R. LIGON.

_Upper Bench_ Prison,

_July_ 12th 1653.

[Illustration: (decorative banner)]

The Letter of the Bishop of _Sar._ to me then in Prison, after he had

perused my Book.

_SIR_,

_You can best tell, with what pleasure you past over your Voyage

to the_ Barbadoes: _But, whatsoever it was, your dangers at Sea,

and your long sicknesse on Land, had been enough to sour it, had

not the condition of the times made any place more acceptable, than

your Native Country. But, the pleasure which you have given me, in

reading this Narrative, is without all these mixtures: For, without

any hardship at all, I have in a few daies gone the same voyage,

view’d the Iland, weigh’d all the Commodities and Incommodities of

it; and all this with so much pleasure, that I cannot, without great

injustice, forbear telling you, that though I have read formerly many

Relations of other parts of the World, I never yet met with so exact

a piece, as this of yours. Your diligence hath been great in so short

a time, to make these Observations; but, your expressions of them

are such, as shew, that no ingenious Art hath scap’t you. You say,

that in your younger time, you acquainted your selfe with Musick and

Painting; and had you not said so, the reading of this Book would

have made me say it for you; for, it is so Musically made up, and all

the descriptions so Drawn to the life, that I know no Painting beyond

it. And for the question you put to me, whether you should publish it

or no, I desire you would make no doubt of it; for first, I know none

that hath written of this Argument before; and next, I am perswaded,

that having read this Description of yours, none that come after will

venture upon it. Only, I have one request to you, that your kindnesse

to me, (who without any designe, gave you the occasion of doing it)

may not lead you into such an insufferable errour, as to choose me

out as a fit person to inscribe it to, who am so much in the shade,

that I must not own my selfe. I am willing to believe, that though

Honour be at this time at a very low Ebb, and, by the iniquity of

the times, is much falne within the Banks; yet, the Channell is not

so drie, but you may meet therewith some Noble person, that may

with more advantage, take you and your Book into the same Cock-boat

with him, and keep you this Winter both from cold and hunger. And

therefore, in great earnestnesse I desire you, to look over your

Catalogue of Friends; and, though you cannot finde one that loves

you better, yet, to make choice of him, that can protect you better.

And so with my prayers for you, that your afflictions here may be so

managed by you, as to lead you to Joyes hereafter, I rest._

Your most affectionate Friend,

_Br. Sar._

Richmond, Septemb.

_5th. 1653_.

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To my much Honoured and Ingenuous Cousin, M^r _Richard Ligon_, upon

his Relation of his Voyage to the _Barbadoes_.

_Since you vouchsafe me sight, I needs must falt,

To actuall sin ’gainst your Originall,

Should I not more then tacitely expresse

It’s worth, as well as mine owne thankfulnesse.

Omissive duties, and committed facts

In man, you know, an equall guilt contracts.

And (though your judge should know the severall Arts,

Both what the Colledge and the Court imparts:

And Jurates ought to be like the twelve signes,

Such Asterismes, where Sol himselfe confines)

A common Suffrage nevethelesse may aim,

(Not to give verdict) but the gift proclaim.

That judgment let me enter. They indite,

That here’s vast profit, mixt with high delight;

That what’s suppos’d a Narrative, will be

To him that reads, a Naturall History.

For in that Horison, your pen doth misse,

Nor Heaven, Earth, Sea, nor ought that in them is.

Not a new Star can scape your Observation,

Nor the least Insect passe your Contemplation.

Nor use you shortnesse, nor prolixity;

But first describe, then speak its property.

Me thinks, as_ Pliny, _you are their Relator;

And are as_ Adam _too, their_ Nomenclator.

_For, to your Insects, Birds, and Vegetives,

You give not known, but due Appellatives.

Their rich descriptions, when you paint, I see

Colours so lively, and such Symmetry:

But that I’ve seen the hand, that guides the quill,

A Pencill use, ’twere scarce in Limning skill.

And when you descant richly, thus, I see

Compos’d in severall parts, and all agree,

How Chords and Discords too, you do devise,

From Sympathies, and from Antipathies.

Your Fuges and Poynts into a Canon twine,

All true to th’ Ground, that is your main designe:

And all Concentring to so sweet an Ayre,

Would ravish Philomels, make Swans despair.

Your skill above fam’d_ Orpheus _I advance,

Since thus your Creatures play, his did but Dance_.

_To such as only seek their benefit,

You do infallibly discover it:

You shew therein_, 3000 l. _will clear

No lesse then_ 7000 l. _a year.

And that not in a jugling Chymick sense,

But drawn from reason and experience_.

_The Scite, Clime, Food, the Customs, Laws, and Trade,

To each inquisitor is open laid._

_Your Georgick strain seemes to extract the marrow

Of_ Marcus, Cato, Columel, _and_ Varro;

_As if that there you had the grouth and age

Of a_ Palmeto, _to improve each page:

And with so great an art and industry,

As if you’d studied nought but Husbandry_.

_When of your Vegetives you make relation,

You rather make than speak of a Plantation,

Your leaves affording shape, taste, and delight

To th’ Sense, the fruit gives to the Appetite.

If_ Pythagorean _Doctrine were Divine,

I would be transmigrated to your Pine.

The Cane or Mine, (that makes that Spot of ground

As rich, as any ’twixt the Poles is found)

Is here so full and happily exprest:

You Candy that, which does preserve the rest:

And its_ Ingenio _seemes to be a Lecture

(As ’tis describ’d) o’ th’ Art of Architecture_.

_The Texture of the whole you’ve wove so nice,

Your fine spun thread, warpt, wooft with Artifice.

It seemes a Landscape in rich Tapestry,

Embroidered with Natures Novelty,

Attireing all in such a lovely Dresse,

Rich, Genuine, and full of Courtlinesse:

That as_ Great Brittain _sometimes I have seen,

So you’ve_ Barbadoes _drawn just like a Queen_.

GEORGE WALSHE.

[Illustration:

A topographicall Description and

Admeasurement of the YLAND of

BARBADOS in the West INDYAES

with the M^{rs} Names of the Seuerall plantacons]

[Illustration: (decorative banner)]

A TRUE AND EXACT

HISTORY

OF THE ILAND OF

BARBADOES.

Having been Censur’d by some (whose Judgements I cannot controll,

and therefore am glad to allow) for my weakenesse and Indiscretion,

that having never made proofe of the Sea’s operation, and the

severall faces that watry Element puts on, and the changes and

chances that happen there, from Smooth to Rough, from Rough to

Raging Seas, and High going Billowes, (which are killing to some

Constitutions,) should in the last Scene of my life, undertake

to run so long a Risco as from _England_ to the _Barbadoes_; And

truly I should without their help conclude my selfe guilty of that

Censure, had I not the refuge of an old proverb to fly to, which

is, (Need makes the old wife trot:) for having lost (by a Barbarous

Riot) all that I had gotten by the painfull travells and cares of

my youth; by which meanes I was stript and rifled of all I had,

left destitute of a subsistance, and brought to such an Exigent, as

I must famish or fly; and looking about for friends, who are the

best supporters in so staggering a condition, found none, or very

few, whom griefs and afflictions had not deprest, or worne out,

Banishment absented, or Death devour’d; so that in stead of these

neere and Native comforters, I found my selfe a stranger in my owne

Country, and therefore resolv’d to lay hold on the first opportunity

that might convoy me to any other part of the World, how far distant

soever, rather then abide here. I continued not many weekes in this

expectation, when a friend, as willing to shift his ground as I,

gave me an Overture which I accepted, and so upon the sixteenth day

of _June 1647._ we embark’d in the Downes, on the good Ship called

the _Achilles_; a vessell of 350 tunnes the Mr. _Thomas Crowder_ of

_London_; and no sooner were we all aboard, but we presently weighed

Anchor, and put to Sea; in so cold weather as at that time of the

yeere, I have not felt the like; and continued so till wee came to

_Falmouth Harbour_: where wee put in, and rested for a night, but in

our passage thither, were very uncertaine upon what Coast wee were,

by reason of the unsteadinesse of the windes, and cloudinesse of

the weather; so that I perceived more troubles and doubts in the

Seamen in that short passage, than in all the voyage after. But, the

weather clearing up, the Master and Mates drew out severall plots and

Landscapes: which they had formerly taken upon the Coast of _France_

and England, (which are of great use in the narrow Seas,) by which

they were well assured where they were; for there they seldome use

_Loggline_, or _Backstaffe_, but attend onely the Tides Compasse, and

Card; nor is there any use of other directors in so narrow a roome.

We were (as I remember) about 10. dayes sayling to Falmouth, and

had with us a small ship of about 180. tunnes, called the Nonesuch;

of which Captaine _Middleton_ was owner, a very good seaman, and a

Planter in _Barbados_: but himselfe then remaining in London.

The next day we put to Sea, and continued our course to the

Southwest, (with somewhat a Scant wind,) partly to avoid the high

going _Billowes_ of the _Bay_ of _Biskey_: but chiefely to stand

aloofe from _Pirats_ and _Pickaronoes_: which are very frequent

upon the _Coasts_ of _Spaine_, and Barbarie; and as we past along,

I perceiv’d a difference in the way of our Ships: _for_ in slack

windes, our consort the Nonesuch would runne us out of sight in foure

or five houres sayle; but in strong and stiffe windes, wee did the

like with her. So that I guest the larger the sayles, the swifter the

waye; provided, they were alike built in the modell of their keeles,

but I leave that to be resolved by the Seamen, or that Admirable

Architect of Moving-Horses, Mr. _Pett_.

About the Latitude of 45. degrees, wee met with a Ship comming from

_Guinny_, but bound for _London_; the Captains name was _Blague_,

a very civill Gentleman who halde us, came aboard us, and invited

divers Gentlemen that were there aboard his ship: which was a Friggot

of about 400. tunnes, her loading _Gold_ and _Elephants teeth_; the

Man was exceeding civill to us, and gave to every Gentleman of our

Company, a present of such rarities as he brought from _Guinny_, and

_Binny_. We stayed together almost a whole day, the weather being

very calme, and almost no wind at all; in the evening, a fresh breese

began to blow, which serv’d us both in our severall wayes, and so

saluting each other with our ordinance wee took leave.

About this time, our Consort the None-such parted with us, she

directly for the Carribby Ilands, we for St. _Jago_, one of the

Ilands of _Cape Verd_; where wee were to trade for _Negros_, Horses,

and Cattell; which we were to sell at the _Barbados_. So, keeping our

course about 80. Leagues from the Coast of _Spaine_ and _Barbarie_,

the first land wee discovered, was the Ile of _Porto Santo_; which

lyeth in 33. degrees to the _Noreward_; which wee left of our

_Larboard_ side: When presently after, we had sight of the _Maderas_,

which we sayld close by, and had a full view of the place; so Rocky,

and Mountainous, and the ground so miserably burnt with the Sun, as

we could perceive no part of it either Hill or Valley, that had the

least appearance of green, nor any tree bigger then a small Hathorne

and very few of those. Between this and three inconsiderable Ilands

called the _Deserts_, which appeared to us like the tops of large

buildings; no unevennesse or risings and fallings, but levell as the

toppe of a large Church or Barne; but burnt worse then the other, so

that instead of the fresh and lively greenes, other Countreys put on

at this time of the yeare: these were apparell’d with Russets, or at

best _Phyliamorts_. But it fell out that this yeere the summer was

there hotter then usually, and the Sea men that were with us, gave us

to understand, that they never had seen it so burnt as now, and that

the _Leeward_ part of it was, at other times, exceeding fruitfull

and pleasant, abounding with all sorts of excellent fruits, Corne,

Wine, Oyle, and the best Sugars; with Horses, Cattell, Sheep, Goates,

Hogges, Poultrey; of all sorts, and the best sorts of Sea fish. These

Ilands lye neere 33. degrees to the _Noreward_.

Having past between these (leaving the _Maderas_ on of our

_Starboard_ side) wee found a constant trade-wind to carry us to the

_Southward_, When the next Iland that came in our view, was _Bona

Vista_; but at such a distance, as we could hardly discerne colours,

but the generall Landscape of the hills seemed to us very beautifull,

gently rising and falling, without Rockes or high precipices.

This Iland is famous, for excellent Salt, and for Horses, which in

one property, excell all that ever I have seene; their hooves being

to that degree of hardnesse, and toughnesse, that we ride them at the

_Barbados_, downe sharp and steepie Rocks, without shooes; and no

Goates goe surer upon the sides of Rockes and Hills then they; and

many of them very strong and clean limb’d.

This Iland, wee left ten Leagues, or thereabouts on our Larboard

side, and next to it, the Ile of _May_; famous for store of excellent

Salt.

The last of those Ilands was _Palma_; a land so high, as after wee

first discovered it; which was in the morning; wee thought to have

reacht it that night, but found our selves farre short of it, next

morning, though wee had a full gaile all that night: so much is the

eye deceived in Land which lyes high. This Iland is about 28 degrees

to the Noreward, and from it to the Iles of _Cape Verd_ about 13

degrees a long way to bee silent, for there is no land between and

therefore I purpose to entertaine you with some Sea delights; for

there is no place so void and empty, where some lawfull pleasure

is not to bee had, for a man that hath a free heart, and a good

Conscience. But these Sea-pleasures are so mixt with Cruelties, as

the trouble of the one, abates much the delight of the other, for

here wee see the great ones, eate up the little ones, as they doe

at Land, and with as little remorse; yet laying that consideration

aside the Chase affords some pleasure to the eyes: for some kinds

of fishes shew themselves above water, for a long while together. I

have seen 20 Porpisces very large of that kinde, Crosse the Prow of

our Ship, one behind another in so steady and constant a course, in

chase of some other fishes; as I have seen a kennell of large Hounds,

in Windsor Forrest, in the chase of a Stag; one following another

directly in a track; and the onely difference I finde is, these doe

not spend their mouthes, but what they want in that is supplyed by

the goodnesse of their noses; for they never are at a fault, but

goe constantly on. The Dolphins likewise pursue the flying Fish,

forcing them to leave their knowne watry Elements, and flye to an

unknowne one, where they meet with as mercilesse enemies; for there

are birds that attend the rising of those fishes; and if they bee

within distance, seldome fayle to make them their owne. These birds,

and no other but of their kinde, love to straggle so far from land;

so that it may be doubted, whether the sea may not bee counted their

naturall home; for wee see them 500 leagues from any land, at Sun

setting; and so it is not possible they should recover land that

night; and on the waves they cannot rest without great hazzard. I

have seen them sometimes light, and sit upon the waves, but with such

Caution: for feare of being taken in by a fish, as her rest is very

unsafe; unlesse when the is covered by the nights dark wings. This

Bird, is a kinde of sea Hawke, somewhat bigger then a Lanner, and of

that colour; but of a far freer wing; and of a longer continuance;

and when she is weary, she finds resting places, if the Seas be

Calme; for then the Turtles lye and sleep upon the waves, for a long

time together; and upon their backs they sit, and sleep securely;

and there, mute, prune, and oyl their feathers; rouse, and doe all

their Offices of nature, and have roome enough for all, for some of

those Turtles are a yeard broad in the back: wee took one with our

long Boate, as he lay sleeping on the water, whose body afforded all

the Gentlemen, and Officers of the Ship, a very plentifull meal; and

was the best meat wee tasted, all the time wee were at Sea. There are

of these kinds of Fishes but two sorts, that continue in the mayne;

the Loggerhead Turtle, and the Hawkes bill Turtle, of which sorts,

the latter is the best, and of that kind ours was that wee took.

There is a third kind, called the Green Turtle which are of a lesser

Magnitude, but far excelling the other two, in wholesomnesse, and

Rarenesse of taste; but of them hereafter for I have no mind to part

so leightly, with the forenamed Birds of prey: For having been bred a

Faulconer in my youth, I cannot but admire the admirable swiftnesse

of wing these birds make. They mount sometimes upon the trayne, to

so loftie a pitch: as, if a Faucon were there, Shee might be allowed

a double Cancellere in her stooping to her game: they doe it at one

entire downe come. Her ordinary flying for her own pleasure, and

not for prey is commonly more free then the best Haggard Faulcon,

that I have ever seen; but the continuance of it makes it the more

admirable, At the times they grow hungry, they attend the _Dolphins_,

who are their Spaniels; and where they perceive the water to move,

they know they are in Chase, of the flying fish; and being neere

them, they rise like Coveys of Partridges by 12 and 16 in a Covey,

and flye as far as young Partridges, that are forkers, and in their

flight these birds make them their quarry.

These frighted fishes, sometimes in the night have crost our ship,

and being stopt by the shroudes, have falne downe; and with their

bodies we have baited hookes, and taken their pursuers the Dolphins;

which we have found very excellent meat, being drest by a good hand,

with Wine, Spice, and sweet herbs, which we never wanted. So here we

have excellent hauking, no feare of losing our hauke, by going out

at Cheik, or to a village to Poult, and yet eate of the quarrie, and

sometimes of the Spaniells, which is an advantage the best faulconers

misse at Land. As for the hunting here, we only see the Chase, but

suffer the hounds to flesh themselves upon the quarrie, or it may

be, a royall fish, such a one as may fill a dish to furnish Neptunes

table, & by that meanes we are cosen’d of our quarry. So that as

I ever thought on Land, I find the same at Sea, Hawking to be the

better sport. I had almost forgot, to tell what kind of fish this

flying fish is, which is the cause of such excellent sport, both in

himselfe and others, he is just like a Pilchard, but his fins larger,

both in breadth & length, & as long as they are wett, so long he

flyes; and for their mortall enemies the birds, they continue with us

from 33. degrees til we come to 15. and then leave us.

At which time and place, another kinde undertakes us, not much bigger

then a Castrill; and as near that colour as may bee, but of another

manner of flying: for these flye close to the water, and turne about

every wave; so that wee often lose sight of them, by interposing of

the waves, and think somtimes that a wave has overwhelmed her. The

pleasure she gives the eye, is by the giddinesse of her flying, and

often seems to be lost: and yet (contrary to our expectation) appears

againe. But I will trouble you no longer with the inhabitants of

the Plyant Aire, but dive into the Deep, to try what pleasure that

Element affords to give you delight.

There is a Fish called a Sharke, which as he is a common enemy to

Saylers and all others that venture, in Calmes, to commit their naked

bodies to the sea (for he often bites off Legs, sometimes Armes, and

now and then swallowes the whole body, if the Fish bee great): So

when the Saylers take them, they use them accordingly. Sometimes by

putting out their eyes, and throwing them over bord; sometimes by

mangling and cutting their bodies, finns, and tayles, making them a

prey to others, who were mercilesse Tyrants themselves; And in this

kind of justice they are very Accurate.

Many of these fishes we took; some by striking with harping Irons,

some with Fishgigs, some with hookes; and amongst the rest, one very

large, which followed the Ship foure houres, before wee went about

to take him; and perceived before him, a little Fish which they call

the _Pilot Fish_; This little guide of his, swims sometimes a yeard

before him, sometimes more or lesse, at his pleasure; and in his

greatest adversity often cleaves to him, and like a deare friend,

stickes closest when hee needs him most: for when he is taken, this

little fish, never fayles to fasten himselfe to his head, or some

part neere that, and resolves to dye with him. The experience of this

wee found not only in this great fish, but in all the rest wee had

formerly taken, for wee never took the one without the other. And the

Engine wee took this great Sharke with, was a large Hook, baited with

a piece of Beef; which he received into his mouth, his belly being

turned upwards, for his mouth being short of his snout a good deale,

he could not take it conveniently, his back being upward, by reason

his snout drove the line afore it, but as soon as wee perceived the

baite to be swallowed, we gave a sudden pull, which fastned the hook

so, as we were sure the weight of his body would not teare it out,

Wee drew him up, and laid him in the Wast of the Ship, where none

durst abide but the Seamen who dare doe any thing.

Wee had aboard divers mastive Dogges, and amongst them, one so large

and fierce, as I have seldome seen any like him; this Dogge flew to

him with the greatest Courage that might be, but could take no hold

of him, by reason of his large roundnesse and sliminesse; but if

by chance he got hold of one of his finnes, the Sharke would throw

him from side to side of the Ship, as if he had been nothing; and

doubtlesse if he had encountred him in his own Element, the Sea, he

would have made quick work with him.

Divers of this kind wee took, but none so large; he was about 16 foot

long, and 10 foot about the middle. Other fishes wee took, as the

_Bonito_, the _Spanish Maquerell_, the _Albucore_, _Dolphin_, _&c._

which wee found excellent meate, but especially the _Albacore_, which

is a fish of such a shape, as it pleased me much to look on. Those

wee took were not much above a yard long, with forked tayles, the

gristles very firme and strong, and the body neer that, no bigger

then a mans wrist; but suddenly growing upward to such a greatnesse,

as I have seldome seen any like him, and so strong withall, as a

sayler a very strong man, holding one of them fast by the gill, when

this fish mov’d but his tayle to get loose, gave such a spring, as he

had like to have put his arme out of joynt. These kind of fishes, in

a cleare Sunshine evening, delight themselves and us, by trying which

of them can leap highest above water, so that ’tis a pretty pastime,

to see fishes so large, and gloriously colour’d, shew themselves so

far above their naturall Element, whose shapes and colours gave such

variety. But this sport we saw not often.

I will trouble you no more, with mentioning the variety of shapes

and colours of fishes, till I come to St. _Jago_; onely one, and

that a very small one; for his body is not much bigger then a large

Pomegranate, and yet his faculties are such, as may draw more eyes to

look on him and more mindes to consider him, then the Vast _Whale_:

for though it be true, that his large body, appearing above the

surface of the water being in calmes a smooth leavell superficies,

and suddenly appearing, is one of the strangest and most monstrous

sights that can be in nature; (and the more admirable, when he is

incountred by his two mortall enemies, the _Sword_ and _Theshal_

fishes. For to shake them off, he leapes more then his owne length,

above water; and in his fall, beats the sea with such violence, as

the froth and foame is seen a quarter of an houre after, White, as

when ’tis beaten by a strong West wind against a Rock; and at other

times, spouts out the Water in great quantities; the height of an

ordinary Steeple.) Yet this great master-piece of Nature, is not in

my opinion so full of wonder, nor doth raise the consideration to

such a height: as this little fish the _Carvill_, who can when he

pleases, enjoy himselfe with his neighbour fishes, under water; And

when he putts on a resolution to trie his fortune in another Element,

the _Ayer_, he riseth to the top of the sea, let the billow go never

so high, and there without the help of a sayler, Raises up his maine

Mast, spreads his sayles, which he makes of his own sinewes, fits

his Rudder and Ballast, and begins his voyage; But to what Coast he

is bound, or what trafique he intends, himselfe and He that made

him onely can tell. Fishes there are none to prey on, nor flies,

and therefore ’tis not for food he travailes; I have seen them 500

leagues from any land, if his voyage be to any Port, he must have a

long time and much patience to get thither; if to sea, hee’s there

already; in one thing he hath the advantage of any ship that ever

sayled: for he can go neerer the wind by a poynt, then the most yare

Friggot that ever was built. Which shewes how farre Nature can exceed

Art. Another advantage he has, that in the greatest Tempest, he never

feares drowning. Compasse, nor Card he needs not, for he is never out

of his way; whether then his voyage be for pleasure or profit we are

yet to seeke.

But before wee arive at our next Harbour, St _Jago_, one of the

_Iles_ of Cape Verd, and now revolted from the King of Spayne, to

the Portugall; Let me tell you, one little observation I made of

the Ships way; which in slacke windes, and darke nights, wee saw

nothing under water, but darkenes; but in stiffe windes, and strong

gayles, wee saw perfectly the keele of the Ship; and fishes playing

underneath, as lighted by a torch, and yet the nights of equall

darkenes. Which put me in mind of a poynt of Philosophy I had heard

discourst of, among the Learned; That in the Ayer, Rough hard bodies,

meeting with one another, by violent stroakes, Rarifie the Ayer, so

as to make fire. So here, the ship being of a hard substance, and in

a violent motion, meeting with the strong resistance of the waves:

(who though they bee not hard, yet they are rough, by reason of their

saltnes,) doe cause a light, though no fire, and I may guesse, that

that light would bee fire, were it not quencht by the sea, in the

instant it is made; which in his owne Element, hath the greater power

and predominancie.

But before wee came to St _Jago_, wee were to have visited a small

Iland called _Soll_; by the intreatie of a Portugall wee carried with

us, whose name was _Bernardo Mendes de Sousa_; who pretended, to have

a great part of the Iland (if not the whole) to bee his owne; but for

that, it lay somewhat out of our waye, and wee could not recover it,

by reason the winde was Crosse; and partly for that wee were informed

by some of the Saylers, who told us it was uninhabited by any, but

Goats, Dogs, and the like; and wee guest, hee would (out of a vaine

glorie) shew us something that he Call’d his. But the Master, who

well knew the Condition of the place, would not lose so much tyme to

no purpose. Which gave some discontentment to the Portugall, which

hee exprest in his Countenance, by a sullen dogged looke, till wee

came to St _Jago_. But that was but a whetstone, to sharpen a worse

humour hee was big with; for though our Merchants redeem’d him out

of prison in _London_, intending him a Mayne director in the whole

voyage; whose Credulous eares hee highly abused, by telling them,

That the _Padre Vagado_ (Chiefe Governour of St _Jago_) was his

brother, and that by the power hee had with him, to lay all trade

open, for Negroes, Horses, and Cattle, which were there Contrabanded

goods; By which perswasion, they gave him the power and Command

of the ship and goods. But hee intended nothing lesse then the

performance of that trust, but instead of it, meant to make prey of

both, and of our Liberties, and probably lives to boote, if wee had

not bin verie wary of him.

The first thing wee perceiv’d in him, was a strange looke hee put

on, when wee came nere the Iland; which caused us to suspect some

great and bad designe hee was bent on, for being Iolly and very good

Companie all the voyage, to change his Countenance when wee were

nere the place where wee hop’d to enjoy our selves with happinesse

and Contentment, was a presage of some evill intent to bee put in

practice, which howerly wee expected; and were all at gaze what part

of it was first to bee acted; which hee (more speedily then hee

needed) discovered, and it was thus.

Our water, being a good part spent in our passage thither, and wee

being to make new and large provisions for the remaynder of our

Voyage, carrying horses and Cattle with us: which wee were to take

in there; hee Commanded the Master by the power he had over him, to

send a shoare all the emptie Caske hee had aboard; with intent to

detayne them; and so make us comply, by little and little to his

ends. But the Master absolutely denied the Landing our great Caske,

but told him he would send our quarter Caskes, in our long boate, and

so by making often returnes, to fill our Pipes & Buts. But finding

himself at a losse in this designe, thought good to keepe us from any

water at all; and so appointed our men, to dig in the valley under

the Padres house, where he was well assured no Springs of water were

to be found. But some of our men, who spoke good Spanish, by their

enquiries heard, That there was a very good well on the other side of

the hill, under the Castle, and were brought to the sight of it by

some of the Country people; Which when he perceiv’d we had knowledge

of, he was much out of Countenance, and used his best eloquence to

make us beleeve he had never heard of that Well.

So finding that this practice would not serve his turne, he tryed

another: and that was to command our Master, to carrie a shoare, that

part of the Cargo soone that was consign’d for that place, which was

Cloath, Bayes, Stuffes of severall kindes, Linen Cloath, Hats with

broad brims, such as Spaniards use to weare, and were made in London

purposely to put off there, and these goods being valued, when they

were receiv’d at Land, there should be a returne made, in Horses, and

Cattle. But as we had Cause to suspect him for the Cask, so wee had

for the Cargo, and so return’d him this answer, that we would not

land any of our goods, without receiving the like valew in Cattle;

and so by parcells to receive the one, and deliver the other.

On which message, we sent the Purser of our ship, that spoke good

Spanish; But _Bernardo_, being vext to the height that his Plot was

discovered, kept him prisoner. We sent another to demand him which

was like wise detayned, then we sent 3 or 4 more and some of the

soldiers of the Castle gave fire upon them, Soe that wee resolv’d to

weigh Anchor and put to Sea for a weeke or tenne dayes and returne

in the night (the weather being darke and fitt for our purpose) and

surprise the Padres house with 50 Musketeers which we could muster

verie well of the Gentlemen and other passengers in the ship, and

some of the Saylers, and take the _Padre Vagado_, and _Bernardo

Mendes de Sousa_, and carrie them to the _Barbados_. But the Padre

not knowing of this designe in _Bernardo_, sent to us a verie kind

message inviting himselfe aboard our ship, receiving hostages from

us, and soe upon treatie with him aboard, settled a trade, and got

our prisoners releast; whereupon we were invited to his house or

rather his Rocke, for it was most part of it form’d in a Rocke, with

a steep and verie high precipice.

But I am mislead into this digression by this wicked Portugall,

whose unlucky Countenance before we came to the _Iland_, gave me the

occasion to say somewhat of him, and his miscariage in the _Iland_,

before I came at it.

But when we came within sight of it, it appeared to us full of high

& steep Rocks, (the highest of which were meere stone, without any

soyle at all) and they of so great a height, as we seldome saw the

tops, whilst we lay before it; being interposed by mists, and Clouds:

which rise and darken the skie in the time of the _Turnado_. But the

day we had the first sight of it, being very cleare; and we being

at a competent distance, had a perfect view of it. But those of the

second altitude, appear’d not so white, but had a grayish colour,

as if covered with light and sandy earth. But the lowest of those,

seem’d rather Hills, than Rockes; but yet so russet, as we were in

doubt whether grasse did ever grow on them. But when we came within

distance of discerning colour perfectly; wee expected the vallies, as

they opened to us, would have afforded our eyes a richer prospect,

with more variety of colours, but we found very little or no

amendment, onely the trees of _Coconuts_, with some other that were

large and beautiful, whose tops (giving amply proportionable shadowes

to their roots) held their greennesse and were extreame beautifull.

But the time of our stay there, being the _Turnado_, when the sunne

(being in his returne from the Tropique of Cancer, to that of

Capricorne, to visit and refresh the Southern world,) became _Zenith_

to the inhabitants of that part of the world; which is about the

beginning of _August_: At which time the raines fall in abundance,

and is accompted winter, to those parts where the _Zenith_ is, and

we staying there 19 or 20 dayes, (the raine falling a good part of

that time,) wee perceived the valleys to put on new liveries; so

fresh, so full of various greens, intermixt with flowers of severall

kinds, some growing on stalkes, some on trees, so full of varietie,

of the most beautifull colours, as if nature had made choyce of that

place to shew her Master piece. So that, having feasted our eyes

with this delighted object, we desired to try whether their smel was

as pleasant and odoriferous, as their beauty was admirable; and to

satisfie our selves of this curiosity, would willingly have gone a

shoare but wee were advised to stay a little, till we were better

assured of our _Portugall Bernardo_. Which stay, gave us time to take

a view of the Harbour or Bay, which they call the _Pry_, and is about

a league over from land to land. And, as I guest, somewhat more; from

the poynts of land, to the bottome; and, as we enter, we leave a

small Iland on our Larboard side

This _Bay_ or _Pry_, lies to the _Leeward_ of the Iland; by reason

whereof we found so great, so insufferable heate, as you will hardly

imagine that bodyes comming out of cold Climates, could indure such

scorching without being suffocated.

I had in a Cabinet two pieces of hard waxe, in the hold of the ship

both melted and clave together; and the Cement of that Cabinet, that

was made to hold the Inke, melted and became flat.

So that finding the _Ayer_ so torridly hot, I thought good to make

triall of the water; and I leapt into the sea, which appeared to

my sense no more colder than the _Ayer_; than the Queens bath (at

_Bathe_) is hotter in _June_ here in England.

At the bottome, or inward part of the _Pry_, there appeared to us,

a faire round rising hill, neere halfe the bredth of the _Pry_, not

much unlike the How at _Plimouth_, with a valley on either side; And

on the brow of the Hill towards the right hand, a very high and steep

precipice of a rocke; in which stood the house of the _Padre Vagado_,

fixt on the top of the rocke. A house fit enough for such a Master;

for though he were the chiefe Commander of the Iland: yet by his port

and house he kept he was more like a _Hermite_ then a Governour. His

familie consisting of a _Mollotto_ of his own getting, three Negroes,

a Fidler, and a Wench. Himselfe a man grave enough to be wise, but

certainly of no great learning; for upon the differences between

_Bernardo_ and us, Colonel _Modiford_ writ him a letter in Latin,

which he did his best endeavour to answer but fell two bowes short in

substance and language, and though his Quarrell were to us, yet he

revenged himselfe on _Priscian_, whose head he broke 3 or 4 times in

his letter.

The first time we saw him, was at his own house, by his own

invitation: to which almost inaccessible habitation, when we had

climed with infinite difficulty; and indeed so painfull and violent

was our motion: (our leggs finding the motion of elevation, much more

violent then of distention,) as we were almost scalded within, and

the torrid heat of the Sun, being then our _Zenith_, did so scald

us without, as we were in fitter condition to be fricased for the

_Padres_ dinner, then to eat any dinner our selves.

Being painfully and pipeing hot, arriv’d at this exalted mansion; we

found none to entertaine us but _Bernardo_; whose countenance was

not so well reconcil’d to himselfe, as to give us a hearty welcome.

He told us that the _Padre_ was gone forth about some affaires of

the Iland, but would returne time enough to dinner. And whilst we

were staying there, expecting his comming, we thought good not to be

idle, for the structure of that Fabricke, did not minister to our

eyes much of delight. Onely that it had a faier prospect to sea. So

we walkt along upon that round hill, enquiring what we could of the

place; and were inform’d that there had been formerly a very stately

Town, beautified with faire buildings, and streets so contrived, as

to make the best use of such a prospect; But burnt and demolisht

by Sr Francis _Drake_, in the time of the warres, between Queen

_Elizabeth_, and the King of _Spaine_, which made us give more

reverence to the place; for that some of our Countreymen had there

sacrificed their lives for the Honour of our Nation.

About the houre that our stomacks told us, it was full high time

to pay Nature her due, we lookt about us, and perceived at a good

distance, a horse comming towards us, with a man on his back, as hard

as his heels could carry him; and within a very little time, made a

sudden stop at the _Padres_ house, from whose backe (being taken by

two _Negroes_,) was set on the ground a great fat man, with a gowne

on his back, his face not so black as to be counted a _Molotto_, yet

I believe full out as black as the Knight of the Sunne; his eyes

blacker if possible, and so far sunk into his head, as with a large

pinne you might have prick’t them out in the nappe of his necke.

Upon his a lighting we perceived him very much discomposed, for the

pace he rid, was not his usuall manner of riding, as by our enquiry

afterwards we understood; and that he very seldom rid at all, but his

business having held him over long, caus’d him to take horse, who

intended to come a foot; and being mounted, (and he none of the best

horsemen,) was made subject to the wil of his horse; which being a

Barbe, & very swift of foot, comming towards the place where he was

kept, ranne with such violence, as it was a wonder his burthen had

not been cast by the way; for the Horse having a bit in his month,

and the stirrops being extreame short, as the manner of their riding

there is, if he had ever checkt him with the bridle, that he had been

put to bound, he had undoubtedly layd him on the ground. But the

rider that thought of nothing more, then holding fast by the pummell

with both handes, was miraculously preserv’d.

In this great discomposure, he was taken off by two _Negroes_, and

set on his owne legs: but in such a trance, as for some minutes, he

was not in a Condition to speake to us: So sensible an impression had

the feare of falling made in him. But being at last come to himselfe,

he made his addresse to us, and in his language bid us welcome,

begining to excuse his too long stay: to redeeme which fault, he had

put himselfe in such a hazard, as in his whole life he had not knowne

the like. We answered, that it argued a great respect and civilitie

to us, that he would expose his gravitie, which was accustomed to a

moderate pace, to such a swiftnes of motion, as might in any kinde

indanger his health, or hazard his person. But he being a man much

reserv’d, and slow of language, said no more; but brought us into his

house; which was upon a Levell at the entrance, but the other side of

the Rooms a steep precipice, and some of the roomes like galleries

such as are in the meanest _Innes_ upon _London_-way. There were not

in the house above 4 roomes, besides two galleries and a Kitchin; and

those all on a flower; and the flowers of earth, not so much as made

Levell, nor soeeven as to deserve sweeping; and the most of them were

justly dealt withall: for they had no more then they deserv’d, both

above and below; for the Cobwebs serv’d for hangings, and frying pans

and gred-irons for pictures.

By this equipage, you may guesse what the trading is of this _Iland_,

when the Governour is thus accoutred; but by and by, a Cloath was

layde, of Calico, with 4 or 5 Napkins of the same, to serve a dozen

men. The first Course was set on the table, usherd in by the Padre

himselfe, (_Bernardo_, the _Mollotto_, and _Negroes_ following

after,) with every one a dish of fruite, 6 in all; the first was

Milons, Plantines the second, the third Bonanos, the 4 of Guavers,

the 5 of Prickled Peares, the 6 the Custard Apple: but to fill up

the table, and make the feast yet more sumptuous, the Padre sent his

_Mollotto_, into his own Chamber, for a dish which he reserv’d for

the Close of all the rest; Three _Pines_ in a dish, which were the

first that ever I had seene, and as farre beyond the best fruite that

growes in England, as the best _Abricot_ is beyond the worst Slow or

Crab.

Having well refresht our selves with these excellent fruites, we

dranke a glasse or two of Red Sack; a kinde of wine growing in the

_Maderas_; verie strong, but not verie pleasant; for in this Iland,

there is made noe wine at all; nor as I thinke any of grapes, so

neere the Line upon Ilands in all the world. Having made an end of

our fruite, the dishes were taken away, and another Course fetcht in;

which was of flesh, fish, and sallets; the sallets being first plac’t

upon the table; which I tooke great heed of, being all Novelties to

me, but the best and most savourie herbs that ever I tasted, verie

well season’d with salt, Oyle, and the best vinagre. Severall sorts

we had, but not mixt, but in severall dishes, all strange, and all

excellent. The first dish of flesh, was a leg of young sturke, or

a wilde Calfe, of a yeare old; which was of the Colour of stags

flesh, and tasted very like it, full of Nerves and sinewes, strong

meat and very well Condited: boyld tender, and the sauce of savorie

herbes, with Spanish Vinagre. Turkyes and Hens we had roasted; a

gigget of young goate, fish in abundance of severall kindes, whose

names I have forgotten, Snappers, grey and red; Cavallos, Carpions,

&c: with others of rare colours and shapes, too many to be named in

this leafe; some fryed in oyle, and eaten hot, some souc’t, some

marinated: of all these we tasted, and were much delighted.

Dinner being neere halfe done, (the Padre, _Bernardo_, and the

other black atendants, waiting on us;) in comes an old fellow,

whose complexion was raised out of the red Sack; for neare that

Colour it was: his head and beard milke white, his Countenance bold

and Cheerfull, a Lute in his hand, and plaide us for a Noveltie,

The _Passame sares galiard_; a tune in great esteeme, in Harry the

fourths dayes; for when Sir _John Falstaff_ makes his Amours to

Mistresse _Doll Tear-sheet_, _Sneake_ and his Companie, the admired

fidlers of that age, playes this tune, which put a thought into my

head, that if time and tune be the Composits of Musicke, what a long

time this tune had in sayling from _England_ to this place. But we

being sufficiently satisfied with this kind of harmonie, desired a

song; which he performed in as Antique a manner; both savouring much

of Antiquitie; no Graces, double relishes, Trillos, Groppos or Piano

Forte’s, but plaine as a packstaffe; his Lute too, was but of tenne

strings, and that was in fashion in King Davids dayes; soe that the

raritie of this Antique piece, pleas’d me beyond measure.

Dinner being ended, and the Padre well neere wearie of his wayting,

we rose, and made roome for better Companie; for now the Padre,

and his blacke mistresse were to take their turnes; A Negro of the

greatest beautie and majestie together: that ever I saw in one woman.

Her stature large, and excellently shap’t, well favour’d, full eye’d,

& admirably grac’t; she wore on her head a roll of green taffatie,

strip’t with white and Philiamort, made up in manner of a Turban; and

over that a sleight vayle, which she tooke off at pleasure. On her

bodie next her linen, a Peticoate of Orange Tawny and Skye Colour;

not done with Straite stripes, but wav’d; and upon that a mantle of

purple silke, ingrayld with straw Colour. This Mantle was large, and

tyed with a knot of verie broad black Ribbon, with a rich Jewell on

her right shoulder, which came under her left arme, and so hung loose

and carelesly, almost to the ground. On her Legs, she wore buskins

of wetched Silke, deckt with Silver lace, and Fringe; Her shooes, of

white Leather, lac’t with skie colour; and pinkt between those laces.

In her eares, she wore Large Pendants, about her neck; and on her

armes, fayre Pearles. But her eyes were her richest Iewells: for they

were the largest, and most orientall, that I have ever seene.

Seing all these perfections in her onely at passage, but not yet

heard her Speake; I was resolv’d after dinner, to make an Essay:

what a present of rich silver silke and gold Ribbon would doe, to

perswade her to open her lips: Partly out of a Curiositie, to see

whether her teeth were exactly white, and cleane, as I hop’d they

were; for ’tis a generall opinion, that all _Negroes_ have white

teeth; but that is a Common error, for the black and white, being so

neere together, they set off on another with the greater advantage.

But looke neerer to them, and you shall find those teeth, which at a

distance appear’d rarely white, are yellow and foul. This knowledge

wrought this Curiositie in me, but it was not the mayne end of my

enquirie; for there was now, but one thing more, to set her off in

my opinioni, the rarest black swanne that I had ever seen, and

that was her language, & gracefull delivery of that, which was to

unite and confirme a perfection in all the rest. And to that end I

took a Gentleman that spoke good Spanish with me, and awaited her

comming out, which was with far greater majesty, and gracefulness,

then I have seen Queen _Anne_, descend from the Chaire of State,

to dance the Measures with a Baron of England, at a Maske in the

Banquetting house. And truly, had her followers and friends, with

other perquisits (that ought to be the attendants on such a state and

beautie) wayted on her, I had made a stop, and gone no farther. But

finding her but slightly attended, and considering she was but the

Padres Mistres, & therefore the more accessible, I made my addresses

to her, by my interpreter; & told her, I had some Trifles made by

the people of _England_, which for their value were not worthy her

acceptance, yet for their Novelty, they might be of some esteem, such

having bin worn by the great Queens of _Europe_, & intreated her to

vouchsafe to receive them. She with much gravity, and reservedness,

opened the paper; but when she lookt on them, the Colours pleased her

so, as she put her gravity into the loveliest smile that I have ever

seen. And then shewed her rowes of pearls, so clean, white, Orient,

and well shaped, as _Neptunes_ Court was never pav’d with such as

these; & to shew whether was whiter, or more Orient, those or the

whites of her eyes, she turn’d them up, & gave me such a look, as was

a sufficient return for a far greater present, and withall wisht, I

would think of somewhat wherein she might pleasure me, and I should

finde her both ready and willing. And so with a gracefull bow of her

neck, she took her way towards her own house; which was not above a

stones cast from the _Padres_. Other addresses were not to be made,

without the dislike of the _Padre_, for they are there as jealous of

their Mistrisses, as the _Italians_ of their wives.

In the afternoon we took leave, and went aboard; where we remained

three or four days; about which time, some passengers of the ship,

who had no great store of linnen for shift, desired leave to go

ashoare and took divers women along with them, to wash their linnen.

But (it seem’d) the _Portugalls_, and _Negroes_ too, found them

handsome and fit for their turnes, and were a little Rude, I cannot

say Ravisht them; for the Major part of them, being taken from

Bridewell, Turnboule street, and such like places of education, were

better natur’d then to suffer such violence; yet complaints were

made, when they came aboard, both of such abuses, and stealing their

linnen.

But such a praise they gave of the place, as we all were desirous

to see it: for, after the Raine, every day gave an increase to the

beauty of the place, by the budding out of new fruits and flowers.

This was the valley on the left side of the Hill, more spacious and

beautifull by much than that on the right hand, where the _Padre_

dwelt. The next day, a dozen Gentlemen of our company, resolv’d to

go and see this so much admired valley, and when our Saylers with

their long boat went to fetch water, (as dayly they did,) we went

along with them and landed there, in as high going Billows, as I have

ever seen, so near the land. Much adoe we had, to be carried to land

though on mens backs, and yet the grapple came as near the shoare as

they durst bring it, for bulging against the bottome.

No sooner were we landed, but the Captaine of the Castle, with one

souldier with him; came towards us, with a slow formall pace; who

desired to speake with one of us alone. Colonel _Modiford_, being

the chiefe man in the Company, went with an Interpreter to meet him;

and being at the distance of speech, desired to know his pleasure;

which he told him was this. That he understood divers of our women

had bin ashoare, the day before; and received some injury, from the

people of the Iland, and that it was conceiv’d, we were come Arm’d

to take revenge on those that did the affront. He therefore advised

us, either to make speedy returne to the boate that brought us: or

to send back our swords and pistols, and commit our selves to his

protection; and if one of those were not presently put in act, we

should in a very short time have all our throats Cut.

We told him we had no intention of revenge for any wrong done,

and that the only cause of our landing, was to see the beauty of

the place we had heard so much Commended, by our people that were

ashore, of which they had given a very large testimony, both of the

pleasantness and fruitfulness of it, and that our visit was out of

love, both to the place and people. But for sending our weapons

back to the boate, we desired his pardon; for this reason, that the

Billows going so very high at that time, we could not send them to

the boat without being dipt in the Sea water, which would spoyle

them; and the most of them, being rich swords, and pistols, we were

loath to have their beauty covered with rust, which the salt water

would be the occasion of. We desired rather, that he would Command a

souldier of his, to stay with a man of ours, and keep them safe, till

our returne; which he being content to doe, we committed our selves

to his protection, who put a guard upon us of 10 Souldiers, part

_Portugalls_ part _Negroes_; the most part of either kind, as proper

men as I have seen, and as handsomely cloathed.

Their garments made with much Art, and all seem’d to be done by the

Tayler; the Coverings for their heads, were not unlike Helmits; of

blew and white strip’t silke, some tawny, and yellow, others of other

sorts of Colours; but all of one fashion, their doublets close to

their bodies, with Cassocks, made of the fashion of the Kings guard:

loose sleeves, which came to their elbowes; but large and gathered so

as to fit loose from their armes; with foure large skirts, reaching

down to the middle of their thighs; but these of a different colour

from their suits, their breeches indifferently large, comming down

below the knee; and the upper part, so wrought with Whalebones

within, as to keep them hollow, from touching their backs; to avoid

heat, which they were much troubled with; upon their leggs, buskins

of the colour of their suits, yet some made a difference: their

shooes Colour’d for the most part; some white, but very few blacke.

Their weapons, as Swords, Pistols, Muskets, Pikes, and Partisans,

kept very bright, and worne comelily and gracefully; which argued

a decencie in the Commander, as their awfull respect did of his

austeritie.

Being now under a Guard, we marcht into this valley, one of the

delightfullest places that I have ever seen, for besides the high and

loftie trees, as the _Palmeto_, _Royall_, _Coco_, _Cedar_, _Locust_,

_Masticke_, _Mangrave_, _Bully_, _Redwood_, _Pickled yellow wood_,

_Cassia_, _Fistula_, _Calibash_, _Cherry_, _Figgtree_, whose body

is large inough for timber, _Cittrons_, _Custard apple_, _Guavers_,

_Macow_, _Cipres_, _Oranges_, _Limons_, _Lymes_, _Pomegranat_,

_Anotto_, _Prickled apple_, _Prickled peare_, _Papa_, these and

more may be accounted wood: and yet a good part of them bearing

excellent fruit; But then there are of a lesser sort, that beare

the rarest fruit; whose bodyes cannot be accompted wood, as the

_Plantine_, _Pine_, _Bonano_, _Milon_, _water Millon_, &c. and some

few grapes, but those inconsiderable, by reason they can never make

wine: because they have no winter, and so by that meanes, they can

never ripe together, but one is green, another ripe, another rotten,

which reason will ever hold, that no wine can be made on Ilands,

where there is no winter; or within twenty degrees of the line on

either side. I have heard that wine is made in the _East Indies_,

within lesse then fifteen Degrees; but ’tis of the Palme tree; out

of whose body, they draw both wine and oyle; which wine will not

keep above a day, but no wine of grapes, for the reasons aforesaid.

Other kinds of trees, we found good to smell to, as _Mirtle_,

_Jesaman_, Tamarisk, with a tree somewhat of that bignesse, bearing

a very beautifull flower. The first halfe next the stalke, of a deep

yellow or gold colour; the other halfe, being the larger, of a rich

Scarlet; shap’d like a Carnation, & when the flowers fall off, there

grows a Cod, with 7 or 8 seeds in it, divers of which, we carried

to the _Barbados_, and planted there: and they grew and multiplied

abundantly, and they call them there, the St. _Jago_ flower, which is

a beautifull, but no sweet flower.

From these woods of pleasant trees, we saw flying divers birds, some

one way, some another, of the fairest, and most beautifull colours

that can be imagined in Nature: others whose Colours and shapes come

short of these, did so excell in sweetnesse, and loudness of voyce,

as our Nightingals in England, are short of them, in either of those

two properties; but in variety of tunes, our birds are beyond them,

for in that they are defective.

In this valley of pleasure, adorn’d as you have heard, we march’t

with our Guard, faire and softly, near a quarter of a mile; before

we came to the much praised fountaine; from whence we fetcht our

water. The circle whereof, was about 60 foot, the Diameter about 20

from the ground to the top of the Well, (which was of freestone,) 3

foot and a halfe; from thence within, downe to the surface of the

water, about 15 foot. The spring it selfe, not so much to be praised

for the excellency of the taste, though cleare inough, as for the

Nymphs that repaire thither. For whilst we stayed there seeing the

Saylers fill their Casks; and withall Contemplating the glory of the

place: there appeard to our view, many pretie young Negro Virgins,

playing about the Well. But amongst those; two, that came downe

with either of them a naturall Pitcher, a Calibash upon their arme,

to fetch water from this fountaine. Creatures, of such shapes, as

would have puzzelld _Albert Durer_, the great Mr of Proportion, but

to have imitated; and _Tition_, or _Andrea de Sarta_, for softnes

of muscles, and Curiositie of Colouring, though with a studied

diligence; and a love both to the partie and the worke. To expresse

all the perfections of Nature, and Parts, these Virgins were owners

of, would aske a more skillfull pen, or pencill then mine; Sure I

am, though all were excellent, their motions were the highest, and

that is a beautie no painter can expresse, and therefore my pen may

well be silent; yet a word or two, would not be amisse, to expresse

the difference between these, and those of high _Africa_; as of

Morcoco, Guinny, Binny, Cutchow, Angola, Æthiopia, and _Mauritania_,

or those that dwell nere the _River_ of _Gambia_, who are thick

lipt, short nosd, and commonly low foreheads. But these, are compos’d

of such features, as would marre the judgment of the best Paynters,

to undertake to mend. Wanton, as the soyle that bred them, sweet as

the fruites they fed on; for being come so neere, as their motions,

and graces might perfectly be discern’d, I guest that Nature could

not, without help of Art, frame such accomplisht beauties not onely

of colours, and favour, but of motion too, which is the highest part

of beautie. If dancing had bin in fashion in this _Iland_, I might

have been perswaded, that they had bin taught those motions, by some

who had studied that Art. But considering the _Padre’s Musique_ to

be the best the _Iland_ afforded, I could not but cast away that

thought, and attribute all to pure nature; Innocent, as youthfull,

their ages about 15. Seing their beauties so fresh and youthfull,

withall the perfections I have named, I thought good to trie, whether

the uttering of their language, would be as sweet and harmonious,

as their other partes were comely. And by the helpe of a Gentleman

that spoke _Portugall_, I accosted them; and began to praise their

beauties, shapes, and manner of dressings; which was extreamly

prettie. Their haire not shorne as the _Negroes_ in the places I

have named, close to their heads; nor in quarters, and mases, as

they use to weare it, which is ridiculous to all that see them, but

themselves: But in a due proportion of length, so as having their

shortenings by the naturall Curles, they appeared as wiers, and

artificiall dressings to their faces. On the sides of their Cheeks,

they plat little of it, of purpose to tie small Ribbon; or some

small beads, of white Amber, or blew bugle, sometimes of the rare

flowers that grow there; Their eares hung with Pendants, their necks

and armes adorn’d with bracelets of Counterfeit pearles, and blew

bugle; such as the _Portugalls_ bestow on them, for these are free

_Negroes_, and weare upon the small of one of their legs, the badge

of their freedome; which is a small peece of silver, or tinne, as

big as the stale of a spoone; which comes round about the leg; and

by reason of the smoothnes, and lightnes, is no impediment to their

going. Their cloathes, were petticoates of Strip’t silk, next to

their linen, which reach to their midle leg: and upon that a mantle,

of blew taffitie, tied with a Ribbon on the right shoulder: which

coming under the left arme, hung downe carelesly somewhat lower then

the petticoate, so as a great part of the naturall beautie, of their

backes and necks before, lay open to the veiw, their breast round,

firme, and beautifully shaped.

Upon my addresses to them, they appeard a little disturb’d; and

whispered to one another, but had not the Confidence to speake

aloud. I had in my hat, a piece of silver and silke Ribbon, which

I perceiv’d their well shap’t eyes, often to dart at; but their

modesties would not give them Confidence to aske. I tooke it out, and

divided it between them, which they accepted with much alacritie;

and in returne, dranke to one another my health in the liquor of

the pure fountaine, which I perceiv’d by their wanton smiles, and

jesticulations, and casting their eyes towards me: when they thought

they had exprest enough they would take in their Countenances, and

put themselves in the modestest postures that could be, but we having

brought a Cas of bottles of English spirits, with us; I cald for

some, and drunke a health to them, in a small dramme cup; and gave it

to one of them, which they smelt to, and finding it too strong for

their temper, pour’d some of it into one of their Calibashes: and put

to it as much water, as would temper it to their palats; they dranke

againe, but all this would not give them the Confidence to speake,

but, in mute language, and extream prety motions, shewed, they wanted

neither wit nor discretion, to make an answer. But it seem’d, it was

not the fashion there, for young Maides to speak to strangers, in so

publick a place.

I thought I had been sufficiently arm’d with the perfections I found

in the _Padre_’s Mistresse, as to be free from the darts of any

other Beauty of that place, and in so short a time: But I found the

difference between young fresh Beauties, and those that are made up

with the addition of State and Majesty: For though they counsell and

perswade our Loves; yet, young Beauties force, and so commit rapes

upon our affections. In summe, had not my heart been fixed fast in

my breast, and dwelt there above sixty years, and therefore loath to

leave his long kept habitation, I had undoubtedly left it between

them for a Legacy. For, so equall were there Beauties, and my Love,

as it was not, nor could be, particular to either.

I have heard it a question disputed, whether if a Horse, being plac’d

at an equall distance, between two bottles of hey, equally good; and

his appetite being equally fix’d upon either: Whether that Horse must

not necessarily starve. For, if he feed on either, it must argue,

that his appetite was more fixt on that; or else, that bottle was

better than the other. Otherwise, what should move him to chose one

before the other?

In this posture was I, with my two Mistresses; or rather, my two

halves of one Mistresse: for, had they been conjoyned, and so made

one, the poynt of my Love had met there; but, being divided, and my

affection not forked, it was impossible to fix, but in one Centre.

In this doubtfull condition, I took my leave, with an assurance, that

I should never finde two such parallel Paragons, in my whole search

through the World: And the reason of their so great likenesse and

lustre, was, they were Sisters and Twins; as I was after informed by

a Hermite, that came often to visit us, when we came on land, as we

often did, and not far off from his Cell.

But you will think it strange, that a man of my age and gravity,

should have so much to do with Beauty and Love: But I have three

arguments to protect me. The first is, I have in my younger dayes,

been much inclined to Painting, in which Art, colour, favour, and

shape is exercised; and these Beauties, being a proper subject of

all these perfections, (being in themselves perfect) I could not but

consider them with a studied diligence.

Next, I had been long at Sea, without setting foot on any Land;

and that hath a property, to make all Land-objects beautifull; and

these being in the highest degree paramount, could not but surprise

my fancy. Besides, the place being extream beautifull and lovely,

could not but secretly harbour in it the Spirit of Love, a passion

not to be governed. And therefore I hope, you will pardon my wilde

extravagancy.

But the main reason of this flying out, is, I had little else to

say: for the Iland, being a place of very little or no traffick,

could not afford much of discourse. Cattle they have very good, and

large, which, they sell at very easy rates; and likewise Horses, of

excellent shapes and mettle; but they are contrabanded goods, and

whosoever deales in them, (without speciall license) forfeits both

Ship and Goods, if, they have power to compell them.

But I believe, they have not, being partly informed by the Hermite,

who came often to us, to hear newes, and beg somewhat of us; which

being obtained, he would not stick to impart somewhat of the

weaknesse of the Iland, that would have cost him dear, if it had been

known to the _Padre_. And some of that which he enformed us, was,

that the Forts, and Block houses, on either side the Prye, on which

we saw the appearance of Ordnances, good store, and large; but we

understood by him, that those Forts were neither regular, nor the

Guns Brasse or Iron, but such as _Henry_ the Eighth took _Bulloyne_

with; and this we found by experience to be true: For, upon our first

difference with _Barnardo_, and the _Padre_, we weyed Anchor, and

removed ourselves out of the distance of the Castle, which stood in

the bottom of the Prye; and expected to have been shot at from those

Forts and Block houses, but saw no fire given; and if they had been

furnish’d with such Artillery as would have reach’d us, we should

certainly have heard from them.

We also enquired of our Intelligencer, the Hermite, what Trades or

Manufactures were practised there; but were answered, that they were

few, and inconsiderable; Sugar, Sweet-meats, and Coco-nuts, being

the greatest trade they had. Yet by the _Padres_ leave, we carried

away with us 50 head of Cattle, and 8 Horses, which _Barnardo_ made

us pay double for; the usual price being 25 s. a piece, for which he

made us pay 50 s. and for Horses, 10 l. a piece, which others have

had for 4 or 5 l. But he was content, we should rate our commodities

accordingly, and so we were no great losers by the exchange.

Having dispatch’d our businesse, we got leave to go ashoar, upon the

little Iland, at the entrance of the Prye, there to cut and pull

grasse, for our Horses and Cattle, which we made up into hay; a

work quickly done, where so much Sun-shine was our helper. It being

perfectly dried, we stowed it in the ship, which was our last work,

and so wayed Anchor, and hoysed Saile, steering our course for the

_Barbadoes_, leaving _Bernardo_ (according to his own desire) behinde

us; having but 2 Degrees to the southward to varie, in the running of

620 Leagues Westward. St. _Jago_ lying in 15. and the _Barbadoes_ in

13 Degrees and 30 Minutes, to the Northward of the Line.

There are seven more Ilands, which are called the Ilands of _Cape

Verd_: _viz._ S. _Michaels_, St. _Vincents_, St. _Anthonies_, St.

_Lucia_, _Bravo_, _Fogo_, and _Soll_: Some of which are much larger,

but none so considerable, as this of St. _Jago_.

As we lay at Anchor in the entrance of the Prye, we perceived at

Sun-set, between the Sun and us, the Iland called _Fogo_; which was

at such a distance, as none of us could discern it all the day, till

that houre; and then the Iland interposing between the Sun and us, we

saw it perfectly, shap’d like the neather half of a Sugar loafe, the

upper half being cut off eeven; and in the midst of the top of that,

a smoak and fire rising out, from which we guest it took its name.

About the tenth of _August_, we put out to Sea; and as we sayled,

we left the Iland of our Starbord-side, and did not part with the

sight of it, till we discern’d a little Town, near to the shoar,

which, we were told, was the best in the Iland, and a place meant

for the chief Port, for all Traffick in the Iland; but by means of

a great mischiefe, that Ships were subject to in that Harbour, it

was almost totally deserted: For the Sea there, was so rocky in the

bottome, and those rocks so thick together, and sharp withall, as

they cut the Cables off neer to the Anchor, and so the Anchor often

left in the bottom. There was a Dutchman that lay there but three

daies, and in that little stay, lost two Anchors. From this Iland

to the _Barbadoes_, we account 620 Leagues; which, by reason of the

constancy of the Windes, which blow seldome in any other point, than

Nore-east and By-east, they have usually sayled it in 16 or 17 daies.

But we, for that it was the time of _Tornado_, when the windes chop

about into the South, were somewhat retarded in our passage, and made

it twenty two daies ere we came thither; and many have made it a far

longer time. For, in the time of _Tornado_, the clouds interpose

so thick, and darken the skie so much, as we are not able to make

an observation for a fortnight together; and so being doubtfull of

our Latitude, dare not make the best use of our Sayles and way, for

fear of slipping by the Island; and being past it, can hardly beat

it up again, without putting out into the Main, and so by painfull

traverses, recover our selves to the Eastward of the Iland, and then

fall back again, by the due Latitude upon it, at 13 Degrees and 30

Minutes.

Besides this paines, and losse of time, when we misse the Iland, we

many times run hazards, by falling upon the Leeward Ilands, in the

night, of which the Bay of _Merixo_ is well stor’d.

In this long reach, (which may be call’d a voyage it selfe) I had

only two things to make the way seem short; the one was Pleasure,

the other Businesse; that of Pleasure, was, to view the Heavens, and

the beauty of them, which were objects of so great glory, as the

Inhabitants of the World, from 40 Degrees to either Pole, can never

be witnesse of. And this happens at the time, when the _Turnado_ is

with those of that Latitude, where we were. For the clouds being

exhal’d in great quantities, some thick and grosse, some thin and

aeriall, and being hurl’d and roll’d about with great and lesser

curles, the Sun then and there being far brighter, then with us here

in _England_, caused such glorious colours to rest upon those Clouds,

as ’tis not possible to be believed, by him that hath not seen it,

nor can imagination frame so great a beauty: And the reason is, the

neernesse and propinquity of the place we are in, which makes us see

the glory of the Sun, and of those Stars too, which move in that

Horizon, much more perfectly, then at a further distance. The proof

of this I found, by looking on the Stars, that appear large and

bright to us in _England_, which being seen there, do not only lose

much of their light, but of their magnitude. For instance; There is

a little Star, called _Auriga_, neer the _Charles Wain_, which in

_England_ I have seen very perfectly, in bright nights; but at that

distance, I could never see it in the clearest night, though I have

often attempted it. And upon my return to _England_, I found it as

I left it; which argues, that it was no decay or impediment in my

sight, that made me lose it, but only the distance of place. I deny

not, but a better sight then mine, may see this Star _Auriga_ at the

_Barbadoes_; but then, so good a sight may see it more perfectly

in _England_ than I can; and so the comparison holds. But another

reason, to prove the Celestiall Bodies brighter at neerer distance,

is, That the Moon being neer the Full, (at which time it gives a

plentifull light) I have observed in the night, (the Sun having been

set two hours, or thereabouts) and at such a time, as the Clouds

being in a fit Position, to reflect the beams which the Moon then

gives, to the place where you are, you shall see a perfect Rain-bow

in the night. But this does not happen at all times, though there

be Clouds, for the beams to rest on; but only to such as are in an

angle, where these beams reflect, and meet in a just point.

Divers new Constellations we found, to the Southward, which in our

Horizon are never seen; and amongst them, one, which we call the

_Cruseros_, which is made up of foure Stars, which stand almost

square, or rather like the clawes of a Birds foot; and the Sea-men

told us, that two of them point at the South Pole, as the Poynters of

the _Charles Wain_, do to the North Star. But the South Pole cannot

be seen by us, that come from the Northern parts, till we be under

the Line, and then we see both North and South; as we do the Sun in

morning and evening, at six and six. And thus much for Pleasure.

Now for Businesse, it was only this: To inform my selfe, the best

I could, of the account the Master and his Mates kept, of the

Ships way, both for Compasse, Card, and Logline, together with the

observations at noon, by that excellent and usefull Instrument, the

Back-staffe, by which we know to a mile, the Latitude we are in; and

if we had an Instrument, to finde out the Longitude as perfectly,

every man might guid a Ship, that could but keep an account.

To the knowledge of this great secret, of the Ships Course, divers

Gentlemen of our company applyed themselves very diligently; for the

Master was not forward, to communicate his skill to all that were

of his Messe. And to such a proficiency we were grown, as to lay a

wager with the Boat-swain, a very good Seaman, upon the first sight

of the Iland of _Barbadoes_. He laid, we should not see it till the

afternoon, or late in the evening. We, that we should make it before

noon. Whether it were chance, or our skilfulnesse, I know not, but we

won the wager, which was a couple of very fat Hens, which we caused

to be drest, and eat them in sight of the Iland, with a double joy:

first, that we had won the wager; next, that we were grown so neer

our wished Harbour.

Being now come in sight of this happy Iland, the neerer we came,

the more beautifull it appeared to our eyes; for that being in it

selfe extreamly beautifull, was best discern’d, and best judg’d of,

when our eyes became full Masters of the object. There we saw the

high, large, and lofty Trees, with their spreading Branches, and

flourishing tops, seem’d to be beholding to the earth and roots, that

gave them such plenty of sap for their nourishment, as to grow to

that perfection of beauty and largenesse. Whilst they, in gratitude,

return their cool shade, to secure and shelter them from the Suns

heat, which, without it, would scorch and drie away. So that bounty

and goodnesse in the one, and gratefulnesse in the other, serve to

make up this beauty, which otherwise would lie empty & waste. And

truly these vegetatives, may teach both the sensible and reasonable

Creatures, what it is that makes up wealth, beauty, and all harmony

in that _Leviathan_, a well governed Common-wealth: Where the

Mighty men, and Rulers of the earth, by their prudent and carefull

protection, secure them from harmes; whilst they retribute their

paynes, and faithfull obedience, to serve them in all just Commands.

And both these, interchangeably and mutually in love, which is the

Cord that bindes up all in perfect Harmonie. And where these are

wanting, the roots dry, and leaves fall away, and a generall decay,

and devastation ensues. Witnesse the woefull experience of these sad

times we live in.

Being now come to the distance of two or three leagues, my first

observation was, the forme of the Iland in generall, which is highest

in the middle; by which commodity of situation, the inhabitants

within, have these advantages; a free prospect to sea, and a

reception of pure refreshing ayer, and breezes that come from thence:

the plantations overlooking one another so, as the most inland parts,

are not bar’d nor restrained the liberties of their view to sea,

by those that dwell between them and it. For as we past along neer

the shoare, the plantations appear’d to us one above another: like

severall stories in stately buildings, which afforded us a large

proportion of delight. So that we begg’d of the Master, to take

down those of his sayles, that gave the ship the greatest motion,

that we might not be depriv’d on a sudden, of a sight we all were

so much pleased with. But our Cattle and Horses (who were under

hatches; and therefore no partners of this object,) having devoured

all their fodder, and were now ready to come to that necessity, as

the next thing to be thought on, was to plane deale boards, and feed

them with the shavings; Which deadly hunger, caused such lowing

and bellowing of the poor Cattle, as their cry stopped the Masters

eares, so as the smoothest, and most perswasive language, we could

use: could not force a passage, but with all the haste he could, put

into _Carlile Bay_; which is the best in the Iland, where we found

riding at Anchor, 22 good ships, with boates plying to and fro, with

Sayles and Oares, which carried commodities from place to place: so

quick stirring, and numerous, as I have seen it below the bridge at

_London_.

Yet notwithstanding all this appearance of trade, the Inhabitants of

the Ilands, and shipping too, were so grieviously visited with the

plague, (or as killing a disease,) that before a month was expired,

after our Arivall, the living were hardly able to bury the dead.

Whether it were brought thither in shipping: (for in long voyages,

diseases grow at Sea, and takes away many passengers, and those

diseases prove contagious,) or by the distempers of the people of the

Iland: who by the ill dyet they keep, and drinking strong waters,

bring diseases upon themselves, was not certainly known. But I have

this reason to beleeve the latter: because for one woman that dyed,

there were ten men; and the men were the greater deboystes.

In this sad time, we arriv’d in this Iland; and it was a doubt

whether this disease, or famine threatned most; There being a

generall scarcity of Victuals throughout the whole Iland.

Our intention at first, was not to stay long there, but onely to sell

our goods, Cattle, and Horses; and so away to _Antigoa_; where we

intended to plant: but the ships being (for the most part) infected

with this disease, and our selves being unprovided of handes for a

new plantation (by reason of the miscarying of a ship, which set out

before us from _Plimouth_, a month before, with men, victuals, and

all utensill’s fitted for a plantation, we were compelled to stay

longer in the Iland than we attended). Besides, the ship we came in,

was consigned to another part in _Africa_, called _Cutchew_, to trade

for _Negroes_.

But during the time of our stay there, we made enquires of some small

plantation to rest us on, til the times became better, and fitter for

our remove; with intent to make use of those few hands we had, to

settle that, till we had supplies, and new directions from _England_.

And so upon discourse with some of the most knowing men of the Iland,

we found that it was farre better, for a man that had money, goods,

or Credit, to purchase a plantation there ready furnisht, and stockt

with Servants, Slaves, Horses, Cattle, Assinigoes, Camels, &c. with a

sugar worke, and an Ingenio: than to begin upon a place, where land

is to be had for nothing, but a triviall Rent, and to indure all

hardships, and a tedious expectation, of what profit or pleasure may

arise, in many yeers patience: and that, not to be expected, without

large and frequent supplies from _England_; and yet fare, and labour

hard. This knowledge, was a spurre to set on Colonel _Modiford_, who

had both goods and credit, to make enquiry for such a purchase, which

in very few dayes he lighted on; making a visit to the Governour _Mr.

Phillip Bell_, met there with Major _William Hilliard_, an eminent

planter of the Iland, and a Councellor, who had been long there, and

was now desirous to sucke in some of the sweet ayre of _England_:

And glad to find a man likely to performe with him, took him home to

his house, and began to treate with him, for halfe the plantation

upon which he lived; which had in it 500 Acres of Land, with a faire

dwelling house, an Ingenio plac’t in a roome of 400 foot square;

a boyling house, filling roome, Cisterns, and Still-house; with a

Carding house, of 100 foot long, and 40 foot broad; with stables,

Smiths forge, and rooms to lay provisions, of Corne, and Bonavist;

Houses for _Negroes_ and _Indian_ slaves, with 96 _Negroes_, and

three _Indian_ women, with their Children; 28 Christians, 45 Cattle

for worke, 8 Milch Cowes, a dosen Horses and Mares, 16 Assinigoes.

After a Months treaty, the bargaine was concluded, and Colonel

_Modiford_ was to pay for the Moity of this plantation, 7000 l; to

be payed, 1000 l. in hand, the rest 2000 l. a time, at sixe and sixe

months, and Colonel _Modiford_ to receive the profit of halfe the

plantation as it rose, keeping the account together, both of the

expence and profit.

In this plantation of 500 acres of land, there was imployed for sugar

somewhat more then 200 acres; above 80 acres for pasture, 120 for

wood, 30 for Tobacco, 5 for Ginger, as many for Cotton wool, and 70

acres for provisions; _viz._ Corne, Potatoes, Plantines, Cassavie,

and Bonavist; some few acres of which for fruite; _viz._ Pines,

Plantines, Milons, Bonanoes, Guavers, Water Milons, Oranges; Limons,

Limes, &c. most of these onely for the table.

Upon this plantation I lived with these two partners a while,

but with Colonel _Modiford_ three years; for the other went for

_England_, and left Colonel _Modiford_ to manage the imployment

alone; and I to give what assistance I could for the benefit of both:

which I did, partly at their requests, and partly at the instance

of Mr. _Thomas Kendall_, who reposed much confidence in me, in case

Colonel _Modiford_ should miscarry in the Voyage.

I only speak thus much, that you may perceive, I had time enough to

improve my selfe, in the knowledge of the managment of a Plantation

of this bulk; and therefore, you may give the more credit in what I

am to say, concerning the profit and value of this Plantation, which

I intend as a Scale, for those that go upon the like; or to varie

it to greater or lesse proportions, at their pleasure. And indeed,

I wanted no tutridge, in the learning this mystery; for, to do him

right, I hold Collonell _Modiford_ as able, to undertake and perform

such a charge, as any I know. And therefore I might (according to my

ability) be able to say something, which I will, as briefly as I can,

deliver to you, in such plain language as I have.

But before I come to say any thing of the Iland, as it was when I

arrived there, I will beg leave, to deliver you a word or two, what

hath been told me by the most ancient Planters, that we found there,

and what they had by tradition from their Predecessors. For, few or

none of them that first set foot there, were now living.

About the year ____ a Ship of Sir _William Curteens_, returning from

_Fernambock_ in _Brasill_, being driven by foul weather upon this

coast, chanc’d to fall upon this Iland, which is not far out of

the way, being the most windwardly Iland of all the _Carribbies_,

(_Tobago_ only excepted;) and Anchoring before it, stayed some time,

to informe themselves of the nature of the place; which they found

by tryalls in severall parts, to be so overgrown with Wood, as there

could be found no Champions, or _Savannas_ for men to dwell in; nor

found they any beasts to inhabit there, only Hogs, and those in

abundance: the _Portugalls_ having long before, put some ashoar for

breed, in case they should at any time be driven by foul weather, to

be cast upon the Iland, they might there finde fresh meat, to serve

them upon such an extremity: And the fruits and roots that grew

there, afforded them so great plenty of food, as they multiplyed

abundantly. So that the Natives of the leeward Ilands, that were

at the distance of sight, comming thither in their _Cannoas_, and

_Periagos_, and finding such Game to hunt, as these hogs, and the

flesh so sweet and excellent in tast, they came often thither a

hunting, and stayed sometimes a month together, and so returned again

at pleasure, leaving behinde them certain tokens of their being

there, which were, Pots, of severall sizes, in which they boyled

their meat, made of clay, so finely tempered, and turned with such

art, as I have not seen any like them, for finenesse of mettle, and

curiosity of turning, in _England_. This information I received from

the Planters in _Barbadoes_. But being here a Prisoner, in the _Upper

Bench_ Prison, my chance was to meet with an antient Captain, and

one of those that first landed on the Iland; and had the managing of

a good part of the Iland, under _William_ late Earle of _Pembrok_,

before my Lord of _Carlile_ begg’d it of King _James_. This Captain

_Canon_ (for so was his name) inform’d me for certain, that this

was a grosse mistake in the Planters, and that no Indians ever came

there: But those Pots were brought by the Negres, which they fetcht

from Angola, and some other parts of _Africa_; and that he had seen

them make of them at _Angola_, with the greatest art that may be.

Though I am willing to believe this Captain, who delivered upon

his knowledge, that the Negres brought some Pots thither, and very

finely and artificially made; yet, it does not hinder any man from

believing, that the Indians brought some too; and who knowes, which

were the most exactly made. For, ’tis certain, that from some part of

the Iland, you may see (in a clear day) St. _Vincents_, perfectly:

And if we can see them, why may not they see us; and they will

certainly venture to any place they see, so far as they know they

can reach before night, setting out very early in the morning. But I

leave you to credit which of these you please, either, or both.

But I have a great inclination to believe, the _Indians_ have been

there, for this reason, that the Iland of St. _Vincents_, lying in

the same Climate with this of _Barbadoes_, the Clay may be of the

same nature and qualitie; and they, having the skill to bring their

Clay to so fine a temper, as to burn and not break, may shew us the

way, to temper ours of the _Barbadoes_ so, as we may make Bricks to

burn, without chopping or cracking; which those of _Angola_, being

far off, and it may be, their Clay of different temper, cannot help

us in. And it is no hard matter, to procure an _Indian_ or two,

to come from that Iland, and give us direction, which would be of

infinite use and advantage, to our buildings in _Barbadoes_. But this

digression must not lead me out of the way of my businesse.

This discovery being made, and advice given to their friends in

_England_, other Ships were sent, with men, provisions, and working

tooles, to cut down the Woods, and clear the ground, so as they might

plant provisions to keep them alive, which, till then, they found

but straglingly amongst the Woods. But having clear’d some part of

it, they planted _Potatoes_, _Plantines_, and _Mayes_, with some

other fruites; which, with the Hogs-flesh they found, serv’d only

to keep life and soul together. And their supplies from _England_

comming so slow, and so uncertainly, they were often driven to

great extremities: And the Tobacco that grew there, so earthy and

worthlesse, as it could give them little or no return from _England_

or else-where; so that for a while they lingred on in a lamentable

condition. For, the Woods were so thick and most of the Trees so

large and massie, as they were not to be falne with so few hands; and

when they were laid along, the branches were so thick and boysterous,

as required more help, and those strong and active men, to lop and

remove them off the ground. At the time we came first there, we

found both _Potatoes_, _Maies_, and _Bonavists_, planted between the

boughes, the Trees lying along upon the ground; so far short was

the ground then of being clear’d. Yet, we found _Indico_ planted,

and so well ordered, as it sold in _London_ at very good rates; and

their Cotten wool, and Fustick wood, prov’d very good and staple

commodities. So that having these foure sorts of goods to traffick

with, some ships were invited (in hope of gain by that trade) to

come and visit them, bringing for exchange, such commodities as they

wanted, working Tools, Iron, Steel, Cloaths, Shirts, and Drawers,

Hose and Shoes, Hats, and more Hands. So that beginning to taste the

sweet of this Trade, they set themselves hard to work, and lived in

much better condition.

But when the Canes had been planted three or four years, they found

that to be the main Plant, to improve the value of the whole Iland:

And so, bent all their endeavours to advance their knowledge in the

planting, and making Sugar; Which knowledge, though they studied

hard, was long a learning. But I will forbear to say any thing of

that, till I bring in the Plants; where you shall finde not only the

colour, shape, and qualitie of this Plant, but the worth and value of

it, together the whole processe of the great work of Sugar-making,

which is the thing I mainly aime at: But, in my way to that, I will

give you a sleight description or view, of the Iland in generall: and

first, of the Scituation.

[Sidenote: _The Scituation._]

It were a crime, not to believe, but that you are well verst in the

knowledge of all parts of the known habitable world; and I shall seem

impertinent, if I go about to inform you of the scituation of this

Iland. But, because there have been some disputes between Seamen,

whether it lie in bare 13 Degrees, or in 13 Degrees and 30 Minutes, I

shall easily be led by the most voices, of the most able Seamen, to

give for granted, that _Carlile Bay_, which is the Harbour where most

of them put in, is 13 Degrees and 30 Minutes from the Line, to the

Northern Latitude.

This Bay is, without exception, the best in the Iland, and is

somewhat more then a league over; and from the points of Land to the

bottom of the Bay, is twice as much.

Upon the most inward part of the Bay, stands the Town, which is about

the bignesse of _Hounslo_, and is called the _Bridge_; for that a

long Bridge was made at first over a little nook of the Sea, which

was rather a Bog then Sea.

A Town ill scituate; for if they had considered health, as they did

conveniency, they would never have set it there; or, if they had any

intention at first, to have built a Town there, they could not have

been so improvident, as not to forsee the main inconveniences that

must ensue, by making choice of so unhealthy a place to live in.

But, one house being set up, another was erected, and so a third,

and a fourth, till at last it came to take the name of a Town;

Divers Store-houses being there built, to stow their goods in, for

their convenience, being neer the Harbour. But the main oversight

was, to build their Town upon so unwholsome a place. For, the ground

being somwhat lower within the Land, than the Sea-banks are, the

spring-Tides flow over, and there remains, making a great part of

that flat, a kinde of Bog or Moraste, which vents out so loathsome a

savour, as cannot but breed ill blood, and is (no doubt) the occasion

of much sicknesse to those that live there.

At the time of our arrivall, and a month or two after, the sicknesse

raign’d so extreamly, as the living could hardly bury the dead; and

for that this place was neer to them, they threw the dead carcases

into the bog, which infected so the water, as divers that drunk of it

were absolutely poysoned, and dyed in few houres after; but others,

taking warning by their harmes, forbare to taste any more of it.

The ground on either side the Bay, (but chiefly that to the Eastward)

is much firmer, and lies higher; and, I believe, they will in time,

remove the Town upon that ground, for their habitations, though

they suffer the Store-houses to remain where they are, for their

convenience. But the other scituation, may be made with some charge

as convenient as that, and abundantly more healthfull.

Three Bayes there are more of note in this Iland; one, to

the Eastward of this, which they call _Austin’s Bay_, not in

commemoration of any Saint, but of a wilde mad drunken fellow, whose

lewd and extravagant carriage, made him infamous in the Iland; and

his Plantation standing neer this Bay, it was called by his name.

The other two are to the West of _Carlile Bay_; and the first is

called _Mackfields Bay_, the other _Spikes Bay_; but neither of these

three are environ’d with Land, as _Carlile Bay_ is: but being to the

Leeward of the Iland, and good Anchorage, they seldome are in danger;

unlesse in the time of _Turnado_, when the wind turnes about to the

South; and then, if they be not well moor’d, they are subject to fall

foul on one another, and sometimes driven aground. For, the Leeward

part of the Iland being rather shelvie then rockie, they seldome or

never are cast away.

[Sidenote: _The Extent._]

The length and breadth of this Iland, I must deliver you only upon

trust; for, I could not go my selfe about it, being full of other

businesse, but I had some speech with the antientest, and most

knowing Surveyer there, one Captain _Swann_, who told me, that he

once took an exact plot of the whole Iland, but it was commanded out

of his hands by the then Governour, Sir _Henry Hunks_, who carried it

into _England_; since which time, neither himselfe, nor any other,

to his knowledge, had taken any; nor did he believe, there was any

extant. I desired him yet that he would rub up his memory, and take

a little paines in the survey of his Papers, to try what could be

found out there, that might give me some light in the extent of the

Iland, which he promised to do; and within a while after, told me,

that he had found by some Papers, that lay scattered in his Study,

the length of it; but for the breadth, it was very uncertain, by

reason of the nooks and corners that reach’d out into the Sea, so

that it must of necessity be broad in some places, and narrow in

others. I desired then to know, how many miles the broadest, and how

few the narrowest parts might be. He told me, that he guest, the

broadest place could not be above seventeen miles, nor the narrowest

under twelve; and that the length, he was assured, was twenty eight

miles. Out of these uncertain grounds, it was a hard matter to

conclude upon any certainties; and therefore the evenest way I can

go, is, upon a _Medium_, between twelve and seventeen; and, I will

be as modest as I can in my computation; and take but 14. which is

lesse then the _Medium_, and multiply 14. which is supposed to be

the breadth, by 28. which is assured to be the length, and they make

392 square miles in the Iland. Beyond this, my enquiries could not

reach, and therefore was compell’d to make my estimate upon this bare

Supposition. But, for the forme of the _Superficies_ of the Iland, I

am utterly ignorant; and for the Upright, I have given it you in my

first view of the Iland, that it rises highest in the middle.

[Sidenote: _The Length of daies._]

When the Sun is in the _Æquinoctiall_, or within 10 Degrees of

either side, we finde little change in the daies length; for at six

and six the Sun rises and sets: but when he is neer the Tropick of

_Capricorn_, and is 37 Degrees from us, we finde a difference; for

then, the day is somewhat shorter, and we perceive that shortning, to

begin about the end of _October_; the _Crepusculum_ being then not

much longer then at other times, which is not halfe the length, as

’tis with us in _England_.