THE PRESENT STATE OF Jamaica.

THE Island of Jamaica in America is Situated in about 182 North Latitude, in the Sea called Mare Del Nort; it lies about 140 Leagues North of the Main Continent of America, South from the great Island of Cuba about 15 Leagues, and from Hispaniola West about 20 Leagues.

The Island is of an Oval Form, and lies due East and West, having a continued Ridge of lofty Moun­tains [Page 2] running from one end to the other. By the Map and Survey which Sir Thomas Lynch took, it's above 150 Miles long, and from 25 to 50 Miles broad, de plano, and contains four Millions and a half of Acres; it's imagined, if this Island were divided into eight parts, one is Excellent Pasturage, called by the Indians Savannas, 4/8 good Plantable Land, ⅜ Barren or unplantable.

In the Year 1675, when Sir Tho­mas Lynch left the Government, there was above 900000 Acres pass'd and Planted, and to Manure and Culti­vate it about 30000 of all sorts of People.

This Island is not generally so Fer­tile and proper for Sugar as Barba­does has been, the Soyl being ex­treamly differing; for in some parts 'tis a black fat Earth, and in others stiff and Clayie, in others Sandy, and in some Reddish, but by pareels; it's therefore the Settlements are di­stinct, [Page 3] Mountainous, and Unplant­able Land interposing betwixt them make them appear like so many se­veral Colonies, and has occasioned this Division of the Parishes, St. Thomas at the East, St. Elizabeth at the West, St. Johns and St. Thomas in the Vale. In the Island, St. Georges, St. Maries, and St. Anns, the North side: St. Davids, St. Andrews, Port Royal, St. Catharines, St. Dorothies, Clarendon and Vere on the South side. The greatest Plains, and almost all the Savannas or Pasturage is on the South side; they are all taken up and Stock'd with Cattel; on the South side likewise is Port Royal and all the best Ports and Roads, and most considerable Plantations, this side being dry, plain, more agreeable, and much quicker and safer Coast than the North, for that in the Spring is apt to violent Gusts of Winds, and much more subject to Rains than the South, as the East, [Page 4] and all Parts is that is Woody and Mountainous; nor has the North side any safe Port, but Port Antonio, to the Wind-ward, which is subject to violent and constant Rains, and the Land about it Morsey and Moun­tainous, so no Settlements are near it. The other Lee-ward Parishes have Port St. Maries, that is Reaso­nably good and safe, but they have (especially in St. Maries Parish) abundance of Excellent Plantations of Coccoa, many Sugar-works, and Provision Plantations that are sup­ported and carried on by Hunting and gathering Pimento, with which this Quarter abounds. Thus Plan­tations were begun, and the Govern­ment settled in Sir Thomas Lynch his time, and now the Inhabitants find the goodness of that Soyl Liberally Recompence the want of Harbours and Pasturage, and distance from the Chief Port and Seat of Government, for its very Fertile Land [Page 5] covered with Excellent Timber; it's a little Hilly, but full of fine Rivers, and all Conveniencies for Plantations.

The Climate is as agreeable as any can be betwixt the Tropicks, the Air being very serene and clear, even to a Proverb among the Spaniards: It's subject to Thunder and Light­ning, as all Countries in that Lati­tude are; the Rains come uncer­tainly, but most expected about November and May, they are gene­rally violent, continue an uncertain time, are unhealthy, and breed Mus­ketoes, that are the greatest Plague in the Island, but are troublesom only the Rainy Seasons, and in most places where they have not good Houses, a free Air, clean Yards, &c.

This Climate subjects no body inevitably to Diseases, here being no such thing as Seasoning, which is common in Ireland and Virginia, &c. Sir Tho. Lynch at St. Jago and [Page 6] thereabouts lost not one Person o [...] his Family that consisted of abou [...] Thirty all the time of his Govern­ment. But to many Persons the Heat is unsupportable, because it's so constant, and its Reflections so violent, otherwise it is not greate [...] than our Summers in England. I [...] is Excess in Eating, Drinking, Exercising Debauchery, &c. that to new comers and full Bodies often bring Fevers, Calentures, and such Diseases, that are infinitely more Acut [...] than those here, and Cured by othe [...] Methods. To Servants, poor Labouring People, &c. the Dropsie i [...] the most common of all other Diseases; they and Debauch'd Person are the most subject to Belly-aches caused usually by their Disorders want of convenient Lodging, Cloathing, Exercise, Diet, but sometime by ill chosen Seats when they Plan [...] in low Valleys, and have no Air, o [...] by Rivers, and have too much moisture, [Page 7] or by Mountains or Morossos, and have too much Rain, or by the Sea-side and on Bays, where they are Sandy, want good Water, and have the Reflection of the Sun too vio­lent; for this Island differs one part from another as much in the temper of the Climate, as nature of the Soyl: For the East Parts are Moun­tainous, Rainy, and generally Fer­tile and unhealthful. The South Part dry, plain, very pleasant, abound­ing with Ports and Pasturage. The West is between both, only that and the South want Rivers, which the North side abounds with, and Rich Land, as likewise good Hunt­ing and gathering Pimento in the Mountains, and Fishing on the Sea-Coasts; and by what the Spaniards have told us, and some little Disco­very we have made, we think di­vers of the Mountains have Mine­rals.

The Winter Months here have only the Nights, Mornings and Eve­nings cooler, the Days as hot as Summer, and about fifteen Hours long Winter and Summer.

The Winds blow not an hours variation commonly here as they do every where betwixt the Tro­picks, that is Easterly, which they call Breeses, near the Island they rise not till about Nine in the Morning, and usually cease at about six or seven at Night; they come in gently, and grow as the Sun rises, and in the Evening comes in a kind of Westernly Wind, which we call Land-breese, because it blows off the Land, and with it the Vessels go out of Port: And to the West, that is, the Wind-ward, as the East is called Lee-ward. This Island has never been troubled with those dreadful Hurricanes that so often Ruine and Afflict the Charibe Islands, Portorico, Hispaniola, Cuba, and [Page 9] many parts of the Main. Here is no great Ebb or Flood of the Sea, we have not Observed above a foot difference, nor can any Pilot give any certain Account of the Currents of these Seas, they are so various and uncertain, nor can any guess why the Hurricanes and Earthquakes should never touch Jamaica, since they so often Afflict all the Islands and Continent.

None of the Rivers of this Island are fair or Navigable, because the Countrey is very Mountainous, and these Hills running through the Centre of it East and West, the Ri­vers rise in them, and disembogue North and South; so falling out of these high Mountains are very Rap­pie, and because of the great Rains in them, are subject to Inundations that carry great stone Rocks and Timber along with the Torrent, so make their usual Course foul and unpassable for Boats, and make and [Page 10] change the Bars. There are divers dry Rivers which hinder the Boats from entring into the Countrey, as particularly Minoa, that runs through Clarendon, which at some time has not a drop of Water, and at other times as much as the Thames at High Water.

The Mountains, whether Stony or Plantable, are generally covered with Excellent Timber for all Uses, both for Curiosity, Building, and Dying abundance of Fruit and Spice Trees: These Mountains are full of Hoggs, and there is probability of Minerals, but no Trees or Fruit that resemble ours in England.

There's no Towns in this Island but on the South side, at the East by Port St. Thomas, Port Morant, se­veral Houses called Rapp-Houses, which serve for Store-Houses and Ale-Houses for the Neighbourhood, and such Vessels as use that Port, which are but few, because the [Page 11] Governour has not yet permitted Vessels to Discharge there.

At St. Davids is Yhallows Bay, about seven Leagues from Port St. Thomas, as far from Port Royal, there is several Ale-Houses and Store-Houses.

At Liguania, the in-side of the Harbour, opposite to Port Royal about two Leagues, is several Houses, some of them very handsom, and well Built, which place in time is like to become a pretty Town.

Port Royal is Situate on the ex­tream Point of Land that makes the Harbour: It runs about Twelve Miles from the Main off the Land Westernly. It has to the South the Sea, to the North the Harbour, which is the largest, safest, and most convenient in America. This Neck of Land is exceeding narrow, and nothing but a loose Sand that has neither Grass, Stone, Water, nor Trees. But being so Commodious [Page 12] for Ships, that they are Secure all Weathers, and can unload a Float at the Merchants Key: It is the most Populous place for Trading in the Island, and there only Ships enters and are dispatch'd. In the Spaniards time there was no Houses, the Sea-men of Cromwel's Fleet begun the Town, by Building Store-Houses, and called it Cogway, as we judge corruptly, from the Spanish word La aguia. Col. Doyly caused it to be laid out as a Town, but not very Regularly. In Sir Char. Littleton's time it was called Port Royal, from the Excellency of the Harbour. It now contains above 1500 Houses, there is a House, though none of the best, belonging to the King: And in the Earl of Carlile's time a fine New Church, Built partly by Liberal Subscription of divers Gentlemen Inhabiting the Island, and partly by an Assessment laid upon the Inhabitants of the Port.

Going from Port Royal to St. Jago de la Vega, People Land at Passage, where a Fort was in Col. Doyly's time, and there is about Thirty Houses that are Store-Houses, Ale-Houses, and Horse-keepers, and Hackney Coaches; this being the greatest Passage in the Island, it is two Leagues from Port Royal by Sea, and six Miles from St. Jago by Land.

St. Jago de la Vega is Situated in a large Plain by a River that is called pro de Cabre, as having a taste of that Metal, or coming out of those Moun­tains in Liguania, where the Spaniards told us they found of it. This Town was almost quite Deserted when Sir Tho. Lynch came to the Government, but in his time about Forty Houses were Built, and Re­paired about one Hundred more. The Grand Court is holden Quar­t [...]rly in this Town, and a Fair was Erected in Sir Tho. Lynch his time; [Page 14] it has one Spanish Church, and Gen­tlemens Houses that made it look well during the time the Governour Lived there, but since that time it is much increased in Number of Beautiful Buildings and Inhabitants.

At Old Harbour, about seven Miles West from St. Jago, are about Thirty Houses for the Uses and Ac­commodation of Vessels, and Store-Houses for Planters Goods, this be­ing esteemed the best Harbour, ex­cepting Port Royal, in the South side. By the Spaniards it was more Frequented.

At Withy Wood, Twenty Miles to the West, is about forty or fifty Houses for the Accommodation of Vessels, that Road being more fre­quented than any other on the South side, there being good Land, many Settlements, and a Pleasant Coun­trey all about it.

At the Extensive Point of Port Royal was Built a Round Tower by [Page 15] Cromwel's Sea-men in 1656, in 1657 and 1658 Col. Doyly laid the Foun­dation of a more Regular one, which Sir Charles Littleton near Fi­nished in 1664, and Sir Tho. Mody­ford in his time, which was to the Year 1671, quite finished, and Mounted in it about 36 Guns, Em­ploying the Round Tower only as a Store-House for Ammunition. Be­sides this he Built a Breast-work of stone, that run from the Harbour to the Sea about 200 Yards, this was to Defend the Town from any sur­prize by Land, as the Castle was to Defend the Mouth of the Harbour. It was Named by Sir Charles Little­ton, Charles Fort, in Honour of His Majesty. In Sir Tho. Lynch his time was Built a Fort, called James Fort, Built by Sir Thomas, and the Volun­tary Contribution of some Gentle­men: On the Island Point of the Town, to flank the Ships at turning into the Harbour, and Batter them [Page 16] when at Anchor in it, which the Castle cannot: He likewise made a slight Work for that purpose at Pri­son Point, where six Guns were Mounted, and at Port Morant four Guns, and a Breast-work raised to Defend the Port.

Another likewise at Old Harbour, which was done in Sir Tho. Lynch his time, but many more were added in the time of the Earl of Carlisle.

The Commodities the Countrey produces are Excellent Sugars, Cocoa, Cotton, Hides, Ginger, Tobacco, Tortoise shell, Indico, Primento, Fustick, Brazilletto, Lignum Vitae, Granadilla, Ebony; besides some Gums, Achot Drugs, &c.

This Island abounds with Cattle, and the Islands of Spaniola, Portico, and Cuba do the like; so does many Parts of the Main, the first Breed being brought out of Europe; for before the Discovery, there was none of our Cattel, great or small [Page 17] in the West Indies: In Jamaica they Multiplyed so exceedingly, that when the English took the Island, a Cow was not worth above a Piece of Eight, and a Horse half as much. But the Army destroy'd them so, that in the Year 1671, when Sir Tho. Lynch came to the Government, a Cow was worth Twelve or Four­teen pounds, but by the goodness of the Pasture, and the Cattle Sir Thomas Imported from the Spaniards, they increased so, that in the Year 1675 they were worth but four pounds per Head, one with another. Besides, here is plenty of good sprightly Horses, some Mules and Asnegroes, abundance of Hogs, Goats, and Sheep, whose Wool is hairy, the Flesh not generally so good as in England; they breed often, but live not well, unless about Al­ligater Ponds. Rabbets live well enough, but there's no Hare nor Deer in the Island.

In this Countrey is Hens, Turkeys, and Ducks, bred better, and are better flesh than in England. Geese are but rare, there's abundance of Excellent Wild Fowl, as Guiny Hens, Flemingoes, Teale, Ducks, Curlews, with great variety of Pidgeons, Tur­tles, Parrots, Maces, and other Birds, whose Flesh is good, and Feathers finely coloured.

There is store of Fish, both in the Sea and divers Rivers, not much common to England, but a King of Lobster, Craw-fish, Eels, Mullers, and Spanish Mackrael, with abun­dance of all sorts of Admirable Fish proper to those Seas. Tortoise are taken much on this Coast, but chiefly at the Island Cay Manos, 30 Leagues to the West of this Island, whither the Vessels go May, June, and July to Load of their Flesh that they Pickle in Bulk, and take them in that Season, when they come on shore to lay their Eggs, which they [Page 19] do, and cover them with Sand that hatches them, and then by instinct they crawl to the Sea, where they Live, and feed on Weeds that grows in the bottom, or floats. In many Rivers and Ponds of Jamaica there's vast Numbers of Crocodiles, or Al­legators, that is an Amphibious Creature, and breeds of an Egg, hatch'd by the Sun in the sand. A Tortoise Egg is just like the Yolk of a Hen-Egg, of which she lays near a Peck at a time; but the Allegator but a few, and are like a Turkeys; their Flesh is not good, they are voracious, and live on Fowls and Beasts that they catch by surprize, but seldom or never hurt any Man.

Here's an Indian Coney, called Raccoones, that is good Meat, but of a distastful shape, being some­thing like an over-grown Rat: The Snakes in this Island are not at all hurtful, but were eaten by the In­dians as Regaloes, as the Guanaes are [Page 20] by the Spaniards; it is but small, and of the shape of an Allegator, the Flesh is sweet and tender: The most Offensive thing in this Island are divers sorts of Flies, called Mery­wings, from their Noise; Mutquet­toes, from their Littleness; Galli­nippors, from their Biting; for all sting and trouble People exceeding­ly: And in some parts of the North there's little ugly Creatures, called by the English Gallivaches, whose bite is Mortal to Dogs, Goats, &c.

There is in this Island none of the Fruit common to Europe but Oranges, Lemons, and Limes (a Bastard Lemon) Citrons, Pomgra­nats, Grapes grow well enough; here is a Wild sort the Spaniards made Red Wine of: The English have but few Vines, and they require much time to Cultivate them, and are so difficultly defended from the Parrots, and other Birds, and not Ripening altogether. We think it [Page 21] impossible to make Wine without great quantities and great Labour; for in the Countrey after every Sea­son there's a Spring, so that the Grapes and all Fruits shoot out after, it have therefore Blossoms, Young Fruit, and Ripe all at the same time. Besides these Fruit in Jamaica, there is abundance of Plantains, Bonanoes, Tamarinds, Cathus, Guavaes, Mum­mees, and small Oysters that grow in Clusters on Mangroves by the Sea-side, Sapolaes, Supotilla, Adue­cades, Star-Apples, Custard-Apples, and Prickle-Apples, Pears, Pine-Apples, Prickle-Pears, Plumbs of divers sorts.

The Common Bread that Ordi­nary Planters and Servants use, is Cassader, in its stead Potatoes. But the Gentlemen make Bread of Flour that comes from England and New York.

English Flowers would grow in this Island without Care and Charge, [Page 22] but they have large and extraordi­nary Jessemine-Trees, and other Odoriferous Trees and Plants.

Likewise there grows exceeding well all our Summer Herbs, so does Pease, Beans, Cabbage; and Tur­neps, though not very well. But Carrots, Raddish, Onions pretty well. By Art, Care, and Pains Gar­dinage would do better here than in the South parts of Spain; for though our Rains are more violent, our Droughts are not so frequent and long.

In this Island are abundance of Medicinal Herbs, Roots, and Plants. We have Venillaes; here's China, Sar­saparilla, Gum Guaicum, Benjamin, &c.

The Common Drink of the Gen­tlemen is Madera Wine and Water; at the Sugar-works they make Drink of Malasses, in other places of Cas­sader, which they call Perinoe, and of Potatoes, called Mobbie; and like­wise [Page 23] of Bonanoes. A Drink is made of a Spirit, called Rum, Distilled from the Canes, they make great quantities, which does Mischief, be­ing very strong and unpleasant, yet drunk by the Ordinary People ex­cessivly, that causes Drunkenness, Disorder, Poverty, Diseases.

The 11th. of October, 1492, Col­lumbus Discovered the Lucca's Islands, Spaniola, and Cuba, and shortly after return'd for Spain. In his second Voyage, endeavouring to round Cuba, to know whether it was an Island or no, he Discovered Jamaica the 14th. of May, 1494. and called it St. Jago, which Name did not take, he staid but little on it at its Disco­very; but in his Third Voyage, in the Year 1503, the 23d. of June, he arrived there again, Ship-wrackt, and in great Distress, his Vessels quite disabled, Provisions spent, and Men sick and dis-heartened with their Misfortunes. At Veragua on [Page 24] the Coast of the Main, the first Road he fell in with he did not like, but went further West to a Port he called Sancta Gloria, and there run his ships on ground and lash'd them toge­ther, and Lodg'd on their Decks, the Indians being Numerous, for at this time it was supposed there was above 60000 Families of them on this Island. Collumbus lay about two Months in a most Miserable Condi­tion, the ingrateful Spaniards and Malicious Governour of St. Domingo sending him no Relief, on purpose to make him Perish; and in this Fa­tal time the Porra's, three Brothers of Sevil, Rebelled, which Collum­bus's Brother suppress'd; so that in this Island was the first Civil War and Blood-shed betwixt the Spani­ards in America. In the time this great Unfortunate Man staid thus Miserably, and ship-wrackt on the North side of Jamaica, it's suppose [...] they began to settle a Design to Plant [Page 25] finding this Island very fertile, and the Natives more civil and ingeni­ous than any of the other Islanders. And at this time began that Town, the old Maps call Metilla, that we think were about Fig-tree on the North side, which was but by lit­tle advanced, then they deserted it. Eight or ten Leagues further West, finding a better Bay they call'd St. Anns, which Names is continued by us. And here they began to settle, and in some years built a handsom [...]arge Town named Sevil, that had some Sugar Works, and good Plantations about it, and a very conside­rable Abbey in it; the Abbots were alwaies the Bishops Suffragan, and chief in all Ecclesiastical affairs; there's some Pillars of this left, and a Portal of the Church, with the Emperour Charles the Fifths Arms over it, and an Inscription that says; Petrus Martir Anuleria Abbas Ʋnius Insule, eadem hanc Bisigne consump­tam [Page 26] Letantio & quadrata Lapido a fundamentis extruxit. This being a most learned Millener, that had served King Ferdinand as Confessor and Embassador to Grand Cape, and being of the Emperours Council for the Indies, of which he wrote the Decades. It may be suppos'd Ja­maica was then in great esteem. This Town flourish'd till about the year 1590. then the Spaniards deserted, as they say, because their Children could not live there. But we rather believe, because the North side was Mountainous and unpleasant; and on the South were huge plain Sa­vannaes, which we suppose were Fields of Indian Corn and Cassader that were proper for Cattle, of which the Spaniards now have grea [...] plenty. Besides, the South had better Ports, was nearer, and had greater Commerce with the rich Country o [...] the Maine, then the North could have, which might reasonably e­nough [Page 27] induce them to change Situa­tions, and fix on that of the Jago de la Vega, or St. James upon the Plain, where they were settled 70 years. Before the English under General Ve­nables, the 10th of May, 1655. took it, it had about 17 years before been surpriz'd by one Jackson, with a Fleet of English Privateers, who, for a thousand Beeves quitted the Town, having no design but to Cruise. But Crumwell sent his Army to seize Spa­niola, or some place that was conve­nient for a Collony and seat of War, he having mist St. Domingo they re­solved to fix here; nor were they like to be beaten out, for there was not many Native Indians left, they being long before destroy'd by the Spaniards; and of the Spaniards there was not above 550 Men, 600 Women, and 1500 Slaves; there was no Militia or Fortification. The Town had in it two Churches, four Chappels, about 1200 Houses of all [Page 28] sorts; the Streets Regular, but Houses low and like Barns: all the Spaniards and their Wives and Chil­dren dwell in them, and had their Servants and Slaves in the Country, to manage their Cattel, Sugar works, and Cocoa Walks, and furnish them with Provisions, which they lazily and luxuriously spent in the Town; the Trade they had was with Carta­gena and Portobella, and sometimes with Interlopers. There Merchan­dize was Hides, Cocoa, Tallow, Su­gar, Pimento, with which they bought what they needed. The dis­covery of Nova Hispana and Perue unpeopled this Island, as it did Por­terico, Spaniola and Cuba, people be­ing less safe and rich in them after the English and Dutch Privateers be­gan to infest these Indias; besides the Inhabitants of Jamaica were dis­couraged by being Tennant or Vas­sals to a Proprietor; for about the year 1560. as we guess, this Island [Page 29] was given to the Heirs of Collumbus, in compensation for the perpetual Vice-Roy-ship and Admiralty of these Indies: so they were called Dukes De la Vaga, now De Veragua, their eldest Son a Marquis, one Dr. Fulano Ramizer was Governour for the Duke De Veragua, when the English came in 1655. he was an old decrepid man: so retreated with the Priests, Women and Children into the Island and Mountains, and left the Serjeant Major D' Christovall de Alvares Sali, that was afterwards Go­vernour, to treat with the General of the English Army, which was Col. Venables. Penn Commanded the Fleet, but both and the whole Design was to be Governed by Commanders, which were the two Generals Col. Searle Governour of Berbados, Col. Everard Governour of St. Christo­phers, Col. Butler and Major Winslow that went with the Army, which con­sisted of six Regiments Commanded [Page 30] by General Venables. Col. Fortescue that after Haynes his Death was made Ma­jor General, Col. Anthony Butler, Col. Holdup, and Col. Doyly, with two Troops one brought from Eng­land, and Commanded by Captain Jones; the otheer rais'd at Barbados, Commanded by Capt. Carter; these Landed with the Army and Regi­ment of Seamen, Commanded by Vice-Admiral Goodson.

The Fleet consisted of about 30 Sail of Men of War, and as many other Vessels and Dutch Ships, which were seized at Barbados. At our Ar­rival the Spaniards pretended to de­liver the Island by Treaty, but the General soon found they only by this Artifice endeavoured to get time to secure the Women, Chil­dren and Wealth in the Mountains: so about 20 daies after the Armies Landing, the General sent out Par­ties to pursue them; sometimes we took of these miserable People; [Page 31] sometimes they surpriz'd and kill'd of ours, strangling and starving Sol­diers: But the Stores of the Army being Landed, which were exceed­ing great and convenient, the gross of the Fleet and two Generals, re­turn for England; in their way of the Havanna they met the Spanish Fleet, which they had easily taken if they had known them. The Ships that staid was commanded by Ad­miral Goodson, the Army by Major General Fortescue; the last in 1656. died, leaving the Souldiers in a most miserable and perishing condition; many were dead, most sick, their Stores spent, the Spanish Plantations, and their vast numbers of Cattel all destroy'd, or run wild, and the Fleet in no better condition. On Fortes­cues Death, Col. Carter should have Commanded, but being sick he re­sign'd to Col. Doyly, and died quick­ly after. This lamentable Command Col. Doyly held about a year. Then [Page 32] Major General Sedgwick came to Command, and brought some Stores and Recruits of Men out of Ireland. But before he was well in this Office he died; so did Sir William Aylesbu­ry about 8 Months after he came over with Sedgwick; and after his Death, was by the Commissioners made one of them; for in the Inter­vals, the Armys was Commanded by the Commissioners, and the chief power lodg'd in them, who succeed­ed, and appointed one another when any Died or went away. On Ge­neral Sedgwicks death, the Com­mands Reverts again on Col. Doyly. In this time the condition of the Ar­my, if it was possible, grew yet more lamentable; those that were not sick were discontented and Mu­tinous, ready to have run to the Spaniards, if they had known where to have found them, which occasi­oned the Dispute between Major Throgmorton and the General: for [Page 33] the Major was employ'd by the Of­ficers of the Army to Petition the Commissioners for our Pay; if an Army, for subsistance; to return, if no Army. Col. Doyly was privy to this, but before the Commissioners denied it, which made Throgmorton Impeach him; to make which good, he was secured, and Col. Doyly af­terwards; when Goodson the chief Commissioner forms a trifling Charge against him; and in defending him­self, Throgmorton (a passionate young Gentleman; alledg'd the Court Marshall had no power to Try him; whereupon he was thrust rude­ly out of the Court, and the hold­ing up his Hand to save his Head, when the Marshal offer'd to strike him with the Hilt of his Sword, was on the Marshal Generals Oath Judg'd a resisting of him: so the most un­happy, most ingenious and hansom man that ever was on Jamaica, was shot to death, in which his Col. Bar­rington [Page 34] had as great a hand as the General.

In 1657. Cromwell sent over Col. Richard Bryan to Command, with two Regiments out of Scotland and Ireland; the one was his own, the other Col. Moors, both the best men that ever came to Jamaica. During the time of his Government, came Col. Stokes, the Governour of Me­vis, as one of the Commissioners, with about 1700 People of all sorts, and they settle at Portmorant, where they began the first Plantation and Civil Government. But almost all these Planters, with General Stokes and General Bryan, die. In a short time Bryan was infinitely lamented, being a wise man, and perfectly qua­lif [...]ed for the Command and Design: so the Government again falls to Col. Doyly, that neither loved, encou­raged, nor understood Planting: In all this time the Fleet did nothing, only Goodson had taken Santa Mar­tha [Page 35] Rio de Hach, and some such pitiful places that relieved the Sea men, but was no benefit to the Army, which now almost perish'd by Dis­eases and want, tho they had divers supplies from England, yet the co­vetousness, and ill conduct of the Officers, hindred them from making the best use of that, and the good Land that they were Masters of. But those that survived, being the most industrious and spirited men, were now grown season'd and acquainted with the Indias, and thereby capa­ble of doing more than the great Army; and Cromwell having sent Capt. Mints in a Third Rate Frigat, Capt. Heytub in a Fifth, and Capt. Heylin in a Sixth, Col. Doyly puts on Board them 300 Souldiers Com­manded by Major Wilbraham, Capt. Thomas Morgan, and Capt. Linch, these being got high enough to wind-ward, Landed and took Cu­mana; afterwards rang'd down all [Page 36] that Coast, and Landed again at Puerto Cavalla Babanta, where they took two Ships thence again for Co­row, where they met with about 30 or 40 Chests of the King's Money, so returned to Jamaica, with more Plunder in Money, Plate and Jewels than ever was brought thither before by the English.

In 1658. the Spaniards Landed 300 men at Chircras, on the North side, and endeavour'd to Fortifie and provide for a great Body that was to come from New Spain, by way of St. Jago de Cuba: But the General having notice, sent a Party that Razed the Fort, and kill'd and took almost all the Spaniards. Be­fore this time, all the Women and Children were gone to Cuba, and only the men and Slaves remained under the Command of the Go­vernour, who skult up and down the Mountains, and lived so wretch­ed a life, that most of his Negroes [Page 37] had deserted him, and were come in to submit to the English General, under the conduct of one Juan de Bola, an ingenious Slave, that had from Col. Doyly a Commission (as 'twas call'd) to settle with them at Caymanos by St. Jago, where he Go­vern'd them, and was afterwards kill'd by some of our Run-away Ne­groes.

In 1659. the Spaniards sent the long expected Body of men, that consisted of about 1200. who Land­ed and fortified at Rio Nova, on the North side; as soon as we had no­tice, the General himself went thi­ther with about 600 choice men and Volunteers that were embarked on the Grantham a Fifth Rate, and Blackmore a Sixth Rate, and some other small Vessels, who Landed the General and his men in the very Port; the next day they Attaqued and took the Fort, the most of the Spaniards being kill'd and taken in [Page 38] it, which was the bravest and last Action the English Army did on Ja­maica, for after this the Spaniard sent no more People or Supplies. But the Governour Don Christopher en­deavour'd to get off himself. The latter end of this year Col. Doyly sent to Cromwell 10 or 12 Colours as Marks and Trophies of this Victory. But the Messenger Col. Barry found him Dead: so he never had one syl­lable of any thing that was grateful from the vastest Expence and greatest Design that was ever made by the English.

In 1660. there was a Mutiny, for which Col. Tyson and Col. Boymond was shot to Death.

In 1661. his Majesty sent Col. Doyly a Commission for Governour, with order to Disband the Army; upon which he Erects a Civil Go­vernment, and People begin to Plant, judging the Island would not be sur­rendred again to the Spaniard.

In 1662. came my Lord Windsor a Governour, and brought with him [...] Donative of 20000 l. which the King was pleased to give the Army at their Disbanding. My Lord pre­sently after his Arrival, sent Capt. Mims in the Centurion, with some Souldiers to take St. Jago de Cuba, which they performed with most Remarkable Resolution and Success on their return. My Lord being ve­ry sick and uneasie, embarques on the Bear for England.

Sir Charles Littleton in 1633. is Deputed Governour by my Lord Windsor; he sent Capt. Mimms in the Centurion, with divers Privateers and Land-men in the Bay of Cam­peach, where he bravely enough took the Town, but no great Plunder, neither there nor at St. Jago. In Sir Charles Littleton's time was Charles Fort almost built, the Government form'd, and the first Assembly call'd, and Laws made; But he being sick, and [Page 40] having left all his Family, was like­wise disposed to return, and having the King's Licence for; as also an Order to Invest the Council with the Power.

In the beginning of 1664. the Council chose Col. Thomas Linch their President, and Sir Charles Lit­tleton made him Commander in chief, which he exercis'd till the Ar­rival of Sir Thomas Modyford.

Sir Tho. Modyford came in June, 1664. and a week before him Col. Edw. Morgan; and now People be­gan vigorously to apply themselves to Planting, Sir Thomas understand­ing and incouraging it exceedingly. In the Griffin he sent his eldest Son, the Major General, for his Lady: But the Frigat and he was both cast away near the Gulph of Florida; so she came not till the year follow­ing. At the beginning of his Go­vernment he endeavour'd a Peace with the Spaniards: But not being [Page 41] able to effect it, he encourages the Privateers; and Capt. Henry Mor­gan having signalized his courage by burning a Spanish Admiral that shut him and Capt. Pennant, and other Privateers, up in the Bay of Mari­caio; Sir Thomas made use of him to Imbody the Privateers, which he effects in the year 1668. and Sir Thomas makes him Admiral. And that joyning with several French, by the assistance of a Dutch man, Lands in the Bay, and came over the Moun­tains by night into the Town of Porto Bello, which they surpriz'd and resolutely took the Castle that com­manded the Town: and afterwards that which commanded the Har­bour, then quitted both, having —pieces of Eight for delivering the Powder, and not Razing their Forts. With this Money he brought the Plague to Jamaica that kill'd my Lady Modyford, and many People. And in the year following Sir Thomas [Page 42] Modyford employ'd Major Beeston to draw the Privateers together again, to serve under Admiral Morgan; which he effected, and they joyning with divers French Vessels went for Panama, and bravely took the Fort of Changra. But before they came to Panama, they found it set on fire by the President, so returned to their Ships; but in beating up to Jamaica many Vessels fail'd, so that Men most miserably perish'd on barren Islands and Rocks. By this and such like Designs, many brave men were lost, and no real advantage brought to the Island. And in the year 1670. the Treaty about the West Indies was concluded at Madera, and Sir Thomas Modyford removed.

Sir Thomas Linch made his Maje­sties Lieutenant, Governour and Commander in Chief, and arrived at Jamaica, June 24. 1671. The same Month he sent Major William Beeston to Cartagena in the Assistance [Page 43] Frigat to notifie the Peace; and the March following, he made Sir Tho­mas Modyford a Prisoner (aboard the Frigat) and sent him for Eng­land for breaking the Peace with the Spaniards, contrary to his Majesties Express Orders. And five or six Months after Admiral Morgan, on the same account, Sir Thomas Linch endeavoured to procure a good un­understanding between the two Na­tions, according to the Treaty and his Orders, and put to Death. One Jonson a Dutch man, which was the only Privateer ever suffered for all the Murther, Rapine and Violence those dissolute People have com­mitted on the Spaniards. In his time the Portland took a Caper, and the Thomas and Francis, His Maje­sties Hir'd Ship, and a Privateer, took a Dutch Ship of 544 Negroes, which were more beneficial to the Island than all the Prizes ever brought to it. During the time of [Page 44] his Government, many Ships were loaded with the Product of the Island; before, it never one. And in the end of his Government, Land was risen to five times the value it was at in the beginning. Col. Tas­sel and Mr. Rogers, at his command, run a Chain round the Island. An exact Mapp and Survey was sent home by my Lord Vaughan: in his time were abundance of Cattel Im­ported from Cuba, which brought down their Price from 12 to 14 l. per Head, to 4 and 5 l. In his time Fairs and Markets were Erected at St. Jago, Liguania, Port-Royal, &c. Sir Thomas Linch remitted to the Kings principal Secretary of State, a large and exact State of the Govern­ment of Jamaica: of the Church, the Laws, the Militia, and Revenue, which was in brief thus:

His Majesty is Soveraign Lord and Proprietor of this Island, in all [Page 45] Writs, Commissions and Grants; He is stiled, King of England, &c. and Lord of Jamaica; the Gover­nour Represents His Person, and is invested with his Power, being en­abled by his Commission under the Great Seal, and directed by his In­struction how to Govern; and it is alwaies during his Majesties plea­sure.

Here 12 Councellours are cho­sen by the Governour, and Consti­tuted in all Emergencies and Causes, like the King's Councel here, the which they Resemble, and the House of Lords, because they Sit with the Assembly; the Governour cannot suspend them without giving Advice to the Principal Secretary of the Cause. This Government by pra­ctice as well as order from His Ma­jesty, is Assimulated as near as pos­sible to that in England, which ren­ders it grateful to the People, who believe they ought to enjoy their [Page 46] Property and Native Right, where they are under the King's Dominion, so nothing be inflicted on them but by the course of Law, nor taken from them but by Acts themselves have consented to. Therefore they have by His Majesties Order in Ja­maica Assemblies that consist of 32 Persons, chosen indifferently by the Freeholders of the 14 Parishes. In these Assemblies the Governour has a Negative Voice: he Calls, Prorogues and Dissolves them at pleasure; the Governour, the Councel, and the Assembly are invested with the Le­gislative Power, and are Convened to make some little Municipal Laws, proper to the usage of the Island, about Governing Servants, Slaves, Officers, High-waies, Church, Mi­litia, but chiefly to raise Money for the support of the Government. What Laws they make are to be sent into England, and to be of force but for two years, unless the King con­sent; [Page 47] then perpetual, unless Re­voked as they were made.

There is but seven Churches in the Island, that is, one at St. Davids, Liguania, Port-Royal, St. Jago, St. Johns and Vere. The Governour seems to be the King's Deputy, or Bi­shop of London's Suffragan, for he Presents and Inducts; and the Par­sons being admitted, every Parish is bound to allow 100 l. per annum, at the least, Pot-Royal 200 l. St. Jago 130 l. by Act of the Assembly made in Sir Thomas Linch his time, when only these Parishes above-named were supply'd.

The Governours Residence was at St. Jago, more within the Land, and easier for People to apply them­selves to him; he named or appoint­ed all the Officers, only such as the King made under the Great Seal of England, as the Secretary of the Island, that makes all the publique Dispatches, keeps the Office of In­rollment. [Page 48] And the Marshal, who is the Executive Officer of Justice, in the nature of a Sheriff, Usher of the Black-Rod, and Jaylor, for the Ad­ministration of Justice, and better Government of the Parishes. There is Sessions of the Justices Quarterly held at Morant, Liguania, Port-Royal, St. Jago, St. John Clarendon, St. Eliza­beth; every of these Precincts have a particular Custos Rotulorum appointed, who with the Justices and other Of­ficers Present, Reform, Examine and punish all Crimes, Disorders and Misdemeanors that are within their Cognizance by the Laws of England, or those of the Island. All Pleas of the Crown and Civil Causes, are heard and Determined in the Grand Court that Sits Quarterly at St. Jago, and thither Errours and Causes are brought from the Inferiour Courts, this be­ing like the Kings-Bench, Court of Exchequer and Assizes in England. In some extraordinary Cases the Go­vernour [Page 49] Grants Commissions of Oyer and Terminer. The Governour is Chancellor and Keeper of the Great Seal of the Island; which the King sent by Sir Charles Littleton to my Lord Windsor. It's a Cross charged with four Pines, the Reverse his Majesty in his Throne, an Indian kneeling and presenting him. All publique Commissions and Grants are seal'd with this Seal. To every Planter the Governour Grants Thir­ty Acres per Head, for which he gives his Warrant, then the Survey­or of the Precinct within which it lies, runs it out, and returns it to the Clerk of the Pattents, which draws the Grant; so 'tis held of the King in Common, and pays for what Sir Thomas Modyford Granted 25 s. per 1000. for what Sir Thomas Linch Granted a half penny per Acre.

By an Act of the Assembly an Of­fice of Inrollment is Erected, and kept by the Secretary, where the [Page 50] Pattent and all Deeds and private Writings are Recorded to prevent Law-suits and fraudulent Convey­ances, and is in the nature of a Re­gistry. All Actions at Law between Neighbours, are tryed in the Inferi­our Courts, which are in the nature of Court Barons here. There's one at Morant, Liguania, Port-Royal, St. Johns, Clarendon, St. Elizabeth, and the North side; each Court has its Judge, 12 Assistants, Clerk, Mar­shal; and any person may plead his own Cause. They hold Pleas of any sum under 20 l. and of greater sums, when they take a Justicias out of the Chancery, which the Gover­nour grants of course; and here all Appeals, with the assistance of some of the Councel that sit as the Pro­bate of Wills, Licences for Marri­ages, &c. are dispatch'd in the Se­cretarys Office; and the Governour seems to be in the nature of Judge of the Prerogative Court.

At Port-Royal is establisht a Na­val Office that takes care of the En­trys, dispatches of Vessels, and the observance of their Acts of Navi­gation.

The Governour is Vice Admiral to his Royal Highness, and has a Com­mission to Command all his Maje­sties Ships that come to the Island; and likewise a large Commission to Erect Courts of Admiralty, and ex­ercise all those Maratime powers his Royal Highness hath; so there's at Port-Royal a Judge-Admiral, with all the needful Officers that proceed in the Court according to the forms of Admiralty used here and in other parts.

The Militia is Commanded by the Governour, according to the power he Reigns from His Majesty and the Laws of the Country, for there's a particular Act that appoints the time of Mustering the Persons, the Arms, aad the Places of Rendezvous. [Page 52] Here's no Souldiers paid by the King; all the Officers are made by the Go­vernour. At St. Thomas and St. Da­vids is one Regiment, another at St. Andrews, Port-Royal, St. Catherines, St. Johns, Clarendon, St. Elizabeth, and North side: and in every one of these Regiments is one Troop of Horse; the Company and Troop that is at St. Jago wait on the Gene­ral as his Guards on Sundays to Church; and on any other occasion the Regiment at Port-Royal keep the Fort there by half a Company at a time. All the Militia here is much more obedient, useful, better Dis­ciplin'd and Arm'd than in Eng­land.

The Revenue of this Island con­sists in what is properly the Kings, as Quit-Rents, Fines, Forfeitures, Escheats, Seizures that are Collected by His Majesties Officer, and ac­comptable to his Order, and a Re­venue paid by the Assembly by an [Page 53] Impost on Strong Liquors Imported, and a Tax for Licences for Ale-houses; the Licences are received by the Secretary, and the Impost by such Collectors the Governour and Councel name and appoint; these, and all that receive any of the Kings or Publique Money, give an account thereof to a Treasurer, who Issues it out according to the Governours Order, of which he gives him and the Councel an ac­count once every six Months, and keeps fair and open Books to shew the Assembly, or any that desire to inspect them, that every body may see the Money not misapply'd, or ill managed, that they may be encourag'd thereby to raise more when needful. In Sir Thomas Linch his time, all the Kings and Countrys Dues did not amount to 3000 l. per Annum, which was not near suf­ficient to pay the Governour and Officers Sallarys, and maintain the [Page 54] Forts, and defray other contingent Charges.

This was the manner of Govern­ment and State of the Island of Jamaica, when Sir Thomas Linch was remanded thence in 1675.

Sir Henry Morgans Voy­age to Panama, 1670.