A Description of the island of Jamaica with the other isles and territories in America, to which the English are related ... : taken from the notes of Sr. Thomas Linch, Knight, governour of Jamaica, and other experienced persons in the said places : illustrated with maps / published by Richard Blome.

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

THe Island of Jamaica lyeth betwixt the Tropicks in the 17. and 18. De∣grees of Northern Lati∣tude; and beareth from off the Island of Hispaniola Eastward, a∣bout 35. Leagues.

From the Island of Cuba North∣wards, about 20. Leagues.

From Porto Bello Southwards, about 160. Leagues.

From Carthagena South-easter∣ly about 140. Leagues.

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

The forme and Extent of the Isle.

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

From East to West along the the midst of the Isle runns a con∣tinued Ridge of lofty Mount••ins which are full of fresh Springs, whence flow the many Rivers that

so plentifully waters the Island, to the great refreshment and accom∣modation of the Inhabitants.

The Soyle, Fertility, &c.

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

Here are many Savanas which are intermixed with the Hills and Woods, (especially in the

North and South parts, where are great store of wild Cattel) which by report were sometimes Feilds of Indian Maiz, or Wheat, which when the Spaniards became Masters of the Isle, they conver∣ted to Pasture for the feeding of their Cattel; bringing hither from Spain, Horses, Cowes, Hoggs, and Asenegros for a Breed, after they had destroyed all the Na∣tives, or Indians, which according to calculation, did amount to a∣bout 60000. which Cattel did exceedingly encrease, witness the great heards of Horses, and other Cattel, that are now wild in the Woods; besides the great quan∣tities of Cows that have been Killed by the English, since they became Masters thereof: And these Savanas are the most bar∣ren, as being so long made use

of without Tillage; yet doth they produce such great Plenty of Grass, that the English are constrained oft-times to burn it up.

The Air, and Temperature.

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

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

This Island is in no parts troubled with those storms of Wind called Huricanes, which all the Ca∣ribbee Isles are much pestered with, having somtimes by the violence of those Gusts, their Ships forced out of their Roads; and on Shore, their Houses blown down, and pro∣visions,

&c. rooted out of the Earth.

The Weather.

The Weather of this Isle is less certain then in the rest of the Ca∣ribbee Islands; the most observa∣ble wett seasons are in November or May; there being no seem∣able Winter but by a little more Rain, and Thunder, in the winter months.

The winds here constantly blow all the day from nine in the mor∣ning easterly, and become more fresher as the Sun mounteth higher, by reason of which, at midd-day Travel or Labour is suf∣ferable. But from eight at Night to about eight in the Morning, it frequently blows Westerly; and with these Winds, or Breezes, the

Vessells get out of the Harbours, and ply to wind-ward.

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

The Sea ebbs and flowes sel∣dome above a foot.

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

The Commodities, which this Island Produceth.

This Isle hath, and produceth many excellent Commodities and that in exceeding great Plenty, as Sugars so good, that they out∣sell those of the Barbadoes 5. s. per Cent. there being at present about

Sugar Works, which may produce yearly 1710 thousand weight of Sugar, those still encreasing, and divers others a going up.

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

become a drugg, and lye upon the hands of the Planter.

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

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

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

Hydes, of which great quanti∣tyes have been Yearly made, and are found to be very large and good.

Great store of Tortoises are ta∣ken

on this Coast, whose meat (being excellent) they eat, and their Shells so much esteemed here in England for several curi∣ous Works, finds good vent.

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

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

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

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

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

Saltpeter hath been found in many parts of the Island.

Ginger grows better in this Isle, then in many of the Carribbe Islands; of which here is suffici∣ency planted.

Codd-pepper which is so common∣ly used in all the West Indies, grows plentifully here.

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

Drugs are here in great abun∣dance, as Guacum, China-Roots, Sasapharilla, Cashia Fistula, Ta∣merindes,

Vinillos, Achiots or A¦netto, which is like to prove a good Commodity. Here are also dive•••• Gums, and Roots, wherewith ex∣perienced Planters do cure ma∣ny Hurts, Ulcers, and Distem∣pers of the Body. And by the report of an intelligent Doctor, which made it his business to search after such things, here are likewise Contrayerna, Cyperas, Aloes, Assole Pie, Adjuntum, Nigrum, Cucumis, Agrestis, Su∣mach, Acacia, Miselto, with ma∣ny other Druggs, Balsoms and Gums, whose names are not known, or remembred: but the Planters begin to be more expert in these Drugs, and endeavour to encrease them, and supply Eng∣land therewith.

Cochaneil is produced by a Plant that grows in this Isle, but

as yet the English want experi∣ence to husband it; easterly Winds, and many other things being Ene∣mies to its growth, besides the difficulty of makeing it.

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

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

Directions about a Cocao Walk.

• First, take up 5 or 600. Acres of Land, which be sure choose in a good place proper to produce the Cocao, which will cost for the Surveying and Pa∣tent 010 l. 0 s.
• For 3 Negro men, and as many Negro women at 20 l. per head 120 l. 0 s.
• For 4 White Servants, with their Passage and Dyet for a year 080 l. 0 s.
• For 20 Axes, 20 Bills, and 20 Hoos for them 005 l. 0 s.
• ...

• For 6. Negroes Dyet, for Six months at 2 s. per Day, until you have some provisions Grown in your Planta∣tion. 018 l. 5 s.
• For an Overseer to look after the Servants, for his Wages▪ and Diet at 40 s. per Month 024 l. 0 s.
• In all 257 l. 5 s.

And for the employing these Servants in your Plantation as followeth: supposing them to Land, and to be on the Plantati∣on the first of March, and that they have by the middle of that month (as they may very easily) cleared a convenient place, and built fitting houseing for the lodg∣ing

them. Then put them to fal∣ling, cleaning, and planting a Potato peece of 4. Acres, which ten hands will very well do by the middle of April: after this, you may clean, and plant with Rue and Plantin-Trees, until the last of February, which is above 10 Months; in which time they may with ease have cleansed and Planted 21. Acres, besides keep∣ing them clean which are Planted and are still a Planting; and in this time, which compleats the Year, you may be full of Potatoes and Corn, and within 2. Months of the new Year, with Plantins, and a small stock of Hoggs, and Fowles; so that you will be at no more charge for Provisions for your Servants. And then to keep this clean, and to plant the Cocao-Walk, and for five more Negro

Men, and 5. Negro-Women to buy about the first of March fol∣lowing, at 20 l. per Negroe comes to 200 l.

And in that Month you will have Planted Cocao-Trees out of the Nuts, or Seed, betwixt all the Rows of the Plantin-Trees, that are 6. Foot high; so that by the first of June, the whole 21 Acres that were planted the last Year, will be full of Cocao-Trees, and by that time you will have (besides much other work done) 21. Acres of Cocao-Trees in the ground; which in less then 4. years, from the Planting, will begin to bear Cods, and in a year after, produce compleat Cropps. And according to experience, an Acre doth produce every year about 1000. pound Weight; which at Jamaica is worth 4 l. per Cent. which for the 21 Acres,

doth amount unto 840 l. per Ann. Although this last year, by reason their Cropps were blasted, it is at present far dearer, the Hundred weight at London being now worth 18. pound Sterling.

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

Note, that all this that is Plan∣ted, is done in 15. months, and the Cocao bears not compleatly until the sixth year from the first be∣gining, or comming; so that you will have four years and nine months at liberty with your Ser∣vants, either to encrease the Co∣cao-Walk, building of conveni∣ent

houses, and makeing of Gar∣idens for pleasure; or else you may fall on Ginger, Indico, or some other Commodity for present profit, which perhapps may be necessary for such as cannot for∣bear their Money, until the Cocao Walk doth come to perfection as aforesaid: after which, you will find sufficient profit as is exprest, Sickness, Mortality, and running away Excepted. Yet it cannot be expected, but that as the Island encreaseth in this Commodity, they must some-what abate the present Price, and content themselves with a more moderate Gaines.

And according to this Calcula∣tion proportionably a greater or lesser Cocao-Walk may be under∣taken, and performed.

Their Cattle.

In this Isle are greater abun∣dance

of Cattle then in most of the English Plantations in Ameri∣ca; as Horses, which are here so plentiful, that a good Horse may be bought for 6 or 7 l.

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

Assnegroes and Mules (both wild and Tame) are very many, which are found to be very ser∣viceable to the Inhabitants.

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

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

Hoggs are here in exceeding great plenty, as well those wild in the Mountains, as tame in the

Plantations, whose Flesh is far better tasted, and more nourish∣ing and easier to be digested then those of England; which is the reason that it is so much eaten in this Island; as indeed throughout the West-Indies.

Their Fish.

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

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

Their Fowls.

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

The Fruits.

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

Their Herbes, and Roots.

Here likewise grows very well, all manner of Summer-Garden-Herbs and Roots common to us in England, as Radish, Lettis, Pur∣seley, Cucumbers, Melons, Pars∣ley, Pot-herbs, also Beanes, Pease,

Cabbages, Colly-Flowers, &c.

Their Diseases.

It hath been experimentally found, that there is no such Anti∣pathy betwixt the constitutions of the English, and this clime, for the occasioning Sickness to be Mortal or Contageous, more than in other parts; for if a good Dy∣et, and moderate Exercises are used, without excess of Drinking they may enjoy a competent mea∣sure of Health.

The Diseases that Strangers are most incident to, are Dropsies (occa∣sioned often by ill diet, drunkeness, and slothfulness) Calentures too fre∣quently the product of Surfits, also Feavers, and Agues, which although very troublesome, yet are seldome Mortal.

And the reason of the great Mortality of the Army, at their first arrival, was their want of Pro∣visions, together with an unwil∣lingness to labour or excercise, joy∣ned with discontent.

Hurtful things.

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

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

Here are Snakes, and Guianas, but no poysonous quality is ob∣served in them.

In many of the Rivers, and Land-Ponds, are Alligators, which are very voracious Creatures, yet seldome do they prey upon a Man, as being very easy to be avoided,

for he can only move forwards, and that he doth with great Swiftness and Strength, and is as slow in tur∣ning. Some are 10, 15, or 20 foot long, their backs are scaly and impenetrable, so that they are hardly to be killed, except in the Belly or Eye. They have four Feet or Finns with which they go or swim. They are observed to make no kind of Noise: and the usual course for the getting their Prey, is to lie on the banks of Ri∣vers, and as any Beast or Fowle com∣eth to drink, they suddenly seize on them; and the rather, for that they do so much resemble a long peece of dry wood, or some dead thing. And as these Allegators are thus obnoctious on the one hand, so are they found to be useful on the other, for their Fat is a Sove∣reign Oyntment for any internal

Ach or Pain in the Joynts, or Bones. They have in them Musk-codds, which are stronger scented then those of the East-Indies, and by this their strong smell, they are discovered, and avoyded; which ••s supposed the Cattle by in∣stinct of Nature, are also sencible of, and do by that means often shun them. They lay Eggs in the Sand lay the water-side, which are no bigger than a Turkeys, which they ••over, and by the heat of the Sun, the young ones are hatched, who naturally creep into the water.

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

Their Harbours, Roads, and Bays▪

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

Port-Royal, formerly called Cag¦way, situate on the extream en•• of that long point of Land whic•• makes the Harbour, which is e••¦ceeding commodious for Shippin•• and secured by one of the stronge•••• and most considerable Castles th•••• his Majesty hath in all Americ•• in which are mounted about 6•• peeces of Ordnance, and is we•••• guarded with Souldiers. It is land lock't by a point of Land that run 12 miles South-East from the mai•• of the Island, having the great R••¦ver that runs by Los Angelos, and•• St. Jago falling into it, where Ship•• do commonly water, and conven••¦ently

wood. The Harbour is 2. or 3. leagues cross in most places, and hath every where good Ancho∣rage, which is so deep, that a Ship of a 1000 Tunn may lay her sides to the shore of the Point, and load, and unload with planks a Float: which commodiousness, doth make it to be the most frequented by Men of War, and Merchants Ships of any in the Island, and as much inhabited by the Merchants, Store∣house-keepers, Vintners, & Alehouse-keepers, being the only noted place of Trade in the Isle, and doth con∣tain (since the English became Ma∣sters of it) about 800. Houses, being about 12 miles and a half in length, and the houses are as dear-rented as if they stood in well-traded Streets in London; yet it's situation is very unpleasant and uncommodious, ha∣ving neither Earth, Wood, or Fresh∣water,

but only made up of a hot loose Sand, and being thus popu∣lous, and so much frequented, as well by Strangers, as by the Plan∣ters, in the negotiation of their Affairs as being the scale of Trade, provisions are very dear. This Town or Port is seated about 12 miles from the Metrapolitan Town of the Island called St. Jago, or St. Jago de la vega, or the Spanish Town; of which I shall treat anon.

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

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

Point-Negril in the extream

Western Point, very good and suf∣ficiently convenient, and secure to windward, in which men of war do often ply, when they look for the Spanish Ships, whence a little North-west, was seated the Old town of Melilla, founded by Colum∣bus, after the shipwrack there; which was the 1^st place that the Spaniards setled at, and afterwards deserted.

Port-Antonio seated on the North, a very safe land-lock't-Har∣bour, only the coming in is som∣what difficult, the Channel being narrowed by a little Island that lies off the mouth of the Port, be∣ing wholly taken up by the Right Honourable, Charles Earl of Car∣lisle, Visc. Howard of Morpeth, Lord Dacres of Gilsland, Lord Lieute∣nant of the Counties of Cumber∣land and Westmerland, and one of the Lords of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council, &c.

Here are several other good Bayes, and Harbours, along the Coast of this Island; the names of which are set down in the Map, a∣mongst which, these are very com∣modious and good, viz.

In the South-part

• Michaels Hole.
• Micary Bay.
• Allegator Pont.
• Point Pedro.
• Pallate Bay.
• Lewana Bay.
• Blewfelds Bay.
• Cabaritaes Bay.
  • All very good and Commodious Bayes for Ships.

In the North-part

• Porto-Maria
• Ora Cabessa
• Cold-Harbour
• Rio-Nova
• Montega-Bay
• Orang-Bay
  • All very good Bays for Shipping.

The Towns.

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

St. Jago, or St. Jago de-lavega seated 6 Miles within the Land North-West, in a Plaine, by a River, and about 12. miles from Port-Royal already treated of, which makes another of the 3 Towns. This town of St. Jago when the Spaniards were Masters of the Isle, was a large City, and of great Account, containing about 2000 Houses, and for Divine Wor∣ship, had 2 Churches, 2 Chappels, and an Abbey; which when the English first took the Isle (under the conduct of General Venables) were destroyed to about 4 or 500 Houses, and its Churches and Chap∣pels

to a fewer number, & those that remained were sufficiently Spoiled and haraced. But since the English have made a settlement, this Towne is now of considerable account; where the Governour resideth, and where the chief Courts of Judica∣ture are held, which makes it to be well resorted unto, and Inhabited; so that most of its ruinous Houses are in a faire way of being repaired, and in hopes to arrive to a greater largeness then formerly it was, here being several fair and well built Houses: and the Inhabitants live in great Pleasure, where they have their Havana, in which the better sort recreate themselves e∣very evening in their Coaches, or an horse-back, as the Gentry do here in Hide Park.

Passage seated on the mouth of the River, six miles distant from

St. Jago, and as many from Port-Royal, where there are about 20 Houses, built for the conveni∣ency of going to Port-Royal; and here is a Fort raised by the Eng∣lish, the better to secure the same.

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

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

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

Orista reguards the South-Sea, in which are many Rocks, and amongst their Banks, some Isles, as Servavilla, Quitos∣vena, and Serrana, where Au∣gustin Pedro Serrana lost his Ves∣sel, and saved onely himself, and here in a solitary and lone Condi∣tion passed away 3 Yeares; at the end of which time he had the com∣pany of a Marriner for 4 Years more, that was likewise there Ship-wrackt, and also alone saved himself.

And although there are for the present no more Townes, yet the Island is divided into 14 Precincts, Divisions, or Parishes, which are set forth in the Map; many of which said Precincts are well Inha∣bited by the English, where they have very good Plantations, e∣specially all the southern part from

Point-Morant in the East, almost to Point-Negrillo in the West, so far as the ridge or chain of Mountaines that runneth in the midst of the Isle; nor are its northerns Parts, (especially near unto the Sea) with∣out Inhabitants and Plantations, though not so thick as South-ward∣ly about St. Jago, but of late have much encreased. And for the bet∣ter Satisfying the Reader, the Parts throughout the Island where the English have made their Settle∣ments, are Marked and distingui∣shed in the Map by Cyphers.

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

A general Account of the Pre∣cincts, or Parishes, Families, and In∣habitants in Jamaica, taken by order of Sir Thomas Modiford, then Go∣vernour as aforesaid.

Parishes.	Families.	Inhabitants.
Port-Royal	500	3500
St. Katherines	658	6270
St. Johns	083	996
St. Andrews	194	1552
St. Davids	080	960
St. Thomas	059	590
Clarindon	143	1430
	1714	15298

Note, that the Four Parishes on the North-side of the Isle, to witt, St. George's, St. Maries, St. Annes, and St. James, as also the Leeward most Parish called St. Eli∣zabeth,

together with these two not named, both adjoyning on St. Elizabeths; the one Eastwards, and the other Northwards, was not as then so particularly surveyed, by reason of their distance, and new Settlements, nevertheless they were found according to Calculation, to amount to about 2000 Inhabitants. But all these parts, as also those se∣ven aforenamed are now excee∣dingly encreased, being supposed to be encreased to double, if not treble the number. And the great en∣couragement of gaining Riches, with a pleasant life, doth invite e∣very year abundance of People to Inhabite here, quitting their con∣cerns at Barbadoes, and other our American Plantations; so that in a short time without doubt it will become the most potent and rich∣est Plantation in the West-Indies.

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

Their Lawes

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

Having thus made a short des∣scription

of the Island, as to its Sci∣tuation, Fertility, Commodities, Har∣bours, Towns, and Precincts, with an estimate of the number of its Inhabitants: In the next place, I shall give you the state of the Isle, when the Spaniards were posses∣sors thereof; and wind up my dis∣course with some seasonable con∣siderations relating to the English Affairs in America, with reasons to justifie the first design in taking it, and why his Majesty should keep and support it. And of these in order.

The state of the Spaniards in this Island,

The Spaniards first setled on the North-west part of the Isle, under the Conduct of Columbus, and built the Town of Mellila, but disliking

the Scituation, removed to Orista∣na; and finding that also to be ill seated, and unhealthful, again re∣moved, and setled at St. Jago, or St. Jago de la vega, where, with the assistance of the Indians, they built a fair Town or City, which I have already treated of. And in this Town Inhabited all the Spani∣ards that were in the Isle at the Landing of the English, keeping their slaves at their several small Plantations, or Stanchas, who fail∣ed not to bring them store of Fruits & Provisions, which they luxurious∣ly spent in their houses, never in∣tending any thing but to live at ease and plenty: For on this large and fertile Island, there was no Manu∣facture or Commodity made, except a little Sugar, Tabacco, and Cocao, and those few Ships that came hi∣ther, traded generally for Hydes,

Tallow, Jamaica Pepper, and Cocao, but not to any considerable ac∣count. And the number of In∣habitants did not exceed 3000, of which, half (if not more) were Slaves. And the reason why it was so thinly peopled, was, be∣cause the Spaniards generally de∣sire to be in Nova Hispana, or His∣paniola; but chiefly, because this Isle was held▪ in proprietership, by the heirs of the Duke of Veragua-Columbus, who received the Re∣venues, and placed Governours, as absolute Lord of it. And at the first, it was planted by a kind of Por∣tugals, the society of whom, the Spaniards abhors.

Upon the approach of the En∣glish-Army after their landing, the Inhabitants of St. Jago deserted the Town, and betook themselves to the Mountains, pretending a

Treaty with the English, untill such time as they had secured their Wo∣men and Goods, and then did they make several attempts, and upon surprisals, murthered many of the English; but the Spaniards soon growing weary of that wild and mountainous course of Life, per∣ceiving small hopes of expelling the English, divers of the Grandees got into Cuba, who by the Vice-Roy of Alexico's order, were com∣manded back, with a promise of a speedy and considerable supply of men; upon which they returned, somwhat encouraged, and disper∣sed themselves by Families, that they might the better get provisi∣ons, and avoid the being discover∣ed by the English; but this necessi∣tous and unusual course of life, kil∣led many of them, and discouraged the rest; for that in all this time

there came to their succour, but too Souldiers, and those refused to joyn with them, as being so few and sickly; so that they marched back to the North of the Island, and at a place called St. Chereras, did fortify themselves, every day expecting a new body of Men to joyn with them: But the English discovering their quarters, march∣ed against them. Some few months after, about 30 small Companies of the Spanish Forces arrives, and immediately very strongly Fortify Rio Nova, having Ordnance, and great store of Ammunition, yet were they speedily and succesfully defeated by the Valour of the En∣glish under the Conduct of Leiute∣nant General Edw. D'oyley. And this grand disaster, with many pet∣ty ill successes caused the Spaniards to dispair of regaining the Island,

and to ship off most of their Plat•••• and Women; and the Negroes find∣ing the greatest part of their Ma∣sters to be dead, killed the Gover∣nour, and declined all obedience to the Spaniards, appointing a Black for their Governour. And such was the necessity of the Spaniards, that instead of giving them fitting correction, they were constrained to Court them for their assistance; but all their policy would not pre∣vail upon them, for soon after did they submitt to the English Gover∣ment, and made discoveries of the Spaniards and Negroes that would not come in with them, and did further assist the English in the ta∣king of them, in which they have been exceeding succesful.

In the year following, the Spa∣niards quite deserted the Island, except it were about 30 or 40 of

their Slaves, who betook them∣selves to the Mountaines, but be∣ing afraid of a Discovery, and to be pursued to Death for some Mur∣thers they had committed, built themselves Conoas, and in them fled to Cuba, and never since hath any considerable attempt been made upon them.

The English being thus become Masters of the Island, formed them∣selves into a Body, or Colony: Then did they they begin to set∣tle themselves in Plantations, whilst others betook themselves to the Sea as Freebooters or Pri∣vateers, the better to secure them∣selves against the Spaniards, and force them to a peace by their frequent annoying them, in seizing such their ships which they could meet with, which proved very succesful unto them. And this

caused the Isle to be much talked of, and had in esteem by the Eng∣lish, who sent them supplies of Men, Provisions, and necessaryes. And thus by little and little it be∣came to be so potent as now it is.

Governours since the English were Masters of the Island.

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

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

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

The third, Sr. Thomas Modyford Baronet.

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

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

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

They have alwayes taken our Merchants Ships sayling on these Coasts, or forced them into their Harbours by distress of Wea∣ther.

In the Reign of our late King (when we had Peace with them throughout Europe) they Sacked St. Christophers, Mevis, Providence, S^ta. Cruz, and Tortugas, murther∣ing

and carrying away most of the Inhabitants into slavery; for which they never made any repairation.

The Indians, who are the na∣tural proprietors of America, do a∣bominate and hate the Spaniards for their cruelty and avarice; and upon every occasion will shew their willingness to give themselves and their Countreys, freely into the power and protection of the English.

The pretented first discovery cannot give them a legal power o∣ver the genuine right of the Na∣tives, nor were they the first dis∣coverers of all those Countreys that they pretend unto.

The Popes Donation is of lit∣tle validity, for he hath given them the Crown of England, which of the two he might more legally do, then the Indies; for that the En∣glish

have been subject to his pow∣er, the Indians never.

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

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

Their barbarous cruelty in compelling our Merchants, and o∣thers which they have took prison∣ers, to turn their Religion, and to work at their Forts and Mines at Mexico, and elsewhere, from whence they can never return, murthering divers, when up∣on a Treaty, and after promise of

fair quarter, and not Exchanging or Ransoming any, although the English have freely given them some hundreds of Prisoners, doth sufficiently justify any attempt or mischief we can do against them, either in seizing on their Ships, or the landing on their Countreys, and the sacking, burning, or taking their Towns and Countreys, and the dispossessing them thereof.

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

Jamaica is large, and capa∣cious, whose extent I have already noted; so that it is capable of re∣ceiving very great numbers of Peo∣ple.

It is seated in the heart of

the Spaniards American Territo∣ries; so that the Spanish Shipps coming into the West-Indies, and sayling from Port to Port, either make this Isle, or may be imme∣diately met by the Ships which ply on this Coast, which renders it to be of great importance to Us, as well as to the Spaniards: for all the Plate Fleet which comes from Cartha∣gena, steer directly from St. Do∣mingo in Hispaniola, and from thence must pass by one of the Ends of this Isle to recover Hava∣na, which is the common Rende∣vouze of the Armado, before it re∣turns home through the Gulph of Florida. Nor is there any other way whereby to miss this Isle, be∣cause they cannot in a reasonable time turn it up to the windward of Hispaniola, which, though with great difficulty, it might be done, yet

by this means they would loose the security of the said united Fleet, which meet at Havana, from all parts of the Bay of Mexica, Nom∣bre de dios, and elsewhere, and so accompany each other home.

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

And as this Island is found thus advantageous in the furnishing us with such good Commodities, so

is it no less profitable in the taking off our Manufactures, and Commo∣dities, as well of the product of this Kingdom, as those from For∣reign parts. That is to say, all sorts of Stuffs, Fabricks of Silks, Linnen both fine and course, Hatts, Gloves, Thread, Tape, Pinns, Needles, Stockings, Shoos; all sorts of Apparel; Wine, Brandy, Strong-Beer; All sorts of Utensils of Iron, and other Mettals for Car∣penters, Joyners, Smiths, Coo∣pers, Mill-Wrights, and other the like Tradesmen, that are found useful for the Planters service, Also, Iron, Brass, Copper, Steel, Lead and Tinn unwrought; All sorts of Armes and Ammunition: Also, Servants, and Negro-Slaves: And in a word, all Commodities that are necessary, and usefull ei∣ther for the Back or Belly, are here

Vendible. And is observed, that the better the Commodities are (e∣specially Apparrel and Ornaments for the Back) the sooner and bet∣ter are they Vended.

4 It appears to be a place of no small concernment, for it hath not only subsisted at the beginning, but bettered its Condition, being set∣led by an Army (the worst kind of people to plant) that have had such grand discouragements from Eng∣land, as want of pay, provisions, and recruits of Men; yet amongst themselves talked of all encourage∣ments to Plant, the establishment of Justice and Government, besides, the frequent attempts of the Spa∣nish Forces; and if it thus thrived under these, and such like conside∣rable obstructions, it is more then propable, it will in a short time be∣come a great and profitable Colony

both to the King and Kingdome; for when well planted, it may bring into his Majesty some hundred thou∣sand pownds per Annum. Barba∣does (which is so little compared to this) yeilding about 10000 l. per Annum, and employing about 150 or 200 Sayl of Ships yearly.

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

This Island being well setled,

will be capable of it self to carry on a War against the Spaniards in the West-Indies (as occasion requi∣reth) because of the conveniences of its Ports, and its strength of In∣habitants and Shipping, having al∣ready about 20 or 30 Sayl of Pri∣vateers; and will in a short time be so numerous and potent, that they will become so obnoxious to the Spaniards, that probably they will rather admit of a Trade into his Ports (which would prove a grand advantage both to them, and this Kingdom) than suffer so disadvan∣tageous a War. And having thus forced a Trade, would gain the ac∣quaintance of the Natives, and learn their Customes, and method of Trade, being much inclined to love the English rather than the Spani∣ards.

Jamaica seems to be appro∣ved

above any of the other Planta∣tions, in regard so many from all the English Collonyes have Trans∣ported themselves and their Estates to it, who like it so well, that they have no cause or desire to remove.

There is now a considerable progress made in the setling of this Isle, there being upon it many Plantations of Cocao, Sugar, In∣dico, Cotton, and Provisions; and Inhabited with many thousand of of people. The Planters (for the generality) now living in great de∣light, and enjoy all things necessa∣ry for Food and Rayment in a libe∣ral measure; and were it well In∣habited, it would very much con∣sume the English Manufactures, and encourage Navigation and Merchandize.

It cannot be imputed a dis∣advantage, that Jamaica lyeth so

far off, for thereby are more Ships employed; and by consequence, more Saylors, Shipwrights, Rope∣makers, and many other Trades∣men maintained, whose dependance is thereon. Furthermore, if it lay not so far, we could not expect such Commodities as it produceth, being appropriate to the Clyme; neither is it a small advantage to have such Commodities within his Majesties Dominions (though at a distance) that are both valued and needed by his Subjects and Neigh∣bours, especially the Cocao.

And lastly, to conclude, The English have one more consi∣derable advantage by this Isle, and that is, the Coast of Virginia, being subject to gusts of Winde, the Ships loaden with Goods and Passengers, have been often forced forth to Sea, and so disabled, that they could not

ply to any of the outward Caribbee Islands, but have been constrained to bear up, and put into the Spanish Leeward Ports; and likewise, some of our Merchants have been forced out of the Caribbee Isles by Hurri∣cane's (which are there common) and so disabled, that they could not keep Sea, but (as all Vessels thus distressed) have put into some of the Spanish Leeward Ports, where they have alwayes, been made Prizes. Now, Jamaica being so far Leeward, is a conveni∣ent Harbour for all Vessels thus distressed; and did some few years since save Three Virginia Ships full of Passengers and Goods, and formerly others; as also some dri∣ven by Hurricanes from the Wind∣ward Islands: All which, without the conveniency, and assistance of this Isle, had perished.

[illustration] map of Barbados

Notes

• Its Scitu∣ation.
• Its Form Ex∣tent.
• Its Soyl, and Fer∣tility.
• Savanas, formerly Fields of Indian Maiz.
• The Air & Tem∣perature
• Huri∣canes not in this Isle.
• The Winter known only by Rain and Thunder
• Dayes, & Nights almost e∣qual.
• Sugars.
• Cocao.
• Indico
• Cotton.
• Tobacco.
• Hydes
• Tortoise Shells.
• Curious Woods.
• Copper.
• Silver.
• Amber∣greece.
• Salt.
• Saltpe∣ter.
• Ginger.
• Cod-Pe∣per.
• Piemen∣te.
• Druggs.
• Gumms.
• Cocha∣neil.
• Of Ser∣vants.
• Horses.
• Cowes.
• Asne∣groes. Mules.
• Sheep:
• Goats.
• Hoggs.
• Excel∣lent Fish in great plenty.
• Tortoise.
• great va∣riety of Tame & Wild Fowl.
• Excel∣lent Fruits.
• Herbs & Roots.
• Jamaica very health∣ful.
• Diseases strangers are most subject unto.
• Mancho∣nele.
• Snakes, Guianas.
• Alliga∣tors.
• Musket∣toes.
• Merry-wings.
• Port∣Royal.
• Port-Morant.
• Old Har∣bour.
• Point-Negrill.
• Port-An∣tonio.
• Other good bayes & Harbors.
• St. Jago.
• Sevilla.
• Mellila.
• Orista.
• 14 Pre∣cincts or Parishes in the Isle.
• Sre the Mapp.
• The Names of the Precincts or Pari∣shes in the Isle.
• Their Lawes.
• The Spa∣niards First set∣tlement.
• The Spa∣niards inclined to Idle∣ness.
• 1. Con∣siderati∣on.
• 2. Consid.
• 3. Consid.
• 4. Consid.
• 5. Consid.
• 6. Consid.
• 7. Consid.
• 8. Consid.
• 9. Consid.
• 1. Consid.
• 2. Consid.
• 4. Consid.
• Commo∣dities Impor∣ted, and its Trade
• 4

  Consid
• 5. Consid.
• 6. Consid.
• 7. Consid.
• 8. Consid.
• 9. Consid.
• 10. Con∣siderati∣on.