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.

The Division of the Isle, and how Possessed.

The whole Isle is divided into four Quarters or Cantons, two of which, are possessed by the Eng∣lish, and two by the French; which parts are not so well watered, as those of the English, but are bet∣ter for Tillage, and not so Hilly.

The English are more Popu∣lous then the French, and have two fortified places, one comman∣ding the great Haven, and the o∣ther a descent not far from Pointe de sable.

The French have Four strong Forts, of which one hath Regular Works like a Cittadel, that of most

note commands the Haven, and is called Basse-Terre.

Both the English, and the French, keep constant Guard at their Forts, placed at the entrance of the Paths which leads to the several Wards, for the better security of each o∣ther.

Here are five Churches in those parts belonging to the English, viz. one at Sandy-point, one at Palme-Tree, another near the great Road, and two at the Inlet of Cayoune, with many fair Structures.

The French, besides their seve∣ral Habitations, dispersed up and down in their quarters, have at Basse-Terre (near the Haven where Ships lye at Anchor) a Town of a good bigness, whose Houses are well built, of Brick, Freestone, and Timber; where the Merchants have their Store-houses, and is well

Inhabited by Tradesmen, and are well served with such Commodities, both for the Back, and Belly, toge∣ther with Utensils for their Houses, and Plantations, as they have occa∣sion of, in exchange of such Commo∣dities which are the product of the Island. Here is a fair, and large Church, as also a publique-Hall, for the administration of Justice: Here is also a very fair Hospital, built by the General, for such people that cannot get cure at their Houses; where they are well maintained and attended by Doctors, and Physiti∣ans, for the recovery of their Healths. Here is also a stately Ca∣stle, being the Residence of the Go∣vernour, most pleasantly seated, at the foot of a high Mountain, not far from the Sea, having spacious Courts, delightful Walks, and Gar∣dens, and enjoyeth a curious pro∣spect.

Notes

• The Isle Possessed by the English, & French
• Their Chur∣ches.
• A Town Possessed by the French