Englishmolested by theCaribbeeans.
Here theEnglishPlanting, have from their first Arrival been much molested by theCaribbeeansofDominico, who for a great while us’d twice a year to Invade them in the Night, killing and destroying whom and whatsoe’re they met with, onely Women and Children, with some other Booty, they carried toDominico.
Situation ofRotonda.
The IsleRotonda, which is much lesser, hath receiv’d that Denomination from its round Form, for it rises in the middle into a Hill, which at a distance appears like a Steeple; It lies at seventeen Degrees and ten Minutes. The Sea about the same being very deep, makes a good coming to the Island with Ships.
Situation ofNevis.
In sight ofRotonda, at seventeen Degrees and nineteen Minutes, liesNevis, which hath six Leagues in circumference. Out of the middle of the Island rises a Mountain all over wooddy; round about which theEnglish, who Setled thereAnno 1628.have their Plantations, and have increased from a small number to above three thousand, and make a good Advantage of their Sugar, Ginger, Cotton, and Tobacco, which they Plant there.
Good Government of theEnglishthere.
They are Govern’d by a peculiar Governor and a Council, who punish Thieves, and all manner of Deboshes very severely.
There are also three Churches, which on the Sabbath-Day are all throng’d with People, who resort thither for the Worship and Service of God.
The Harbor call’dBath-Bay, and the Store-house built about the same, are secured by a great Fort full of great Guns.
Several Springs on this Island afford the Inhabitants good Water. Here is also a Mineral Spring, a place to Bathe in, which hath been found to cure the same Distempers which the Waters atBourbonhave done.
ThePistick-Nut.
Moreover, this Island abounds with thePistacieorPistick-Nuts, which grow on small Trees, with soft long Leaves, round at bottom, and ending in three Points: These Trees being commonly full of thick Boughs, serve commodiously for Hedges; the Wood and Leaves sweat a milky Juice, dropping out of the same with the Rain; the yellow Flowers which grow on the same are like glittering Stars, and the taste of the Nuts like a Hazle; but if the Skin which covers the Kernel be not pull’d off before they are eaten, they purge to Death.
TheMusticho.
But the great Profit whichNevisreceives by Nature is attended with some Inconveniences, which trouble this and all the other Islands: amongst many may be reckon’d theMusticho’s, a sort of little Bugs, whose poysonous Sting causes such intolerable Itching, that those who are stung by them cannot forbear to scratch themselves till the Blood comes, by which their Sores festering, prove often very dangerous.
TheMuringoins.
Also theMuringoins, who are so much the less dangerous, because they make always a great noise before they sting.
Wasps likewise are here very troublesom, but their Stings are cur’d with Rue, as the Stings of Scorpions are with the Juice press’d out of the same Animal.
Wood-Lice.
The Wood-Lice, which are here in great abundance, have a soft and white Body, onely the Head, which is mark’d with a black Speck; their Mouthes are so very hard, that in two hours time they eat through thick Chests. And no less damage do theBanettos.
Chigos.
But theChigosare a kind of small Fleas, that breed in Dust, Ashes, and the like, and are of all the most pernicious; they first get in under the Nails of the Toes, and from thence run over all the Body, but especially the bottoms of the Feet, where they first occasion an Itching, and then eat Holes through the Skin; they make Blisters as big as Pease in the Flesh, wherein a swarm of young ones breeding, cause Ulcers and rotten Flesh, which must be eaten away withAqua-fortisand burnt Allom.
Situation ofEustathius.
Eustathius, which is rather a Mountain, rising out of the Ocean like a Sugar-Loaf, than an Island, lies at seventeen Degrees and forty Minutes: It hath scarce five Leagues in circumference, yet receiv’d some while since a Colony of above sixteen hundred People, sent thither from theStatesof theUnited Netherlands, under the Command of the LordsLampsenandRee. Besides the natural Strength of the Place, whereby a few are able to keep off a great number, it is fortifi’d with a strong Fort, which Commands the Harbor. The Inhabitants are very industrious, and make great profit of the Tobacco which they Plant.
In the midst of this Island is a Mountain over-grown with Trees, which seems to end in a Point, and hath about it a pleasant Plain.
The abundance of Fowls, Hogs and Goats, afford the Inhabitants store of Provisions; for their Store-houses are never so empty, but that they can supply their Neighbors Wants.
The want of fresh-water Brooks they supply with Rain-water, which they preserve in Cisterns.
Terrible Hurricanes.
Though the Air of the Island be wholsom, and the Soil fruitful, yet it is subject to many great Inconveniences; for besides the terrible Thunder-claps and Earthquakes,that rend the Ground, the Inhabitants are exceedingly troubled inAugust, andSeptemberwith the Winds, which in twenty four hours blow from all Points of the Compass with such mighty Gusts, as if they would turn all things into their firstChaos. TheCaribbeeanscall these TempestsHurricanes, which formerly us’d to happen but once in seven years, but of late every two years, and sometimes twice in a year. What damage these Winds cause is scarce to be express’d; the Sea raising its turbulent Waves up to the Skyes, casts the Ships on the Shore, which though in Harbor, are certain to be wrack’d, whilest the Land seems to labor under a general Ruine, whole Woods being rooted up by the same, or at least bereav’d of Boughs and Leaves; the Corn is beaten down, the Plants blasted, Houses turn’d topsie-turvy, Mountains rent asunder, and sometimes pieces of Rocks blown into the Sea. Before the Hurricanes there are several fore-runners, which give notice of their sudden approach,viz.the Sea on a sudden is so calm, that the least motion is not perceiv’d; the Birds flye from the Mountains into the Valleys, where they lay themselves flat on the Ground; and the Rain which falls is bitter and salt.
Charles de Rochfortobserv’d, that in his time some Ships laden with Tobacco being lost in a Hurricane beforeSt. Christophers, soon after the Tempest ceased, thousands of Fishes were seen swimming with their Bellies upwards, intoxicated no doubt with the Tobacco.
Situation ofAntego.
BetweenNevisandMontserrat, at sixteen Degrees and eleven Minutes, liesAntego, being seven Leagues long, and about six broad; It is dangerous to come at with great Ships, because of the many Rocks which lie before it, and remain’d the longer uninhabited, because of the want of fresh Water; yet at last theEnglishtaking possession of it, digg’d Pits, and made Troughs to catch and preserve Rain-water in, so that it is now inhabited by at least eight hundred People, who live on Plants, Venison, and Fish.
TheSword-Fish.
Upon the Sea-shore appears often-times the Sword-fish, which hath no Scales, but a grey Skin, and white Belly, rough like a Fyle, a flat Head, two Fins on each side, two on the Back, and one in stead of a Tail, with which it makes a swift motion: the Sword of it is a long Bone, arm’d on each side with twenty seven white and strong Teeth. This Fish striving to be Chief of the Sea, Encounters with all other Fishes whatsoever, even with the Whale himself, whose Belly he often rends open; near his Eyes are two Nostrils, out of which he blows the Water he drinks into the Air.
Description ofMontserrat.
Montserrat, lying just at the seventeenth Degree, is so call’d from aSpanishHill beyondBarcellona, whose shape this Island represents off at Sea; It is about three Leagues in length, and almost as much in breadth, and is very Mountainous, except a little towards the East, and as much Westward.
TheEnglishhave a Church here, lin’d in the in-side with Cedar, which this Island produces in great abundance.
TheAcajou-Tree.
Also theAcajou-Tree, which grows an exceeding heighth, with mighty Boughs, under which many judge it very wholsom to sleep: But there are two sorts of theAcajou-Tree, the one differing from the other in tallness of Body and Colour; of which the most esteem’d is the red and sweet-smelling, which is not subject to any decay; for that which is white, and yields Gum when cut, is of a less value.
TheAcomas-Tree.
TheAcomasis also no way inferior in bigness to theAcajou, which bears long swarthy Leaves, and yellow Fruit not unlike a Plumb; but because of their extraordinary bitterness they are not eatable, onely the wild Pigeons at a certain time of the year feed on them, after which their Flesh becomes bitter also; from the Bark when cut, runs a milky Juice.
TheCypress-Tree.
The Cypress-Trees when plan’d, yield a pleasant Marble colour to the Eye, and a delightful fragrance to the Scent.
TheIron-Tree.
The Iron-Tree, with sharp-pointed Leaves, crack’d near the Stalk, blossoms inMarchandSeptember; after the Violet Blossoms follow a black kind of Fruit like a Cherry, being an excellent Food for Birds; the Wood whilst flourishing is red, but cut down changes its colour, yet is so hard that it never decays.
TheMusk-Herb.
Moreover the Musk-Herb yields a sweet smell, and grows like Brambles without Thorns; between long dusky Leaves hang yellow Flowers, which afterwards become Cods full of Seeds, that smell exactly like Musk.
Situation ofGuadalupe.
Guadalupe, orGardelupe, formerly call’dCarricueira, lying at about sixteen Degrees, and containing sixty Leagues in circumference (for it is the biggest and noblest of theCaribbeeIslands,) is divided in two by a narrow Channel; wherefore one part is call’dGrand-Terre, and the other properlyGuadalupe; whose Eastern Point, nam’dCabes-Terre, and its Western, call’dBasse-Terre, are both inhabited by theFrench.
Mountains.
Several high Mountains, especially towards the Center, start up from very low Grounds, with their barren Crowns towards the Skye, some whereof are overgrown with Trees.
At the Feet of some of the Mountains are large Plains, water’d by sweet Streams which formerly invited theSpanishFleets thither to water.
There is also a sulphurous Mountain, which smoaking continually gives the taste of Sulphur to the Streams which flow about the same.
This Island boasts likewise several boyling Springs which cure the Dropsie, and all other Distempers proceeding from Colds.
Strange Fish.
Towards each of the two fore-mention’d Points, are large Gulphs that produce abundance of Tortoises, and all manner of Fish, and amongst others one sort not known by Name, which is generally about four Foot long, having a sharp and big Head, with glittering Eyes, a Back streak’d with blue and green, and a Belly half white and half red, eight yellow Fins, and a broad Tail, with which it swims exceeding swift.
The Shark.
Near the Shore swim the Sharks, an ugly Sea Monster, which bites a Man asunder in the Middle at once; their Head is hard and prickly, their flat Mouthes opening discover three rows of Teeth.
ThePilot-Fish.
After this Fish swims generally thePilot-Fish, orRambos, which is so curiously speckled, that Nature seems herein to excell what-ever can be represented by theartificial Pencil and move either swifter or slower, according as the Shark leads. The Brain of this Fish is judg’d exceeding good against the Gravel and Stone.
The discovery ofGuadalupe.
Guadalupewas first discover’d in the Year of our Lord 1635. by theFrench, under the Command of the LordsDu PlessisandDe Olive, and after them one of the Captains ofSt. Christophers: Since which the Champain Ground being Till’d and Manur’d, brings forth in great plenty, Rice,Maiz,Manicock, and Potato’s.
FatherRaymond Bretongot possession of the fruitfullest part of the Island for the ReformedJacobines, orWhite-Fryers, and since the present Governor MonsieurDe Howellsent also for theJesuitsandCarmelites, to build Cloysters in a new City, which lies inBasse-Terre, and which is also built full of Store-houses and Dwelling-houses two Stories high.
The Castle, which lies near the City, hath four Bulwarks, with great Guns.
The next neighboring Mountain is also crown’d with a Garrison’d Fort.
TheMoubane-Tree.
The Countrey hereabouts bearsMoubane-Trees, which produce yellow oval Plumbs with great Stones, wherewith the Hogs are exceedingly fatned.
TheCorbary.
TheCorbary, which grows higher than theMoubane, hath a hard shelly Fruit, in which lies a douny Pulp of a Saffron colour: The Gum which drops out of the Tree is hardned by the Sun, and becomes very clear, wherefore theCaribbeeansmake use of it for Arm-rings, and other Ornaments.
Situation ofDeseado.
Ten Leagues to the North-West ofGuadalupe, and at sixteen Degrees and ten Minutes, appearsDeseado, orDesirado, like a Galley, of which the North-East end hath a low Point; to the Northward lie Sand-Hills full of red Veins: It was so call’d byChristopher Columbusin his second Voyage, from obtaining of his Desire, it being the first of theCaribbeeswhich he discover’d, asSt. Salvadorthe first Land in allAmerica.
TheGuano.
The Soil is wholly barren, and destitute of Trees, and breeds the amphibious Creatures call’dGuano’s, which in stead of Fins to swim withal, have four Feet; the biggest of them are fifteen Inches long; their Skin full of little Scales shines like Silver, and in the Night they make a loud and shrill noise from the Holes in the Rocks.
TheFrigates.
On this desolate Island are an innumerable company of Fowls, call’dFrigates, which have a Body like a Duck, but larger Wings, and flye swifter; so soon as they perceive a Fish in the Water, they falling upon the same, catch them in their Claws, and especially devour abundance of flying Fish.
TheFauves.
But theFauves, which are much leaner, are no way so swift; they resemble a Moor-Hen, have Feet like Ducks, Bills like a Snipe, and in rainy Nights rest on the Ships in stead of Rocks, so that many times they become an easie prey to the Mariners.
Situation ofMarigalante.
Not far from hence, at fifteen Degrees and forty Minutes, appearsMarigalante, like a Wood in the Water.
On the South-East side, about half a League from the Shore, lie blackfull of white Specks. Westerly the Shore is very plain, whither the Governor MonsieurDe Howellsent some People from that Island, of which twenty were kill’d by theCaribbeeans, who had Gardens and Fish-ponds thereon: Not long after whichHowellbuilt a Fort here, and Garrison’d the same withFrench-men.
The Woods afford a delightful sight to the Eye, as also the Cinamon-Trees, whose Leaves never wither, a sweet smell to the Nose.
The FishLamantin.
The Ocean hereabouts produces plenty ofLamantins, which are dry’d like Haberdine. This Fish grows eighteen Foot long and seven thick; the Head thereof is like a Cows, with little Eyes, and a thick brown Skin, rough and speckled in some places, and hath two little Feet in stead of Fins; it feeds on Weeds, which grow on the Rocks and Banks; the Females bring two young ones at a time, which suck for some days; their Flesh palatable and wholsom, is streak’d with Fat, which when melted never putrifies; they are oftner taken in the Mouthes of Rivers than in the Ocean.
TheSea-Devils.
About this Isle, as well as the rest of theCaribbees, are Fishes call’dSea-Devils, four Foot long, and proportionably thick, their Skins rough, their Heads flat, their Backs arm’d with Prickles, little black Eyes, wide Mouthes full of Teeth, and two Tusks that slick out of the same, four Fins, a long slit Tail, with which they swim exceeding swift, above their Eyes slick broad sharp Horns turn’d towards the Back; the Flesh is deadly poyson.
TheBecune.
TheBecune, which is eight Foot long, falls upon a Fish like a mad Dog, biting great pieces of the Flesh out of the Body, which occasions present Death; its Flesh is likewise poyson.
Situation ofTodos Sanctos.
Southward fromGuadalupe, and at the same Latitude withMarigalante, lie fourCurious sorts of Shells.desolate Isles, call’dTodos Sanctos, and on their Shores a sort of Shell-fish call’dLambis, from the resemblance of a Tongue; the Shells whereof theIndiansSound in stead of Horns when they give an Alarm; as also another sort call’dPorcelenes, of which the most esteem’d are without of a Carnation, and within of a Silver, or Skye-colour mix’d with Golden Beams. The next are the Black, mix’d with a pale Blue, and little Veins. But the most remarkable Shells are those, whose Back Nature hath mark’d in such a manner with Musical Notes, that one might almost express a Tune by them.
Mother-of-Pearl Oysters.
Moreover, it would amaze the Beholder, to see the Mother-of-Pearl Oyster moving at the Foot of a Rock; for at the Rising of the Sun they appear above the Water, and gape for the Dew, of which they have no sooner receiv’d a Drop, but they close their Shells, and fall to the Ground again.
Situation ofDe Aves.
Westward fromTodos Sanctos, at fifteen Degrees and forty five Minutes, lies the IsleDe Aves.
Aigrettos.
Besides Ducks, Pluvers, Moor-hens, Geese, and the like Fowls (that suffer themselves to be catch’d by the Hands of Men, which are very strangeto them) there are here also many rare sorts of Birds, as the white Birds call’dAigrettos, which are somewhat bigger than Crows, with red Bills and Feet, and curious Plumes on their Heads; they often flye a great way off at Sea.
Craw-fowl.
The large Bird call’dThe Craw-fowl, which feeds on Fish, hath a thick Head, a long flat Bill, hollow Eyes, and a short Neck, under which hangs the Maw, big enough to contain a Pail full of Water: On the Trees along the Sea-side they watch for Fish which swim near the top of the Water, and by their attentiveness on their Prey, are easily shot themselves.
Arras.
Here is likewise the BirdArras, of the bigness of a Pheasant, but more resembling a Parraquito: their long Tail consists of divers colour’d Feathers, some have shining skye-colour’d Heads, Backs, and Necks, their Bellies and Wings of a pale Yellow; they are so stout, or rather so simple, that if they are not hit with the first Shot, they will stay for a second: They also learn to talk, but not so distinctly as theCanides, which are no way inferior in beauty to theArras, nay exceed them very much: Monsieurdu Montellabove mention’d, seeing one atCorassao, describes it after this manner:
Description of theCanides.
“It deserves to be numbred (saith he) amongst the most beautiful Birds in the World: I took so particular notice of it, having had of them in my Hands many times, that I have the Idea’s of it still fresh in my Memory. Under the Belly, Wings, and Neck, it was of a wavingAurora-colour, the Back, and one half of the Wings, of a very bright Skye-colour, the Tail and greater Feathers of the Wings were mix’d with a sparkling Carnation, diversifi’d with a Skye-colour, as upon the Back a Grass-green and shining Black, which very much added to the Gold and Azure of the other Plumage: But the most beautiful part was the Head, cover’d with a Murrey Doun, checquer’d with Green, Yellow, and a pale Blue, which reach’d down wavingly to the Back: The Eye-lids were white, and the Apple of the Eye yellow and red as a Ruby Set in Gold: It had upon the Head a certain Tuft or Cap of Feathers of a Vermilion Red, sparkling like a lighted Coal, which was encompass’d by several other lesser Feathers of a Pearl-colour.
“If it were recommendable for all these extraordinary Ornaments, it was much more for its Familiarity and Innocency; for though it had a crooked Beak, and that the Claws with which it held its Meat and brought it to its Beak, were so sharp as to take away whatsoever it fastned upon, yet was it so tame as to play with little Children and never hurt them; and when one took him into his Hand, he so contracted his Claws, that the sharpness of them could not be felt: He had this Quality of a Dog, That he would Lick with his short and thick Tongue those who made much of him and gave him something he lik’d, put his Head to their Cheeks to Kiss and Caress them, and expressing his Acknowledgments by a thousand pretty Insinuations, he would suffer himself to be put into what posture one would, and took a certain pleasure in diverting those he thought his Friends: But as he was mild and tractable to those who were kind to him, so was he mischievous and irreconcileable to such as had injur’d him, and he could distinguish them from others, and make them feel the sharpness of his Beak and Claws.
“He pratled in theDutch,Spanish, andIndianLanguages, and in the last he sung Airs as a naturalIndian: He also imitated the Cries of all sorts of Poultrey and other Creatures about the House; he call’d all his Friends by their Names and Sirnames, flew to them as soon as he saw them, especially when he was hungry; if they had been absent, and that he had not seen them a long time, he express’dhis joy at their return by certain merry Notes; when he had sported himself till they were weary of him, he went away, and perch’d himself on the top of the House, and there he talk’d, sung, and play’d a thousand tricks, laying his Feathers in order, and dressing and cleaning himself with his Beak. He was easily kept; for not onely the Bread commonly us’d in that Island, but all the Fruits and Roots growing there, were his ordinary Food; and when he had more given him than he needed, he carefully laid up the remainder under the Leaves wherewith the House was cover’d, and took it when he had need. In a word, I never saw a more loving or more amiable Bird; ’twas a Present for any Prince, if he could have been brought over the Sea. This Bird had been brought from theCaribbeeIslands to MonsieurRodenborck, then Governor of the Fort andDutchColony, which is in the Island ofCorassao.”
Situation ofDominico.
At fifteen Degrees and thirteen Minutes, lies the IslandDominico, so call’d because it was discover’d on aSunday, about thirty Leagues long, and not much less in breadth, and diversifi’d with high Mountains, and exceeding deep Valleys; of which theCaribbeeansthat dwell there relate, That formerly in one of the deepest of them, a huge and monstrous Serpent had an Army of Serpents to defend an invaluable Carbuncle which he had in his Head; which being cover’d with a thin Skin, was onely discernable when he drank or play’d, for then the lustre thereof lightned the whole Valley.
When first theFrenchapproach’d this Coast with their Ships, the Islanders going Aboard in theirCanoos, barter’d Provisions for Coral, Crystal, and other Trifles.
TheManchenileTree.
On this Isle also grows the famousManchenile-Tree, which bears long Leaves, and sweet smelling Fruit, streak’d red, and tasting like a Hazle-Nut, but bringing a deadly Sleep upon those that eat of it; it seldom rots though it fall into the Sea, or any fresh Rivers, but is crusted over with a Shell resembling Salt-petre, and poysons the Water in such a manner, that all the Fish dying, are seen floating upon it; in the Trunk and Boughs thereof is a milky Juice, which dropping upon the Body, causes it to break out in Scabs, and if it chances to touch the Eyes, it takes away the Sight for nine days: and not less hurtful is the Moisture which drops from the Tree.
TheCaribbeeansdip their Arrows in this poysonous Juice, against which Nature hath provided an excellent Medicine, being as followeth:
A Medicine against the poison of theManchenile.
There are amongst the other Reptiles ofAmericaa sort of Snails, which creep into the Legs of dead Crabs, to keep themselves from the Weather; when taken they make a noise, and being laid before the Fire they come forth; the Water squeez’d out of them, or the Oyl drawn from them by the Sun, cures the Parts poyson’d by theManchenile-Tree.
Sect. XXI.Martinico.
Situation ofMartinico.
Opposite toDominicoliesMartinico, by theIndiansnam’dMatunina, which lying at fourteen Degrees and thirty Scruples, is forty five Leagues in circumference; It appears at a distance like three Mountains, the highest whereof resembles a Hat, and is seen in all parts of the Island, which, on the North where three Rocks deny access for Landing, seems to be divided into three Isles.
TheCaribbeeanshave been forc’d, after many bloody Battels, to surrender up this Island to theFrench: But before they were well setled, theCaribbeeansmarching over exceeding high Mountains, deep Concavities, and thick Woods, fell upon them with all the Rage imaginable: the Reasons of which some attribute toDu Parquet, who in prejudice of theMartinican Caribbeeans, sentFrench-men over toGranadaandAlouzia: others suppose, that they took up Arms to revenge the Death of their Countrey-men onSt. Vincent, who were destroy’d by theFrenchwith poyson’d Brandy. But theFrenchfurnish’d with new Supplies, took sufficient Revenge; for they drove theCaribbeeansout of their Houses, and chac’d them into Woods and Deserts.
The Hills that are over-grown with Trees, are Receptacles for wild Beasts, especially Hogs and Serpents. The other Hills are Till’d and Sow’n, though not without great trouble.
The Tobacco which grows on the steep Ascents much exceeds that which grows in the Valleys, or in the Tracts of Land shaded with Trees.
The Island divided into five Wards.
Since theFrench,Anno 1635.(being sent fromSt. Christophersby the LordDesnambuc) Setled themselves on this Island, under the Command of his DeputyDu Pont, they divided it into five Wards, separated from that part of the Isle which was inhabited by the antient Natives: Each Ward hath a Church, or at least a Chappel, Armory, Store-houses, and Dwelling-houses, like an intire Village.
The first Ward is call’dPyloot, from aCaribbeeanCaptain, who was very familiar withDu Parquet, and inform’d him of his Peoples Designs.
The second, nam’dCapot, is wash’d by a River of the same Denomination, and hath many fruitful Plains.
The third retains theCaribbeeanName, beingCarbet, signifying a Publick Structure, to which they us’d to resort to Feast, or hold Councils of War; not far from which the Governor dwelt in a Stone House: Near the Harbor stood also an Armory in a Valley, water’d by a fresh River which falls out of the Mountains, shaded with Trees and Gardens full of Rarities: But since the Governor gave this and many other fair Buildings to theJesuits, he remov’d to the fourth Ward, call’dSt. Peter, where he built a Castle, and furnish’d the same with Brass and Iron Guns to defend the Harbor.
A Stones-throw from the Governor’s House lies theJesuitsCloyster, on the Banks of a pleasant Stream, built very artificially of Marble and Free-stone, and having a pleasant Prospect over the River, and adjacent Gardens, beautifi’d with the choicest of Flowers, Fruits, and Trees; and also a Vineyard, out of which they press a considerable quantity of Wine.
The last Ward, call’dPreacheur, extends East and West, some parts whereof swell into high Mountains, at the Feet whereof stand fair Structures; others sink into low Valleys orSavannas.
BARBADOS
TheMahot-Tree.
Between theFrenchSettlements and theCaribbeeans, runs an Arm of the Sea, along whose Shores grows abundance of theMahot-Tree, which is full of Boughs from the top down to the Ground. The Bark of this Tree serves in stead of Ropes, and is also us’d to tie up Tobacco; the Wood it self is durable, and good for Building, wherefore most of the Houses built on Hills are of this Timber.
The best Harbor for Ships is between the WardsCarbetandSt. Peter, defended from the Winds by high Hills.
TheDiamond.
Not far from the Inlet of the Salt-pits, appears about half a League off at Sea, a Rock call’dThe Diamond, being a Receptacle for an innumerable multitude of Birds, and especially wild Pigeons.
Besides the Streams that in the rainy Seasons run through the Dales andSavana’s, there are ten Rivers, which falling from the Mountains, glide through the Valleys into the Sea. Sometimes they swell in such a manner, that over-flowing their Banks, they wash down the Trees and Houses; which Inconvenience hath taught theFrenchto build their Houses on Hills or rising Grounds.
The good Situation of this Island hath invited many Families thither.
Situation ofSt. Lucia.
St. Lucia(by theFrench,Alouzie) is so call’d because it was discover’d on the thirteenth ofDecember, Dedicated in the Kalendar to the Virgin MartyrLucia, who was burnt atSyracuse: It lies Southerly fromDominicoat thirteen Degrees and forty Minutes, and is ken’d at a great distance by two fiery Mountains; the most Easterly of which is higher than the other.
At the Feet of these two Mountains lie pleasant Valleys, shadow’d by close Woods, and moistned by clear Springs; near which heretofore a small number ofCaribbeeansdwelling, maintain’d themselves with Fishing; they went stark naked, and painted their Bodies with red Oker, and drew a Vermilion Stroke from their Ears to their Noses.
AnEnglishShip sent toGuineeto supply the Plantations there, Landed sixty six mutinous Persons here, who were all kill’d by the Inhabitants; but whenHenry Jacobson Luciferputting into the Bay ofLuciato Water there,Anno 1627.Landed to discover the Island, he found neither Man nor House, nor any thing but a barren Soil; yet notwithstandingDu Parquetsent his DeputyRosselanwith a Colony to Plant in this Island.
Situation ofBarbados.
The IslandBarbados, which was Planted by theEnglish,Anno 1627.lies between thirteen and fourteen Degrees, and hath twenty five Leagues in circumference, and somewhat more in length than breadth, and is supply’d with a fresh-Water River, and several Pools. The Ground being fruitful in the producing of Tobacco, Cotton, Ginger, and especially Sugar, invited many People to Settle there, insomuch that in a short time it could shew twenty thousand Inhabitants besidesNegroSlaves.
The Trees which grow on this Island, are not onely delightful, but profitable;amongst which theRoucouis one, with sharp Leaves, white Carnation Flowers like Stars, which hang by Clusters at the end of the Boughs, and after a while turn to a Cod full of vermilion Kernels: The Juice dry’d in the Sun and kneaded into Balls, is of a great value. Of the Bark of this Tree they make strong Ropes; and the Root is very wholsom, and of a pleasant taste.
The FlyCayouyou.
Moreover, amongst the Insects that breed here, there are a sort of Flyes worthy of a short Description; theCaribbeeanscall themCayouyou, being about the bigness of a Beetle; they have two strong Wings, and under them thinner, which they never spread abroad but when they flye, and then they carry such a lustre in them, that they give as much Light in the Night as a lighted Candle, (their Eyes also at the same time glittering like Fire) making no noise when they flye; they feed on the Juice of Flowers, and are so smooth, that they are very apt to slip through ones Fingers, and when they find themselves to be taken, they hide their glittering Wings under the other.
TheIndianstie these Flies to their Hands and Feet, so to have the benefit of their Light in the Night; and anoint their Bodies all over (at certain Solemnities wherein Candles are forbidden) with the Juice squeez’d out of them, which causes them to shine like a Flame of Fire: They catch them with a piece of Wood which they move in the Air, whereupon the Flyes going to sit, are taken with a Hat; but their Light vanishes if they are kill’d.
But as to what may farther be added concerning this Island, being one of the chief of our Plantations, we cannot better satisfie the curiosity of those who desire a true Information of all things that concern that Place, than by insertingverbatima Letter from an intelligent Person who hath been long resident there,viz.ColonelRobert Rich, of no older Date thanMay 31. 1670.by which the present State and Condition of the Island, the Buildings and other Improvements made there by the Planters since they first possess’d it, in what Commodities of the Growth of the Countrey their chief Trade consists, their Strength,Militia, Government, and flourishing Commerce, and what-ever else is material to be imparted, may be clearly understood.
ColonelRichhis Description of theBarbados.
SIR,
I have lately seen yourProposalconcerning anEnglish Atlas,and having read Dr.Heylin’s Book of the Chorography and History of the whole World, his third Edition Corrected and Enlarged, PrintedAnno 1666.I find him very short and erroneous in his Description of theCaribbeeIslands, especially of this Island ofBarbados,wherein I have been an Inhabitant more than eleven years. He saith,
1. The Island is seventeen or eighteen Miles in compass.
2. On the South ’tis furnish’d with a large and commodious Harbor.
3. The chief Commodities are Tobacco, and a kind of course Sugar, call’dBarbados Sugar, which must be quickly spent, or ’twill melt to nothing.
4. That this Island is worth all the Plantations made by theEnglish, and yet that we hold it at the Courtesie of theSpaniard, without whose Leave and Liking, not of Force to hold it.
This Description of Dr.Heylin’s, in it self very false, is also much to the Dishonor of theEnglishNation, which makes me presume to trouble you with my own Observations, wherein having onely aim’d at the Truth, you shall not have cause to doubt of being misguided.
This Island ofBarbadosis seated in thirteen Degrees and twenty Minutes, length twenty two Miles, and in breadth fourteen and an half; It is naturally fortifi’d with Rocks and Shoals on the North and East side of it, where no Ship may safely Anchor, onely two or three placessmall Boats may go out and in to Fish. On the South-East and Westerly part, it is all along a Road when Ships may Ride at Anchor, but more especially in four chief Places, Roads and Bays thereof.
The principal Road or Bay is call’dCarlisle Bay,and lieth on the South-West part of the Island near its Center, and is a good Road, where five hundred Ships of any Burthen may Ride safely from all but South and Westerly Winds, which seldom in these Parts happen, they generally blowing Easterly, whence it is that we call the East partsWindward,and the West partsLeeward.Here lies also the chief Town for Trade, call’d formerly theBridge-Town,but nowSt. Michaels,and having two Forts, answering each other, and a Platform between, which Commands the Road, and Defends the Town; the first and chiefest Fort is call’dCharles Fort,standing onNedhams Point,lying out in the Sea to Windward of the Bay and Town, so that an Enemy keeping out of Command of this Fort, cannot (probably) come to do the Ships or the Town injury, for that they must come full in or against the Wind. This Fort is built strong with Stone and Lime; the Platform joyns to the Windward part of the Town; also the other Fort joyns to the Leeward part of the Town, all which are well fortifi’d and stor’d with great Guns. The Town consists of several Streets and Lanes, being about thirty Chain in length, and fifteen in breadth, and hath many fair and large Buildings, whereof the most are of Stone and Lime.
The second Road and Town is lately call’dCharles-Town,situate onOysters-Bay,and lies about two Leagues to Windward ofSt. Michaels,having also two Forts and one Platform; the two Forts stand the one to Windward, and the other to Leeward of the Town and Road, and the Platform in the middle, all well furnish’d with great Guns. And although this Town be not a Place of much Resort for Shipping, yet here are many considerable Store-houses for Trade, wherein Monethly are kept the Court ofCommon-Pleasfor that Precinct, and Weekly Markets.
The third Road and Town is lately call’dSt. James’s,formerly theHall,and is about two Leagues to the Leeward ofSt. Michaels,hath one very large Platform, and is otherwise well fortifi’d with Breast-works; and although few Ships come to Ride here, yet in this Town is maintain’d a great Trade with the Inhabitants adjacent; here also is kept Monethly the Court ofCommon-Pleasfor this Precinct.
The fourth Road and Town is lately call’dLittle Bristol,but formerlySprights-Bay,which lieth about four Leagues to Leeward ofSt. Michaels,and hath two Forts well built, and strongly fortifi’d. To this Place come many Ships, especially from the City ofBristol,the which here Ride, unload and re-load, it being the next greatest Place of Repute toSt. Michaelsin the whole Island.
This Island is divided into eleven Parishes, and hath in it fourteen Churches and Chappels, and being subdivided into divers Plantations, small and great, hath Sugar-works accordingly, with fair and large Buildings made of Stone and Brick, the which generally are pleasant Habitations, and delightfully situated, most having pleasant Prospects to the Sea and Land.
The Inhabitants of this Island areEnglish, Scotch,andIrish,and some, but very few of theDutchandFrenchNation, who formerly liv’d here a time of Servitude, and now dwell as Free-men, some by their Trades, and others on Plantations; also some fewJewslive here and Trade as Merchants, they having obtain’d Licence from His Majesty so to do; besidesMulatto’sandNegro’swhich are here kept, and accounted for Slaves, the number of which some years since, upon search, were found to be sixty thousand Persons, viz.forty thousandWhites,and twenty thousandBlacks.
The standingMilitiaof this Island that are in readiness to meet together on all occasions, and which at other times are often and well Disciplin’d, consist of two Regiments of Horse, and five Regiments of Foot, wherein several Companies have near two hundred in a Company, and in some Troops more than a hundred Horse in a Troop; by all which you may easily apprehend how little of truth there is in that Saying, That we hold this Island at the Courtesie of the Spaniards,when those fewEnglishinJamaicagive theSpaniardssuch work to defend themselves.
The Growth and Manufacture of this Island and parts adjacent, is Sugars of all sorts, viz. Muscovado,Clay’d, and Refin’d; (I suppose I have seen here as good Sugar made as any is in the World)Gingers,Indico,and Cotton-wool;also Tobacco,Logwood, Fustick,green and yellow, andLignum-vitæ:Of these four last heretofore much, but now no quantities to be had in this Island, onely to the Leeward great store. The first four mention’d Commodities receive prejudice to their Product by abundance of Rains or Droughts not happening their proper Seasons: also violent Winds lodge the Sugar-Canes, whereby the quantity and goodness is lessned. The chief time for Expectation is fromJanuarytoSeptember,when comes in the wet Season, that makes the Roads not Cartable, and usually puts an end to Making and Transportation of them. We have two Crops of Corn in a year, Planted usually when the Rains first come in, inMayandNovember,which is gather’d in aboutOctober,and inMarchandAprilfollowing. Wines of all sorts are here Imported, but ofPortugueseandFrenchthe greatest quantities, viz.ofMadera,upwards of fifteen hundred Tun yearly; ofSpanish,upward of two hundred Tun; ofFrench-Wines, upward of seven hundred Tun; besides Brandy andEnglishSpirits; but of these latter now no great quantities Imported or spent, by reason of the general use of the Spirit of Sugar-Cane, call’dRum,which the meaner sort, as Servants and Slaves, do not onely drink in great abundance, but much also is hence Transported intoVirginia, Bermudas,andNew-England.Here is also Imported great store of Provisions of all sorts, viz.Beef,Pork,Fish, &c.fromIreland, New-England, Virginia, Bermudas, New-found Land,&c.also Pease,Flour,Butter,Cheese,and Bisquet;likewise Timber,Boards,Pipe and Hogshead,Staves, &c.alsoNegro-Slaves fromGuinee,and live Cattel, as Bulls,Cows, Asinego’s,and Horses, from theCape de VerdIsland, New-England;and fromEngland,Servants, and all other Commodities for Plantations, and for Apparel;of all which great quantities are hither brought and sold.
The Shipping that comes to Trade to this Island belongs generally toEngland;some few Vessels are here built, and pass to and fro to the Leeward Islands; and some belong toNew-England, Bermudas,&c.The number of Vessels which come hither to Trade in one year is found upon search to be about two hundred of all sorts, (some years more, some less) as Ketches, Sloops, Barques, &c. containing in Burthen fifteen thousand and five hundred and five Tun, according as they were here Entred, which is at the least a third part less than their true Burthen, by reason every Ship pays one pound of PowderperTun, the means ordain’d by this Country for storing the Magazine; the greatest part of which Ships re-load with Sugars forEngland,and many go forNew-England, Bermudas, Virginia, Tangier,&c.not always full loaden with this Countreys Growth. The usual Rate for Tunnage from hence toLondon,is from4 l.to5 l. perTun;sometime when Ships are very plentiful, it is at3 l.and less, and at other times when scarce, from6 l.to7 l.in the late War with theDutch,it was at10. 11.and12 l. perTun.
The Government is Constituted by the Laws ofEngland,and Laws not repugnant to them, onely some particular Laws are here made, proper for this Place, by the Governor (or Deputy) and his Council, (which usually are from seven to twelve in number) and an Assembly that consists of twenty two Persons, chosen by the Free-holders, two out of every Parish.