Brasilletto, Lignum-Vitae, Ebony, Granadil­la, and many other excellent sweet smelling, and curious Woods fitt for choise Works, whose names are as yet not known; nor indeed their excellencies; but are ex­ported in great quantities.

Copper, Copper. they are assured is in this Isle, for they have seen the Ore, wrought out of a Mine here; and by the Spaniards report, the Bells that hung in the great Church of St. Iago, were cast of the Cop­per of this Island.

[Page 12] Silver may probably be here,Silver. as well as in Cuba, and in the Maine; and the English have been shewed where the Spaniards had found a Silver Mine, behind the Mountains west of Cagway.

Ambergreece (according to the Spaniards report) hath been often found on this Coast. Amber­greece.

Salt, Salt. this Island might make great quantities, there being already 3. good and very large Salt-ponds, containing neare 4000. Acres of ground; but as yet they make no more then for their own use: although there was made in one Yeare about 10000 Bushells; and the manager thereof, Cap. Jo. Noye, did affirm that he could have made as many Tunns if they had had Vent.

Saltpeter hath been found in many parts of the Island. Saltpe­ter.

[Page 13] Ginger grows better in this Isle, Ginger. then in many of the Carribbe Islands; of which here is suffici­ency planted.

Codd-pepper which is so common­ly used in all the West Indies, Cod-Pe­per. grows plentifully here.

Piemente, Piemen­te. or Jamaica Pepper, a spice of the form of East-India Pepper, very Aromatical, and of a curious Gousto, having the mixt taste of divers Spices, grows here in great plenty, wild in the Mountains. But the Spaniards did sett a high esteeme thereon, and exported it as a very choise Commodity, as indeed it is; and now it is begun to be planted by the English, and will become a good Commodity.

Drugs are here in great abun­dance,Druggs. as Guacum, China-Roots, Sasapharilla, Cashia Fistula, Ta­merindes, [Page 14] Vinillos, Achiots or Anetto, which is like to prove a good Commodity. Gumms. Here are also dive [...] Gums, and Roots, wherewith ex­perienced Planters do cure ma­ny Hurts, Ulcers, and Distem­pers of the Body. And by the report of an intelligent Doctor, which made it his business to search after such things, here are likewise Contrayerna, Cyperas, Aloes, Assole Pie, Adjuntum, Nigrum, Cucumis, Agrestis, Su­mach, Acacia, Miselto, with ma­ny other Druggs, Balsoms and Gums, whose names are not known, or remembred: but the Planters begin to be more expert in these Drugs, and endeavour to encrease them, and supply Eng­land therewith.

Cochaneil is produced by a Plant that grows in this Isle, Cocha­neil. but [Page 15] as yet the English want experi­ence to husband it; easterly Winds, and many other things being Ene­mies to its growth, besides the difficulty of makeing it.

These with some others are the Commodities that this Island pro­duceth, which if well improved, would soon become the best, and Richest Plantation that ever the English were, (or are like to be) Masters of.

I shall in the next place give you an Account of the manage­ment of a Cocao Walk, with a calculation of its Costs, and Profits, as it was lately estimated by that judicious and great encourager of the Planters, S. Tho. Modiford Baronett, late Governour of the said Island.

Directions about a Cocao Walk.

  • First, take up 5 or 600. Acres of Land, which be sure choose in a good place proper to produce the Cocao, which will cost for the Surveying and Pa­tent 010 l. 0 s.
  • For 3 Negro men, and as many Negro women at 20 l. per head 120 l. 0 s.
  • For 4 White Servants, with their Passage and Dyet for a year 080 l. 0 s.
  • For 20 Axes, 20 Bills, and 20 Hoos for them 005 l. 0 s.
  • [Page 17] For 6. Negroes Dyet, for Six months at 2 s. per Day, until you have some provisions Grown in your Planta­tion. 018 l. 5 s.
  • For an Overseer to look after the Servants, for his Wages▪ and Diet at 40 s. per Month 024 l. 0 s.
  • In all 257 l. 5 s.

And for the employing these Servants in your Plantation as followeth: supposing them to Land, and to be on the Plantati­on the first of March, and that they have by the middle of that month (as they may very easily) cleared a convenient place, and built fitting houseing for the lodg­ing [Page 18] them. Then put them to fal­ling, cleaning, and planting a Potato peece of 4. Acres, which ten hands will very well do by the middle of April: after this, you may clean, and plant with Rue and Plantin-Trees, until the last of February, which is above 10 Months; in which time they may with ease have cleansed and Planted 21. Acres, besides keep­ing them clean which are Planted and are still a Planting; and in this time, which compleats the Year, you may be full of Potatoes and Corn, and within 2. Months of the new Year, with Plantins, and a small stock of Hoggs, and Fowles; so that you will be at no more charge for Provisions for your Servants. And then to keep this clean, and to plant the Cocao-Walk, and for five more Negro [Page 19] Men, and 5. Negro-Women to buy about the first of March fol­lowing, at 20 l. per Negroe comes to 200 l.

And in that Month you will have Planted Cocao-Trees out of the Nuts, or Seed, betwixt all the Rows of the Plantin-Trees, that are 6. Foot high; so that by the first of June, the whole 21 Acres that were planted the last Year, will be full of Cocao-Trees, and by that time you will have (besides much other work done) 21. Acres of Cocao-Trees in the ground; which in less then 4. years, from the Planting, will begin to bear Cods, and in a year after, produce compleat Cropps. And according to experience, an Acre doth produce every year about 1000. pound Weight; which at Jamaica is worth 4 l. per Cent. which for the 21 Acres, [Page 20] doth amount unto 840 l. per Ann. Although this last year, by reason their Cropps were blasted, it is at present far dearer, the Hundred weight at London being now worth 18. pound Sterling.

The charges of gathering and houseing the Cocao, is inconside­rable, only Cloths or Baggs to put it in, which with some other in­cident charges, may be reckoned at the most (as all things else have been) to Amount to 42. l. 15. s. more, which makes up just 500. l.

Note, that all this that is Plan­ted, is done in 15. months, and the Cocao bears not compleatly until the sixth year from the first be­gining, or comming; so that you will have four years and nine months at liberty with your Ser­vants, either to encrease the Co­cao-Walk, building of conveni­ent [Page 21] houses, and makeing of Gar­idens for pleasure; or else you may fall on Ginger, Indico, or some other Commodity for present profit, which perhapps may be necessary for such as cannot for­bear their Money, until the Cocao Walk doth come to perfection as aforesaid: after which, you will find sufficient profit as is exprest, Sickness,Of Ser­vants. Mortality, and running away Excepted. Yet it cannot be expected, but that as the Island encreaseth in this Commodity, they must some-what abate the present Price, and content themselves with a more moderate Gaines.

And according to this Calcula­tion proportionably a greater or lesser Cocao-Walk may be under­taken, and performed.

Their Cattle.

In this Isle are greater abun­dance [Page 22] of Cattle then in most of the English Plantations in Ameri­ca; as Horses, Horses. which are here so plentiful, that a good Horse may be bought for 6 or 7 l.

Their Cowes are very large,Cowes. and so numerous, that although there hath been every Year so many Killed, yet their number seemeth not much to be lessoned.

Assnegroes and Mules (both wild and Tame) are very many,Asne­groes. Mules. which are found to be very ser­viceable to the Inhabitants.

Their Sheep are large,Sheep: and tall, and their Flesh good, but their Wool is long, hairy, and little worth.

Goats are many,Goats. which thrive exceedingly well, the Countrey being very fit for them.

Hoggs are here in exceeding great plenty,Hoggs. as well those wild in the Mountains, as tame in the [Page 23] Plantations, whose Flesh is far better tasted, and more nourish­ing and easier to be digested then those of England; which is the reason that it is so much eaten in this Island; as indeed throughout the West-Indies.

Their Fish.

This Island hath both in the Rivers, Excel­lent Fish in great plenty. Bayes, Roads, and Creeks, very excellent Fish, and in such abundance that it contributes much to the feeding of the In­habitants; and those that frequent this Isle, say, that they have few or none of those sorts common to us in England; but such great Variety of those appropriated to the Indies, that it would be too tedious to Repeat the names of them, if they were known or Re­membred.

[Page 24] The principal sort is the Tortoise, which they take plentifully on the Coast; Tortoise. and about 20. or 30. Leagues to the Leeward of port Negril, by the Isles of Camavos, in the months of May, June, and Ju­ly, do resort great store of Ships from the Carribbee Isles to Victual and Load with this Fish, it being reputed to be the wholsomest and best provision in all the Indies.

Their Fowls.

Here are very great plenty of tame Hens, great va­riety of Tame & Wild Fowl. Turkies, and some Ducks; but of wild Fowle infi­nite store, as Ducks, Teale, Wigen, Geese, Turkeys, Pigeons, Guine-Hens, Plovers, Flemingo's, Snipes, Parats, Parachetos, with very many others, whose names are not known.

The Fruits.

There are great plenty of choise and excellent Fruits in this Island,Excel­lent Fruits. as Oranges, Pome-granates, Cocar-Nuts, Limes, Guavars, Mammes, Alumee-Supotas, Suppotillias, Avo­catas, Cashues, Prickle-Aples, Prickle-Pears, Grapes, Sower-Sops, Custard-Aples, Dildowes, and many others whose names are not known, or too tedious to name, besides Plantains, Pines, &c.

Their Herbes, and Roots.

Here likewise grows very well, all manner of Summer-Garden-Herbs and Roots common to us in England, Herbs & Roots. as Radish, Lettis, Pur­seley, Cucumbers, Melons, Pars­ley, Pot-herbs, also Beanes, Pease, [Page 26] Cabbages, Colly-Flowers, &c.

Their Diseases.

It hath been experimentally found,Jamaica very health­ful. that there is no such Anti­pathy betwixt the constitutions of the English, and this clime, for the occasioning Sickness to be Mortal or Contageous, more than in other parts; for if a good Dy­et, and moderate Exercises are used, without excess of Drinking they may enjoy a competent mea­sure of Health.

The Diseases that Strangers are most incident to,Diseases strangers are most subject unto. are Dropsies (occa­sioned often by ill diet, drunkeness, and slothfulness) Calentures too fre­quently the product of Surfits, also Feavers, and Agues, which although very troublesome, yet are seldome Mortal.

[Page 27] And the reason of the great Mortality of the Army, at their first arrival, was their want of Pro­visions, together with an unwil­lingness to labour or excercise, joy­ned with discontent.

Hurtful things.

There are upon this Island, very few obnoctious Beasts, Insects, or Plants.

Here is the Manchonele, Mancho­nele. which is a king of a Crab, so common in all the Caribbee Isles.

Here are Snakes, Snakes, Guianas. and Guianas, but no poysonous quality is ob­served in them.

In many of the Rivers, and Land-Ponds, are Alligators, Alliga­tors. which are very voracious Creatures, yet seldome do they prey upon a Man, as being very easy to be avoided, [Page 28] for he can only move forwards, and that he doth with great Swiftness and Strength, and is as slow in tur­ning. Some are 10, 15, or 20 foot long, their backs are scaly and impenetrable, so that they are hardly to be killed, except in the Belly or Eye. They have four Feet or Finns with which they go or swim. They are observed to make no kind of Noise: and the usual course for the getting their Prey, is to lie on the banks of Ri­vers, and as any Beast or Fowle com­eth to drink, they suddenly seize on them; and the rather, for that they do so much resemble a long peece of dry wood, or some dead thing. And as these Allegators are thus obnoctious on the one hand, so are they found to be useful on the other, for their Fat is a Sove­reign Oyntment for any internal [Page 29] Ach or Pain in the Joynts, or Bones. They have in them Musk-codds, which are stronger scented then those of the East-Indies, and by this their strong smell, they are discovered, and avoyded; which [...]s supposed the Cattle by in­stinct of Nature, are also sencible of, and do by that means often shun them. They lay Eggs in the Sand lay the water-side, which are no bigger than a Turkeys, which they [...]over, and by the heat of the Sun, the young ones are hatched, who naturally creep into the water.

Here are also Muskettoes and Merry-wings, Musket­toes. a sort of stinging Flies that are troublesome in some parts of the Isle, Merry-wings. but are seldome found in the English Plantations.

Their Harbours, Roads, and Bays▪

This Island abounds with goo [...] Bayes, Roads, and Harbours: th [...] Principal amongst which are

Port-Royal, Port­Royal. formerly called Cagway, situate on the extream en [...] of that long point of Land whic [...] makes the Harbour, which is e [...] ceeding commodious for Shippin [...] and secured by one of the stronge [...] and most considerable Castles th [...] his Majesty hath in all Americ [...] in which are mounted about 6 [...] peeces of Ordnance, and is we [...] guarded with Souldiers. It is land lock't by a point of Land that run 12 miles South-East from the mai [...] of the Island, having the great R [...] ver that runs by Los Angelos, and [...] St. Jago falling into it, where Ship [...] do commonly water, and conven [...] ently [Page 31] wood. The Harbour is 2. or 3. leagues cross in most places, and hath every where good Ancho­rage, which is so deep, that a Ship of a 1000 Tunn may lay her sides to the shore of the Point, and load, and unload with planks a Float: which commodiousness, doth make it to be the most frequented by Men of War, and Merchants Ships of any in the Island, and as much inhabited by the Merchants, Store­house-keepers, Vintners, & Alehouse-keepers, being the only noted place of Trade in the Isle, and doth con­tain (since the English became Ma­sters of it) about 800. Houses, being about 12 miles and a half in length, and the houses are as dear-rented as if they stood in well-traded Streets in London; yet it's situation is very unpleasant and uncommodious, ha­ving neither Earth, Wood, or Fresh­water, [Page 32] but only made up of a hot loose Sand, and being thus popu­lous, and so much frequented, as well by Strangers, as by the Plan­ters, in the negotiation of their Affairs as being the scale of Trade, provisions are very dear. This Town or Port is seated about 12 miles from the Metrapolitan Town of the Island called St. Jago, or St. Jago de la vega, or the Spanish Town; of which I shall treat anon.

Port-Morant in the Eastern Point,Port-Morant. a very Capacious and secure Har­bour, where Ships do convenient­ly Wood, Water, and Ride safe from the Windes, and about this place is a potent Colony of the English seated.

Old-Harbour Westwards,Old Har­bour. from St. Jago, a good Bay for Ships to Ride in.Point-Negrill.

Point-Negril in the extream [Page 33] Western Point, very good and suf­ficiently convenient, and secure to windward, in which men of war do often ply, when they look for the Spanish Ships, whence a little North-west, was seated the Old town of Melilla, founded by Colum­bus, after the shipwrack there; which was the 1st place that the Spaniards setled at, and afterwards deserted.

Port-Antonio seated on the North, Port-An­tonio. a very safe land-lock't-Har­bour, only the coming in is som­what difficult, the Channel being narrowed by a little Island that lies off the mouth of the Port, be­ing wholly taken up by the Right Honourable, Charles Earl of Car­lisle, Visc. Howard of Morpeth, Lord Dacres of Gilsland, Lord Lieute­nant of the Counties of Cumber­land and Westmerland, and one of the Lords of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council, &c.

[Page 34] Here are several other good Bayes, Other good bayes & Harbors. and Harbours, along the Coast of this Island; the names of which are set down in the Map, a­mongst which, these are very com­modious and good, viz.

In the South-part
  • Michaels Hole.
  • Micary Bay.
  • Allegator Pont.
  • Point Pedro.
  • Pallate Bay.
  • Lewana Bay.
  • Blewfelds Bay.
  • Cabaritaes Bay.
    • All very good and Commodious Bayes for Ships.
In the North-part
  • Porto-Maria
  • Ora Cabessa
  • Cold-Harbour
  • Rio-Nova
  • Montega-Bay
  • Orang-Bay
    • All very good Bays for Shipping.

The Towns.

There are at present but three Towns of considerable Note in the Island, to wit,

St. Jago, St. Jago. or St. Jago de-lavega seated 6 Miles within the Land North-West, in a Plaine, by a River, and about 12. miles from Port-Royal already treated of, which makes another of the 3 Towns. This town of St. Jago when the Spaniards were Masters of the Isle, was a large City, and of great Account, containing about 2000 Houses, and for Divine Wor­ship, had 2 Churches, 2 Chappels, and an Abbey; which when the English first took the Isle (under the conduct of General Venables) were destroyed to about 4 or 500 Houses, and its Churches and Chap­pels [Page 36] to a fewer number, & those that remained were sufficiently Spoiled and haraced. But since the English have made a settlement, this Towne is now of considerable account; where the Governour resideth, and where the chief Courts of Judica­ture are held, which makes it to be well resorted unto, and Inhabited; so that most of its ruinous Houses are in a faire way of being repaired, and in hopes to arrive to a greater largeness then formerly it was, here being several fair and well built Houses: and the Inhabitants live in great Pleasure, where they have their Havana, in which the better sort recreate themselves e­very evening in their Coaches, or an horse-back, as the Gentry do here in Hide Park.

Passage seated on the mouth of the River, six miles distant from [Page 37] St. Jago, and as many from Port-Royal, where there are about 20 Houses, built for the conveni­ency of going to Port-Royal; and here is a Fort raised by the Eng­lish, the better to secure the same.

In the time of the Spaniards, here were several other Townes which are now of no Account; of which said Townes, these three following were of most nore, viz.

Sevilla feared on the North part of the Island, Sevilla. once beauti­fied with a Collegiate-Church, whose chief bore the title of Abbot: a­mongst whom was Peter Martyr, who described the History of the West-Indies by Decates.

Mellila seated in the North East,Mellila. where Columbus mended his Ships at his return from Veragua, where he was neer Ship-wrackt.

[Page 38] Orista reguards the South-Sea, Orista. in which are many Rocks, and amongst their Banks, some Isles, as Servavilla, Quitos­vena, and Serrana, where Au­gustin Pedro Serrana lost his Ves­sel, and saved onely himself, and here in a solitary and lone Condi­tion passed away 3 Yeares; at the end of which time he had the com­pany of a Marriner for 4 Years more, that was likewise there Ship-wrackt, and also alone saved himself.

And although there are for the present no more Townes, 14 Pre­cincts or Parishes in the Isle. yet the Island is divided into 14 Precincts, Divisions, or Parishes, which are set forth in the Map; many of which said Precincts are well Inha­bited by the English, where they have very good Plantations, e­specially all the southern part from [Page 39] Point-Morant in the East, almost to Point-Negrillo in the West, so far as the ridge or chain of Mountaines that runneth in the midst of the Isle; nor are its northerns Parts, (especially near unto the Sea) with­out Inhabitants and Plantations, though not so thick as South-ward­ly about St. Jago, but of late have much encreased. And for the bet­ter Satisfying the Reader, Sre the Mapp. the Parts throughout the Island where the English have made their Settle­ments, are Marked and distingui­shed in the Map by Cyphers.

I cannot certainely affirm the number of the English in this Isle, but according to the last survey taken and returned into England some Yeares since, by Sr. Thomas Modiford, late Governour, each Precinct, or Parish contained as followeth:

[Page 40] A general Account of the Pre­cincts, or Parishes, Families, and In­habitants in Jamaica, taken by order of Sir Thomas Modiford, then Go­vernour as aforesaid.

Parishes.Families.Inhabitants.
The Names of the Precincts or Pari­shes in the Isle.
Port-Royal5003500
St. Katherines6586270
St. Johns083996
St. Andrews1941552
St. Davids080960
St. Thomas059590
Clarindon1431430
 171415298

Note, that the Four Parishes on the North-side of the Isle, to witt, St. George's, St. Maries, St. Annes, and St. James, as also the Leeward most Parish called St. Eli­zabeth, [Page 41] together with these two not named, both adjoyning on St. Elizabeths; the one Eastwards, and the other Northwards, was not as then so particularly surveyed, by reason of their distance, and new Settlements, nevertheless they were found according to Calculation, to amount to about 2000 Inhabitants. But all these parts, as also those se­ven aforenamed are now excee­dingly encreased, being supposed to be encreased to double, if not treble the number. And the great en­couragement of gaining Riches, with a pleasant life, doth invite e­very year abundance of People to Inhabite here, quitting their con­cerns at Barbadoes, and other our American Plantations; so that in a short time without doubt it will become the most potent and rich­est Plantation in the West-Indies.

[Page 42] And besides the aforesaid num­ber of Inhabitants in the said 14 Precincts or Parishes, there are reckoned to belong to the Island; of Privateers, Hunters, Sloop and Boatmen (which ply about the Isle) at the least 3000 lusty and stout Fighting Men, whose courage hath been sufficiently evidenced in their late exploit, and attempt made a­gainst the Spaniards at Panama.

Their Lawes

Their Lawes are assimulated (as near as may be) to those of Eng­land, Their Lawes. having their several Courts▪ Magistrates, and Officers, for the executing of Justice on criminal Offenders, and the hearing and determination of Causes or Con­troversies betwixt party, and party.

Having thus made a short des­scription [Page 43] of the Island, as to its Sci­tuation, Fertility, Commodities, Har­bours, Towns, and Precincts, with an estimate of the number of its Inhabitants: In the next place, I shall give you the state of the Isle, when the Spaniards were posses­sors thereof; and wind up my dis­course with some seasonable con­siderations relating to the English Affairs in America, with reasons to justifie the first design in taking it, and why his Majesty should keep and support it. And of these in order.

The state of the Spaniards in this Island,

The Spaniards first setled on the North-west part of the Isle, The Spa­niards First set­tlement. under the Conduct of Columbus, and built the Town of Mellila, but disliking [Page 44] the Scituation, removed to Orista­na; and finding that also to be ill seated, and unhealthful, again re­moved, and setled at St. Jago, or St. Jago de la vega, where, with the assistance of the Indians, they built a fair Town or City, which I have already treated of. And in this Town Inhabited all the Spani­ards that were in the Isle at the Landing of the English, keeping their slaves at their several small Plantations, or Stanchas, who fail­ed not to bring them store of Fruits & Provisions, which they luxurious­ly spent in their houses, never in­tending any thing but to live at ease and plenty:The Spa­niards inclined to Idle­ness. For on this large and fertile Island, there was no Manu­facture or Commodity made, except a little Sugar, Tabacco, and Cocao, and those few Ships that came hi­ther, traded generally for Hydes, [Page 45] Tallow, Jamaica Pepper, and Cocao, but not to any considerable ac­count. And the number of In­habitants did not exceed 3000, of which, half (if not more) were Slaves. And the reason why it was so thinly peopled, was, be­cause the Spaniards generally de­sire to be in Nova Hispana, or His­paniola; but chiefly, because this Isle was held▪ in proprietership, by the heirs of the Duke of Veragua-Columbus, who received the Re­venues, and placed Governours, as absolute Lord of it. And at the first, it was planted by a kind of Por­tugals, the society of whom, the Spaniards abhors.

Upon the approach of the En­glish-Army after their landing, the Inhabitants of St. Jago deserted the Town, and betook themselves to the Mountains, pretending a [Page 46] Treaty with the English, untill such time as they had secured their Wo­men and Goods, and then did they make several attempts, and upon surprisals, murthered many of the English; but the Spaniards soon growing weary of that wild and mountainous course of Life, per­ceiving small hopes of expelling the English, divers of the Grandees got into Cuba, who by the Vice-Roy of Alexico's order, were com­manded back, with a promise of a speedy and considerable supply of men; upon which they returned, somwhat encouraged, and disper­sed themselves by Families, that they might the better get provisi­ons, and avoid the being discover­ed by the English; but this necessi­tous and unusual course of life, kil­led many of them, and discouraged the rest; for that in all this time [Page 47] there came to their succour, but too Souldiers, and those refused to joyn with them, as being so few and sickly; so that they marched back to the North of the Island, and at a place called St. Chereras, did fortify themselves, every day expecting a new body of Men to joyn with them: But the English discovering their quarters, march­ed against them. Some few months after, about 30 small Companies of the Spanish Forces arrives, and immediately very strongly Fortify Rio Nova, having Ordnance, and great store of Ammunition, yet were they speedily and succesfully defeated by the Valour of the En­glish under the Conduct of Leiute­nant General Edw. D'oyley. And this grand disaster, with many pet­ty ill successes caused the Spaniards to dispair of regaining the Island, [Page 48] and to ship off most of their Plat [...] and Women; and the Negroes find­ing the greatest part of their Ma­sters to be dead, killed the Gover­nour, and declined all obedience to the Spaniards, appointing a Black for their Governour. And such was the necessity of the Spaniards, that instead of giving them fitting correction, they were constrained to Court them for their assistance; but all their policy would not pre­vail upon them, for soon after did they submitt to the English Gover­ment, and made discoveries of the Spaniards and Negroes that would not come in with them, and did further assist the English in the ta­king of them, in which they have been exceeding succesful.

In the year following, the Spa­niards quite deserted the Island, except it were about 30 or 40 of [Page 49] their Slaves, who betook them­selves to the Mountaines, but be­ing afraid of a Discovery, and to be pursued to Death for some Mur­thers they had committed, built themselves Conoas, and in them fled to Cuba, and never since hath any considerable attempt been made upon them.

The English being thus become Masters of the Island, formed them­selves into a Body, or Colony: Then did they they begin to set­tle themselves in Plantations, whilst others betook themselves to the Sea as Freebooters or Pri­vateers, the better to secure them­selves against the Spaniards, and force them to a peace by their frequent annoying them, in seizing such their ships which they could meet with, which proved very succesful unto them. And this [Page 50] caused the Isle to be much talked of, and had in esteem by the Eng­lish, who sent them supplies of Men, Provisions, and necessaryes. And thus by little and little it be­came to be so potent as now it is.

Governours since the English were Masters of the Island.

This Island (since the English have been Masters of it) hath had four Governours.

The first, Leiutenant General Edward D'oyley, who before his Majesties happy Restauration, was Commander in cheif of all the English Army by Land and Sea in America.

The second, the Right Honoura­ble Thomas Lord Winsor, who is now Lord Leiutenant of the County of Worcester.

[Page 51] The third, Sr. Thomas Modyford Baronet.

And the fourth, and present, Sr. Thomas Lynch Knight.

Some Considerations relating to the English Affaires in Ame­rica, with Reasons to justify the first designe into the Indies.

1. Con­siderati­on. Spaniards would never contract a Peace with the English in America.

2. Consid. They have alwayes taken our Merchants Ships sayling on these Coasts, or forced them into their Harbours by distress of Wea­ther.

3. Consid. In the Reign of our late King (when we had Peace with them throughout Europe) they Sacked St. Christophers, Mevis, Providence, Sta. Cruz, and Tortugas, murther­ing [Page 52] and carrying away most of the Inhabitants into slavery; for which they never made any repairation.

4. Consid. The Indians, who are the na­tural proprietors of America, do a­bominate and hate the Spaniards for their cruelty and avarice; and upon every occasion will shew their willingness to give themselves and their Countreys, freely into the power and protection of the English.

5. Consid. The pretented first discovery cannot give them a legal power o­ver the genuine right of the Na­tives, nor were they the first dis­coverers of all those Countreys that they pretend unto.

6. Consid. The Popes Donation is of lit­tle validity, for he hath given them the Crown of England, which of the two he might more legally do, then the Indies; for that the En­glish [Page 53] have been subject to his pow­er, the Indians never.

7. Consid. Possession is not of force to create (thought it confirms) a Right, nor can it so alter the property, as to make usurpation (for some time to continue) as a legal, and just pre­tence of Dominion.

8. Consid. It is against the fundamental Lawes of Spain to make a peace, and allow of a Trade into the In­dies; now there being no medium, war must needs be justifyable where a Peace is not allowable.

9. Consid. Their barbarous cruelty in compelling our Merchants, and o­thers which they have took prison­ers, to turn their Religion, and to work at their Forts and Mines at Mexico, and elsewhere, from whence they can never return, murthering divers, when up­on a Treaty, and after promise of [Page 54] fair quarter, and not Exchanging or Ransoming any, although the English have freely given them some hundreds of Prisoners, doth sufficiently justify any attempt or mischief we can do against them, either in seizing on their Ships, or the landing on their Countreys, and the sacking, burning, or taking their Towns and Countreys, and the dispossessing them thereof.

Some Considerations why his Majesty should keep, preserve, and support this Island.

1. Consid. Jamaica is large, and capa­cious, whose extent I have already noted; so that it is capable of re­ceiving very great numbers of Peo­ple.

2. Consid. It is seated in the heart of [Page 55] the Spaniards American Territo­ries; so that the Spanish Shipps coming into the West-Indies, and sayling from Port to Port, either make this Isle, or may be imme­diately met by the Ships which ply on this Coast, which renders it to be of great importance to Us, as well as to the Spaniards: for all the Plate Fleet which comes from Cartha­gena, steer directly from St. Do­mingo in Hispaniola, and from thence must pass by one of the Ends of this Isle to recover Hava­na, which is the common Rende­vouze of the Armado, before it re­turns home through the Gulph of Florida. Nor is there any other way whereby to miss this Isle, be­cause they cannot in a reasonable time turn it up to the windward of Hispaniola, which, though with great difficulty, it might be done, yet [Page 56] by this means they would loose the security of the said united Fleet, which meet at Havana, from all parts of the Bay of Mexica, Nom­bre de dios, and elsewhere, and so accompany each other home.

4. Consid. Jamaica is found to precede all the English Plantations in Ame­rica, in the very Commodities that are proper to their several Colonies, and produceth also of its own Co­cao, Hydes, Tortoise-shells, Wood for Dyers, Gums, Druggs, and o­ther Commodities already treated of; and for Fruits, Fowl, and Fish, infinite store, many of which are unknown unto them. Likewise, such abundance of Horses, and Cowes, that none other of the Eng­lish Blantations can equalize them.

And as this Island is found thus advantageous in the furnishing us with such good Commodities, Commo­dities Impor­ted, and its Trade so [Page 57] is it no less profitable in the taking off our Manufactures, and Commo­dities, as well of the product of this Kingdom, as those from For­reign parts. That is to say, all sorts of Stuffs, Fabricks of Silks, Linnen both fine and course, Hatts, Gloves, Thread, Tape, Pinns, Needles, Stockings, Shoos; all sorts of Apparel; Wine, Brandy, Strong-Beer; All sorts of Utensils of Iron, and other Mettals for Car­penters, Joyners, Smiths, Coo­pers, Mill-Wrights, and other the like Tradesmen, that are found useful for the Planters service, Also, Iron, Brass, Copper, Steel, Lead and Tinn unwrought; All sorts of Armes and Ammunition: Also, Servants, and Negro-Slaves: And in a word, all Commodities that are necessary, and usefull ei­ther for the Back or Belly, are here [Page 58] Vendible. And is observed, that the better the Commodities are (e­specially Apparrel and Ornaments for the Back) the sooner and bet­ter are they Vended.

Consid It appears to be a place of no small concernment, for it hath not only subsisted at the beginning, but bettered its Condition, being set­led by an Army (the worst kind of people to plant) that have had such grand discouragements from Eng­land, as want of pay, provisions, and recruits of Men; yet amongst themselves talked of all encourage­ments to Plant, the establishment of Justice and Government, besides, the frequent attempts of the Spa­nish Forces; and if it thus thrived under these, and such like conside­rable obstructions, it is more then propable, it will in a short time be­come a great and profitable Colony [Page 59] both to the King and Kingdome; for when well planted, it may bring into his Majesty some hundred thou­sand pownds per Annum. Barba­does (which is so little compared to this) yeilding about 10000 l. per Annum, and employing about 150 or 200 Sayl of Ships yearly.

5. Consid. This Island being so large and so fertile, it is capable of the receiving those great numbers of people, that are forced to desert the Caribbee Isles: Their Plantations be­ing worn out, and their Woods wa­sted; as likewise those multitudes of Vagrants and Beggars that are so great a charge and shame to the Kingdom, if Transported thither, (would by their labours) live both honestly, and plentifully; here being observed to be no beggars, nor such loose Vagabond people.

6. Consid. This Island being well setled, [Page 60] will be capable of it self to carry on a War against the Spaniards in the West-Indies (as occasion requi­reth) because of the conveniences of its Ports, and its strength of In­habitants and Shipping, having al­ready about 20 or 30 Sayl of Pri­vateers; and will in a short time be so numerous and potent, that they will become so obnoxious to the Spaniards, that probably they will rather admit of a Trade into his Ports (which would prove a grand advantage both to them, and this Kingdom) than suffer so disadvan­tageous a War. And having thus forced a Trade, would gain the ac­quaintance of the Natives, and learn their Customes, and method of Trade, being much inclined to love the English rather than the Spani­ards.

7. Consid. Jamaica seems to be appro­ved [Page 61] above any of the other Planta­tions, in regard so many from all the English Collonyes have Trans­ported themselves and their Estates to it, who like it so well, that they have no cause or desire to remove.

8. Consid. There is now a considerable progress made in the setling of this Isle, there being upon it many Plantations of Cocao, Sugar, In­dico, Cotton, and Provisions; and Inhabited with many thousand of of people. The Planters (for the generality) now living in great de­light, and enjoy all things necessa­ry for Food and Rayment in a libe­ral measure; and were it well In­habited, it would very much con­sume the English Manufactures, and encourage Navigation and Merchandize.

9. Consid. It cannot be imputed a dis­advantage, that Jamaica lyeth so [Page 62] far off, for thereby are more Ships employed; and by consequence, more Saylors, Shipwrights, Rope­makers, and many other Trades­men maintained, whose dependance is thereon. Furthermore, if it lay not so far, we could not expect such Commodities as it produceth, being appropriate to the Clyme; neither is it a small advantage to have such Commodities within his Majesties Dominions (though at a distance) that are both valued and needed by his Subjects and Neigh­bours, especially the Cocao.

10. Con­siderati­on. And lastly, to conclude, The English have one more consi­derable advantage by this Isle, and that is, the Coast of Virginia, being subject to gusts of Winde, the Ships loaden with Goods and Passengers, have been often forced forth to Sea, and so disabled, that they could not [Page 63] ply to any of the outward Caribbee Islands, but have been constrained to bear up, and put into the Spanish Leeward Ports; and likewise, some of our Merchants have been forced out of the Caribbee Isles by Hurri­cane's (which are there common) and so disabled, that they could not keep Sea, but (as all Vessels thus distressed) have put into some of the Spanish Leeward Ports, where they have alwayes, been made Prizes. Now, Jamaica being so far Leeward, is a conveni­ent Harbour for all Vessels thus distressed; and did some few years since save Three Virginia Ships full of Passengers and Goods, and formerly others; as also some dri­ven by Hurricanes from the Wind­ward Islands: All which, without the conveniency, and assistance of this Isle, had perished.

[Page]

[map of Barbados]

A DESCRIPTION OF The ISLAND of BARBADOES.

BARBADOES the most con­siderable Co­lony the En­glish hath a­mongst that Frye of Isles called the Caribbee Isles, or the Antilles.

Its Scituation.

It is seated in the North Lati­tude of 13 degrees,Its Scitu­ation. and 20 min. and although but of a small circuit, (being accounted not above 8 Leagues in length, and 5 in breadth where broadest, being of an Oval Form) yet is it a potent Colony, being able as occasion requireth, to arm 10000 Fighting men, which, with the strength that nature hath bestowed on it, it is able to bid defiance to the stoutest Foe, ha­ving been several times (but in vain) assaulted by the Spaniards.

Its Rivers.

This Isle is not over-plentifully watered with Rivers, Rivers. or Fresh Springs, there being but one that [Page 67] may appropriate to it self that Name, or rather a Lake, which runneth not far into the Land; yet notwithstanding, the Inhabi­tants are not destitute thereof, for the Countrey lying low, and for the most part even, there are several Pools or Ponds; besides, most Houses have Wells or Cisterns which are always supplyed with Rain-water.

Here is also a River, which the Inhabitants call the Tuigh-River, from the top of whose waters is gathered an Oyl, which serveth them to burn in Lamps.

Its Fertility.

This Isle is exceeding Fertile,Its Ferti­lity. bearing Crops all the year long, and its Trees being always cloath­ed in their Summer Livery, and [Page 68] the Fields and Woods in their Ver­dure, renders it very delightful to the Inhabitants. But the two principal seasons of the year for Planting, is in May, and Novem­ber, but the Sugar-Canes are plan­ted all the year round, the making of which, is not only very charge­able, but also as dangerous, and subject to casualties, either in the Boyling-house, with the Coppers and Furnaces; in the Filling-room, in the Still-house, or in the Cure­ing-house.

Its Commodities.

The Commodities that this Isle produceth,Commo­dities. are Sugars, (which though not so white as those of Brazile, yet better when refined, being of a fairer grain) Indico, Cot­ten, Wool, Ginger, Logwood, Fu­stick, [Page 69] and Lignum-vitae. And these Commodities, especially Su­gar, Indico, Cotton, and Ginger, are here in such great abundance, that about 200 sayl of Ships and Vessels, both great and small, have yearly their loading; which after Imported in the several Ports of England, and Ireland, is again in great quantities exported to For­reign parts, to our great enrich­ment; and the rather, for that they are not permitted to Trade with any other Nation but the En­glish, and such of his Majesties Subjects in New-England, Virgi­nia, and Bermudoes: And in ex­change of those Commodities, they take such as are necessary for the use of man, as well for the Back and Belly, as for their Houses, and Plantations; with many of which, they are supplyed from New-Eng­land, [Page 70] Virginia, and the Bermu­does; together with Servants, and Slaves, as I have noted at the lat­ter end of the description of Ja­maica, about page 73. together with several sorts of Commodities and Provisions, which Jamaica hath no occasion of, as Horses, Ca­mels, Assinegroes, Cattel; also salted Flesh and Fish of several sorts; Butter and Cheese; but by reason of the great heat of the wea­ther, it will soon stink, and be­come unfit to eat; so that instead of Butter, they make great use of Oyl for their Sauces.

The Dayes and Nights are al­most thorowout the Year, Dayes & Nights almost e­qual. of an e­qual length, the Sun Rising and Setting at 6. except about October, and then there is some small dif­ference.

The Temperature of Air.

This Isle is very hott, Tempe­rature of Air. especially for 8 months, yet not so, but that Travel, and Labour is sufferable; but were it not for the cool breezes of Winde which Riseth with the Sun, and bloweth fresher as the Sun mounteth up, it would be un­sufferable. And these Bree­zes always blow from North-East, and by East, unless it be in the time of the Turnado, and then for a few hours it chopps into the South, but returns to the same point again. And it is observed, that although the people do so much sweat, yet they have not that faint­ness as with us, in the months of July and August; neither are they so thirsty, without occasioned by excess of Labour, or Drinking of [Page 72] strong Liquors, which the People are here too much addicted unto, to their great hurt, which if mode­rately taken, would be as great a preservative to comfort their in­ward parts, which are left cold, and faint, through their sweating. Besides, our bodies being accusto­med to colder Climates, our spi­rits are not so vigorous without them in a moderate manner.

The Air, The Air moist. though hot, is very moist, which causeth all Iron-tools, as Knives, Swords, Locks, Keys, &c. to rust, so that without con­stant usage, they will soon become eaten up with rust. And this great heat and moisture, doth cause the Plants and Trees to grow so large, and high.

Their Fruits.

Here are abundance of Fruits of several sorts,Their Fruits. as Dates, Orenges of two sorts, the one sweet, and the other sharp, Pomgranates, Ci­trons, Limes, Lemons, Macows, Grapes, Juneper-Apples, Papay­ers, Momins, Monbains, Acajous, Icacos, Cherries, Raysins, Indian Figgs, Cocos, Plantins, Bonanoes, Guavers, Prickle-Apples, Pric­kle-Pears, Custard-Apples, Mil­lons, both land and water, and Pine-Apples, the rarest Fruit in the Indies.

Their Fish.

Here are great store of Fish in the Sea, Their Fish. as Snappers, Crabs, Lob­sters, Terbums, Macquerels, Mul­lots, [Page 74] Cavallos, Parrat-Fish, Co­ny-Fish, and green Turtles, which of all others are the most delicious, with several other sorts appropri­ated to this and the rest of the Ca­ribbee Isles. But the Rivulets, or Ponds, have few or no Fish in them.

Their Beasts.

Here are no Beasts or Cattel but what are Tame,Their Beasts. and brought them; as Camels, Horses, Assinegroes, Oxen, Bulls, Cowes, Sheep, and Goats, and Hoggs, which are here in great plenty in every Plantati­on, it being their common food, whose Flesh is esteemed very good and delicious; but as for Beef, and Mutton, it is very dear, as having but a small stock, but might be soon encreased, would they spare [Page 75] ground enough for Pasturage for them from their other occasions.

Their Herbs and Roots.

Here groweth divers sorts of English hearbs,Herbs, & Roots. and roots, as Rose­mary, Lavender, Lavender-Cot­ton, Mar [...]erom, Winter-Savory, Time, Parsley, Tansey, Sage, Pur­celane, &c. and for Roots, Caba­ges, Colworths, Collyflowers, Tur­nips, Potatoes, Onyons, Garlick, Radishes, Lettice, Taragon, Ma­rigolds, &c.

Their Birds and Fowles.

Here are several sorts of Fowles,Birds and Fowles. as Turkeys, Hens, Muscovy-ducks, Pigeons, Turtle-Doves, &c. and for small Birds, great variety; as Thrushes, Black-birds, Sparrows, &c.

Their Insects and Animals.

Here are several Animals, Animals, and In­sects. and Insects, as Snakes a yard and a half long, Scorpions as big as Rats, but no wayes hurtful to man or beast; Lizzards, which are exceeding harmless, much frequenting the houses, and loving the company of men; Musketoes, Cockroches, and Merriwings, which are very troublesome in the night in sting­ing; also, here are land-Crabs in great abundance, which are found good to eat. And here is a small Fly which they call Cayouyou, whose Wings in the Night, as it flyeth, casts forth a great lustre, and the Indians do commonly catch them, and tye them to their hands or feet, and make use of them instead of a Candle, which is forbidden them.

Their Trees.

Here are great variety of Trees. Trees. fit for several uses, as the Locust, Mastick, Red-wood, the prickled-Yellow-wood, the Ironwood-Tree, and the Cedar Tree, which are fit for building. Also, the Cassia, Fistula, Coloquintida, Tamarine, Cassavie, of which is made their bread; the Poyson-Tree, and the Phisick-Nut, these have a Phy­sical, and some a poysonous Ver­tue in them. Also, here are these Trees following, the Calibash, the Shell of whose Fruit, serveth to carry liquid things in, being of the nature of Goards; the Mangrass-Tree, which is of an exceeding greatness; the Roucou, of whose bark is made Ropes, as also Flax, which being spun, is employed to seve­ral [Page 78] uses; the Lignum-vitae, the Palmeto, which is very large, and beautiful to behold; with several others.

Several Caves.

In this Island are divers Caves, Several Caves. some of which are very deep, and large enough to hold 500 men; and these Caves are often the Sanctuaries of such Negro-slaves that run away, in which they oft­times lie a good while ere found out, seldome stirring in the day­time, although they are such un­wholesome places, by reason of the great damps that are found in them. And it is supposed, that these Caves were the Habitations of the Natives.

Its Division and Towns.

This Island is severed into Ele­ven Precincts, Its Divi­sion, and Townes. or Parishes, in which are 14 Churches and Chappels, and here are many places which may not unaptly be called Townes, as being composed of a long and spa­cious Street, which are beautified with fair houses; and indeed the whole Isle for these many years, is so taken up with Planters (there being no wast ground to be found) that it is thorowout beset with Hou­ses, at no great distance from one another.

Its chief Townes.

1.St. Micha­els. St. Michaels formerly called the Bridg-Town, or Indian-Bridg, scituate at the bottome of Carlisle-Bay [Page 80] in the Leeward, or Southern part of the Isle, which Bay is very capacious, deep, and secure for Ships, being large enough to en­tertain 500 Vessels at one time, The Town is long, containing se­veral Streets, and graced with a­bundance of well-built houses. It is very populous, being the Resi­dence of the Governour, or his Deputy, the place of Judicature, and the Scale of Trade, where most of the Merchants, and Fact­tors in the Isle have their Storehou­ses for the negotiation of their Af­fairs; and from these Storehouses or Shops, the Inhabitants are sup­plyed with such Commodities as they have occasion of, in exchange of theirs, which are the product of of the Isle. The Town is ill seat­ed, the ground being lower than the banks of the Sea, by which [Page 81] means the Spring-Tides doth flow over, and there remaining, doth make a kind of of a moorish bogg, which doth occasion it to be more unhealthful than the other parts of the Isle. This Town for its defence, and security of the Ships, hath two strong Forts opposite to each other, with a Platform in the midst, which also commands the Road, all which are well Fortify­ed with great Guns, &c. The principal of these Forts is called Charles Fort, being seated on Ned­hams Point.

2.Litle Bri­stol. Little Bristol, formerly Sprights Bay, scituate about four Leagues Leeward from St. Micha­els, hath a commodious Road for Ships, is a place well frequented, and traded unto, and is strong­ly Defended by two powerful Forts.

[Page 82] 3. St. James, formerly called the Hall, seated not far from Bri­stol, hath the accommodation of a good Road for Ships, and is a place of a considerable Trade, for its defence, besides a large Plat­form, hath fortified Breast-works; and in this Town is kept for the Precinct, the monthly Courts.

4.Charles-Town. Charles-Town, seated winde­ward of St. Michaels, about two Leagues: And on Oyster-Bay, it is secured by two strong Forts, the one to the Windward, and the o­ther to the Leeward, of the Town and Road, with a Platform in the midst. This Town hath the acco­modation of weekly Markets, and here is kept the monthly Courts for the Precinct.

The other Parishes are of less note.

Other Places on the Sea-Coast.

Other Places of Name along the Sea-Coast of this Isle, Other Places on the Sea-Coast. begin­ing Easterly, and so encompassing the Isle, are as followeth:

Fowl-Bay, Austins-Bay, Max­wells-Bay, where there is a small Isle, Blackrock, The Hole, Spikes-Bay, Balises-Bay, Long-Bay, Clarks-Bay, and Constance-Bay.

The Inhabitants.

The Inhabitants of this Isle may be Ranged under 3 heads or sorts,The In­habitants to witt, Masters, (which are En­glish, Scotch, and Irish, with some few Dutch, French, and Jews) Chri­stian Servants, and Negro-Slaves. And these three sorts are excee­ding numerous; for, according to [Page 84] a Calculation not long since made, the Masters, and Servants, did a­mount to about 50000, and the Negroes to about double the num­ber.

The Masters, for the most part, live at the height of Pleasure

The Servants, at the expirati­on of 5 years, become Freemen of the Island, and employ their times according to their abilities, and capacities; either to get a small Plantation, or to work at day-la­bour in other Plantations, or else to exercise their Trades, if so capa­citated.

The Negro-Slaves are never out of their Bondage, Negro-Slaves. and the Chil­dren they get, are likewise perpe­tual Slaves. They have but mean allowance of dyet, cloaths, and lod­ging; and although held to such hard Labour, and so ill treated, [Page 85] yet are they well contented with their Conditions; and if their Master is but any thing kind, they think nothing too much to be done for them; and therefore 'tis great pity to wrong such poor Creatures.

The chiefest Stock of a Planter, consists in his Servants and Slaves, but especially the Slaves, who are more numerous. And these they Buy on Shipboard, as men Buy Horses in a Fayr, and according as they are handsome, lusty, well-shapen, and young, either the men or women, they give more or less; the general Rates for the Christi­an-servants being about 10 l. but if one that hath a good Trade, as a Carpenter, Joyner, Smith, or the like, then far more: Likewise, a Female that is young and handsome, is highe [...] valued. The general Rate for the better sort of [Page 86] Negro-men, is 20 l. or 25 sl. ster­ling; and for Women, about 15 l. for the encrease of stock of Ne­groes, they generally take as ma­ny Men as Women.

The Maintenance of the Servants and Slaves.

The Maintenance of the Ser­vants, and Negro-Slaves, as to their Dyet, Apparrel, and Lodg­ing, is very inconsiderable.

For their Food, Their Food. they are con­tented from weeks-end, to weeks-end, with Potatoes, Loblolly, made of beaten Maize mixt with water; Cassader-bread common in all the Indies, Bonavist, and such like food that the Plantation affordeth; as for Meat, they are seldome troubled with it, except at Christ­mas, Easter, and Whitsontide, and [Page 87] they have Hoggs-flesh, according to the custome of the Island; but of late, the servants are allowed weekly, a small quantity of Swines-Flesh, or salted Flesh, or Fish; and when any of the Cattle dye of any distemper, or by accident, it is given to the Negroes, who feed like Princes on it.

Their Drinks are Mobbie, Their Drink. made of Potatoes soaked in water; Perino, made of Casavie-Root and water; Crippo, Kill-Devil, Punch, made of water and Sugar; Plantin-drink, made of Plantins and water; Be­veridge, made of Spring-water, Su­gar, and the juyce of Orenges; and wine of Pines, which is only made of the juyce of the Fruit, which is exceeding good and delicious; but this sort, as also the Beveridge, and Punch, the servants are not much troubled with.

[Page 88] But as for the Master-Planters, Merchants, Factors, and Stran­gers, their Faire is far otherwise, having their curious-made Dishes, as Custards, Cheese-cakes, Tansies; also, Sturgeon, Anchoves, Caviare, Botardo, Neates-Tongues, besides Poultrey, Fish, Fowl, Mutton, Beef, Kid, Porke, Beans, Pease, seve­ral Roots, and other good Dishes. And, besides the several sorts of Liquors already named, Wines, Strong waters, Brandy, and Eng­lish-Beer; so that they find no want, and do not consider the condition of those poor wretches, their Ser­vants and Slaves, who are con­strained to so hard a labour.

The Apparrel they allow their Servants yearly,Their Apparel. for the men, are 6 pair of Drawers, 12 pair of Shoos, 3 Monmouth-Caps, 6 Shirts; and for the women, 4 Smocks, 3 Petti­coats, [Page 89] 4 Coifes, and 12 paire of Shoos, besides, a Rug-Gown to each, to keep them warm, in the night, and to put on them when they come sweating from their la­bour. To the Negro-men, they allow but 3 pair of Canvas-Draw­ers, and to the Women, but three Petticoats.

But for themselves (especially the better sort) they are exceeding profuse and costly.

The Lodging of these poor wretches is worst of all,Their Lodging. for ha­ving laboured all the day in so hot a Countrey, without any nourish­ing Dyet, at night they must be contented to lye hard, on nothing but a board, without any Coverled, in their Hutts, or rather Hogsties; but Christian Servants are some­thing better Treated, being allow­ed Hamocks.

[Page 90] Every Sunday, (which is the only day of Rest, and should be set apart for the service of God) they employ either in the getting of the Bark of Trees, and making of Ropes with it, which they Truck away for Shirts, Drawers, and the like; or else spend the day in Re­creation, as Dancing, and Wrest­ling, which they much delight in, though they are no great Profi­cients in either; for in their Dan­cing, they use antick actions, their hands having more of motion than their feet; and their head, than ei­ther; nor do the men and women Dance together, but apart; the Musique to which they Dance, be­ing a sort of Kettle-drums, one big­ger than another, which makes a strange and various noise, but whi­ther Harmonious, I leave to the judgment of the Reader.

[Page 91] It is thought by many, that the Christians should be in danger of being murthered by the Negro-Slaves, who so much over-top them in number, and the rather, for that they are so cruelly used, and for that reason, many are fear­ful to venture to dwell here. But this Objection may be thus an­swered; that first, they are such as were brought from several parts of Africa, and do not understand one anothers Language; and then they are stir'd up with an inb-read hatred against one another, it be­ing the custome in those parts, for several petty Kings to go to Wars against one another; and the Pri­soners that are taken of each side, they sell unto us, and other Euro­pean Nations that come to Traf­fique with them; also, they are not permitted to touch, nay, hardly to [Page 92] see a Gun, or any other weapon; and being kept in such a slavery, they are fearful of begining such an In­surrection, it being present death for any that shall in the least be found to act, or contrive such a thing.

The Management of a Plantati­on, The Ma­nage­ment of a Planta­tion. ought to be the Masters care, yet few of them (except those of the meaner degree) are without their Overseers, who takes off that trouble from them, whose Office is to call them to work by the Ring of a Bell, at 6 a clock in the mor­ning, to appoint them their seve­sal works, to give them due Cor­rection upon any Misdemeanour, or Idleness; he likewise dismisses them at 11 a clock, to go to their Din­ner, and calls them again by One a clock by the said Bell, and dischar­geth them at 6 at night.

[Page 93] What I have said in this Trea­tise of Barbadoes concerning their Servants, and Slaves, may be said in that of Jamaica; for the Ser­vants, and Slaves, are their grea­test stock; those they Buy, the Servants for a Tearm of years, the Negroes for ever; their Apparrel which they allow to either being much the same, but their Dyet better; and for their labour, it may be said to be much the same, the Island producing the same Commo­dities.

The Island of Barbados very strong.

This Island is very strong,The Is­land ve­ry strong as well by Nature as Art, being shel­tered with Rocks, and Shoals; and where nature hath not thus defen­ded it, it is Fortified by Trenches and Rampiers, with Pallisadoes, [Page 94] Curtains, and Counter-Scarfes; be­sides, round about the Isle, re­guarding the Sea, is standing-Wood: Here are also, for its fur­ther Defence, 3 Forts, one for a Magazine for the Ammunition, and Powder to lye in, and the other two for places of Retreats, as occa­sion serveth. They have also for their further security, a standing Militia, consisting of two Regi­ments of Horse, and five of Foot, which are Stout, and well-Disci­plined men, and alwayes to be Ready on beat of Drum.

The Government of this Isle.

This Isle is Governed by Lawes assimulated to those of England, The Go­vern­ment of the Is­land. for all matters either Civil, Eccle­siastick, Criminal, Maritine, or Martial; yet not without some few Lawes appropriate to them­selves, which are not repugnant [Page 95] to the Lawes of England.

For the Execution of these Lawes, they have their Courts of Judicature.

The Law is administred by the Governour, or his Deputy, and Ten of his Council.

The Isle is divided into four Cir­cuites, The Isle divided into four Circuits. in each of which, there is an Inferiour Court for civil Causes, from which, Appeals may be made to the Supream Court.

Here are also Justices of the Peace, Constables, Church-war­dens, and Tything-men.

And for the Administration of Justice, here are yearly 5 Sessions.

At the Governours pleasure, he calleth an Assembly for the ma­king of New Lawes, (so, as not contrary to those of England) and for the abolishing of Old; which said Assembly is much in the [Page 96] nature of our Parliament, and doth consist of the Governour as Supream, his Ten Council as so many Peers, and two Burgesses, chosen by the Commonalty out of each of the Parishes.

The present Governour is the Right Hon.The pre­sent Go­vernour. William Willoughby, Baron Willoughby of Parham.

As concerning the nature of the Sugar-Canes, how to Plant them, their growth, cutting, grind­ing, boyling; the conveyance of the Skimmings into the Cisterns, how to distill it for Spirits; how long it stayes in the Cureing-house, before it be good Muscovado-Sugar; to­gether with the making it into Whites, is not my business in this small Treatise, to give the Reader instructions therein,See Mr. Ligons Book of Barbadoes page 87. referring to Mr. Richard Ligons Book of the Description of this Isle.

A DESCRIPTION OF The ISLAND of St. CHRISTOPHERS.

ST. Christophers, Its Scitu­ation, &c. so called from Christopher Columbus, the first discoverers thereof, scituate in the Latitude of 17 degrees, and 25 min. in circuite, about 75 miles: The Land lieth high and mountainous in the midst, from which springeth several Ri­vers, [Page 98] which oft-times, by reason of the Raines that falleth down the Mountaines, are overflown to the detriment of the Inhabitants.

The Soyl, Commodities, &c.

The Soyl is light and sandy,Its Soyl, and Com­modities and very apt to produce several sorts of Fruits, Provisions, and Commo­dities; as Sugar, Tobacco, Cot­ton, Ginger, &c.

This Isle, by reason of its several great and steepy Mountains, be­tween which, are Springs of hot, and Sulphurous Water, with horrid Precipices, and thick Woods, ren­ders it very impassable through the midst: And the steepy Ascents of the Mountains, are divided into several Stages, or Stories, where are spacious wayes.

[Page 99] On the Sea-side there is a Salt-pit called Gul-desac, and not far from the said Salt-pit, there is a small Istmus of land, which reacheth within a mile and a half of the I­sland of Nievis, or Mevis.

This Island is a place exceeding delightful,The Isle very de­lightful, and of a pleasing Prospect. and of a most delecta­ble Prospect to the Eye of the be­holder; for if the Eye be directed downwards, from the top, it hath a Prospect of curious Gardens, which gently descend to the Sea­side; and in reguard of the conti­nual Ascent of the Isle, the lower Stage or Story, doth not debar the Eye of the pleasant Prospect of that which lyeth at a Remoter di­stance, which is terminated by those high Mountains: And that which maketh the Prospect the more delectable in the several Plantations (which are bounded [Page 100] with Rows of Trees alwayes in their Verdure) are the fair Houses covered with glazed Slate.

The Division of the Isle, and how Possessed.

The whole Isle is divided into four Quarters or Cantons, The Isle Possessed by the English, & French two of which, are possessed by the Eng­lish, and two by the French; which parts are not so well watered, as those of the English, but are bet­ter for Tillage, and not so Hilly.

The English are more Popu­lous then the French, and have two fortified places, one comman­ding the great Haven, and the o­ther a descent not far from Pointe de sable.

The French have Four strong Forts, of which one hath Regular Works like a Cittadel, that of most [Page 101] note commands the Haven, and is called Basse-Terre.

Both the English, and the French, keep constant Guard at their Forts, placed at the entrance of the Paths which leads to the several Wards, for the better security of each o­ther.

Here are five Churches in those parts belonging to the English, Their Chur­ches. viz. one at Sandy-point, one at Palme-Tree, another near the great Road, and two at the Inlet of Cayoune, with many fair Structures.

The French, besides their seve­ral Habitations, dispersed up and down in their quarters, have at Basse-Terre (near the Haven where Ships lye at Anchor) a Town of a good bigness,A Town Possessed by the French whose Houses are well built, of Brick, Freestone, and Timber; where the Merchants have their Store-houses, and is well [Page 102] Inhabited by Tradesmen, and are well served with such Commodities, both for the Back, and Belly, toge­ther with Utensils for their Houses, and Plantations, as they have occa­sion of, in exchange of such Commo­dities which are the product of the Island. Here is a fair, and large Church, as also a publique-Hall, for the administration of Justice: Here is also a very fair Hospital, built by the General, for such people that cannot get cure at their Houses; where they are well maintained and attended by Doctors, and Physiti­ans, for the recovery of their Healths. Here is also a stately Ca­stle, being the Residence of the Go­vernour, most pleasantly seated, at the foot of a high Mountain, not far from the Sea, having spacious Courts, delightful Walks, and Gar­dens, and enjoyeth a curious pro­spect.

A DESCRIPTION OF The ISLAND of NIEVIS, or MEVIS.

THe Island of Nievis, Its Scitu­ation. or Mevis, lyeth not far from St. Christophers, as I have before noted, and in the Latitude of Seventeen degrees, and Nineteen minutes.

It is but small,Extent. being not above Eighteen miles in Circuite.

[Page 104] There is but One Mountain in the Isle, and that is seated in the midst, which is of a great height, but of an easy Access, and cloathed with Trees from its Somett to the bottom; and about this Mountain, are the Plantations which reach to the Sea-Shore.

Springs of Water.

Here are divers Springs of Fresh-Water, A Spring of Mine­ral wa­ter, and Baths. and one Spring of a Hott and Mineral Water; not far from whose Spring-head are Baths made, which are much frequented for the curing of several distempers of the Body of man.

It is indifferent Fertile, and hath store of Deer, and other Game for Hunting.

[Page 105] The Isle is Inhabited by a­bout three or four Thousand, who live well, and drive a Trade for such things as they have oc­casion for, by exchanging such Commodities as the Isle produ­ceth; as, Sugar, Cotton, Ginger, Tobacco, &c.

It is a well-Governed Colony, where Justice is duly administred, and all Vices severely punish­ed.

For the Worship of God,Their Chur­ches, &c. here are three Churches; and for its further defence, and safe­ty, it hath a Fort, whereon are mounted several Peeces, for the security of the Ships in the Road, or Harbour, called Bath-Bay, as also the the publique-Store-house.

This Isle, as the rest of the Caribbee's, are troubled with [Page 106] Muscheto's, Chigos, Murigoins, and other Stinging Flyes, which do much Annoy the Inhabi­tants.

A DESCRIPTION OF The ISLAND of ANTEGO.

THe Island of Antego, Its Scitu­ation. is seated in the Latitude of 16 degrees and 11 min. It is in Length,Extent. about six, or seven Leagues, and about the same breadth in many places.

It is of a difficult access, and [Page 108] very dangerous for Shipping, by reason of the Rocks which encom­pass it.

It hath some few Springs of Fresh-water, The Number of Inha­bitants. besides which, the Inhabitants, which are about 8 or 900. have made several Cisterns, and Ponds, for the preserving of Rain-Water.

The Isle doth abound in Fish, Fish. amongst which, is the Sword-Fish which of all others, would be the chief in the Sea.

Here are great plenty of most sorts of Wild Fowl,Fowl, & Cattle. and not want­ing in Venison, and Tame Cattle.

The Commodities that it afford­eth,Commo­dities. are Sugar, Indico, Ginger, To­bacco, &c.

The Lord propriator of this Isle is, the Rt. Hon. Will. Ld. Willow­by of Parham, who is Governour of the Island of Barbadoes, and some other Isles.

A DESCRIPTION OF The ISLAND of St. VINCENT.

THe Island of St. Vincent, Its Scitu­ation. lyeth in the Latitude of Sixteen degrees.

It is about 20 miles in length,Extent, and Fer­tility. and Fifteen in breadth, of a Fertile Soyl, yielding abundance of Sugar-Canes; which grow Na­turally without Planting.

[Page 110] It is well watered with Ri­vers, and affordeth many safe Roads, and convenient Bayes, for Shipping.

The English have here some Settlement, but are not very powerful.

A DESCRIPTION OF The ISLAND of DOMINICA.

THis Isle is seated in the La­titude of Fifteen degrees and a half.Its Scitu­ation,

It is about 12 Leagues in length,Extent. and 8 in breadth.

On the West side of the Isle, there is a convenient Harbour for Ships.

[Page 112] It is very Montainous, yet not without many Fertile Valleys, producing several Commodities, but chiefly Tobacco, which is plan­ted by the English; but the Na­tives which are Canibals, and ve­ry Barbarous, doth much hinder the comming of the English to settle here.

A DESCRIPTION OF The ISLAND of MONTSERRAT.

MONTSERRAT, Its Ex­tent, Sci­tuation. an Island of a small Extent,Fertility, &c. not exceeding Ten miles in Length, and of a less Breadth.

It is seated in the Latitude of 17 degree: It is much inclined to [Page 114] Mountains, which are well cloa­thed with Caedar, and other Trees and the Valleys, and Plains ar [...] very Fertile.

This Isle is most Inhabited by the Irish, who have here a Church for Divine Worship.

A DESCRIPTION OF The ISLAND of ANGƲILLA.

THis Isle is seated in the La­titude of Eighteen de­grees,Its Scitu­ation, ex­tent, &c. and One and Twen­ty Minutes.

It Extendeth it self in length, about Ten Leagues, and in breadth about Three.

[Page 116] The Inhabitants are English, which are Computed to amoun [...] unto two or three Hundred, who are but poor, the Isle being said not to be worth the keeping.

A DESCRIPTION OF The ISLAND of BARBADA.

BARBADA, Its Scitu­ation, Fertility, &c. or Barboude, scituate in the Latitude of of Seventeen degrees and a half.

It is an Isle of no great Extent, not exceeding Fifteen miles in Length, nor is it of any conside­rable Account to the English, who [Page 118] are the Possessors of it: Yet is it found to be of a Fertile Soyl, and to be well stored with Cattle, Sheep, &c. and may produce se­veral good Commodities, were it well managed, to the advantage of the Inhabitants.

A DESCRIPTION OF The ISLES of BERMƲDES, OR, The Summer-ISLES.

EAst of Virginia, Their Scituati­on, and Name. and Caroli­na, which is a part of Flo­rida, lyeth the Isles of Ber­mudes; so called, from John Bermudes a Spaniard, by [Page 120] whom they were first discovered. They are also called the Summer-Isles, from the Shipwrack that one George Summers (an English-man) there suffered.

These Isles lye distant from En­gland, about 15 or 1600 Leagues, from Madera, 1000, or 1200; from Hispaniola, 400; and from Carolina, which is the neerest part of Land, about 300 Leagues.

Their Extent.

Of these Isles, St. Geor­ges Isle. the greatest cal­led St. Georges, is 5 or 6 Leagues long, and almost thorowout, not above a quarter, a third, or half a League broad, the others are much less.

Their Form, &c.

All these Isles together, form a [Page 121] body like a Cressent, and inclose very good Ports, Several good Ports: the chief among which, are those of the Great-Sound, Herringtons Inlet, South­hampton, and Pagets; which, with their Forts of Dover, and Warwick, take their names from the several Noble men that were concerned as undertakers.

The Fertility, Commodities, Fruits, &c.

The Earth is exceeding Fertile,Its Fer­tility. yeilding two Crops yearly; their Maize they gather in July, and December.

They have excellent Fruits, Their Fruits. as, Oranges, Dates, Mulberries both White and Red; where breed a­bundance of Silk-worms which spin Silk.

Their chief Commodities are, O­Oranges, [Page 122] Couchaneil, Their Commo­dities. and Tobacco, with some Pearl, and Amber­greece, and with these they drive some small Trade.

They have plenty of Tortoises, which is their ordinary food, whose Flesh is very delicious.

Their Hoggs, Hoggs. which the Spani­ards formerly carried thither, are greatly encreased.

They have many Fowles, Fowles. and Birds, amongst which, a great ma­ny Cranes, with a Sea-Fowl that breeds in holes like Rabbets.

They have no Fresh-Water for their occasions,Defective in Fresh-water. but that of Wells, and Pits, which Ebbs and Flowes with the Sea, there being neither Fountain nor Stream in these Isles.

No Venemous Beast.

In these Isles are no Venemous [Page 123] beast, Their Spiders. their Spiders are not poy­sonous, but are of sundry and va­rious Colours; and in the hot wea­ther, they make their Webs so strong, that oft-times the small Birds are entangled and catched in them.

Caedar Trees.

Here are Caedar Trees, which differs from all others in several re­spects, but the wood is very sweet.

The Air and Healthfulness.

The Skie is almost always Se­rene,These Isles ex­ceeding healthful and when darkned with clouds, it commonly Thunders, and Lightneth: And the Air is very Temperate, and so exceeding healthful, that it is rare to hear that any one dyeth of any Distem­per, [Page 124] but only Old age; insomuch that many have removed from England hither, only for the enjoyment of a long, and healthful life▪ And those that have made any long continuance here, are fearful o [...] removing out of so pure an Air.

The Inhabitants.

The English first setled them­selves on these Isles about the year 1612.The In­habitants and strength of the Isle. and have now established a powerful Colony, there being at present, about four or five Thou­sand Inhabitants, who have strong­ly Fortified the Approaches, which with the Rocks in the Sea, renders them Impregnable.

[...]

[Page]

[map of Carolina]

A DESCRIPTION OF CAROLINA.

CAROLINA, a New esta­blished Colony, of the Eng­lish, being that part of Flo­rida adjoyning to Virginia, Its Bounds, and Sci­tuation. which makes its Northern bounds in the Latitude of 36 degrees; and extendeth it self to the Latitude of 29, which makes its extream Sou­thern bounds; on the East it is washed with the Atlantick Ocean, [Page 126] and on the West, it hath that large Tract of land which runneth into the Pacifique Ocean.

Its Temperature, and Healthfulness.

It is a Countrey blest with a Temperate,This Country very health­ful. and Wholesome Air, the heat in Summer, nor the Cold in Winter, (which is not so much as to check the growth of Plants, Trees, &c. The several Fruits, and Plants, having their distinct seasons, being no wayes offensive to the Inhabitants. Neither is the Air thus Temperate, and Agreeable, to the Natives only, but it is as Favourable to the English: And being thus healthful, hath Invited several persons from the Bermu­des to settle here; who dwelling in so pure an Air, durst not ven­ture in any other Countrey. Nor [Page 127] do those from the Bermudes only remove hither, upon the as­surance of a happy life, joyned with the gaining of Fair Estates, but also, many English from most of the American Plantations, it being generally esteemed one of the best Colonies that ever the En­glish were Masters of; for here is Health, Pleasure, and Profit to be found, which cannot be met with in so large a measure, in any Coun­trey of the Indies.

Their Fruits, Hearbs, &c.

The Soyl is Rich,Their Fruits▪ and Fertile, and produceth excellent Fruits; as Apricocks, Peaches, Grapes, (of which the English have made good Wine) Olives, Walnuts, Apples, Pears, Plumbs, Cherries, Figgs, Mulberries, Strawberries, [Page 128] Water-Mellons, Marachocks, Quin­ces, and other Fruits known to us in Europe, which for goodness are no wayes Inferiour to them; and in the Southern part, Oranges, Limes, Pomgranates, and Pome-Citrons. And indeed, the Earth is very apt to produce, and bring to Maturity, Corn, all sorts of Gar­den-Herbs, and Roots, &c.

Its Commodities.

The Commodities which this Countrey doth,Commo­dities. and may produce, are Wines, Oyls, Silk, (Mulberry-Trees growing in great abundance in the Woods) Cotton, Indico, Gin­ger, Tobacco, &c. And it is be­lieved, that here may be made of the three first Commodities, viz. Wines, Oyl, and Silk, such great abundance, to theirs, and this [Page 129] Kingdoms enrichment, that be­sides what we shall use our selves, we may have wherewith to furnish Forrain Parts.

Their Trees.

Besides the Mulberry-Trees, Trees. here are those of Caedar, Oak, both White and Red, Poplar, Bay, Ash, and Pine; with several others whose names are yet unknown.

Their Rivers, Fish, and Fowl.

The Countrey is very well wa­tered with Rivers, Rivers. there being between Cape-Carteret, and Port-Rasal, which is not above 60 miles, 5 or 6 great Navigable Rivers, which discharge themselves into the Sea, besides several others of less Remark. And these Rivers are [Page 130] plentifully stored with excellent Fish of sundry sorts, which being the same as are found in Virginia, which comes next to be treated of, I shall omit the nameing of them here.

Here are also great plenty of Wild-Fowl, Their Fowles. as Geese, Cranes, Swans, Herons, Curlews, Heath-Cocks, Oxeys, Brants, Dotterels, Widgeons, Teals, and Duck, and Mallard in an undestroyable quan­tity.

Provisions in the Woods.

The Woods are well stored with large Turkeys, Phesants, Partrid­ges, Turtle-Doves, Wood-Pidgeons, with great variety and plenty of small Birds. Also in the Woods, are great plenty of Deer, with abun­dance of Hares, Coneys, &c.

[Page 131] Here are divers delightful, and spacious Savanas.

The Natives of Carolina.

The Natives of Carolina, The Dis­position, &c. of the Na­tives. accor­ding to the observation of Mr. John Ledener (who made three several journeys from Virginia, to Carolina, about the year 1670. on purpose for a discovery of those parts, and the better understand­ing the nature and disposition of the Inhabitants) are said by him, to be a people of a ready witt, and though Illiterate, of a good under­standing. For the Account of time, (he saith,) they make use of Hiero­glyphicks, and Emblems of things; likewise they instruct their Chil­dren in such things as relates to their Families and Countrey, which is so preserved from Generation, to [Page 132] Generation; where a battle hath been fought, or upon the settle­ment of a Colony, they raise a small Pyramid of stone, which doth con­sist of the number slain, or setled at such a Colony. For Religious Rites, either Devotion, Sacrifice, or Burial, they make a round cir­cle of short Strawes, or Reeds, and according to the placing of the said Strawes, or Reeds, it is known for what it was made; and to med­dle with such Circles, is esteem­ed no better than Sacriledge.

He saith, they worship one God; as Creator of all things, to whom their High-Priest offers Sacrifice, but believes he hath somthing else to do, than to reguard Humane Affairs, but doth commit the Go­vernment thereof to lesser Deities; that is, to good and evil Spirits, to whom their Inferiour Priests [Page 133] makes their Devotion, and Sacri­fice. He saith, they beleive the Transmigration of the Soul, and when any one dyeth, they Interr with the Corps, Provisions, and Housholdstuff for the Elizium or next World, which they fancy to be beyond the Mountains, and Indian Ocean. He further saith, that from four women, they believe all mankind Sprung, and do there­fore divide themselves into as ma­ny Tribes; and in their Marriages, they are very Superstitious.

He saith, they are generally well-proportionate; they are great Favourers of the English, living together in Love and Friendship, and upon all occasions, ready to contribute their assistance unto them. They are generally of a good, and honest meaning, no wayes addicted to Vice, or to Ex­Extravagancies, [Page 134] contending them­selves with a mean Dyet and Ap­parrel for their present subsistance, not taking much care for the time to come. He further saith, that they are much addicted to Mirth, and Dancing; they are also much prone to Honour, and Valour, which they place above all other Vertues, which doth occasion them to be so continually engaged a­gainst one another in Wars: and that side which Fortune Crown­eth with Victory, Triumphal Jol­laties are performed by them.

The Countrey (he saith) is di­vided into several petty Kingdoms, Its Divi­sion into King­domes. and the People in the one, keep no good Correspondence with those that border upon them, and on the least occasion, wage War one against another.

In this Countrey of Carolina (he [Page 135] saith) that there are several Indi­an Towns which are generally the Habitation of the King, that com­mands the Territory.

The Proprietors of Carolina.

This Province or Countrey of Carolina, The Pro­prieters of Caroli­na. was first Possessed by the English, about the year 1660, and became a Proprietorship; which his present Majesty K. Charles the Second, granted by Patent to the Right Noble, George Duke of Al­bemarle, Earl of Torrington, Ba­ron Moncke of Potheridge, Pea­champe and Teys, Knight of the Noble Order of the Garter, Cap­tain General of his Majesties Land-Forces, and one of the Lords of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council, &c. The Right Honourable, Edward Earl of Cla­rendon, [Page 136] Viscount Cornbury, and Baron Hide of Hendon, &c. The Right Honourable, William Earl of Craven, Viscount Craven of Uffington, Baron Craven of Ham­sted-Marshal, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Middlesex, and Bo­rouh of Southwark, and one of the Lords of his Majesties most Ho­nourable Privy Council, &c. The Right Honourable John Lord Berkley, Baron Berkley of Stratton, Lord Lievtenant of Ireland for his Majesty, &c. The Right Ho­nourable, Anthony Lord Ashley, Baron Ashley of Winbourn St. Giles, Chancellour of the Exchequor, un­der-Treasurer of England, one of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, and one of the Lords of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council, &c. The Honou­rable Sr. George Carteret of Haw­nes [Page 137] in Bedfordshire Baronet, Vice-Chamberlain of his Majesties Hou­shold, and one of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council, &c. Sr. William Berkley of in the County of Knight and Baronet, and to Sr. John Colleton of London, Knight and Baronet; and to their Heirs and Successors.

And the said Lords proprietors, having by their Patent, power to establish a Government, and make Lawes for the better Regulation thereof, and the inviting of Inha­bitants, have formed a Model, (which by the general consent of all the Proprietors) was drawn up by the Right Honourable the Lord Ashley, a person of great Worth, and Prudence; whose knowledg in matters of State, and the Settle­ment of a Government, is suffici­ently [Page 138] praise worthy by all perso [...] ▪ Which said Model is so well fr [...] med for the good and welfare [...] the Inhabitants, that it is estee [...] ed by all judicious persons withou [...] compare; but the said Model, b [...] ing too long to be set down in th [...] small Treatise, I must be constra [...] ned to omit it.

The Settlements of the English.

Here are at present two conside­rable Settlements of the English, for so short a time, the one at Al­bemarle-River in the North, and the other about the midst of the Countrey on Ashley River, which is likely to be the Scale of Trade for the whole Countrey, as being sci­tuate very Commodious for Ship­ping, and in a healthful place.

[Page] [Page]

[map of New England, Virginia, Maryland and Newfoundland]

A DESCRIPTION OF VIRGINIA.

Its Bounds.

VIRGINIA particularly now so called,Its Bounds. hath for its Sou­thern Limits, Carolina; for its Eastern, the Atlantick Ocean; for its Northern, Mariland; and for its Western, that vast tract of Land which runneth into the South-Sea.

Its Name.

This Countrey was said to b [...] first discovered by Sr. Franc [...] Drake (as indeed all this Tract o [...] Sea-Coast)Its Name and why so called. and was so named by Sir. Walter Rawleigh, (a great promoter of this discovery,) in honou [...] of Queen Elizabeth, who the [...] Reigned.

The Settlement of the English.

Much time was spent in the discovery of this Countrey, with vast expences in the setting forth of Ships and not without the great loss o [...] many a poor wretches life, besore it could be brought to perfection; but at length, through the Industry ofCapt. Smith, a great Promo­ter of the English setling at Virginia. Captain John Smith, and other worthy persons, who took great [Page 141] pains for the advancement of these discoveries, fortune began to smile [...]n her, and about the Reign of King James, a Patent was grant­ [...]d to certain persons as a Corpora­ [...]ion, and called the Company of Adventurers of Virginia. Af­terwards other Patents were granted to them for larger Extents of Land excluded in the former; [...]ut the said Corporation commit­ting of several, and frequent Mis­demeanours, and Miscarriages, the said Patent about the year 1623 was made Nul; since which it hath been free for all his Majesties Sub­jects, to Trade into these parts.

Its Air and Temperature.

This Countrey is blest with a sweet aud wholesome Air, and the Clime of late very agreeable to [Page 142] the English, Virginia nowvery health­ful. since the clearing o [...] Woods; so that now few dyeth o [...] the Countreys disease, called th [...] Seasoning.

The Soyl.

It is every where interlaced with delectable Hills, and rich Valleys and of a Soyl so Fertile, that an Acre of ground commonly yieldeth 200 Bushels of Corn, and is very apt to produce what is put therein, as English Grains, The Soyl very Rich. Roots, Seeds, Plants, Fruits, &c. besides those appropriated to the Countrey, and other adjacent parts of America.

Their Fruits.

Here are excellent Fruits in great abundance, Excellent Fruits. which may be compa­red with those of Italy or Spain, as [Page 143] Apricocks, Peaches, Mellons, Ap­ples, Pears, Plumbs, Cherries, Grapes, Figgs, Pomgranates, Quin­ces, Maracocks, Puchamines, Chesnuts, Walnuts, Olives, Stra­berries, Rasberries, Goosberries, and Mulberries in great abun­dance.

Of their Apples they make Sy­der; of their Pears, Perry; and of their Grapes, Wine.

Their Roots and Herbs.

They have several sorts of Roots,Plenty of Roots, & Herbs. as Potatoes, Carrets, Turnips, Ar­tichoaks, Onyons, Cabbages, Colly­flowers, Sparagus, &c. And most sort of Garden-herbs, known to us in great plenty.

Their Fowles, and Birds.

Here is great plenty of Fowle, Abun­dance of Fowle. as wild Turkeys, which usually weigh 6 stone; Partridges, Swans, Geese, Ducks, Teal, Widgeons, Dotterels, Heathcocks, Oxeyes, Brants, Pidgeons, Cranes, Herons, Eagles, and several sorts of Hawkes. And for small Birds▪ innumerable quantities of sundry sorts, as Blackbirds, Thrushes, Red­birds; and above all, the Mock­birds, which counterfeiteth the notes of all Birds.

Their Wilde Beasts, and Tame Cattle.

They have great store of wilde Beasts, as Lyons, Bears, Leopards, Tygers, Wolves, and Dogs like [Page 145] Wolves, but brake not; Virginia well sto­red with Beasts, & Tame Cattle. Buffeloes, Elks, whose Flesh is as good as Beef; Rosconnes, Utchunquois, Deer, Hares, Bevers, Ottors, Foxes, Martins, Poulcats, Wesells, Musk-Rats, Flying Squirils, &c. And for Tame Cattle, Cowes, Sheep, Goats, Hoggs, and Horses in great plenty.

Their Fish.

Here is great plenty of Excel­lent FishVariety of Fish, as well in the Sea, and Bay of Chesopeack, as in the Rivers, viz. Cods, Thornback, Sturgeon, Grampuses, Porpuses, Drums, Cat­Fish, Basses, Sheepsheads (which makes broath like that of Mutton) Cony-Fish, Rock-Fish, Creey-Fish, White Salmons, Mullets, Soles, Plaice, Mackrel, Trouts, Perches, Conger-Eels, Herrings, Crabs, Oy­sters, Shrimps, Cockles, Muscles, &c.

Commodities.

Commodities which this Coun­trey doth,The Pro­duct of the Country or may produce, are Hemp, Flax, Hops, Rape-Seed, An­niceseed, Wood, Madder, Pot-Ashes▪ Honey, Wax, Silk, (if they would make it, Mulberry-Trees here growing in such great plenty) Saxafras, Sarsaparilla, several swee [...] Gums, and Balsomes of Sovereign vertues, several sorts of Plants▪ Woods, &c. used by Dyers, here are veins of Alomes, Iron, and Cop­per, sundry sorts of Rich Furrs, Elk-skins (which maketh excellen [...] Buffe) and other Hides; Pitch, Tarr, Rozen, Turpentine, Butter, Cheese, and Salted Flesh and Fish, which find vent at the Barbadoes, and o­ther Caribbe Isles; but above all these, their chief Commodity is To­bacco, [Page 147] which they are sure to find vent for, and is the Standard by which all other Commodities are prized; but it were well for the Inhabitants if they would imploy their time, about the making of Silk, or some other Commodities, which in a short time would be found more advantageous unto them, & then their Tobacco would not be so great a Drug as of late it is, insomuch that the Merchant oft­times had rather lose it, then to pay the charges and Duties of Freight, Custome, Excise, &c.

Here groweth a kind of Flax, called Silk-grass, of which the Indians make Thred, and Strings, and is good to make Linnen-cloth, and Shifts, and would make ex­cellent strong Cables.

Their Trade.

Here all Trades-men, especially Handicrafts finds good encourage­ment; and for those Commodities aforesaid, the English (who have the sole Trade) bring them all sorts of Apparel, all manner of Utin­sills, Their Trade. belonging to Household-stuf, or necessary in their Plantations, or otherwise; also Wine, Brandy, and other strong Drinks; likewise all Silks, Stuf and Cloth, both Lin­nen and Wollen, which they con­vert to several uses according to their Fancyes, being now supply­ed by Taylors.

Their Trees.

Here groweth sundry sorts of Trees, of the red and white Oak [Page 149] Black Walnut, Several good Woods. Cedar, Pine Cy­prus, Chesnut, Poppler, Ash, Elm, &c. many of which are very good for the building of Ships, and other uses.

The Rivers.

This Country is well watered with several great, and strong Ri­vers which lose themselves in the Gulph or bay of Chesopeak, which gives entrance for shipping in this Country, as also to Mary-Land next adjoyning; which said Bay is very large, Capacious, and Co­modious for Shipping, being said to run up into the Countrey north­wards near 75 Leagues; its breadth in many places, being 5, 6, or 7 Leagues, and sometimes more, and 6 or 7 Fathom deep, and its ope­ning to the South between Cape-Henry, [Page 150] which begineth Virginia, and Cape-Charles on the other side opposite, being about 10, or 12 Leagues wide.

The principal of these Rivers begining at Cape-Henry, Its chief Rivers. are Paw­hatan, now called James-River, be­ing very large & Commodious for ships, and found navigable about 50 Leagues. Pamaunke, now York-River, also large and Navigable, a­bout 20 Leagues. Rapahanock or Toppahanock, likewise a good River and Navigable, about 40. Leagues, which is the last Ri­ver of Virginia Northwardly, that falls into the Bay of Cheso­peack.

Their Townes.

Upon, or near, these Rivers for the conveniency of shipping, [Page 151] the English are seated, which at present do amount unto the num­ber of about 30, or 40000, and have some Townes, the chief a­mongst which, is James-Town, James Town. or rather James City, commodiously seated James-River; the Town is beautified with many fair and well built Brick Houses, and as it is the chief town of the Countrey; here is kept the Courts of Judica­ture and Offices of publique con­cern; not far from which, at Green-Spring, resideth the Governour Sir William Berkley.

Next to James-town may be reckoned that of Elizabeth, Elizabeth Town. seated at the mouth of the said River, a well built Town.

Also Dales-gift,Dales Gift. Wicocomoco, Bermuda, and others.

The English Government.

This Countrey is Governed by Laws agreeable with those of Eng­land, Virginia under a good Go­verment. for the deciding of all Causes both Civil and Criminal; which said Laws are thus made by the Governour, appointed by his Ma­jesty, with the consent of the Ge­neral Assembly, which doth consist of his Council, and the Burgesses chosen by the Free-holders.

And for the better Government, the Countrey, which is possessed by the English, is divided into seve­ral Counties, in each of which are Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, and other Officers, which are from time to time appoynted by the Governour; The names of the Counties are those of Carotuck, The Counties. Charles, Glocester, Hartford, Hen­rico, [Page 153] James, New-Kent, Lancastar, Middlesex, Nansemund, Lower-Norfolk, Northampton, Northum­berland, Rappahanock, Surrey, Warwick, Westmorland, Isle of Wight, and York, and in each of these Counties, are held petty Courts, every month from which there may be Appeales to the Quarter-Court held at James-Town.

The Natives or Indians.

Virginia was, and yet is the habitation of divers sorts of Indi­ans, which have no dependance upon each other, being of parti­cular Tribes, and having their pe­culiar King to Govern them; eve­ry Indian-Town, or rather poor Village, being the habitation of a King; and these People do rather [Page 154] live at enmity, than amity together. And as to their Dispositions, Man­ners, Religions, &c. there is found a difference, but most of all in their Languages; so that those Peo­ple may not improperly be called so many several Nations.

They are generally a sort of people well proportionate, stout, of a swarthy complexion, their Hair black, and flaggy, which they wear long; they are of a ready Wit, very Subtile, and Treache­rous, not much addicted to labour, being too great lovers of their ease; they are much given to Hunting, and going to Wars with each other, their Weapons being the Bow and Arrows, at which they are very ex­pert, being good marks-men; but of late they have got the use of Guns, and other Weapons, through the folly of the English in [Page 155] shewing them. They are very lo­ving and obedient to their Kings; in matters of Religion, they ob­serve strange Ceremonies, and their Priests (which are esteemed Conjurers) makes Sacrifices for them. They believe the Transmi­gration of the Soul, and have strange fancies about the Creation of they World, they believe there is a God, but think he hath something else to do then to concern himself with things below, as too inferiour for him, and do therefore not Worship him; but the Divel they worship out of a fear, least he should destroy them, as having the power of them.

Their Apparel is but mean,Their Apparel only contenting themselves with something to cover their Naked­ness; and for the better defen­ding themselves from the weather, [Page 156] they anoynt their Bodyes with certain Oyles mixt with Beares Grease.

Their Houses are no better then our English Hogsties, Their Houses. and are made of Boughs, and covered with Bark of Trees; and in the midst thereof, is placed their Chimney, or Fire-place.

Their Dyet in meaness,Their Dyet. is ans­werable to their Houses, not en­deavouring to please their Pal­lets with curious Sauces, or pom­pering their Bodies with pro­vokative Meates.

A DESCRIPTION OF MARYLAND.

Its Scituation and Bounds.

THe Province of Maryland lying between the de­grees of 37, and 50 mi­nutes, or thereabouts, and 40 degrees of Northern La­titude. It hath for its Bounds on the South, Virginia, (from which it is parted by the River Patow­meck, [Page 158] whose Southerly bank di­vides the Province from Virginia;) on the East, the Atlantick Ocean, and Delaware-Bay; on the North, New-England, and New-York, formerly part of New-England, lying on the East side of Delaware-Bay; and on the West, the true Meridian of the first fountain of the River of Patowmeck.

The Bay of Chesopeack giving entrance to Ships into Virginia, Cheso­peak Bay. and Maryland, passeth through the heart of this Province, and is found Navigable near 200 miles; into which falls the Rivers of Patow­meck, Patuxent, Ann-Arundel, (alas Severn) and Sasquesahanough, Its Ri­vers. lying on the West side of the Bay; and to the East of the said Bay, those of Choptanke, Nantecoke, Pocomoke, and several other Ri­vers and Rivulets, to the great [Page 159] improvement of the Soyl, and Beauty of this Province.

The Countrey of late, since the Felling of the Woods, and the Peo­ples accustoming themselves to English Dyet, is very healthful and and agreeable to the constitution of the English, The Country very healthful few now dying at their first coming, of the Countreys disease, or Seasoning. And as to the Temperature of Air, the heats in Summer, receive such seasonable allayes from gentle breezes, and fresh Showres of Rain; and the Cold in Winter, is of so little du­rance, that the Inhabitants cannot be said to suffer by either.

The Soyl, &c.

The Countrey is generally plain and even, yet rising in some pla­ces into small and pleasant Hills, [Page 160] which heighten the beauty of the adjacent Valleys.

The Soyl is Rich and Fertil, naturally producing all such Com­modities as are in the precedent dis­course set down as peculiar to its neighbouring Colony, Virginia; as all sorts of Beasts and Fowle both Tame and Wild;For the Beasts, Fowl, Fish, Fruits, &c. See in the Descrip­tion of Virginia. Fish, Fruits, Plants, Roots, Herbs, Gums, Trees, Balsomes, &c. as likewise all Com­modities produced by Industry, are here found in as great plenty and perfection: But the general trade of Maryland depends chiefly up­on Tobacco, which being esteem­ed better for a Forreign Market than that of Virginia, finds great Vent abroad, and the Planters at home; in exchange thereof, are furnished by the Merchant with all necessaries, for himself, his House,Family, and Plantation.

[Page 161] Their is a Competent stock of ready mony in this Province both of English,Their Coyns, & way of Trade. Forreign, and his Lordshipps own Coyne, yet their chief way of Commerce is by way of barter, or exchange of Commodi­ties, which may be judged to be no wayes inconsiderable, since 100 sail of Ships from England, and the English Plantations, have of late Yeares been known to trade thither in one Year.

The Natives.

The Natives, as to their Com­plexion, Stature, Customes, Dis­positions, Laws, Religions, Appa­rel, Dyet, Houses, &c. are much the same as those of Virginia, al­ready treated of; being likewise many different Tribes, or sorts of People, and each Govern'd by their particular King.

The Government, &c. of this Countrey.

This Province of Maryland, his Majesty King Charles the first in Anno 1632, granted by Patent to the Right Honourable Caecilius Calvert, Lord Baltemore, and to his Heires and Assignes; and by that Patent created him, and them, the true and absolute Lords and Propriators of the same, (sa­ving the Allegiance and Sove­raigne Dominion due to his Ma­jesty, Maryland well Go­verned. his Heirs, and Successours;) thereby likewise granting to them all Royal Jurisdictions, and Prero­gatives both Millitary and Civil; as power of enacting Laws, Mar­tial Laws, making of War, and Peace, pardoning of Offences, Conferring of Honours, Coyning [Page 163] of Money, &c. And in acknow­ledgement thereof, yeilding and and paying yearly to his Majesty, his Heires and Successors, two In­dian Arrows at Windsor Castle in the County of Berks, on Easter Tuesday; together with the fifth part of all the Gold and Silver Oare that shall be found there.

For the better inviting of peo­ple to settle here, his Lordship, by advice of the General Assembly of that Province, hath long since esta­blished a Model of good and whol­some Laws for the ease and be­nefit of the Inhabitants, with tol­leration of Religion, to all sorts that profess the Faith of Christ: which hath been a principal motive to many to settle under that Govern­ment, rather then in another where liberty of Conscience was de­nyed them.

Its division into Countyes.

This Province where it is peo­pled with English, is severed into 10 Counties; to wit, 5 Eastwards of Chesopeak Bay, The Names of the Countries as Cecil, Dor­chester, Kent, Sommerset, and Tal­bot; and 5 westwards of the said Bay, as Ann-Arundel, Baltemore, Calvert, Charles and St. Maries. And in every one of these Coun­tyes, there is held an inferiour Court every two months for small matters, from which there lyeth Appeales to the Provincial Court, held at St. Maryes. Here are like­wise certain Magistrates appoyn­ted by his Lordship in each Coun­ty, as Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, &c.

Their Townes.

The Inhabitants (being in num­ber at present about 16000) have begun the building of several Townes, which in few Yeares 'tis hoped may come to some per­fection; as Calverton, Herrington, and Harvy-Town, all Commodi­ously seated for the benefit of Trade, and conveniency of Ship­ping, but the principal Town is St. Maryes, S. Maries Town. seated on St. Georges River, being beautified with di­vers well-built Houses, and is the cheif place or scale of Trade for the Province, where the Gover­nour his Lordships Son and Heir, Mr. Charles Calvert hath his House, and where the General Assembly, and Provincial Courts are held, and Publique Offices [Page 166] kept; but at present the said Gover­nour doth reside at Mattapany, a­bout 8 Miles distant where he hath a fair and pleasant House. And for the better assisting the said Governour, in matters that concerns the Government of the Province, he hath his Council, &c.

A DESCRIPTION OF New-YORK.

ADjoyning to Mary-Land, Northwards, is a Colony called New-York, from his Royal Highness the Duke of York, the Proprietor thereof by grant from his Majesty, and is that part of New-England which the Dutch formerly seized, and called the New-Netherlands.

Its Fertility, &c.

It is a Countrey, of a Rich and Fertile Soyl, This Country very Fer­tile. well watered with Rivers, as is Mary-Land already spoken of, and is found to pro­duce the same Beasts, Birds, Fish, Fruits, Commodities, Trees, &c. and in as great plenty.

Its Town.

Here is one very considerable Town, first built by the Dutch, and called New-Amsterdam, New York which name is now changed to New-York: It is well seated both for Trade, Security, and Pleasure, in a small Isle called Mahatan, reguarding the Sea, made so by Hudsons-Ri­ver, which severeth it from Long-Island, which said River is very [Page 169] commodious for Shipping, and is about two Leagues broad. The Town is large, containing about five hundred well-built Houses; and for Civil Government, it hath a Mayor, Alderman, a Sheriff, and Justices of the Peace for their Magistrates. For the further se­curity of this Town, here is raised a Fort called James-Fort, which is very strong, and well Defen­ded and Maintained with Men, and Ammunition. The Town is Inhabited by the English, and Dutch, and hath a considerable Trade with the Indians, for the Skins of Elks, Deer, Bears, &c. also for those of Bever, Otter, and other Furrs; and doth likewise enjoy a good Trade with the En­glish.

The Natives.

This Countrey is also possessed with sundry sorts of people, not much unlike the Indians of Virgi­nia, being well-proportioned, Stout, Swarthy, Black haired, very ex­pert in their Bow, and Arrows, which are their chief weapons of War.The Dis­position of the Natives. They are courteous to the English, of a ready Witt, and very apt to receive Instructions from them; upon the least Offence, the man turneth away his wife, and marrieth again, and the Children be­gotten by her, she taketh with her, the man not regarding them. For­nication is here permitted. They observe several Ceremonies in their Religious Rites, and are said to worship the Devil, whom they greatly fear. Their Priests are [Page 171] no better than Sorcerers, who strangly bewitch these silly Crea­tures. When any woman findeth her self quick with Child, she keep­eth her self chast, or untouched by man until her delivery, the like she observeth in the time of her giving Suck. A strange custom which our European Dames would not well like of! They are very obedient and loving to their Kings: They believe the Transmigration of the Soul; and concerning the Creation of the World, have a strange fantastical opinions. They are much addicted to Dancing, Sports, and Recreations, observing Festival Times.

Their Habit is but mean,Their Habit & Dyet, &c. as the rest of the Indians, yet do they Paint and besmear their Faces with several Colours by way of Ornament.

[Page 172] There Dyet and Habitations are also as mean.

They are much addicted to go to Wars against one another, and do seldome give quarter to any but the Women and Children, whom they preserve, and make use of for the encreasing their strength.

A DESCRIPTION OF New-ENGLAND.

Its Situation.

NEw England is seated North of Maryland, which ac­cording to the report of Capt. Smith, hath 70 miles of Sea Coast, where are found di­vers good Havens, some of which are capable to harbour 500 Saile of Shipps from the fury the of Sea, and Winds, by reason of the [Page 174] interposition of several Isles (to the number of about 200) which lie about this Coast.

And although this Countrey is seated in the midst of the Tem­perate Zone, Its Scitu­ation. yet is the Clime more uncertain, as to Heat and Cold, then those European King­domes, which lie Parallel with it; and as to Virginia, this may be compared as Scotland is to Eng­land.

The Aire.

The Aire is here found very healthful,The Ayr. and very agreeable to the English, which makes them possess many potent Colonyes.

Its Inhabitants.

This Countrey is possessed by [Page 175] divers sorts of People, The Dis­position of the Natives much like those of Virginia. who are Go­verned by their particular Kings, and do much differ in Customes, and Manners, from one another, as those Indians inhabiting in Mary­Land, Virginia, and other parts of America. And do live generally at variance with each other. They have their several Townes and set­tlements, and their Riches doth consist in their Furs, and Skins, which they sell to the English.

When first inhabited by the English.

This Countrey became first to be a Colony of the English about the Year 1605, being granted by Patent from King James, to cer­tain proprietors under the name of the Plymouth Company; but di­vers years were spun out, with great [Page 176] expences, and not without sundry casualties befalling on the Adven­turers, before it became any thing considerable, and in a setled con­dition.

Their Rivers, and Fish.

This Country is well watered with Rivers, the chief amongst which, are Agamentico, Conecte­cut, Kinebequy, Merrimeck, Mishuin, Mistick, Neraganset, Pascataway, Pemnaquid, Tachobacco, &c. and in these Rivers, together with the Sea,Excel­lent Fish. are taken excellent Fish, as Cod, Thornback, Sturgeon, Por­puses, Haddock, Salmons, Her­rings, Mackeril, Oysters, Lobsters, Crab-Fish, Tortoise, Cocles, Mus­cles, Clams, Smelts, Eels, Lam­prons, Alewives, Basses, Hollibuts, Sharks, Seales, Grampus, and Whales.

Their Fowles, and Birds.

Here are great variety of Fowls, as Phesants, Partridges, Heath­Cocks, Turkeys, Geess, Ducks, Hernes, Cranes, Cormorants, Swans, Widgins, Sheldrakes, Snipes, Doppers, Blackbirds, the Humbird, Loon, &c.

Their Beasts, both Tame and Wild.

Their Wild Beasts of chief note, are Lyons, Beares, Foxes, Rac­koons, Mooses, Musquashs, Otters, Bevers, Deer, Hares, Coneys, &c. and for Tame Beasts, Cowes, Sheep, Goates, Swine, and Horses.

Amongst the hurtful things in this Countrey, Hurtfull things. the Rattle-Snake is most dangerous. Here are also se­veral [Page 178] sorts of Stinging Flyes; which are found very troublesome to the Inhabitants.

Their Trees, and Fruits.

Here are sundry sorts of Trees,Fruits. as the Oak, Cyprus, Pine, Chesnut, Caedar, Walnut, Firr, Ash, Asp, Elm, Alder, Maple, Birch, Sasa­fras, Sumach, several Fruit-Trees, as Apples, Pears, Plumbs, with several others that are growing in Virginia, and Mary-land, which I have already took notice of.

Their Commodities, and Trade.

This Countrey affordeth several sorts of rich Furrs, Commo­dities & Trade. Flax, Linnen, Amber, Iron, Pitch, Tarr, Ca­bles, Masts, and Timber to build Ships, also several sorts of Grain, &c.

[Page 179] The Inhabitants drive a con­siderable Trade to Barbadoes, and other our American Plantations, in supplying them with Flower, Bisket, Salt, Flesh, and Fish, &c. and in return bring Sugars, and other Commodities, as well for their own use, as to sell again. They also drive a considerable Trade with England for wearing Apparrel, Stuffs, Silks, Cloth, se­veral Utensils for their Houses, Iron, Brass, and such like things that are useful to man and not found a­mongst them.

As to the Coyns, Weights, and Measures of New-England, and the rest of the American Plantations belonging to his Majesty, they are the same with those of London, but as to Coyns, they are not much made use of in Trade, their way being bartering of one Commodi­ty [Page 180] for another; but at Jamaica they have plenty of Spanish Coins, and at Barbadoes those of England.

The English now Inhabiting in New-England, are very nume­rous, and powerful, having a great many Towns, many of which are considerable.

The English Government.

The Inhabitants are Governed by Laws of their own making,The Go­vern­ment of the Inha­bitants of New-England. and have their several Courts, and pla­ces of Judicature, and assemble together, at their set times, and places, as well for the making of New Lawes, abolishing of Old, Hearing, and Determining of Causes; as for the Election of a Governour, Deputy-Governour, Assistants, Burgesses, and other Magistrates, (every Town having two Burgesses) each County Annu­ally [Page 181] Electing such like Officers, for the looking after the like Affairs in the said Colony. And in matters that concern Religion, and Church­Government, they are very strict and make a great shew, being much of the stamp of the Ridgid Presby­terians.

The Towns.

Here are several Towns,Boston. as Bo­ston, the Metropolis of New-Eng­land, Commodiously seated for Traffique on the Sea-Shore; It is at present a very large and spacious Town, or rather City, composed of several well-ordered Streets, and graced with fair and beautiful Hou­ses, which are well Inhabited by Merchants, and Trades-men, who drive a considerable Trade for such Commodities as the Countrey affor­eth [Page 182] to Barbadoes, and the other Ca­ribbee Isles, as also to England, and Ireland; taking in exchange such Commodities as each place afford­eth, or are found useful to them. It is a place of a good strength, ha­ving two or three Hills adjoyning, on which are raised Fortifications, with great Peices mounted there­on, which are well guarded.

Charles-Town, Charles Town. seated on and be­tween the Rivers Charles and Mi­stick; it is beautified with a large and well-built Church, and near the River side is the Market-place, from which runneth two Streets, in which are divers good Houses.

Dorchester scituate near the Sea, Dorche­ster. where there falleth in two Rivulets. An indifferent Town.

Cambridg, Cambridg formerly New-Town seated on the River Merrimeck: this Town consisteth of several [Page 183] Streets, and is beautified with two Colledges, and divers fair, and well built Houses.

St. Georges-Fort, St. Geor­ges Fort. seated on the mouth of the River Sagadebock.

New-Plimouth, seated on that large Bay of Potuxed.

Reading, Reading. commodiously seated about a great Pond, and well-wa­tered, and Inhabited. In this Town are two Mills, one for Corn, and the other for Timber.

Salem, Salem. pleasantly seated betwixt two Rivers.

Other Towns placed Al­phabetically.

Berwick, Braintree, Bristol, Con­cord, Dartmouth, Dedham, Dover, Exeter, Falmouth, Glocester, Greens-Harbour, Hampton, Hartford, Ha­verhil, Hingham, Hull, Ipswich, [Page 184] Lin, Maulden, New-bury, New-Ha­von, Northam, Norwich, Oxford, Rowley, Roxbury, Salisbury, Sand­wich, Southampton, Spring-field, Sudbury, Taunton, Water-Town, Wenham, Weymouth, Woburne, and Yarmouth.

Most of these Towns beareth the names from those in England, and many of them are of good account, being commodiously seated, either on the Sea-Shore, or on Naviga­ble Rivers, and are well Inhabited. And most of those Towns are known to the Indians by other Names.

A DESCRIPTION OF NEW-FOƲND-LAND.

NEwfoundland is an Island in Extent equal to England, Its Scitu­ation. from whence it is distant little above 600 Leagues, lying near half way between Ire­land, and Virginia.

It is scituated betwixt the de­grees of 46, and 53 of Northern Latitudes, and it is only severed from the Continent of America, by [Page 186] an Arm of the Sea, like that which separates England from France.

Its Bays, Rivers, Fish, Fowl, Beasts, &c.

It is Famous for many spacious and excellent Bayes, Its Bayes and Ri­vers. and Harbours, and within the Land for the vari­ety of Fresh Springs, whose waters are exceeding delicious.

It is enriched by nature,Its Fish, Fowles, Beasts, with plenty of Fish, Land, and Water-Fowl, and sufficiently stockt with Deer, Hares, Otters, Foxes, Squirils, and other Beasts which yield good Furrs: And though not over-run generally with Woods, it doth af­ford (besides store of Fewel) abun­dance of stately Trees, Trees. fit for Tim­ber, Masts, Planks, and sundry o­ther uses.

The soile and Climate.

The Soile in most places is repu­ted fertile; the Climate whol­some, though the rigour of the win­ter season, and the excess of Heats in Summer, doth detract something from its due praise.

How Inhabited.

The North and West part of this Countrey the Native-Indians Inhabit,Its Inha­bitants. though but few in num­ber, and those a more rude and savage sort of People then those of New-England and other places in the adjacent Contenent, already taken notice of.

New-found-Land first discove­red by the English.

The Island, The En­glish the true Pro­prieto [...]s of New­F [...]und-land of New-found Land was first discovered by the Eng­lish, who are the true Propriators thereof, excluding all Forreigne right, and justifying the same to be­long to the Crown of England on­ly, whose Interest hath been there continued by several, under the Reigns of divers Kings & Queens.

In the year 1623,The Ld. Bal­temore the pro­prietor of Avalon in New-Found-Land. Sir George Calvert Knight, then Principal Se­cretary of State and afterwards Ld. Baltemore, obtained a Patent of part of New-found-land; which was erected into a Province, and called Avalon; where he caused a Planta­tion to be setled, and a stately House and Fort to be built at Ferryland, and afterwards Transported him­self [Page 189] and Family thither, and conti­nuing the Plantation by his Deputy, till by descent (after his Lordships decease) it came to his son and heir the Right Honorable Caecilius, now Lord Baltemore, who by De­puties from time to time, was no less careful to preserve his Interest there, which (though during the late troubles in England, it was by Sir David Kirkes means, for some years discontinued, he was soon re­invested in the same by his Maje­sties most happy Restauration.

There is no part of New-found-land generally more happy for mul­tiplicity of excellent Bayes, and Harbours, then this Province, and where vast quantities of Fish are yearly caught by the English, espe­cially at Ferryland, and the Bay of Bulls. But the whole Coast of the Island, affords infinite plenty of [Page 190] Codd, and Poor-John, which is the chief Commodity of the Isle, which is grown to a setled Trade, for these many years, to the enrichment of all those that Trade thither.

A great bank of Land.

East of Newfoundland, A great bank of Land. over a­gainst Cape-Ray, at the distance of about 70 miles, lyeth a great Bank of Land, of about 300 miles in Length, and not above Seventy­five in Breadth, where broadest. It lyes under the Sea many Fa­thoms deep, so the Ships of a con­siderable Burthen may ride over it: and about this Banck lyes dis­persed several small Isles, called by St. Sebastion Cabot (the first discoverer) Los Baccaloos, or the Isles of Cod-fish, from the prodi­gious quantities of Cod-Fish there [Page 191] found, which were said to obstruct [...]he passage of his Vessels.

The Trade to this Island.

The French, A great Trade here dri­ven. Dutch, Biscaners, and other Nations that yearely Trade hither amounting to be­tween 3 or 400 Vessels, are assu­red to find sufficient Freight of Cod and Poor John, which they find good vent for in the Streights, Spaine, France- and other Coun­treys to their great profit and en­couragement.

And were the English diligent to inspect the advantage that might accrue to this Nation, by settling Plantations on the Island, and raising Fortifications, for the security of the place; we might give Law to all forreigners that come to Fish there, and in few [Page 192] Years engross the whole Fishery to our selves: the greatest Bal­lance perchance of Forraigne Trade.

FINIS.

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