The present state of His Majesties isles and territories in America ... with new maps of every place : together with astronomical tables, which will serve as a constant diary or calendar, for the use of the English inhabitants in those islands, from the year 1686 to 1700 : also a table by which ... you may know what hour it is in any of those parts, and how to make sun-dials fitting for all those places.

A DESCRIPTION OF THE Island of BARBADOS.

BARBADOS is the most considerable Co∣lony which the English enjoy amongst all that Fry of Isles usually called Caribbies, and lies in 13 degrees,* 1.1 20 minutes

[illustration] map of Barbados

The Island of BARBADOS.

By Robert Morden.

Northern Latitude on this side the Equator; and though it be not above eight Leagues in Length, and five in breadth, where it is broadest (being exactly of an oval form) yet it is a place of great strength and potency; for besides it being naturally strong, and fortified as it were to their hands, they are able to raise ten thousand sighting men, and bid desiance to the stoutest Enemy; as appears by the several vain attempts the Spaniard hath made upon it: It is notwithstanding the smalness of its Compass, so well peopled, that it contains upwards of fifty thousand Inhabitants, besides Negro-Slaves, who are a far greater num∣ber.

It was first discovered in the Reign of King James the First,* 1.2 by Sir William Curteen, who return∣ing homewards from Fernambuck in Brazil, was driven by a storm upon this Coast, and anchoring before the Isle, he went with some of his Company ashore, to inform himself of the Nature of the Place; which he found so exceed∣ingly overgrown with Woods, that they could find no plain or champaign ground sit to inhabit, nor any ether Beasts but Swine, which the Por∣tugals, having formerly put on shore here, to fur∣nish them with Provisions in case they should be cast on that shoar by foul weather, had by this time multiplied abundantly, the Fruits and Roots that grew there serving them for food; so that the Natives of the adjacent Islands (for there were none in this) were used to come thither frequently to kill them.

Having made this Discovery, and informed himself as well as he could of the Nature and Condition of the Island, he gave notice thereof

to his Friends in England; from whence divers Ships were with all convenient speed dispatched thither; who, upon their Arrival, applied them∣selves to the rendering the Island sit for Habitation. In order to which, they cut down the Woods, and planted Potatoes and Maiz; which, together with the Swine which they found there, did but just keep Life and Soul together; for having as yet no∣thing to trade withal, Ships from England visited them but slowly; so that they were oft-times driven to great extremities: But having about the year 1627. increas'd the number of its Inhabitants, and Tobacco, Indico, Cotton-wool, Fustick-wood, and the like, begun to grow there, and afford great increase, the Island began to gain more repute in England, and invited divers Ships, in hope of gain, to trade with them, exchanging divers sorts of working-tools made of Iron and Steel, together with Cloth, Shirts, Drawers, Hose, Shoes, Hats, Servants, and other things which they needed, for Tobacco and other things which the Island pro∣duced. After which, they grew and increased wonderfully both in number and wealth; especi∣ally when their Sugar-Canes were grown, and they had learned the Art of making Sugar.

This Isle is very hot, especially for eight Months,* 1.3 and would be more insupportable, were it not for the cool Briezes of Wind, which rise with the Sun, and blow fresher as the Sun mounteth higher. And these Briezes blow al∣way from the North-East, except it be in the time of the Turnado, and then for an hour or two it chops into the South; but after returns to the same Point again. And it is observed, that al∣though the People do so much sweat, yet they

find not that faintness as with us in England in the Months of July and August; neither are they so thirsty, unless over-heated by excess of Labour, or drinking of strong Liquors, which the People here are too much addicted unto, to their great hurt; which, if moderately taken, would be as a great preservative to comfort and refresh their inward parts, which are left cold and faint through their sweating. Besides, our Bodies being accustomed to colder Climates, our Spirits are not so vigorous without them in a moderate manner.

This Isle is not over-plentifully watered with Rivers or fresh Springs,* 1.4 there being but one that can appropriate to itself that Name, or rather a Lake which runs not far into the Land; yet not∣withstanding, the Inhabitants are not destitute thereof; for the Country lying low and level, there are several Pools or Ponds; and besides they are supplied with Rain-water by having Wells and Cisterns in their Houses.

Here is also a River which the Inhabitants call Tuigh-River, from the top of whose water is ga∣thered an Oyl which serveth them to burn in their Lamps.

This Isle is exceeding fertil,* 1.5 bearing Crops all the year long, and its Trees being always cloathed in their Sum∣mer-Livery, and the Fields and Woods in their ver∣dure, renders it very delightful to the Inhabitants. But the two principal seasons of the year for plant∣ing, are in May and November, but the Sugar-Canes are planted all the year round, the making of which is not only very chargeable, but also as dange∣rous, and subject to casualties, either in the Boyling-house, with the Coppers and Furnaces,

in the Filling-Room, in the Still-House, or in the Curing-House.

The Commodities this Island produceth,* 1.6 are Sugars (which though not so white as those of Brazile, yet better when refined, being of a fairer grain) Indico, Cotton-wool, Ginger, Logwood, Fustick, and Lignum vitae; and these Commodities, espe∣cially Sugar, Indico, Cotton and Ginger, here are in such great abundance, that about two hundred Sail of Ships and Vessels, both great and small, have yearly their loading; which, after imported in the several Ports of England and Ireland, is again in great quantities exported to foreign parts, to our great enrichment; and the rather, for that they are not permitted to trade with any other Nation but the English, and such of His Majesties Subjects in New-England, Virginia and Bermudas; and in exchange of those Commodities, they take such as are necessary for the use of man, as well for the Back and Belly, as for their Houses and Plantations; with many of which they are sup∣plied from New-England, Virginia, and the Ber∣mudas, together with Servants and Slaves, with several sorts of Commodities and Provisions, as, Horses, Camels, Assinegroes, Cattel, also salted Flesh, and Fish of several sorts; Butter and Cheese; but by reason of the great heat of the weather, it will soon stink, and become unfit to eat; so that instead of Butter, they make great use of Oyl for their Sauces.

The Dayes and Nights are almost throughout the year of an equal length, the Sun rising and setting at six, except about October, and then there is some small difference.

The Ayr,* 1.7 though hot, is very moist, which causeth all Iron-Tools, as Knives, Swords, Locks, Keys, &c. to rust; so that without constant usage, they will soon become eaten up with Rust. And this great heat and moisture doth cause the Plants and Trees to grow so large and high.

Here are abundance of Fruits of all sorts; as, Dates,* 1.8 Oranges two sorts, the one sweet, and the other sharp, Pomgranates, Citrons, Limes, Limons, Macows, Grapes, Juniper-Apples, Papayers, Momins, Mombains, Acajous, Icacos, Cherries, Raisins, Indian-Figs, Cocoes, Plantins, Bononoes, Guavars, Prickle-Apples, Prickle-Pears, Custard-Apples, Melons, both Land and Water, and Pine-Apples, the rarest Fruit in the Indies.

Here are great store of Fish in the Sea; as, Snappers, Crabs,* 1.9 Lobsters, Terbums, Macquerels, Mullets, Cavalloes, Parrot-Fish, Cony-Fish, and Green Turtles; which of all others, are the most delicious; with several other sorts appropriated to this and the rest of the Caribby-Isles; but the Rivulets or Ponds have few or no Fish in them.

Here are no Beasts or Cattel but what are tame,* 1.10 and brought them; as, Camels, Horses, Assine∣groes, Oxen, Bulls, Cows, Sheep, Goats and Hogs? which are here in great plenty in every Plantation, it being their common Food; whose Flesh is esteem∣ed very good and delicious; but as for Beef and Mutton, it is very dear, as having but a small stock; but might be soon increased, would they spare ground enough for Pasturage for them from their other occasions.

Here groweth divers sorts of English Herbs and Roots;* 1.11 as, Rosemary, Lavender, Lavender-Cotton, Marjoram, Winter-Savoury, Time, Parsley, Tanscy, Sage, Purslan, &c. And for Roots, Cab∣bages, Coleworts, Colliflowers, Turnips, Potatoes, Onions, Garlick, Radishes, Lettice, Taragon, Mari∣golds, &c.

Here are several sorts of Fowls, as,* 1.12 Turkeys, Hens, Muscovy-Ducks, Pigeons, Turtle-Doves, &c. And for small Birds, great variety; as, Thrushes, Black-Birds, Sparrows, &c.

Here are several Animals* 1.13 and Insects; as, Snakes a yard and half long, Scorpions as big as Rats, but no way hurtful to Man or Beast; Lizards, which are exceeding harmless, much frequenting the Houses, and loving the company of Men; Muske∣toes, Cockroches, and Merriwings, which are very troublesom in the Night in stinging; also there are Land-Crabs, which are found good to eat.

Here are great variety of Trees,* 1.14 fit for several Uses; as, the Locust, Mastick, Red-wood, the Iron-wood-tree and Cedar, which are fit for Building. Also the, Cassia-Fistula, Coloquintida, Tamarind, Cassary, of which is made their Bread; the Poyson-Tree, and the Physick-Nut, these have a Physical, and some a Poysonous Vertue in them. Also here are these trees following, the Calibash, the shell of whose fruit serveth to carry liquid things in, being of the na∣ture of Gourds; the Mangrass-tree, which is of an exceeding greatness, the Roucou, of whose Bark is made Ropes; as also Flax, which being spun, is employed to several uses, the Lignum Vitae, the

Palmeto, which is very large, and beautiful to be∣hold; with several others.

In this Island are divers Caves, some of which are very deep, and large enough to hold five hun∣dred men; and these Caves are often the Sanctua∣ry of such Negro-Slaves that run away; in which they lie a good while before they are found out; seldom stirring in the day-time, although they are such unwholsome places, by reason of the great damps that are found in them: And it is supposed that these Caves were the Habitation of the Na∣tives.

They have a Drink call'd Mobby,* 1.15 made of Potatoes soaked in water; another named Prino, made of Cassavy-Root and Water, which, though it is not so pleasant, yet is reckoned much better, made by the Indians for their own drinking, which in it self is a strong Poyson, and this they cause their old Women, whose Breath and Teeth have been tainted with divers Poxes, to chew and spit out in the water, for the better breaking and macerating the Root, and in a few hours this Juice will purge itself of its poysonous qualities; for their poyson∣ous Breath, and the poyson of the Cassary, being opposites, work with such vehemency, that they spend their poysonous qualities in the conflict; they likewise drink Crippo, Kill-Devil, Punch, Plum-Drink, Plantane-Drink, a strong Drink made of the skimming of Sugar, Beveridge, made of Spring-water, Sugar, and the Juice of Oranges, and Wine of Pines, which is only made of the Juice of the Fruit, which is the best of all.

Their Meat* 1.16 is generally Hogs-Flesh, salted Flesh or Fish, and when any of the Cattel die by any distemper, or by ac∣cident,

it is given to the Negroes, who feed like Princes on it; but they are commonly contented from weeks end to weeks end, with Potatoes, Lob∣lolly made of Maize mixt with water; Cassader-Bread, common in all the Indies, Bonariff, and such like Food that the Plantation affords; as, Pompions as sweet as Melons, Plantanes, Sugar-Canes, &c. They have also Turkeys, Pullets, Muscovy Ducks,* 1.17 Turtle-Doves, Pi∣geons and Rabbits, with excellent Fish of divers kinds,* 1.18 not known to us, as the Green Turtle, who come in with the Tide, lie upon the Sand till the next return, and are easily taken in Lucaick Islands, though not in this; but sent hither; for it is but turning them on their backs with staves, and there they lie till they are fetched away: A large Turtle (as we have mentioned) will have in her Body half a Bushel of Eggs, which she lays in the Sands, where they hatch by the Sun, When you are to kill one of the Fishes, you lay him on his Back on a Table, and when he sees you come with a knife in you hand to kill him, he sends forth the most grievous sighs that ever were heard, and sheds Tears in abundance; after he is opened, and his Heart taken out, if you lay it in a Dish, it will stir and pant ten hours after the Fish is dead, there is none more delicious in taste, nor more nourish∣ing than he.

But as for the Master-planters, Merchants Fa∣ctors, and Strangers, their Fare is far otherwise, having their curious made Dishes; as, Custards, Cheese-Cakes, Tansics, also, Sturgeon, Anchovies, Caveare, Botardo, Neats Tongues; besides Poultrey, Fish, Fowl, Mutton, Beef, Kid, Pork, Beans, Pease, several Roots, and other good Dishes. And be∣sides

the several sorts of Liquors already named, Wines, Strong Waters, Brandy, and English Beer; so that they find no want, and do not consider the condition of those poor wretches, their Ser∣vants and Slaves, who are constrained to so hard a Labour.

This Island may be divided in∣to Masters, Servants and Slaves;* 1.19 the Masters live in all affluence of Pleasure and Delight. The Apparel they al∣low their Servants yearly, for the Men, are, six pair of Drawers, twelve pair of Shoes, three Monmouth-Caps, six Shirts; and for the Women, four Smocks, three Petticoats, four Coifs, and twelve pair of Shoes, besides a Rug-Gown to each, to keep them warm in the night, and to put on them when they come sweating from their labour. To the Negro-Men they allow but three pair of Canvas Drawers, and to the Women, but three Petticoats.

But for themselves (especially the better sort) they are exceeding profuse and costly.

The Lodging of these poor Wretches is worst of all; for having laboured all the day in so hot a Country, without any nourishing Diet, at night they must be content to lie hard, on nothing but a Board, without any Coverlet, in their Huts or ra∣ther Hog-sties; but Christian Servants are some∣thing better treated, being allowed Hamocks.

Every Sunday (which is the only day of Rest, and should be set apart for the Service of God) they employ either in the getting of the Bark of Trees, and making Ropes with it, which they truck away for Shirts, Drawers, and the like; or else spend the Day in Recreation, as Dancing and Wrestling, which they much delight in, though

they are no great Proficients in either; for in their Dancing they use Antick Actions, their hands ha∣ving more of motion than their feet, and their head than either; nor do the men and women dance together, but apart; the Musick to which they dance being a sort of Kettle-Drums, one bigger than another, which makes a strange and various noise, but whether harmonious I leave to the Judgment of the Reader.

The Servants, after five years, become Free∣men of the Island, and then employ their time as may be most to their Advantage; but the Ne∣gro-Slaves and their Children being in bondage for ever, are preserved with greater care, and used with such severity, as occasioned a great conspira∣cy against their Masters some years since; which was so closely carried, as no discovery was made till the day before it was to be acted, and then one of them, either failing of his Courage, or out of Love to his Master, discovered and prevent∣ed it; for which, many of them were put to death, as a Terror to the rest; who being so nu∣merous, might prove dangerous, but that they are kept in such strict aw, and not suffered to touch or handle a Weapon; so that nothing is more ter∣rible to them than Gun-shot; and besides, being of different Countries, do not understand one an∣others Language; for in some of those places in Africa, where petty Kingdoms are, who go to War against one another, the Prisoners that are taken on each side, they sell unto and other Euro∣pean Nations that come to traffick with them; yea, they sell their Subjects, and some poor men their Servants, and sometimes their Wives, for such Traffick as our Merchants bring them; when they are brought hither, the Planters buy them

out of the Ship, where they find them stark na∣ked, and therefore cannot be deceived in any out∣ward infirmity, chusing them as men do Horses in a Fair, and according as they are handsom, lusty, well shapen, and young; the youthfullest and most beautiful yield the greatest price; the ge∣neral rate for the better sort of Negro-Men is thirty pound sterling, and five and twenty for a Woman, is usual; if they buy any that have no Wives, they will come to their Masters and com∣plain they cannot live without, and he provides them one by the next Ships. Religion they have none, yet seem to acknowledge a God, by looking up to Heaven for Revenge when they are wronged: One Negro-Woman being brought abed of two Children, her Husband provided a Cord to hang her, as false to him, but the Overseer prevented it, by telling him, it was common with the English Women, and they liked them the better; yet if he were resolved to hang her, he should be hang'd himself by her, the fear of which hindered him.

The Chief Towns* 1.20 of this Isle are St. Michael's, formerly call'd the Bridg-Town, or Indian Bridg, Little Bristol, St. Jame's and Charles-Town, with other Parishes of less Note.

1. St. Michael's* 1.21 is scituate at the bottom of Carlisle-Bay in the Leeward, or Southern part of the Isle, which Bay is very capacious, deep and secure for Ships, being large enough to entertain 500 Vessels at one time. The Town is long, containing several Streets, and graced with abundance of well built Houses. It is very populous, being the residence of the Go∣vernour, or his Deputy, the place of Judicature, and the Scale of Trade, where most of the Mer∣chants

and Factors in the Isle have their Store-Houses for the negotiation of their Affairs; and from these Store-houses or Shops, the Inhabitants are supplied with such Commodities as they have occasion for, in exchange of theirs, which are the product of the Isle. The Town is ill seated, the Ground being lower than the Banks of the Sea; by which means the Spring-Tides do slow over, and there remaining, do make a kind of a moorish Bogg, which doth occasion it to be more unhealth∣ful than the other parts of the Isle. This Town for its Defence, and security of the Ships, hath two strong Forts opposite to each other, with a Platform in the midst, which also commands the Road; all which are well fortified with great Guns, &c. The principal of these Forts is called Charles Fort, being seated in Nedham's Point.

2. Little Bristol,* 1.22 formerly Sprights Bay, situate about four Leagues Leeward from St. Michaels, hath a commodious Road for Ships, and is a place well frequented and traded unto, and is strongly de∣fended by two powerful Forts.

3. St. James,* 1.23 formerly called the Hall, seated not far from Bri∣stol, hath the accommodation of a good Road for Ships, and is a place of a consi∣derable Trade, for its defence, besides a large Platform, hath fortified Breast-works, and in this Town is kept for the Precinct, the Monthly Courts.

Charles-Town,* 1.24 seated wind-ward of St. Michaels, about two leagues, and an Oyster-Bay; it is secured by two strong Forts, the one to the windward, and the other to the Leeward of the

Town and Road, with a Platform in the midst.

This Town hath the accommodation of week∣ly Markets, and here is kept the Monthly Courts for the Precinct.

The other Places of Name along the Sea-coast of this Isle, beginning Easterly, and so encompas∣sing the Isle, are as followeth,

Fowl-bay, Augustin's-bay, Maxwell's-bay, where there is a small Isle, Black Rock, The Hole, Spikes-bay, Balises-bay, Long-bay, Clark's-bay, and Constance-bay.

This Island is very strong, as well by Nature as Art, being sheltered with Rocks and Shoals, and where Nature hath not thus defended it, it is for∣tified by Trenches and Ramperts, with Pallisado's, Curtains, and Counterscarps; besides, round about the Isle, regarding the Sea, is standing-wood: here are also for its further defence, three Forts, one for a Magazine for the Ammunition and Pow∣der to lie in, and the other two places for Retreats, as occasion serves. They have also, for their further security, a standing Militia, consisting of two Re∣giments of Horse, and five of Foot, which are stout and well-disciplined Men, and always to be ready on beat of Drum.

The Government* 1.25 is by Laws agree∣able to those in England, for which they have Courts of Judicature, Ju∣stices of Peace, Constables, Church-wardens, and the like. And for the administration of Justice, here are yearly five Sessions. It is divided into Eleven Precincts, wherein are fourteen Churches and Chap∣pels; the whole so filled with Houses, that it may almost seem one great Town. There is a Fish cal∣led a Rock-fish taken near this Island, which is red, intermixt with several other colours very delight∣ful to the eye; And a great Fly, called by the In∣dians,

Cucuyos, which gives such a great light in the night, that it is called the flying Torch of America, not only guiding the Traveller, by shew∣ing his way in the night, but with the assistance of this light a man may easily write and read the smal∣lest Print; that the Indians, having these Flies fasten∣ed to their hands and feet, go a hunting all night by the light of them, which the famous Dubartus thus describes:

New Spain's Cucuyo in his forehead brings Two burning Lamps, two underneath his wings, Whose shining Rays serve oft in darkest night Th' Embroiderers hand in Royal-works to light; Th' ingenious Turner with a wakeful eye To pollish fair his purest Ivory; The Ʋsurer to count his glist'ring Treasure; The learned Scribe to limn his golden Measure.

Those who are desirous to know more of the Nature of the Sugar-Canes, the manner of their planting, growth, cutting, grinding, boiling, to∣gether with the manner of their conveying the Skimmings into their Cystern, where to distil it for Spirits, how long it continueth in the Curing-house before it become Muscovado-Sugar, together with the manner of its refining and making into Whites, may consult Mr. Richard Ligons description of this Isle, where they will find sufficient satisfa∣ction.

The present Governour of the Island of Bar∣bado's is Sir Richard Dutton.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Its Situation.
• * 1.2

  Its first Disco∣very.
• * 1.3

  Its Tempera∣ture.
• * 1.4

  Its Waters.
• * 1.5

  Its Fertility.
• * 1.6

  Its Commodities.
• * 1.7

  The Ayr.
• * 1.8

  The Fruits.
• * 1.9

  Their Fish.
• * 1.10

  Their Cattel.
• * 1.11

  Their Herbs.
• * 1.12

  Their Fowls
• * 1.13

  Animals.
• * 1.14

  Trees.
• * 1.15

  Their Drink.
• * 1.16

  Their Meats.
• * 1.17

  Their Fowls.
• * 1.18

  Their Fish.
• * 1.19

  The Division of the Island.
• * 1.20

  Chief Towns.
• * 1.21

  St. Michaels.
• * 1.22

  Little Bristol.
• * 1.23

  St. James.
• * 1.24

  Charles-Town.
• * 1.25

  Government.