The Islands call’dDe Barlovento, by which are understoodHispaniola,Cuba,Jamaica, andBoriquen, as also theLucaies, with theCaribes, and lastly the Isles call’dDe Sotavento, viz.Margareta,Cabagua, andTabago, are by some comprehended all under the general Name ofThe Isles Antilles; though others reckon theAntillesto be the same with theCaribesonely. But leaving this Controversie undecided, we shall begin with the IslesDe Barlovento, the chief whereof isHispaniola.
Bounds and Description ofHispaniola.
Hispaniola, orLittle Spain(asColumbusnam’d it) is, though not the largest, yet the fairest and goodliest of all theAmericanIslands, call’d by the Natives ancientlyHaytiandQuisqueia: It lieth about fifteen Leagues Westward ofPorto Rico, and distant from the main Land ofAmericaabout one hundred and twenty; ’tis of a triangular form, the sharpest Point whereof is that towardsPorto Rico, which they callCabo de Enganno: that towards the West inclines to a Semi-circle, containing a good and convenient Bay betwixt the two Points,viz.St. Nicholasto the North, andCabo de Donna Mariatowards the South. It is not thought to be less than a hundred and fifty Leagues in length, and in breadth from threescore to thirty, and to contain in the compass of the whole, four hundred Leagues at least, lying betwixt eighteen and twenty Degrees of Northern Latitude, having an Air somewhat infested with the Morning Heats, but well cool’d again in the Afternoon, by a constant Wind from the Sea, which they call thereVirason. It is, for the fertility of the Soil, one of the richest and most flourishing Countreys in the World; the Trees and all things else there continually clad, as it were, in their Summer Livery, the Meadows and Pastures always green, and of such an excellent Herbage, that Cattel both breed and thrive there beyond belief; both great Cattel and small, as Kine, Sheep, Hogs,&c.brought thither out ofSpain, having multiply’d to such numbers, that they live wild now in Herds in several places, and are both hunted and kill’d, like Stags or other Venison, onely for their Hides, which they send yearly intoSpainand other parts ofEurope, as a great Merchandize and Commodity of huge profit to them.
Wild Hogs also have been formerly seen to feed in the Woods in great multitudes, but the Dogs since they were brought over hither, have made great havock amongst them.
Beasts peculiar toHispaniola.
The Animals peculiar to this Island are 1. A little Beast call’dHutias, not much unlike our Coneys. 2.Chemi, almost of the same form, but a little bigger. 3.Mohui, A Beast somewhat less than theHutias. 4. A Beast call’dCoxi.
The FlyCuyero.
Likewise amongst other strange sorts of Creatures here, theCuyerois very observable, being about an Inch big, and having four Wings, of which two are larger than the other: when they flie they shine after such a manner, that in the Night they make a Room as light as day, insomuch that some have made use of them in stead of Candles to Read by.
The FishManate.
No less wonderful is the FishManate, whose shape hath been describ’d elsewhere: It breeds for the most part in the Sea, yet sometimes swimming up the Rivers, comes ashore and eats Grass. The CasiqueCaramatexikept one in the LakeGuaynato, which was so tame, that when call’d by the NameMaton, it us’d to come out of the Water, and go directly to theCasique’s House, where being fed, it return’d to the Lake, accompanied with Men and Boys, who with their Singing seem’d to delight the Fish, which sometimes carried ten Children on its Back over the Water; but at last aSpaniardstriking at it with a Pike, it would never come forth again when it espy’d a Cloth’d Man: It liv’d twenty six years in the fore-mention’d Lake, till by accident the RiverHayboaicover-flowing into the said Lake, the Fish return’d to the Sea.
The FishAbacatuaia.
Besides this great Fish, here is also a sort of small Fish, call’dAbacatuaia, with a little Mouth, black Eyes encompass’d with Silver-colour’d Circles, four black Fins, two long ones under its Belly, one on the Back, and one on each side of the Head, the Tail slit and cover’d with a glittering Skin: It is as big as a Flounder, and not ill Meat, but thick and round.
The InsectNigua.
When theSpaniardsfirst setled onHispaniola, they were exceedingly tormented with a sort of leaping Insects call’dNigua, which us’d to eat through their Skin intothe Flesh in such a nature, that many of them lost their Arms and Legs; but at last they found out a Remedy against this Evil,viz.the searing the Wounds with hot Irons.
Fruits.
Besides the aforesaid plenty of Flesh, they have many excellent Fruits all the year long, as Banana’s, Pine-Apples, Custud-Apples, Plantens, Papans, Musk-melons, Water-melons, and many other peculiar Plants, as 1. theAuzuba, a fair large Tree, the Fruit whereof is call’dPinnas, resembling aMalecotoon: Of this Tree there are three sorts,Jaima,Boniama, andJaiqua; 2.Quauconex; 3.Axi; of which there are also several sorts, asCarive,Huarahuac,Axiblanco,Acafran-Axi, andAxi-Coral; 4.Yuca, the Root of which serves in stead of Corn; 5. Certain Trees call’dGuaibes, besides plenty of Mint and Potato’s.
The Provinces of this Island.
The Island ofHispaniolawas formerly divided into several Provinces, amongst which the Mountainous CountreyHygueylies towards the Isle ofPorto Rico. On the Mountains, which are flat on the top, are great variety of sharp-pointed Stones. The Soil is a sort of colour’d Earth, which produces all sorts of Fruit, especially the RootCasabi, and Melons.
Hygueyalso conterminates withYcayagua; Northward liesSamana; Southward,Yaquimo, where there is store ofBrasileWood: And between the CityDomingoandYaquimo, is the CountreyBaoruco, which with its Mountains extends sixty Leagues in length, and above twenty in breadth, without any Water, Pasture, or Food for Cattel or Mankind.
Next follows the CountreyXaragua, lying at the great Inlet which dividesHispaniola; for one side extends to the Promontory ofSt. Nicholas, and the other to the PointTiburon. This Countrey produces abundance of Cotton.
Lastly, the ProvincesGuahaba,HaniguagyaandCahay, are very eminent; as alsoCibao, which is full of Gold-Mines; andLavega Real, withMagnana, which lie between the two great RiversNeybaandYagui; the stony CountreyCiguayos, and the low CoastDarica, whereChristopher Columbusbuilt the CityNavidad, which he afterwards deserted.
Ginger was formerly brought hither from theEast-Indies, but now grows here in such great abundance, that above two and twenty thousandKintallsare yearly Transported from thence toSpain.
With as good success grow here also the Sugar-Canes andMaiz.
Peter Martyr, a Councellor to the EmperorCharlesthe Fifth, relates, ThatHispaniolaproduc’d in his time, besides Silver, Copper, and Iron, five hundred thousandDucatsin Gold: Nevertheless the rich Mines lay undisturb’d, because they wanted People to work in them, insomuch that had they not planted their Royal Seat inDomingo, the Island had long since been deserted, notwithstanding the exceeding fruitfulness of the Soil, because theSpaniardsexercis’d their Cruelty in such a nature, that of sixty thousand Inhabitants from the Year 1508. toAnno 1514.scarce fourteen thousand of them were left alive; all which is affirm’d by the BishopDe las Casas. Nay, the fore-mention’dPeter Martyrrelates, That the Men wearied with working in the Mines, kill’d themselves, despairing of ever being releas’d from their Slavery; and Women with Child destroy’d the Infants in their Wombs, that they might not bear Slaves for theSpaniards. He adds hereunto, That of a hundred and twenty thousand Persons, few were left in a short time.
The Gaiety of the antientCasiques.
These Provinces in former times had each of them theirCasique, whose splendor consisted chiefly in Dancing to his Devotion, with a Girdle full of Bells about his Middle, a String of Pearls about his Arms, a Covering over his Privities, and aPlume of Feathers on his Head, with a Drummer before him, and a small Train of Arm’d Men after him.
Ports and Havens.
On the Coast are first the Point ofNisao, ten Leagues to the West ofSanto Domingo.
Eighteen Leagues farther is the PortOcoa, which is a Bay where the Fleets ofNova Hispaniatake refreshing, when they do not Anchor in the Nook ofSepesepin, which is near unto it, or in another call’dThe Fair Haven, two Leagues before you come toOcoa.
Twenty Leagues beyondOcoais the Port ofAsua.
Thirty Leagues more Westwardly is a large Point right against the Island ofBola, which lieth five Leagues from the Coast.
The most Westerly Point is call’dCape Tiburon: It hath an Island three Leagues from it Westward, call’dCaprio; and Sailing along the Coast, you will see an Island call’dCamito, and farther in the Nook ofYaguanaanother call’dGuanaboof eight Leagues long.
On the North side of the Island, the most Westerly Cape and Port isSt. Nicholas, from whence North-East and by East, lieth the Island ofTortuga, near the Coast ofHispaniola: It is of five Leagues length.
Farther along the Coast isMonte Christo, the West Cape ofNatividad; to the East of which there is a great Bay call’dPort Real.
This Island is so full of Harbours, that he that will Coast it, cannot well miss of one where he pleaseth, most of which afford fresh Meat and good Water.
Moreover,Hispaniolahath many brave Rivers, the chiefest of which areHayna;Nizao, along whose Shore the first Sugar-Canes were planted;Neyba, a great River;Yaquimo;Yaqui, whichColumbuscall’dRio de Oro, because the Ground thereof glitter’d like Gold; and lastly, the RiversNicayagua, amongst whose Sands is Gold;Nigua, which borrows its Denomination from the fore-mention’d leaping Insect; the swift StreamJuno, whose Banks are crown’d with handsom Houses; andJaquin, which hath many Salt-pans.
The RiversItabo,Ocoa,Cepi,Bia,Cazui,Sanate de Plata, andChiabon, have some one, others more Sugar-Mills upon them.
But the chiefest River isOzama, broad, and so deep, that the biggest Vessel may lie close by the Shore; and also washesSt. Domingo.
Description of the City ofSt. Domingo.
This City, the Metropolis of all the Isles round about, was built byBartholomeus Columbus, and was peopledAnno 1494.after which it flourish’d eight years, when, a terrible Storm blowing the same down to the Ground,Nicholas Olandaremov’d it to the Western Shore ofOzama, that theSpaniards, who had for the most part setled towards the West, might not be necessitated to Ferry over: but the first place stood much more conveniently, being not onely provided of a Fountain of sweet Water, but also freed of those unwholsom Vapours which daily rise with the Sun at this new-built City. To prevent the inconvenience of crossing to the foremention’d Fountain, of which the Inhabitants found themselves oftentimes in great want,Olandawent about to lead the neighboring RiverHaynainto theOzama, but the Design not being prosecuted, bereav’dDomingoof the onely thing which would have made it able to stand in competition with any City in the World; for it lies on a Plain, the South side whereof is wash’d by the Sea; the East side, by the River; on the North and West are many delightful Fields.
The City, which in a manner is built square, is divided into long straight Streets, full of fair Houses after theSpanishmanner: in the middle thereof is a square Market-place, with a handsom Church, the Yard whereof is encompass’d with a high Wall, which upon occasion would serve for a place of great Defence.
The Collectors of the King ofSpain’s Revenue dwell in stately Palaces; and theDominicans,Franciscans, and MonksDe la Merced, have brave Cloysters, besides two more for the Nuns.
TheLatineSchool and Hospital belonging to the City, are Endow’d with great yearly Revenues.
The Arch-bishop ofSt. Domingohath Command over the Bishoprick ofConception,La Vega,Cuba,Venezuela, andPorto Rico.
The City is surrounded with a Stone Wall, and fortifi’d with a Castle, which with two Bulwarks reaches to the RiverOzama, and within them two Half-Moons.
On the utmost Shore stands a round Tower near the Southern Bulwark.
Before the new discover’d Countreys entic’d away many People fromSt. Domingo, and the Silver Fleet put intoHavana, the Inhabitants drove a great Trade in Hides, Tallow, Sugar,Cassia, Horses, and Hogs.
Anno 1586.SirFrancis DrakeLanded here with twelve hundredEnglish-men, took the City by Storm, staid a whole Moneth in the same, and upon Composition with theSpaniard, left it undestroy’d.
Other chief Towns ofHispaniola.
Other chief Towns inHispaniolaare 1.Salvaleon, twenty eight Leagues distant fromSt. Domingo, towards the East.
2.Zeybo.3.Cotny, formerly inhabited by those that work’d in the Gold-Mines; the last especially was once a rich Town, and much frequented, but now in a manner deserted.
4.Azua, orNew Compostella, eight Leagues distant fromSt. Domingo, famous for the Sugar-Mills not far from it, and one of the Ports before-mention’d.
5.Yaguana, for its brave Harbour also call’dMaria del Puerto, in the more Western parts of the Island; a small Town not above a League distant from the Sea; It was burnt by CaptainChristopher Newport.
URBA DOMINGO IN HISPANIOLA
6.Conception de la Vega, adorn’d with a Cathedral and Cloysters of Fryers, and lying twenty or thirty Leagues Northward ofSt. Domingo: It was built byColumbus, and from thence he had his Title ofDuke de la Vega.
7.Sant Jago de los Cavalleros, a very pleasant Place, ten Leagues Northward ofSt. Domingo.
8.Puerto de Plata, orThe Silver Haven, four Leagues distant fromSt. Domingotowards the North: It hath been counted the second Place of Trading and Wealth in the whole Island, being commodiously seated on an Arm of the Sea, and fortifi’d with a Castle.
9.Monte Christo, one of the Ports also above-mention’d: It lies fourteen Leagues Westward ofPlata, and extends it self along the Northern Coast: it is wash’d by the RiverYagui, on whose Banks are many Salt-pans.
The Island dispeopled by the cruelty of theSpaniards.
Their barbarous usage ofGuaccanarilloand others.
All those Cities are much decay’d, and thinly inhabited, theSpaniardsbeing most of them drawn by the temptation of new discover’d Gold and Silver Mines in other places, and the first Inhabitants having been miserably destroy’d. The BishopDe las Casas, an Eye-witness, relates, That the KingGauccanarillosecur’d the Goods of a stranded Ship, of whichColumbuswas Commander, and receiv’d theSpaniardsvery courteously; but not being able to continue supplying them with that quantity of Gold they requir’d, wanting Men to gather so much out of the Streams and Mines, and seeing no way to rid himself from theSpaniardsOppressions, fled to the Province ofCiguayos, theCasiqueof which was his Deputy; whereat theSpaniardswere so enrag’d, that they burnt all that they could meet with, neither sparing young nor old; and at length takingGuaccanarillo, put him in Irons, and thought to have carried him toMadrid; but the Ship in which he went suffering Shipwrack, he with many others was cast away, being before almost dead with grief for his Consort, who had been Ravish’d by aSpanishCommander, LikewiseAnacoana, Sister to theCasique, or Governor of the ProvinceXarana, and Partner with him in the Government, seeing three hundred of her Councellors burning in a great House, set on fire by theSpaniards, and her Subjects torn by Dogs, or cut in pieces, hung her self out of despair. The same Death diedHiguanama, Queen ofHuguey. Others say thatAnacoanawas put to death together with her Brother in a most barbarous and cruel manner, byNicholas de Olanda, who succeededDiego de Aranain the Government of this Island. Many Women and Children were kept alive onely to Manure the Ground. The Men dying of their hard Labour in the Gold-Mines, and those which endur’d stoutly the cruel Labour under Ground, were never suffer’d to go to their Wives; from whence proceeded a great decrease of People, theSpaniardsseeming purposely to design the destruction of the Natives ofHispaniola, though they receiv’d great benefit by their Service; for Gold in former times was found between the Cracks and split Stones of the Mountains, whose Veins the Mine-workers digg’d for not without great and dangerous Labour.
First original of the People ofHispaniola.
The first Planters ofHispaniolaare, according to the common opinion, deriv’d fromMatinio, a high and Mountainous Isle, from whence the most eminent Inhabitants were driven by certain Rebels, as formerly theSyriansunder the Government ofDido, were driven fromTyretoLybia, and theBataviansfromHessento the Countrey betweenRhyneandWall, at present inhabited by theGeldersandHollanders. TheseMatininoensiansthus expell’d from their native Countrey, setled themselves onCahonao, near the RiverBahaboni: The first House they call’dCamoteia, and afterwards turn’d it into a Temple, to which they shew’d Reverence, and made great Presents: In like manner theTyema, which stood on a high Rock belonging to oneof theCanaryIslands, was by the ancient Inhabitants of the Place had in great veneration, insomuch that many leap’d down from the same, being perswaded by the Priests, That the Souls of those which threw themselves off this sacred Break-neck, should immediately be translated into a place of everlasting happiness.
The ancient Name of this Island.
This Island was, as we said before, first call’dHaitywhich signifiesWild, because in many places it swells with wondrous high Mountains, and in other places is over-grown with great Woods: it was afterwards by the ancient Inhabitants nam’dXusqueia, that is,Unmeasurably great, because they suppos’d it to be the whole World, and that the Sun shin’d in no other place.
IndianSongs or Ballads call’dAreitos.
The Natives of this Island, though wholly rude of acquir’d Knowledge or Literature, like the generality of theAmericans, yet they took care to instruct their Children in the Original and Antiquities of their Countrey, and the Wars and Exploits of their Predecessors, both which they contain’d in Songs call’dAreitoswhich they us’d to Sing to the sound of Drums and Trumpets; but especially their Persons of chiefest Quality study’d most theseAreitos, and exercis’d themselves in Dancing.
Strange Prediction of theSpaniardsArrival.
The most remarkable of these ancientAreitos, were such as pretended to prophesie of things to come, which if of sad consequence, were Sung very mournfully and with many Sighs; nor were they always, however inspir’d, without effect, as appear’d at last by woful event: for long before theSpaniardsLanded onHispaniola, it was foretold by one of them, thatMaguacochios, signifyingClothed People, should Land onHispaniola, who with sharp Weapons should cut off Heads and Arms, and under whose insupportable Yoke their Successors must spend their days without hope of ever being releas’d.
It might be disputed whether these Predictions were dictated by good or evil Spirits; but it is generally believ’d, that all their Oracles, whether hapning true or false, were suggested by diabolical Spirits to the Priests, who commonly convers’d with them; and that these Spirits knew the Design of several People to discover new Countreys.
The Images of theirZemes.
Their ImagesZemes, stuff’d full of Cotton, were fashion’d into very frightful Shapes, and might pass for those things which we callTerricula, orBugbears; of which some were made very small, and those they ty’d on their Foreheads when they went to the Wars. Every Governor had a peculiarZemes, to whom he shew’d Reverence, in return whereof he expected Rain, fair Weather, and to conquer his Enemies, supposing him to be a Messenger of a perpetual and endless Being, by them call’dJocauna Guamaonocon; whom nevertheless they suppos’d to have a Mother, to whom they gave five Names,viz.Attbeir,Mamona,Guacarapita,Liella, andGuimazoa.
The Islanders Opinion of the Creation.
Their opinion of Man’s Creation was thus: They say, that out from a Mountain in the ProvinceCuanana, out of certain small and great Caverns therein, came little and great People: The biggest Hole, call’dCazibaragua, and the little one, nam’dAmaiauna, were said to be lock’d up every Night, that none might pass the SentinelMachchael, who out of curiosity leaving the MountainCuata, and going up into the Countrey, was discover’d by the Sun, whose Beams he not being able to endure, was turn’d into a Rock. The like Mischance hapned to many others, who in the dark Night going to Fish, in the Morning at their Return were chang’d into Oaken Trees, onely one of the Fishermen was sent away by the chief CommanderVaguoniana, who moved at the Complaint of a Nightingale’s Singing, suffer’d all the Men to go into the Hole, and the Women and Children he Transported toMatinino. But to make short of these non-sensical Stories, in conclusion, the Men being let out of their Caves, saw many strange Beasts amongst the Woods, whichbeing turn’d into Women, were entertain’d by them, and brought forth a numerous Progeny, which spread over allHispaniola.
Their foolish Opinion of the Original of the Sea.
No less ridiculous an Account do the Priests give concerning the Original of the Sea,viz.ThatJaia, a mighty Man, buried the Body of his deceased Son in a Pumpion, which some Moneths after, out of meer affection to the Deceased, he cutting open, abundance of Whales sprung out of it. This Wonder being every where known, amongst others, entic’d four Brothers born at one Birth (whose Mother died in Childbed) to get the Pumpion into their possession; which their Design prov’d successful: but afterwards struck with a pannick fear ofJaia’s coming thither (who oftentimes came to mourn over the Bones of his dead Son) they fled, and threw away the Pumpion, which breaking with the fall, the Sea gush’d out of all places thereof, and cover’d the Plains in such a manner, that nothing of them was seen, onely the tops of the highest Mountains appear’d; at which the four Brothers terribly afrighted, rang’d through barren Desarts, in which they had died of Hunger, had they not come to a Baker’s House, which one of them entring, ask’d forCazabi; but the Baker denying them Bread, spit on them, which caus’d a mortal Dropsie, which the Brothers upon consultation found no way to cure, but by cutting a hole in the Skin with a sharp Stone, and to let out the Water; but out of each running Wound sprung a Woman, who bare them four Sons and four Daughters.
The CaveJovana-beina.
There is a certain Cave call’dJovana-beina, which is adorn’d with a thousand Pictures, in great esteem amongst them; at the Entrance on each side whereof stands aZemes; that on the right side is call’dBinthaitelles, the otherMarohur, to which they come from all places to pay their Devotions, because (they say) the Sun and Moon came out of the said Cave to lighten the World.
Their absurd Opinion of the Deceased.
Much after the same absurd rate is their Opinion of the Deceased; for they suppose that they range through Woods and Forrests in the Night, eat of a Fruit call’dGuannaba, and steal to the Embraces of Women in Moon-shiny Nights. A Traveller, say they, if he be frighted at the appearance of a deceased Person, great inconveniences will certainly attend him, but if he goes stoutly towards it, then the Goblin vanishes.
These Delusions are made great Mysteries amongst them, and contain’d in Songs, which their PriestsBoitiSing to a kind of Tabor made of a piece of hollow Wood, pretending that they have familiar Conversation with theZemesconcerning future things.
Their Ceremonies about their Sick.
Their Ceremonies about their sick, especially if Persons of Quality, are likewise very remarkably odd and conceited: First they chew a strong kind of Herb, call’dCohobba, with which having sufficiently intoxicated their Brains, they foam at the Mouth, and run with a Stone and a piece of Flesh in their Mouths to the sick Person, whose Family they drive all out of Doors, except one or two, whose presence the Patient requires; then theBoitiwalks four times about the sick Person’s Bed, making strange Gestures, pinching his Lips and Nose, blowing upon his Forehead, Throat and Temples, and sucking several parts of his Body, alledging, that thereby he draws the Distemper out of the Veins; after that he chafes and rubs his Shoulders, Thighs and Legs, and ties his Hands and Feet together, then running to the Door, proclaims, That the Sick in a short time shall be restor’d to his former Health; which said, he returns with his Arms stretch’d out towards the sick Person, takes the piece of Flesh out of his Mouth, which he gives him backwards, saying,You shall rise and go forth in Health, for I have taken away your Sickness: But if he judges the Distemper not curable, he makes the Sick believe, thatZemesisdispleas’d with him, because he did not build a House for him, or consecrate a Garden to him, or in some respect or other did not worship him as he ought to have done. When the Soul departs out of the Body, they conjure the Body with many Adjurations, to reveal whether it died according to God’s decree, or through neglect of theBoiti, as not having sanctifi’d himself enough by Fasting when he went first to the Sick, or not prescrib’d sufficient Medicines: wherefore if (as they say) the Devil answers them from the Mouth of the Deceased, that theBoitidid not perform his due Office, then the nearest Friends revenge themselves on theBoiti, but if otherwise, then they are highly esteem’d amongst them. The Women taking the Stones which theBoitikept in his Mouth, wrap them up in a fine Cloth as a holy Relique, supposing that they will much facilitate their Child-birth.
Their manner of Consulting with theirZemes.
TheCasiquesdesirous to know future Events of War, or whether the approaching Years will be fruitful, go into a Chappel consecrated to theZemes, and snuff the intoxicating HerbCohobbaup their Nostrils; whereupon they break out into loud Exclamations, and some kind of strange extravagant Actions, till the power of theCohobbabegins to decay, and the Frenzie cease; then coming again to their Senses, they bow their Heads, and lay their Elbows on their Knees, in which posture they sit for a considerable time, then lifting up their Eyes they yawn as if they came from sleep; then they mutter to themselves whilest their Retinue which stand about them (for no common Person is suffer’d to be there) thank them with a loud Voice, for the pains they have been at in discoursing with theZemes; then theCasiquesbegin to declare what hath been reveal’d to them,viz.whether they shall be fortunate in the Wars or not; whether it will be a fruitful or unfruitful, healthy or sickly Year.
Gossipping.
Moreover, at the Birth of theCasique’s Children, the neighboring Governors visit the Women in Child-bed, and every one gives the Child a peculiar Name, from whence it happens that one Man hath oftentimes forty Names, and is highly incens’d if any one of them chances to be forgot in any Writing directed to him.
Manner of Succession.
Their manner of Succession in Government is not unremarkable; for not the eldest Heir-male of the Family, but first the King orCasique’s Brother, if he have any, and after his Decease the eldest of the Sisters Inherits the Realm orSeigniorie: if the Sisters have no Male-issue, then the Brothers Sons Inherit; and in case they have no Male-heir, then the next of Blood, whether Male or Female: but if the Prince orCasiquedies without Children, Nephews, or other near Relations, the next in Power in the Countrey Inherits, and Marries as many Wives as he pleases; of which she that he loves best is burn’d alive in her best Apparel with her Husband when he dies, and near the Corps stands a Cup of Water and some of the BreadCazabi.
Languages.
There are several Languages inHispaniola, but differing from each other: for in the ProvinceBainoathey have a different, both Pronunciation and Dialect from that inCaizimu.
In the said Province ofCaizimuis a very remarkable Rock, or vast Stone to be seen, at the Foot of a high Mountain; and underneath the said Stone is a great Cave, into which they go through a large Passage, not unlike a Temple Door; near which conjoyn many deep Rivers, with such a Noise and Foam, that they lose both their Sight and Hearing, whoever approach the same.
An Example of theBainoanLanguage.
Of the Language of the ProvinceBainoa,Peter Martyrgives us this Specimen: “The Wife of aCasique(says he) went to Prayers in a Chappel which was built by theSpaniards; at her Return from whence her Husband desiring to enjoy her, she refusing, said,Teitoca, teitoca, techeta Cynato guammechina, that is to say,Be contented,Be contented, God would be highly incens’d: to which theCasiqueanswer’d,Gnaibba Cynato machabucha guamechyna, that is,What care I if God be angry.”
The taking ofSt. Domingoby SirFran. Drake.
Since theSpaniardshad first possession of this Island, it hath been twice Invaded by theEnglish, the first time under the Conduct of SirFrancis Drake, who took the Town ofSan Domingo, staid in it a good while, and could if he had pleas’d, have totally dispossess’d theSpaniards; the second time under ColonelVenables, sent thither byOliver Cromwellduring his usurp’d Dominion; at which time it might as easily have been taken as at first, had not the Business been rashly and indiscreetly manag’d, as shall presently be declar’d more at large. The first Expedition of SirFrancis Drakehath been already hinted, but for the memorableness of that bold Exploit, we shall give a particular Account of it from a late Writer, who hath set forth the Life of that braveEnglishHeroe. In the Year of our Lord 1580. about the end ofFebruarysetting Sail fromSt. ChristophersforHispaniola, by the Way they met with a small Frigat bound forSan Domingo, and the Men of her being Examin’d, one assur’d them that the Haven of it was a barr’d Haven, and the Shore well fortifi’d, so that there was no convenient Landing within tenEnglishMiles of the City, whither this Man undertook to conduct them.Januarythe first they Landed ten Miles from the City, and marching thither under the Command of the Lieutenant General, arriv’d about one a Clock in the Afternoon; when they came near, about a hundred and fifty Gentlemen well Mounted, presented themselves against them; but the small Shot playing upon them, they departed, and theEnglishproceeded towards the two Gates of the City that lay towards the Sea, both which theSpaniardshad Mann’d, and planted their Ordnance without the Gates, and some small Shot in an Ambush by the Way-side: TheEnglishbeing about twelve hundred Men, divided themselves; the Lieutenant-General leading the one half to one Gate, and CaptainPowelthe other half to the other Gate, vowing that with God’s assistance they would not rest till they met in the Market-place: No sooner had theSpaniardsdischarg’d their Ordnance, doing some little Execution, but the Lieutenant-General hasted, or rather ran upon them, to prevent their Charging again, and notwithstanding their Ambush, entred Pell Mell with them into the Gate, not staying till he came into the Market-place, unto whom shortly after came CaptainPowelwith his Companies. This Place they strengthned with Barricado’s, the City being too large to be guarded by so small and weary an Army. And after Mid-night they in the Castle, hearing some of theEnglishbusie about the Gate, quitted it, some being taken Prisoners, and others escaping by Boats. The next day theEnglishenlarg’d their Quarters, and fortifi’d themselves, and held the Town for a Moneths space. During this time the General sent aNegroBoy with a Flag of Truce to theSpaniards, who by the Way was met by some Officers of the Galley which theEnglishhad taken, together with the City, who furiously thrust the poor Boy through the Body; who returning to the General, and having declar’d how barbarously they had us’d him, fell down and died in his Presence. The General being much mov’d herewith, commanded the Provost-Martial to take two Fryers, and to carry them to the same place with a sufficient Guard, and there to hang them; and withal he sent one of the Prisoners to inform theSpaniardswhy he did it, and to tell them, that till the Party who had thus murder’d his Messenger were deliver’d to him, there should no day pass wherein he would not hang two Prisoners, till all were consum’d. Hereupon the day following the Murtherer was brought, and an Offer made to deliver him to the General, who yet thought it more honorable to make them perform the Execution themselves in the sight of theEnglish, which was done accordingly.
During their abode here, Commissioners oft pass’d between theSpaniardsand them about the Ransom of the City, but not agreeing, theEnglishspent every Morning till the heat of the Day in firing and destroying the Houses in the outward part of the City, two hundred Mariners being employ’d therein for divers days; yet were the Houses built so magnificently and strongly of Stone, that they could not consume one third part of the Town all that time; whereupon the General was contented to accept of twenty five thousandDucatsof 5s.6d.apiece to spare the rest.
Here his Soldiers met with good Pillage, especially of rich Apparel, but Treasure they found none; for theSpaniardsby their Cruelties had so destroy’d the Natives, who us’d to work in the Mines of Gold and Silver, that they were wholly given over; and in that Island they were forc’d to use Copper Money: yet they found store of Wine, Oyl, Vinegar, Wheat, Woollen and Linnen Cloth, some Silks,&c.which much reliev’d them: there was but little Plate found, but good store ofPorcelane, orChinaDishes; yet some they found, and very costly Houshold-stuff.
Venableshis Expedition toSan Domingo.
Venableshis Expedition was in the Year 1654. whenCromwellhaving gain’d the supream Power under the Title ofProtector, and having us’d so many Engines for the getting of Money to maintain his Greatness and usurp’d Authority, that he was almost brought to his last Shifts, bethought himself of this Project, (or, as some suppose, had it put into his Head by CardinalMazarine, the then great Minister of State inFrance, with whom he had intimate Correspondence) thinking thereby to kill two Birds with one Stone: for on the one side, he thought by this notable Exploit to advance his Fame abroad, and gain Credit and Applause with the People at home, by enlarging his Empire, and spreading the Renown of theEnglishNation, and so consequently to establish himself the more firmly in his new gotten Power; and at the same time by the great Riches he promis’d to himself from this Adventure, to recruit his Stock, which all his griping Exactions, especially from the King’s Party, could scarce supply for the keeping up of his Army, maintaining Intelligence, and other vast Expences: To this end he sets forth a considerable Fleet with extraordinary speed and secrecy, it not being known whither this Fleet was design’d till they were almost upon the very Place, that theSpaniardmight not be forewarn’d to provide against them, onely in general terms it was given out, that the Design was both advantageous to the Nation, and would prove a great enrichment to all that went upon it; so that it is no great wonder, if within a short space a good competent Army was got together of such as having neither Estates nor Employments, willingly offer’d themselves, as Men that went from the fear of Iron Grates, to the hopes of Golden Ingots; and many of them were such as having been in the late King’s Army, and disdaining to take any Employment at home under that Government, were easily induc’d to List themselves in this Armada: nor wasOlivera little glad of this occasion of sending out of the Land, and employing upon a desperate Adventure those Men, who he had reason to suspect would, upon any opportunity offer’d, be the first Opposers of his usurp’d Power. This Army being sent toPortsmouthfor Embarquation, and there making such Preparations as was convenient, which a Moneths time or thereabouts was thought would accomplish, a Messenger came fromDesborough(who was there to set them going) to the General, that he should prepare to Embarque onChristmas-day; which at the first the General receiv’d with great impatience, alledging, That it was not possible so to do, and that he would not set Sail without his Arms and other Necessaries, which were not yet come fromLondon: however, at his going toDesboroughhe wasprevail’d upon to set Sail, with a promise that the Ships with the Arms should immediately follow him to theBarbado’s, where he was to stay till their arrival; so onChristmas-day they set Sail, and about the fourteenth ofFebruaryarriv’d atBarbado’s with three thousand Men, and a Company of Reformado’s, which there were doubled, and then, and not till then, it was told them, That the reason of their so sudden going away, was because there was a Plot forming inEnglandfor restoring the King, and that they were not thought fit to be left there at the Head of their Regiments, to be tempted with the advantage of joyning with any such Party. AtBarbado’s they staid till they had almost undone that Place by eating up their Provisions, the Planters there seldom preparing more than they have occasion to spend in their Houses, and for their Servants (having better and more profitable Employments upon their Hands) and the Soldiers not being content with such Provisions as their Servants would be well pleas’d with, so that they were in danger of starving the Island and themselves too: Thereupon a Council of War was call’d, and the necessity of leaving that Island declar’d, and Orders issu’d out to set Sail forHispaniola, where they might make such Attempt as their Condition would allow, wanting Arms and other Necessaries; when they came within five or six Leagues ofHispaniolathe Fleet lay by, and a Council of War was call’d by the Commissioners (for such they had who were never Soldiers) with some few Officers of the Army, where it was resolv’d to attemptSan Domingo, and an Order made, That in case it be taken, no Soldier should offer to Plunder, but that satisfaction in lieu thereof should be given by the Commissioners; the Officers of the Army in vain opposing and protesting against it, which occasion’d the Soldiers to say, That the Commissioners should take the Town themselves, for they would not; Lots were there drawn by the several Colonels who should first Land, which fell upon the Black Regiment, who had no Arms but Half-pikes of eight Foot long, made of Cabbage-Tree in theBarbado’s; And Orders were then given out to the several Colonels to Land at the RiverHind, within two Leagues ofSan Domingo; so they steer’d their Course thither, as was thought, by Night, but the next Morning found themselves twenty Leagues at least from the place of Rendezvouz, though one Regiment Landed there, who durst not attempt the Town for want of Orders, though doubtless they might have taken it, had they not staid in expectation of the General and the rest of the Fleet; but when they were thus cast Leeward of the Town, they must Land their Men, who no sooner went on Shore, but the Order against Plundering was read, and the Soldiers in a Mutiny to whom it was read, which made the rest forbear to read it, judging it no time now to disoblige them, who had in their Officers opinion too just a cause of discontent: However this was made known to the rest, and discours’d as they march’d, That they had not thought to be under a Committee here, but they would make them weary of their Employment ere they had done: And this indeed was enough, besides the faintness and unusual Heat of the Countrey, to disanimate Men of good Resolutions, especially the ordinary Soldiers, whose hopes of Plunder is the chiefest prop to their Courage, and expected Gain the spurr to their Valour. After they had Landed their Men, next Morning early they march’d towardsSan Domingo; but before Noon the Heat and Drought which they felt made them sensible of their first Errour and Inadvertency, in coming fromEnglandwithout their Necessaries; for through want of Bottles, which were left behind, and came not till three Moneths afterwards, the Men fell down dead in the High-ways, every one fainting and languishing, and crying out for Water: shortly after they met with a Field of Oranges, which was no unwelcome sight, with which they stor’d themselves; but ere they had march’dfour or five Miles thought they had quench’d their present Thirst, and their Drought began to increase however, they march’d on, leaving some of their Men dead on the place, others fainting, were set upon the Troopers Horses till they came that Night to some Water, which gave them new life, and the Morrow early march’d again till they came within some Miles of the appointed Rendezvouz, where they heard of the other Regiment that Landed at the right place: And now having refresh’d themselves with Rest, Water, and Provision, they march’d to the taking of the Town; the General himself, with a small Party and a Guide, went towards the Town to find out some Water, which he knew the Soldiers would want, (not having Bottles to carry any) but as they were on their March, which was very leisurely by reason of the Heat, they heard a firing of Musquets, then making more speed in their March, supposing an Engagement, in the Highway, about a Mile from the Town, was found one of the General’s Secretaries, with others, dead; and not long after some came back to the General, and told him, That looking for Water with the Guide, an Ambuscade issu’d out, and had kill’d the Guide that should have shew’d them the place of Water, and some others; and although some which Commanded the foremost Regiments were very forward and willing to assault the Town, yet it was not thought fit so to do till the Army came up, by which time it was Night; and though they were then within half a Mile of the Town, yet the Soldiers were so impatient for Water, that they could not stay till the next Morning to assault the Town, but were forc’d to march back to the RiverHindabout eight Miles; (and this Relater did at that time drink his own Water) there they staid till they had again refresh’d themselves, and then prepar’d for their Return to attaque the Town; and notwithstanding the March it self in a hot Countrey was irksom enough, yet they were forc’d to make the Soldiers to draw the Ordnance and other Carriages for want of Harness and other Necessaries, which were left behind; however, they willingly underwent it by Turns: And now a Forlorn was drawn out, and other Orders given for a March, especially it being taken notice of, that the Enemies manner of Fight was and would be by Ambuscades, a File in every Company were order’d to stand till the other came up, and to face to the Right and Left to the Woods, which were all along as they went, for fear of a Surprize; and the Forlorn marching near an old Fort, call’dJeronymo, which we had been possess’d of before, but thought not worth the keeping, and fearing they might meet with some small opposition there, began to fortifie themselves, and took a Dram of the Bottle, which as they were drinking, and others eating a bit, suddenly rush’d forth an Ambush of about a hundred and twentyBlacks, with aSpanishCommander in the Head of them, which so amaz’d and surpriz’d them, that some few onely Discharging, the rest immediately fled; theBlacksquickly falling in with their Lances, and doing such Execution as the time would allow them; for presently the Alarm being taken, and Supplies marching out for their relief, the Enemy, who had done more than they could possibly expect to have done, retreated into their Fort, which they had better fortifi’d than before, and had planted some small Drakes there upon it; the Execution was so short, that they had not time either to strip or pick a Pocket, lest they had paid too dear for it. After this Defeat a Council of War was call’d, and there it was agreed the next Morning early to fall on upon that little Fort, and so proceed to the taking of the Town; but very early, as they were in that expectation, Orders came from the General to the Army to march back to the RiverHind, for what reason this Relator (though a considerable Person) never yet knew; where after they had staid some time, that Miscarriage was question’d at a Council of War, and one of the chief Officers of the Forlorn order’d to have his Sword broke over his Head, with other disgraceful Impositions, and two Colonels of the Army were order’d to draw up the Causes of this Miscarriage to send toEngland; which, because ’twas thought would too much reflect on them in Power that were to supply them, was by those Colonels judg’d inconvenient, and so ’twas never done. The number of Men lost by Stragling, Sickness, and this unhappy Engagement, amounted in the whole to about two hundred and thirty. In a short time after this, it was order’d to Ship the Men; which done, after some Debates amongst the Commissioners what was best to be done, Provisions nor Utensils yet coming fit for the Design intended, which was to possess some considerable Place in theMain, it was agreed, That they should steer their Course for the Island ofJamaica; which they did accordingly, and on the tenth day ofMay 1654.with little opposition possess’d it: where the same Soldiers have shew’d not onely such Courage and Resolution upon all occasions, (in many and frequent Encounters and Invasions made by theSpaniards, not onely with Soldiers of those Parts, but such as have been sent fromSpain,Naples,Catalonia, and other Places) as might speak themEnglish-men but such hath been their Patience and Sufferance, as none of this Nation in the memory of Man have ever been put to, the Effects whereof their King and Countrey, ’tis hop’d, will have occasion to remember, to their immortal Honor and Renown.