America : being the latest, and most accurate description of the new vvorld containing the original of the inhabitants, and the remarkable voyages thither, the conquest of the vast empires of Mexico and Peru and other large provinces and territories : with the several European plantations in those parts : also their cities, fortresses, towns, temples, mountains, and rivers : their habits, customs, manners, and religions, their plants, beasts, birds, and serpents : with an appendix containing, besides several other considerable additions, a brief survey of what hath been discover'd of the unknown south-land and the arctick region : collected from most authentick authors, augmented with later observations, and adorn'd with maps and sculptures / by John Ogilby ...

The Second Book, CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION OF Northern America. (Book 2)

CHAP. I. Of the Bounds of America, and of the Division of the Mexican or Northern part thereof.

* 1.1HAving in the first Part of this Volume discours'd at large concerning the Original of the Americans, and whether that part of the World call'd India Occidentalis, or America, were known to the Ancients, or own its Discovery wholly to the Moderns, as also of all the Discoveries that have been made of the several parts thereof, and by whom, we shall now pass on to the Topographical part, describing every particular Province or Region, by giving an Account of their Situation, Temperature, Productions, Nature of the Soil, and Quality of the Inhabitants.

America, lying Westward of the Azores, and the Worlds Meridian, is by some suppos'd to consist of one vast Island, and several lesser ones scatter'd about it: Nor can this Supposition be thought improbable, if, as many think, it be environ'd with Sea on the North side, as towards the East, South, and West it is known to be; East, by the Atlantick Ocean; South, by the Magellanick Straight; and West, by Mare del Zur. But because the North-West Passage, though attempted by many, as Nelson, Davis, Forbisher, Button, Smith, Hudson, and others, hath not yet been fully discover'd by any, so that it is not certainly known whether America be joyn'd to Groenland and the Arctick Region, by a continu'd Tract of Land, or sever'd by the Ocean, we shall follow the method of those Geographers, who reputed sufficiently authentick, have divided this New World into Islands, and two grand Peninsula's, joyn'd together by an Isthmus, or Neck of Land, call'd The Straight of Darien, by some The Straight of Panama, lying almost under the Equinoctial Line, and extending in length from Nombre de Dios Southward, above a hundred English Miles, and from East to West seventeen Miles over in the narrowest place. Of these two grand Peninsula's the Northern is generally call'd America Mexicana, from Mexico, the chief City of the Province, properly call'd Mexicana; which without doubt was hereto∣fore

the most potent, rich, and flourishing of all the Kingdoms of the Indians, at least on the North side of the Isthmus. In the Division of the several Provinces of America, as well those of the Northern as of the Southern Continent, we find so various an Account among the several Geographers that have written of them, (not any two of them agreeing in one and the same order) that to reconcile the dif∣fering methods of so many disagreeing Authors, would be an endless Work; wherefore we shall pitch upon the surest course, and not omitting the mention of any of the Provinces taken notice of by the said Authors, hereby endeavor to take in whatsoever material hath been observ'd by all of them, and by the way take oc∣casion to shew how one differs from another in the distribution of them. Those therefore of the Northern America (that as near as can be we may bring many into one) seem most fitly describ'd in this following order: 1. Estotiland. 2. Terra Laboratoris, or Nova Britannia. 3. Canada, or Nova Francia. 4. Nova Scotia. 5. Norumbegua. 6. New England. 7. New Netherland, now call'd New York, as being in the possession of the English. 8. Mary-Land. 9. Apalchen, now call'd Virginia. 10. Carolina. 11. Florida. 12. Jucatan. 13. Guatimala, containing Chiapa, Vera Paz, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa∣rica, Veragua, Guatimala, properly so call'd. 14. The Kingdom of Mexico, or New Spain, containing the Arch-bishoprick of Mexico, Mechoacan, Tlascalla, Guaxata, Panu∣co, Tabasco. 15. New Gallicia, containing Guadalajara, Xalisco, Chiametla, Couliacan, Cinoloa, Zacatecas. 16. New Biscay. 17. New Mexico. 18. Cibola, wherein are menti∣on'd Tontonteac and Nova Granada. 19. Quivira; to which by most Authors is added California, which being an Island, we thought fit to reserve to be spoken of among the Islands, as also Terra Nova, or New-found Land; which last lies utmost East, as the other West of Northern America. Some there are also (and particularly Monsieur De Martini) who among the above-mention'd Provinces have inserted Groenland, though doubtless with little reason, since should it be granted that it is not divi∣ded by any Sea, yet it is evident, if any credit may be given to all modern Maps and Globes, that the greatest part of Groenland lies in the Hemisphere of the known World, and therefore we have judg'd it most convenient to refer the particular mention thereof to the Description of the Arctick Region.

The Islands of Northern America are 1. Terra Nova, or New-found Land. 2. The Island of Assumption. 3. The Bermudas, or Summer-Islands. 4. Hispaniola. 5. St. John Porto Rico. 6. Cuba. 7. Jamaica. 8. The Lucayes. 9. The Caribbees, being twenty eight in number. 10. The Isles of Sotavento. 11. Trinidado; and 12. California, the biggest of all the American Islands.

* 1.2The length of the West-Indies is generally computed to be from the utmost South of Terra Magellanica, to the farthest North of Estotiland, about six thousand English Miles, reaching from about sixty Degrees of Northern, to fifty three of Southern Latitude; the breadth from St. Michael or Piura Westward, to Parabaya, a Town on the Coast of Brasile Eastward, three thousand nine hundred Miles, and the whole compass thirty thousand.

SECT. II. Estotiland.

THat the English have been very great Undertakers of Voyages and Discove∣ries towards the North-West, appears by the Denomination of divers Pla∣ces, both from the Persons which have Sail'd thitherward, and also from such of our own Countrey Names as were thought fit to be there fix'd, as beyond the Arctick Circle, are Sir James Lancaster's Sound, Sir Dudley Diggs's Cape, Queen Annes

Foreland, Cumberland Isles, Davis's Straight, &c. on this side toward the Arctick Circle, Button's and Brigg's Bay, Hudson's Sea, otherwise term'd Mare Christianum, out of which more Westerly runs a narrow Sea call'd Hudson's Straight: beyond Hudson's Sea towards the Arctick Circle is a place call'd New North-Wales; and on this side an∣swerable to it, between Button's Bay and the Christian Sea, lies New South-Wales; all which places we find generally set down in the American Hemisphere, but in the Geographical Discourses thereof little is said of them, if so much as nam'd. The farthest part of Land Northward, between Hudson's Gulph and Hudson's Straight, betwixt fifty seven and sixty Degrees of Northern Latitude, goes generally by the Name of Estotiland, I mean that properly so call'd (for Estotiland is by some as largely taken as Canada, by Cluverius, Golnitzius, Peter du Val, and others, namely for all that Tract of Land extending from that supposed Straight of Ansan, which di∣vides America from Asiatick Tartary, as far as the utmost point of Land that shoots toward the Atlantick Ocean) which Southerly towards Terra Laboratoris is bounded with a River vulgarly call'd Rio Nevado, or The Snowy River. Estotiland seems to have deriv'd its Name from its lying more Easterly than the rest of the Provinces, and, according as Nova Britannia is plac'd in some Charts, might very well be taken for the same, though it hath not been so term'd by any Author, but rather Terra Laboratoris, Cortereatis, and Nova Britannia are generally receiv'd to be all one.

* 1.3This Province is affirm'd by Matthias Quadus, and J. Antonius Maginus, to have been the first discover'd Countrey of the new World, and that by Antonius Zeno, a Patrician of Venice, in the Year of our Lord 1390. which was long before the Ex∣pedition of Columbus, through the encouragement of Zichmus, King of the Isle of Friezland; but by whomsoever found out, or at whatsoever time, it is commonly affirm'd to be not ill furnish'd with Provisions of all sorts, as Beasts, Birds, Fish, Fowl, and Fruits, having a Soil indifferent fertile, in respect of the coldness of the Climate.* 1.4 The People in general (for some there are that live wild and salvage up and down the Woods, and go naked, whereas the Clothing of the Countrey is the Skins of Beasts and of Sea-Calves, call'd Morses) are reported not onely tolerably civil, but also ingenious and expert both in mechanick Arts, and other necessary Faculties, insomuch that the first Voyagers to this place are said to have observ'd of them upon this first Discovery, That they sow'd Corn, brew'd Beer and Ale, and Traded by Sea to Greenland, Friezland, and other places, to the distance of fifteen hundred Miles; and that they were not altogether void of the use of Letters, but that their Character was onely proper to themselves and not intelligible by any other Nation: Moreover, there is a certain Tradition, that there was here and there some little knowledge of the Latine Tongue amongst them, and that there were found divers Latine Books in a Library of one of their Kings; the reason of which, if true, is conjectur'd to be from certain Europeans who understood that Language, having in Ages past suffer'd shipwrack upon those Coasts, where chancing to abide either through constraint or choice, they might haply at their Decease leave behind them some Books and other Monuments of the Latine Tongue. They were ob∣serv'd to use such a kind of Javelin or short Dart, as was known to be us'd by the People of Java, and some other Islands of the East-Indies; whereupon it seems not wholly improbable, that they might for a long time have entertain'd Traffick and Correspondence with them.

* 1.5The Morses, or Sea-Calves before mention'd, are about the bigness of a young Heifer, the Hunting of which by the Natives, who take them in great numbers, is to them in the stead of Whale-fishing, which is not there so good, for they draw a great quantity of Train-Oyl out of them. On each side of the Jaw of this amphi∣bious

Creature (for it is said to live very much on the Land, as well as in the Water) there sticks out a crooked Tusk, winding downward like an Elephants Proboscis, above a Cubit in length, and as white and hard as Ivory: It is esteem'd of great venue, at least it passes for such among those who take it for other than what it is, for it is frequently vended for Unicorns-horn; of which imposture Dr. Brown takes notice, and gives a Caution against in his Vulgar Errors.

This Countrey is suppos'd, and that probably enough, to have store of Brass and Iron Mines; but for the Mines of Gold and Silver, which some have imagin'd there, the Northerly Situation of the Countrey, and by consequence the coldness of the Climate, give sufficient cause to question the truth of any such assertion. What chief Towns, Cities, Rivers and Mountains there are in this Province, is not yet deliver'd by any, onely Maginus and Quadus make mention of four principal Rivers, which disperse themselves through the Countrey, and take their source out of a great Mountain in the midst thereof.

SECT. III. Terra Laboratoris.

TErra Laboratoris,* 1.6 by some call'd Nova Britannia, by others Corterealis, (though there are some who make Laboratoris and Corterealis two distinct Countreys, comprehended, according to Peter du Val, under Nova Britannia, as the more general Province; or, according to Cluverius, under Canada) lies from about fifty four to fifty seven Degrees of Northern Latitude, between Estotiland and the River Canada, which Maginus and some others, though for what reason is not express'd, name Fretum trium Fratrum, The Bay of the three Brethren; others, The River of St. Laurence, and is, according to the said Author, of so vast a bigness, that the Mouth of it extends it self thirty five Italian Miles wide; likewise of such a length, as to have been navigated a continu'd Voyage of eight hundred Miles. The deno∣mination of Terra de Laborador, or Laboratoris, seems probably enough conjectur'd to be from the cultivability (if one may so term it) of the Soil, or its aptness for Cultivation or Tillage; that is, because by the painful Hand of the Labourer or Husband-man it may be rendred so fertile, as to yield all sorts of Grain and Fruits; haply in allusion to that fruitful Countrey of Campania in Italy, vulgarly known by the Name of Terradi Lavoro. As for the Appellation of Terra Corterealis, it need not be question'd, but that it derives it self from Gaspar Corterealis, a Portuguese Gentle∣man, who about the Year of our Lord 1500. is thought by some to have made the first discovery of these Parts; though Sir Sebastian Cabot a Venetian, is more generally believ'd to have been the Man that (under the favour and countenance of Henry the Seventh, King of England) first discover'd them, at least the adjoyning Island Terra Nova, or New-found Land; but just onely discover'd, being hinder'd the far∣ther prosecution of that Design, by the important Affairs in which the said King was about that time involv'd; neither did Corterealis, whether he was the first, or came after, do any more, for returning within a year after his first setting out, he was never heard of; nor, as Osorius a Portuguese Historian writes, any of his Com∣pany, being all suppos'd to have been drown'd by Shipwrack; and in like man∣ner Michael Corterealis, who the year following set forth with two Ships in quest of his Brother Gaspar. Upon which series of Misfortunes the Portuguese being wholly discourag'd, and giving over this Design, the French of Armorica or Bretany succeed them in it with somewhat better success about the Year 1504. whereupon it came to

be term'd Nova Britannia, or New Britain. The ancient Inhabitants of this place were formerly of a Nature, like the generality of the American People, somewhat bruitish and salvage, but by long conversation with the French, are said to have cast off their original wildness, and become more civilly manner'd: they are very jealous of their Wives, by report much addicted to Soothsaying, though otherwise having little of Religion, or of any other kind of Learning; they dwell for the most part in Caves under Ground, feed chiefly upon Fish, and are accounted most ex∣pert Archers. Whatever places the French have built here besides, those of chiefest note are St. Maries, Cabo Marzo, and Brest.

SECT. IV. Canada, or New France.

CAnada, as it is taken for one and the same Province with New France, con∣tains New France, properly so call'd, Nova Scotia, Norumbega, and some ad∣joyning Islands, as the Canada of Cluverius, lying more North-Westerly, comprehends (as we have already intimated) Estotiland, Laboratoris, and Corterealis, and, according to the most modern Division (for that of Cluverius neither con∣sents with the latest Authors, nor agrees with exact Survey, it being nam'd Canada, in respect the River Canada runs through it) hath on the North Terra Corterealis, on the South New England, and on the East the Ocean, and hath between forty five and fifty two or fifty three Degrees of Northern Latitude.* 1.7 The River Canada is judg'd to be the largest of all the Rivers of America, as those Rivers generally the largest of all in the World besides; it rises in the Western parts of this Province which remain yet undiscover'd, and in some places spreads it self into huge Lakes, some of them a hundred Miles in compass, with many little Islands dispersed up and down in them, and so running from the West about a hundred Leagues, falls at last into the North part of St. Lawrence Bay, being that wide Emboucheure of thirty five Miles breadth already mention'd. This River is extraordinary full of Fish, among which there is one sort more remarkable than the rest, call'd by the Inha∣bitants Cadhothuis, having Heads resembling the Heads of Hares, and Bodies as white as Snow; they are taken for the most part before the Isle de Lievres. The Countrey on both sides of the River is pleasant and indifferently fertile, especially towards the South-West, where upwards from the River the Ground rises into many little Hills, invested most of them with Vines, with which and several other sorts of Trees this Countrey abounds, being well water'd with a great many lesser Streams, all of them falling into the River Canada.

That this Countrey is term'd New France,* 1.8 from having been discover'd by the French, at least more fully than before, there needs no question to be made; but whether Joannes Verrazanus, under Francis the First of France, or Sebastian Cabot before spoken of, were the first in this Discovery, may admit of some dispute: the Cabots indeed, (for John the Father is by some mention'd to have accompanied his Son) who by all are own'd the first Discoverers of New-found-Land and Terra de Baccalaos, are also commonly reputed to have first found out the Province of New France, together with some parts adjacent, though perhaps it might be upon this Ground that Terra de Nova, or New-found-Land, not being known at first to be an Island New France and that might be taken for one continu'd Province; and it ap∣pears so much the more probable, because Canada, or Nova Francia, is by some call'd Terra Nova; however it be, or whoever were the first Adventurers, Quarteri and

Champlain are the two French-men that have gain'd so much fame by making a more ample and particular search into these parts, that this Province may seem from thence to have sufficient claim to the Title of New France, whereof that part more especially so call'd, lies on the North-side of the River Canada, and Southward to Terra Corterealis. The Winter is here very long, and so much the more severe by reason of a cold North-West Wind which blows most part of the Winter Season, and brings with it so thick a Snow, that it continues upon the Ground most com∣monly till after May. The Countrey is for the most part wooddy, but in the Champain parts thereof very fruitful of Corn, and all sorts of Grain, especially Pulse: It hath also Fish, Fowl, wild Deer, Bears, Marterns, and Foxes in abun∣dance, and of Hares such plenty, that one of the little Islands belonging to this Pro∣vince, is by the French nam'd L' Isle des Lievres, or The Island of Hares: But the most peculiar Commodity belonging to this Countrey is the Esurgnuy, a kind of Shell-Fish, extraordinary white, and approv'd of singular vertue for the stanching of Blood; to which purpose they make Bracelets of them, not onely for their own use, but also to vend them to others; but John de Laet and others have observ'd no other than a superstitious use of them amongst the Salvages, in their Funeral Rites for the Dead: the manner of their taking it is very remarkable; for when any one is condemn'd to die, or taken Prisoner, they cut off all his fleshy parts in long slices, and then throw him into the River, where they let him lie twelve hours, and at last pulling him out again find his Wounds full of Esurgnui. Quadus and Maginus make mention of three ancient Towns, namely Canada (denominated as the Pro∣vince, from the River) Hochelai and Hochchelaga, giving Name to a Territory about it, which Geographers either take no notice of, or make some question of the be∣ing of such Towns; however, a late Describer of the West-Indies, not mentioning the other two, gives this description of the last, viz. Hocbchelaga:

This City (saith he) said to be the Seat and Residence of a King of this Country whom the Natives, at least some of them, acknowledge and reverence, carrying him sometimes in great pomp upon their Shoulders sitting upon a Carpet of Beasts Skins, is situate far within Land, at a distance of six or seven Leagues from the River Canada, and is a kind of fortifi'd place, encompass'd about with a three∣fold Range of Timber Ramparts one within another, of about two Rods high from the Ground, with cross Planks, or pieces of Timber jutting out, on purpose to hinder an Enemy's Scaling or getting up; towards the top there is as it were a Scaffold or Gallery fram'd, from whence they may throw down Stones (of which there is always good store ready, or what else to annoy the Assailants: It hath one onely Gate for Entrance, and that likewise well fortifi'd after their manner: There are guess'd to be in it fifty or sixty great Houses, built (as the maner of the Americans that live in Houses usually is) in a square Figure, each side being about fifty Foot long, or more, and sixteen or twenty broad, but not many Stories high; and in the midst of the Court or void space; a place to make their Fire, and do other necessary work about it. Moreover the Territory round about this Town is both rich in Soil, and pleasant in Prospect.

Besides these three above-mention'd Towns there are several others, which are not untaken notice of in the most modern Descriptions and Maps, viz. 1. Stadac, or Stadacone, somewhat Westward of a small Isle call'd The Isle d' Orleance; 2. Que∣beque, which being made a Colony of the French, and the Natives expell'd, came to be Entituled St. Croix; 3. Tadoussac, which lies in that part of the Countrey denomi∣nated from the River Saguenay, and by some call'd at this day Nouvelle Biscaye, a de∣lightful place, and full of stately Trees, and hath likewise a good and safe Haven,

capable of receiving twenty Ships; 4. Trois Rivieris, or three Rivers; 5. Mon∣real; 6. Sillery; 7. Richelieu; besides two strong Castles or Forts, Franceroy and St. Lewis; the First built by Monsieur Robeval at his Landing here, about the Year 1540. the other design'd for a Colony, in the Year 1611. by Monsieur Champlany, but hinder'd by the Invasion of the Iroquois. The smaller Rivers that run out of the Gulph of St. Lawrence, and the grand River Canada towards the North, on which side chiefly lies this Province, are, 1. Chichesedec, 2. St. Margarite, 3. Lesquemin, 4. Saquenay, before-mention'd, 5. Montonne; and on the South side, the River Mary. The principal Tribes of the ancient Natives of this Countrey were; on the North side of Canada the Canadans, the Betisiamites, the Hurons, the Algoniquins, the Quenongebins, the Algoingequins, the Attagopantans, the Atticameques, the Nipisiriniens; and on the South side, the Etechemins, and the chief Heads or Princes of these Tribes were call'd Sagamores.

Jaques Quartier Complementing their King Agouthanna, took up his Quarters a whole Winter at St. Croix, a Sandy Promontory, overflow'd by the River Canada, into which falls the Lake de Champlain, grown round about with Chestnut Trees; in it breeds the strange Fish call'd Chaousarou, generally ten Foot long,* 1.9 with Heads like Sharks, and two rows of Teeth-in their Mouths, their Skins full of strong Scales, which are sufficient Shields against Swords and Lances, are great devourers of other Fish and Fowls, which they take after this manner, viz. they swim a∣mongst Reeds or Canes, and lie still with their Mouths open; whereat the Birds sitting down upon them, are immediately swallow'd.

The Natives of Nova Francia anoint their bodies with Oil; in the Summer they go naked, and in the Winter mantle themselves in Furs. Their Warlike Accoutre∣ments are Darts and Clubs, but chiefly great Shields. They are revengeful, cruel, and fraudulent; their Women common to all Men, from fifteen to twenty, after which, Marrying, they become very Chaste. Their Diet is Indian Corn, fresh and salt Fish, Venison, Buffalo's and Beavers flesh; wiping their Fingers (when greasie) on their Heads, or their Dogs backs, which wait for the Scraps.

At that season when the Corn covers the ground, to any heighth, they eat Cockles, Dogs, dead Caryon, and the Skins wherewith they Clothe themselves. When they have eaten their fill, they tabering on their Bellies, cry, Tapoue Mikispoun, that is, Ve∣rily I am satisfi'd. They give their Sick a speedy Cure, either immediately killing them, or inhumanely exposing them to the Woods, to be devour'd by ravenous Beasts, but if they die suddenly, they in howling tone pronounce Ove, Ove, thereby to chase the Souls of the Deceas'd out of their Huts; they stick the bodies on Wood∣den Prongs, cover them with Bark, and lay their Clothes and Arms by them; all what remains of the Funeral Feasts is burnt, whereas at other times, what e're is brought on their Table they eat, though ready to burst. They make the first Proofs of their Valour by undergoing a most prodigious Torment, in this man∣ner;* 1.10 Two by consent tie their naked Arms together, on which they suffer burning Sulphur to be pour'd, till the flesh starts from the bone; if either of them shrink, or pull back his Arm, he is accounted by them ever after as an ignominious and base Coward. They call God Atahocan, and believe that one Messou first drowning the world by a general Deluge, restor'd it again after a wonderful manner,* 1.11 viz. Messou hunting with Wolves, they scented a Deer which being closely pursu'd, leap'd into a neighboring Pool, the Wolves following it, were drown'd;* 1.12 Messou coming thither, stood amaz'd at a Bird, which inform'd him, that the Wolves were pluck'd down, and held fast in the bottom by horrible Monsters, where∣upon he diving, the Pool immediately began to swell, and at last the whole sur∣face

of the Earth to be overflow'd. Messou afterwards let a Raven flie to fetch a Clod of Earth, but in vain, for all the Land lay drown'd in Water; at last a Rat diving to the bottom, brought a lump of Earth, out of which Messou restor'd the World; shot Arrows into Trees, which became fruitful Branches. Here also re∣side an innumerable many Sorcerers,* 1.13 call'd Pillotoa's, which sometimes being pos∣sess'd with a Frenzy, scourge themselves in a terrible manner, insomuch that the Blood runs down by their sides: These People are held in great esteem, for they boast themselves to have their Original from Heaven upon this occasion,* 1.14 viz. Ataensic, a certain great Queen or Goddess, residing above the Stars, had a sick Hus∣band, who Dreamt that he should be restor'd to his former health so soon as he could but taste of the Fruits which grew on a Tree, whereby the Family of Hea∣ven were kept alive, but that the Tree must needs be cut down, which Ataensic obeying, gave onely two blows, when the Tree, to her great amazement, fell out of Heaven down to the Earth; there being by this means nothing more left to eat in Heaven: Ataensic follow'd the fallen Tree, and being big with Child, bare a Daughter, which growing up to years, was Deliver'd of two Daughters, viz. Taoviscaron and Jouskeha, the eldest of which slew the youngest: By these Fables we may discern their obscure knowledge of Noah's Flood, Eve's Fall, and Cain's Mur∣der. No less ridiculous is that which they believe concerning the Creation, viz. That the Waters were inclos'd within a Frog, which Jouskeha causing to be cut open, all Streams and Rivers issuing out, had their Original from thence: This done, Jouskeh•• open'd a Pit, out of which came all sorts of Beasts; they ascribe a Bodily shape to the Soul,* 1.15 as also Immortality, but that they live together in a great Village towards the West; from which removing sometimes, they knock at the Doors of their former Friends in the Night, and sow deserted Grounds: That the Journey towards the Village in which the Souls reside is very strange; the High∣way thither beginning at a Rock nam'd Ecaregniendi, where they first Paint their Faces, which done, they go to a Hut inhabited by an old Man, nam'd Osotrach, who takes the Brains out of the Souls Head; after which they walk to a broad Ri∣ver, which they cross on a narrow Plank or Bridge, on which a Dog encountring, forces them to leap into the Water, which carries them down to the foremention'd Village. They acknowledge one Oki for the Governor of the Sea, and seasons of the Year:* 1.16 They also Religiously Worship the Rock Tsankchi Arasta, which they believe some ages ago was once a Man, but afterward Transform'd into a Rock, in which a Daemon resides, who can make their Journies either successful or dan∣gerous, wherefore they offer him Tobacco.* 1.17 Their opinion of Thunder is like∣wise very ridiculous, for they say that the Devil endeavoring to vomit a horrible Serpent, by straining to evacuate the same, rents the Clouds, and occasions Thun∣der. Lastly,* 1.18 They relate of a Dwarf call'd Thakabech, who climb'd on the top of a Tree, which by his blowing thereon grew so high, that it touch'd the Clouds, and Thakabech easily stept into them, where he found all sorts of delight and plea∣sure; but having a Sister on Earth, descended again along the Tree, and fetching his Sister, conducted her above the Stars; mean while, Thakabech going in the Night to see if he had taken any thing in his Net which he had pitch'd, found it full of Fire, and observing the same very narrowly, saw that he had taken the Sun, but durst not approach the same, by reason of its great heat; but making a Mouse, sent her to gnaw the Net in pieces, and set the Sun at liberty. Every twelfth year they keep an extraordinary great Funeral-Feast;* 1.19 for on the Set-time they flock from all parts to the appointed place, every one carrying thither the Bo∣dies or Bones of their Deceas'd Friends, wrapt up in Clothes, and hang them over

their Meat, which they eat singing; such fond and Superstitious Conceits make up the Religion of these poor deluded People.

SECT. V. Accadia, or Nova Scotia.

NOva Scotia, or New Scotland, formerly call'd Accadia, is commonly accounted a part of New France, (viz. that part which lying on the South side of the River Canada, and shooting South-Easterly into a bosom of the Sea, forms it self into a Peninsula, between the Gulph of St. Lawrence; and the Bay Francoise) nevertheless, because of the different concernments of this part of the Countrey, in regard the right of claim to several places in this district; most especially of all No∣va Francia besides, hath been long in dispute between Us and the French, it will be most convenient to Treat of it apart; and because the Series of Affairs, from its first discovery, till of late years, appears faithfully represented on the English part, in a Remonstrance Address'd to the King and Council by Sir Lewis Kirk, and his Brother John Kirk Esquire; it will not be amiss (onely adding some few things up∣on occasion) to follow exactly the Narration of Affairs, deliver'd in the said Re∣monstrance to this effect.

1. THe whole Tract or Space of Land in America, lying on either side of the River Canada, which a long time since were known by the Names of Nova Francia, and Nova Scotia, were at first discover'd and found out by the Eng∣lish, in the time of Henry the Seventh, King of England; which Expedition was first undertaken at the Command and Charges of that King; afterwards further'd and carry'd on by the favorable Aspect of Queen Elizabeth; so that in process of time, for many years together, the said Tract of Ground, with abso∣lute Priviledge of free Commerce, fell under the Jurisdiction and Power of the Crown of England: Neither was it unto any other Christian Princes, or their Sub∣jects more clearly known or discover'd, untill about the year 1600. some of the French understanding the benefit arising by Traffique in the River of St. Lawrence, having formerly seiz'd upon that Tract of Land, situate on the North side of the said Floud or River Canada, did afterwards, in Anno 1604. (under the Con∣duct of Peter de Gua, Lord of Monts, who in the year 1606. was follow'd by Monsieur de Pourtrincourt) Possess themselves of L' Accadie, lying on the South side of the said River, naming the whole Nova Francia, challenging to themselves for many years, at least de facto, the Possession thereof, with sole liberty of Com∣merce there.

2. In Anno 1621. King James of England looking upon the Possession gotten there by the French, as upon an Invasion, did by his Letters Patents Grant un∣to Sir William Alexander a Scotchman (Created afterwards Earl of Sterling, by King Charles the First) L' Accadie, by the Name of Nova Scotia; who in the year 1622, and 1623. after Sir Samuel Argal had driven out Biard and Masse, and demolishing their Fort, carry'd them Prisoners to Virginia; having obtain'd the Possession thereof, they Planted a Colony therein, and kept Possession for about two years after, until such time, as upon the Marriage of his Majesty King Charles the First, with the Lady Henrietta Maria, the said L' Accadie, or Nova Scotia, was by Order of the King of England return'd into the Possession of the French.

3. Afterwards a War arising between his Majesty King Charles the First, and

Lewis the XIII. Anno 1627, and 1628. Sir David Kirk and his Brethren and Rela∣tions of England, did by vertue of his Majestie's Commission, send to Sea (at their great charge) first three, afterwards nine Ships, with Warlike Preparations for recovering of the Possession of the said Lands, lying on either side of the said River Canada, and to expel and eject all the French Trading in those Parts, wherein they had good Success; and in Anno 1627. did there seize upon about eighteen of the French Ships, wherein were found a hundred thirty five Pieces of Ord∣nance, design'd for relief of the Royal Fort in L' Accadie, and Quebeck in Nova Francia, under the Command of Monsieur de Rocmand, and Monsieur de la Tour, Fa∣ther of de la Tour, Governor of the said Royal Fort, whom, together with the said Ships and Guns, they brought into England; and in the year 1628. they Possess'd themselves of the whole Region of Canada or Nova Francia, situate on the North side of the River, together with the Fort or Castle of Quebeck, Sir Lewis Kirk be∣ing then constituted Governor of the place, the French being then either expell'd or convey'd into England, and the Arms of the King of England being publickly there erected, and every where plac'd; and before the year 1628. it was brought to pass by the said Sir William Alexander, (assisted both by the advice and charge of the said Kirk) that in the parts of L' Accadie, or Nova Scotia, on the South side of the River Canada, the whole place, with the Forts thereon built, being by him subdu'd, presently came under the Power of the King of England; that Region on the South side falling into the Possession of the said Sir William Alexander, and that on the North side, into the Possession of the Kirks.

4. On March 29. 1632. a Peace being concluded between King Charles the First, and Lewis the XIII. it was amongst other things on the part of the King of England agreed, That all the Forts, as well in L' Accadie as in Nova Francia, should be restor'd into the Possession of the Subjects of the French King, which was ex∣actly perform'd on the part of the English, though to the great damage of the Kirks; but on the part of the French, although it was agreed, as in the fourth and fifth Articles of Peace is set down, (to which reference is had) yet nothing was ever perform'd of their parts; so that the Kirks did thereupon suffer loss, to the value of five thousand Pounds Sterl. which were to be paid them by Monsieur de Cane a French-man, but remain unpaid to this day.

5. Anno 1633. the King of England taking notice, that although the Forts and Castles, according to the League, were deliver'd up into the Possession of the French, (especially such as had been erected during their Possession thereof) yet that his English Subjects were not to be excluded from Trade or free Commerce, in those Regions that were first Discover'd and Possess'd by his Subjects, did, with the advice of his Council, by his Letters Patents, Dated May 11. 1633. upon consideration had of the Expences, which the said Kirks had laid out upon the re∣ducing of that Countrey with the Fort of Quebeck, to the value of 50000^lb.; and also of their ready obeisance in resigning up the same on his Royal Command, Grant unto Sir Lewis Kirk, and his Brother John Kirk and his Associates, for the term of thirty one years (not yet expir'd) full Priviledge, not only of Trade and Commerce in the River Canada, and places on either side adjacent, but also to Plant Colonies, and build Forts and Bulwarks where they should think fit.

6. By vertue of which Commission, Sir Lewis Kirk and his Brother John Kirk, and his Associates, in the Moneth of February next following, viz. in 1633. set forth a Ship call'd The Merry Fortune, Laden with Goods of a considerable va∣lue, consign'd to those parts, where during her Trading there, without any just offence given; and in time of Peace, she was by the French forceably seiz'd on,

and carry'd into France, and her Lading, as if she had been lawful Prize, Confi∣scated; whereupon the Kirks suffer'd loss, to the value of twelve thousand Pounds. And although the Lord Scudamore, Ambassador in France, by the King of Englands special Command, and the said John Kirk being there in Person, by the King's Command, did often earnestly urge, that the Moneys due to the said Kirks, and the said Ship, with her Lading, might be restor'd, which for no other cause had been seiz'd upon and sold, but only for that by the King's Commission she was found Trading at Canada; yet he could obtain nothing, but after some years fruitless endeavors return'd into England without accomplishing his desires.

7. In the year 1654. Cromwel, although an unjust Usurper of the Government, yet upon consideration of the Premises, taking a just occasion for requiring the Possession of L' Accadie, sends forth several Ships under the Command of one Sedgwick, who by vertue of the Authority granted him by Cromwel, assaulted and subdu'd the aforesaid Forts in Nova Scotia, and restor'd them into the Possession of the English: And although in the year 1655. a League of firm Peace and Amity being concluded between Cromwel and the French King, the French Ambassador did often urge the Restitution to the Possession of the French; yet for the same cau∣ses aforesaid, which had mov'd Cromwel to seize upon them, it was thought fit still to retain the Possession of them; and although according to the purport of the twenty fifth Article of the Peace, Commissioners on both sides were to be ap∣pointed for the deciding and determining that Controversie; yet nothing was done therein, neither did the Commissioners ever meet within three Moneths, as in the twenty fourth Article of the Treaty was provided and agreed: So that now the case is very clear, that the Possession to the English remains firm and just, and that the Forts and Bulwarks before specifi'd, are without all peradventure under the Power and Jurisdiction of the King of England.

Since the Restauration of his present Majesty, the French Ambassador represent∣ing unto the King the Pretensions of the French unto the several Forts and other places in Accadie, and urging the non-performance of the Articles of Agreement between Oliver Cromwel and the French King, mov'd the King of England, As a pro∣fess'd Enemy to all Violence, for a Restitution of all the Forts and other places which were then in the possession of the English: Not long after which, whether upon the Ambassadors request, or upon other important Affairs intervening, or upon what other ground soever it were, the French were suffer'd to re-enter on the foresaid places, and do yet keep Possession of them, till such time as the English claim under the just Title of the Kirks, shall meet with some fit occasion of being reviv'd.

That which we suppose gives the French so much the more confidence in their claim of this Country, is their presumption upon the Expedition of James Quartier, whom they will have to be the first Discoverer, if not Possessor, not onely of the Isle of Assumption, but also of this Coast of Nova Francia, not taking notice it seems of Sebastian Cabot, under Henry the Seventh.

The chief places of Note in this Countrey, are, 1. Port Royal, a Colony of French, said to have been Planted there by Monsieur de Montz in 1604. by report, capable of receiving a thousand Ships; and in 1613. (the French being driven out by Sir Sa∣muel Argal, Governor of Virginia, who took Prisoners Biard and Masse, and demo∣lish'd the Fort at Port Royal) given by Patent, as aforemention'd, to Sir William Alex∣ander; afterwards by him sold again to the French; then in the time of Oliver Crom∣wel re-taken by Major Sedgwick; lastly, re-possess'd by the French. 2. St. Luke's Bay, or Portua Mouton. 3. Gaspe, or Gachepe. 4. The Haven of Passepay. 5. The Bay de Toutes

Isles. 6. The Fort de la Heve. 7. The Cape of Sable. Within the Southern Point Forchu, lies the Isle Longu, which boasts of a Silver Mine.

The most noted People of the ancient Inhabitants of Accadie were the Iroquois, ly∣ing most South-Westerly upon the Sea Coast, who us'd to drive a great Trade in Beavers and other Commodities.

Westerly before the River Chovacoet lies Bacchus Isle, full of Vineyards.

* 1.20The Inhabitants thereof differ very much from other Salvages, for they shave all the Hair from the Crown of their Head, wear long Locks behind, pleited to∣gether, and stuck full of Feathers, Paint their Faces black and red, go arm'd with Clubs, Bows, Pikes, and Arrows pointed with Fish-bones: They Till their Ground very handsomly, and divide their Fields with Hedges; they Plant To∣b••cco, Vines, Cabbages, Maiz, and divers Colour'd Beans; the stalks of the Maiz serve in stead of Poles for their Beans to run up upon.

Beyond Cape de Rocher lies the brave Harbor Beauport, which is secur'd from all Winds by an Isle which lies in the midst of it. The Countrey Manur'd in most pla∣ces, and Fruitful, feeds store of Men and Cattel.

The Haven of Malabar is surrounded in a manner with little Huts, cover'd with Mats, which in the Middle of the Room have a hole for the Smoke to go out at. The Southern shore is Sandy, and very dangerous.

For the more full exemplification of what concerns this part of Nova Francia, we shall conclude with an account of all Material Passages relating to the French, from their own Narrations as followeth.

THe first discoverer of this Coast was Jaques Quartier,* 1.21 sent out Anno 1534. by the French King, Francis the First, in which Expedition he spent five Months; and going from thence to St. Male, discover'd the Inlet Lawrence, Terreneuf, and Natiscotec. The following year prosecuting his Voyage, he Sail'd into the great River Canada, and Winter'd near St. Croix,* 1.22 where he lost divers of his Men by the Scurvy, a Distem∣per till that time altogether unknown; and such was his condition, that none of his Men had escap'd with life, had not the Inhabitants taught him to cure the same with the Bark and Leaves of the Tree Annedda; with which many recovering, Quartier Weigh'd Anchor, and treacherously carry'd the King Donnacona with many of his Nobles, Prisoners to France; but most of them dying, Quartier brought only a few of them back with him in his third Voyage, six years after the first, when ar∣riving in the Haven St. Croix, he cast up a strong Fort, which he nam'd Charles∣bourg Royal, where he staid a whole Winter. Joan de la Roque, whom the French King had made Governor of Quartier's new-discover'd Countries, Sailing thither with three Ships, met with Quartier's Fleet near Terreneuf; from whence he was then going home, because he saw no hopes of subduing the Salvages with so small a Force as he had brought with him from France.* 1.23 But de la Roque endeavoring to make a further discovery of Canada, Sail'd up the River Saguenay, where spending both time and Money, he was Commanded home by the French King, and the fruit∣less Expeditions lay dead till about 1604.

* 1.24When Peter de Monts obtaining Letters Patents to Trade for Furs in the fore∣mention'd Countries, Sail'd with two Ships beyond Accadie, up St. Lawrence Bay, where he Landed on the Isle St. Croix, where of ninety seven Men, with which he staid there a whole Winter, he lost thirty five; but having fresh Supplies sent him from France, he remov'd to Port Royal, where leaving forty Men, he return'd home; these forty being reduc'd to twenty three, and in great want, walking a∣long the Sea-shore in a despairing condition, espy'd a Ship coming up with full

Sail, which upon nearer approach, prov'd a French Vessel,* 1.25 of which Poutrincourt was Commander, who receiving his wretched Countrey-men with great joy, took them with him to Port Royal, being sent thither on purpose to settle a Plantation in Accadie: Mean while the Letters Patent granted to Monts, being call'd in, the first Planters in Port Royal were forc'd to desert the same, and return home; and also Poutrincourt returning, came back again three years after to Port Royal, where find∣ing the Houses standing as he had left them, he Manur'd the Countrey all about, and endeavoring to Plant Christianity among the Natives, Christen'd among others an Accadian Lord, who was above a hundred years old; all which Poutrincourt Sail∣ing back to France, related at the Court.

* 1.26The Jesuits being also inform'd thereof, obtain'd leave of the Queen to send Peter Biard and Euemond Masse thither, on pretence, that Henry the Fourth had him∣self promis'd them the same Priviledge in his Life time. But the Merchants at Diep, which were concern'd in the new Plantations with Poutrincourt, opposing the go∣ing over of the foremention'd Jesuits, express'd themselves very violent against them, and laid to their charge the Blood of the late King, which they said was yet reaking in Paris: What assurance (alleadg'd they) had their Goods which were in the Custody of Men inclin'd to the Spaniards? Must the Christian Religion be promulgated? There are so many Orders of Monks which may easily produce two Men; but if the Queen was resolv'd to send Jesuits thither, they desir'd restauration of the Monies which they had dis∣burs'd: To which Biard and Masse harkening, gather'd up the demanded Mo∣nies, under pretence of being requir'd towards the Preaching of the Christian Reli∣gion amongst these remote Heathens; by this means getting great Sums, they bought out the foremention'd Merchants, so that the new Plantations fell half to the Je∣suits, who setting Sail, and arriving at Port Royal, turn'd all things topsiturvy, and so thwarted Poutrincourt in his designs, that he was forc'd to complain to the French Court of the Jesuits oppression, whose aim it was to get all things into their own Possession; whereupon they Excommunicated Poutrincourt's Son (who serv'd in his Father's place at Court, and gain'd the Duke Guereheville in France to be of their Party, by promising him, that he should share in the new Plantations for a contracted Sum of Money: After this they receiv'd all sorts of Arms and Ammu∣nition, with several Brass Guns, of the then King Lewis the XIII. and other gifts Collected and gather'd out of their several Societies, for two new Accadian Apo∣stles. Gilbert du Thet, a subtile man of the same Order, transported their Neces∣saries.

At this time all things going favorably with the Jesuits, they made themselves Masters of Port Royal, and began to raise a Fort on the River Pemtagovet; but there their happy Proceedings were stop'd, for Captain Argal before-mention'd, Sailing thither in vindication of the English, was encounter'd by du Thet, (who firing the first Gun on Argal, was by him taken off with Chain-shot) and taking Biard and Masse, carry'd them Prisoners to Virginia, and dismantled the Fort built at Port Roy∣al, after which it was by King James given by Patent to Sir William Alexander, as hath been already related, together with what of most remarkable hath happen'd since.

SECT. VI. Norumbegua.

NOrumbegua,* 1.27 lying between Nova Scotia Northward, and New England South∣ward, is so utterly not taken notice of by many as a distinct Province, that it might seem to be swallow'd up and lost in the two Countreys be∣tween which it lies, or at least to be thought a part of Virginia or New England (for Virginia largely taken is said to contain New England, Novum Belgium, and Virginia, especially so call'd) and that so much the rather, because the Bessabees, accounted by Sanson d' Abbeville an ancient People of New England, are written to have liv'd near the River Penobscot, which is reckon'd to be the same with Pemtegovet, or (as some will have it) Norumbegua, from which, or from a certain great City of that Name, the Country for fancy's sake must needs be denominated; but since most com∣monly we find it nam'd and treated of apart, it will not be improper to follow that method, carrying the Bounds of New England no farther Northward than the River Quinnebequi or Sagadahoc, and so determining the main part of this Countrey to that space between the aforesaid River and Pemtegovet, excepting a small Sou∣therly portion upon the Banks of the River Chovacovet; so that it appears chiefly situate under the forty third Degree of Northern Latitude.

* 1.28As for the Towns or Cities of this Province, there is but a very uncertain ac∣count to be given, forasmuch as the pretended great City Norumbegua, from whence the Province should take its Appellation, is not acknowledg'd by any of the most authentick modern Writers, nor in any late Voyage or Discovery any mention made either of that or any other considerable Town or City. Dr. Heylin suppo∣seth it to be no other than Agguncia, a poor little Village, that seems compos'd of a company of Hutts or Sheaves, cover'd with the Skins of Beasts, or the Barks of Trees. But the most favourable conjecture is, that it might haply be the Ruines of an ancient Town, which the Natives call'd Arambeck, and had probably deserted it long before the arrival of the Europeans in those parts; however, it is not very probable that the Name of the Countrey should be deriv'd from this City, if ever there were any such, or from the River, which appears to have been term'd No∣rumbegua on purpose to make way for this derivation, whereas Pomtegovet is the an∣cient Appellation that properly belongs to it; nor hath any modern one been ap∣ply'd to it but that of Rio Grande, by Buno in his Comment upon Philip Cluverius, upon what ground is hard to tell, since it is observ'd by Heylin and others, to be neither large, nor otherwise much to be commended, being Navigable not above twenty or thirty Miles, in respect of its many great Cataracts and Falls of Water, an In∣convenience with which many other Rivers of America are prejudic'd, and rendred impassable.

Before and about the Mouth of this River, which is judg'd to be about eight or nine Miles broad, lie many small Islands, or rather Hills, inviron'd with Water, the chiefest of which is by the French call'd La Haute Isle, from the high and Moun∣tainous appearance of it to those that see it from afar off at Sea.

The aforemention'd Buno, though he names, as belonging to Norumbega, these several places, viz. Porto del Refugio, Porto Reale, Paradiso, Flora, and Angolema, from some obscure French testimonies, without particularising any Author, yet he after∣wards confesses, that the Names given by the French, and those apply'd by the Spa∣niards, are so various and disagreeing, and breed such a confusion, that no Charts or Descriptions had concluded upon either.

As for those who will have Norumbega deriv'd from Norwegia in respect of a Co∣lony brought thither from Norwey, if the Etymologie be not a little too much forc'd, the Invention may pass well enough till a better be found out.

* 1.29In this Countrey the temperature of the Air is not bad, nor the Soil unfruitful, if it were well cultivated, chiefly towards the Rivers, and where it is not either overgrown with Woods, or craggy with Hills and mountainous Rocks: neither are the Woods unprofitable, for they afford good Timber, and all kind of necessary and useful Wood, especially Beeches, Fir-trees, Wallnut-trees, and other Nuts: The Plains are very pleasant, and yield good Pasturage, onely the Maritime Coasts are so shallow and full of Sands, that the Sailing near them is accounted some∣what dangerous; and this may be imagin'd to be the reason that no Authors have yet met with any Ports or Havens belonging to this Countrey, which they have thought worthy their notice.

CHAP. II. New England.

AS Canada is by some accounted a general Province, containing New France, L' Accadie, Norumbega, and other places, so under Virginia largely taken, are comprehended New England, New Netherlands, and Virginia properly so call'd; however, since that part which vulgarly goes under the Name of Virginia and New England were possess'd, if not discover'd, at several times, and their Plan∣tations promoted and propagated upon several occasions, and by distinct Interests, and since New England hath been look'd upon as a place considerable enough for Persons of very eminent quality to concern themselves in it, we rather are induc'd to consider this Countrey as a principal part, than as any way depending on, or being any Branch or Portion of Virginia.

* 1.30It lies between Norumbega, which it hath Northward, and New Netherlands South∣ward, from forty one to forty five Degrees of Northern Latitude, in the midst of the temperate Zone, and paralell to France and some part of Italy in the Western Hemisphere, so that one would think it should enjoy the same temperature of Air; but the contrary is found, for that part which borders upon the Sea is colder, partly by reason that the Sea-waves break the reflexion of the Sun-beams, partly by reason of the abundance of Vapors, which mounting upward, abate the ardor of them; but the more Inland parts of the Countrey are indifferently warm: Moreover it hath been found by certain experience, that those Countreys which look to wards the East, or Sun-rising, are colder than those which lie towards the West, or Sun-setting, and those that have the Evening Winds on them, warmer than those which have the Morning Winds; which being so, it should follow, that the temperature of the Air in those Regions is peculiar to the Bodies of those of our Nation, who being accustom'd to a Climate somewhat temperate, are nei∣ther able to endure extremity of Cold, nor immoderate Heat: Yet there are who affirm, that New England, though situate in the midst of the temperate Zone, never∣theless feels both extremities of the two opposite Zones, in the Summer the heat of the Torrid, and in the Winter the cold of the Frigid.

As for the first discovery of this Countrey,* 1.31 it is not to be expected otherwise

than that of the discovery of those other Countreys hitherto discours'd of, that is to say very uncertain; but because the French boast of Joannes Verrazanus (who though an Italian, was employ'd by the French King Francis the First) as the first Discoverer, not onely of Nova Francia, as hath been already intimated, but also of this Coun∣trey and the adjoyning Coast and Regions, we shall not think it impertinent to give from their own Relations, a brief view of his Voyage, and afterwards a parti∣cular Description of the English Plantations there, and of their Transactions, both one with another, and between them and the Nations. The Narration of Verra∣zanus's Voyage is as followeth:

* 1.32

ON command of the French King Francis the First, John Verrazanus, Anno 1524. setting Sail Westward from the Canary Isles, discover'd a low American Coast, in thirty four Degrees North Latitude, inhabited by naked People, which be∣hind the sandy Hills facing the Sea, Manur'd many fruitful Plains. Then Sail∣ing a hundred Leagues along the Shore Northerly, he view'd a Countrey full of Vines, which grew up amongst the Boughs of high Trees; and Sailing up a pleasant River, Landed on the Island Clandia, full of woody Mountains: thence he stood for the main Continent; where after having visited a King, Clad in wrought Deer-skin, he Sail'd by a Bay, at whose Mouth appear'd a Rock in an Inlet, twenty Leagues; where appear'd five small Isles, all of them exceeding fruitful. After this (being got a hundred and fifty Leagues to the Northward) he found very salvage People, whose Heads appear'd through Bear-skins and Sea-Calves. By this time having Terreneuf on his Starboard, he return'd back to Diepe.

Thus far Verrazanus made some discovery of the Coast, which hath since not onely been▪ farther inspected by the English, but also by them Planted and call'd New England.

* 1.33This Countrey, whether first discover'd by the said Verrazanus, or together with the rest of largely-taken Virginia, by Sir Walter Raleigh, or, as some say, by Captain Gosnald, in the Year 1602. was so well known to the English in the be∣ginning of King James's Reign here, that the setling and carrying on of Plantations id this part of America, was vigorously promoted by many of the most eminent Per∣sons in England: whereupon it was about the Year 1606. being the fourth Year of the said King, granted by Patent to several Lords, Knights, Gentlemen and Mer∣chants, under the denomination of The Plymouth Company, both in favour of those generous Spirits, who studied and endeavor'd the good of the Publick by foreign Plantations, and indulgence to those, who not well satisfi'd with the Government of Church and State, and willingly transporting themselves and Families thither, as to their Asylum, could more conveniently be spar'd than the better affected part of the People: And although the Colonies at first sent over succeeded not accord∣ing to expectation, yet in a short time there Plantations were brought to very great perfection. Captain Weimouth, who had been employ'd there by the Lord Arundel of Warder, for the discovery of the North-West Passage, falling short of his Course, hapned into a River on the Coast of America, call'd Pemmaquid; from whence he brought five of the Natives for England, three of whose Names were Mannida▪ Skettwarroes, and Tasquantum, and Landing at Plymouth, presented them to Sir Ferdi∣nando Gorges, whom he made use of as Instruments for the farther advancement of these Plantations: they were all of one Nation, but of several parts, and several Families; he kept them with him three years, and observing in them an inclination to vertuous Designs, and Spirits above the Vulgar, he gain'd information from

them what great Rivers ran up into the Land, what Men of note were seated on them, what Power they were of, how Ally'd, what Enemies they had, and the like; and taking some light from thence, sent away a Ship, furnish'd with Men, and all kind of Necessaries convenient for the Service intended, under the Com∣mand of Captain Henry Chaloung, a Gentleman of a good Family, and very capable for Undertakings of this nature; and giving him sufficient Instructions what to do, sent along with him two of the said Natives for his better Conduct and Di∣rection, ordering him by all means to keep the Northerly Gage as high as Cape Briton, till they had discover'd the Main, and then to beat it up to the Southward as the Coast tended, till they found by the Natives they were near the place to which they were assign'd. By that time they were about a hundred Leagues off the Island of Canara, the Captain fell sick of a Feaver, and the Winds being Westerly, his Company shap'd their Course for the Indies, and coming to St. John de Porto Rico, the Captain went ashore for the recovery of his Health, whilst the Company took in Water, and such other Provisions as they had present need of, and spent some time in Hunting, and other Recreations; after which steering their intended Course, they were met with by the Spanish Fleet that came from the Havana, taken Prisoners and carried into Spain, the Ship and Goods being confiscated, the Voyage overthrown, and the Natives lost.

Not long after the setting out of Chaloung, Thomas Haman was sent by Sir John Popham, Lord Chief Justice of England, towards the River of Sagadehoc, to the suc∣cour of Chaloung, if need were; but not finding him, after he had scowr'd the Coast all about, he return'd back into England.

Captain Prinne was likewise sent from Bristol, who arriving happily in those Parts, brought back with him at his return the most exact Discovery of that Coast that ever had been gain'd till then.

A while after, at the Charge of the said Sir John Popham, a hundred Men were sent to settle a Colony at Sagadehoc, under the Command of George Popham, Raleigh Gilbert, Master of the Ship, who seated themselves in a Peninsula, at the Mouth of this River; which attempting to discover, they met with a Wood near to an Island, distant from the Line about forty five Degrees, and some odd Seconds, where they easily went on Shore. In the Year 1608. the Commander of the Colony deceasing, and not long after him the Lord Chief Justice, who had been the chief that had furnish'd them with fresh Supplies, they return'd for England in those Ships that had been sent them with Succours: At which unexpected return, the Patrons of the Design were so offended, that for a certain time they desisted from their Enterprizes. In the mean while the French making use of this occasion, Planted Colo∣nies in divers places, when Sir Samuel Argal from Virginia disturb'd their Designs, and brought away Prisoners all he could lay hold on.

Suddenly after Captain Hobson and divers others were set out with very great Preparations, and with them two of the Natives which had been detain'd for some time in England, whom they thought to have made use of, the better to draw the rest of the Natives to their Commerce; but because a little before twenty four of them had been treacherously dealt with by one Hunt, they contracted from thence so great an animosity towards the English, that Captain Hobson was con∣strain'd to return without effecting any thing.

In the Year 1614. Captain John Smith being sent to Fish for Whales, and seek af∣ter Mines of Gold and Silver, Landed upon the Island of Monahiggan, where he found some store of Whales, but not such as those by whose Oyl they use to make so much profit.

About the same time (two of the Natives being recover'd, Erpenow of Capawick, that had escap'd from Captain Hobson, and Assacumet of Pemmaquid, one of those that had been taken Prisoners with Chaloung) Captain Harly, with Necessaries con∣venient for such a Voyage, was dispatch'd away by Sir Ferdinando Gorges, the Earl of Southampton favouring the Design, and furnishing him with some Land-Soldiers under the Command of Captain Hobson; who not discourag'd with his former ill Success, resolv'd upon a second Adventure.

In the Year 1615. Sir Richard Hakings undertook a Voyage into those Parts by authority of the Council of the second Colony, but by reason of the great Wars among the Natives, his Observations could not be such as might give any farther light than what had been already receiv'd.

Soon after which Captain Dormer coming for England from New-found-Land, and Landing at Plymouth, apply'd himself to the Governor, by whom he was dispatch'd away, with Direction to meet Captain Rocroft, sent away a little before; but Ro∣croft being dead by that time Dormer could come after him to Virginia, where he heard he was, he returning to Capawick, was there set upon by Erpenow, the fore∣mention'd Salvage, and other Indians that were Conspirators with him; and within a short while after at Virginia, whither he went to be cur'd of the Wounds he re∣ceiv'd in that Assassination, he fell sick and died.

About the Year 1623. Captain Robert Gorges, newly come out of the Venetian War, was employ'd by the Council of New Englands Affairs as the Lieutenant-General, to regulate the Abuses of divers Fisher-men and other Interlopers, who without License frequented those Coasts: for which Service he had assign'd to him all that part of the main Land situate upon the North-East side of the Bay of the Messachasets.

By these several Colonies sent so thick one after another, both a full Discovery of the Countrey came to be made, and a large gap open'd to the free possession thereof; yet in regard of the many disappointments and misfortunes the several Companies sent over met with, and counting the vast Charges their setting forth cost the Undertakers, which would have been still increas'd by the need of conti∣nu'd Supplies, in all probability New England would have been but thinly peopled to this day, had not a great Tide of People, possess'd with an aversion to the Church-Government of England, and fled into Holland for Liberty of Conscience, ea∣gerly taken hold of this opportunity to make themselves Masters of their own Opinions, and of a Place where they might erect a Government suitable there∣unto: and though at first there were some Exceptions taken, as if this Countrey was to be made a Receptacle of Sectaries, and such as condemn'd the Ecclesiastical Government of the Nation, insomuch that Sir Ferdinando Gorges, to whom they ap∣ply'd themselves, desiring him to mediate for them to the Council of New Englands Affairs, when they perceiv'd the Authority they had from the Virginia Company, could not warrant their abode there, had enough to do (notwithstanding his Apology, That these things hapned contrary to his expectation) to wipe away the jea∣lousie which was entertain'd of him, it being Order'd, that no more should be suf∣fer'd to pass into New England, but such as should take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy: yet at last there was little notice taken who went, perhaps upon con∣sideration, that the vast resort of People thither would be of greater advantage to the Plantations, than their different Opinions, at so remote a distance, could be pre∣judicial, so long as they acknowledg'd Obedience to the King and Civil Power: However, Sir Ferdinando, to clear himself the better, mov'd those Lords that were the chief Actors in the Business, to resign their Grand Patent to the King, and pass

particular Patents to themselves of such part of the Countrey along the Sea-Coast, as might be sufficient for them: To this Motion there being a general Assent given by the Lords, and a Day appointed for the conclusion thereof, an Act was made for the Resignation of the Patent, alloting to each Man their several Bounds. From the uttermost parts began the Limits of the Lord Mougrave, and ended at Hudson's River. To the Eastward of which River, for the space of sixty Miles in length, was plac'd the Duke of Richmond's Assignment: Next to him was setled the Earl of Carlile: Next him the Lord Edward Gorges: Next the Marquess of Hamilton: Then Captain John Mason: And lastly his own, which extended to the great River Sagadehoc, being sixty Miles, and so up into the Main Land a hundred and twenty Miles, which he was pleas'd to call by the Name of The Province of Main.

The Landing of the English in Plymouth Plantation was very much facilitated by the great Mortality that hapned amongst the Indians about that time, amongst the Pecods, Narragansets, Nianticks, Tarantines, Wippanaps, and those of Abargini, Agissawang, and Pockanekie, their Powwows, or Doctors, seeing with amazement their Wigwams, or Streets, lie full of dead Bodies, and in vain expecting help from Squantam their good, or Abbamoch their bad God. Not long before, that blazing Comet, so much talk'd of in Europe, apppear'd after Sun-setting in their Horizon South-West for the space of thirty Sleeps, (for so they reckon their Days). They Landed at first with little or no resistance, a handful of Men onely being sent before to keep possession for their Companions, who arriv'd eight days after; when the Natives appearing with their Bowes and Arrows, let flie their long Shafts amongst them; whereupon one Captain Miles Standish with his Fowling-piece shot the stoutest Sachem amongst the Indians, as he was reaching an Arrow from his Quiver; which the rest seeing, fled into the Woods and Thickets.

The same Year the Merchant-Advenurers in England sent forth store of Servants to provide against the Wants of that place; amongst whom came over a mix'd Mul∣titude, who setled themselves in the Bosom of the Cape now call'd Gloucester.

About the Year 1651. there fled to the English at Water-town the Indians that dwelt thereabouts, for protection against the Tarratines, a sort of cruel and salvage Canni∣bals, by whom near the Town of Saugust, in the very dead time of the Night, one Lieutenant Walker being on a sudden alarm'd, was shot through his Coat and Buff Jacket with two Indian Arrows. That Night the English stood upon their Guard, and the next Morning sent word to other parts; who gather'd together, and taking counsel how to quit themselves of these Indians, agreed to discharge their great Guns; whose redoubled noise, ratling in the Rocks, struck terror into the Indi∣ans, and caus'd them to betake themselves to flight. The Autumn following, others of the Indians, who till then had held a good correspondence with the Planters, be∣gan to quarrel about the Bounds of their Land; but a great Mortality, by the ra∣ging of the Small-Pox, breaking out amongst them, put an end to that Contro∣versie: There died amongst the rest one of the chief of the Sagamores of the Matta∣chusets, call'd Sagamore John, who before his Death had been instructed in the Chri∣stian Faith, and took care that his two Sons should be nurtur'd therein.

In the Year 1635. there arrived several Ships with great plenty of Provisions, and many Persons of good Quality, and amongst the rest Sir Henry Vane.

The same Year the People of Cambridge, otherwise call'd New-town, hearing of a fertile place upon the River Canectico, remov'd thither, and erected anew Corporati∣on by the Name of Banectico, being encourag'd thereunto by the Lord Say and the Lord Brooks, and planting a Forrest at the mouth of the River, call'd it Saybrook Forrest.

About the Year 1638. the Pequods, a stout and Warlike Nation, lying to the

South-West of the Mattachusets, were discover'd upon their March within some few Miles of Hartford: Their coming very much terrifi'd all that inhabited therea∣bouts; but they took onely three Women and return'd; one of whom making a violent resistance, had her Brains beaten out; the other two they carried away with them, without abusing their Persons, as it was suppos'd they would, for they esteem'd their own Shaws, being black, beyond our Women. Their chief Design was to learn to make Gunpowder; which seeing they could not effect, they look'd upon their Prize as nothing so precious as they imagin'd.

A little after another Indian War threatning the English, they resolv'd together to send an Ambassador to Cannonicus, chief Sachem of the Naragansits, endeavoring to prevent him from confederating with the Pequods, who (as they had Intelligence) were about sending to him to joyn with them: Cannonicus being grown old, had re∣sign'd the Government to his Nephew Mantinemo, a stern Man, and of a cruel Na∣ture. The Ambassadors arriving at his Court, which was about eighty Miles from Boston, the Indian Prince assembled his chief Councellors, and having Entertain'd the Ambassadors Magnificently, and Feasted them Royally, gave them Audience in his State-house; where the Sachem, to manifest his greater State, lay along upon the Ground, with all his Nobility sitting about him, with their Legs doubled up, and their Knees touching their Chin: The English Interpreter having made his Speech in the Name of the rest, both Cannonicus and the young King gave discreet Answers, signifying their Resolutions to keep a fair Correspondence with the Eng∣lish, and yet not to fall out with the Pequods: Who a little after making also their Addresses to the same King, he disswaded them by many Reasons from making War with the English, and to deliver into their hands those Persons that had murther'd any of them. The Pequods nevertheless, though they seem'd inclinable to his Coun∣sel, yet they acted as Enemies; for when the English sent a Company of Soldiers into their Countrey to treat with them about delivering up the Murtherers, they made shew of willingness, but spying their advantage, betook themselves to their Heels; and whomsoever they took stragling by surprise, they revil'd and in∣sulted over in a most cruel manner, vilifying the Christian Religion, and uttering all the Blasphemies they could invent. Whereupon they rais'd fresh Souldiers for the War, to the number of four score, out of the several Towns in the Mattachusets, and with some Indian Guides came to their Fort, within which they had pitch'd their Wigwams, the Entrance being on two sides, with intricate Meanders to enter; at which were plac'd Indian Bowe-men, who shot the foremost of the English; yet they had little to boast of in the end, for the English rushing in through the winding Ways, and placing themselves round the Wigwams, made a very prosperous Shot, by directing the Muzzles of their Musquets against the Indians which lay sleeping on the Ground: In the midst of which rouzing terror and confusion they were defeated with little ado, most of them being either wounded, kill'd, or taken. The English thus animated with the first Victory, send their Prisoners to the Pinna∣ces, and prosecute the War in Hand, marching against the next Body of the Indians, which lay Encamp'd on a Hill about two Miles distant, where they gave them a second Overthrow, slaying many more than in the first Engagement; the rest flying to a very thick inaccessible Swamp or Bog, were there besieg'd by the English; and skulking up and down, as they saw their opportunity they would Shoot at them with their Arrows, and then suddenly fall flat along in the Water; at last the Eng∣lish finding out a Passage into the Swamp, utterly defeated them, and put an end to the War with the loss of few Mens Lives, and not many wounded.

In the Year 1640. there came over a fresh Supply of People into New England, and

finding no place to settle in within any of the former erected Colonies, they re∣pair'd to a place call'd Long Island, sever'd from the Continent of New-Haven, about sixty Miles off the Sea.

The Year following the four Colonies, namely the Massachusets, Plymouth, Ca∣nectico, and New-Haven, taking into consideration the many Nations that were on all sides of them, as the French, Dutch, Jews, and native Indians; as also how the three first went to lay claim to Lands they never had any right to, and the last to be con∣tinually quarrelling and contending, where they saw any hopes of prevailing, by Commissioners chosen from the respective Colonies, concluded a firm Confede∣ration to assist each other in all just and lawful Wars; upon which there came in certain Indian Sachems, as Pomham, Miantonemo, Soccanocoh, and Uncas, who not onely submitted to the English Government, but also, if occasion were, in matters of Controversie submitted to their Arbitration: But the Contest between Mianto∣nemo and Uncas was too hot to be appeas'd, (though the English were not wanting to interpose) unless by the Blood of one of them, as will appear by the Consequence: Uncas was a Prince of For, whose Life Miantonemo, though a much more potent Prince, sought to take away by treachery, hiring a young Man of the Pequod Na∣tion to murther him, as the following Story renders suspected; for one dark Evening this Sachem passing from one Wigwam to another, was Shot through the Arm with an Arrow; but recovering the Palace, had the Arrow pull'd out, and his Arm cur'd: the young Man that was suspected being examin'd, how he came by that great store of Wampompeage which was found about him, and being able to give no good account, it increas'd the suspicion, and induc'd Uncas to complain to the English at a General Court held at Boston: Whereupon the young Man was Examin'd in the presence of Miantonemo, who came thither with his Attendants; but the young Man tutor'd, as suppos'd, by Miantonemo, pretended that Uncas had enjoyn'd him to feign that he was hir'd by Miantonemo to kill him: To which Tale of his little belief being given, it was concluded upon farther Examination of him in private that he had done the Fact: nevertheless they let him depart with Mianto∣nemo, advising him to send him home to Uncas; but he in stead of returning him cut off his Head, and forthwith gather'd an Army of a thousand Men to fight with Uncas; who met him with half the Men: the Battel being joyn'd, the Narragansets, though the far greater multitude, were beaten by the Wawhiggins, through the Va∣lour of Uncas their Prince; who perfected his Victory by possessing himself of the Person of Miantonemo, whom, having put his Life-guard to flight, he carried away with him in triumph to the Town of Hartford, desiring to have the advice of the United Colonies what to do with his Prisoner: Whereupon the Commissioners having had sufficient proof of Miantonemo's treachery towards this Prince, advis'd Uncas to put him to death, but not to exercise that barbarous kind of cruelty which is usual amongst them in these Cases. The Sachem, upon this advice, not long after pretended to remove him to a safer place, but by the Way caus'd him to be Execu∣ted: His Subjects and Kindred were troubled at his Death, but the little Princes his Neighbors, over whom he had tyranniz'd, rather rejoyc'd.

In the Year 1645. the Sons of old Canonnicus, their Father being dead, began to fall into hot Contentions with their Neighbors, and being forbidden by the United Colonies, they did not stick to threaten Wars to the English also. Whereupon the Commissioners rais'd an Army of Horse and Foot, and made Major General Edward Gibbons Commander in Chief over them. But the Indians hearing of this Preparation, sent some of their chief Nobility to the Commissioners of the United Colonies, who were assembled at Boston, to Treat about Peace; to which the

Commissioners agreed, upon condition they should pay a part of the Charges of the War; and that they should send four of their Sons for Hostages till the Sum was paid; and the Hostages being sent back before the Wapom was all paid, the two Princes, Pesicus and Mexanimo, upon the sending a Company of Armed Men to de∣mand it, sent the remainder of the Money.

In the Year 1647. divers Persons of Quality ventur'd their Estates upon an Iron Mill, which they began at Braintree, but it profited the Owners little, rather wasting their Stock, the price of Labor in matters of that nature, being double or treble to what it is in England.

These are the most material Transactions we find deliver'd by any one which hapned from the first discovery till the Year before mention'd: what hath hapned from that time to this, chiefly relates to the several Revolutions that have been in England, and shall be therefore taken notice of when we come to speak of the Go∣vernment of these Plantations.

* 1.34Though there are, who having remain'd some time, and been concern'd in those Parts, affirm the Soil of New England to be nothing so fruitful as it is believ'd and commonly deliver'd to be, yet we think it not improper to give a brief account of the Trees and other Plants; also the Beasts, Birds, Fishes, and other Commodities which most Writers will have to be the production of this Countrey, especially since we find them compactly summ'd up by an unknown Writer in the Language of the Muses. The recital of the Plants and Trees, which (excepting the Cedar, Sassafras, and Dyers Sumach) are all of the same kind with those that grow in Eu∣rope, onely differing in nature, according as the Epithets of many of them declare, is as follows:

Trees both in Hills and Plains in plenty be; The long-liv'd Oak, and mournful Cypress Tree; Skie-towring Pines, and Chesnuts coated rough; The lasting Cedar, with the Walnut tough; The Rozen-dropping Fir, for Mast in use; The Boat-men seek for Oars light, neat grown Sprewse; The brittle Ash, the ever-trembling Asps; The broad-spread Elm, whose Concave harbors Wasps; The Water-spungy Alder good for nought; Small Eldern by the Indian Fletchers sought; The knotty Maple, pallid Birch, Hawthorns; The Horn-bound Tree, that to be cloven scorns; Which from the tender Vine oft takes his Spouse, Who twines embracing Arms about his Boughs. Within this Indian Orchard Fruits be some; The ruddy Cherry, and the jetty Plumb; Snake-murthering Hazle, with sweet Saxafrage, Whose Leaves in Beer allay hot Feavers rage; The Dyers Shumach, with more Trees there be, That are both good to use, and rare to see.

The Beasts peculiar to this Countrey are the Moose,* 1.35 the Rackoon, and the Mus∣quash; the two first Land-Animals, the last Amphibious, which with others, com∣mon to them with us, are thus versifi'd by the abovesaid Author:

The Kingly Lyon, and the strong-arm'd Bear; The large limb'd Mooses, with the tripping Deer; Quill-darting Porcupines, that Rackoons be Castled ith' hollow of an aged Tree; The skipping Squirrel, Rabbet, purblind Hare, Immured in the self-same Castle are, Lest red-ey'd Ferrets, wily Foxes should; Them undermine, if Ramper'd but with Mold; The grim-fac'd Ounce, and rav'nous howling Wolf, Whose meagre Paunch sucks like a swallowing Gulph; Black glittering Otters, and rich Coated Beaver; The Civet-scented Musquash smelling ever.

Of such of these as are altogether unknown to us, take these brief Descriptions.

The Beast call'd a Moose,* 1.36 is not much unlike red Deer, and is as big as an Ox, slow of Foot, Headed like a Buck, with a broad Beam, some being two Yards

wide in the Head, their flesh is as good as Beef, their Hides good for Clothing; if these were kept tame, and accustom'd to the Yoke, they would be a great Com∣modity: First, because they are so fruitful, bringing forth three at a time, being likewise very uberous: Secondly, because they will live in Winter without any Fodder. There are not many of these in the Massachusets Bay, but forty Miles to the North-East there are great store of them.

The Rackoone is a deep Furr'd Beast, not much unlike a Badger,* 1.37 having a Tail like a Fox, as good Meat as a Lamb: These Beasts in the day time sleep in hollow Trees, in a Moon-shine night they go to feed on Clams at a low Tide, by the Sea side, where the English hunt them with their Dogs.

The Musquash is much like a Beaver for shape, but nothing near so big;* 1.38 the Male hath two Stones, which smell as sweet as Musk, and being kill'd in Winter, never lose their sweet smell: These Skins are no bigger than a Coney-skin, yet are sold for five Shillings apiece, being sent for Tokens into England; one good Skin will perfume a whole house full of Clothes, if it be right and good.

The Birds both common and peculiar are thus recited.* 1.39

The Princely Eagle, and the soaring Hawk, Whom in their unknown ways there's none can chawk: The Humbird for some Queens rich Cage more fit, Than in the vacant Wilderness to sit. The swift-wing'd Swallow sweeping to and fro, As swift as Arrow from Tartarian Bowe. When as Aurora's Infant day new springs, There th'morning mounting Lark her sweet lays sings: The harmonious Thrush, swift Pigeon, Turtle-dove, Who to her Mate doth ever constant prove: The Turky-Pheasant, Heath-cock, Partridge rare, The Carrion-tearing Crow, and hurtful Stare, The long-liv'd Raven, th'ominous Screech-Owl, Who tells, as old Wives say, disasters foul. The drowsie Madge that leaves her day-lov'd Nest, And loves to rove, when Day-birds be at rest: Th'Eel-murthering Hearn, and greedy Cormorant, That near the Creeks in morish Marshes haunt. The bellowing Bittern, with the long-leg'd Crane, Presaging Winters hard, and dearth of Grain. The Silver Swan that tunes her mournful breath, To sing the Dirge of her approaching death. The tattering Oldwives, and the cackling Geese, The fearful Gull that shuns the murthering Peece. The strong-wing'd Mallard, with the nimble Teal, And ill-shape't Loon, who his harsh Notes doth squeal. There Widgins, Sheldrakes and Humilitees, Snites, Doppers, Sea-Larks, in whole million flees.

Of these the Humbird, Loon, and Humility are not to be pass'd by without parti∣cular observation.

The Humbird is one of the wonders of the Countrey,* 1.40 being no bigger than a Hornet, yet hath all the Dimensions of a Bird, as Bill, and Wings with Quills, Spi∣der-like Legs, small Claws: for Colour, she is as glorious as the Rain-bow; as she flies, she makes a little humming noise like a Humble-bee, wherefore she is call'd the Humbird.

The Loon is an ill-shap'd thing like a Cormorant,* 1.41 but that he can neither go nor flie; he maketh a noise sometimes like Sowgelders Horn. The Humilities or Sim∣plicities (as we may rather call them) are of two sorts, the biggest being as large as a green Plover; the other as big as Birds we call Knots in England. Such is the sim∣plicity of the smaller sorts of these Birds, that one may drive them on a heap like so many Sheep, and seeing a fit time shoot them; the living seeing the dead, settle themselves on the same place again, amongst which the Fowler discharges again: These Birds are to be had upon Sandy Brakes, at the latter end of Summer before the Geese come in.

No less Poetical a Bill of Fare is brought of the Fish on the Sea-Coasts,* 1.42 and in the Rivers of New England in these subsequent Verses.

The King of Waters, the Sea shouldering Whale, The snuffing Grampus, with the Oily Seale, The-storm presaging Porpus, Herring-Hog, Line-shearing Shark, the Catfish, and Sea Dog, The Scale-fenc'd Sturgeon, wry-mouth'd Hollibut, The flounsing Salmon, Codfish, Greedigut: Cole, Haddock, Hage, the Thornback, and the Scate, Whose slimy outside makes him'seld in date, The stately Bass, old Neptune's fleeting Post, That Tides it out and in from Sea to Coast. Consorting Herrings, and the bonny Shad, Big-belly'd Alewives, Mackrills richly-clad With Rainbow colours, Frostfish and the Smelt, As good as ever Lady Gustus felt. The spotted Lamprons, Eels, the Lamperies, That seek fresh Water-Brooks with Argus Eyes, These watery Villagers, with thousands more, Do pass and repass near the verdant Shore.

Kinds of Shell-fish.

The luscious Lobster, with the Crabfish raw, The brinish Oyster, Muscle, Periwigge, And Tortoise sought for by the Indian Sqaw, Which to the Flats dance many a Winters Jigge, To dive for Cocles, and to dig for Clams, Whereby her lazie Husbands guts she crams.

To speak of the most unusual of these sorts of Fish;* 1.43 First the Seal, which is call'd the Sea-Calf, his Skin is good for divers uses, his Body being between Flesh and Fish, it is not very delectable to the Palate, or congruent with the Stomack; his Oil is very good to burn in Lamps, of which he affords a great deal.

The Shark is a kind of Fish as big as a Man,* 1.44 some as big as a Horse, with three rows of Teeth within his Mouth, with which he snaps asunder the Fishermans Lines, if he be not very circumspect: This Fish will leap at a Mans hand if it be over board, and with his Teeth snap off a Mans Leg or Hand if he be Swimming; these are often taken, being good for nothing but Manuring of Land.

The Hollibut is not much unlike a Pleace or Turbut,* 1.45 some being two yards long, and one wide, a Foot thick; the plenty of better Fish makes these of little esteem, except the Head and Finns, which Stew'd or Bak'd is very good; these Hollibuts be little set by while Basse is in season.

The Basse is one of the best Fishes in the Countrey,* 1.46 and though Men are soon weary'd with other Fish, yet are they never with Basse; it is a delicate, fine, fat, fast Fish, having a Bone in his Head which contains a Sawcerful of Marrow, sweet and good, pleasant to the Palate, and wholsom to the Stomack: When there be great store of them, we only eat the Heads, and Salt up the Bodies for Winter, which exceeds Ling or Haberdine: Of these Fishes some are three, and some four Foot long, some bigger, some lesser; at some Tides a Man may catch a dozen or twenty of these in three hours; the way to catch them is with Hook and Line: The Fisherman taking a great Cod-line, to which he fasteneth a piece of Lobster, throws it into the Sea, the Fish biting at it, he pulls her to him, and knocks her on the head with a Stick.

Alewives are a kind of Fish which is much like a Herring,* 1.47 which in the later end of April come up to the fresh Rivers to Spawn, in such multitudes as is almost in∣credible, pressing up in such shallow Waters as will scarce permit them to Swim, having likewise such longing desire after the fresh Water Ponds, that no beatings with Poles, or forcive agitations by other devices, will cause them to return to the Sea, till they have cast their Spawn.

Clamms or Clamps,* 1.48 are a Shell-fish not much unlike a Cockle, they lie under the Sand, and have every one of them a round hole to take Air, and receive Wa∣ter at. When the Tide ebbs and flows, a Man running over these Clamm banks will presently be made all wet, by their spouting of Water out of those small holes: These Fishes are in great plenty in most places of the Countrey, which is a great Commodity for the feeding of Swine, both in Winter and Summer; for being

once us'd to those places, they will repair to them as duly every Ebb, as if they were driven to them by Keepers: In some places of the Countrey there be Clamms as big as a Peny white Loaf, which are great Dainties amongst the Natives, and would be in great esteem amongst the English, were it not for better Fish.

Other Commodities which this Countrey is said to yield, are, in down-right Prose, Furrs, Flax, Linnen, Iron, Pitch, Masts, Cables, and some quantity of Am∣ber; so that if what many Authors have consented to assert concerning New Eng∣land be not a meer Fiction, what e're hath been affirm'd of the unfruitfulness of the Country will demonstrably be found invalid.

There are also to be found here some hurtful Creatures,* 1.49 of which, that which is most injurious to the Person and Life of a Man is the Rattle-Snake, which is generally a yard and a half long, as thick in the middle as the small of a Mans Leg; she hath a yellow Belly, her Back being spotted with black, russet, yellow, and green colours, plac'd like Scales; at her Tail is a Rattle, with which she makes a noise when she is molested, or when she seeth any approach near her; her Neck seems to be no thicker than a Mans Thumb, yet she can swallow a Squirril, having a great wide Mouth, with Teeth as sharp as Needles, wherewith she biteth such as tread upon her, her Poyson lyeth in her Teeth, for she hath no Sting. When any Man is bitten by any of these Creatures, the Poyson spreads so suddenly through the Veins, and so runs to the Heart, that in one hour it causeth Death, unless he hath the Antidote to expel the Poyson, which is a Root call'd Snake-weed, which must be champ'd, the Spittle swallow'd, and the Root apply'd to the Sore; this is present Cure against that which would be present death with∣out it: This Weed is rank Poyson, if it be taken by any man that is not bitten; whosoever is bitten by these Snakes, his flesh becomes as spotted as a Leopard, un∣til he be perfectly cur'd. It is reported, that if the Party live that is bitten, the Snake will die, and if the Party die, the Snake will live. This is a most Poysonous and dangerous Animal, yet nothing so bad as the report goes of it in England; for whereas it is said to kill a Man with its breath, and that it can flie, there is no such matter, for it is naturally the most sleepy and unnimble Creature that lives, never offering to leap or bite any Man, if it be not trodden on first; and it is their desire in hot weather to lie in Paths, where the Sun may shine on them, where they will sleep so soundly, that I have known four Men stride over one of them, and never awake it; five or six Men have been bitten by them, which by using of Snake-weed were all cur'd, never any yet losing his life by them. Cows have been bitten, but being cut in divers places, and this Weed thrust into their flesh, were cur'd; A small Switch will easily kill one of these Snakes. In many places of the Country there be none of them, as at Plymouth, New-town, Igowamme, Nahant, &c. In some places they will live on one side of the River, and swimming but over the Water, as soon as they are come into the Woods, they turn up their yellow Bellies and die. Up into the Countrey, Westward from the Plantations, is a high Hill, which is call'd Rattle-Snake-Hill, where there are great store of these Poysonous Creatures.

There are likewise troublesome Flies.

First there is a wild Bee or Wasp, which commonly guards the Grape, building by Cobweb habitation amongst the Leaves: Secondly a great green Flie, not much unlike our Horse-Flies in England; they will nipp so sore, that they will fetch Blood either of Man or Beast, and are most troublesome where most Cattel are, which brings them from out of the Woods to the Houses; this Flie continues but for the Moneth of June. The third is Gurnipper, which is a small black Flie, no bigger than a Flea; her biting causeth an itching upon the Hands or Face, which

provoketh scratching, which is troublesome to some; this Flie is busie but in close Mornings or Evenings, and continues not above three Weeks; the least Wind or heat expels them. The fourth is a Musketor, which is not unlike to our Gnats in England; in places where there is no thick Woods or Swamps, there are none or ve∣ry few. In the new Plantations they are troublesome for the first year, but the Wood decaying they vanish: These Flies cannot endure Wind; heat or cold, so that these are only troublesome in close thick Weather, and against Rain, many that are bitten will fall a scratching, whereupon their Faces and Hands swell.

* 1.50As touching the Nature of the ancient Inhabitants, they are to be consider'd ac∣cording to their several Shires or Divisions; those that inhabit to the East and North-East bore the name of Churchers and Tarrenteens; these in the Southern parts were call'd Pequods, and Narragansets; those Westward, Connectacuts and Mowhacks; to the North-West, of whom were the Aberginians.

* 1.51The Mowhacks were ever accounted a cruel bloudy People, which were wont to come down upon their poor Neighbors, with more than bruitish Savageness, spoil∣ing their Corn, burning their Houses, slaying Men, ravishing Women, yea very Canibals they were, sometimes eating on a Man one part after another before his Face, and while yet living; insomuch, that the very Name of a Mowhack would strike the Heart of a poor Aberginian dead, till they had the English on their sides to succor them; for these inhumane Homicides confess that they dare not meddle with a white Fac'd Man, accompany'd with his hot-mouth'd Weapon.

These Indians are a People of tall Stature, long grim Visages, slender Wasted, and having exceeding great Arms and Thighs, wherein they say their strength lieth; which is such, that one of them hath been known to kill a Dog with a fil∣lip of his Finger, and afterwards to have flead and sod him, and eat him to his Din∣ner. They are so hardy, that they can eat such things as would make other Indians sick to look upon; being destitute of Fish and Flesh, they suffice Hunger and main∣tain Nature with the use of Vegetatives; but that which they most hunt after, is the flesh of Man: Their custom is, if they get a stranger near their Habitations, not to Butcher him immediately, but keep him in as good plight as they can, feeding him with the best Victuals they have.

These Indians are more desperate in Wars than the other Indians, which proceeds not only from the fierceness of their Natures, but also in that they know themselves to be better Arm'd and Weapon'd; all of them wearing Sea Horse Skins and Barks of Trees, made by their Art as impenetrable, it is thought, as Steel, wearing Head-Pieces of the same, under which they March securely and undantedly, running, and fiercely crying out, Hadree Hadree succomee succomee, We come we come to suck your Blood, not fearing the feather'd shafts of the strong-arm'd Bow-men, but like unruly headstrong Stallions, beat them down with their right-hand Tamahawks, and left-hand Javelins, being all the Weapons which they use, counting Bowes a cowardly fight. Tamahawks are Staves of two Foot and a half long, with knobs at one end as round and big as a Foot-ball; a Javelin is a short Spear, headed with sharp Sea-Horse Teeth; one blow or thrust with these sharp Weapons, will not need a second to hasten death from a Mowhacks arm.

* 1.52The Tarrenteens saving that they eat not Mans flesh, are little less Salvage and cruel than these Cannibals; our Indians do fear them as their deadly Enemies, for so many of them as they meet, they kill. Take these Indians in their own proper and na∣tural disposition, and they are reported to be wise, lofty-spirited, constant in friendship to one another, true in their promise, and more industrious than many others.

* 1.53The Pequants are a stately Warlike People, just and equal in their dealings; not treacherous either to their Country-men, or English, to whom (except in time of War) they were not any ways uncivil. Their next Neighbors the Narragansets, are the most numerous People in those Parts, the most rich also, and the most industri∣ous; being the Store-house of all such kind of wild Merchandize as is amongst them. These Men are the most curious Minters of their Wampompeage and Mow∣hakes, which they form out of the inmost Wreaths of Periwinkle-shells. The Nor∣thern, Eastern, and Western Indians fetch all their Coyn from these Southern Mint-Masters. From hence they have most of their curious Pendants and Bracelets, from hence they have their great Stone Pipes, which will hold a quarter of an Ounce of Tobacco, which they make with Steel Drills and other Instruments; such is their Ingenuity and dexterity, that they can imitate the English Mold so accurately, that were it not for matter and colour, it were hard to distinguish them; they make them of green, and sometimes of black Stone; they are much desir'd of our English Tobacconists, for their rarity, strength, handsomness, and coolness. Hence likewise our Indians had their Pots, wherein they us'd to seeth their Victuals before they knew the use of Brass. Since the English came, they have employ'd most of their time in catching of Beavers, Otters, and Musquashes, which they bring down into the Bay, returning back loaden with English Commodities, of which they make double profit, by selling them to more remote Indians, who are ignorant at what cheap rates they obtain them, in comparison of what they make them pay, so making their Neighbors ignorance their enrichment: They were never known to be desirous to take in hand any Martial Enterprize, or expose themselves to the uncertain events of War; wherefore the Pequants call them Women-like Men, resting secure under the conceit of their popularity, and seeking rather to grow rich by in∣dustry, than famous by deeds of Chivalry.

* 1.54Most of these Northward Indians are between five and six Foot high, straight Bo∣dy'd, strongly compos'd, smooth Skin'd, merry Countenanc'd, of Complexion more swarthy than the Spaniards, black Hair'd, high Foreheaded, black Ey'd, out-Nos'd, broad Shoulder'd, brawny Arm'd, long and slender Handed, out Breasted, small Wasted, lank Belly'd, well Thigh'd, flat Kneed, with handsome grown Legs, and small Feet: In a word, take them when the Blood skips in their Veins, when the Flesh is on their Backs, and Marrow in their Bones, when they frolick in their an∣tique Deportments and Indian Postures, they are more amiable to behold (though onely in Adam's Livery) than many a trim Gallant in the newest Mode; and though their Houses are but mean, their Lodging as homely, Commons scant, their Drink Water, and Nature their best Clothing, yet they still are healthful and lusty. Their smooth Skins proceed from the often anointing of their Bodies with the Oyl of Fishes, and the fat of Eagles, with the grease of Rackoons, which they hold in Summer the best Antidote to keep their Skin from blistering with the scorching Sun; it is their best Armor against the Musketoes, and the surest abrasour of the hairy Excrement, and stops the Pores of their Bodies against the nipping Winters cold. Their black Hair is natural, yet is brought to a more Jetty colour by Oyl∣ing, Dying, and daily dressing; sometimes they wear it very long, hanging down in a loose dishevel'd Womanish manner, otherwise ty'd up hard and short like a Horse Tail, bound close with a Fillet, which they say makes it grow the faster; they are not a little Phantastical in this particular; their Boys being not permit∣ted to wear their Hair long till sixteen years of Age, and then they must come to it by degrees; some being cut with a long foretop, a long lock on the Crown, one of each side of his Head, the rest of his Hair being cut even with the Scalp; the

young Men and Soldiers wear their Hair long on the one side, the other being cut short like a Screw; other cuts they have as their Fancy leads them, which would torture the Wits of the most exact Barber to imitate. But though they are thus proud of the Hair of their Head, you cannot wooe them to wear it on their Chins, where it no sooner grows, but it is stubb'd up by the roots, for they count it as an unuseful, cumbersome, and opprobrious excrement, insomuch as they call him an English Mans Bastard that hath but the appearance of a Beard.

* 1.55The Cloathing of the Indians is only a pair of Indian Breeches to cover their se∣cret Parts, which is but a piece of Cloth a yard and a half long, but between their Groins, ty'd with a Snakes Skin about their middles, one end hanging down with a flap before, the other like a tail behind. In the Winter time, the more Aged of them wear Leather Drawers, in form like Irish Trouses, fasten'd under their Girdle with Buttons: They wear Shooes likewise of their own making, cut out of a Mooses Hide; many of them wear Skins about them, in form of an Irish Mantle, and of these some are Bears Skins, Mooses Skins, and Beaver Skins sew'd together, others Ot∣ter Skins, and Rackoon Skins; most of them in the Winter having his deep Furr'd Cat Skin, like a large Muff, which he shifts to that Arm which lieth most expos'd to the Wind. Although they are poor, yet is there in them the sparks of natural Pride, which appears in their longing desire after many kind of Ornaments, wear∣ing Pendants in their Ears, in form of Birds, Beasts, and Fishes, Carv'd out of Bone, Shells, and Stone, with long Bracelets of their curious wrought Wampompeage and Mowhackees, which they put about their Necks and Loins; these they count a rare kind of Decking; many of the better sort bearing upon their Cheeks certain Pourtraitures of Beasts, as Bears, Deers, Mooses, Wolves, &c. some of Fowls, as of Eagles, Hawks, &c. which is not a superficial Painting, but a certain Incision, or else a raising of their Skin by a small sharp Instrument, under which they convey a certain kind of black unchangeable Ink, which makes the desir'd form apparent and permanent. Others have certain round Impressions down the outside of their Arms and Breasts, in form of Mullets or Spur-rowels, which they imprint by sear∣ing Irons: W••ether these be Foils to illustrate their unparallel'd Beauty (as they deem it) or Arms to blazon their antique Gentility, cannot easily be determin'd: But a Segamore with a Humbird in his Ear for a Pendant, a black Hawk on his Head for his Plume, Mowhackees for his Gold Chain, good store of Wampompeage begirt∣ing his Loins, his Bowe in his Hand, his Quiver at his Back, with six naked Indian Lacquies at his Heels for his Guard, thinks himself little Inferior to the great Cham.

* 1.56In Winter time they have all manner of Fowls and Beasts of the Land and Wa∣ter, Pond-fish, with Cathaires and other Roots, Indian Beans and Clamms; in the Sum∣mer they have all manner of Sea-fish, with all sorts of Berries. For the ordering of their Victuals, they Boil or Roast them, having large Kettles which they Traded for with the French long since, and do still buy of the English as their need requires, before they had substantial Earthen Pots of their own making. Their Spits are no other than cloven Sticks, sharpen'd at one end to thrust into the ground; into these cloven Sticks they thrust the Flesh or Fish they would have Roasted, behem∣ming a round fire with a dozen of Spits at a time, turning them as they see occasi∣on. They seldom or never make Bread of their Indian Corn, but seethe it whole like Beans, eating three or four Corns with a mouthful of Fish or Flesh, some∣times eating Meat first, and Corns after, filling the Chinks with their Broth. In Sum∣mer, when their Corn is spent, Sqoutersquashes is their best Bread, a Fruit like a young Pumpion: But as all are fellows at Foot-ball, so they all meet Friends at the Ket∣tle,

saving their Wives, that Dance a Spaniel-like attendance at their Backs for their Fragments. If their occasions cause them to Travel, the best of their Victuals for their Journey is Nocake, (as they call it) which is nothing but Indian Corn parch'd in the hot Ashes; the Ashes being sifted from it, it is afterwards beaten to Powder, and put into a long Leathern Bag, truss'd at their Back like a Knapsack, out of which they take thrice three Spoonfuls a day, dividing it into three Meals. If it be Winter, and Snow be on the ground, they can eat when they please, making use of Snow for their Drink; in Summer, they must stay till they meet with a Spring or Brook; with this strange viaticum they will travel four or five days to∣gether. They keep no Set-Meals, their Store being spent, they champ on the Bit, till they meet with fresh Supplies, either from their own endeavors, or their Wives industry, who trudge to the Clam-banks when all other means fail. Though they are sometimes scanted, yet are they as free as Emperors, both to their Countrey∣men and English, be he stranger, or near acquaintance; counting it a great discour∣tesie, not to eat of their high-conceited Delicates.

* 1.57Their hardiness is much to be admir'd, no ordinary pains making them so much as alter their countenance; beat them, whip them, punch them, if they put on a resolution, they will not winch for it; whether it be their benumm'd insensible∣ness of smart, or their hardy resolutions, is hard to resolve; It might be a Perillus his Bull, or the Rack might force an out-cry from them, but a Turkish drubbing would not move them, the unexpected approach of a mortal Wound by a Bul∣let, Arrow, or Sword, striking no more terror, nor causing no more exclamation in them, than if it had been a shot into the body of a Tree; such Wounds as would be sudden death to an English Man, would be nothing to them; whether it be, that by their rare skill in the use of Vegetatives, or by Diabolical Charms, they cure them; nevertheless, the very name and thoughts of death is so hideous to them, or any thing that presents it so terrible, that a hundred of them will run from two or three arm'd with Guns. In the Night they need not to be feared, for they will not budge from their own Dwellings, for fear of their Abamacho (the Devil) whom they much fear, specially in evil enterprizes, they will rather lie by an English fire than go a quarter of a Mile in the dark to their own Dwellings; but they are well freed from this Scare-crow since the coming of the English, and less care for his de∣lusions.

* 1.58Now for the matter of Government amongst them; it is the custom of their Kings to inherit, the Son always taking the Kingdom after his Fathers death. If there be no Son, then the Queen rules; if no Queen, the next to the Blood-Royal; who comes in otherwise, is but counted an usurping Intruder, if his fair carriage bear him not out the better, they will soon Unscepter him. Some say the chief Powahe is next in Dignity and Authority to the King, and when he dies, Marries the Squasachem, or Queen.

The Kings have no Laws to Command by, nor have they any annual Revenues; yet commonly are they so either fear'd or belov'd, that half their Subjects estate is at their Service, and their Persons at his Command, by which Command he is better known than by any thing else; for though he hath no Kingly Robes to make him glorious in the view of his Subjects, nor daily Guards to succor his Person, nor Court-like attendance, nor sumptuous Palaces; yet do they yield all submissive subjection to him, accounting him their Soveraign; going at his Command, and coming at his Beck, not so much as expostulating the cause, though it be in mat∣ters thwarting their wills; he being accounted a disloyal Subject that will not ef∣fect what his Prince Commands. Whosoever is known to Plot Treason, or to lay

violent hands on his lawful King, is presently Executed. Once a Year he takes his Progress, accompanied with a dozen of his best Subjects, to view his Countrey, to recreate himself, and establish good Orders. When he enters into any of their Houses, without any more Complement, he is desir'd to sit down on the Ground, (for they use neither Stools nor Cushions) and after a little respite all that are pre∣sent come in, and sit down by him, one of his Seniors pronouncing an Oration gratulatory to his Majesty for love, and the many good things they enjoy under his peaceful Government. A King of large Dominions hath his Vice-Roys, or in∣ferior Kings under him, to agitate his State Affairs, and keep his Subjects in good Decorum. Other Officers there are, but how to distinguish them by Name is some∣thing difficult. For their Laws, as their Vices come short of many other Nations, so they have not so many Laws, though they are not without some, which they in∣flict upon notorious Malefactors, as Traitors to their Prince, inhumane Murthe∣rers, and, some say, Adulterers: for Theft, as they have nothing to steal worth the Life of a Man, therefore they have no Law to Execute for Trivials, a Subject being more precious in the Eye of his Prince, than, where Men are so scarce, to be cast away upon so sleight a matter. A Malefactor having deserv'd Death, and being apprehended, is brought before the King, and some other of the wisest Men, where they enquire out the original of the thing, after proceeding by aggravation of Cir∣cumstances he is found Guilty, and Cast by the Jury of their strict Inquisition, he is Condemn'd and Executed in the following manner: The Executioner comes in, who blind-folds the Party, sets him in the publick view, and Brains him with a Tamahauke, or Club; which done, his Friends bury him.

* 1.59Now to speak something of their Marriages, the Kings and the Powwows, or great Doctors, may have two or three Wives, but seldom use it, Men of ordinary Rank having but one; which dilproves the report, that they had eight or ten Wives apiece. When a Man hath a desire to Marry, he first gets the good will of the Maid or Widow, after, the consent of her Friends for her part; and for himself, if he be at his own disposing, and if the King will, the Match is made, her Dowry of Wampompeage paid, the Sagamore or King (who for every Marriage hath a Fathom of Wampompeage, which is about the value of seven or eight shillings) joyns their Hands, never to part till Death, unless she prove a Whore, for which they may put away their Wives.

* 1.60As it is natural to all Mortals to worship something, so do these People, but ex∣actly to describe to whom their Worship is chiefly bent, is very difficult: They acknowledge especially two, Ketan, some say Tantum, their good God, and Hoba∣mocco, some say Squantum, their evil God; to Ketan they Sacrifice (as the ancient Heathens did to Ceres) after their Garners be full with a good Crop. They like∣wise Invocate this God for fair Weather, for Rain in time of Drought, and for the recovery of their Sick; but if they do not hear them, then they verrifie the old Verse, Flectere si nequeo Superos Acheronta movebo, their Powwows betaking themselves to their Exorcismes and Necromantick Charms, by which they bring to pass strange things, if we may believe the Indians, who report of one Pissacannaw, that he could make the Water burn, the Rocks move, the Trees dance, and metamorphose himself into a flaming Man. In Winter, when there is no green Leaves to be got, he would out of the Ashes of an old Leaf, calcin'd and put into the Water, pro∣duce a new green Leaf: And of a dead Snakes Skin, a living Snake, both to be seen, felt and heard. The manner of their action in their Conjuration is thus: The Parties that are sick or lame being brought before them, the Powwow sitting down, the rest of the Indians giving attentive audience to his Imprecations and In∣vocations,

and after the violent expression of many a hideous bellowing and groan∣ing he makes a stop, and then all the Auditors with one voice utter a short Canto; which done, the Powwow still proceeds in his Invocations, sometimes roaring like a Bear, other times groaning like a dying Horse, foaming at the Mouth like a cha∣sed Boar, smiting on his naked Brest and Thighs with such violence, as if he were mad: Thus will he continue sometimes half a day, spending his Lungs, sweating out his Fat, and tormenting his Body in this diabolical Worship. Sometimes the Devil, for requital of their Worship, recovers the Party, to nuzzle them up in their devillish Religion. But since the English (upon whom, and in whose presence it is said the Powwows could never work their Witchcrafts) frequented those Parts, they daily fall from his Colours, relinquishing their former Fopperies, and ac∣knowledge the Power of the English-man's God, as they call him. And it is reported of them, that at the very first they were so tractable to the Christian Religion, that they would say King James was good, and his God good, but their Tanto nought, though of their two Gods he was accounted the good one.

* 1.61They use no other Weapons in War than Bowes and Arrows, saving that their Captains have long Spears, on which, if they return Conquerors, they carry the Heads of their chief Enemies that they slay in the Wars, it being the Custom to cut off their Heads, Hands and Feet, to bear home to their Wives and Children, as true tokens of their renowned Victory. When they go to their Wars, it is their Custom to paint their Faces with diversity of Colours, some being all black as Jet, some red, some half red and half black, some black and white, others spotted with divers kinds of Colours, being all disguis'd to their Enemies, to make them more terrible to their Foes, putting on likewise their rich Jewels, Pendents, and Wampom∣peage, to put them in mind that they Fight not onely for their Children, Wives and Lives, but likewise for their Goods, Lands and Liberties. Being thus Arm'd with this Warlike Paint, the antique Warriors make towards their Enemies in a disor∣der'd manner, without any Soldier-like Marching, or Warlike Postures, being deaf to any word of Command, ignorant of falling off or on, of doubling Ranks or Files, but let flie their winged Shaftsmen without either fear or wit: Their Artil∣lery being spent, he that hath no Arms to Fight, finds Legs to run away.

* 1.62They have two sorts of Games, one call'd Puim, the other Hubbub, not much un∣like Cards and Dice, being no other than Lottery. Puim is fifty or sixty small Bents of a Foot long, which they divide to the number of their Gamesters, shuffling them first between the Palms of their Hands; be that hath more than his Fellow, is so much the forwarder in his Game: Many other Whimsies be in this Game, which would be too long to commit to Paper. He that is a noted Gamester hath a Hole in his Ear, wherein he carries his Puims in defiance of his Antagonists. Hubbub is five small Bones in a small smooth Tray; the Bones be like a Die, but something flatter, black on the one side and white on the other, which they place on the Ground, against which violently thumping the Platter, the Bones mount, changing colours with the windy whisking of their Hands to and fro; which action in that sport they much use, smiting themselves on the Beast and Thighs, crying out Hub, Hub, Hub; they may be heard play at this Game a quarter of a Mile off: The Bones being all black or white make a double Game; if three of one colour, and two of another, then they afford but a single Game; four, of a colour, and one differing, is nothing; so long as the Man wins he keeps the Tray, but if he loose the next Man takes it. They are so bewitch'd with these two Games, that they will lose sometimes all they have; Beaver, Moose-skins, Kettles, Wampompeage, Mo∣whacks, Hatchets, Knives, all is confiscate by these two Games. For their Sports of

action they have commonly but three or four, as Football, Shooting, Running, and Swimming; when they play Countrey against Countrey, there are rich Goals, all behung with Wampompeage, Mowhacks, Beaver Skins, and black Otter Skins: Their Goals are a Mile long plac'd on the Sands, which are as even as a Board; their Ball is no bigger than a Hand-ball, which sometimes they mount in the Air with their naked Feet, sometimes it is sway'd by the multitude, sometime also it is two days before they get a Goal, then they mark the Ground they win, and begin there the next day. Before they come to this Sport they paint themselves, even as when they go to War, in policy to prevent future mischief, because no man should know him that mov'd his patience, or accidentally hurt his Person, taking away the oc∣casion of studying revenge. Before they begin, their Arms are put off, and hung upon some neighboring Tree, after which they make a long scrowl on the Sand, over which they shake Hands, and with loving Hearts scuffle for Victory. While the Men Play, the Boys Pipe, and the Women Dance and Sing Trophies of their Husbands Conquests; all being done, a Feast summons their departure.

Such is their dexterity in Shooting, that they can hit a running Hind, or flying Pigeon, without a standing pause or left-ey'd blinking; they draw their Arrows between their Fingers and the Thumb; their Bowes are quick, but not very strong, not killing at above six or seven score distance: Shooting at one another, they have a trick with swift conveyance to shun the Arrow; this they do to make them expert against time of War. They are train'd up to their Bowes even from their Childhood; for little Boys with Bowes made of little Sticks, and Arrows made of great Bents, will hit down a piece of Tobacco-pipe every time a good way off. As these Indians are good Marks-men, so are they well experienc'd where the very Life of every Creature lieth, and know where to smite him to make him die presently. Their Swimming is not after our English fashion, of spread Arms and Legs, which they hold too tiresom, but like Dogs, their Arms before them, cut∣ting through the Liquids with their right Shoulder: In this manner they will Swim very swift and far, either in rough or smooth Waters, sometimes for their ease lying as still as a Log; sometimes they will play the Dive-doppers, and come up in unexpected places.

* 1.63For their Hunting, it is to be noted, that they have no swift-footed Greyhounds to let slip at the sight of the Deer, no deep-mouth'd Hounds, or scenting Beagles, to find out their desired Prey; themselves are all this, who in that time of the year when the Deer comes down, having certain Hunting-houses in such places where they know the Deer doth usually frequent, in which they keep their Rendezvouz, their Snares, and all their Accoutrements for that Employment: when they get sight of a Deer, Moose, or Bear, they study how to get the Wind of him, and ap∣proaching within shot, stab their Mark quite through, if the Bones hinder not. The chief thing they Hunt after is Deer, Mooses and Bears: It grieves them more to see an English-man take one Deer, than a thousand Acres of Land. They Hunt likewise after Wolves, wild Cats, Rackoons, Otters, Beavers, and Musquashes, Trading both their Skins and Flesh to the English. Beside this Artillery they have other devices to kill their Game, as sometimes Hedges, a Mile or two Miles long, being a Mile wide at one end, and made narrower and narrower by degrees, lea∣ving onely a Gap of six Foot long; over against which in the day-time they lie lurking, to shoot the Deer which come through that narrow passage; so many as come within the circumference of that Hedge, seldom return back to leap over, unless they be forc'd by the chasing of some ravenous Wolf, or sight of some acci∣dental Passenger: In the Night, at the Gap of this Hedge, they set Deer-traps,

which are Springes made of young Trees, and smooth wrought Cords, so strong, that it will toss a Horse if he be caught in it.

* 1.64In the Trade of Fishing they are very expert, being experienc'd in the know∣ledge of all Baits for several Fishes, and divers Seasons; being not ignorant like∣wise of the removal of Fishes, knowing when to Fish in Rivers, and when at Rocks, when in Bays, and when at Seas: Since the English came they are furnish'd with English Hooks and Lines, for before they made them of Hemp, being more curi∣ously wrought, of stronger Materials than ours, and hook'd with Bone-Hooks; but laziness drives them to buy, more than profit or commendations wins them to make of their own. They make likewise very strong Sturgeon-nets, with which they catch Sturgeons of twelve, fourteen, and sixteen, and some eighteen Foot long in the day-time, and in the night-time they betake themselves to their Birchen Canoos, in which they carry a forty-fathom Line, with a sharp-bearded Dart fastned at the end thereof; then lighting a Torch made of Birchen Rinds, they wave it to and again by their Canoo side, which the Sturgeon much delighted with, comes to them tumbling and playing, turning up his white Belly, into which they thrust their Lance, his Back being impenetrable; which done, they hale to the Shore their strugling Prize. They have often recourse into the Rocks whereupon the Sea beats, in warm Weather, to look out for sleepy Seals, whose Oyl they much esteem, using it for divers things. In Summer they Fish any where, but in Winter in the fresh Water onely, and Ponds; in frosty Weather they cut round Holes in the Ice, about which they will sit like so many Apes with their naked Breeches upon the cold Ice, catching of Pikes, Pearches, Breams, and other sorts of fresh-Water Fish.

* 1.65Their Arts and Manufactures are divers, as first their dressing of all manner of Skins, which they do by scraping and rubbing, afterwards painting them with antique Embroiderings in unchangeable Colours; sometimes they take off the Hair, especially if it be not kill'd in season. Their Bowes they make of a handsom shape, strung commonly with the Sinews of Mooses; their Arrows of young Elder, feather'd with Feathers of Eagles Wings and Tails, headed with Brass in shape of a Heart or Triangle, fastned in a slender piece of Wood six or eight Inches long, which is fram'd to put loose in the pithy Elder, aftewards bound fast for riving: Their Arrows are made in this manner, because it might shake from his Head, and be left behind for their finding, and the Pile onely re∣main to gaul the wounded Beast. Their Cordage is so even, soft, and smooth, that it looks more like Silk than Hemp. Their Sturgeon Nets are not deep, nor above thirty or forty Foot long; which in ebbing low Waters they stake fast to the Ground where they are sure the Sturgeon will come, never looking more at it till the next low Water. Their Canoos are made either of Pine-trees, which before they were acquainted with English Tools, they burn'd hollow, scraping them smooth with Clam-shells and Oyster-shells, cutting their out-sides With Stone Hatchets. These Boats are not above a Foot and a half, or two Foot wide, and twenty Foot long. Their other Canoos be made of thin Birch Rinds, close Ribb'd, and on the in-side with broad thin Hoops, like the Hoops of a Tub; these are made very light, a Man may carry one of them a Mile, being made purposely to carry from River to River, and from Bay to Bay, to shorten Land-passages. In these cockling Fly-boats, wherein an English-man can scarce sit without a fearful tottering, they will venture to Sea, when an English Shallop dare not bear a Knot of Sail, scudding over the over-grown Waves as fast as a wind-driven Ship, being driven by their Paddles, being much like Battle-doors; if a cross Wave (which is seldom) turn her Keel up-side down, they by swimming free her, and scramble into her again.

* 1.66Their Language, is onely peculiar to themselves, not inclining to any of the more refined Tongues. Some have thought they might be of the dispersed Jews, because some of their words are near unto the Hebrew; but by the same rule they may conclude them to be some of the gleanings of all Nations, because they have words which sound after the Greek, Latine, French, and other Tongues. Their Lan∣guage is hard to learn, few of the English being able to speak any of it, or capable of the right pronunciation, which is the chief grace of their Tongue: They pro∣nounce much after the Diphthongs, excluding L and R, which in our English Tongue they pronounce with as much difficulty, as most of the Dutch do T and H, calling a Lobster a Nobstann. Every Countrey doth something differ in their Speech, even as our Northern People do from the Southern, and Western from them; espe∣cially the Tarrentine, whose Tongue runs so much upon R, that they wharle much in pronunciation. When any Ships come near the Shore, they demand whether they are King Charles's Torries, with such a rumbling sound, as if one were beating on an unbrac'd Drum. In serious Discourse our Southern Indians use seldom any short Colloquies, but speak their minds at large, without any interjected Discourses from any, the rest giving diligent audience to his utterance; which done, some or other returns him as long an Answer: They love not to speak multa, sed multum; seldom are their words and their deeds strangers. According to the matter of their discourse, so are their acting Gestures in their Expressions.

* 1.67The Indians are of lusty and healthful Bodies, not experimentally knowing those Diseases which are incident to other Countreys, as Feavers, Pleurisies, Calentures, Agues, Consumptions, Convulsions, Apoplexies, Dropsies, Gouts, Pox, Measles, or the like, but spin out the thred of their Days to a fair length, numbering sixty, eighty, some a hundred years: But when any one lies a dying, the doleful cries, and throbbing sighs of the Friends and Relations, express unspeakable sorrow; and when the Party is dead and laid in the Ground, they not onely weep and howl for a good space over the Grave, but also keep Annual Solemnities of Mourning, rubbing their Faces with black Lead all about the Eye-brows, and part of their Cheeks; yet do they hold the Immortality of the Soul, in which their Indian Faith jumps much with the Turkish Alchoran, dreaming of a certain Paradise, or South-West Elysium, wherein they shall everlastingly abide, solacing themselves in odori∣ferous Gardens, fruitful Corn-fields, green Meadows, bathing their tawny Hides in the cool Streams of pleasant Rivers, and sheltering themselves from Heat and Cold in the sumptuous Palaces fram'd by Nature, concluding, that neither care nor pain shall molest them, but that Natures bounty will administer all things with a vo∣luntary contribution from the Store-house of their Elysium; at the Portal whereof, they say, lies a great Dog, whose churlish snarlings deny admission to unworthy Intruders: wherefore it is their custom to bury with them their Bowes and Arrows, and good store of their Wampompeage and Mowhacks, the one to affright that affront∣ing Cerberus, the other to purchase more immense Prerogatives in their Paradise. For their Enemies and loose Livers, whom they account unworthy of this imagi∣nary Happiness, they say that they pass to the infernal Dwellings of Abamocho, to be tortur'd according to the Fictions of the ancient Heathen.

* 1.68The drudgery of all laborious sorts of Work, and the management of all dome∣stick Affairs, lies wholly upon the Indian Women, who are made meer Slaves by their Husbands; they build the Houses, sowe and reap the Corn, provide Lobsters for their Husbands to bait their Hooks when they go a Fishing for Basse or Cod; and for these Lobsters they are many times forc'd to dive in the extreamest Wea∣ther, then lug home a great weight of them upon their Backs, as also all the Fish

which their Husbands catch for pleasure, from the places where they were caught: They dress all the Meat, serve it up to their Husbands, and waiting till they have fill'd their Bellies, are glad of their leavings. In Summer they gather Flags, of which they make Mats for Houses, and Hemp and Rushes, with Dying Stuff, of which they make curious Baskets, with intermixed Colours and Pourtraictures of antique Imagery. These Baskets are of all sizes from a Quart to a Quarter, in which they carry their Luggage. In Winter they are their Husbands Caterers, trudging to the Clam-banks for their Belly-timber, and their Porters to lug it home. They likewise sew their Husbands Shoes, and weave Coats of Turky Fea∣thers, besides all their ordinary Houshold drudgery which daily lies upon them, insomuch that a great Belly hinders no business, nor doth a Child-birth take much time, but the young Infant being greas'd and sooted, wrapp'd in a Beavers Skin, bound with his Feet up to his Bum, upon a Board two Foot long and one Foot broad, and his Face expos'd to all nipping Weather, this little Pappouse travels about with his bare-footed Mother to paddle in the Icy Clam-banks, after three or four days of Age have confirm'd her recovery. For their Carriage, it is very civil, Smiles being the greatest grace of their Mirth. Their Musick is Lullabies in Rocking their Chil∣dren, who generally are as quiet as if they had neither Spleen or Lungs. Their Voices are generally both sweet and well order'd, so far as pure Nature teacheth them. Their Modesty drives them to wear more Clothes than the Men, having al∣ways a Coat of Cloth or Skins, wrapp'd like a Blanket about their Loyns, reaching down to their Hams, which they never put off in Company.

* 1.69There are to be reckon'd up forty five chief Towns, besides what others there may be of less note, built or made habitable by the English since their first arrival in New England, till about the Year 1650.

First, St. Georges Fort, where the first Plantation was setled,* 1.70 at the Mouth of the River Sagadebock, in a kind of Peninsula, or half Island.

The second, New Plymouth, seated no less commodiously upon a large Bay,* 1.71 call'd by the Natives Pautuxed; where they first setled that went over out of dissatisfa∣ction to the Church-Government of England.

The third, Salem, call'd by the Indians, Mahumbeak;* 1.72 which stands on the middle of a Neck of Land very pleasantly, having a South River on the one side, and a North River on the other side. This Town seems to have been built in the Year 1628. by a part of that Company, who, being sent over by the Merchant-Adventurers, setled themselves in this Cape.

The fourth Mashawmut, or Charles-town,* 1.73 situate on a Neck of Land on the North-side of the River Charles. The form of this Town, in the Frontispiece of it, re∣sembleth the Head, Neck, and Shoulders of a Man; through the right Shoulder whereof runs the Navigable River Mistick, which by its near approach to Charles River in one place, makes the chief part of the Town a Peninsula: It consists of a hundred and fifty Dwelling-houses, many of them beautifi'd with pleasant Gar∣dens and Orchards: Near the Water-side is a large Market-place, forth of which issue two fair Streets; and in it stands a large and well built Church.

The fifth, Matapan, or Dorchester, a Fronteer Town,* 1.74 standing over against the Island near the Sea-side: It is water'd with two small Rivers, and is built in the form of a Serpent turning its Head Northward; it hath Orchards and Gardens full of Fruit-trees.

The sixth is Boston, anciently Accomonticus, the Center and Metropolis of the rest,* 1.75 built in the form of a Heart, and fortifi'd with two Hills on the Front-part thereof, the one having great store of Artillery mounted thereon, the other having

a strong Battery, built of whole Timber, and fill'd with Earth: At the Descent of the Hill lies a large Cave or Bay, on which the chief part of this Town is built, over-topp'd with a third Hill, all three like over-topping Towers, keeping a con∣stant Watch to foresee the approach of foreign Dangers. The chiefest part of this City-like Town is crowded upon the Sea Banks, and wharf'd out with great Indu∣stry and Cost, the Edifices large and beautiful, whose continual enlargement pre∣sageth some sumptuous City.

The seventh,* 1.76 Roxbury, situated between Boston and Dorchester, water'd with cool and pleasant Springs issuing from the Rocky Hills, and with small Freshets water∣ing the Valleys of this fertile Town: The form of it resembleth a Wedge double pointed, entring between the two above-mention'd Towns; and in the room of those Swamps, or tearing Bushes which were there before, they have now goodly Fruit-trees, fruitful Fields and Gardens.

The eighth is Lynne,* 1.77 or (according to the Indian Name, Saugus) situated between Salem and Charles-town, near a River, whose strong Freshet at the end of Winter fills all her Banks, and with a violent Torrent vents it self into the Sea. This Town is almost square, consisting many years ago of above a hundred Dwelling-houses, ha∣ving also an Iron Mill in constant use: The Church being on a level Land, unde∣fended from the North-West Wind, is made with Steps descending into the Earth.

The ninth is call'd Water-town,* 1.78 anciently Pigsgusset, situated upon one of the Branches of Charles-River, water'd with many pleasant Springs and small Rivulets, running like Veins throughout her Body. This Town began by occasion of Sir Richard Saltingstall, who arriving with store of Cattel and Servants, Winter'd in these Parts.

In the Year 1633. there was erected between Charles-town and Water-town,* 1.79 a Place call'd New-town, and by the Indians, Amongcangen, since nam'd Cambridge, being the tenth in order: It is in form like a List of Broad-cloth, reaching to the most Sou∣therly part of Merrimeck River; it hath comely and well order'd Streets, and two fair Colledges;* 1.80 the first call'd Harverd Colledge, from Mr. John Harverd, who at his Death gave a thousand Pounds to it; to the other Mr. John Harnes was the chief Be∣nefactor. This Town was appointed to be the Seat of the Government, but it continu'd not long.

The eleventh call'd Ipswich,* 1.81 or Sawacatuc by the Indians, is situated on a fair and delightful River, issuing forth from a very pleasant Pond, and afterwards breaking its Course through a hideous Swamp of large extent; it lies in the Sagamoreship, or Earldom of Aggawan, now by the English call'd Essex.

Twelve Miles from Ipswich,* 1.82 near upon the Streams of Merrimeck River, is situa∣ted the twelfth, call'd Newbury.

The People of New-town,* 1.83 or Cambridge, upon their removal of the Plantation of Canectico, passing up the River, built a Town, which they call'd Hartford, the thir∣teenth in number, divers others coming in the room of those that departed from Cambridge.

The fourteenth,* 1.84 seated upon a fair fresh River (whose Rivulets are fill'd with fresh Marsh, and her Streams with Fish, it being a Branch of that large River of Merri∣meck Allwives) is built in the Inland Countrey, and call'd Concord: It consisted at first of above fifty Families: Their Buildings are for the most part conveniently plac'd on one streight Stream under a Sunny Bank, in a low Level. The People that first set forth to build this Town, sustain'd great hardship and misery, by rea∣son of the uncouth Ways, and extremity of the Weather, it being the first Inland Town that was built.

South-East of Charles-River, upon the Sea-Coast,* 1.85 is situated the fifteenth Town Hingham; the form whereof is somewhat intricate to describe, by reason of the Sea∣wasting Crooks, where it beats upon a moultring Shore; yet in some places the Streets are compleat: It consisted at first of about sixty Families.

The sixteenth is in Plymouth Government, situate upon the Sea-Coast,* 1.86 first nam'd Dukes-bury, afterwards Sandwich.

About the year 1617. a new Supply coming over into these Parts,* 1.87 and not find∣ing in the Mattachusets Government any commodious place to settle in, they after much search took up a place somewhat more Southerly, near the Shalles of Capecod, where they found a commodious Harbor for Shipping, and a fit place to erect a Town in, which they built in a short time, with very fair Houses and compleat Streets; and shortly after several others: Amongst which they erected a new Government, which from their first Fronteer Town, being the seventeenth, was call'd Newhaven.

The eighteenth is in the Government of the Mattachusets, and call'd Dedham,* 1.88 being an Inland Town, situate about ten Miles from Boston in the County of Suffolk, well water'd with many pleasant Streams, and abounding with Gardens and Fruit-Trees: It consisted at first of about a hundred Families, being generally given to Husbandry.

The nineteenth being also in this Government is call'd Weymouth,* 1.89 batter'd on the East with the Sea Waves; on the South-West Rocks and Swamps make it delight∣ful to the Deer, as the ploughable Meadow-Lands to the Inhabitants.

About the Year 1638. Printing was brought over into New England.

About six Miles from Ipswich, North-Eastward,* 1.90 was erected another Town call'd Rowly, being the twentieth.

About the Year 1639. began the one and twentieth Town Hampton,* 1.91 in the County of Norfolk, to be built: It is situate near the Sea-Coast, not far from the River of Merrimeck: The great store of salt Marsh did entice the People to set down their Habitations there.

Not far from this Town of Hampton, was erected the two and twentieth,* 1.92 call'd Salisbury, seated upon the broad swift Torrent of Merrimeck-River: It lieth on the Northern side, over against the Town of Newbury, the River between them being about half a Mile broad, but hath an Island in the midst thereof, which makes it the more easily passable. The situation of this Town is very pleasant, the Skirts thereof abounding in fair and goodly Meadows, with good store of stately Tim∣ber in many places upon the Uplands.

* 1.93About the Year 1640. by a fresh Supply of People that setled in Long-Island, was there erected the twenty third Town, call'd Southampton; by the Indians, Agawom.

The same Year also the Town of Sudbury, being the twenty fourth,* 1.94 began to be built in the Inland Countrey: It is furnish'd with great store of fresh Marsh, but lying very low, it is much endammag'd with Land-floods.

About this time there was built at Mount Wollestone,* 1.95 by some old Planters and certain Farmers of the great Town of Boston, a Town nam'd Braintree, being the twenty fifth, within the Mattachusets Government: It is well peopled, and hath great store of Land in Tillage.

In the Year 1641. Mr. Richard Blindman coming from Green Harbour,* 1.96 a Place in Plymouth Patent, with some few People of his acquaintance, setled in Cape Anne, where they built the twenty sixth Town, and nam'd it Gloucester.

There is also situate upon Puscataque River, to the North-East of Boston,* 1.97 a Town call'd Dover, being the twenty seventh, the People by voluntary resignation being under the Mattachusets Government.

In the Year 1642. was erected the eight and twentieth Town,* 1.98 call'd Wooburn.

In the Year 1644. Reading the nine and twentieth Town was built,* 1.99 being in the Government of the Mattachusets; it is well water'd and situated about a great Pond, having two Mills, a Saw-Mill, and a Corn-Mill, which stand upon two several Streams.

A little after was built the thirtieth Town in this Colony,* 1.100 call'd Wenham, situate between Salem and Ipswich; it is very well water'd, as most Inland Towns are, and the People live altogether on Husbandry.

About the Year 1645. one Mr. Pinchin, having out of desire to improve his Estate by Trading with the Indians, setled himself in a place very remote from any of the Towns of the Mattachusets Colony, yet under their Government, and great store of People still resorting to him, they at last erected a Town upon the River Canectico,* 1.101 calling it Spring-field, being the one and thirtieth Town; it is very fitly seated for a Beaver Trade with the Indians, in regard it is situate upon this large Navigable River, and upon some Rivulets of the same.

In the Year 1648. was founded the Town of Haverhill,* 1.102 being the two and thir∣tieth, about a Mile or two from the place where the River of Merrimeck receives in∣to it self the River Shawshin, which is one of her three chief Heads.

Not long after,* 1.103 the Town of Malden, being the three and thirtieth Town, was built by certain People that came out of Charles-Town; these two Towns being se∣ver'd the one from the other by the large River of Mistick.

The rest we shall onely name, as 34. Berwick, alias Chawun. 35 Oxford, alias Sago∣quas. Falmouth, alias Totam. 36. Bristol. 37. Hull, alias Passataquack. 38. Dartmouth, alias Bohanna. 39. Norwich, alias Segocket. 40. Taunton, alias Cohannet. 41. Greens-Harbour. 42. Yarmouth. 43. Northam, alias Pascataqua. 44. Exeter. 45. Weymouth.

The chief Rivers of New England are, Pascataway, Sagadahoc, Pemmaquid, Agamentico, Merrimeck, Tachobacco, Mistick, Narraganset, Mishuwin, Connectacut, Newichwavoch, Kynebequy.

* 1.104The Indian Natives are now become so weak in number, and in some measure reduc'd to a dread of the growth of the English, that of late years they have not practis'd any thing against them, or at least, not justifi'd them by numbers in open Hostility, willing rather to purchase their Peace and buy off Injuries com∣mitted by them at the Price of their Lands and Possessions.

And although care and expence hath been many years apply'd to the Conversi∣on of Indians to the Faith, however inclinable they seem'd at first to the imbracing thereof, not then so well discerning the insincerity of its Professors; yet there are so few of late who do imbrace it or persevere in it (wanting a good Foundation for instruction in Moral Honesty, and perhaps the example of it in those that undertake to instruct them in Religion;) that Christianity to them seems a Chimera, Religion a design to draw them from the libidinous Pleasures of a lazy Life; however, some there are who make Profession of Christianity, and some who are educated in the Schools of New Cambridge, to entitle them to Preach the Gospel in their own Lan∣guage.

One great hindrance to the Propagation of the Faith amongst those Heathens, is the diversity of their Languages; for it is commonly known, that the Natives themselves do not understand one another, if their Habitations are but at forty Miles distance.

* 1.105Their Church-Government and Discipline is Congregational and Independent, yet in some places more rigid than others, for in many Towns there yet remains some leaven of Presbytery, from which Sects our Independency had its Original; inso∣much,

that one of the most remarkable Opposers of Episcopal Government, Doctor Bastwick (who, spoil'd so much Paper in railing at the Church Government of England, and crying up Liberty of Conscience) finding the Apostacy of his own Bre∣thren of Boston from their first Principles, and his, generally prevail over them, even to the denying that liberty to others, which they seem'd only to aim at, did write a large and vehement Dehortatory Epistle to them from their New Lights or Paths, say∣ing, That according to their present Tenents, they could not pretend to be better, or other than a Christian Synagogue.

* 1.106Their Laws and Methods of Government are wholly of their own framing, each Colony for themselves, makes an Annual choice of Governor, Deputy Go∣vernor, and a certain number of Assistants, by the plurality of Suffrages collected from their several Towns, the Electors are only Free-men and Church-Members; for he that is not a Member of their Church, can neither chuse, nor be chosen a Magistrate, nor have his Children Baptiz'd; besides the loss of many other Pri∣viledges, and liable moreover to frequent, if not constant Mulcts for absenting them∣selves from Divine Worship (so call'd) in their Meeting-houses.

Since the transmitting of the Patent in New England, the Election is not by Voi∣ces, nor erection of Hands as formerly, but by Papers, thus:

The general Court-electory sitting, where are present in the Church, or Meet∣ing-house at Boston, the old Governor, Deputy, and all the Magistrates, and two Deputies or Burgesses for every Town, or at least one; all the Freemen are bid to come in at one Door, and bring their Votes in Paper for the new Governor, and deliver them down upon the Table, before the Court, and so pass forth at another Door; those that are absent, send their Votes by Proxies. All being de∣liver'd in, the Votes are counted, and according to the major part, the old Gover∣nor pronounceth, That such an one is chosen Governor for the year ensuing. Then the Freemen, in like manner, bring their Votes for the Deputy Governor, who being also chosen, the Governor propoundeth the Assistants one after another. New Assistants are, of late, put in nomination, by an Order of general Court, before∣hand to be consider'd of: If a Freeman give in a Blank, that rejects the Man nam'd; if the Freeman makes any mark with a Pen upon the Paper which he brings, that elects the Man nam'd: Then the Blanks and mark'd Papers are num∣ber'd, and according to the major part of either, the Man in Nomination stands elected or rejected; and so for all the Assistants. And after every new Election, which is, by their Patent, to be upon the last Wednesday in Easter Term, the new Governor and Officers are all new Sworn. The Governor and Assistants chuse the Secretary. And all the Court consisting of Governor, Deputy, Assistants, and De∣puties of Towns, give their Votes as well as the rest; and the Ministers and El∣ders, and all Church-Officers, have their Votes also in all these Elections of chief Magistrates: Constables, and all other inferior Officers, are sworn in the general, quarter, or other Courts, or before any Assistant.

Every Free-man when he is admitted, takes a strict Oath, to be true to the So∣ciety or Jurisdiction.

There are two general Courts, one every half year, wherein they make Laws or Ordinances: The Ministers advise in making of Laws, especially Ecclesiastical, and are present in Courts, and advise in some special Causes Criminal, and in framing of Fundamental Laws.

There are besides four Quarter-Courts for the whole Jurisdiction, besides other petty Courts, one every quarter at Boston, Salem, and Ipswich, with their several Ju∣risdictions; besides every Town, almost, hath a petty Court for small Debts and Trespasses, under twenty Shillings.

* 1.107In the general Court, or great quarter Courts, before the Civil Magistrates, are try'd all Actions and Causes Civil and Criminal, and also Ecclesiastical, especially touching Non-members: And they themselves say, that in the general and quarter Courts, they have the Power of Parliament, Kings-Bench, Common-Pleas, Chan∣cery, High-Commission, and Star-Chamber, and all other Courts of England, and in divers Cases have exercis'd that Power upon the Kings Subjects there, as is not difficult to prove. They have put to death, banish'd, fin'd Men, cut off Mens Ears, whip'd, imprison'd Men, and all these for Ecclesiastical and Civil Offences, and without sufficient Record. In the lesser quarter Courts are try'd, in some, Acti∣ons under ten Pounds, in Boston, under twenty, and all Criminal Causes not touch∣ing Life or Member. From the petty quarter Courts, or other Courts, the parties may appeal to the great quarter Courts, from thence to the general Court, from which there is no Repeal.

Twice a year,* 1.108 in the said quarter Courts held before the general Courts, are two Grand-Juries sworn for the Jurisdiction, one for one Court, and the other for the other; and they are charg'd to enquire and Present Offences reduc'd by the Gover∣nor who gives the Charge.

Matters of Debt,* 1.109 Trespass, and upon the Case, and Equity, yea and of Heresie also, are try'd by a Jury.

The Parties are warn'd to challenge any Jury-man before he be sworn; but be∣cause there is but one Jury in a Court for trial of Causes; and all Parties not pre∣sent at their Swearing, the liberty of challenge is much hinder'd, and some incon∣veniences do happen thereby. Jurors are return'd by the Marshal, he was at first call'd The Beadle of the Society.

The Parties in all Causes, speak themselves for the most part, and some of the Magistrates where they think cause requireth, do the part of Advocates without Fee or Reward.

Though among the several Colonies which were founded here by the conflu∣ence of dissenting Zealots, this Government is exercis'd, differing from that of the Church and State of England: yet in those Provinces which are granted by parti∣cular Persons, the Government is much more conformable to that of England; but as the Mattachusets or Bostoners were from the beginning the most Potent and Predo∣minant of all the rest of the Colonies, (insomuch, that Boston may well be accoun∣ted the Metropolis of all New England,) so of late years they have still usurp'd more and more Power and Authority over the rest; and especially have not stuck to give Laws to the foresaid Provinces allotted to particular Persons, and have gone about wholly to subjugate those places to themselves, intrenching upon the rights of the true Proprietors; and that, even contrary to the Kings express Commands by his Officers, there, and as it were in open defiance of his Majesty and Government, as is evident from this following Narration, of their behavior upon a business of this nature.

* 1.110IN the Year of our Lord 1665. his Majesties Commissioners for the Affairs of New England, being in the Province of Mayne, the People being much unsetled in Point of Government, by reason the Mattachusets Colony, or Boston Govern∣ment, did usurp compulsively a Power over them contrary to their wills; and the right of Sir Ferdinando Gorges Heir, who had his Commission then in the place, did unanimously Petition to his Majesties Commissioners to settle the Government; upon which the said Commissioners examin'd the Bounds and Right of Mr. Gorges Patent, with all the Allegations and Pretensions on both sides, and so according

to their Instruction from his Majesty, did settle a temporary Government under his Majesty's immediate Authority, until such time as his Majesty should give his final determination thereof; and for that end did Institute Justices of the Peace to Go∣vern the Province according to the true Laws of England. Also his Majesty was pleas'd by his Mandamus in April 1666, to the Governors of Boston, to signifie that it was his will and pleasure, That the Province of Main should stand good as his Commissioners had setled it, until he had more leisure to determine it; yet not∣withstanding, after three years quiet possession, and exercising of Government by the Kings Justices, according to their Commission granted by his Majesty's Com∣missioners, the Bostoners, without any Conference with the said Justices, did in a hostile manner oppose the King's Power, July 1668. which was as followeth:

The General Court of Boston sent their Warrants to keep Court at York under their Authority, and for that purpose Commissionated Magistrates by their own Authority, namely Major General John Leveret, Mr. Edward Ting, Captain Richard Walden, and Captain Robert Pike: Whereupon the King's Justices did oppose their Warrants, and sent Post to New York, with an Address to General Nicholas, for Ad∣vice what to do therein; who forthwith dispatch'd away to the Governors of Boston, informing them of the danger of their Proceeding, it being an open breach of Duty, to subvert the Government establish'd by his Majesty's Power; also sent the King's Mandamus, April 1666. that will'd to the contrary. Notwithstanding the Boston Magistrates in July 1668. in order to their Boston Commission, came to York Town in the said Province, with several Armed Men, Horse and Foot, to keep Court under their Authority; Opposition was made by the King's Justices, and his Majesty's Power was urg'd, but little regard thereunto shewn; his Majesties Mandamus was likewise much insisted upon, and produced by the Justices, who ask'd the Bostoners what they thought of it? and how they durst act so contrary to the King's Will and Pleasure? Major General Leveret told them, That he believ'd it might be the King's Hand, but he had a Commission from the general Court at Boston, which he would follow and observe by the help of God. The same day in the Afternoon the said Major General Leveret, with the rest of the Boston Magi∣strates, seiz'd and imprison'd the Province Marshal in doing his Office, and then forthwith went in warlike posture to the Court-house, where the King's Justices sat in Judicature, and putting them from their Seats, sat down themselves in their Places, and Executed their Boston Commission. The King's Justices drew a Protest against their Proceedings, and so left the Decision to God's Providence, and his Majesty's good Pleasure. Then they turn'd out all Officers, both Military and Ci∣vil, and Swore others in their Places under their Authority; they forc'd the whole Record of the Province out of the Recorders House contrary to his Will, by vertue of a Special Warrant from that Court. They imprison'd the Mayor of the said Province about three weeks, forcing him to give in five hundred Pound Bonds, not to act according to his Commission; which with some Reservations he was forc'd to deny for the security of his Estate.

These riotous Proceedings thus acted with such a precipitate fury, so incens'd his Majesty, that speedy care had been taken to reduce them to reason, had they not upon mature consideration bethought themselves afterwards to yield Obedience to his Majesties Orders.

Having treated at large of all that concerns New England in general, both in re∣ference to the Natives and the English Planters, we shall conclude with a brief view of the Provinces of Laconia and Main, as they are truly Describ'd (among other in∣genuous Collections and Observations of the Affairs of America, and especially

these Parts) by Ferdinando Gorges Esq Heir to the above-mention'd Sir Ferdinando, and thereby sole Lord of the said Provinces, onely contracting what hath been by him deliver'd more at large.

* 1.111Among divers Plantations of the English happily Founded in New England, is a Province to the Landward, nam'd Laconia, so call'd by reason of the great Lakes therein, but by the ancient Inhabitants thereof it is call'd The Countrey of the Troquois: It lies between the Latitude of forty four and forty five Degrees, having the Ri∣vers of Sagadehock and Merrimeck on the Sea-Coast of New England, Southerly from it; into each of which Rivers there is a short Passage, frequented by the Salvages inhabiting near the Lakes. Also it hath the great Lakes which tend towards Cali∣fornia in the South Sea on the West thereof: On the North thereof is the great River of Canada, into which the said River disgorgeth it self by a fair large River, well replenish'd with many fruitful Islands: The Air thereof is pure and wholesom, the Countrey pleasant, having some high Hills, full of goodly Forrests, and fair Valleys and Plains, fruitful in Corn, Vines, Chesnuts, Wallnuts, and infinite sorts of other Fruits, large Rivers well stor'd with Fish, and inviron'd with goodly Mea∣dows full of Timber-trees.

One of the great Lakes is call'd The Lake of Troquois, which together with a Ri∣ver of the same Name, running into the River of Canada, is sixty or seventy Leagues in length.

In the Lake are four fair Islands, which are low and full of goodly Woods and Meadows, having store of Game for Hunting, as Stags, Fallow-Deer, Elks, Roe-Bucks, Beavers, and other sorts of Beasts which come from the Main Land to the said Islands.

The Rivers which fall into the Lakes have in them good store of Beavers; of which Beasts, as also of the Elks, the Salvages make their chiefest Traffick.

The said Islands have been inhabited heretofore by the Salvages, but are now abandon'd by reason of their late Wars one with another: They contain twelve or fifteen Leagues in length, and are seated commodiously for Habitation in the midst of the Lake, which abounds with divers kinds of wholesom Fish.

From this Lake run two Rivers Southward, which fall into the Eastern and Southern Sea-Coast of New England.

Into this Lake there went many years since certain French of Quebeck, who sided with the Algovinquins, with the help of their Canoos, which they carried the space of five Miles over the Impossible Falls, to Fight a Battel in revenge of some former In∣juries done by the Troquois to the Algovinquins, who had the Victory; for which cause the French have been so hated ever since by the Nation of the Troquois, that none of them durst ever appear in any part of that Lake. But their Trade, said to be sixteen thousand Beavers yearly, is partly sold to the Dutch, who Trade with the West∣end of the said Lake over Land by Horses, from their Plantation upon Hudson's River: and another part is conceiv'd to be purchas'd by the Hiroons, who being Newters, are Friends both to the one and the other; and these Hiroons bring down the greatest part of all by the River of Canada.

The Way over Land to this great Lake, from the Plantation of Pascataway, hath been attempted by Captain Walter Neale, once Governor, at the Charges of Sir Fer∣dinando Gorges, Captain Mason, and some Merchants of London, and the Discovery wanted but one days Journey of finishing, because their Victuals was spent, which, for want of Horses, they were enforc'd to carry with their Arms, and their Clothes, upon their Backs: They intended to have made a settlement for Trade by Pinnaces upon the said Lake, which they reckon to be about ninety or a hundred Miles from the Plantation over Land.

The People of the Countrey are given to Hunting of wild Beasts, which is their chiefest Food.

Their Arms are Bowes and Arrows. Their Armor is made partly of Wood, and partly of a kind of twisted Stuff like Cotton-Wool.

Their Meat is Flour of Indian Corn, of that Countreys growth, sodden to Pap, which they preserve for times of Necessity when they cannot Hunt.

This Province of Laconia, however known by a distinct Name, is included within the Province of Main, which offers it self next to our consideration.

* 1.112All that part of the Continent of New England, which was allotted by Patent to Sir Ferdinando Gorges and to his Heirs, he thought fit to call by the Name of The Pro∣vince of Main. It takes it beginning at the entrance of Pascatoway Harbor, and so passeth up the same into the River of Newichwavoch; and through the same unto the farthest Head thereof; and from thence North-Westwards for the space of a hun∣dred and twenty Miles; and from the Mouth of Pascatoway Harbor aforesaid, North-Eastward along the Sea-Coast, to Sagadehock; and up the River thereof to Kinibequy River, even as far as the Head thereof; and into the Land North-West∣wards, for the space of a hundred and twenty Miles.

To these Territories are also adjoyn'd the North half of the Isles of Sholes, toge∣ther with the Isles of Capawick and Nautican, as also all the little Islands lying within five Leagues of the Main, all along the Sea-Coast, between the aforesaid Rivers of Pascatoway and Sagadehock.

He no sooner had this Province setled upon him, but he gave publick notice, That if any one would undertake by himself and his Associates, to Transport a competent number of Inhabitants, to Plant in any part of his Limits, he would assign unto him or them such a proportion of Land, as should in reason satisfie them, reserving onely to himself some small High-Rent, as 2 s. or 2 s. 6 d. for a hundred Acres per Annum: and if they went about to build any Town or City, he would Endow them with such Liberties and Immunities, as should make them capable to Govern themselves within their own Limits, according to the Liberties granted to any Town or Corporation within this Realm of England. And as for others of the meaner sort who went as Tenants, that they should have such quantities of Land assign'd them as they were able to manage, at the Rate of 4 d. or 6 d. an Acre, ac∣cording to the nature or situation of the Place they settle in.

And for the Division of the Province, and the Form of Government which he intended to Establish, he first divided the Province into several Parts; and those again he subdivided into distinct Regiments, as East, West, North, and South; those again into several Hundreds, Parishes and Tythings, and these to have their several Officers to Govern, according to such Laws as should be agreed upon by publick Assent of the Free-holders, with the approbation of himself or Deputy, and the principal Officers of the publick State.

The setled Government for the general State, to whom all Appeals were to be made, and from whom all Instructions for the welfare of the Publick were to issue, were to consist of himself or his Deputy, who was to be chosen every three year by himself, with the advice of his Council: Next a Chancellor for the determina∣tion of all Causes; A Treasurer, to whom the care of the publick Revenue was to be committed; A Marshal, whose Office was to oversee the Regiments, and to provide Men for publick Service; An Admiral, to take care of all Maritime Af∣fairs, to whom a Judge of the Admiralty was to be joyn'd to determine all Mari∣time Causes; A Master of the Ordnance, to look to the publick Arms and Am∣munition; A Secretary, to receive Intelligence, and to acquaint himself or Deputy

therewith. To these belong all their several Officers and Ministers for the Execu∣tion of all Matters proper to their several Places.

The chief Town of this Province is call'd Gorgiana, which is Govern'd by a Mayor, the rest are onely inconsiderable Villages or scatter'd Houses; but through Encouragement given to Adventurers and Planters, it may prove in time a very flourishing Place, and be replenish'd with many fair Towns and Cities, it being a Province both fruitful and pleasant.

SECT. II. New Netherland, now call'd New York.

THat Tract of Land formerly call'd The New Netherland, doth contain all that Land which lieth in the North parts of America, betwixt New England and Mary-Land; the length of which Northward into the Countrey, as it hath not been fully discover'd, so it is not certainly known: The breadth of it is about two hundred Miles. The principal Rivers within this Tract, are Hudson's-River, Raritan-River, Delaware-Bay-River. The chief Islands are the Manhatans-Island, Long-Island, and Staten-Island.

The first which discover'd this Countrey was Henry Hudson, who being hir'd by the East-India Company to seek a Passage in the Northern America to China, set Sail Anno 1609. in the Half-Moon Frigat; coming before Terre-neuff, he stood about to∣wards the South-West, where Sailing up a great River, he found two Men Clad in in Ruffelo's Skins; and from thence arriv'd safe at Amsterdam.

New Netherland thus discover'd, invited many Merchants to settle a firm Plan∣tation there; to which purpose they obtain'd Letters Patents in 1614. granted them by the States in the Hague, That they might onely Traffick to New Nether∣land; whereupon they earnestly prosecuting the Design, sent out Adrian Block and Godyn, who discover'd several Coasts, Isles, Havens, and Rivers.

The Countrey, as they said, being then void, was therefore free for any body that would take possession of it: Notwithstanding which pretence, they were scarce warm in their Quarters, when Sir Samuel Argal, Governor of Virginia, having first spoil'd the French in Accadie, as we said, disputed the Possession with these also. And although they pleaded Hudson's Right (who by Commission from King James, and upon an English Account, had lately discover'd those Parts) and pretended they had not onely bought all his Cards and Maps of the Countrey, but all his Interest and Right also, and had fully contented him for all his Pains and Charges in the Discovery; yet the said Hudson being an English-man, and acting all that he did by Commission from the King of England, upon Debate it was concluded, That the Land could not be alienated after Discovery without the King of England's consent, especially it being but a part of the Province of Virginia, already possess'd by the Subjects of England: So that they were forc'd to wave that Title, and the Dutch Go∣vernor submitted his Plantation to His Majesty of England, and to the Governor of Virginia, for and under him: Upon which Terms for a good while they held it. Afterwards, upon confidence, it seems, of a new Governor sent from Amsterdam, they not onely fail'd to pay the promis'd Contribution and Tribute, but fell to fortifie themselves, and to entitle the Merchants of Amsterdam to an absolute Propriety and Dominion of the Country, independent of any other; building Towns, as New Am∣sterdam; raising Forts, as Orange Fort, near the Branch of the Nordt River, which they call Hell-Gate. Complaint whereof being made to King Charles, and by his Am∣bassador

[illustration] map of New England

NOVI BEL•••• Quod nune NOVI JORCK vocatur, NOVAE {que} ANGLIAE & Partis Virginiae Accuratissima et Novissima Delineatio.

bassador represented to the States, they disown the business, and declare by Publick Instrument, that it was onely a private Undertaking, viz. of the West-India Com∣pany of Amsterdam. Whereupon a Commission was granted to Sir George Calvert, made Lord Baltimore in Ireland, to Possess and Plant the Southern parts thereof, lying towards Virginia, by the name of Mary-land; and to Sir Edmund Loyden, to Plant the Northern parts towards New England, by the name of Nova-Albion: Which makes the Dutch the second time seem willing to compound; and for the Sum of two thousand and five hundred Pounds, they offer to be gone, and leave all they had there. But taking advantage of the troubles in England, which then began to appear, and soon after follow'd, they not only go back from their first Propositions, and make higher Demands, but also most mischievously (as some report) furnish the Natives with Arms, and teach them the use of them, as it may be thought, ex∣pecting to use their help upon occasion, against the English.

After His Majesties Restauration, His Majesty being truly inform'd of his just Pretences to all that Usurp'd Territory call'd New Netherland, (the same having been formerly part of New England) and of how great prejudice to the Act of Na∣vigation, and how dangerous Intruders the Dutchmen are generally▪ upon other Princes Dominions, what mischief might ensue to all our English Plantations in time of War, if the Dutch were permitted to strengthen themselves in the very heart of His Majesties Dominions, being Masters of one of the most commodious Ports and Rivers in America: His Majesty resolv'd to seize upon the same, as his undoubted Right, and in May 1664. having design'd four Commissioners to the perfecting of Affairs in New England, Collonel Richard Nichols, Sir Robert Carr, George Cartwnight, and Samuel Mawrick Esquires, with three Ships of War to convey them to Boston: The matter was so order'd, that the same Ships serv'd for the re∣ducing of the Town and Fort of New Amsterdam, upon conditions, advantageous to His Majesty, and easie to the Dutch.

Now begins New Netherland to lose the Name, for His Majesty having conferr'd by Patent upon his Royal Highness the Duke of York and Albany, all the Acquisiti∣ons made upon Foraigners, together with Long-Island, the West end whereof was wholly setled and Peopled by Dutch-men; his Royal Highness impower'd, by Commission as his Deputy-Governor, Colonel Nichols, Groom of his Bed-cham∣ber, to take the Charge and Direction of Reducing and Governing all those Terri∣tories; it was by him thought fit, to change some principal denominations of Places, viz. New Netherland into York-shire; New Amsterdam into New York; Fort-Amscel into Fort-James; Fort-Orange into Fort-Albany; and withal, to change Burgomasters, Schepen, and Schout, into Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriff, with Justices of the Peace; so that all the Civil Policy is conformable to the Methods and Practise of England, whereas New England retains only the name of Constable in their whole Rolls of Civil Offi∣cers.

It is plac'd upon the neck of the Island Manhatans, looking towards the Sea; en∣compass'd with Hudson's River, which is six Miles broad; the Town is compact and oval, with very fair Streets and several good Houses; the rest are built much after the manner of Holland, to the number of about four hundred Houses, which in those parts are held considerable: Upon one side of the Town is James-Fort, capable to lodge three hundred Souldiers and Officers; it hath four Bastions, forty Pieces of Cannon mounted; the Walls of Stone, lin'd with a thick Rampart of Earth; well accommodated with a Spring of fresh Water, always furnish'd with Arms and Ammunition, against Accidents: Distant from the Sea seven Leagues, it affords a safe Entrance, even to unskilful Pilots; under the Town side, Ships of

any Burthen may Ride secure against any Storms, the Current of the River being broken by the interposition of a small Island, which lies a Mile distant from the Town.

About ten Miles from New York is a Place call'd Hell-Gate, which being a nar∣row Passage, there runneth a violent Stream both upon Flood and Ebb; and in the middle lie some Rocky Islands, which the Current sets so violently upon, that it threatens present Shipwrack; and upon the Flood is a large Whirlwind, which continually sends forth a hideous roaring, enough to affright any Stranger from passing farther, and to wait for some Charon to conduct him through; yet to those that are well acquainted, little or no danger: It is a place of great Defence against any Enemy coming in that way, which a small Forticfiation would absolutely prevent, and necessitate them to come in at the West end of Long-Island by Sandy Hook, where Nutten Island forces them within the Command of the Fort at New York, which is one of the best Pieces of Defence in the North parts of America. It is built most of Brick and Stone, and cover'd with red and black Tyle, and the Land being high, it gives at a distance a pleasing prospect to the Spectators. The Inhabitants consist most of English and Dutch, and have a considerable Trade with Indians for Beaver, Otter, and Rackoon-Skins, with other Furrs; as also for Bear, Deer and Elke-Skins; and are supply'd with Venison and Fowl in the Winter, and Fish in the Summer by the Indians, which they buy at an easie Rate; and having the Coun∣trey round about them, they are continually furnish'd with all such Provisions as is needful for the Life of Man, not onely by the English and Dutch within their own, but likewise by the adjacent Colonies.

* 1.113The Manhattans, or Great River, being the chiefest, having with two wide Mouths wash'd the mighty Island Watouwaks, falls into the Ocean. The Southern Mouth is call'd Port May, or Godyns Bay, In the middle thereof lies an Island call'd The States Island; and a little higher the Manhattans, so call'd from the Natives, which on the East side of the River dwell on the Main Continent. They are a cruel Peo∣ple, and Enemies to the Hollanders, as also of the Sanhikans, which reside on the Western Shore. Farther up are the Makwaes and Mahikans, which continually War one against another. In like manner all the Inhabitants on the West side of the Ri∣ver Manhattan are commonly at Enmity with those that possess the Eastern Shore; who also us'd to be at variance with the Hollanders, when as the other People Westward kept good Correspondency with them.

On a small Island near the Shore of the Makwaes, lay formerly a Fort, provided with two Drakes and eleven Stone Guns, yet was at last deserted.

* 1.114This Countrey hath many removable Water-falls, descending from steep Rocks, large Creeks and Harbors, fresh Lakes and Rivulets, pleasant Fountains and Springs, some of which boyl in the Winter, and are cold and delightful to drink in Summer. The Inhabitants never receive any damage by Deluges; neither from the Sea, because the Water rises not above a Foot; nor by the swelling Rivers, which sometimes, for a few days covering the Plains, at their deserting them, leave them fat and fruitful. The Sea-Coast is Hilly, and of a sandy and clayie Soil, which produces abundance of Herbs and Trees.

The Oak grows there generally sixty or seventy Foot high,* 1.115 and for the most part free from Knots, which makes it the better fit for Shipping.

The Nut-trees afford good Fuel, and a strange Prospect when the Wood is set on fire, either to hunt out a Deer, or to clear the Ground fit to be Till'd.

Some Plants brought hither, grow better than in Holland it self, as Apples, Pears, Cherries, Peaches, Apricocks, Strawberries, and the like.

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Their Vines grow wild in most places, and bear abundance of blue, white,* 1.116 and Muskadine Grapes: Sometime since the Inhabitants made a considerable advan∣tage by the Wine of them, which is not inferior to either Rhenish or French.

* 1.117All manner of Plants known in Europe grow in their Gardens: The Water-Lemmons, no less pleasing to the Palate than healthful when grown ripe; they are about the bigness of an indifferent Cabbage: the English press a Juice out of them, which if it did not turn sowre in a short time, might well be compar'd with Spa∣nish Wine.

The Calabashes which grow there, made hollow, serve for Water-cups.

Pumpions are also there in great abundance.

Their Wheat though Set six Foot deep, grows very speedily:* 1.118 Kidney-Beans being planted amongst it, they will wind about the Stalks thereof.

Gray Pease grow here so fast, that they gather them twice a year.* 1.119

In one Field Physical Herbs and Indigo grow wild in great abundance; and Bar∣ley springs above a Mans heighth.

Moreover, there are divers sorts of sweet-smelling Flowers.

The Hills are most of a fat and clayie Soil, fit to make Pots, Tobacco-pipes,* 1.120 or any other sort of Earthen Ware.

In some places also is Store of Mountain Crystal, and that sort of Mineral which we call Muscovia Glass: Others afford Marble, Serpentine Stone, and other sorts of hard Stone. And though the Natives did not think it worth their while, or were not in a capacity to dig for Minerals themselves, yet it remains without contradi∣ction, that the Mountains inclose both Gold and Silver.* 1.121

When Captain William Clieff, Anno 1645. us'd the Indian Interpreter Agheroense (to decide the Differences which arose between the West-India Company and the wild People call'd Makwaes,) he observ'd him to paint his Face with a yellow glittering colour, which he judg'd to be of some rich Mineral: whereupon buying some of the said Agheroense, he put it into a Crusible, and gain'd two small pieces of Gold out of the same, valu'd at six Shillings; but keeping it private, and purchasing a

great quantity of the said Mineral from Agheroense (who had show'd him the Moun∣tain which produced the same) extracted good store of Gold out of it; which pos∣sessing Clieff with a belief of having found out a business of great consequence, he sent Arent Corsen of New-haven with the fore-mention'd Mineral to Holland; but the Ship being never heard, of afterwards, and the Princess Pink, in which Captain Clieff was himself, with store of the new-found Mineral, being cast away, the Bu∣siness came to nothing.

* 1.122The Inhabitants, though divided into several Nations, yet agree in many things, as in painting their Bodies, Shields, Clubs, and other Utensils in their Houses. The! Colours wherewith they paint themselves they press out of Plants, or make them of certain Stones grownd into very fine Powder. The chiefest Plant is not unlike the Myrtle, onely it hath more Boughs, and bears red Berries; the Juice of which being dry'd in the Sun, is afterwards preserv'd in little Bags. The Na∣tives temper their Colours with Water, and paint their Bodies with the same: It is as good a Purple as can be found. They also draw Ships, Trees, and Beasts after a very rough manner: In stead of Feathers they wear pleited Hair, which being colour'd red, hath an excellent gloss, which never fades though it Rain on the same.

The Horses bred in this Countrey,* 1.123being either brought thither from Eng∣land or Utrecht, far exceed those of English breed; but are both of them subject to a strange Disease, of which many die in few hours. The same Distemper also seizes on Cattel if they go into Forrest Pasture: But the onely thing to cure the same, is Hay from salt Marshy Grounds.

The Oaken Woods have store of Hogs,* 1.124 which if taken and fatned with Turkish Wheat, are most delicious Meat.

The Sheep,* 1.125 though they breed well there, yet are very scarce, because the Plan∣ters not being able to spare Men to watch them, they are often devour'd by Wolves.

There are also abundance of Deer, all sorts of Fowls, Turkies, Geese, Ducks, Pigeons, and the like.

The Lyons,* 1.126 whosc Skins the Indians bring to Market, are taken on a high Moun∣tain fifteen days Journey South-West from thence.

* 1.127There are likewise many black Bears, fearful of humane kind, but if Hunted, they run direct on those that pursue them: they sleep all the Winter, lying six Weeks Oh one side, and six on the other, and sucking their Feet all the time: They generally lurk among Brambles, or in the Concavities of some hollow Mountain.

* 1.128On the Borders of Canada there is seen sometimes a kind of Beast which hath some resemblance with a Horse, having cloven Feet, shaggy Mayn, one Horn just on their Forehead, a Tail like that of a wild Hog, black Eyes, and a Deers Neck: it feeds in the nearest Wildernesses: the Males never come amongst the Females except at the time when they Couple, after which they grow so ravenous, that they not onely devour other Beasts, but also one another.

Towards the South of New York are many Buffles, Beasts which (according to Erasmus Stella) are betwixt a Horse and a Stag: though they are of a strong Consti∣tution, yet they die of the smallest Wound, and are subject to the Falling-sick∣ness: they have broad branchy Horns like a Stag, short Tail, rough Neck, Hair colour'd according to the several Seasons of the Year, broad and long Ears, hang∣ing Lips, little Teeth, and Skin so thick, as not easie to be pierced: The Females differ from the Males, for they have no Horns; both may easily be made tame: when Hunted, they vorm•••••••••• a sort of scalding Liquor on the Dogs: they have

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great force in their Claws, for they can kill a Wolf with the same at one blow: their Flesh, either fresh or salted, is a good Diet: their Claws also cure the Falling-sickness.

But no Beasts are more plentiful here than Harts and Stags,* 1.129 which feed up and down in great Herds: when they are Hunted by Wolves or Men, they immedi∣ately take the next River, where they are caught several together, by being cross'd in their Swimming, and affrighted by the Eccho which comes from the Mountains, made by the Hunters hollowing on the other Shore, which makes them fearful of Landing: whilst the Huntsmen joyning several pieces of Wood together get up∣on them, and Rowing towards these Deer, intercept them, being tir'd and out of breath.

* 1.130Moreover, this Countrey breeds many Musk Cats, especially in Marshy Grounds. These Beasts are beautiful to the Eye, having black speckled Skins, their Mouths, full of sharp Teeth, and their Tails being long trail after them.

Many of the Learned maintain a Dispute concerning Civet, Whether it be the Seed of the Civet-Cat? the Affirmative, which Cardanus maintain'd, is contradicted by Julius Scaliger. Matthiolus, an Author of no little credit, supposes that Civet is the Sweat of the Cat, because it is most chiefly taken when these Beasts are exceed∣ingly vex'd and wearied: But since the Sweat runs from all parts of the Body, which nevertheless do not all produce Civet, it is impossible that Sweat should be Civet. Others account Civet to be the Dung of the Cats; which last seems to come nearest to truth: for certainly it is nothing else but an Excrement in the fleshy parts about their Pizzle, or near the Fundament. The Cats being in pain to be discharg'd of this Civet, free themselves from it by rubbing a Tree; and also fawn on those which take it from them with a Spoon.

Besides all other wild Creatures, the Countrey according to Adrian Vander Donk, produces yearly eighty thousand Beavers.* 1.131 Pliny relates, that these Beasts bite off their Pizzles and throw them to the Hunter, which are an exceeding good Me∣dicine to help Abortion, stop the Monethly Flowers, Giddiness in the Head,

Gout, Lameness, Belly and Toot-ach, Rhumes, Poyson, and the Evil. But Pliny makes a great mistake herein, for the Beavers have a small Pissel fasten'd to their Back bone, in such a manner, that they cannot loose them but with hazard of their lives: They live in the Water, and on the Shore, in great companies together, in Nests built of Wood, which deserve no small admiration, being made after this manner: The Beavers first gather all the loose Wood, which they find along the Banks of the Rivers, of which, if there be not enough, they bite the Bark off from the Trees in the neighboring Woods, then with their Tusks, of which two grow above, and two below in their Mouths, they gnaw the main body of the Tree so long, till it drops asunder: Their Nests very artificial, are six Stories high, cover'd on the top with Clay to keep out Rain; in the middle is a passage which goes to the River, into which they run so soon as they perceive a Man; to which purpose one of them stands Sentinel, and in the Winter keeps open the Water from freez∣ing, by continual moving of his Tail, which is flat without Hair, and the most delicious Meat that can be had. The Beavers go big sixteen Weeks, and once a year bring forth four young, which suck and cry like young Children, for the Dam of them rises on her hinder Feet, and gives her Teats, which grow between the fore-legs to two of her young, each of them one; the foremost legs of a Beaver resemble those of a Dog, the hindermost those of a Goose; on each side of the vent are two swellings within two thin Skins; out of their vent runs generally an Oily moysture, with which they anoint all the parts of their body which they can reach, to keep them from being wet; within they are like a cut-up Hog; they live on the Leaves and Barks of Trees; they love their young ones exceedingly; the long Hairs, which shining, stick out on the back, fall off in Summer, and grow again against Harvest; they have short Necks, strong Sinews and Legs, and move very swiftly in the Water, and on the Land; if incompass'd by Men or Dogs, they bite most severely; the right Castoreum, so highly esteem'd by Physicians, is a long Vesica, not unlike a Pear, within the body of the female Beaver, the Indians mince the Cods of the Male Beavers amongst their Tobacco, because they produce no Castoreum.

* 1.132This Country abounds also with Fowls; for besides Hawks, Kites, and other Birds of Prey, there are abundance of Cranes, of several sorts, some grey, some brown, others quite white; all of them have firm Bodies, and Bones without Mar∣row, Claws of a finger long, strong and crooked Bills, their Brains dry, their Eyes little and hollow, hard Features, the left Foot lesser than the right, both deform'd, their Blood thick, and the Excrements of a horrid smell; they breed most in old Woods, whose ground is without Brambles, and also near the Water, for they feed on Fish, and devour all sorts of Fowls, nay, snatch up Hares, Rabbets, Tor∣tels, and several other sorts of Animals, which they carry away with them in the Air; nay, when hungry, they seize on one anorher; some of them fly abroad for their prey about noon, others at Sun-rising; they fall like Lightning on what e're they pursue; they drink little, except the Blood of those Creatures which they de∣vour; they are very libidinous, coupling above thirty times a day, not only with their like, but also with the Hens of Hawks, and other Birds; they lay their big∣gest Eggs in thirty days, and the lesser in twenty days; they generally bring forth three young; those of them that cannot endure to look full against the Sun, are thrown out of their Nests; the young ones when they begin to be fledg'd, are by the old carry'd into the Air, and let flie, but supported by them; their sight is wonderful quick; for though they flie as high as ever they are able to be discern'd, yet they can see the lead Fish that is in the Water, and a Hare lying in the Bushes: their Breath stinks horribly, wherefore their Carcases suddenly rot; though they

are libidinous, yet they live long; most of them die of hunger, because their Bills when they grow old, grow so crooked, that they cannot open the same, where∣fore they flie up into the Air against the Sun, and falling into the coldest Rivers, loose their Feathers and die.

Besides the foremention'd Birds of prey, there are abundance of Storks, Ravens, Crows, Owls, Swallows, Gold-finches, Ice-birds, Kites, Quails, Pheasants, and Winter-Kings, and which are most remarkable for their rich Feathers, the Spechtes, they pick great holes in Trees, and make a noise as if a Man were cutting down a Tree. The Pigeons flie in such flocks,* 1.133 that the Indians remove with them to the place where they make their Nests, where the young ones being taken by hundreds, serve them for a Moneths Provision.

Moreover, New York breeds a strange Bird about a Thumb long,* 1.134 full of gli∣stering Feathers; it lives by sucking of Flowers like a Bee, and is so tender, that it immediately dies if water be spirted upon it; the Carcase being dry'd, is kept for a Rarity.

* 1.135But this Countrey abounds chiefly in Turkies, whose plenty deserves no less admiration than their bulk, and the delicious taste of their Flesh, for they go feeding forty or fifty in a flock, and weigh sometime forty or fifty pound apiece; the Na∣tives either shoot them, or take them with a Bait stuck on an Angle: In March and Harvest the Waters swarm with Geese, Teal, Snites, Ducks, and Pelicans, besides many strange sorts of Fowls not known in Europe.

The Rivers and Lakes produce Sturgeon, Salmon, Carps, Pearch, Barbils,* 1.136 all sorts of Eels, and many other Fish which are taken near Water-falls: The Sea af∣fords Crabs with and without Shells, Sea-cocks, and Horses, Cod, Whiting, Ling, Herrings, Mackrel, Flounders, Tar-buts, Tortels, and Oysters, of which some are a Foot long, and have Pearl, but are a little brownish.

Amongst the Poysonous Creatures which infest New York, the chiefest and most dangerous, is the Rattle-Snake,* 1.137 whose description we have already had at large in New England.

* 1.138The Inhabitants have their Hair black as Jet, harsh like Horse-hair; they are broad Shoulder'd, small Wasted, brown Ey'd, their Teeth exceeding white; with Water they chiefly quench their Third: Their general Food is Flesh, Fish,* 1.139 and Indian Wheat, which stamp'd, is boyl'd to a Pap, by them call'd Sappaen: They observe no set time to Eat, but when they have an Appetite their Meals begin. Beavers Tails are amongst them accounted a great Dainty: When they go to Hunt, they live several days on parch'd Corn, which they carry in little Bags ty'd about their middle; a little of that said Corn thrown into Water swells exceedingly.

* 1.140Henry Hudson relates, That Sailing in the River Montains, in forty Degrees, he saw the Indians make strange Gestures in their Dancing and Singing; he observ'd farther, that they carry'd Darts pointed with sharp Stones, Sodder'd to the Wood; that they slept under the Sky on Mats or Leaves; took much Tobacco, and very strong; and that though courteous and friendly, they were very Thieves. He Sailing thirty Leagues further, went in his Boat to an old Indian Commander of forty Men and seventeen Women, who conducted him to the Shore, where they all dwelt in one Housse, artificially built of the Barks of Oak-trees; round about it lay above three Ships load of Corn, and Indian Beans to dry, besides the Plants which grew in the Fields. No sooner had Hudson enter'd the House, but he was receiv'd on two Mats spread on the ground; and two Men immediately were sent out to shoot Venison or Fowls; and instantly returning, brought two Pigeons; a fat Dog, whom they nimbly flea'd with shells, was also laid down to the fire:

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They also made other Preparations for Hudsons Entertainment, but not willing to venture himself amongst them, that Night, tasted not of it, notwithstanding the In∣dians breaking their Darts, threw them into the fire, that thereby they might drive away all fears and jealousies from him.

* 1.141The Habits of the Natives, especially of the Men, are few; the Women go more neat than the Men; and though the Winter pinches them with excessive, cold, yet they go naked tiil their thirteenth year: Both Men and Women wear a Girdle of Whale-fins and Sea-shells; the Men put a piece of Cloth, half an Ell long, and three quarters broad, between their Legs, so that a square piece hangs behind be∣low his Back, and another before over his Belly. The Women wear a Coat which comes half way down their Legs, so curiously wrought with Sea-shells, that one Coat sometimes costs thirty Pounds. Moreover, their Bodies are cover'd with Deer∣skins, the lappets or ends of which hang full of Points; a large Skin button'd on the right Shoulder, and ty'd about the middle, serves for an upper Garment, and in the Night for a Blanket: Both Men and Women go for the most part bare∣headed; the Women tie their Hair behind in a tuft, over which they wear a square Cap wrought with Sea-shells, with which they adorn their Foreheads, and also wear the same about their Neck and Hands, and some also about their middle. Before the Hollanders were Planted here, they wore Shoes and Stockings of Buffelo's-skins; some likewise made Shoes of Wheaten-straw, but of late they come nearer to our Fashions: The Men Paint their Faces with several Colours; the Women only put here and there a black Spot; both of them are very reserv'd.

* 1.142Their Houses are most of them built of one fashion, onely differing in length; all of them agree in breadth of twenty Foot: They build after this manner, they set Peel'd Boughs of Nut-Trees in the ground, according to the bigness of the place which they intend to build, then joyning the tops of the Boughs together, they cover the Walls and top with the Bark of Cypress, Ashen, and Chest-nut-Trees, which are laid one upon another, the smallest side being turn'd inwards: according to the bigness of the Houses, several Families, to the number of fifteen

dwell together, every one having his Apartment. Their Fortifications are most of them built on steep Hills, near Rivers; the access to them is onely at one place, they are built after this manner: They set great Poles in the Ground, with Oaken Pallisadoes on each side, cross-ways one amongst another; between the crosses they set other Trees, to strengthen the Work: Within this inclos'd they generally build twenty or thirty Houses, of which some are a hundred and eighty Foot long, and some less, all of them full of People: In the Summer they pitch Tents along by the River side to Fish; against Winter they remove into the Woods,* 1.143 to be near their Game of Hunting, and also Fuel.

* 1.144To take many Women is not customary here, only amongst Military Officers, who Marry three or four Wives, which so well agree, that there is never any dif∣ference betwixt them; those that are not of Age, never Marry but with the consent and advice of their Parents: Widows and unmarry'd Men follow their own opini∣on and choice; only they take Cognizance of their Estates and Extraction: The Bridegroom always presents the Bride; for the least offence, the Man after having soundly beaten his Wife, turns her out of Doors, and Marries another, insomuch,* 1.145 that some of them have every year a new Wife: On breach of Marriage, the Chil∣dren follow the Mother, from whom they account their Generation: They ac∣count Adultery, if committed under the bare Canopy of Heaven, a great Sin: Whoring is Licenc'd to single Women, if they receive Money for it,* 1.146 and no Man scruples to Marry them; nay, those that are Marry'd, boast how many they have enjoy'd before their Marriage: She that is inclin'd to Marry,* 1.147 covers her whole body, and sets her self wrapt up in the middle of the way, where a Batchelor passing by sees her, and makes up the Match blindfold: When impregnated, they take great care that their Fruit receives no hindrance nor prejudice:* 1.148 When the time of their Delivery approaches, (which they know exactly) they go to a Melan∣cholly place in the Woods, though in the coldest Weather, where they raise up a Hut of Mats, and bring the Child into the World without any help or Company, wash the Child in cold Water, and wrap it up in Mats; then a few days after go∣ing home, they bring up the Infant with great care, none putting them out to Nurse: So long as a Woman gives suck, or is quick with Child, she will not ad∣mit of Copulation; one who hath the Flowers, never comes abroad: In time of sickness they faithfully assist one another: When any die,* 1.149 the nearest Relations shut their Eyes; and after having watch'd them some days, they are Interr'd after this manner: The Corps is plac'd sitting with a Stone under its Head, near it they set a Pot, Kettle, Dish, Spoons, Money, and Provisions to use in the other World; then they pile Wood round about it, and cover it over with Planks, on which throwing Earth and Stones, they set Pallisadoes, and make the Grave like a House, to which they shew Veneration, wherefore they account it a great piece of villany to deface any thing of it: The Men make no shew of sorrow over the Dead, but the Women mourn exceedingly, and carry themselves very strangely, beating their Breasts, scratching their Faces, and calling night and day on the name of the De∣ceas'd: The Mothers make great Lamentation at the Death of their Children,* 1.150 es∣pecially Sons, for they shave off the Hair of their Heads, which at the Funeral is burnt in the presence of all their Relations; which is also perform'd by the Wo∣men when their Husbands die; besides, they black all their Faces, and putting on a Hart-skin Shirt, mourn a whole year, notwithstanding they liv'd very conten∣tiously together.

On some occasions they go a Worshipping of the Devil,* 1.151 to a certain place where the Sorcerers shew strange Feats of Activity, tumbling over and over, beating

themselves, and hot without great noise leaping in and about a great Fire: at last they make a great Cry all together; upon which (as they say) the Devil appears to them in the shape either of a tame or wild Beast: the first signifies bad, and the other good fortune; both inform them of future Events, though darkly; and if the bu∣siness fall out contrary, they affirm that they have not rightly understood the De∣vil's meaning. Moreover they bewitch some in such a manner, that they foam at the Mouth, throw themselves into the Fire, and beat themselves severely; and so soon as they whisper in the Ear of those whom they have bewitch'd, they immedi∣ately recover their former health.

* 1.152The Language of this Countrey is very various, yet it is divided into onely four principal Tongues, as the Manhattans, Wappanoo, Siavanoo, and Minqua's, which are very difficult for Strangers to learn, because they are spoken without any Grounds or Rules.

Their Money is made of the innermost Shells of a certain Shell-fish,* 1.153 cast up twice a year by the Sea: These Shells they grind smooth, and make a Hole in the middle, cutting them of an exact bigness, and so put them on Strings, which then serve in stead of Gold, Silver, and Copper Coin.

* 1.154Now to say something of the Vices and Vertues of the Inhabitants. They are in the first place very slovenly and nasty, stubborn, covetous, revengeful, and much addicted to filching and stealing. Some appear reserv'd, using few words, which they utter after serious consideration, and remember a long time. Their Under∣standings being improv'd by the Hollanders, they are quick of apprehension, to di∣stinguish good from bad: they will not endure any Oppression, but are very patient of Heat,* 1.155 Cold, Hunger and Thirst. They have a strange way of using Stoves, which are set in the Ground and cover'd with Earth, into which they go through a little Door. A sick Person coming into the same, sets himself down, and places hot Stones round about him; which done, and having sweat a considerable time, he leaps into cold Water, by which he finds ease of all his Distempers.

Though these People know no great distinction between Man and Man, as other Nations, yet they have noble and ignoble Families amongst them; superior and inferior Offices, which they enjoy by Inheritance; but sometimes the Martial Offices are bestowed according to the Valour of the Persons: Their Generals sel∣dom give their Enemies a Field-Battel, by drawing or dividing their Men into Re∣giments or Companies, but make it their whole Design to defeat their Enemies by sudden Sallies from Ambuscado's; for they never stand out a close Fight, unless compell'd to it, but if encompass'd round, they fight to the last Man. When any danger threatens, the Women and Children are convey'd to a secure place. Their Arms formerly were Bowes and Arrows,* 1.156 and Battel-axes, but now they use Mus∣quets, which they have learn'd to-handle with great dexterity. Their square Shields cover all their Bodies and Shoulders. About their Heads they tie a Snakes Skin, in the middle of which sticks either a Fox's or Bear's Tail. They cannot be known by their Faces, they are all over so besmear'd with Paint of divers colours. They seldom give Quarter to their Enemies,* 1.157 except Women and Children, which the Conquerors use as their own, that by that means they may increase and strengthen themselves: and if any Prisoner is not kill'd presently after the Battel, but falls into the Hands of one whose Relations have formerly been slain by his Party, he is Roasted three days by degrees before he gives up the Ghost. It de∣sences no small admiration, that the Sufferer during the whole time of his Torture, Sings till he breathes his last. They have few or no Punishments for any Offence, committing few Crimes which are by them accounted Capital.* 1.158 If any one steal,

and the Goods be found in his custody, the Governor of the place where he resides commands him onely to restore the same to the Owner. If any one murther or kill the other, the Relations of the slain, if they can take the Malefactor in twenty four hours, may without Examination or delay put him to death also; but that time being once expir'd, the Revenger is liable to be kill'd in the same time by his Rela∣tions whom he slew. All Obligations have their power and vertue from certain Presents deliver'd upon the making of a Contract, which is done thus: They dry as many Sticks as they have Articles, which if they agree upon, every Man on the concluding of the Discourse lays a Present before the others Feet. Sometimes they hang up the Presents, because they are often three days in Consultation before they resolve; after which if the Presents be taken down, it is a certain sign of their Agreement; but if not, they proceed no farther, unless the Articles and Presents are alter'd. On Businesses of consequence the Commonalty repair to their Gover∣nor's House,* 1.159 there to hear and enquire what the Nobility there assembled have concluded or resolv'd on; at which the best Orator standing up, tells them their Intentions. It happens sometimes that a turbulent Person making a Mutiny, and refusing to hearken to reason, is immediately beheaded by one of the Nobility; in contradiction of which none dare presume to speak the least word.

There are scarce any steps of Religion found amongst these People,* 1.160 onely they suppose the Moon to have great influence on Plants. The Sun, which over-looks all things, is call'd to witness whene're they Swear. They bear great respect, and stand much in fear of Satan, because they are often plagued by him when they go a Hunting or Fishing: wherefore the first of what they take is burnt in honor of him, that he to whom they ascribe all wickedness might not hurt them.* 1.161 When they feel pain in any part of their Body, they say that the Devil sits in the same. They acknowledge that there resides a God above the Stars,* 1.162 but troubles not him∣self with what the Devil doth on Earth, because he continually recreates himself with a most beautiful Goddess, whose original is unknown: She on a certain time (say they) descended from Heaven into the Water,* 1.163 (for before the Creation all things were Water) into which she had instantly sunk, had not the Earth arose un∣der her Feet, which grew immediately to such a bigness, that there appear'd a World of Earth, which produc'd all sorts of Herbs and Trees; whilst the Goddess taking to her self a Hart, Bear, and Wolf, and Conceiving by them, she was not long after delver'd of several Beasts at one time: and from thence proceeded not onely the diversity of Beasts, but also Men, of which some are black, white, or sallow; in nature fearful like a Hart, or cruel and valiant like a Bear, or deceitful like Wolves: after this the Mother of all things ascended up to Heaven again, and sported there with the Supream Lord, whom they say they know not, because they never saw him: wherefore they shall have less to answer for than Christians, which pretend to know him to be the Punisher of things both good and bad, which are daily committed by them: and for this ridiculous Opinion they can hardly be brought to embrace the Christian Faith.

* 1.164Concerning the Souls of the Deceased, they believe, that those which have been good in their life-time, live Southward in a temperate Countrey, where they enjoy all manner of pleasure and delight; when as the Wicked wander up and down in a miserable Condition. The Eccho which resounds from the Cries of wild Beasts in the Night, they suppose to be the Spirits of Souls transmigrated into wicked Bodies.

* 1.165At their Cantica's, or Dancing-Matches, where all Persons that come are freely Entertain'd, it being a Festival time. Their Custom is when they Dance, for the

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Spectators to have short Sticks in their Hands, and to knock the Ground and Sing altogether, whilst they that Dance sometimes act Warlike postures, and then they come in painted for War with their Faces black and red, or some all black, some all red, with some streaks of white under their Eyes, and so jump and leap up and down without any order, uttering many Expressions of their intended Valour. For other Dances they onely shew what antick Tricks their ignorance will lead them to, wringing of their Bodies and Faces after a strange manner, sometimes jumping into the Fire, sometimes catching up a Firebrand, and biting off a live Coal, with many such tricks, that will affright rather than please an English-man to look upon them, resembling rather a company of infernal Furies than Men.

* 1.166When their King or Sachem sits in Council, he hath a Company of Arm'd Men to guard his Person, great respect being shewn him by the People, which is princi∣pally manifested by their silence. After he hath declared the cause of their Con∣vention, he demands their Opinion, ordering who shall begin: The Person or∣der'd to speak, after he hath declar'd his mind, tells them he hath done: no Man ever interrupting any Person in his Speech, nor offering to speak, though he make never so many long stops, till he says he hath no more to say. The Council having all declar'd their Opinions, the King after some pause gives the definitive Sentence, which is commonly seconded with a shout from the People, every one seeming to applaud and manifest their Assent to what is determin'd.

If any Person be condemn'd to die, which is seldom, unless for Murther or In cest, the King himself goes out in Person (for you must understand they have no Prisons, and the guilty Person flies into the Woods) where they go in quest of him, and-having found him, the King shoots first, though at never such a distance, and then happy is the Man that can shoot him down; for he that hath the for∣tune to be Executioner, is for his pains made some Captain, or other Military Officer.

They grease their Bodies and Hair very often, and paint their Faces with seve∣ral Colours, as black, white, red, yellow, blue, &c. which they take great pride in, every one being painted in a several manner.

Within two Leagues of New York lieth Staten-Island, it bears from New York West something Southerly: It is about twenty Miles long, and four or five broad, mosr of it very good Land, full of Timber, and producing all such Commodities as Long-Island doth, besides Tin and store of Iron Oar; and the Calamine Stone is said likewise to be found there: There is but one Town upon it, consisting of English and French, but it is capable of entertaining more Inhabitants.

Betwixt this and Long-Island is a large Bay, which is the coming in for all Ships and Vessels out of the Sea.

On the North-side of this Island After-skull River puts into the Main Land, on the West-side whereof there are two or three Towns, but on the East-side but one. There are very great Marshes or Meadows on both sides of it, excellent good Land, and good convenience for the setling of several Towns. There grows black Wal∣nut and Locust, as there doth in Virginia, with mighty, tall, streight Timber, as good as any in the North of America: It produceth any Commodity which Long-Island doth.

Hudson's River runs by New York Northward into the Countrey, towards the Head of which is seated New Albany, a Place of great Trade with the Indians, be∣twixt which and New York, being above a hundred Miles, is as good Corn-Land as the World affords, enough to entertain hundreds of Families, which in the time of the Dutch Government of these Parts could not be setled by reason of the Indians, ex∣cepting

one Place, call'd The Sopers, which was kept by a Garrison, but since the Re∣ducement of these Parts under His Majesties Obedience, and a Patent granted to his Royal Highness the Duke of York, which is about six years, by the care and dili∣gence of the Honorable Collonel Nichols, sent thither as Deputy to his Highness, such a League of Peace was made, and Friendship concluded betwixt that Colony and the Indians, that they have not resisted or disturb'd any Christians there, in the setling or peaceable possessing of any Lands within that Government, but every Man hath sat under his own Vine, and hath peaceably reap'd and enjoy'd the Fruits of their own Labors, which God continue.

* 1.167Westward of After-skull River before mention'd, about eighteen or twenty Miles, runs in Raritan River Northward into the Countrey some scores of Miles; both sides of which River are adorn'd with spacious Meadows, enough to feed thousands of Cattel: The Wood-Land is very good for Corn, and stor'd with wild Beasts, as Deer, Elks, and an innumerable multitude of Fowl, as in other parts of the Countrey. This River is thought very capable for the erecting of several Towns and Villages on each side of it, no place in the North of America having better con∣venience for the maintaining of all sorts of Cattel for Winter and Summer Food.

Upon this River is no Town setled, onely one at the Mouth of it; but next to it, Westward, is a Place call'd Newasons; where are two or three Towns and Villages setled upon the Sea-side, but none betwixt that and Delaware-Bay, which is about sixty Miles, all which is a rich Champain Countrey, free from Stones, and indiffe∣rent level, having store of excellent good Timber, and very well water'd, having Brooks or Rivers ordinarily, one or more in every Miles travel. This Countrey is peopled onely with wild Beasts, as Deer, Elks, Bears, and other Creatures, so that in a whole days Journey you shall meet with no Inhabitants except a few Indians, It is also full of stately Oaks, whose broad-branch'd tops serve for no other use, but to keep off the Suns heat from the wild Beasts of the Wilderness, where is Grass as high as a Man's Middle, which serves for no other end, except to main∣tain the Elks and Deer, who never devour a hundredth part of it, than to be burnt every Spring to make way for new. How many poor People in the World would think themselves happy, had they an Acre or two of Land, whilst here is hundreds, nay thousands of Acres that would invite Inhabitants.

Delaware Bay, the Mouth of the River,* 1.168 lieth about the mid way betwixt New York and the Capes of Virginia.

The best Commodities for any to carry with them to this Countrey is Clothing, the Countrey being full of all sorts of Cattel, which they may furnish themselves withal at an easie Rate, for any sort of English Goods, as likewise Instruments for Husbandry and Building, with Nails, Hinges, Glass, and the like. They get a Live∣lihood principally by Corn and Cattel, which will there fetch them any Commodi∣ties: Likewise they Sowe store of Flax, which they make every one Cloth of for their own wearing; as also Woollen Cloth, and Linsey-woolsey; and had they more Tradesmen amongst them, they would in a little time live without the help of any other Countrey for their Clothing; for Tradesmen there are none but live happily there, as Carpenters, Blacksmiths, Masons, Taylors, Weavers, Shoemakers, Tanners, Brickmakers, and so any other Trade: Them that have no Trade be∣take themselves to Husbandry, get Land of their own, and live exceeding well.

We shall conclude our Discourse of this Countrey with a notable Character gi∣ven thereof by a late Writer, as to the great advantage of happy living in all re∣spects, for whosoever shall be pleas'd to betake himself thither to live.

* 1.169

IF there be any terrestrial happiness (saith he) to be had by any People, especi∣ally of an inferior rank, it must certainly be here. Here any one may furnish himself with Land, and live Rent-free, yea, with such a quantity of Land, that he may weary himself with walking over his Fields of Corn, and all sorts of Grain, and let his Stock amount to some hundreds; he needs not fear there want of Pasture in the Summer, or Fodder in the Winter, the Woods affording suffici∣ent supply, where you have Grass as high as a Man's Knees, nay, as high as his Waste, interlac'd with Pea-Vines, and other Weeds that Cattel much delight in, as much as a Man can pass through: And these Woods also every Mile or half-Mile are furnish'd with fresh Ponds, Brooks, or Rivers, where all sorts of Cattel, during the heat of the day, do quench their thirst, and cool themselves. These Brooks and Rivers being inviron'd of each side with several sorts of Trees and Grape-Vines, Arbor-like interchanging places, and croding these Rivers, do shade and shelter them from the scorching beams of the Sun. Such as by their utmost Labors can scarcely get a Living, may here procure Inheritances of Lands and Possessions, stock themselves with all sorts of Cattel, enjoy the benefit of them whilst they live, and leave them to their Children when they die. Here you need not trouble the Shambles for Meat, nor Bakers and Brewers for Beer and Bread, nor run to a Linnen-Draper for a supply, every one making their own Linnen, and a great part of their woollen Cloth for their ordinary wearing. And how prodigal (if I may so say) hath Nature been to furnish this Countrey with all sorts of wild Beasts and Fowl, which every one hath an interest in, and may Hunt at his pleasure; where, besides the pleasure in Hunting, he may furnish his House with excellent fat Venison, Turkies, Geese, Heath-hens, Cranes, Swans, Ducks, Pigeons, and the like; and wearied with that, he may go a Fishing, where the Rivers are so furnish'd, that he may supply himself with Fish before he can leave off the Recreation. Here one may travel by Land upon the same Continent hundreds of Miles, and pass through Towns and Villages, and never hear the least complaint for want, nor hear any ask him for a Farthing. Here one may lodge in the Fields and Woods, travel from one end of the Countrey to another, with as much security as if he were lock'd within his own Chamber: And if one chance to meet with an Indian Town, they shall give him the best Entertain∣ment they have, and upon his desire direct him on his Way. But that which adds happiness to all the rest, is the healthfulness of the Place, where many Peo∣ple in twenty years time never know what Sickness is; where they look upon it as a great Mortality, if two or three die out of a Town in a years time. Besides the sweetness of the Air, the Countrey it self sends forth such a fragrant smell, that it may be perceiv'd at Sea before they can make the Land: No evil Fog or Vapor doth any sooner appear, but a North-West or Westerly Wind immediately dissolves it, and drives it away. Moreover, you shall scarce see a House, but the South-side is begirt with Hives of Bees, which increase after an incredible man∣ner: So that if there be any terrestrial Canaan, 'tis surely here, where the Land floweth with Milk and Honey.

[illustration] map of northern Virginia

Noua TERRA-MARIAE tabula

This Northerne part of Virginia (the limitts whereof extend farther Southwards) is heere inserted for the better description of the entrance into the Bay of Chesapeack.

A NEW DESCRIPTION OF MARY-LAND.

SECT. III.

BEfore We proceed to the Description of this Countrey, it will be first requisite to relate the true occasion and means, whereby this part of America came to be erected into a Pro∣vince, and call'd Mary-land.

In the Year of our Lord 1631. George Lord Baltimore ob∣tain'd of King Charles the First, of Great Brittain, &c. a Grant of that part of America, (first discover'd by the English) which lies between the Degrees of thirty seven and fifty Minutes, or thereabouts, and forty of Northerly Latitude, which is bounded on the South by Virginia; on the North, by New England, and New Jersey,* 1.170 part of New York, lying on the East side of Delaware Bay; on the East, by the Ocean; and on the West, by that part of the Continent which lies in the Longitude of the first Fountains of the River call'd Patomeck.

In pursuance of this Grant to his said Lordship, a Bill was prepar'd, and brought to His Majesty to Sign, who first ask'd his Lordship, what he should call it, there being a Blank in the Bill designedly left for the Name, which his Lordship inten∣ded should have been Crescentia; but his Lordship leaving it to His Majesty to give it a Name, the King propos'd to have it call'd Terra-Mariae, in English, Mary-land, in honor of his Queen, whose Name was Mary; which was concluded on, and inser∣ted into the Bill, which the King then Sign'd; and thereby the said Tract of Land was erected into a Province by that Name.

His Lordship somewhat delaying the speedy passing of it under the Great Seal of England, dy'd in the interim, before the said Patent was perfected; whereupon a

Patent of the said Province was shortly afterwards pass'd to his Son and Heir, (who was Christen'd by the Name of Coecil, but afterwards confirm'd by the Name of Coecilius,) the now Lord Baltemore, under the Great Seal of England, bearing Date June 20. 1632. in the eighth Year of His said Majesties Reign, with all Royal Ju∣risdictions and Prerogatives, both Military and Civil in the said Province, as Pow∣er to Enact Laws, Power of pardoning all manner of Offences, Power to confer Honors, &c. to be held of His said Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, Kings of Eng∣land in common Soccage, as of His Majesties Honor of Windsor in the County of Berks in England; yielding and paying yearly for the same to His Majesty and to His Heirs and Successors for ever, two Indian Arrows of those parts, at the Castle of Windsor aforesaid, on Tuesday in Easter Week, and the fifth part of all Gold and Sil∣ver Oar, which shall happen to be found in the said Province.

* 1.171

By the said Patent is Granted to his Lorship, his Heirs and Assigns, all that part of a Peninsula, lying in the parts of America, between the Ocean on the East, and the Bay of Chesapeack on the West; and divided from the other part thereof by a right Line drawn from the Promontory, or Cape of Land call'd Watkin's-Point, situate in the aforesaid Bay, near the River of Wigcho on the West, unto the main Ocean on the East, and between that bound on the South, unto that part of Delaware Bay on the North, which lies under the fortieth Degree of Northerly Latitude from the Equinoctial, where New England ends; and all that Tract of Land between the bounds aforesaid, that is to say, passing from the aforesaid Bay call'd Delaware Bay, in a right Line by the Degree aforesaid, unto the true Meridian of the first Fountains of the River of Patomeck; and from thence stretch∣ing towards the South, unto the furthest Bank of the said River, and following the West and South side thereof, unto a certain place call'd Cinquack, near the Mouth of the said River, where it falls into the Bay of Chesapeack, and from thence by a streight Line unto the aforesaid Promontory, or place call'd Watkins-Point, which lies in thirty seven Degrees and fifty Minutes, or thereabouts, of Northern Latitude.

By this Patent his Lordship and his Heirs and Assigns are Created the true and absolute Lords and Proprietaries of the said Province,* 1.172 saving the Allegiance and Soveraign Dominion due to His Majesty, His Heirs, and Successors; so that he hath thereby a Soveraignty Granted to him and his Heirs, dependant upon the Sover∣eignty of the Crown of England.

* 1.173His Lordship, in the Year 1633. sent his second Brother Mr. Leonard Calvert, and his third Brother Mr. George Calvert, with divers other Gentlemen of Quality, and Servants to the number of two hundred Persons at least, to settle a Plantation there; who set Sail from the Cowes in the Isle of Wight in England, on Novemb. 22. in the same Year; having made some stay by the way, at the Barbadoes and St. Chri∣stophers in. America, they arriv'd at Point Comfort in Virginia, on February 24. following; from whence shortly after they Sail'd up the Bay of Chesapeack, and Patomeck Ri∣ver: And having review'd the Country, and given Names to several places, they pitch'd upon a Town of the Indians for their first Seat, call'd Yoacomaco, (now Saint Maries) which the then Governor Mr. Leonard Calvert, freely Purchas'd of the Na∣tives there, for the Lord Proprietaries use, with Commodities brought from England.

That which facilitated the Treaty and Purchase of the said place from the In∣dians, was a resolution which those Indians had then before taken, to remove higher into the Countrey where it was more Populous, for fear of the Sansquehanocks, (another, and more Warlike People of the Indians, who were their too near Neigh∣bors,

and inhabit between the Bays of Chesapeack and Delaware) there being then actual Wars between them, insomuch, that many of them were gone thither before the English arriv'd: And it hath been the general practice of his Lordship, and those who were employ'd by him in the Planting of the said Province, rather to purchase the Natives Interest, (who will agree for the same at easie rates) than to take from them by force, that which they seem to call their Right and Inheritance, to the end all Disputes might be remov'd touching the forcible Incroachment upon others, against the Laws of Nature or Nations.

Thus this Province at the vast Charges, and by the unweary'd Industry and en∣deavor of the present Lord Baltemore, the now absolute Lord and Proprietary of the same was at first Planted , and hath since been supply'd with People and other Necessaries, so effectually,* 1.174 that in this present Year 1671. the number of English there amounts to fifteen or twenty thousand Inhabitants, for whose Encourage∣ment there is a Fundamental Law establish'd there by his Lordship, whereby Li∣berty of Conscience is allow'd to all that Profess to believe in Jesus Christ; so that no Man who is a Christian is in danger of being disturb'd for his Religion; and all Persons being satisfi'd touching his Lordships Right, as Granted by his Superior So∣veraign, the King of Great Brittain, and possess'd by the consent and agreement of the first Indian Owners, every Person who repaireth thither, intending to become an Inhabitant, finds himself secure, as well in the quiet enjoyment of his Property, as of his Conscience.

Mr. Charles Calvert, his Lordships onely Son and Heir, was in the Year 1661. sent thither by his Lordship to Govern this Province and People, who hath hi∣therto continu'd that Charge of his Lordships Lieutenant there, to the general sa∣tisfaction and encouragement of all Persons under his Government, or otherwise concern'd in the Province.

The precedent Discourse having given you a short Description of this Province from its Infancy to this day, together with an account of his Lordships Patent and Right, by which he holds the same; we will here speak something of the Nature of the Countrey in general, and of the Commodities that are either naturally afforded there, or may be procur'd by Industry.

The Climate is very healthful, and agreeable with English Constitutions; but New-comers have most of them heretofore had the first year of their Planting there in July and August, a Sickness, which is call'd there A Seasoning, but is indeed no other than an Ague, with cold and hot Fits, whereof many heretofore us'd to die for want of good Medicines, and accommodations of Diet and Lodging, and by drinking too much Wine and Strong-waters; though many, even in those times, who were more temperate, and that were better accommodated, never had any Seasonings at all; but of late years, since the Countrey hath been more open'd by the cutting down of the Woods, and that there is more plenty of English Diet, there are very few die of those Agues, and many have no Seasonings at all, especially those that live in the higher parts of the Country, and not near to the Marshes and Salt-water.

In Summer, the heats are equal to those of Spain, but qualifi'd daily about Noon, at that time of the Year, either with some gentle Breezes, or small Showres of Rain: In Winter there is Frost and Snow, and sometimes it is extremely cold, insomuch, that the Rivers and the Northerly part of the Bay of Chesapeack are Fro∣zen, but it seldom lasts long; and some Winters are so warm, that People have gone in half Shirts and Drawers only at Christmas: But in the Spring and Autumn, (viz.) in March, April, and May, September, October, and November, there is generally

most pleasant temperate Weather: The Winds there are variable, from the South comes Heat, Gusts, and Thunder; from the North or North-West, cold Weather; and in Winter, Frost and Snow; from the East and South-East, Rain.

The Soyl is very fertile, and furnish'd with many pleasant and commodious Rivers, Creeks, and Harbors.

The Country is generally plain and even, and yet distinguish'd with some pret∣ty small Hills and Risings, with variety of Springs and Rivulets: The Woods are for the most part free from Underwood, so that a Man may Travel or Hunt for his Recreation.

The ordinary entrance by Sea into this Country is between two Capes, distant each from the other about seven or eight Leagues; the South Cape is call'd Cape Henry; the North, Cape Charles; within the Capes you enter into a fair Bay, Navi∣gable for at least two hundred Miles, and is call'd Chesapeack Bay; stretching it self Northerly through the heart of the Countrey, which adds much to its Fame and Value: Into this Bay fall many stately Rivers, the chief whereof is Patomeck, which is Navigable for at least a hundred and forty Miles: The next Northward, is Pa∣tuxent, at its entrance distant from the other about twenty Miles, a River yielding great Profit as well as Pleasure to the Inhabitants; and by reason of the Islands and other places of advantage that may Command it, both fit for Habitation and De∣fence: Passing hence to the Head of the Bay, you meet with several pleasant and commodious Rivers, which for brevity we here omit to give any particular ac∣count of: On the Eastern Shore are several commodious Rivers, Harbors, Creeks, and Islands; to the Northward whereof you enter into another fair Bay, call'd Delaware Bay; wide at its entrance about eight Leagues, and into which falls a very fair Navigable River.

* 1.175This Countrey yields the Inhabitants many excellent things for Physick and Chyrurgery; they have several Herbs and Roots which are great Preservatives against Poyson, as Snake-Root, which presently cures the bitings of the Rattle-Snake, which are very Venomous, and are bred in the Countrey; others that cure all manner of Wounds; they have Saxafras , Sarsaparilla, Gums and Balsoms, which Experience (the Mother of Art) hath taught them the perfect use of.

An Indian seeing one of the English much troubled with the Tooth-ach, setch'd a Root out of a Tree, which apply'd to the Tooth, gave ease immediately to the Par∣ty; other Roots they have fit for Dyers, wherewith the Indians Paint themselves as Pacoone (a deep red,) &c.

The Timber of these parts is good and useful for Building of Houses and Ships, the white Oak for Pipe-staves, the red for Wainscot; there is likewise black Wall-Nut, Cedar, Pine, and Cypress, Chest-nut, Elme, Ash, and Popelar, all which are for Building and Husbandry: Fruit-trees, as Mulberries, Persimons, with several kind of Plumbs, and Vines in great abundance.

Of Strawberries there is plenty, which are ripe in April, Mulberries in May, Ras∣berries in June, and the Maracok, which is something like a Lemon, is ripe in August. In Spring time there are several sorts of Herbs, as Corn-sallet, Violets, Sorrel, Pur∣slane, and others which are of great use to the English there.

In the upper parts of the Countrey are Buffeloes, Elks, Tygers, Bears, Wolves, and great store of Deer; as also Beavers, Foxes, Otters, Flying-Squirils, Racoons, and many other sorts of Beasts.

Of Birds, there is the Eagle, Goshawk, Falcon, Lanner, Sparrow-hawk, and Mar∣lin; also wild Turkies in great abundance, whereof many weigh fifty Pounds in weight and upwards, and of Partridge great plenty: There are likewise sundry

sorts of singing Birds, whereof one is call'd a Mock Bird, because it imitates all other Birds; some are red, which sing like Nightingales, but much louder; others black and yellow, which last sort excels more in Beauty than tune, and is by the English there call'd the Baltemore-Bird, because the Colours of his Lordships Coat of Arms are black and yellow: Others there are that resemble most of the Birds in England, but not of the same kind, for which we have no names: In Winter there are great plenty of Swans, Cranes, Geese, Herons, Duck, Teal, Widgeons, Brants, and Pidgeons, with other sorts, whereof there are none in England.

The Sea, the Bays of Chesapeack and Delaware, and generally all the Rivers, do abound with Fish of several sorts; as Whales, Sturgeon, Thorn-back, Grampuses, Porpuses, Mullets, Trouts, Soules, Plaice, Mackrel, Perch, Eels, Roach, Shadd, Herrings, Crabs, Oysters, Cockles, Mussels, &c. but above all these, the Fish where∣of there are none in England, as Drums, Sheeps-head, Cat-fish, &c. are best, except Stur∣geon, which are there found in great abundance, not inferior to any in Europe for largeness and goodness.

The Minerals may in time prove of very great consequence, though no rich Mines are yet discover'd there; but there is Oar of several sorts, viz. of Tin, Iron, and Copper, whereof several trials have been made by curious Persons there with good success.

The Soyl is generally very rich, the Mould in many places black and rank, in∣somuch, that it is necessary to Plant it first with Indian Corn, Tobacco, or Hemp, before it is fit for English Grain; under that is found good Loam, whereof has been made as good Brick as any in Europe: There are store of Marsh-grounds for Mea∣dows; great plenty of Marle, both blue and white; excellent Clay for Pots and Tiles: To conclude, there is nothing that can be reasonably expected, in a place lying in the same Latitude with this, but what is either there found naturally, or may be procur'd by Industry, as Oranges, Lemons, and Olives, &c.

* 1.176We need not here mention Indian Corn, (call'd Mayz) Pease and Beans of several sorts, being the peculiar products Planted by the Indians of that part of America.

All sorts of English Grain are now common there, and yield a great encrease; as Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats, Pease, Beans, &c. good Beer of Wheat or Barley Malt, after the English Mode, is made, even in the meanest Families there; Some drink Beer of Indian Corn, others of the Stalks thereof, or of the Chipps of the Pockykerry-Tree, all which make a fort of fresh and pleasant Drink; but the general Diet of the Country is now English, as most agreeable to their Constitutions.

There are few able Planters there at present, but what are plentifully supply'd with all sorts of Summer and Winter Fruits. as also of Roots and Herbs, of all sorts out of their Gardens and Orchards, which they have Planted for their Profit as well as Pleasure: They have Pears, Apples, Plumbs, Peaches, &c. in great abun∣dance, and as good as those of Italy; so are their Mellons, Pumpions, Apricocks, Cherries, Figgs, Pomegranates, &c. In fine, there is scarce any Fruit or Root that grows in England, France, Spain, or Italy, but hath been try'd there, and prospers well.

You may have there also Hemp, Flax, Pitch, and Tar, with little labor; the Soyl is apt for Hops, Rape-seed, Annice-seed, Woad, Madder, Saffron, &c. there may be had Silk-worms, the Country being stor'd with Mulberry-trees, and the su∣perfluity of the Wood will produce Pot-ashes.

There is a great quantity of Syder made there at present, and as good as in any other Countrey; good Perry and Quince-drink is there likewise made in great plenty: The Ground doth naturally bring forth Vines in great quantities, the quali∣ty

whereof being something corrected by Industry, (as there have been several trials thereof already made there) may no doubt produce good Wine, to the great en∣couragement and advantage of the Undertakers.

Brave Ships may be built there with little charge, Clab-board, Wainscot, Pipe∣staves, and Masts for Ships, the Woods will afford plentifully; some small Ves∣sels have been already built there: In fine, Beef, Furrs, Hides, Butter, Cheese, Pork, and Bacon, to Transport to other Countreys, are no small Commodities, which by Industry, are, and may be had there in great plenty, the English being al∣ready plentifully stock'd with all sorts of Cattel and Horses; and were there no other Staple-Commodities to be hop'd for, but Silk and Linnen (the materials of which apparently will grow there) it were sufficient to enrich the Inhabitants.

But the general Trade of Mary-land at present depends chiefly upon Tobacco, it being the Planters greatest concern and study to store himself betimes with that Commodity, wherewith he buys and sells, and after which Standard all other Commodities receive their Price there; they have of late vented such quantities of that and other Commodities, that a hundred Sail of Ships from England, Barbadoes, and other English Plantations, have been usually known to Trade thither in one Year; insomuch, that by Custom and Excize paid in England for Tobacco and other Commodities Imported from thence, Mary-land alone at this present, hath by his Lordships vast Expence, Industry, and Hazard for many years, without any charge to the Crown, improv'd His Majesties, the King of Englands Revenues, to the value of Forty thousand Pounds Sterl. per annum at least.

The general way of Traffick and Commerce there is chiefly by Barter, or Ex∣change of one Commodity for another; yet there wants not, besides English and other foraign Coyns, some of his Lordships own Coyn, as Groats, Sixpences, and Shillings, which his Lordship at his own Charge caus'd to be Coyn'd and dispers'd throughout that Province; 'tis equal in fineness of Silver to English Sterling, being of the same Standard, but of somewhat less weight, and hath on the one side his Lordships Coat of Arms stamp'd, with this Motto circumscrib'd, Crescite & Mal∣tiplicamini, and on the other side his Lordships Effigies, circumscrib'd thus, Caecilius Dominus Terrae-Mariae, &c.

* 1.177The Order of Government and settled Laws of this Province, is by the Prudence and endeavor of the present Lord Proprietary, brought to great Perfection; and as his Dominion there is absolute (as may appear by the Charter aforementioned) so all Patents, Warrants, Writs, Licenses, Actions Criminal, &c. Issue forth there in his Name: Wars, Peace, Courts, Offices, &c. all in his Name made, held, and ap∣pointed.

Laws are there Enacted by him, with the advice and consent of the General As∣sembly, which consists of two Estates, namely, the first is made up by the Chan∣cellor, Secretary, and others of his Lordships Privy-Council, and such Lords of Mannors, and others as shall be call'd by particular Writs for that purpose, to be Issu'd by his Lordship: The second Estate consists of the Deputies and Delegates of the respective Counties of the said Province, elected and chosen by the free voice and approbation of the Free-men of the said respective Counties.

The Names of the Governor and Council in this present Year 1671. are as fol∣loweth, Mr. Charles Calvert, his Lordships Son and Heir, Governor; Mr. Philip Cal∣vert, his Lordships Brother, Chancellor; Sir William Talbot Baronet, his Lordships Nephew, Secretary; Mr. William Calvert, his Lordships Nephew, Muster-Master-General; Mr. Jerome White, Surveyor-General; Mr. Baker Brooke, his Lordships Ne∣phew; Mr. Edward Lloyd, Mr, Henry Coursey, Mr. Thomas Trueman, Major Edward Fits-Herbert, Samuel Chen Esq.

His Lordship, or his Lieutenant there for the time being, upon due occasion, Convenes, Prorogues, and Dissolves this Assembly; but whatsoever is by his Lordships Lieutenant there, with the consent of both the said Estates Enacted, is there of the same Force and Nature as an Act of Parliament is in England, until his Lordship declares his dis-assent; but such Laws as his Lordship doth assent unto, are not afterwards to be Alter'd or Repeal'd but by his Lordship, with the consent of both the said Estates.

Their chief Court of Judicature is held at St. Maries Quarterly every Year, to which all Persons concern'd resort for Justice, and is call'd The Provincial Court, whereof the Governor and Councilare Judges: To the Court there doth belong se∣veral sworn Attorneys, who constantly are present there, and act both as Barristers and Attorneys; there are likewise chief Clerks, Bayliffs, and other Officers, which duly attend the Court in their respective places.

The Province is divided at present, so far as it is inhabited by English, into Counties, whereof there be ten, viz. St. Maries, Charles, Calvert, Anne Arandel, and Baltemore Counties, which first five lie on the West side of the Bay of Chesapeack; on the Eastern side whereof, commonly call'd The Eastern-Shore, lies Sommerset, Dorche∣ster, Talbot, Caecil, and Kent Counties, which last is an Island lying near the Eastern∣shore of the said Bay.

Besides the Provincial Court aforenam'd, there are other inferior Courts, ap∣pointed to be held in every one of the Counties six times in the year, for the dis∣patch of all Causes, not relating to Life or Member, and not exceeding the value of three thousand weight of Tobacco; the decision of all other Causes being re∣serv'd to the Provincial or higher Court before-mention'd, and there lies Appeals from the County-Courts, to the Provincial Court.

There are Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, and other Officers appointed by the Lord and Proprietary, or his Lordships Lieutenant for the time being, in the said respective Counties; and without four Justices, of which one to be of the Quorum, none of the said respective County-Courts can be held; any of his Lordships Privy Council may sit as Judge, in any of the said County-Courts, by vertue of his place.

These Courts are appointed to be held at convenient Houses in the said Coun∣ties, which commonly are not far distant from some Inn, or other House of Enter∣tainment, for accommodation of Strangers; one of the said six County Courts in each County is held for settling of Widows and Orphans Estates.

There are Foundations laid of Towns, more or less in each County, according to his Lordships Proclamation, to that effect Issu'd forth in the year 1668. In Cal∣vert County, about the River of Patuxent, and the adjacent Cliffs, are the Bounds of three Towns laid out, one over against Point Patience, call'd Harvy Town, another in Battel-Creek, call'd Calverton, and a third upon the Cliffs, call'd Herrington, and Hou∣ses already built in them, all uniform, and pleasant with Streets, and Keys on the Water side. In the County of St. Maries, on the East side of St. Georges River, is the principal and original Seat of this Province, where the general Assembly, and Pro∣vincial Courts are held, and is call'd St. Maries, being erected into a City by that Name, where divers Houses are already built: The Governor hath a House there call'd St. John's; the Chancellor Mr. Philip Calvert, his Lordships Brother, hath an∣other, and in this place is built and kept the Secretaries Office, where all the Re∣cords are kept, all Process, Grants, for Lands, Probates of Wills, Letters of Admi∣nistration are issu'd out: the Plat of a Fort and Prison is lately laid there, upon a point of Land, term'd Windmil-Point, from a Windmil which formerly stood there,

the situation is proper, for that it commands the breadth of the said River of Saint Georges; so that when it is finish'd, all Shipping may safely Ride before the Town, without the least fear of any sudden Assault, or Attempt of Pirats or other Enemy whatsoever. This City has formerly been the usual place of abode for his Lord∣ships Lieutenants, and their Retinue; but of late years the present Governor, Mr. Charles Calvert, hath built himself a fair House of Brick and Timber, with all Out-houses, and other Offices thereto belonging, at a place call'd Mattapany, near the River of Patuxent before-mention'd, where he and his Family reside, being a pleasant, healthful, and commodious Seat, about eight Miles by Land distant from St. Maries.

* 1.178The Indians in Mary-land ate a People generally of streight, able, and well pro∣portion'd Bodies, something exceeding the ordinary pitch of the English, their Com∣plexion Swarthy, their Hair naturally long and black, without Curle, which ge∣nerally they cut after some strange Fantastical Mode; nay, sometimes they Dye it with red and other preposterous Colours: They Liquor their Skins with Bears Grease, and other Oyls, which renders them more tawny, and less apt to receive injury from the Weather: They are subtile from their Infancy, and prone to learn any thing their Fancy inclines them to, in other things slothful.

There are as many distinct Nations among them as there are Indian Towns, (which are like Countrey-Villages in England, but not so good Houses) dispers'd throughout the Province: Each Town hath its King (by them term'd Werowance) and every forty or fifty Miles distance differs much from its Neighbors in Speech and Disposition: The Sasquahanocks, though but few in number, yet much exceed the rest in Valor , and Fidelity to the English; the rest being generally of a more Treacherous Spirit, and not so stout, and the number of the English do already ex∣ceed all the Indians in the Province.

The Werowance is assisted by Councellors, call'd Wisoes, who are commonly of the same Family, and are chosen at the pleasure of the Werowance: They have Cap∣tains in time of War which they term Cockorooses.

Most of their Governments are Monarchical, (except the Sasquabanocks, which is a Re-publick) but for succession they have a peculiar Custom, that the Issue of the Males never succeed, but the Issue-Male of the Female succeed in Government, as the surer side: They all submit to, and are protected by the Lord Proprietaries Government; and in case of any Assault or Murder, committed on any English, the Party offending is try'd by the Laws of the Province; and in case of any new Ele∣ction of King or Emperor among them, they present the Person so Elected to the Governor for the time being, who as he sees cause, either alters or confirms their Choice.

In the Year 1663. at the Indians Request, the present Governor Mr. Charles Calvert, and some others of his Lordships Privy-Council there, went to Pascatoway, in this Province, to be present at the Election of a new Emperor for that Nation: They presented a Youth nam'd Nattawasso, and humbly Requested to have him confirm'd Emperor of Pascatoway, by the Name of Wahocasso; which after some charge given them in general, to be good and faithful Subjects to him, the Governor according∣ly did, and receiv'd him into his Protection.

They pay great Respect and Obedience to their Kings and Superiors, whose Commands they immediately Execute, though with an apparent hazard of their Lives.

The Mens chief employment is Hunting, and the Wars, in both which they commonly use Bowes and Arrows; some of late have Guns and other Weapons, by a private Trade with some English Neighboring Plantations: They are excel∣lent

Marks-men, it being the onely thing they breed their Youth to: The Women Plant and look after the Corn, make their Bread, and dress what Provisions their Husbands bring home. Their way of Marriage is by agreement with the Womens Parents or Friends, who for a certain Sum of their Money, or other Goods, deliver her to the Man at a day appointed, which is commonly spent in jollity.

* 1.179There are two sorts of Indian Money, Wampompeage and Roanoack, these serve among them as Gold and Silver do in Europe, both are made of Fish-shells, which they string like Beads; Wampompeage is the largest Bead, sixty whereof countervails an Arms length of Roanoack, which is valued at six Pence Sterling; with this they purchase Commodities of the English, as Trading-Cloth, &c. of which they make themselves Mantles, which is something shaggy, and is call'd Dutch Duffels; this is their Winter Habit; in Summer they onely wear a narrow slip of the same to cover those parts, which natural modesty teaches them to conceal; the better sort have Stockings made thereof, and pieces of Deer-Skin, stitch'd together about their Feet in stead of Shooes: The Womens Apparel is the same, but those of the best Quality among them bedeck themselves with Wampompeage or Roanoack, or some other toy.

* 1.180Their Houses are rais'd about the height of a large Arbor, and cover'd with Barks of Trees very tite, in the middle whereof is the Fire-place, they lie generally upon Mats of their own making, plac'd round the Fire, a Woodden-bowl or two, an Earthen Pot, and a Mortar and Pestle, is their chiefest Houshold-stuff; he that hath his Bowe and Arrows, or Gun, a Hatchet, and a Canoo, (a term they use for Boats) is in their minds rarely well provided for; each House contains a distinct Family, each Family hath its peculiar Field about the Town, where they Plant their Corn, and other sorts of Grain afore-mention'd.

* 1.181They are courteous to the English, if they chance to see any of them coming to∣wards their Houses, they immediately meet him half-way, conduct him in, and bid him welcome with the best Cates they have: The English giving them in like manner civil Entertainment, according to their Quality.

The Werowance of Patuxent having been Treated for some days at St. Maries, by the then Governor, Mr. Leonard Calvert, his Lordships Brother, at his first coming thither to settle that Colony, took his leave of him with this Expression, I love the English so well, that if they should go about to kill me, if I had so much breath as to speak, I would Command my People not to revenge my death; for I know they would not do such a thing, except it were through my own default.

In Affairs of concern, they are very considerate, and use few words in declaring their intentions; for at Mr. Leonard Calverts first arrival there, the Werowance of Pas∣catoway being ask'd by him, Whether he would be content, that the English should fit down in his Countrey? return'd this answer, That he would not bid him go, neither would he bid him stay, but that he might use his own discretion. These were their expressions to the Governor at his first entrance into Mary-land, whom then they were jealous of, whether he might prove a Friend or a Neighbor, but by his discreet Demeanor to∣wards them at first, and friendly usage of them afterwards, they are now become, not only civil, but serviceable to the English there upon all occasions.

The Indians of the Eastern shore are most numerous, and were formerly very re∣fractory, whom Mr. Leonard Calvert some few years after his first settling the Colo∣ny, was forc'd to reduce, and of late the Emperor of Nanticoke, and his Men were deservedly defeated by the present Governor, Mr. Charles Calvert, who reduc'd him about the year 1668. which has since tam'd the ruder sort of the neighboring Indi∣ans, who now by experience, find it better to submit and be protected by the Lord

Proprietaries Government, than to make any vain attempt against his Power.

These People live under no Law, but that of Nature and Reason, which not∣withstanding leads them to the acknowledgement of a Deity, whom they own to be the Giver of all good things, wherewith their Life is maintain'd, and to him they Sacrifice the first Fruits of the Earth, and of that which they acquire by Hunt∣ing and Fishing: The Sacrifice is perform'd by their Priests, who are commonly ancient Men, and profess themselves Conjurers; they first make a Speech to their God, then burn part, and eat and distribute the rest among them that are present; until this Ceremony be ended, they will not touch one bit thereof; they hold the Immortality of the Soul, and that there is a place of Joy, and another of Torment after Death, prepar'd for every one according to their Merits.

They bury their Dead with strange expressions of Sorrow (the better sort upon a Scaffold, erected for that end) whom they leave cover'd with Mats, and return when his flesh is consum'd to Interr his Bones; the common sort are committed to the Earth without that Ceremony; but they never omit to bury some part of their Wealth, Arms, and Houshold-stuff with the Corps.

SECT. IV. Virginia.

* 1.182THe most Southerly part of Virginia (for all that Tract of Land, reaching from Norumbega to Florida, and containing New-England, New-York, Mary∣land, and this part we are now about to Treat of, was by Sir Walter Raw∣leigh term'd Virginia, in Honor of our Virgin-Queen Elizabeth) lies between Mary∣land, which it hath on the North, and Carolina, which it hath on the South, from thirty six, to near thirty eight Degrees of Northern Latitude; and with the rest of those Countries which were comprehended under the same Denomination, was by the Encouragement, and at the Expence of the said Sir Walter Rawleigh, first Disco∣ver'd (as some say) by Captain Francis Drake, for his many notable and bold Ex∣ploits, afterwards Knighted by the Queen:* 1.183 But upon examination we find little reason to ascribe the first Discovery thereof to Sir Francis Drake, whose chief per∣formances, from the time he first made himself Eminent at Sea, were against the Spaniards, and for the most part in the Spanish-Indies; as his taking of Nombre de Dios, and Vinta Cruz, with an infinite mass of Treasure; his taking of Santo Domingo in Hispaniola, and of Carthagena in Castella Anna; and that which seems to have given occasion of attributing to him the first Discovery of these parts, was his touching upon the North part of the Isle of California, where being nobly Entertain'd by Hioh, a King of that Countrey, and having a Surrendry thereof made to him, in behalf of the Queen of England, he upon a Pillar erected, Inscrib'd the Arms of England, with the Queens Name and his own, and call'd the place Nova Albion: Certain indeed it is, that Sir Walter Rawleigh was the first Promoter of this Disco∣very; for, after Mr. Martin Forbisher had been sent by Queen Elizabeth to search for the North-West Passage, which was in the year 1576. and for which he also was by the Queen advanc'd to Knight-hood, and nobly rewarded; and Sir Humphrey Gilbert obtaining the Queens Letters Patents, for attempting a Plantation, had reach'd New-found-land (though perishing in his return) he upon these Relations and Inducements undertook by others (for his employments would not permit him to go in Person) to gain Discoveries to the Southward; and accordingly in the year of our Lord 1584. obtain'd a Commission from the Queen, to discover and Plant

[illustration] map of northern Virginia

NOVA VIRGINIAE TABULA.

Notarum Explicatio Domus Regum Ordinariae Domus Incubrationes Anglos

Milliaria Germanica communia.

new Lands in America, not actually possess'd by any Christians, who, with the assi∣stance of Sir Richard Greenvil and others, provided two small Barques, under the Command of Captain Philip Amidas, and Captain Arthur Barlow, who setting Sail the 27. of April, fell the 2^d of July following with the Coast of Florida, and made Discovery of the Isle of Wokokon, Roanoack, and the Continent of Wingandacoa, which they left; and arriving in England about the midst of September following, Her Ma∣jesty upon the relation of their Discoveries, was pleas'd to call this Countrey Virginia.

April 9. 1585. Sir Richard Greenvil, with seven Sail, and several Gentlemen, left Plymouth; and on May 26. Anchor'd at Wokokon, but made their first Seat at Roanoack on August 17. following, which lies in thirty six Degrees of Northerly Latitude, or thereabouts, where they continu'd till June 1586. during which time they made several Discoveries in the Continent and adjacent Islands; and being endanger'd by the treachery of the Salvages, return'd for England, and Landed at Portsmouth on July 27. following.

Sir Walter Rawleigh and his Associates, in the year 1586. sent a Ship to relieve that Colony, which had deserted the Countrey some while before, and were all re∣turn'd for England as is before-mention'd.

Some few days after they were gone, Sir Rirchard Greenvil, with three Ships, ar∣riv'd at the Plantation at Roanoack, which he found deserted, and leaving fifty Men there to keep Possession of that Countrey, return'd for England.

The year following, Mr. John White, with three Ships, came to search for the fifty English at Roanoack, but found them not, they having been set upon by the Na∣tives, and dispers'd so, as no News could be heard of them, and in their room left a hundred and fifty more to continue that Plantation.

In August 1589. Mr. John White went thither again, to search for the last Colony which he had left there; but not finding them, return'd for England in Septemb. 6. 1590.

This ill Success made all further Discoveries to be laid aside, till Captain Gosnol on March 26. 1602. set Sail from Dartmouth, and on May 11. following, made Land at a place, where some Biscaners, as he guess'd by the Natives information, had formerly fish'd, being about the Latitude of forty eight Degrees Northerly Lati∣tude; from hence putting to Sea, he made Discovery of an Island which he call'd Mar∣thas Vineyard, and shortly after of Elizabeth's Isle, and so return'd for England, June 18. following.

In the Year 1603. the City of Bristol rais'd a Stock, and furnish'd out two Barques for Discovery, under the Command of Captain Martin Pring, who about June 7. fell with the North of Virginia in the three and fortieth Degree, found plenty of good Fish, nam'd a place Whitson-Bay, and so return'd.

In the Year 1605. the Right Honorable Thomas Arundel the first, Baron of Warder, and Count of the Roman Empire, set out Captain George Waymouth, with twenty nine Sea-men, and necessary Provisions, to make what Discoveries he could; who by contrary Winds, fell Northward about one and forty Degrees and twenty Mi∣nutes of Northerly Latitude, where they found plenty of good Fish; and Sailing further, discover'd an Island, where they nam'd a Harbor, Pentecost-Harbor; and on July 18. following, came back for England.

In the Year 1606. by the sollicitation of Captain Gosnol, and several Gentlemen, a Commission was granted by King James of Great Brittain, &c. for establishing a Council, to direct those new Discoveries; Captain Newport (a well practic'd Mar∣riner) was intrusted with the Transportation of the Adventurers in two Ships,

and a Pinace, who on Decemb. 19. 1606. set Sail from Black-wall, and were by Storm, contrary to expectation, cast upon the first Land, which they call'd Cape Henry, at the Mouth of the Bay of Chesapeack, lying in thirty seven Degrees, or thereabouts, of Northerly Latitude: Here their Orders were open'd and read, and eight declar'd of the Council, and impower'd to chose a President for a year, who with the Council should Govern that Colony: Till May 13. they sought a place to Plant in, Mr. Winkfield was chose the first President, who caus'd a Fort to be rais'd at Powhatan, now call'd James-Town: In June following, Captain Newport re∣turn'd for England, leaving a hundred Men behind him; since which time they have been sufficiently supply'd from England, and by the indefatigable Industry and Cou∣rage of Captain John Smith, (one of the Council at that time, and afterward Presi∣dent of the Colony) they made several Discoveries on the Eastern shore, and up to the Head of the Bay of Chesapeack, and of the principal Rivers which fall into the said Bay.

Virginia being thus Discover'd and Planted, King James by his Letters Patent bearing Date April 10. in the fourth year of his Reign, 1607. Granted Licence to Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Summers, and others, to divide themselves into two se∣veral Colonies, for the more speedy Planting of that Countrey, then call'd Virgi∣nia, between the Degrees of thirty four and forty five of North Latitude, that is to say, taken in that large extent, mention'd in the beginning: The first Colony to be undertaken by certain Knights, Gentlemen, and Merchants, in, and about the City of London: The second to be undertaken, and advanc'd by certain Knights, Gentlemen, and Merchants, and their Associates, in, or about the City of Bristol, Exon, Plymouth, and other parts.

At the first Colonies Request, in the seventh year of the same King, a second Patent was Granted to several Noblemen and Gentlemen, (including Sir Thomas Gates, and some of his former Fellow-Patentees) bearing Date May 23. 1610. where∣by they were made a Corporation, and Body Politique, and stil'd, The Treasurer, and Company of Adventurers and Planters of the City of London, for the first Colony of Vir∣ginia: And by this Patent, there was Granted to them, their Successors and As∣signs, two hundred Miles to the Southward, from a Cape of Land in Virginia, call'd Point Comfort; and two hundred Miles to the Northward of the said Cape, along the Sea-shore, and into the Land from Sea to Sea.

And on March 12. 1612. the said King, in the ninth year of his Reign, Grants them a third Patent, of all Islands lying in the Sea, within two hundred Miles of the Shore of that Tract of Land on the Continent, granted to them by the said for∣mer Patent, Jac. 7.

In the Year 1615. Captain Smith procur'd by his Interest at Court, and the King's Favor, a Recommendation from His Majesty, and divers of the Nobility, to all Cities and Corporations, to Adventure in a standing Lottery, which was erected for the benefit of this Plantation, which was contriv'd in such a manner, that of 100000. Pounds which was to be put in, 50000. onely, or one half was to return to the Adventurers, according as the Prizes fell out; and the other half to be dispos'd of for the Promotion of the Affairs of Virginia, in which, though it were three years before it was fully accomplish'd, he had in the end no bad Success.

In the eighteenth Year of the said King's Reign, at the Request of the second Colony, a Patent was Granted to several Noblemen and Gentlemen, of all that Tract of Land lying in the parts of America, between the Degrees of forty and for∣ty eight of Northerly Latitude, and into the Land from Sea to Sea, which was call'd by the Patent New England in America: For the better Government whereof,

one Body-Politick and Corporate was thereby appointed and ordain'd in Plymouth, consisting of the said Noblemen, Gentlemen, and others, to the number of forty Persons, by the Name of The Council establish'd at Plymouth in the County of Devon, for the Planting, Ruling, Ordering, and Governing of New England im America.

* 1.184The Miscarriages and Misdemeanors of the aforesaid Corporation for the first Colony of Virginia, were so many and so great, that His said Majesty was forc'd, in or about October 1623. to direct a Quo Warranto, for the calling in of that former Patent, which in Trinity Term following was legally Evinc'd, Condemn'd, and made Void, by Judgment in the Court of the then Kings-Bench; as also all other Patents, by which the said Corporation claim'd any Interest in Virginia. Thus this Corporation of the first Colony of Virginia was dissolv'd, and that Plantation hath been since Govern'd and Dispos'd of by Persons Constituted and Impower'd for that purpose from time to time, by immediate Commissions from the Kings of England.

* 1.185In the Year of our Lord 1631. the Right Honorable George Lord Baltemore ob∣tain'd a Grant, of King Charles the First of Great Britain, &c. of part of that Land to the Northward, which is now call'd Mary-land; but this Patent of Mary-land was not perfected till 1632. as you may understand more fully by the precedent Dis∣course of Mary-land, which by express words in the said Patent is separated from, and thereby declar'd not to be reputed for the future, any part of Virginia.

* 1.186And in the fifteenth Year of the Reign of King Charles the Second of Great Bri∣tain, &c. on March 24. 1663. Edward Earl of Clarendon, then High-Chancellor of England, George Duke of Albemarle, William, now Earl of Craven, John Lord Berkley, Anthony Lord Ashley, Sir George Carterett Knight and Baronet, Sir William Berkley Knight, and Sir John Colleton Knight and Baronet, obtain'd a Patent from His Ma∣jesty, of the Province of Carolina, which lies to the Southward of Virginia, in which is included some part of that Land which formerly belong'd to the said dissolv'd Company of Virginia. So that Virginia at present extendeth it self onely, and is situ∣ated between thirty six and thirty seven Degrees and fifty Minutes, or thereabouts, of Northern Latitude, and is bounded on the North, by Mary-land; on the South, by Carolina; on the East, by the Ocean; and on the West, by the South-Seas.

The Entrance by Sea into this Countrey is the same with that of Mary-land, be∣tween Cape Henry and Cape Charles, plac'd on each side of the Mouth of the Bay of Chesapeak;* 1.187 on the West side whereof you first meet with a pleasant and commodi∣ous River call'd James-River, about three Miles wide at its Entrance, and Naviga∣ble a hundred and fifty.

Fourteen Miles from this River Northward lies York-River, which is Navigable sixty or seventy Miles, but with Ketches and small Barques thirty or forty Miles farther.

Passing hence to the North you discover a third stately River, call'd Rappahanock, which is Navigable about a hundred and thirty Miles — from whence following the Shore to the North you enter into Patomeck-River, which is already describ'd in the precedent Discourse of Mary-land, to which Province this River belongs, whose Southerly Bank gives Bounds to that part of Virginia and Mary-land.

To these Rivers many other Inland Branches and Rivulets are reduc'd, the chief of which are hereafter specifi'd.

* 1.188The Countrey is generally even, the Soil fruitful, the Climate healthful, and agreeable with English Constitutions, especially since the increase of Inhabitants, and accommodation of good Diet and Lodging, which the first Planters found great want of heretofore. For many years, till of late, most New-comer•• had the

first Year in July and August, a Disease which is call'd A Seasoning, whereof many died, like to what is mention'd before in the Description of Mary-land, though more mortal and common than in Mary-land, because Virgina is a lower Countrey, and somewhat hotter, insomuch that formerly divers ill of that Distemper have come purposely from Virginia to Mary-land, to recover their Health; but now, since the Countrey is more open and clear from Wood, few die of it, and many have no Seasonings at all.

This Countrey affordeth generally all such Roots, Herbs, Gums, and Balsoms, as are express'd before in the Relation of Mary-land.

All sorts of Trees for Building and Husbandry,* 1.189 Fruit-Trees; Vines, &c. are found in both Countreys, equal in goodness and quantity, onely in such things as require more Sun, and that may be produc'd by Industry) there may be some little difference, because Virginia is somewhat more to the Southward of Mary-land, as in Vines, Oranges, Lemmons, Olives, Silk, &c.

There is a Plant grows naturally in this Countrey,* 1.190 and in Mary-land, call'd Silk-Grass, which will make a fine Stuff with a silky Gloss, and better Cordage than Hemp or Flax, both for strength and durance.

The wild Beasts, Birds, and Fish, are much the same also in this Countrey as are before describ'd in the precedent Description of Mary-land: Nevertheless we shall think it proper not to omit some Fruits, Plants, Beasts, &c. mention'd by the most authentick Describers of New England,* 1.191 as peculiar to that Countrey. The Fruits are, their Putchamines, which are a kind of Damsons; Messamines, a kind of Grapes; Chechinquamins, a sort of Fruit; resembling a Chesnut; Rawcomens, a Fruit resembling a Gooser-berry; Macoquer, a kind of Apple; Mettaquesunnauks, a sort of Fruit resem∣bling Inkian Figs; Morococks, resembling a Straw-berry, besides a Berry which they call Ocoughtanamnis, somewhat like to Capers.

Their peculiar Roots are Tockawaugh,* 1.192 good to eat; Wichsacan, of great vertue in healing of Wounds; Pocones, good to asswage Swellings and Aches; Musquaspen, wherewith they Paint their Targets and Mats. Also they have in great request a Pulse call'd Assentamen, and the Plant Mattouna, of which they make Bread.

Their peculiar Beasts are,* 1.193 the Aroughena, resembling a Badger; the Assapanick or Flying-Squerril; Opassum, a certain Beast having a Bag under her Belly, wherein she carrieth and suckleth her Young; Mussascus, which smelling strong of Musk, re∣sembleth a Water-Rat; Utchunquois, a kind of wild Cat.

Their peculiar Fish are Stingrais.

On the West side of the Bay of Chesapeak, between Cape Henry and the Southerly Bank of the River of Patomeck, are three fair Navigable Rivers, as is before men∣tion'd, into which the other small Rivulets fall,* 1.194 which here we will give some ac∣count of, as also of the Indian, or antient Names by which these three principal Ri∣vers were formerly known. The first whereof is Powhatan (now call'd James-River) according to the Name of a large and considerable Territory that lieth upon it. The Rivers that fall into this Southward, are Apamatuck; Eastward, Quiyonycohanuc, Nansamund, and Chesopeak; and Northward, Chickamahania.

The second Navigable River is Pamaunkee, by the English now term'd York-River. The Rivulet that falls into this is Poyankatanck.

The third (which is before describ'd, and usually known by the Name of Rap∣pahanoc) was formerly term'd Toppahanoc.

This we thought fit here to insert, to the end no colour of mistake might remain to after Ages concerning the derivation or original change of such proper Names, especially being Places of great advantage to the Colony.

* 1.195The chiefest of those Tribes or Divisions of People among the Indians, that were by Name known to the English at their first arrival, were, upon the River Pouhatan the Kecoughtans, the Paspaheghes, (on whose Land is seated James-Town) the Weanocks, Arrohatocks, the Appametocks, the Nandsamunds, the Chesapeacks, &c. On the River Pa∣maunkee, are the Younghtanunds, the Mattapaments, &c. On the River Toppahanoc, the Manahoacks, the Moraughtacunds, and the Cuttatawomens. On the River Patawomek, the Wighcocomocans, the Onawmanients, and the Moyanances. On the River Pawtuxunt, the Acquintacsuacs, the Pawtuxunts, and the Matapunients. On the River Bolus, the Sasque∣sabanoes: Southward from the Bay, the Chawonocks; the Mangoacks, the Monacans, the Mannahocks, the Masawomecks, the Atquanahucks, and the Kuscarawaocks, besides a num∣ber not material to be nam'd, as having had little of Transaction that we hear of with the Planters.

* 1.196The number of English Inhabitants in this Countrey are in this present Year 1671. about thirty or forty thousand, who are plentifully stock'd with all sorts of tame Cattel, as Cows, Sheep, Horses, Swine, &c. and all sorts of English Grain; great store of brave Orchards for Fruit, whereof they make great quantities of Cy∣der and Perry.

They have been much oblig'd by that worthy Gentleman Mr. Edward Digges, Son of Sir Dudley Digges, who was Master of the Rolls, and a Privy Councellor to King Charles the First, of Great Brittain, &c. For the said Mr. Digges at his great Charge and Industry, hath very much advanc'd the making of Silk in this Coun∣trey, for which purpose he hath sent for several Persons out of Armenia to teach them that Art, and how to wind it off the Cods of the Silk-Worms; and hath made at his own Plantation in this Colony for some years last past, considerable quantities of Silk, which is found to be as good Silk as any is in the World, which hath encourag'd divers others to prosecute that Work.

* 1.197Though this Countrey be capable of producing many other good Commodities, yet the Planters have hitherto imploy'd themselves for the most part in Planting of Tobacco, as they do in Mary-land; whereof there are two sorts, one which is call'd Sweet-scented, and the other call'd Oranoack, or Bright and Large, which is much more in quantity, but of lesser Price than the former; and the Plantations upon York River are esteem'd to produce the best of that sort of Sweet-scented: There is so much of this Commodity Planted in Virginia, and Imported from thence into England, that the Custom and Excize paid in England for it, yields the King about fifty or threescore thousand Pounds Sterling, per annum: With this Commodity the Planter buys of the Ships that come thither for it (which are above a hundred Sail yearly from England, and other English Plantations) all Necessaries of Clothing, and other Utensils of Houshold-stuff, &c. which they want, though they make some Shoes, and Linnen and Woollen Cloth in some parts of Virginia, of the growth and Manufacture of the Countrey; and if they would Plant less Tobacco (as it is probable they will e're long find it convenient for them to do, it being now grown a Drug of very low value, by reason of the vast quantities Planted of it) they might in a little time provide themselves of all Necessaries of Livelyhood, and pro∣duce much richer and more Staple-Commodities for their advantage.

Their usual way of Traffique in buying and selling is by exchange of one Com∣modity for another; and Tobacco is the general Standard, by which all other Commodities receive their value; but they have some English and foreign Coyns, which serve them upon many occasions.

The Government is by a Governor and Council, Appointed and Authoriz'd from time to time by immediate Commission from the King of Great Brittain: And

Laws are made by the Governor, with the consent of a General Assembly, which consists of two Houses, an Upper and a Lower; the first consists of the Council, and the latter of the Burgesses chosen by the Freemen of the Countrey; and Laws so made are in Force there till His Majesty thinks fit to alter them.

The Chief Court of Judicature is call'd The Quarter-Court, because it is held eve∣ry quarter of a Year, where all Causes Criminal and Civil are heard and deter∣min'd, and the Judges of this Court are the Governor and Council: The present Governor in this Year 1671. is Sir William Berkley, who was made Governor by King Charles the First, of Great Brittain, &c. in the Year 1640. And those of the Council are Sir Henry Chichesly, who is one of the greatest and most considerable Planters there, and Mr. Edward Diggs before-mention'd, Mr. Thomas Ludwel Secreta∣ry, Major-General Robert Smith, and divers other worthy Gentlemen.

That part of the Countrey where the English are Planted, is divided into nine∣teen Counties, viz. Northampton-County in Acomack, on the Eastern shore; and on the Western shore, Corotuck, Lower-Norfolk, Nansemund, Isle of Wight, Surry, Warwick, Henerico, James, Charles, York, New-Kent, Gloucester, Middlesex, Lancaster, Northumberland, Westmoreland, Rappahanock, and Harford-Counties.

In every one of these Counties there are inferior County-Courts kept every Moneth; these take no Cognizance of Causes relating to Life or Member, or ex∣ceeding a certain limited Value, such being refer'd to the Quarter-Courts only, to which likewise there lie Appeals from their Inferior Courts.

There are Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, and other Officers in every respective County, appointed by the Governor, for the Administration of Justice, who sit there according to his Order, and whereof these County-Courts are chiefly compos'd.

There are few Towns as yet erected in this Colony; the Principal Seat of the English there, is at a place call'd James-City, in Honor of King James of Great Brit∣tain, &c. This is situated in a Peninsula, on the North side of James-River, and has in it many fair Brick and other good Houses: In this place are held the Quarter-Courts, General Assemblies, the Secretary's Office, and all other Affairs and greatest Concerns of the Colony are here dispatch'd. On the same side, nearer the Mouth of this River, stands Elizabeth-City, containing also several good Houses of Brick and Timber.

Sir William Berkley, the present Governor resides at a place somewhat distant from James-City, call'd Green-Spring, a fair Brick House, which he himself caus'd to be built.

The other Towns of Note belonging to the English, only Henricopolis, or Hen∣ry's-Town, (so nam'd from Prince Henry then living, built in a very convenient place, more within Land, about eighty Miles distant from James-City) and Dale's-Gift, so nam'd, and Planted at the Charges of Sir Thomas Dale, Deputy-Governor of the Countrey, about the Year 1610.

* 1.198The Indians of Virginia, in Stature, Complexion, and Disposition, differ very lit∣tle from those of Mary-land: Their Laws and Customs; their way of Living and Apparel; their Religion, Money, and manner of Burial, are the same in both pla∣ces; all which are more particularly express'd in the precedent Description of that Province, to which we refer the Reader.

Yet these Indians far exceed those of Mary-land, in Treachery and Cruelty to the English there, as will appear by this following Relation of their Proceedings towards them, since the first Seating of that Colony, wherein nevertheless, the Civility of some particular Persons at their first Landing is not to be omitted.

* 1.199Upon the first arrival of Captain Amidas and Captain Barlow in Wingandacoa, now Virginia, they were accosted by Granganimeo (the King's Brother of that Countrey) who, attended with a Train of forty or fifty Men, came in a very civil manner to Treat about a Commerce of Trade and Traffick, which immediately began be∣tween them, and several Barters were made: Granganimeo, who was very just of his Word, and always kept his promis'd Day of meeting, fancying most a Pewter Dish, gave twenty Deer-skins for it, and boring a Hole therein, hung it about his Neck for a Breast-plate; afterwards he, with his whole Company, and his Wife and Children, frequently and familiarly did eat and drink aboard the English Ships, the King him∣self, call'd Wingina, lying sick at his chief Town, six days Journey off, of a dangerous Wound which he had receiv'd from a neighboring King his mortal Enemy. Some of the English going to Land upon the Isle of Roanoack, were met by Granganimeo's Wife, who, her Husband being absent, commanded her Servants some to draw their Boat ashore, some to carry them on their Backs to Land, others to carry in their Oars into the House for fear of stealing; and having caus'd a great Fire to be made, to warm them, and to dry those that had been wet in their Voyage, she afterwards Entertain'd them with a very plentiful Feast or Banquet after that Countrey fa∣shion; and when they took alarm at the coming of two or three of her Men with Bowes and Arrows, she caus'd the Bowes to be broken, and the Men to be beaten out of the House, besides several other demonstrations of extraordinary civility; and when notwithstanding all this they could not be perswaded to Lodge any where but in their Boat, she us'd all means imaginable to make them quit their jealousie, and accept of a Lodging in the House.

In the Year 1585. a Company that went over with Sir Richard Greenvill, burnt the Town of Aquascogoc, by reason of a Silver Cup that was stoln by some of the Indians, took Prisoner Menatonon, King of Chawonoc, who gave a large Relation of another King about three days Journey off, who possess'd an Island wonderfully rich in Pearl, which was taken in great abundance in a deep Water that inviron'd it. Going towards the Countrey of the Mangoacks (among whom in the Province of Chaunis Temoatan, they heard of a Mine of strange Copper call'd Wassador, with Skiko, the King of Chowonock's Son, and Manteo, a faithful Salvage, for their Guide) they were treacherously dealt with by Wingina, alias Pemissapan (for so, his Brother Granganimeo being lately dead, he had alter'd his Name) who endeavor'd to stir up a Confederacy of the Chawonocks, Moratocks, and Mangoacks against them; yet by the urgent perswasions of Ensenore his Father, the truest Friend the English had, after the death of Granganimeo, and seeing them safe return'd from their Journey, wherein he thought they had all perish'd, and especially upon Menatonon's sending Messen∣gers to them with Pearl, and Okisco, King of Weopomeock, to yield himself Vassal to the Queen of England, his Hatred was somewhat cool'd; but Ensenore deceasing soon after, he return'd to his old treacherous Practises again, and in the end, while he was contriving mischief against the Planters, he himself was shot, taken Prisoner, and beheaded.

After the Company left upon Virginia by Sir Richard Greenwill, (for he himself was return'd) tir'd out with hunger, hardship, and the many extremities they were at last reduc'd to, had deserted the Place, and obtain'd Passage for England, through the civility of Sir Francis Drake, pitying their distress, fifty Men more were Landed upon Roanoack-Isle by the same Person, who how they were surpris'd and destroy'd by the Natives, was discover'd at large to the Supply that was sent over in the Year 1587. by Mr. White.

[illustration]

A Party of those that went over with Captain Bartholomew Gosnol, Captain John Smith, &c. were by the Indians set upon as they were raising a Fort near Cape Henry, where they Landed, seventeen Men hurt, one slain, and all in danger to have been utterly destroy'd, had not a Shot happily made from the Ships by chance frighted away the Salvages. Another small Party under Captain Smith, going down the River to Keconghean, were very fiercely assaulted by sixty or seventy Indians, but their Musquet-shot did such Execution amongst them, that they fled into the Woods and left behind them the Image of their God, which had been carried before them as their Standard, and not long after sent one of their Queiongcasocks to offer Peace, and to redeem their Okee; which Smith granting, on condition six onely of them would come unarm'd and load his Boat with Provisions; and promising moreover to become their Friend, and furnish them with Beads, Copper, and Hatchets: They accepted the Condition, and brought him Venison, Turkies, wild Fowl, Bread, and what else they had, Singing and Dancing in sign of Friendship till they de∣parted. In his Return he discover'd the Town and Countrey of Warraskayock, and the People of Chickahamania.

In his next Voyage for the discovery of the Head of Chickamahania River, he was, through neglect of his Sea-men who were sent to watch the Booty, taken Prisoner; in which condition he was kept a whole Moneth: then being released, he got Pro∣visions for the People in James-Town; which had they not timely receiv'd, they had all abandon'd the Place, and return'd to England.

While Affairs stood thus in a mean condition, Captain Newport arriving there with a Ship and sixty Men to strengthen the Plantations, he went to Weromocomoco, where King Powhatan kept his Court,* 1.200 and found him sitting on a Bed of Mats, and an Embroider'd Leather Cushion, Cloth'd in Deer-skins; at his Feet fat a young Maiden, and on each side of the House twenty Concubines; his Head and Shoul∣ders were painted red, and a Chain of white Beads hung about his Neck. Newport, to oblige him, gave him an English Youth; in requital whereof he receiv'd Powha∣tan's bosom Friend, Mamontak; with whom returning, he found a sad Accident,

for the Fire had not onely burnt the Houses of the new Planters, but also the Pal∣lisado's about James-Town, made for a Defence against the Enemies Assaults,* 1.201 and most of their Store; which was so much the worse, because it hapned in the Winter, and indeed had prov'd very fatal, had not a Ship, which was suppos'd to be lost, happily arriv'd there with a considerable quantity of Provisions.

* 1.202Whilst the Town was rebuilding, Smith set Sail in an open Barque with fourteen Men, and discover'd two Isles before Point Charles, to which he gave his Name; then ran into the Inlet Chesapeack, in the midst of which lay several Islands,* 1.203 by the Sea-men call'd Russels. Before the River Wighcomoco they found a disturbed Sea, and more Northerly a Bay with fresh and hot Water, and at last he met with two Virgi∣nians, which conducted the English along a Creek to Onawmoment, where some hun∣dreds of them lay in Ambuscade, according to Powhatan's appointment, to cut off Smith; who leaping forth on a Hidden appear'd like Devils, all painted but the Bullets flying about made them all run away. Smith, whose Design was onely to dis∣cover the Countrey, and the Silver Mine of Patawomeck, ten Leagues up into the Countrey, found the Metal to be of little value, so that he return'd with little Suc∣cess, being newly cur'd of a poysonous Wound in the Arm, which was given him by a Fish not unlike a Shark, whilst he lay aground near Toppahanock.

A while after being inform'd of Powhatan's Design to destroy the English, (though he had been lately Presented by Newport with a Silver Basin, a rich Chair, Bed, and Furniture belonging to it, with other things of value) he, to prevent him, chose forty eight out of two hundred Men which were Garrison'd in James-Town, then going to Werowocomoco, Landed with much trouble, the River being frozen above half a Mile from the Shore.

A German Soldier amongst Smith's Company giving private notice to Powhatan of the Design of the English, made his Escape by flight: But Smith going on to Pamaunke, found King Opechancangough with seven hundred Men in Arms, threat∣ning a fierce Battel; but Smith making directly up to him, set his Pistol on his Breast, and forc'd him to lay down his Arms. Powhatan by this time provided with Swords and Musquets by two Dutch-men, also began to bestir himself afresh; but his Intentions being too soon known, he was again quieted, and forc'd a second time to send Smith a String of Pearl; after which a Peace was concluded between all the Natives and the English.

Many other Quarrels and Encounters there were in the Infancy of the Planta∣tion between the Indians and the English, wherein it would be endless to recount all the Treacheries and Ambuscades of the Salvages, some of which had prov'd very pernicious to the Planters, had they not been betray'd to Captain Smith by Poca∣honta, King Powhatan's Daughter, who upon all occasions shew'd her self a great Friend to the English, having sav'd the Captain's Life, when, being her Father's Pri∣soner, he was just brought to Execution.

This Lady was afterwards brought into England, Christned by the Name of Rebekah, and Married to one Mr. Rolf, and died at Gravesend in an intended Voy∣age back to her own Countrey.

Nor did their Cruelties and Treacheries end when the Plantation came to be more setled, for on the two and twentieth of March about the Year 1621. in the time of Sir Francis Wyat's Government, they generally combin'd to destroy all the English there; and carried on this devilish Design with such dissimulation and dex∣terity, that in one day they cut off seven hundred Men, Women, and Children, there being at that time not above fifteen hundred in the Countrey.

Since which time, in the Year of our Lord 1643. there hapned another bloody

Massacre, wherein near five hundred English were in one Night miserably butcher'd by those barbarous and perfidious Salvages: whose Blood the present Governor, Sir William Berkley, nobly and justly reveng'd the Year following, utterly destroying most of them, and taking Prisoner their chief Emperor, Opichancono, who died not long after in Prison.

Having given but a small hint, in its proper place, of the Story of Captain Smith's Imprisonment by Powhatan, and his deliverance from Death by Pocahonta; we have thought not improper to reserve the Story of it, being very remarkable for a particular Relation, before we conclude our Description of Virginia, since otherwise we should have interrupted the Series of our former Discourse.

The Relation of Captain Smith's being taken Prisoner by Powhatan, and of his being deliver'd from Death by his Daughter Pocahonta.

THe Salvages having drawn from one George Cassen, whither Captain Smith was gone, prosecuting that opportunity, they follow'd him with three hundred Bowe-Men, conducted by the King of Pamaunkee, who in divisions, searching the turnings of the River, found two of his Men by the fire side, whom they shot full of Arrows, and slew. Then finding the Captain, who, as is said, us'd the Salvage that was his Guide as his Shield, (three of them being slain, and others sore gall'd) the rest would not come near him: Thinking thus to have return'd to his Boat, regarding them as he march'd, more than his way, he slipp'd up to the middle in an Osier-Creek, and his Salvage-with him, yet durst they not come to him, till being near dead with cold, he threw away his Arms: Then according to their composition, they drew him forth, and led him to the Fire, where his Men were slain; diligent∣ly they chaf'd his benumm'd Limbs, he demanding for their Captain, they shew'd him Opechankanough, King of Pamaunkee, to whom he gave a round Ivory double compass Dyal. Much they marvel'd at the playing of the Fly and Needle, which they could see so plainly, and yet not touch it, because of the Glass that cover'd them; but when he demonstrated by that Globe-like Jewel, the roundness of the Earth, and Skies; the Sphere of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, and how the Sun did chase the Night round about the World continually; the greatness of the Land and Sea; the diversity of Nations, variety of Complexions, and how we were to them Antipodes, and many other such like matters, they all stood as amaz'd with admiration: Notwithstanding, within an hour after they ty'd him to a Tree, and as many as could stand about him prepar'd to shoot him; but the King holding up the Compass in his Hand, they all laid down their Bowes and Arrows, and in a triumphant manner led him to Orapaks, where he was after their manner kindly Feasted, and well us'd.

Their order in conducting him was thus; Drawing themselves all in Fyle, the King in the midst had all their Bowes and Swords borne before him. Captain Smith was led after him by three great Salvages, holding him fast by each Arm; and on each side six went in Fyle with their Arrows nocked. But arriving at the Town (which was but onely thirty or forty Hunting Houses made of Mats, which they remove as they please, as we our Tents) all the Women and Children staring and gazing at him, the Souldiers first all in Fyle wheel'd off to the Rear in good Order; on each Flank were Officers, like Serjeants to see them keep their Postures: A good time they continu'd this Exercise, and then cast themselves in a Ring, Dancing in such several Postures, and singing and yelling out such hellish Notes

and Screeches; being strangely Painted, every one his Quiver of Arrows, and at his Back a Club; on his Arm a Fox or an Otters-skin, or some such matter for his vambrace; their Heads and Shoulders Painted red, with Oyl and Pocones mingled together, which Scarlet-like colour, made an exceeding handsome show; his Bowe in his Hand, and the Skin of a Bird with her Wings abroad dry'd, ty'd on his Head, a piece of Copper, a white Shell, a long Feather, with a small Rattle growing at the Tails of their Snaks ty'd to it, or some such like Toy. All this while Smith and the King stood in the midst, guarded, as before is said, and after three Dances they all departed. Smith they conducted to a long House, where thirty or forty tall Fel∣lows did guard him, and e're long, more Bread and Venison was brought him than would have serv'd twenty Men, I think his Stomack at that time was not ve∣ry good; what he left, they put in Baskets and ty'd over his Head. About mid∣night they set the Meat again before him; all this time none of them would eat a bit with him, till the next Morning they brought him as much more, and then did they eat all the old, and reserv'd the new as they had done the other, which made him think they would feed him for slaughter: Yet in this desperate estate to fend him from the cold, one Maocassater brought him his Gown, in requital of some Beads and Toys Smith had given him at his first arrival in Virginia.

Two days after a man would have slain him (but that the Guard prevented it) for the death of his Son, to whom they conducted him to recover the poor man then breathing his last. Smith told them, that at James-Town he had a Water would do it, if they would let him fetch it, but they would not permit that; but made all the preparations they could to assault James-Town, craving his advice, and for re∣compence he should have Life, Liberty, Land, and Women. In part of a Table∣book he writ his mind to them▪ at the Fort, what was intended, how they should follow that direction to affright the messengers, and without fail send him such things as he writ for, and an Inventory with them. The difficulty and danger, he told the Salvages, of the Mines, great Guns, and other Engines, exceedingly af∣frighted them, yet according to his Request they went to James-Town, in as bitter weather as could be of Frost and Snow, and within three days return'd with an An∣swer.

But when they came to James-Town, seeing Men sally out as he had told them they would, they fled; yet in the night they came again to the same place where he had told them they should receive answer, and such things as he had promis'd them, which they found accordingly, and with which they return'd with no small expedition, to the wonder of them all, supposing that he could either Divine, or the Paper could speak: then they led him to the Youthtanunds, the Mattapanients, the Payankatanks, the Nantaughtacunds, and Onawmanients upon the Rivers of Rapahanock, and Patawomek, through intricate ways, and back again by divers other several Na∣tions, to the Kings Habitation at Pamaunkee, where they entertain'd him with most strange and fearful Conjurations. Not long after, early in the Morning, a great fire was made in a long House, and a Mat spread on each side thereof; on the one they caus'd him to sit, and all the Guard went out of the House, and presently there came skipping in a great grim Fellow, all Painted over with Coal, mingled with Oyl; and many Snakes and Wesels skins stuff'd with Moss, and all their Tails ty'd together, so as they met on the Crown of his Head in a Tassel; and round about the Tassel was a Coronet of Feathers, the Skins hanging round about his Head, Back, and Shoulders, and in a manner cover'd his Face; with a hellish voice, and a Rattle in his Hand. With most strange gestures and passions he began his Invocation, and environ'd the fire with a Circle of Meal; which

done, three more such like Devils came rushing in with the like antique Tricks, Painted half black, half red; but all their Eyes were Painted white, and some red strokes like Mutchato's, along their Cheeks: round about him those Fiends Danc'd a pretty while, and then came in three more as ugly as the rest, with red Eyes, and white strokes over their black Faces; at last they all sate down right against him, three of them on the one hand of the chief Priest, and three on the other; then all with their Rattles began a Song, which ended, the chief Priest laid down five Wheat Corns, then stretching his Arms and Hands with such violence, that he sweat, and his Veins swell'd, he began a short Oration: at the conclusion, they all gave a short groan, and then laid down three Grains more; after that, began their Song again, and then another Oration, ever laying down so many Corns as before, till they had twice incircled the Fire; that done, they took a bunch of lit∣tle Sticks, prepared for that purpose, continuing still their Devotion, and at the end of every Song and Oration, they laid down a Stick between the Divisions of Corn: rill night, neither he nor they did either eat or drink, and then they fea∣sted merrily, with the best Provisions they could make: Three days they us'd this Ceremony, the meaning whereof they told him, was to know if he intended them well, or no. The Circle of Meal signifi'd their Countrey, the Circles of Corn the bounds of the Sea, and the Sticks his Countrey. They imagin'd the World to be flat and round, like a Trencher, and they in the midst. After this they brought him a Bag of Gun-powder, which they carefully preserv'd till the next Spring, to Plant as they did their Corn, because they would be acquainted with the nature of that Seed; Opitchapam, the King's Brother, invited him to his House, where, with as ma∣ny Platters of Bread, Fowl, and wild Beasts, as did environ him, he bid him well∣come, but not any of them would eat a bit with him, but put up all the remainder in Baskets. At his return to Opechancanoughs, all the Kings Women, and their Chil∣dren, flock'd about him for their Parts, as a due by Custom, to be merry with such Fragments.

At last, they brought him to Meronocomoco, where was Powhatan their Emperor. Here more than two hundred of those grim Courtiers stood wondering at him, as he had been a Monster; till Powhatan and his Train had put themselves in their greatest Braveries. Before a Fire, upon a seat like a Bedsted, he sat cover'd with a great Robe, made of Rarowcun-Skins, and all the Tails hanging by. On either hand did sit a young Maid, of sixteen ox eighteen years of Age, and along on each side the House, two rows of Men, and behind them as many Women, with all their Heads and Shoulders Painted red; many of their Heads bedeck'd with the white Doun of Birds, but every one with something, and a great Chain of white Beads about their Necks. At his entrance before the Emperor, all the People gave a great shout. The Queen of Appamatuck was appointed to bring him Water to wash his Hands, and another brought him a bunch of Feathers, in stead of a Towel to dry them: Having Feasted him after their barbarous manner as well as they could, a long consultation was held, but in conclusion, two great Stones being brought before Powhatan, as many as could, laid Hands on him, dragg'd him to them, and thereon laid his Head, when being ready with their Clubs, to beat out his Brains, Pocahontas, the Emperors dearest Daughter, seeing no intreaty could prevail, got his Head in her Arms, and laid her own upon his to save him from death; whereat, the Emperor was contented he should live to make him Hatchets, and her Bells, Beads, and Copper; for they thought him a Man of all Occupations like them∣selves; for the King himself will make his own Robes, Shoes, Bowes, Arrows, Pots, Plant, Hunt, or do any thing as well as the rest.

Two days after, Powhatan having disguis'd himself in the most fearful minner he could, caus'd Captain Smith to be brought forth to a great House in the Woods, and there upon a Mat by the Fire to be left alone. Not long after, from behind a Mat that divided the House, was made the most doleful noise he ever heard; then Powhatan, more like a Devil than a Man, with about two hundred more as black as himself, came unto him, and told him, That now they were Friends, and presently he should go to James-Town, to send him two great Guns and a Grindstone, for which he would give him the Countrey of Capahowosick; and for ever esteem him as his Son Nantaquoud. So to James-Town with twelve Guides Powhatan sent him. That Night they Quarter'd in the Woods, he still expecting (as he had done all this long time of his Imprisonment) every hour to be put to one Death or other, for all their Feasting: but Almighty God (by his Divine Providence) had molli∣fi'd the Hearts of those stern Barbarians with compassion. The next Morning be∣times they came to the Fort, where Smith having us'd the Salvages with what kind∣ness he could, he shew'd Rawhunt, Powhatan's trusty Servant, two Demi-Culverins and a Milstone, to carry to Powhatan: they found them somewhat too heavy; but when they saw him Discharge them, they being loaded with Stones, amongst the Boughs of a great Tree loaded with Isickles, the Ice and Branches came so tumbling down, that the poor Salvages ran away half dead with Fear. But at last we re∣gain'd some Conference with them, and gave them some Toys, and sent to Powha∣tan's Women and Children such Presents, as gave them in general, full content.

SECT. V. Carolina.

* 1.204CArolina is that part of Florida which lies between twenty nine and thirty six Degrees and thirty Minutes of Northern Latitude: It is wash'd on the East and South, with the Atlantick Ocean; on the West with Mare Pacifi∣cum, or the South Sea; and on the North, bounds on Virginia. A Countrey wherein Nature shews how bountiful she can be without the assistance of Art, the Inhabi∣tants (excepting a little Maiz which their old Men and Women Plant) depending meerly on the natural and spontaneous Growth of the Soil for their Provisions, the Woods furnishing them with store of Fruit and Venison, and the Rivers with plenty of several sorts of wholsom and savory Fish.

This Maintenance, which without forecast or toil they receive from the natural fruitfulness of the Countrey, will, if we consider either the largeness of their Growth, or the duration of their Lives, be thought neither scanty nor unhealthy, their Stature being of a larger size than that of English-men, their Make strong and well proportion'd, a crooked or mis-shapen Person being not to be found in the whole Countrey; and (where the chance of War, which they are almost continu∣ally engag'd in one against another in their little Governments, spares any of them) they live to an incredible old age; so that when the English came there, they found some of their Kings, who saw descend from them the sixth Generation.

* 1.205The Soil is very rich and fertile, producing naturally Walnuts, Grapes (of which the English who are there Planted have made very good Wine) Apricocks, Bullys, with a multitude of others; besides the Woods also are full of very good Peaches, and all the Season of the Year strew'd all over with Strawberries. Mul∣berry-Trees are the common growth of the Woods; and to assure you they are the natural Offspring of the Place, and grow to an incredible bigness, one whereof the

English (who are new Planted at Albemarle Point on Ashley River) made use to fasten the Gate of their Pallisado to, was so large, that all who came from thence say, they never saw any Oak in England bigger, which is but the ordinary size of the Mul∣berry-Trees of this Countrey, which is so sure an Argument of the richness of the Soil, that the Inhabitants of Virginia enquiring of the Seamen who came from thence, concerning the Quality and Product of the Countrey, when they were in∣form'd of the large Mulberry-Trees it produc'd, were so well satisfi'd with it, that they made no farther Enquiry. There are also other Trees, as Ash, Poplar, and Bay, with several sorts unknown to us of Europe; but those which make it almost all one general Forrest of large Timber-Trees, are Oak, both red and white, and Cedar. There are also here and there large Groves of Pine-Trees, some a hundred Foot high, which afford a better sort of Mast than are to be had either in Mary-Land or Norway. These larger Trees weaving their luxuriant Branches into a close Shade, suffer no Under-wood to grow between them, either by their Droppings, or else the Heads of Deer which loosening all the tender Shoots, quite destroy it; so that a great part of the Countrey is as it were a vast Forrest of fine Walks, free from the heat of the Sun, or the incumbrance of Shrubs and Bushes, and so clear and open, that a Man may easily ride a Hunting amongst the Trees, yielding a Prospect very pleasant and surpassing. On the Skirts of these Woods grow lesser Trees and Shrubs of several sorts; amongst them are sundry Dying Materials, which how well the Inhabitants know how to make use of, appears in the Deer-Skins that the chief of them wear, which are Painted, or rather Dy'd, with several lively Colours. But amongst their Shrubs, one of most note and use is that whose Leaves make their Casini, a Drink they frequently use, and affirm to be very advantageous for the pre∣servation of Health; which, by the description our English give of the size, colour, and shape of the Leaf, the sort of Tree it grows on, and the taste, colour, and effects of the Drink, which is nothing but the Decoction of the Leaf, seems to be the very same with the East-India TEE, and by those who have seen and tasted both, af∣firm'd to be no other, and may very probably be a spontaneous and native Plant of this Place, since those who give us an account of it, tell us, that this so much valu'd Leaf grows most plentifully in Nanking, a Province in China under the very same Latitude, and very much agreeing in Soil and Situation with this of Carolina.

What Herbs else the Countrey produces, the English Enquirers (who by minding their Plantations and Settlement there, have been taken off from such unprofitable Actions) give us but little account, onely they say, that those Plats of Ground which have been formerly clear'd off by the Indians for the Planting their Corn, they found thick cover'd with three-leav'd Grass and Dazies, which the fertility of the Soil thrusts forth, whenever the Natives remove their Tillage to some other place, and leave the Earth to its own production; and in other parts they found plenty of Garden Herbs growing wild. The low and Moorish Grounds are for the most part overgrown with Sedge and Reeds, and such other Trash, which usu∣ally incumbers rich and uncultivated Lands; those they call Swamsas, which with a little Husbandry would prove very good Meadows. There are also some large and pleasant Savanas, or grassy Plains.

These are a part of the Trees and Plants best known to us, that Nature of her self produces, in a Soil which contrives and nourishes any thing. The English who are now Planted in the most Northern parts of it, at Albemarle, bordering on Virgi∣nia, have Apples, Pears, Cherries, Apricocks, Plumbs, and Water-Melons, equal∣ling, and if you will believe the Inhabitants, both in largeness of size and goodness of taste, exceeding any in Europe. And they who are Setled farther South on Ashley

River, have found that the Oranges, Lemmons, Pomegranates, Limes, Pome∣citrons, &c. which they Planted there, have thriven beyond expectation; and there is nothing which they have put into the Earth, that through any defect in the Soil, hath fail'd to prosper.

* 1.206Besides those things which do serve to satisfie Hunger, or provoke it, the Land doth with great return produce Indigo, Ginger, Tobacco, Cotton, and other Com∣modities fit to send abroad and furnish foreign Markets; and when a little time shall have brought those kind of Plants to maturity, and given the Inhabitants leisure to furnish themselves with Conveniences for ordering those things aright, the Trials that they have already made of the Soil and its fitness for such Plan∣tations, assure you, that besides Silk, enough to store Europe, and a great many other considerable Commodities, they shall have as great plenty of good Wine and Oyl, as any part of the World.

The Mould is generally black, mellow, and upon handling feels soft, and (to use their Expression who have been there) soapy, and is generally all over the Countrey just like the fine Mould of our well order'd Gardens. Under this black Earth, which is of a good thickness in most places that they have try'd, there lies a Bed of Marle, and in some parts Clay.

* 1.207The Rivers are stor'd with plenty of excellent Fish of several sorts, which are ta∣ken with great ease in abundance, and are one great part of the Natives Provision, who are never like to want this Recruit, in a Countrey so abounding in large Ri∣vers, there being in that one small Tract between Port Rasal and Cape Carteret, which are not one Degree distant, five or six great Navigable Rivers, that empty themselves into the Sea. These Rivers are also cover'd with Flocks of Ducks and Mallard, whereof millions are seen together, besides Cranes, Herons, Geese, Cur∣lews, and other Water-Fowl, who are so easie to be kill'd, that onely rising at the discharge and noise of a Gun, they instantly light again in the same place, and pre∣sently offer a fresh Mark to the Fowler. At the Mouths of the Rivers, and along the Sea-Coast, are Beds of Oysters, which are of a longer Make than those in Europe, but very well tasted, wherein are often found good large Pearls, which though the unskilful Indians by washing the Oysters do commonly discolour, and spoil their lustre, yet 'tis not to be doubted, but if rightly order'd, there will be found many of value, and the Fishing for them turn to some account.

Besides the easie Provisions which the Rivers and Sea afford, their Woods are well stock'd with Deer, Rabbets, Hares, Turtle-Doves, Phesants, Partridges, and an infinite number of Wood-Pigeons and wild Turkies, which are the ordinary Dishes of the Indians, whose House-keeping depends on their Fishing and Hunting, and who have found it no ill way of Living in so fertile a Countrey, to trust them∣selves without any labor or forecast, to the Supplies which are there provided to their hands, without the continual trouble of Tillage and Husbandry. Besides, these Woods are fill'd with innumerable variety of smaller Birds, as different in their Notes as Kinds.

* 1.208The Temperature of this Province is agreeable to a Countrey, whose Position is on the warmer side of the temperate Zone, but yet the Heat is not so sultry nor offensive, as in Places under the same Latitude in the Old World; to which modera∣tion of Heat, as well as the healthiness of it, the vast Atlantick Ocean, lying to the East and South of it, may perhaps not a little contribute, an instance whereof some think China to be; to which deservedly admir'd Countrey Carolina exactly an∣swers in its Position and Latitude, the trending from North-East to South-West of its Coast, and the lowness of its Shore, and wants nothing but Inhabitants, to

make it equal, if not excell, in all conveniences of Life, as it doth in richness of Soil, that flourishing Empire. The healthiness of the Air is such, that it is not onely benign and favorable to the home-bred Indians, and Constitutions accustom'd to it, but the English-men who first Planted on Ashley River, though for some other Conveniences they Planted on the side, or almost middle of a Morass, and were en∣compass'd with a salt Marsh, where the Air, pent up with Woods that surrounded them, had not that freedom it hath in open and cultivated Countreys, yet lost not in a whole years time, of a considerable number, any one Person, of any Disease to be imputed to the Countrey, those few that dy'd in that time sinking under lin∣gring Distempers which they brought with them, and had almost worn them out before they came thither. The Bermudians (who being accustom'd to the pure Air of their own Island, cannot without hazard of their Lives put themselves into any other Place) assur'd of the healthiness of this Place, which is the next Land to them, and under the same Latitude, venture hither. And generally all the English Planting in the West-Indies, are so taken with the Conveniences of this Countrey, which, as some of the most considerable of the English in those Parts say of it, pro∣mises all that the Heart of Man can wish, that they send the overplus of their Peo∣ple hither; to which the Inhabitants of Barbados, a skilful and wary sort of Plan∣ters, well knowing in all the parts of the West-Indies, have been found to remove the Hands they could spare. As the Summer is not intolerably nor offensively hot, so the Winter is not troublesom nor pinching, but enough to correct the Humors of Mens Bodies, the better to strengthen them, and preserve their Healths; and so far to check the growth of Plants, that by this stop they may put out more regularly, and the Corn and other Fruits the better ripen together, and be ready seasonably at the Harvest, the want whereof in some Countreys hinders the beneficial Growth of several valuable Commodities, the continual Spring all the year long making that their Crops are never ready, their Trees being laden with green and ripe Fruit at the same time, which is to be seen in the Vines growing between the Tropicks, where, though they bear excellent Grapes, yet they cannot make any Wine, whilest the mixture of ripe and sowre Grapes upon the same Branch, renders them unfit for the Press, which from Grapes so blended, though of a good kind, would squeeze out a very crude and useless Liquor. This also is the reason why many Parts where our Wheat will grow very well, do yet lose the benefit of it, whilest the se∣veral Ears ripening unequally, never make the Crop fit for the Sickle. But this Countrey hath Winter enough to remove that Inconvenience, and to put such a stop to the Rise of the Sap, and the Budding of Plants, as to make the several kinds of Fruits Bud and Blossom in their distinct Seasons, and keep even pace till they are fit to be gather'd.

* 1.209To this happy Climate the native Inhabitants are very well suited, a strong, lusty, and well shap'd People, who to their well knit and active Bodies, want not stout and vigorous Minds; they are a People of a good Understanding, well Hu∣mor'd, and generally so just and Honest, that they may seem to have no notice of, as their Language hath no word for, Dishonesty and Cheating; and the worst Name they have for ill Men is, that they are not good. They are a stout and va∣liant People, which appears in the constant Wars they are engag'd in, not out of covetousness, and a desire of usurping others Possessions, or to enrich themselves by the Spoils of their Neighbors, but upon a pitch of Honor, and for the glory of Vi∣ctory, which is their greatest joy, there being no parts of their Lives wherein they enjoy so much satisfaction, and give themselves so wholly to Jollity, as in their Triumphs after Victory. Valor therefore is the Vertue they most esteem and

reward, and he which hath behav'd himself well in the Wars, is suffer'd to wear the Badges of Honor, and is advanc'd beyond others with some Marks of his Courage; which amongst some is blacking the Skin below his Eyes, with black Lead, in fashion something of an Half-Moon; which Mark of Courage is, not suf∣fer'd to be worn by any, but those who by some brave Action, as killing the Ene∣my's Leader, &c. hath signaliz'd himself in their Encounters. They are faithful to their Promises, fair and candid in their Dealings, and so far from Dishonesty, that they want even the Seeds of it, viz. Forecast and Covetousness; and he will be very little apt to deceive you to Day, who troubles not himself much about to Morrow, and trusts for the Provisions of the Day to the Day it self; which pro∣ceeds not in them for want of Wit, but desire of Content and Quiet, or by the help of their natural Reason they enjoy that Happiness which the Philosophers could not by their Study and Reading attain to, whilest these Men cut off those Desires which Learning could never help the other to Govern, and which if once permit∣ted to run out beyond the present, are capable of no rest nor Bounds. In their Conversation they are courteous and civil, and in their Visits make Presents to one another; when they meet, their way of Salutation is stroaking on the Shoulders, and sucking in their Breath; and if he be a great Man whom they Salute, they stroak his Thighs too; as civil an Address, as those Patterns of good Breeding, the Hero's, us'd to their Princes, who in their greatest Courtships, we are told, em∣brac'd their Knees: After their Salutation they sit down; and it is usual with them to sit still almost a quarter of an hour before they speak, which is not an effect of stupidity or sullenness, but the accustom'd Gravity of their Countrey; for they are in their Tempers a merry, frollick, gay People, and so given to Jollity, that they will Dance whole Nights together, the Women sitting by and Singing, whilest the Men Dance to their Ayrs, which though not like ours, are not harsh or unplea∣sing, but are something like the Tunes of the Irish: So that if we will not let our selves too fondly admire onely the Customs we have been bred up in, nor think Men are to be valu'd for making Legs after our Mode, or the Clothes they wear, which, the finer and gayer they are, always the more to be suspected of Luxury and Effeminateness; if we will allow but these Men to follow the Garbs of their own Countrey, and think them fine enough in a shape onely to hide their Nakedness before, or a Deer-skin hanging loosely on their Shoulders, and their Women not ill Dress'd in Garments of Moss, and Necklaces of Beads, whilest the Fashion of their Courts require no other Ornaments; if, I say, a long and pleasant Life, without Distemper or Care, be to be valu'd, without the incumbrance of unne∣cessary Trinkets; if Men are to be esteem'd for Valor, Honesty, Friendship, Hu∣manity and good Nature, though Strangers to the ceremonious Troubles we are accustom'd to, the Natives of Carolina will as little, or perhaps less, deserve the Name of Miserable, or Salvage, as those that give it them. 'Tis true, the French and Spaniards who have Planted amongst them, or with little Armies travell'd their Countrey, have been ill handled by them; but yet the Indians never did them any harm, or treated them otherwise than Friends, till those Europeans by their breach of Faith and several Outrages, had provok'd their just Revenge; and they did nothing but what most vertuous and generous sort of Men are apt to do, to revenge those Affronts, which did not agree with their Tempers tamely to endure. That this did not proceed from treachery and inconstancy in their Natures, is apparent in the contrary Correspondence they have had with the English Setled amongst them, to whom they have been all along very kind, as they were at first very cove∣tous of their Company; for after that some of their King's Relation had been at

Barbados, and had seen and admir'd the Temper, Fashions, and Strength of the English there, and had been very civilly Treated in that Island, they were so well satisfi'd with them, that at the coming of the English to Settle there, the several little Kingdoms strove with all the Arts and Arguments they could use, each of them to draw the English to Plant in their Dominions, by commending the richness of their Soil, conveniency of their Rivers, the healthiness of their Countrey, the disparage∣ment of their Neighbors, and whatever else they judg'd might allure the English to their Neighborhood. Nor was this onely the first heat of Men fond of Novelties, and as soon weary of them again, but ever since the English first Planted at Albemarle Point, on Ashley River, they have continu'd to do them all manner of friendly Of∣fices, ready on all occasions to supply them with any thing they have observ'd them to want, not making use of our Mens Necessities, as an opportunity to en∣hance the Price of their Commodities, a sort of fair Dealing we could scarce have promis'd them amongst civiliz'd, well bred, and religious Inhabitants of any part of Europe; and though they are much frighted with our Guns, both small and great, yet like innocent and well-meaning People, they do not at all distrust our Power, but freely, without suspicion, trust themselves, both Men and Women, even their Kings themselves, in our Town, Lodging and Dancing there frequently whole Nights together, upon no other Pledges but the bare confidence of our mutual Friendship; nor do our Men use any greater caution in Conversing with them, stragling up and down, and travelling singly and unarm'd through their Woods for many Miles about, and are so far from receiving any injury or ill treatment from them, that on the contrary they are kindly us'd and Entertain'd, and guided by them in their Way whenever they desire it; and when any of our Men meet them in their Walks, the Indians all stand still till they are gone by, civilly Salu∣ting them as they pass. Nor doth this Assurance of theirs bound it self within their own Homes, they of their own accords venturing themselves aboard our Ships, have gone voluntarily with our Men to Virginia and Barbados. Nor have the English been wanting on their parts in any thing that may preserve this Amity, being ve∣ry cautious of doing them any injury, bartering with them for those things they receive of them, and buying of them even the waste Land they make no use of.

Besides the simplicity of the Indians Diet, it is very remarkable, that they have a general aversion to those two things which are most acceptable to our Palates, and without which few of us either eat or drink with any delight; for in their Meats they cannot endure the least mixture or rellish of Salt; and for their Drink, they utterly abominate all manner of strong Liquor; to the latter whereof, their large Growth and constant Health, is perhaps not a little owing.

* 1.210Every little Town is a distinct Principality, Govern'd by an Hereditary King, who in some places is not Son, but Sisters Son to the precedent King, the Succes∣sion of the Blood-Royal being continu'd by the safer side. The great Business of those Princes is to lead their Men out against their Enemies in War, or against the Beasts in Hunting; for unless it be to appoint them where to Hunt, or else to Consult about making some Attempt upon their Enemy, he hath but small trouble in the Government of his Subjects, who either through their own Honesty, or the few occasions they have for Controversies in their extempore way of Living, need few Laws, and little Severity to keep them in order; but yet they Govern their People without Contract, and fail not of a ready Obedience to their Commands; so that when some of them have bought things of such of the English, who by the Orders made amongst our selves were not to Traffick with the Indians, they have, upon Complaint made to their Casiques, been restor'd again, though in strict Rules

of Law they were neither bound by, nor oblig'd to take notice of the Rules which were made onely to Govern our own People, and had at just Prices bought what they carry'd away; such is the Honesty of Men, whose Principles not being cor∣rupted with Learning and Distinction, are contented to follow the Dictates of right Reason, which Nature has sufficiently taught all Men for the well ordering of their Actions, and enjoyment and preservation of humane Society, who do not give themselves up to be amus'd and deceiv'd by insignificant Terms, and minding what is just and right, seek not Evasions in the Niceties and Fallacies of Words.

* 1.211The same is to be said of the first discovery of this Countrey, as hath been for∣merly said of Virginia and Florida, of both which it partakes; but as to the present Interest and Propriety, the English, besides all Virginia intirely, have also so much of Florida as makes up this considerable Province of Carolina, which soon after, the happy Restauration of His present Majesty King Charles II. from whom it receives Denomination, was granted by Patent to Edward Earl of Clarendon, L. Chancellor of England, George Duke of Albemarle, William Earl of Craven, John Lord Berkley, Anthony Lord Ashley, Sir George Carteret, Vice-Chamberlain of His Majesty's Houshold, Sir William Berkley, Knight and Baronet, and Sir John Colleton, Knight and Baronet.

The Lords-Proprietors of this Countrey, for the better Settlement of it accord∣ing to their Patent granted unto them by His Majesty, and for the enlargement of the King's Dominions in those parts of America, have been at great Charge to secure this so rich and advantageous a Countrey to the Crown of England, to whom of an∣cient Right, by the Discovery of Sir Sebastian Cabott in the time of Henry the Seventh, it doth belong, and for its Situation, Fertility, Neighborhood to our other Plantati∣ons and several other Conveniences, of too valuable consideration to be negligently lost: By the Care therefore and Endeavors of those Great Men,* 1.212 it hath now two considerable Colonies Planted in it, the one of Albemarle, on the North side, border∣ing on Virginia, where are some hundreds of English Families remov'd thither from New England, and some of our other Plantations in the West-Indies; and ano∣ther towards the middle of the Countrey, at Charles-Town, or Ashley-River, a Settle∣ment so hopeful, for the healthiness of the Land, and convenience of access by a large deep Navigable River, and so promising in its very Infancy, that many of the rich Inhabitants of Barbados and Bermudas, who are now crowded up in those flourishing Islands, and many in our other American Plantations, are turning their Eyes and Thoughts this way, and have already remov'd part of their Stock and Servants thither. Nor is it to be doubted, but that many, following the Example of those who went to Albemarle, will be drawn to this better Plantation at Ashley-River, from New-England, where the heat of their Zeal, and the coldness of the Air, doth not agree with every Man's Constitution; and therefore it is to be thought, that many well temper'd Men, who are not much at ease under such Extreams, will be forward to remove hither.

* 1.213The Lords-Proprietors, for the comfortable subsistence, and future enrichment of all those who shall this Year 1671. Transport themselves and Servants thither, allow every Man a hundred Acres per Head, for himself, his Wife, Children and Servants, he carries thither, to him and his Heirs for ever, paying onely one Peny an Acre, as a Chief-Rent; which Peny an Acre is not to be paid these nineteen years; and those Servants who go along thither with their Masters, shall each also have a hundred Acres upon the same Terms, when he is out of his Time. But though these Conditions are very advantageous, and the Countrey promises to the Planter Health, Plenty and Riches at a cheap Rate, yet there is one thing that makes this Plantation more valuable than all these, and that is the secure possession of all these

things with as great certainty as the state of humane Affairs, and the transient things of this Life are capable of, in a well continu'd Form of Government, wherein it is made every Man's Interest to pre∣serve the Rights of his Neighbor with his own; and those who have the greatest Power, have it limi∣ted to the Service of the Countrey, the Good and Welfare whereof whilest they preserve and pro∣mote, they cannot miss of their own, the Lords. Proprietors having no other aim, than to be the greatest Men in a Countrey where every one may be happy if it be not his own fault, it being almost as uncomfortable, and much more unsafe, to be Lord over, than Companion of a miserable, un∣happy, and discontented Society of Men.

With this Design the Lords-Proprietors, who are at great Charge for carrying on this Plantation, have put the framing of a Government into the Hands of one, whose Parts and Experience in Affairs of State are universally agreed on, and who is by all Men allow'd to know what is convenient for the right ordering Men in Society, and setling a Government upon such Foundations, as may be equal, safe, and lasting; and to this hath a Soul large enough to wish well to Mankind, and to desire, that all the People where he hath to do might be happy. My Lord Ashley therefore, by the consent of his Bre∣thren, the rest of the Lords Proprietors, hath drawn up, to their general satisfaction, some funda∣mental Constitutions, which are since, by their joynt approbation, confirm'd to be the Model and Form of Government in the Province of Carolina; the main Design and Ballance thereof (accord∣ing to the best of my memory, having had a Copy thereof) in short is as followeth:

* 1.2141. EVery County is to consist of forty square Plots, each containing twelve thousand Acres. Of these square Plots each of the Proprietors is to have one, which is to be call'd a Signiory. Eight more of these square Plots are to be divided amongst the three Noble-men of that County, viz. a Landgrave, who is to have four of them; and two Casiques, who are to have each of them two apiece; and these square Plots belonging to the Nobility, are to be call'd Baronies. The other twenty four square Plots, call'd Colonies, are to be the Possession of the People: And this Method is to be ob∣serv'd in the Planting and Setting out of the whole Countrey; so that one Fifth of the Land is to be in the Proprietors, one Fifth in the Nobility, and three Fifths in the People,

2. The Signories and Baronies, that is, the hereditary Lands belonging to the Proprietors and Nobi∣lity, are all entirely to descend to their Heirs, with the Dignity, without power of alienation, more than for three Lives, or one and twenty years, or two Thirds of their Signiories and Baronies, and the rest to be Demesne.

3. There will be also some Mannors in the Colonies, but none less than three thousand Acres in a Piece, which, like the rest of the Colony Lands, will be alienable, onely with this difference, that it cannot be parcell'd out, but if fold, it must be altogether.

4. There is to be a Biennial Parliament, consisting of the eight Proprietors, the Landgraves and Casiques, and one out of every Precinct, that is the six neighboring Colonies, for the People, chosen by the Freeholders; these are to sit and Vote altogether for the making of Laws, which shall be in force no longer than sixty years after their Enacting, the great mischief of most Governments, by which not onely the People are mightily entangled by multiplicity of Rules and Penalties, and thereby laid open to the Malice and Designs of troublesom Men and cunning Projectors; but, which is far worse, the whole frame of the Government in tract of time comes to be remov'd from its origi∣nal Foundation, and thereby becomes more weak and tottering.

5. There are eight supream Courts for the dispatch of all publick Affairs; the first consists of the Palatine, who is the eldest of the Proprietors, and hath power to call Parliaments, and dispose of publick Offices. The other seven supream Courts are, 1. The chief Justices for the determining of Controversies of Meunt and Tuum, and judging of Criminals. 2. The Chancellors, for passing of Char∣ters, and managing the State Matters of the Province. 3. The High-Constables, for Military Affairs. 4. The Admirals, for Maritime Affairs. 5. The High-Stewards, for Trade. 6. The Treasurers, for the publick Stock; and 7. The Chamberlains, for Ceremonies, Fashions, Marriages, Burials, &c. These are the seven supream Courts, to whom lies the ultimate Appeal in all Causes belonging to them. Each of these Courts consists of one Proprietor, and six other Councellors, whereof two are chosen by the Nobility, and two by the People. All the number of these eight Courts joyn'd together make the Grand Council, which are in the nature of a Council of State, and are entrusted with the ma∣nagement of Affairs of greatest concernment. There is also in every County a Court, and in every Precinct another; from the Precinct Court there lies an Appeal to the County Court, and from the County Court to the Proprietors Court, to which the Matter in question belongs, and there is the last decision and determination thereof, without any farther Appeal. And to keep the People from the Charges and vexation of long Suits, to the enriching of Men cunning in Words, care is taken, that no Cause shall be Try'd more than once in any one Court, and that profess'd Pleaders for Money shall not be allow'd.

Liberty of Conscience is here also allow'd in the greatest latitude, but yet so, that neither Atheists, or Men of no Religion, are permitted; Atheism, Irreligion, and vicious Lives being condemn'd, as disagreeable to humane Nature, inconsistent with Government and Societies, and destructive to all that is useful to, or becoming of Mankind; as on the other hand, rigorous Imposing of, and hot Contentions about the Ceremonies and Circumstances of Religion, is an occasion of perpetual Strife, Faction and Division, keeps Men from sedate and temperate Enquiries after Truth, eats out the great Cement of humane Conversation, Charity, and cannot be found in any one, who hath but modesty enough to think himself less than a Pope, and short of Infallibility.

There is also to be a Register of all Grants and Conveyances of Land, to prevent even the occasi∣ons of Controversies and Law-Suits.

There are several other less considerable Particulars in this Government, all contriv'd and de∣sign'd for the good and welfare of the People; all which are so well put together, and in such equal proportion ballance each other, that some judicious Men who have seen it, say, it is the best and fairest Frame, for the well-being of those who shall live under it, of any they have seen or read of.

CHAP. III. Florida.

* 1.215SOuth-West of Virginia lieth the spacious Countrey of Florida, remarkable hi∣therto rather by the great pains which the Spaniards have taken, and the ill Successes they have met with in the discovery and search of this Province, than by any thing else they have discover'd in it answerable to their desires. On the East it hath the Atlantick Ocean, or Mare del Nordt; on the South, and South-West, the Gulph of Mexico and Mare Virginium; and full West, part of New Gallicia, and some other Countreys, not yet perfectly known.

This Countrey is also one of those, said to have been first of all discover'd by Sir Sebastian Cabot, at the Charges of the King of England, about the Year 1497. but afterwards more throughly search'd into by John some de Leon, a Spaniard,* 1.216 who in the Year 1511. set Sail with three Ships out of the Haven St. German in Porto Rico, North-West to the Isles Del Veio, Caycos, Yaguna, Amaguyao, Manegua, and Guanahani, first discover'd by Christopher Colonus, and call'd St. Salvador: After that Steer'd North-West by a Coast, which (because of its pleasant prospect) was call'd Florida, or (ac∣cording to the more common Opinion) because it was on Palm-Sunday, which the Spaniards call Pascha de Flores, or Pascha Florida) that he Landed here: And to find out a Haven he kept sight of the Shore, which appear'd South-West from him. Here the Ships met with so strong a Tide, that notwithstanding they had a fresh Gale of Wind, yet could they not stem it; one of the Ships was driven to Sea out of sight; the other two casting Anchor, which raking, drove toward the Shore; whither, being beckned by the Indians, they immediately went; when no sooner he Landed, but they ran in great Companies to make themselves Masters of the Vessels, kill'd one Spaniard, wounded two more: the Night approaching put an end to the Fight. From hence Sailing to the River La Cruix for Wood and Water, they were resisted by sixty Natives, which they put to flight with their Guns, and took one Prisoner; after which they erected a Stone Cross. The Promontory, by which glides the strong Current, lies in twenty Degrees North-Latitude, and call'd Cabo de Corrientes, as the Row of Isles, before the Main Land Los Martyres, because the Cliffs at a distance appear like Men standing on Poles. Lastly, after some small Encounters with the Floridans, Ponce return'd home,* 1.217 being onely inform'd falsly by the Indians, that in Florida was a River, and on the Isle Bimini a Fountain, whose Waters made old People young.

* 1.218But after this Florida remained not unvisited; for eight years after the foremen∣tion'd Voyage, Lucas Vasquez de Aylom weighed Anchor with two Ships from Hispa∣niola, to fetch Slaves from the adjacent Isles for the Gold-Mines, which Labor the Natives were not able to perform: therefore steering his Course Northwardly, he Sail'd along the Coast of Chicoa and Gualdape, by them call'd Cabo de St. Helena, and Rio Jordan, where the Natives look'd upon the Ships as Sea-Monsters, and seeing Bearded Men in them, fled: the Spaniards pursuing them, overtook one Man and a Woman; who being well Entertain'd, and Clad in Spanish Habits, made the Stran∣gers so acceptable to their Countrey-men, that their King sent fifty Men Aboard of them with Provisions, and to invite the Sea-men to his Dominions. The King sat

[illustration]

with a great Cloth about him,* 1.219 made fast on his Shoulders, covering his Belly, Breast and Back with the Lappet thereof, and being long, was held up by one of his Servants; over one of his Shoulders hung a String of Pearl that came three times about, and reach'd down to his Thighs; on his Head he wore a Cap full of Ribbonds; his Arms and Legs were also surrounded with a double Chain of Pearl; in his right Hand he held a very rich Staff: But the Queen went almost naked, onely a piece of a wild Beasts Skin hung down before her from her left Shoulder to her mid-Leg, and a double String of Pearl about her Neck hung down between her Breast, and her Hair Comb'd behind reach'd down to the Calves of her Legs; about her Wrists and Ancles hung also Strings of Pearl.

On the King's Command, the Spaniards were permitted to make inspection into the Countrey, in which they were every where courteously Entertain'd, and not without Gold and Silver Presents.* 1.220 Returning Aboard, Vasquez invited the. Indians to go with him, under pretence of returning them thanks for the Favours which they had bestowed upon him; but no sooner had he gotten a considerable number in his Ships, but he set Sail, and losing one Ship, arriv'd with the other safe at Hispaniola with a few Indians,* 1.221 for most of them with grief and hunger died at Sea, and those that remain'd alive, liv'd on dead Carrion.

Some few years after, Vasquez receiving Letters Patent from the Court of Spain for the Government of Florida, fitted out a Ship thither in 1620. which brought a good Return of Gold, Silver, and Pearls; whereupon he himself went not long af∣ter, and coming into the River Jordan, lost one of his Ships, which prov'd not the worst Accident;* 1.222 for Landing two hundred Men, they were all of them either slain or wounded by the Inhabitants; so that Vasquez was forc'd to sound a Retreat: And after that the Spaniards were less willingly drawn to that Coast, and the rather, because the Inhabitants seem'd poor, and had little Gold but what they procur'd from the Otapales and Olugatono's, sixty Leagues Northward up in the Countrey.

* 1.223Notwithstanding these unsuccessful Expeditions, Pamphilus Narvaez retain'd so much Courage, that obtaining Letters Patents from the Emperor Charles the Fifth,

[illustration] map of coast between Florida and Virginia

VIRGINIAE partis australis et FLORIDAE partis orientalis, inten•••••• ce••ti••••••{que} region NOVA•••• DESCR••••••

he fitted but four Sail and a Brigantine, weigh'd Anchor from Cuba with six hun∣dred Men and eighty Horse, in the Year 1528. On Florida he Landed three hun∣dred Foot and forty two Horse; they found many empty Huts,* 1.224 but in a great House a golden Bell hid amongst the Nets, Chests full of Merchandise; and in each a dead Body cover'd with Beast Skins, and painted; Pieces of Linnen Cloth, and Wedges of Gold, which they had from the remote Countrey Apalache. Narvaez, though against the Opinion of Nunnez Cabeca, march'd up into the Countrey, whilst the Fleet was to stand along the Shore, and travelling fifteen days saw neither House nor Man, onely here and there some Palmito-Trees: Crossing a River on Floats, they were Encountred by two hundred of the Natives; of which the Spaniards, having routed them, took six Prisoners, who furnish'd them plentifully with Indian Wheat. Af∣ter this they march'd fifteen days farther, without discerning the least foot-step of a Man; but at last they met an Indian Lord with a considerable Train, before whom march'd several Pipers: being told by Narvaez that his Journey was for Apalache, he conducted the Spaniards with a Canoo over a River, and Landing again, walk'd with them to his Village, where he Entertain'd them with great civility. Narv aez, after a long and troublesom Journey, came at last in sight of Apalache, a Village which contained two hundred and forty Straw Houses, built between the Moun∣tains on a Moorish Soyl, full of Nut, Pine, and Savine-Trees, Oaks, Laurel, and short Palmito's, besides the Trees, which blown down in several places by a strong Wind from between the Hills, and lying cross, cumber the High-ways: There are many deep Pools, and also Bears, Lyons, and other ravenous Creatures, which make the Ways very dangerous. Narvaez falling suddenly on the Village, took the Casique Prisoner, as also store of Wheat, Mortars to pound it, Hides, and Thred∣spun Cloaks. Here he rested twenty five days, during which time some of his Men Journey'd farther into the Countrey, yet found none but poor People, troublesom Ways, and an unfruitful Soyl: twice they were set upon by the Na∣tives, who kill'd some of the Horses and Men: They being a very strong People run stark naked, and as swift as a Deer, Diving under Water from the Spaniards Bullets; which not a little amazing Narvaez, he thought it convenient to set upon the Village Aute, lying on the Shore:* 1.225 Nine days he was in a miserable condition before he got any Wheat, Pease, or other Provisions from this Village; the getting whereof cost him very dear, for the Villagers behav'd themselves so valiantly, that they kill'd many Spaniards, and some of their Horses, which since they left the Haven of St. Cruce had travell'd two hundred and eighty Leagues; so that being tir'd and out of heart, they could not carry the Sick and Wounded, who not able to go, fell down dead in the Way: whereupon it was judg'd convenient to make five Barques, in which they made their Shirts serve for Sails, the Horses Tails and Mayns for Ropes, their Skins to hold fresh Water; with which putting out to Sea, they saw no Land in seven days; and running through the Straights of St. Miguell, Steer'd along the Coast of Rio del Palmes; where they suffer'd great Drought, inso∣much that some drinking salt Water, died thereof: at last Landing, they were in the Night set upon by a Casique, who having given Narvaez a great Wound in the Face, fled, leaving behind him a Sable Cloak, scented with Amber; three days they rang'd again along the Sea-shore, when the Barque of Nunnez Cabeca being behind, was by Storm driven on the Shore, where a hundred Indians waited to cut them off,* 1.226 but were pacifi'd with some Trifles: Thus being bereav'd of Arms, Provision, and all manner of Necessaries, they found themselves on an Isle, by the Inhabitants call'd Malhado, where they were lodg'd and maintain'd so long as they had any thing left; but Famine grew at last to such a heighth,* 1.227 that they devour'd

one another, and in a short time of eighty Men there remain'd onely four alive, viz. Nunnez Cabeca, Castillo, Orantes, and Estevanico, who at last by Land reach'd to New Gallicia, and soon after to Mexico, having escap'd a thousand Dangers. Of Pamphilus Narvaez never any tydings being heard, it is suppos'd he was drown'd.

* 1.228After this miserable Adventure, the Business of Florida lay dead for eleven years, till Ferdinandus Sottus, chosen Governor of Cuba, obtain'd so much of the Emperor Charles the Fifth, that he ventur'd one Expedition more for Florida: Besides Sea∣men he carried five hundred Foot, and three hundred and fity Horse; with which Landing in the Bay Del Espirito Santo, he march'd against the Casique Vitacucho, whom he took Prisoner, with a thousand of the Natives, whom he either put to the Sword, or caus'd them to be torn in pieces by Dogs; and staying all the Winter in Apalache, fortifi'd that place, and furnish'd himself with Provisions; he was inform'd, that thirteen days Journey from thence lay the Kingdom of Cofachiqui, abounding with Gold, Silver, and Pearls, which made every one of the Spaniards very desi∣rous to go thither, notwithstanding the Way was very dangerous; for the vali∣ant Floridans lying in Ambuscade in the Corn-Fields, wounded and kill'd many of them by Shooting from thence. Sottus, so soon as March approached, set forward on his Way. In the poor Province of Achalaqui he found a few young People, and the old most of them blind.* 1.229 From Cofachiqui he was follow'd by four thousand Natives, who carried the Spaniards Luggage, and serv'd them as Guides through Woods and Wilderhesses. The seventh day they stopp'd at a great River, whither Sottus sent four Companies to seek out a Passage over, whereof three return'd without any effect, but the fourth, Commanded by Captain Annasio, and a Colonel of a thousand Cofachiquians, came to a Village built along the River; in which they made a a miserable Rout, killing all they lighted on, and hanging the Sculls of the Dead by their sides: this done, they march'd back. Sottus at last espying a Village on the other side of the River, beckned to the Natives to come over to him; whereupon six came immediately; who understanding that he desir'd their friendly. Assistance and Trade,* 1.230 promis'd to acquaint their Governess, being a young Maiden: who soon after came over to Sottus, and presented him with a String of Pearl: he com∣plain'd to her for Provisions, which she promis'd in part to store him with. Cros∣sing the River he found a brave Countrey, where were Pearls as big as gray Pease, Copper of a golden colour,* 1.231 but no Gold. Out of the Tombs of their Princes the Spanish Officers, with the leave of the fore-mention'd Maid their Governess, got an incredible Treasure in Pearls. In the Village Tolomeco they did the like. But here their Provisions growing scarce, the Army was divided into two Bodies, Balthasar de Gallegos leading one, and Sottus the other; yet the Design of them both was on the Province of Chalaque; whither marching, they were surpris'd by such a violent Storm,* 1.232 that few would have been left to relate their Adventures, had not the Trees bore it off from them; for it not onely Thundred and Lightned as if Heaven and Earth would have met, but also Hail-stones fell down as big as Eggs, which beat down the Boughs of Trees. In the pleasant Valley Xualu, belonging to the King∣dom of Cofachiqui, they rested fifteen days, and then march'd through Countreys of Guaxale,* 1.233 Acostes, and Coza, where above a thousand Indians, adorn'd with Plumes of Feathers and rich Furr Cloaks, came to meet and welcom them, and to desire them from the Casique to stay there all the Winter; but Sottus resolving to go to the Haven Achusi, refus'd the same. After this he view'd Talisse, fortifi'd with woodden and earthen Bulwarks; where the Casique Tascalusa, a Man as big again as an ordinary Spaniard,* 1.234 receiv'd Sottus with great civility, and conducted him to Mavilla, lying in a pleasant place. The City, surrounded with double Pallisado's, fill'd up with

Earth between, (where also at eighty Paces distant from one another, stands a Tower to contain eighty Soldiers) hath two Gates, eighty Houses, in every one of which dwell a thousand Men, and a large Market-place in the middle; where whilst the Spaniards were in the midst of their Mirth, they on a sudden heard a great cry of Arms; the first Assault was made by seven thousand, which still in∣creased by fresh Supplies; but the Spaniards at last setting the City on fire,* 1.235 broke through them, and left above eleven thousand slain, either by the Smoak and Flame, or by their Bullets, Swords, Horses Heels and Dogs; the Spaniards also lost eighty three Men and forty three Horses. Thence going to Chicora they were stopt by the Natives before a deep River with high Banks, which at last crossing, not without great trouble and blood-shedding, they Winter'd in the Village Chicora, where the Inhabitants let them rest very quietly for two Moneths; at the end of which, joyning together in the Night, they shot Fire into the Straw Roofs, and maintain'd a Fight of two hours long, in which the Spaniards lost forty Men, fifty Horses, and all their Hogs, which were burnt in the Houses. From thence going to Chicacolla they were resisted in most places, and in the Fort Alibamo Engag'd by four thousand Floridans, who waited for their coming; but those were so shrewdly hand∣led, that half of them were slain, and Sottus became Master of the Fort, as also of Chisca, which he Storm'd and took unawares. With no less trouble and danger did he get over the River El Grande, where he discover'd a Village that contain'd above four hundred Houses, and many delightful Fruit-Trees. The Casique Casquin, main∣tain'd the Spanish Army six days in this place, and taking five thousand of his Sub∣jects, march'd with them to Capaha, which hath a deep and broad Moat on three sides thereof: the fourth was fortifi'd with strong Pallisado's, through which the Spaniards breaking, made way for Casquin, who put all to the Sword, the Governor onely escaping in a Canoo to a neighboring Isle. The Entrance being thus taken by he Spaniards, Casquin return'd home. After which Sottus concluded a Peace with Capahaes, the Governor, and took up his Quarters in the Village Vitangue, where he receiv'd continual Sallies; but taking fifteen Casiques Prisoners, threatned to burn them alive, unless they would procure them some Gold; yet not being able to get any, they had only their Hands cut off and were sent away. Moreover, Sottus help'd the Guachacoya's, to ruine those of Anilco; which Design prov'd successful, yet not ac∣cording to Sottus's desire, for he found not the Gold-Mines which he expected, but spent in this five years Progress the great Treasure which he took out of Atibaliba's Palace; and the Pearls which he got in Florida, for the Oysters being open'd against the Fire, and the Pearls drill'd through with a hot Iron, lost much of their lustre, neither would his People consent to build a City in the Haven Achusi.* 1.236 In the midst of these Transactions Sottus died of the Bloody-flux, and his Body was Interr'd in the River El Grande. After which his Successor Ludovicus de Alvarado had worse suc∣cess, for half of the Army being wasted by the excessive heat, the rest resolv'd to desert Florida, utterly despairing to be ever able to resist the valiant Natives. In the Province of Auche they procur'd a Guide, whom, because he mis-led them in their Way, they caus'd to be torn in pieces by their Dogs: after which they march'd without a Guide through such bad Ways, that they lost a hundred of their Men and eighty Horses, besides many Floridans that carried their Luggage: At last coming to the River El Grande they conquer'd two Villages; which fortifying, they took up their Winter Quarters in them. But this being the fourteenth year, in which the River us'd generally to overflow and drown all the adjacent Countreys, on a sudden, to their great amazement, the Wood which they had gather'd for the build∣ing of Barques to carry them home, was wash'd away, their Provisions spoil'd,

and their Habitations drown'd: and to this inconvenience was added another yet greater; for the Governors round about rais'd all the Forces they could possibly, to revenge themselves on the Spaniards for their great oppression. But Alvarado being inform'd of this Design by the Casique Anilco, caus'd thirty of the Abet∣tors of the Plot to have their Hands cut off. Not long after this the Spaniards set Sail, when a thousand Canoos that came to Engage them lay sixteen days amongst them,* 1.237 killing and wounding several of the Seamen, and sunk a Barque with forty eight Men, and also kill'd many Horses which were yet on the Shore; the Prisoners they took were strappado'd to death, and the Horses shot: yet some of them got safe from Panuco to Mexico.

* 1.238These above-mention'd Expeditions to Florida, notwithstanding they fell out unfortunately, nevertheless by the permission of Philip the Second, King of Spain, Peter Ahumada and Julius Samano, with five Dominican Monks, made another Attempt, and Landed with several great Crosses, that thereby they might reduce the Flori∣dans, whose Language they understood not, to their Faith: But they fearing trea∣chery, resisted them, and kill'd the Monks with Clubs, flay'd them, and hung their Skins in their Temples.

* 1.239Notwithstanding these and many worse Accidents that hapned, yet the Spanish King ventur'd once more, and sent Peter Menendez to Florida; whither he was fol∣low'd by three Jesuits from Rome, viz. Peter Martinius, Joan Roger, and Francis Villare∣gius: The Master of the Ship in which they went being ignorant where he was, judg'd it convenient to Land; whereupon nine Netherlanders and four Spaniards, amongst which was Martinius, went ashore on Florida, whilst a Storm arising drove the Ship to Cuba; by which means those that were Landed were left in a miserable condition, having no Food but wild Herbs, on which they fed twelve days: so that this Expedition also came to nothing.

* 1.240At last the French following the foot-steps of the Spaniards, John Ribald and Ren•• Laudoniere having Sail'd several times to Florida, discover'd several Coasts; but their Men were often set upon by the Spaniards, and cut off.

* 1.241Anno 1567. Dominicus Gurgius set Sail thither with three Ships, which carried two hundred Soldiers and eighty Sea-men; with which entring the River Tacatucouru he Landed, and found a Youth call'd Peter du Bre, who escap'd when the Spaniards cru∣elly massacred the French in the Garrison Carolina; after which du Bre ranging up and down, at last serv'd Saturiona, Governor of Florida; whom deserting, and now meeting with the French his Countrey-men, he brought several Casiques to joyn with them against the Spaniards,* 1.242 whom they drove out of three Forts, which were all by the Command of Gurgius dismanteled.

Florida is call'd by the Natives, Irquasa. The Spaniards have built two Forts on the same, the one erected on the Promontory Helena, is Consecrated to the Apostle Matthew.* 1.243 The City and the Fort Angustine lies near the River May. Both City and Fort stand on a Hill, which is pleasant and well set with Trees. Between the Fore∣land is a deep and wide Channel, which washes the City and Fort; it is eight-square, at each corner there stands a round Tower, in which the Soldiers keep Guard; the Countrey is water'd by two Rivers, which gliding between the Main and the Fore∣land, are great Safeguards to the Fort. The City is almost square, onely against the Fort it is much closer built than in any other place, and divided into four Streets. The Church stands without of the City, and before it the Augustine Cloyster.

* 1.244The Inhabitants of Florida are an Olive colour, tall, and without any defor∣mity; their Skins generally painted, and their Bodies naked, onely a Deer's Skin about their middle, their Hair long and black, hanging down to their Hams, but

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PAGUS HISPANORUM in Florida

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most of them tie it in a Knot on the top of their Heads; two small Boards co∣ver their Breasts, and six lesser hang on their Arms, two Bells at each Ear, and a Cap on their Head, with a Feather: Their Quivers, which are always full of Ar∣rows, sharpned with Fish Bones, hang by their Sides; In their left-Hand they hold a great Bowe, with which they go to War, the King walking before with a Club. They Consult daily about warlike Affairs in the King's Palace,* 1.245 where he himself sits on a high Seat; the Grandees salute him first with their Hands lifted over their Head, crying Ha, He, Ya, at which the rest cry Ha, Ha; then every one sits down on a Stool round about the Room. If they have any Business of Consequence to debate, then the King sends for the ancientest Persons and Priests, call'd Jawas; this done, they give a Cup of Cassine (which is a hot Drink made of Herbs) to the King; after which every one drinks in order out of the same Cup. This Liquor occasions Sweat, quenches Thirst, and satisfies the Appetite for twenty four hours. When they March against their Enemies they live on Indian Wheat, Honey,* 1.246 smoak'd Fish, and divers sorts of wild Roots, amongst which they mix Sand and Cinders, to preserve them the longer. No sooner are the two Armies come within sight one of another, but the Kings of both Parties roll their Eyes about in their Heads, mutter something to themselves, and make strange Gestures and Exclamati∣ons; which is answer'd by a general Cry of the whole Army: then each King turn∣ing himself with great Reverence to the Sun, takes a woodden Platter with Water, which he throws over his Army so far as he is able, and begs of the Sun to grant him, that he may spill his Enemies Blood in like manner; then throws another Dish-full into the Fire, wishing that his Soldiers may thus Offer the Bodies of their Foes to the Flames; then step forth the Priests,* 1.247 who are always skill'd in the Art of Necromancy, and seating themselves on a Shield in the midst of the Army, draw a Circle, in which they make many strange Gestures, not without muttering to themselves, and seemingly say a Prayer of a quarter of an hour long; during which they deport themselves so strangely,* 1.248 that they rather seem to be Devils them∣selves, than Charmers of the Devil: They turn their Eyes quite round, and their

Bodies as if without Joynts; at length being wearied they leap out of the Circle, and inform the King of the numbe and condition of the Enemies Army. Those whom they take Prisoners they flay alive,* 1.249 and drying their Skins at the Fire, tie them to long Poles, and carry them home as Trophies of their Victory, and afterwards set them up in some Field or spacious place, putting both Men and Women to watch them, then comes the Priest with a woodden Image, and utters Execrations against the slain Enemies; at a corner of the Fields kneel three Men, one of which striking with great force on a Stone, gives as many Blows as the Priest pronounces Curses, whilst the other two shake their Calabashes fill'd with Stones, and Sing many strange Songs: No sooner is this ended, but the Women whose Husbands are slain in the Battel, walking to the King, cover their Faces with their Hands, make many strange Gestures, and desire liberty to take what revenge they can, and licence also to Marry at the limited time; all which the King permitting, they return thus com∣forted home crying.* 1.250 Not long after they go to the place where their Husbands lie buried, where they crop their Hair up to their Ears, and throw it on the Grave, as also the Arms and Drinking-Cups which the Deceased us'd in their life-time; after which they may not Marry before their Hair be grown again to their Shoulders. The same Custom is also observ'd when their King is buried; but then also all his Subjects Fast and Howl three days together, stick his Grave full of Arrows, and burn his House and all his Goods.

* 1.251The Floridans differ amongst themselves very much, for those that inhabit the Province Panuca, which borders upon New Spain, are valiant and cruel People, Offering their Prisoners to their Idols, and eating them. The Men pluck up the Hair of their Beards by the Root, make holes through their Nose and Ears, and Marry not till their fortieth Year.

Next to these follow the Realms of Aranaris and Albardaosia, inhabited by a Peo∣ple, which exceed all others in subtilty.

The Natives of Jaquazia run faster than a Deer, and tire not though they travel a whole day.

The best Swimmers are found in Alpachia, Authia, and Someria, where the Wo∣men Swim through deep and great Rivers with their Children in their Arms. Here also are many Hermophrodites,* 1.252 which carry all the Luggage when an Army is upon a March.

We find mention'd also two other Provinces of note, viz. Colas (which lies near the Point call'd Cape Florida) and Tegista, or Florida properly so call'd, being that long Peninsula, which pointing upon the Isle Cuba, by the Cape Los Martyres, stretcheth it self North and South about a hundred Leagues in length, but not above thirty in breadth where it is largest. In this Province is the Rio de lo Spirito Santo. The Soyl, though it produces Indian Wheat twice a year, yet it is never Dung'd, but when the Corn (which is planted in March and June) is in, they burn the Weeds; the Ashes of which serves them in stead of Soil. The King divides the Corn accor∣ding to every Mans Family. In the Winter they dwell four Moneths in the Woods, where they build small Huts of Palm-boughs, feed on Venison, smoak'd Fish, and Crocodiles, which have pure white Flesh, and are caught after this man∣ner:* 1.253 On the Shore of the Rivers they build little Houses full of round Holes, in which they place a Watch, who is to give notice to ten or twelve Associates, co∣ver'd all over with Boughs full of little sharp Prickles, which they thrust into the Crocodiles Throat, who with open Mouth comes running at them, and so throw∣ing him on his Back, stick his Belly full of Arrows, and kill him with Clubs. But with more subtilty and art they take their Deer,* 1.254 viz. They hide themselves unde

a Stags Skin, so cunningly, that it seems as if living, which they place near the Rivers where the Deer generally come to drink, when on a sudden they shoot them.

* 1.255Their Priests serve in stead of Chirurgeons, wherefore they always carry a Bag full of Herbs about with them, which are chiefly good against venereal Di∣stempers; for these People are exceeding libidinous; nay, Sodomy and defiling of young Children is accounted no sin: Yet though they are much inclin'd to Wo∣men, they attain to a great Age.

Rene Laudoniere Landing not far from the City Augustine, situate on the Banks of the River May, met with the Floridan Governor Saturiona, who conducted him to the French King's Court of Arms, erected two years before, which Saturiona, as a testi∣mony of his zeal to the French, had Crown'd with Laurel and Flowers. Saturiona had with him also his Son Atoreus, who had begotten divers Children on his Mo∣ther; whom his Father after that time no more acknowledging, resign'd her up wholly to him: At which time also his great Grandfather being then living, was above a hundred and fifty years old, and saw his Childrens Children to the fifth Generation.

The Religion in Florida is abominable, wicked, and cruel:* 1.256 When they return Conquerors from a Battel, the old Women take off the dry'd Hair from the fore-mention'd Poles, hold it aloft, and thank the Sun for their Victory. But the Offerings of their first-born Sons are terrible, for they knock out their Brains with a Club in the presence of the King. Their annual worshipping of the Sun is also very ridiculous; for filling the Skin of a Stag full of sweet-smelling Herbs, they hang the Horns and Neck with Garlands, and carry it with the noise of their kind of Vocal and Instrumental Musick, to a high Trunk or hollow Body of a Tree, on which they place the stuff'd Stag, with his Head towards the Sun; which done, they falling down, desire that he would please to afford them plenty of all such Fruit as they Offer to him; after which taking their leave, they let the fore-mention'd Skin remain there till the following Year.

The Spaniards since their Defeat in the Fort Carolina, and their Engagement with Sir Francis Drake, Anno 1585. have had little disturbance on Florida.

* 1.257Drake having burnt and plunder'd Domingo and Carthagena, steer'd along the Coast of Florida, and discover'd a Beacon on the same; whereupon he sent out Spies, who sail'd a League up a River, on whose Banks they saw a Fort, and somewhat higher the Town Augustine, built full of woodden Houses; all which being related to him, he steer'd thither, fir'd his Guns twice against the Fort St. John; which the Spaniards answering onely with one Volley, fled, with their Commander Peter Me∣nendez; when the English prepar'd to Storm, a Prisoner, being a French-man, came in a Boat from them to Drake, and inform'd him that the Spaniards had left the City Augustine and Fort St. John; to which Drake going, found there Pallisado's of pleited Boughs, cover'd with Earth, and a Chest with two thousand Pound, for the pay∣ment of the Soldiers, and fourteen Brass Guns, with which he set Sail from thence.

The Mountains of this Countrey are onely the Apalatei, suppos'd by the Na∣tives to have rich Mines of Gold in them, and which the Spaniards saw, but had not time, nor other accommodation to stay and search them, by reason they were so much wearied and wasted with a long March before they gat thither, and found the People so stout and obstinate thereabouts, that in stead of entertaining them with their Hens and Fowl, as other places had done, they were welcom'd with Blows, and made to return, leaving not a few of their best Soldiers behind.

Rivers there are many, and those very large and commodious, as 1•• Rio Secco,

or The Dry River, so call'd by the Spaniards (as some think) because they could find no Gold in it. 2. Rio Grande, or The Great River. 3. Ligeris. 4. Garunna. 5. Sequana, &c. These last, so nam'd by the French, who, after the Spaniards, for some time had, but never held any long possession of the Countrey. There are also Rio de Flores, Rio de Nieves, and Rio de Spirito Santo, lesser Streams, yet all of them, with the rest, falling at several places into the great Lake of Mexico; and some of them not a little haunted by the Caymans or West-Indian Crocodiles, a Creature, as hath been said be∣fore, dangerous both at Sea and Land.

The Natives, who as yet hold Possession and Command of it for the most part, are themselves generally sorted into certain Tribes or great Families; all which are Govern'd severally by Chiefs of their own, whom they call Paracoussi, and by rea∣son thereof are almost continually in Feud and War one with another.

The Towns and Places most known in this Province, are 1. St. Helens, seated on or near unto a Promontory of the same Name, where this Countrey bordereth on Virginia. 2. Fort Charles, or Arx Carolina, built and so nam'd by the French King, but afterwards ruin'd by the Spaniards. 3. Port Royal, a well frequented Haven, at the Mouth of a River which beareth the same Name. More within Land there is, 1. Apalache, an old Town of the Natives, formerly a Place of great resort, but now a poor thing of about forty or fifty Cottages; and yet as poor as it is, Pamphilius Narvaez, as before related, when he search'd the Countrey, found the Natives not willing to part with it: for though he took it from them, it was not without some resistance, and they quickly recover'd it again: and at the 2. nam'd Aute, an∣other old Town of theirs, nine days March from the other, they overtook him, and fell so resolutely upon him, that he left not a few of his best Soldiers dead upon the place, and was content himself to march quietly away with the rest. 3. Ochalis, a Town consisting of about five or six hundred Sheds and Cottages likewise of the Natives. 4 Vittacuche, a Burrough of two hundred Houses.

There is also on the the Eastern Shore of this Peninsula, St. Matthews, a Place pos∣sess'd and well fortifi'd by the Spaniards; and St. Augustines on the same Shore, but lying somewhat more Southerly than the other, at the Mouth of a River of the same Name, taken and sack'd by Sir Francis Drake in the Year 1585.

SECT. II. Jucatan.

JUcatan is a Peninsula, or half-Island, being encompass'd with the Sea on all sides, save onely to the South-West, where it is joyn'd to Guaxata, its farther and more Easterly Point looking towards Cuba. The knowledge of, when, and by whom this Province was discover'd, is included in that of New Spain, of which some will have it to be a part. The whole Province contains in compass nine hun∣dred Miles or more, and lies between eighteen and twenty two Degrees of Nor∣thern Latitude, or thereabouts, the Air somewhat hot, and the Soil not altogether so fertile as some other parts of New Spain are; but in recompence thereof the People are so much the more industrious, living for the most part by Handicraft Trades. Neither is it altogether unstor'd with Corn and divers sorts of Fruits, be∣sides what it hath of Fowl and Beasts, as Geese, Hens, Deer, &c. particularly it yieldeth plenty of Wax and Honey, by reason of its frequent Swarms of Bees. They report some special things of this Province, as namely, that the People of the Countrey us'd generally, and long before the Spaniards came thither, a certain Ce∣remony

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YUCATAN Conventus Iuridici Hispaniae Novae Pars Occid••••talis, et GUATIMALA CONVENTUS IURIDICUS

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S^t. FRANCISCO DE CAMPECHE

••emony of Religion, not much unlike to our Baptism, and which they call'd by a Name that in their Language sighifi'd Regeneration, or A Second-Birth; that they observ'd it so diligently, that few or none amongst them omitted to initiate them∣selves by it, believing, that thereby the Seeds and Ground-work of all Goodness was laid in them, and that they were fortifi'd by it against the assaults and tempta∣tions of ovil Spirits; that after they were three or four years old, till they came to twelve, they usually thus Wash'd and Baptiz'd themselves; and that none were permitted amongst them to Marry, that were not first initiated after this manner; that they chose likewise a solemn Day upon which to do this; and that the Friends and Relations (especially the Father and Mother) of the Parties to be initiated, as well as the Parties themselves, always Fasted three days before the said Initiation; and that a great many of the Natives had a Tradition, or general Report amongst them, that of ancient time this Province of Jucatan was possess'd and cultivated by a certain People which came thither from the East, after a tedious long wander∣ring, and many hardships endur'd at Sea, having escap'd the Hands of their Ene∣mies onely through the power of the Deity they worshipp'd; who help'd them, and made them to pass securely, even through the Waves of the Sea. All which, if true, seems not a little to confirm the Report which goeth for currant in the Welsh Chronicles, of one Madoc ap Owen, the Son of Guineth, a Prince of that Countrey, who is said to have fall'n upon a far Countrey this way in his Travels; which he lik'd so well, that having secur'd to his Companions their safe abode there during his absence, he return'd himself into Wales for more Men; and that he transported thither as many as he could carry in ten Barques full fraught. This he is said to have done about the Year of our Lord 1170. but neither he nor any of his Men were ever heard of since; and the success of the Expedition, it seems, little enquir'd after by the Welsh, However, the Relation seems not altogether incredible.

The chief Towns of the Province are, 1. Merida, in the Navel of the Countrey, and the Seat of the Governor, twelve Leagues distant from the Sea on either side. 2. Valladolidt, thirty Leagues distant from Nerida. 3. Campeche, a great Town, con∣sisting of about three thousand Houses or more, when first conquer'd by the Spani∣ards; who found such Monuments of Art and Industry in it, as did clearly argue, that the Place had been once possess'd by some People that were not barbarous. It is now call'd St. Francisco, and was surpriz'd in the Year 1596. by Captain Parker, an English-man, who took the Governor himself and some other Persons of Quality with him, together with a Ship richly laden with Gold and Silver, besides other Commodities of good value. 4. Tabasco, by the Spaniard now call'd Villa de Nuestra Sennora de Victoria, and commonly Victoria onely, in memory, as 'tis thought, of the first great Victory which Cortez otain'd over these People at the Battel of Potonchan, as hath been said. 5. Cintla. 6. Potonchan. 7. Salamanca.

All along the Coast of this Countrey there lie certain Islands, some within the Bay or Gulph call'd Honduras, pertaining to the next Province, as 1. La Zarza. 2. La Desconescida. 3. Vermeia. 4. Los Negrillos; and some without it, as 1. Zaratan. 2. Pantoia. 3. De Mugeres, or The Island of Women; so nam'd by the Spaniards, who at their first Discovery of these Parts, for a long time together could meet with none but Women. The chief of them is call'd Acusamil, commonly Cozamul, and is fifteen Leagues in length, and about five in breadth, and was as it were the Thoro-wfare, or Common Road of the Spaniards, when they first discover'd the Countreys of New Spain: For first here Landed Ferdinando de Corduba; after him John de Grialva, and others; and last of all the fortunate Cortez. It is now call'd St. Crux.

CHAP. IV. Guatimala.

* 1.258GUatimala stretcheth to the Isthmus, or Neck of Land, which, as we said, join∣eth the Northern and Southern parts of the New World together.

This Countrey is bounded Northward with the Peninsula of Jucatan abovesaid, and part of the Gulph or Bay of Honduras; on the South, with Mare del Zur; on the East and South-East, it hath Castella Aurea; and on the West, New Spain. The length of it lieth upon the Coast of Mare del Zur, and is said to be little less than three hundred Leagues; but the breadth not half so much, and in some places very narrow. It is generally a fertile and good Countrey in all respects, but especially abounding in Cattel and good Pastures; it is subdivided into seven inferior Pro∣vinces or Countreys, which are 1. Chiapa. 2. Verapaz 3. Honduras. 4. Nicaragua. 5. Veragua. 6. Costa Rica; and 7. Guatimala, specially so call'd: all differing in Language and Customs one from another.

The Bishoprick (as it is now call'd) of Chiapa is border'd on the West with New Spain; on the East with Vera Paz; and on the South with Mare del Zur. It is a Countrey much shaded with Woods, and those replenish'd with many fair and goodly Trees, of divers sorts, and of the largest size, as Oaks, Pines, Cedar, Myrtle, and Cypress-Trees, besides others which yield them a good kind of Rozen, precious Gums, &c. also several sorts of Balsom, as white, red, green, and black, not onely pleasant to the Scent, but an excellent Remedy for all manner of green Wounds: the best of it drops out of the cut Bodies of the Trees; and the worst is press'd out of the Wood and Leaves.

* 1.259There are also proper to this Countrey several other kinds of Trees and Plants, as that whose Fruit tastes like Pepper and Cloves, being of a great heighth; a Tree whose Leaves cure all ulcerated Sores, or the bitings of any poysonous Beast.

There is a sort of Cabbage call'd Ilantas, which grows to the heighth of a Tree, so that Birds make their Nests in them; they are eaten likewise like other com∣mon Cabbages.

There is also an Herb with narrow Leaves, which is no sooner touch'd, but it shrinks up to nothing; but at the going away of those which touch it, it obtains its former vigour.

Here are likewise Quails,* 1.260 Ducks, Geese, Pheasants, Parrots, Turtle-Doves, Pi∣geons, and the like, in great abundance.

Amongst the several sorts of Falcons which breed in this Countrey, there is one sort which hath one Foot proper to its kind, the other like that of a Goose; it feeds on Fish along the Rivers.

The Bird Toto-Queztall, which is somewhat smaller than a Pigeon, with green Feathers and a long Tail, is taken onely for its Tail, which when the Indians have pull'd out, they let the Bird fly again, there being a Law amongst them, that who∣soever kills one of them, is to suffer death.

The Cranes here are of a dark Gray; the biggest of them have a tuft of Fea∣thers like a Crown upon their Heads.

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The Birds Guacamayes, which are red and blue, are like a Peruan Goose.* 1.261

Moreover, the Countrey yields brave Horses, Goats, Sheep, Rabbets, and Foxes;* 1.262 also wild Dogs, Leopards, Lyons, and Tygers.

The wild Hogs which breed here have their Navels on their Backs, and have no Tails, they smell exceeding strong, and feed together in great Companies.

The Taquatrin, a certain Beast proper to those Parts, hath a Bag under its Belly, in which it generally carries seven or more young ones, and hath also a bald Tail; it creeps into Houses in the Night to steal Hens.

Here is also a certain Beast (whose Name we find not) about the bigness of a Rabbet, and like a Rat, and carries its young ones on its back whensoe're it comes abroad.

The Serpents, which are very numerous here, trouble the Inhabitants excee∣dingly, especially near the Village Ecatepeque, where there are such an abundance on two little Hills, that none dares approach them; some of them are very poy∣sonous, for if touch'd with a Stick, the Poyson runs up the same: and whoever are anointed with the Blood of a dead Serpent, die a lingring Death. John de Laet re∣lates, that the Indians took one which carried thirty young ones, which being a Finger long, crep up and down immediately; and the old one, being above twenty Foot long, serv'd the Natives for Venison.

Amongst other Beasts is also the Teuthlacokauhqui, or Fortress of the Serpents; it hath a Head like an Adder, thick Belly, glittering Scales, a black Back, sprinkled with white Crosses; at its Tail there grows yearly a Bone, with which it makes a noise when it stirs; its poysonous Teeth destroy those which are bit therewith in twenty four Hours, unless the part which is wounded be held in the Earth so long till the pain be over. Notwithstanding the noise, terrible aspect, and gestures of this Animal, the Indian Hunters make nothing to take the same by the Tail, and wrap it up in Linnen, and carrying it home make it tame. It is able to live a whole Year without either Meat or Drink; its Head when cut off grows to the bigness of a Man's Thigh in ten days time.

No less resolute are the Indians in taking the Ibitobaca, which is an Ell long, of a crimson Colour, full of black and white Specks, the Bones whereof they wear about their Necks in stead of Chains.

* 1.263The Iquanna is a Serpent which doth no manner of hurt, though terrible to look upon to those which know it not, having a Bag under its Chin, a glittering Comb on its Head, and on its Back sharp Bones, which stand like a Saw, and a long Tail: It lays fifty Eggs at a time as big as Acorns, of a very good taste, and fit to eat when boyl'd: It also lives both in the Water and on the Land.

Here are also many Baboons,* 1.264 which are big and heavy, with ugly Heads, short Legs like a Man, and Tails standing upwards; they eat all sorts of Fruit, but chiefly covet after Wine and Bread; and are so lascivious, that they often set upon Women: The Females generally bring forth two, one Male, and the other Female. There is also another sort, whose Skins, being red, are full of little Spots.

The ancient Inhabitants of Chiapa (divided into the Chiapaneca's, the Zeques, the Zeltates, and the Quelenes) are very Civil and Witty, also skilful in Painting, Singing, Breaking of Horses, and many other Trades.

* 1.265The Places of more principal note in this Countrey, inhabited by the Spaniards, are 1. Ciudad Real, pleasantly seated in the midst of a round Vale or Plain, and al∣most encompass'd with Hills representing the form of an Amphitheatre; also at the Foot of one which stands in the midst of the rest, the City is built. It is a City specially Priviledg'd by the King of Spain, having a Court of Justice, Cathedral, and Dominican Cloyster; of a pure and temperate Air, and the Countrey round about plentifully abounding both in Corn and Fruit, onely somewhat too cold to produce Lemmons and Oranges; but for Pears, Apples, Peaches, Quinces, Cher∣ries, and the like, they grow here in great abundance.

2. Chiapa, which giveth Name to the Valley aforesaid; It is a Bishop's See, and famous, if but for one of its Prelates, viz. Bartholomeo de las Casas, of the Order of Predicants, who was Bishop of this City, and his Memory justly precious amongst the poor Americans at this day, for his Charity towards them, and for the stout and zealous opposition which he made against the Spaniards cruel and inhumane deal∣ings with the Natives at the beginning of their Conquests: by which at last, not∣withstanding much difficulty and resistance made by interested Persons of the other Side, he procur'd them liberty, and an Edict from the Emperor in favor of them; whereby they were declar'd to be a Free People, and not Slaves, and the Spaniards forbidden to use them any longer as such, or to force them to any kind of Labour against their wills, or otherwise than by agreement with them, which Liberty they enjoy to this day; and though the Spaniards are said to give them very small Wages in some places, and for their Work in their Sugar-Mills (which is no small Labor) not above five Reyals, or Two shillings six pence a Week, for the Maintenance of themselves, their Wives and Children, yet by reason it is with Consent, and in a Countrey where all things are plentiful and cheap, their Condition is much better than it was, and the favor which that good Bishop did them, never to be forgotten. It is at present a great and populous City, and lieth almost in the mid-way betwixt the Cities of Mexico and Guatimala.

3. St. Bartholomews, in the Countrey of the Quelenes.

4. Tecpatlan, the chief of twenty five Villages, said to belong to the Zoques. Here the Dominicans have another Cloyster.

The Zeltates possess a fruitful Countrey, have thirteen Villages planted with Trees that yield Cochenile, being under a Common-wealth Government.

The chief Place of the Quelenes is Copanavatzla, where there is good Cheese, and store of brave Cattel: The River Chiepa gliding through the midst thereof, loseth it self in the Northern Ocean. In this part of the Country are Beasts not unlike Apes, with long Tails, which they wind about the Legs of those whom they find swim∣ming and so pull them under Water; wherefore they that go to Swim take Axes along with them, to cut off their Tails.

The Water of the River Blanco is clear and wholsom, running for the most part through Rocky Grounds, which nevertheless are overspread with Trees.

In the highest Ground of Chiapa, a League and a half from the City Reall, spring clear Fountains, whose Water ebbs and flows every six hours.

Near the Village call'd Afixa is one which runs three years together, though in the driest Season, and is dry three years, though it Rain never so much.

Not far from the Village Cinacatan is another Spring, whose Water cures seve∣ral Sicknesses, but kills all Birds and Beasts which drink of the same.

Here are likewise divers Baths.

The Rivers which run out of the Valley Chiapa, fall into two great Pits.

Near the Village Bartholomew, in the Province Quelenes, is a strange Cavern, out of which by the throwing of a stone into the same, are heard mighty noises like claps of Thunder.

Not far from the Village Chicomucolo, appears a Cavern, in which is a great Plain on one side, and a standing Lake, whose Water is like Sand, on the other.

The Spaniards, if they wanted not Slaves, might dig good store of Gold, Silver, Copper, Lead, Tin, and Quicksilver, out of the Mynes on the Mountain Ecatepeck, which is in nine Leagues compass: The Wind blows so strong after Sun-rising, that no Man is able to travel for it, but in the Night.

SECT. II. Vera Paz.

VEra Paz, or The Countrey of True Peace, was so nam'd by the Spaniards,* 1.266 as they say, because it was never conquer'd by the Sword, but reduc'd to Obedi∣ence onely by the Preaching of the Dominican Fryers. It is bounded on the West and South-West with Chiapa; on the East with some part of Guatimala and Honduras; and on the North with Jucatan. It contains about thirty Leagues in length, and almost as much in breadth, being a woody and mountainous Countrey for the most part, yet well distinguish'd with Valleys and lower Ground. It is much subject to Rain, which 'tis said to have for nine Moneths of the Year almost continually; by reason whereof the Countrey, being otherwise hot, is much an∣noy'd with a kind of Mosquit, or great sort of Gnats, which spoil the Fruit very much, and are otherwise not a little trouble to the People. Moreover, there happen oftentimes terrible Earthquakes and Storms, with Thunder and Lightning.

* 1.267The chief Commodities of this Countrey, are a kind of Amber, which some call Liquid Amber, which drops from divers of their Trees, and is said to be a Commo∣dity very precious, and of much use; Mastick, Sanguis Draconis, Gum Anime, Sarsapa∣rilla, China-Wood, and divers other Medicinal Drugs, which it affordeth in great plenty. The Woods afford a sweet smell, and the Trees in the same grow a won∣derful heighth.

The Canes which grow here, being a hundred Foot long, and proportionably thick, serve for Timber.

There is also a hard Wood call'd Iron-Wood, either from its hardness or colour, or both, which never rots.

The abundance of Flowers which grow here afford nutriment to innumerable swarms of Bees, which are about the bigness of small Flies. Their Honey, which is somewhat tart, they hide in the Roots of Trees, or in the Earth. Another sort, which is made by the Wasps, bereaves those that taste of their Senses.

The noted'st Beast in this Countrey is the Danta,* 1.268 which resembles a Mule, hath no Horns, but Ash▪ colour'd long Hair, short Neck, hanging Ears, thin Legs, with three Claws before and two behind, long Head, narrow Forehead, little Eyes, a Nose hanging over its Mouth, little Tail, sharp Teeth, and a Skin which is six Fingers thick, and scarce penetrable by any Weapon. This Beast is taken in Traps, Holes, or else with Dogs, which he often kills when hunted towards the Water. They say that this Beast taught Men first to Let-blood; for if it be too full of Blood, it pricks it self against a sharp Cane, and stops up the Orifice again very carefully. The Flesh thereof is good Meat, as also that of the Ross-Lyons, which in the day-time sleep on a high Tree, where they are shot by the Indians.

The Tygers are much more dangerous to be taken; yet the Indians Hunting them, eat them in stead of Beef; and also through all New Spain.

The Bears, which make the Ways very dangerous to travel, have black frizled Hair, broad Tails, Feet like Mens Hands: but since the Indians have made use of Guns, which they learn'd from the Spaniards, they have much lessen'd the number both of Bears and Tygers.

There are likewise many Leopards, Apes, and wild Goats (whose Skins serve the Natives for Drums) Hogs, and Armadillo's.

Amongst their Fowls, are Eagles and Parrots.

The Countrey is so well stor'd with Water, that in three Leagues space are above thirty Rivulets, and as many Fountains.

* 1.269On the Mountains grow great quantities of Sarsaparilla, Mechoacan, and the China-Root, which being yellowish hath several Saffron-colour'd Knobs on the top. The Sarsaparilla grows with many Stalks, creeping along over the Ground; the Body thereof is tough and full of Prickles, the Leaves broad and sharp at the ends, and are of a bluish colour on one side, and green on the other, and bear Clusters of Flowers, which close like Buds, and are first green, next vermilion-red, and lastly blackish: within are two hard Stones, which inclose a white Kernel, by the Indi∣ans call'd Juapecanga.

The Bay Golfo Dulce, which pours its muddy Water into the Sea, feeds the great Fish Monati, and a great number of Crocodiles.

Several Rivers abounding with Fish fall also into the same, having their Banks set all along with Trees, in whose Boughs, joyn'd together on the top, those sort of Birds make their Nests which prey on Fish.

The Women in this place are much shorter Liv'd than the Men, so that there are often thirty Widowers to one Widow. Women with Child are Deliver'd by themselves in the High-way; and from thence they go to the next River to wash themselves and the Child.

* 1.270As for any Towns or Places of much Traffick or Note, inhabited by the Spani∣ards, we find not any nam'd, save onely St. Augustines; near unto which there is said to be a Cave and Fountain within Ground, which converts the Water that fal∣leth into it out of several lesser Springs, into a kind of Alabaster or Stone, per∣fectly white, and fashions it likewise into Pillars, Statues, and other artificial Forms of very curious Workmanship, as Laet reporteth.

SECT. III. Honduras.

* 1.271HOnduras hath on the South, Guatimala abovesaid; on the West, a certain Bay, or Arm of the Sea, which they call Golfo Dulce, from the abundance of fresh Waters which run into it from all Parts; on the North and North-East, the Atlantick Ocean; and somewhat to the South-East, Nicaragua. It contains in length, viz. from East to West, Coasting along upon the Sea, about a hundred and fifty Leagues, and in breadth eighty. The Countrey is rich both in Corn and Pasturage, being said to be very much advantag'd that way by the constant over∣flowings of the Rivers, which are very many, about Michaelmass-time, and which the People order so well, that they water their Gardens, and exceedingly fertilize the whole Champain, or lower part of the Grounds by them.

The fruitful Valleys of this Countrey were anciently very well inhabited, till vast multitudes of the Natives were destroy'd by the Spaniards Cruelties, of which the Bishop Bartholomeo de las Casas, in his Letter to the Emperor Charles the Fifth, gives this Relation:

* 1.272

The young Children (saith he) they murder'd, beating out their Brains against the Stones; the Kings and Princes of the Countrey they either scorch'd to death, or threw them to the Dogs to be torn in pieces; the poor People they drove in∣to their Houses, and then set them on fire; those that remain'd were condemn'd to the greatest slavery imaginable, being us'd in stead of Mules and Horses, and having greater Burdens laid upon them than they were able to carry, insomuch that thousands of them fell down dead under them; some out of despair run∣ning into the Woods were famish'd, after they had kill'd and eat their Wives and Children for Hunger. In this one Province onely they massacred above twenty hundred thousand Men, and amongst others, Persons of Quality, which had ci∣villy Entertain'd them: nay, they tortur'd the poor innocent Natives all the ways they could possibly invent, onely to know of them where their Gold lay; particularly Diego de Valasco spar'd none that ever fell into his hands; insomuch that in a Moneths time above ten thousand were slain by him: He hang'd thir∣teen Noble-men, to twelve of whom he gave the Denomination of The twelve Apostles; and the chiefest of them he call'd in a derision, Jesus Christ. Some they suffer'd to starve to death, with their Heads compress'd between the cloven Barks of wild Vines; some also they buried alive, and leaving onely their Heads to appear above Ground, bowl'd Iron Bullets at them, and forc'd them to eat one another; besides infinite other hellish Cruelties, too horrid and dreadful to be recounted.

* 1.273This Countrey produces much Maiz, Wheat, Honey, and great Calabashes, from whence the first Discoverers call'd that Sea Golfo de las Ybueras, because they met with abundance of Calabashes, floating on the Water, which at Santo Domingo bear the Name of Ybueras.

This Countrey is water'd by three Rivers, the first Chamalucom, which glides by the City San Pedro; the second Ulva, inhabited on both Shores; the third Ha∣guaro, the Grounds adjacent to which would prove very fruitful, were the Inhabi∣tants not too lazy. In stead of a Plough they use a long Pole, with two crooked Staves at the end, one bent downwards and the othes upwards, with which they cut and turn the Earth. The Natives feed on several Roots, Flesh, and Vermine.

At their Feast they make themselves Drunk with a Drink made of Honey, Noble-men heretofore onely drinking the Liquor of Cacao; but of late it is com∣mon, and made by all People, though never so mean. They speak several Langua∣ges, the chiefest whereof is that of the Chontales, a salvage People. They divide their Year, call'd Joalar, that is, Passing, into eighteen Moneths, and each Moneth into twenty Days. They formerly measur'd the Year by the Nights, and began the Year forty days sooner than the Europeans.

* 1.274The Towns in this Province are 1. New Vallodolid, by the Indians nam'd Comayagua, lying in a pleasant Valley under a temperate Climate. The Cattel brought hither from Spain, increase exceedingly. The Silver-Mynes are also so well stor'd, that they keep the Melting-house in the Town always employ'd.

The Governor of this Place hath his Residence next to the Treasury-Chamber.

Anno 1588. the Bishop's See was translated hither from Truxillo: Nineteen years before which Francisco de Monteio sent his Lieutenant Alphonso de Cacenes thither, to build a Village half way between the Southern and Northern Ocean; who accor∣dingly erected the Town Santa Maria de Camoyagua, near a River Navigable for Ca∣noos, which disembogues in Puerto de Cavallos. The remaining part of the Way to the Haven Fonseca being passable for Carrs (which was a means to prevent many Inconveniences which us'd to happen to Travellers on the Way between Panama and Nombre de Dios) the Spanish King was so much concern'd at the first proposal hereof, that he sent the famous Surveyor Baptista Antonello thither, and the rather, because he received information, that the new Way, along which they carried the Mer∣chandise from Peru, Mexico, and other Countreys along the South Sea, lay very plea∣santly, by reason of the brave Vineyards, Corn-Fields, Fruit-Trees, Pastures, Streams abounding with Fish, Herds of Deer, and Cony-Warrens; yet Antonello meeting with many troubles, would not undertake the Business.

New Valladolid is adorn'd with a great Church, a Cloyster, belonging to the Monks De la Merced, and handsom Streets.

* 1.2752. Thirty Leagues West ward from this City lies another call'd Gratias a Dios, be∣gun by Captain Gabriel de Royas, Anno 1530, that so he might be near the Gold-Mines: But because the Natives kept the new Inhabitants in continual alarm, and daily Storm'd the unfinish'd Fortifications, Royas was necessitated to leave off building any farther, the rather, because none came to his assistance from the neighboring Garrison.

Six years after Gonzales de Alvarado undertook this Work, and built the City on a Rocky Mountain; which, though otherwise barren, produc'd lusty Horses and strong Mules.

3. San Pedro,* 1.276 though lying under a hot and unwholsom Climate, us'd formerly to be a brave City of Trade; but it is gone much to decay since Golfo Dolce hath been discover'd, because from that Bay the Commodities are carried in Barques up into the Countrey.

* 1.2774. The Village Juan de Puerto de Cavallos, inhabited by Factors and Moors: It re∣ceiv'd that Denomination, because not far from it several Horses were forc'd to be thrown over-board in a Storm. Though it be but ill fortifi'd, yet it hath an ex∣ceeding large Haven. Captain Christopher Newport arriving here Anno 1591. found two hundred Houses, and in them a considerable Booty left, notwithstanding four Ships richly laden had lately set Sail from thence.

Six years after Newport, Capt. Ant. Sherly re-took the Place, and leaving the Haven open for Pyrats, Alphonsus Coriado judg'd it convenient to remove the Trading Place to Amatique; he built the Village Thomas de Castilla, and fortifi'd the same against all manner of Assaults.

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TRU••••LLO.

Behind Cavallos lies the Valley Naco, which is exceeding fruitful, being situate between high Mountains, where formerly was found plenty of Silver.

5. Eastward from Cavallos appears the famous City Truxillo, near a large Bay;* 1.278 se∣cur'd from all Storms by two Cliffs, full of Trees; the Mouth of the Haven call'd Joan Gil, is above two Leagues broad, and receives two Rivers, one from each side of the City: The Stream Quaimarotte flows Eastward, and the River Antonio West∣ward, both abounding in Fish. The Countrey round about produces abundance of all sorts of Provisions, and chiefly abounds in Grapes, which are gather'd twice a year: Eight days after August they cut their Vines, which afford them ripe Grapes again in October; they have two Harvests of Corn; also Lemons and Oranges are very plentiful: The Cattel brought hither from Spain are exceeding∣ly increas'd to an incredible number.

Truxillo it self lying on a steep Mountain, is defended on that side which re∣spects the Sea, with a thick Wall of six Foot high; between which and the Haven are many brambly Bushes, which prevent the access to the Wall, onely a narrow and steep way leading up to the City, which hath a strong Gate, guarded with two Brass Guns, and sufficiently Fortifi'd to oppose an Enemy. The Eastern Cliff, which bends before the Haven is call'd Punta la Rye, on which stands a House with a high Beacon: Beyond the Wall Eastward, near the Haven, is a Ship-yard, before which stands a large Woodden Cross: The Castle in which the City Store is kept, joyns to the Wall, near unto which, within the Town appears St. Francis Church; but the Cathedral call'd Eglesia Major, is seen above all other Buildings: The Houses cover'd with Palmito-Leaves, have Walls of Pleited Bushes, Plaister'd over within and without: Behind the City, where it lies open, are exceeding high Mountains.

* 1.279Anno 1576. the English falling on this strong Place, carry'd a rich Booty from thence; after which, Capt. Anth. Sherly and Capt. Will. Parker ventur'd once more on the same, but being discover'd by the Centinel, were forc'd to Retreat, not without a considerable loss: When not long after, Captain John Van Hoorn a Hollander, at∣tempting the same, had much better success; for he Weighing Anchor for Pernam∣buc, with four Frigats, three Ketches, and a Sloop, set Sail to Truxillo, where arriving, lay close before the City with his four Frigats, which fired very fiercely on the Town; the Inhabitants of which not being idle, kill'd three Men in one Ship, forc'd her to fall farther off from the Castle: Whilst the Ketches and Sloop went about a Gun shot Westward beyond the City, towards the River Antonio, where they Landed two hundred and fifty Soldiers, which march'd with all speed up the Hill, where the Castle lay which they Scal'd at Noon-day; the Besieged being provided with seven Guns, shot, and threw Stones continually amongst them, yet were forc'd to Retreat from the Dutch Hand-granado's: During the storm, the Admiral himself Landed, but before he came out of the Boat, the fore∣mention'd Soldiers had made themselves Masters of the Fort, with the loss of one∣ly eight Men, and were busie Pillaging all places they came at, and carrying their gotten Booty to a Watch-house near the Castle on the Shore; when on a sudden a Fire happen'd in the East part of Truxillo, which increas'd in such a manner, that in few hours two third parts of the City lay in Ashes; every one then had enough to do to save themselves, yet for all the haste they made, several Hollanders were kill'd at the blowing up of the Magazine, and most of the Booty lost by the Fire; insomuch that they carry'd but two hundred thirty nine Skins, six Bales of Indigo, eight hundred and twenty Pounds of Sarsaparilla, seven Brass, and three Iron Guns, four Clocks, and some few trifles with them; having before made an

agreement for twenty Pound of Silver, with the Governor Joan de Miranda, who inform'd them, that they had not the least knowledge of the Hollanders Fleet, till the Evening, when the Beacon on Punta La Rye was fir'd: Moreover, that the Ci∣ty was inhabited by two hundred Spaniards, and as many more Mulatoes and Moors; and that the Trade thereof was much gone to decay, because there had been no Gallies there in two years before.

Twenty seven Leagues from this City lies the Village Jorgo de Olancho, where four thousand Spaniards force Tribute from sixteen thousand Indians, who possess much Gold.

SECT. IV. Nicaragua.

* 1.280NIcaragua is a County of this Province, border'd Northward with Honduras; on the East, with the Atlantick Ocean, and part of Veragua; on the South, with Mare del Zur; and on the West, with Guatimala, being call'd by Diego Lopez de Salzado, The New Kingdom of Leon, and comprizing several little Territo∣ries, as Nicoya, Nequecheri, Mabyth, Deria, Masaya, Mandigua, Cacoloaque, Cepeoco, Los Micos, Madira, and the Contales. It hath few Rivers in it, the want whereof is sup∣ply'd by the benefit of a great Lake, in the midst of the Countrey, call'd by the Spaniards, Laguna de Nicaragua, containing, as is suppos'd, above one hundred Leagues in compass. It empties it self by the Port of St. Juan into the Atlantick or North-Sea, but reacheth as far as the South or Mare del Zur, at least within a very few Leagues; and from whence some Spanish Captains are said to have made a pas∣sage, though with much difficulty, into the Lake, and from thence to the North-Sea. It is abundantly well stor'd with good Fish, but withal much haunted with Crocodiles; and the Countrey about it so plentiful in all things, especially Cattel, Cotten-Wool, Sugars, and all kind of Fruits: Amongst which, the chiefest is the Zeiba, which is of so great a thickness, that fifteen Men holding Hand in Hand, can scarce encompass the same. The Callabashes ripen here in fourteen days time: The Sea along the Coast, breeds Whales and other Sea-Monsters, which are often seen above Water.

* 1.281The Inhabitants of this Countrey, (except the Chontales, which live on the Mountains, and maintain their old Salvage Customs) have for the most part learnt the Spanish Tongue and Manners, and exercise themselves in all sorts of Arts and Siences, especially in Working of Silver, making of Clothes, Wax-Work, and the like: From the Mountains they gather Balsom, Liquid-Amber, Turpen∣tine: They also drive a great Trade in Cotton, Skins, and several sorts of Provi∣sions, to Panama, and Nombre de Dios.

The Lake Laguna de Nicaragua, which hath a hundred and seventeen Leagues in Circumference, and round about inhabited, is by three Leagues of Land separa∣ted from the South-Sea; and discharges its Waters into the River Desaguadero, which falls into the Northern Ocean. Alphonsus Calera, and Diego Machuca de Zuaso, were the first that Sail'd out of the foremention'd Lake into the Sea, not without many dangers, by reason of the great Water-falls, call'd Rondales, which fall into the River Desaguadero, and forc'd them often times to draw their Barques over the Land.

The chief City is,* 1.282 1. Leon, which is surrounded with Woods, and lies close by the Lake; hath a great Church, five Cloysters belonging to the Monks, de la Mercede, several Houses for the King's Officers, and a hundred and twenty thousand Fami∣lies

of Indians which pay Tribute. Three Leagues beyond Leon appears a high spiry Mountain, from whose top, both Morning and Evening, rises a mighty smoke, and sometimes casts out great sulphurous Stones over the neighboring Fields, and on a sudden mighty Flames. A Dominican Monk, in hopes to get some melted Gold out of its burning Mouth, went up the same with four of his Fraternity, and carry'd an Iron Chain and a Kettle, which were no sooner let down into the hole, but they were immediately melted; yet not so discourag'd, they resolv'd to venture a second time with stronger Materials, which nevertheless had the same, or rather worse event; for the Fire flew out in such a manner, that the Dominicans sadly scorch'd, had enough to do to escape with Life, since which none durst presume to approach the same.

But besides the Episcopal City Leon, Erected by Franciscus Fernandez, 2. Granada acknowledges the same Builder, and lying also on the shore of Laguna de Nicaragua, is adorn'd with a Castle, Church, and several Sugar-Mills: Not far from it lie the small Lakes Masaya and Lindiri; the first which is inclos'd between exceeding high Mountains, covers the Foot of the burning Mountain Masaya; the other falls into Laguna de Nicaragua, near which is the smoky Mountain Munbacho, surrounded with Fruit-Trees.

3. & 4. The Towns Jean, and Neuva Segovia, which are not far from thence, are of little consequence.

5. Realeio, this is, as it were, the Chattam of America, being a place on the South-Sea, where the King of Spain hath all his Ships built that are made of American Tim∣ber, and inhabited by few or none but Shipwrights, Mariners, and Men of that kind of Profession.

6. & 7. Nicoya, Avarines.

8. Cartage, forty Leagues distant from Nicoya, and lying almost in the midst of the Isthmus, or Streight of Darien, equally distant both from the North and South Sea; on both which it is said likewise to have a convenient Port or Haven for Shipping.

The Spaniards, when first they Landed here, call'd this Countrey Mahomets Pa∣radise, because of its exceeding Fruitfulness. The Cacao which they use here in stead of Money, is not unlike the Stone of an Almond. The Inhabitants, in stead of using a Steel and Flint to strike Fire withal, rub two pieces of Wood together so long, till one of them is kindled; and burn the Boughs of Pine-Trees in stead of Candles. Amongst the several Languages which they speak, the Mexican is the chief∣est: Amongst their Recreations, Dancing is principal,* 1.283 which is perform'd af∣ter a very strange manner, for they meet sometimes two or three thousand toge∣ther, according to the bigness of the Province, in a spacious Field, which is made clean before for that purpose: He that leads the Dance goes backward, and with many strange Gestures, turns himself about, which the rest, following four and four together in a row, imitate, whilst their Tambores beat on hollow Instruments, and sing Songs, which are first answer'd by the Ring-leader of the Dance, and then seconded by the whole Company, each of them waving a Fan or a Callabash, and being all adorn'd with Plumes of Feathers on their Heads, and Strings with Shells about their Arms and Legs; they also act several antick Tricks, the one, the blind Man, the other, the Cripple, one feigns himself to be deaf, the other makes a wry Mouth, one cries, and another laughs, whilest others drink healths in Chocolate, which continues till-Midnight.

* 1.284A King of this Countrey in former times us'd to feed the Fish Manati with Bread, in the Lake Guainabo, where it would appear at its being call'd Matto, Matto, which

signifies Noble-minded, and oftentimes carry eight or ten Boys on its Back from one side of the Lake to the other; but being shot by a Spaniard with an Arrow, never appear'd again.

There is likewise a black Beast in this Countrey call'd Cascu, resembling in some things a Hog; it hath a hard Skin, little Eyes, open Ears, cloven Feet, short Nose, and makes such a terrible noise, that it affrights those which hear it.

No less strange and wonderful is the Fox-Ape, which hath two Bellies one under another; in the lowermost of which it carries its Young, which are never brought into the World till they are able to shift for their own Food. It hath the Body of a Fox, Feet like a Man's Hands, and Ears like a Batt.

It will not be amiss before we conclude with this Province, to give you a Rela∣tion of the Discourse which hapned Anno 1527. between the Spanish Commander Francisco de Monteio and the Nicaraguan Casique Alquinotex, who being a hundred and ten years old, told him,

That before the Spaniards arrival there, great numbers of his Soldiers perish'd after a strange manner; for after having vomited abun∣dance of Worms, they fell down dead on a sudden: those that escap'd the Con∣tagion differing amongst themselves, made two Parties, which twice Engaging with one another, each of them lost above a hundred and fifty thousand Men. Yet both these Plagues were no ways to be compar'd to the Slaughter which the Spaniards had made amongst them.

About the same time an Italian, call'd Hieronymo Bonzo, Lodging with a Nicara∣guan Noble-man that understood the Spanish Tongue, was thus set upon by him: What do not (Oh Christ) the Christians do! they no sooner get their Foot into an Indian's Hut, but they commandingly call for Maiz, Honey, Winter-Clothes, Gold, Silver, and a Woman to cool their lustful desires: Certainly there is nothing more vicious on Earth. To which Bonzo gave him this Answer: The wicked Spaniards commit oftentimes unseemly things. The Indian again suddenly retorted, saying, Where are any such Men to be found as good Spaniards? I have never known any but wicked Villains. To which Bonzo said, Why have you made place for them on Nicaragua? Which was thus reply'd to by the Noble∣man:

All People round about took Oath on the first News of the Christians ar∣rival, to hazard all, and fight to the last Man, before they would be under the insupportable Yoke, with which they had heard other Countreys were oppress'd with by them. To which purpose they made ready Bowes, Arrows, Lances, Stones, Clubs, and other Weapons of War: But when it came to the trial, the Spanish Horse, of which they had never seen the like, struck such a terror into the Indians, that they fled, and sent two Agents to Monteio to desire Peace; but their Design was onely to gain time, that they might gather new Forces, to venture a second Encounter; which prov'd as fatal to them as the first. Then desiring Peace once more, they gather'd all that were able to bear Arms, and swore one to another not to stir a Foot; and withal made a Law, That whosoever did shrink should be kill'd immediately: But the Women being inform'd hereof, begg'd that they might rather suffer under the Spanish Yoke, than be torn in pieces by their Dogs, or kill'd by their Bullets and Swords, alledging, that they were not able to resist the Spaniards; and entreated them, that if they were resolv'd to go on with their first Design, they would first send their Wives and Chil∣dren to the other World, that so they might not fall into the hands of the merci∣less and bloody Christians: Whereupon most Voices judg'd it convenient to make use of the Opportunity, and to submit to Monteio. But his cruel deal∣ings made some to contradict that Determination, for which they paid dearly; for not onely they, but their little Infants, were put to the most cruel

Deaths imaginable; which made many of them also to lay violent hands on themselves.

SECT. V. Costarica.

* 1.285COstarica borders on the East with Veragua; on the South and East, with the Sea; and on the North, with Nicaragua. The Countrey it self is barren and mountainous; whose Inhabitants were valiant enough to Encounter with the Spanish Forces, being unwilling to lose their former Priviledges.

This Coast was discover'd first by Christopher Columbus, who Anno 1502. Sailing up the Rivers Belen and Veragua with Barques, took much Gold out of the Mynes Urira, but chiefly from between the Roots of Trees which were grown together.

SECT. VI. Veragua.

* 1.286VEragua is bounded on the West with Costarica; on the East it hath the District, or Countrey of Panama, being otherwise wash'd on all sides by the Sea. It hath its Name from a River of great note in this Tract, by which it was first discover'd. The Countrey is for the most part mountainous, and the Soil out∣wardly barren, but recompencing all defects with the abundance of its more inward Wealth, that is to say, in the richness of its Mynes, of which it is said to afford many, and so inexhaustibly rich and good, that the Spaniards here know no end of their Wealth; although by the stoutness and untameableness of the Natives, it was a long time, and they met with many difficulties, before they could make them∣selves Masters of the Treasure.

* 1.287The chief Towns they have here are 1. La Conception, lying at the Mouth of a Ri∣ver so nam'd, and the Seat of the Governor.

2. La Trinidad, upon the Banks of the same River likewise, but down towards Port Beleno, and about six Leagues Eastward of Conception.

3. St. Foy, twelve Leagues more to the South, where the Spaniards melt their Gold, and cast it into Bars or Ingots.

4. Carlos, a Town they have upon the Coast of Mare del Zur.

5. Philippina, another on the West of Carlos; both of these seated upon a large capacious Bay; before which there lie certain little Islands, to the number of thirty or more, which the Spaniards are said to have wholly dispeopled long since, by forcing the Natives over into the Continent to work in the Mynes, as usually they did before the Emperor's Prohibition: but now they use Slaves or Negro's, which they buy for that purpose from Guinee and other Parts.

SECT. VII. Guatimala, properly so call'd.

* 1.288GUatimala, specially so call'd, hath on the West the River Xicalapa, which di∣vides it from Vera Paz; on the East it is bounded with the Countrey of Nicaragua; on the North, with Honduras; and on the South, with Mare del Zur.

This Countrey was conquer'd by Peter de Alvarado, Anno 1525. It is, by reason of its neighborhood with Vera Paz, not altogether clear of Mountains, but otherwise well water'd with Rivers, and enrich'd with fair and fruitful Valleys, which afford not onely good Pasturage, and many great Herds of Cattel, but likewise good store of Wheat, Maiz, and other Fruits of the Earth. Great plenty of Cotton-Wool is general∣ly both here and in the other Provinces, viz. Vera Paz, Chiapa, &c. some Medicinal Woods likewise, and Liquors, and absolutely the best Sulphur in America. The Peo∣ple are generally tractable and well dispos'd, both in point of Religion and civil Government.

* 1.289The Towns of chief note are 1. Guatimala, now call'd St. Jago de Guatimala since the re-building thereof; for about the Year 1586. it was almost buried in Ashes, which one of the neighboring Mountains, for the space of six Moneths together, conti∣nually belch'd out in such fearful quantities, that many People were slain, the old City deserted, and a new one built in another place. The day before this sad Accident hapned, the neighboring Mountains were observ'd to shiver, and a great noise was heard from under Ground; which amazing the Indians, the news thereof was carried to the Bishop, Franciscus Moroquin, who narrowly enquiring into the Causes of these Accidents, and what they might portend, found that a sad Event would suddenly follow, as accordingly it did; for about mid∣night on the eighth of August, Anno 1541. such a mighty store of Rain fell, as if the Clouds had been all dissolv'd into Water, which came rowling from the Rocky Mountains with such violence, that it wash'd down great Stones, which carried on by the strength of the Water against the Houses, beat them down; and none could have seen how they were ruin'd, had not the mighty flashes of Light∣ning, follow'd by terrible claps of Thunder, lighted the Night. Some instantly deserting this miserable place, fled up into the Countrey, and there built a new Guatimala (as above-mention'd) sur-nam'd St. Jago, three Leagues farther towards the East, in a Valley through which flow two Rivers, between two Vulcans, or smoaking Mountains, which sometimes vomit forth terrible Flames, mix'd with dreadful Thunder-claps, Ashes, and great Stones, insomuch that the Ground all about it, which is exceeding fruitful, seems to move. There are many of these Vulcans in several parts of America, as namely at Arequipa in the Kingdom of Peru, at Puebla de los Angelos, in the Province of Tlascalla abovesaid, a Mountain of so great heighth, that they are fain to go little less than thirty Leagues turning and wind-before they can reach the top of it, and others in several other places. They are ge∣nerally Mountains of great heighth, and running sharp upwards, but at the top containing some quantity of plain and level Ground; in the midst whereof is a Pit or Hole, out of which abundance of Smoak and fiery Sparkles are vomited almost continually, and so deep, that they are suppos'd for the most part to reach to the very bottom of the Mountain. Some of these Vulcans cast forth neither Fire not Smoak, yet are clearly seen to burn at the bottom with a quick Fire, and which is so extreamly hot, that it instantly melteth Iron, or any other Metal that is cast into it, as by experience hath been found: for some conceiving that the Matter which maintains these Fires within the Bowels of the Earth so long together, can be no∣thing else but melted Gold, have endeavor'd several times to extract and draw it forth in certain Vessels of Iron and Brass, which they have caus'd to be let down into the bottom of the Vulcan or Pit, by long Iron Chains made on purpose: but, as we said, the extream heat and force of the Fire below always melted them before they could be drawn up again, and by that means hath rendred all such Attempts frustrate. In this Town, now call'd St. Jago, reside above six hundred Spanish Com∣manders,

and more than twenty five thousand Indians which pay Tribute. They have also a brave Church and two Cloysters, one belonging to the Dominicans, and another to the Order La Merced, and likewise a noble Hospital. Not far from thence is a place call'd Yzaleos, where there are Orchards of Cacoa two Leagues in square, each of them producing yearly as much as fifty thousand Men are able to carry. They reckon the Cacao by Contels, which is the number of four hundred; by Xequipiles, of eight thousand; and by Carga's, of twenty four thousand. In this County is a Mountain, whose top smoaking continually consumes by degrees, and oftentimes covers the neighboring Countrey with Ashes. The Water which flows from the same differs very much, for some of it is wholsom and fit to drink; some foul and stinking, and some turns Wood, if laid in the same▪ to Stone. Here is also the Beast whose Head is highly esteem'd for the Bezoar-Stone, which it car∣ries in the same. Here is likewise a little Bear, which in stead of a Mouth, hath a long Nose with a round Hole in it, and a hollow Tongue, with which it sucks Honey, and disturbs the Nests of Pismires. The Women in this Place make curi∣ous Earthen Ware, colour'd either red or black with the Mud of two several Brooks. The Indians call'd the boyling Fountains in this County Hell, because they bubble up a Bowes-shot high, and make the River Caliente, which, notwithstand∣ing it hath pass'd half a League through a wide Channel, retains its exceeding heat. Not far from it lies a Stone, which having a Crack in the middle, sends forth a thick Damp, and against bad Weather a thundering noise. On the Moun∣tains grow exceeding large Trees especially Oak. Here Pismires which are of an extraordinary bigness, are brought to Market amongst other Provisions.

2. St. Salvador, forty Leagues distant from Guatimala Eastward, and seated upon the River Guacapa, and having about it a small Territory, which by some is ac∣counted a distinct Countrey or Province.

3. Acaputla, a Town of the Natives, situated at the Mouth of the River, and be∣ing as it were, the Port-Town to St. Salvador.

4. Trinidad, a Town of great resort, being the greatest Empory and Place of Traffick for all sorts of Commodities, betwixt the People of New Spain and those of Peru.

5. St. Michaels, two or three Leagues distant from the Bay Fonseca, upon the South Sea.

6. Xeres de la Frontera, on the Confines of this Province, towards the Borders of Nicaragua, besides several Villages which we shall have occasion to mention.

In the middle of a Lake within this Territory is an Island, on which the Indians had a Tradition, That a Man no sooner set his Foot but he died immediately: which Opinion of theirs was chang'd when the Spaniards went thither in Boat-fulls and return'd safe again, with Relation that they had seen a large Stone Image, re∣sembling a Woman; before which lay the Ashes and Bones of slain People.

Round about the Village Guaymoco grow great Balsom-Trees, which afford Timber of fifty five Foot long. From this Village leads a Way to the City Salva∣dor, near which the fore-mention'd River Guachapa runs with so many windings, that the Traveller is forc'd to cross the same several times before he can come to the Foot of a Mountain which formerly cast out terrible Flames; but now the combustible Matter being consum'd, there appears onely a great Hole on the top, with Ashes in a large compass round about it. At the Foot of the same are two Pits, one of which smoaks continually in such a manner, that it stifles all those that ap∣proach it; yet the Mountain is well overspread with Cedars and Pine-Trees.

Three Leagues farther lies the Village Nixapa; and not far from thence the

Hill Elmal Pais, which consists of great Stones and Ashes, wonderfully mixt toge∣ther: No less wonderful is a Brook which flows in the Night till Morning, and then sinks into the Ground: And in the Countrey Choluteca is another, which hides it self at Noon, and appears again towards Night. The Cavern which formerly produc'd Fire and Smoke, now affords good Water to the Village Curcatan, and City Salvador: Near the Village Yztepegve are five Springs, which cast up Allom and Sulphur. The Natives Chontales which speak several Languages, flock to the Village Mimilla, to make Offerings; not far from hence are two Pits, one of which is full of boyling Water, and the other as cold as Ice: Moreover, Cocori lies near a high Mountain, on the top of which is a very turbulent Lake.

The chiefest Haven of this Countrey,* 1.290 which lies along the South-Sea, is Bahia de Fonseca, Discover'd by Gonsalves Davila, Anno 1522. and so nam'd from Joan Ro∣drigas de Fonseca, Bishop of Burgos; In the middle thereof appears the Island Petro∣nella, with nine others, of which four are inhabited by Indians.

The good conveniency of the Haven Fonseca, induc'd some of the Spaniards to make a new Passage from the side of the Southern Ocean, to the Northern, viz. from Panama to Nombre de Dios, designing it to reach from the said Haven Fonseca, unto Puerto de Carellos, which are distant one from the other forty five Leagues; most of it good way, except some over-grown Mountains, which might be made passable with little trouble; to which purpose they built the Town Buena Esperan∣ca, yet nevertheless the Work remain'd unprosecuted.

There are moreover reckon'd as appertaining to Guatimala, the small Provinces Soconusco, Suchitepec, and Chilulteca, the chief of them being Soconusco, to which be∣longs the Town of Gevetlan, where the Spanish Governor hath his Residence; the rest seem to be onely small Territories about Towns of the same Name, in like manner as St. Salvador, and St. Miguel before-mention'd.

CHAP. V. The Kingdom of Mexico, or New-Spain.

* 1.291NEw Spain, the chiefest part of the Northern America, reckons in length from the East-Point of Yucatan, to the place where Mechoacon juts against Gua∣dalajara three hundred and sixty Leagues; and in breadth from the Northern parts of Panucos, to the Southern Ocean, a hundred and eighty Leagues; besides a great part which lies to the Northward, behind inaccessable Mountains and Wildernesses; inhabited by the Tepecuaenes, Guachucules, Cacatequas, Tecaxquines, and others; and was, before the Spaniards Conquer'd and Dismember'd it, much larger than now it is; for as much as it comprehended the whole Province of New-Gallicia, and reach'd from the furthest Point of the Peninsula of Jucatan South∣ward as far as New-Biscay, and the Confines of California Northward; containing in length seven hundred Leagues and more, and about half as much in breadth: But since the Conquest by Hernando Cortez and his Followers, the whole Countrey of New-Gallicia is taken from it, and made a distinct Government or Audiencia, as the Spaniards call it, of it self.

[illustration] map of Central America

••VA HISPANI ••OVA GALICIA GVATIMALA.

* 1.292The Natives of the Countrey are of the Race of the Chichimecae, a Salvage and Wilde sort of People, of the Province of New-Gallicia, especially in the Parts of New-Biscay, living in Forests and in deep Caves under Ground; whose Posterity do still at this day much trouble and annoy the Countrey thereabouts; notwithstand∣ing all the endeavors of the Spaniards, and the Garrisons which they keep in those parts on purpose to destroy them. About five hundred years ago, or more, according to the account of the Mexican Annals, divers Hoards, as they are call'd, of these Chichi∣mecae, weary, it seems, of their Woods and subterraneous dwellings, issu'd out into the more open Air, and fell down in huge multitudes into these Southerly parts of America, which are now call'd Mexico and New-Spain; not all at once, but at se∣veral times, and under several names, viz. of the Suchimilci, Chalcae, Tepanecae, Tlascal∣tecae, and others, who subduing or driving out the People they found in those parts, Seated themselves in their room: And though at first every Nation or Company of them, as they came, seiz'd upon some Province apart by themselves, and held it, as it were, in Soveraignty to themselves, without acknowledgement of any de∣pendance or subjection to their Neighbors, or those that were there before them; yet in Tract of time, and by fortune of the Wars, which they made one upon an∣other, they fell under the Government of one King, viz. the King of Mexico, which was the chief City of the Province.

* 1.293This Kingdom, at the time that the Spaniards first Discover'd the Countrey, was Govern'd by a Prince, nam'd Motezuma; one, who by his Valor and good success in the Wars, had in a few years of his Reign, before the Spaniards came thither, sub∣du'd the better part of a hundred Cities and great Towns to his Dominion; and held in actual submission to his Government, and Tributary to him, no less than thirty several Casiques or petty Princes; every one of which paid him Tribute, and were able upon occasion to bring into the Field an hundred thousand Men: He is said to have been, for his Person, a wise and good Prince, just, affable, and tender of his Subjects good: but by reason of some heavy exactions, which his own pow∣er, and the Practise of his Ancestors before him, gave him the confidence to Impose upon the Conquer'd People, a great part of his Subjects liv'd but unwillingly un∣der his Obedience, and rather by constraint than otherwise: being also further ex∣asperated against him by one barbarous Custom, which the Mexicans frequently us'd, viz. the Sacrificing of Men. Their manner was, whensoever they had any solemn occasion of doing Honor to their Devil-god Vitzilopuchtli, as they call him, to send out an Army of Men from Mexico, into some of the subdu'd Provinces, (in case they had no Enemies nearer Hand) and to fetch in as many Men as they thought good, to be Sacrific'd; whose flesh likewise afterwards they did eat in a solemn Banquet. This being a business of their Satanical Religion, and Motezuma a Prince extremely Superstitious and Devoted to the Service of his gods, it is said, that he Sacrific'd commonly, one year with another, twenty thousand Men, and some years, upon extraordinary occasions, not less than fifty thousand: So great and grievous a Tyranny, by the just Judgement and Permission of Almighty God, for their great and unnatural sins, did the Enemy of Mankind exercise upon them. He was likewise much given to Women, but it was onely to such as were counted his Wives; of which he is said to have had no less than a hundred and fifty with Child by him at one time.

* 1.294The Bounds of this Kingdom at present are thus; on the East it hath a large Arm of the Sea, which they call The Bay of New-Spain, or The Gulf of Mexico; On the West, it hath some parts of New-Gallicia, and Mare del Zur; on the North, the rest of New-Gallicia, and part of Florida; and on the South, Mare del Zur again, and

part of Guatimala. It extendeth it self in length from Jucatan South-East, to the Bor∣ders of New Gallicia Northward, above eight hundred Italian Miles, and in breadth, from Panuco to the South Sea, about half so much. It lieth wholly under the Tor∣rid Zone: nor is it a Countrey generally so mountainous or high seated, as some others of America are, but for the most part level or low; yet is it so fann'd, (for three parts at least of four, by the cooling Blasts of the Sea, and the Heats other∣wise so moderated with frequent Rains, which it hath constantly three Moneths in the Year, viz. June, July, and August) that the Air is rendred thereby exceeding tem∣perate, and the Climate not unhealthful, especially to temperate Bodies, and such as are never so little us'd to it.* 1.295 A goodly Countrey it is, of inexhaustible Wealth and Riches, whether we regard the Mynes of Gold, Silver, Brass, Iron, &c. of all which it hath many, and very good; or the Fruits of the Earth, abundance of Cattel, plenty of Corn and Grain, of which they have two Harvests; or any other Commodities and Endowments of Nature, which serve for the enriching of the World. Amongst other things, it affords Cassia, the Fruit whereof is a thing well known, and much commended by the Apothecaries for its use in Physick, especially in Purgations, and removing of all Obstructions of Phlegm, Choler, &c. Such store of Balm, Amber, all sorts of Gums and precious Liquors, as no Countrey in the World is better furnish'd with excellent Perfumes and Physick, than the King∣dom of New Spain.

Among the many other sorts of Trees which this Countrey produces, the most remarkable is their Tunas,* 1.296 of which, there being five kinds, one is call'd Cumbeba, from whence proceeds that admirable Tincture, commonly known by the Name of Cochinele, which is thus made: On the top of this Tree is found a Worm, which hath the bigness and shape of a great Louse, which so increases, that in one years time a hundred Trees shall be stock'd from the seed of one of these Animals. The Worm it self being white, after the Skin is carefully pull'd off, put in cold Water or Ashes, and so dry'd, becomes Cochinele. The best sort of it is to be had in Tlascala, and that in so great a quantity, that no less than five or six hundred Arrobes of Spa∣nish Measure (each Arrobe is as much as five English Bushels) is yearly Transported thence. The other sort, which grows on the Mountains, and that which is not so carefully gather'd, call'd Chichimecas, Dyes not so well as the right Cochinele. The Tunas also bears a Fruit long and whitish, with a smooth Shell, and full of lit∣tle Seeds like Figs: The red, which are inferior in taste to the white, colours the Urine red.

* 1.297The Pine-Apples which grow here differ from the Spanish, for the Pulp is not inclos'd in a Shell: They have a pleasant smell, and a Pulp, which if eaten much of, causes an Appetite, it being of a tartish taste; they keep good a long time when Salted.

* 1.298But much more beneficial is the Cacao, with which Fruit New Spain drives a great Trade; nay, serves for Coin'd Money. When they deliver a Parcel of Cacao, they tell them by five, thirty, and a hundred. Their Charity to the Poor never exceeds above one Cacao-Nut. The chief reason for which this Fruit is so highly esteem'd, is for the Chocolate, which is made of the same, without which the Inhabitants (be∣ing so us'd to it) are not able to live, notwithstanding it causes Phlegm and Vo∣miting to those that are strangers thereto. When the English Commander Thomas Candish coming into the Haven Guatulco, burnt two hundred thousand Tun of Cacao, it prov'd no small loss to all New Spain, the Provinces Guatimala and Nicaragua not producing so much in a whole year. The Trees on which this Fruit grows are di∣vided into four sorts, differing in bigness and shape: all of them are very tender,

[illustration]

for they will not onely grow in no place but on their usual Ground, but cannot en∣dure the cold Nights Storms, or excesses of Heat; wherefore the Cacao-Trees which grow out of the Fruit that falls off, come to no perfection, except in shady and warm Valleys; which is also the reason why the Planters of New Spain plant the great Leafy Tree Cacaoquanthly (that is, The Mother of the Cacao's) near the Cacao-Tree, that it may the better grow under the Shadow thereof; in which manner whole Woods are planted: In the second year it bears Fruit, which is first ripe in January, and again in the midst of Summer. Amongst the four sorts the chiefest is Quathuitl, of an indiffent heighth, and full of sharp-pointed Leaves, which are fast to the Boughs without Stalks, and bears a great Flower of a yellowish colour, which fal∣ling off, leaves long, tough, and hairy Threds behind them, out of which grows the Cacavently, a Fruit which is oval, heavy like a Melon, of a Saffron-colour, of a fat and thick Juice, a bitterish, yet pleasant taste, and very cooling; being dry'd in the Sun it is thereby made fit to keep; it is likewise highly esteem'd, because the Cho∣colate is made of the same. Before the Spaniards made themselves Masters of Mexico, no other Drink was esteem'd but that of the Cacao; none caring for Wine, not∣withstanding the Soil produces Vines every where in great abundance of it self. But besides the Quathuil, New Spain hath three other sorts of Cacao-Trees, viz. Meca∣nal, pleasant to behold for its heighth, large Leaves and Fruit; the next is the Xo∣chucaual, which is less than the former; and lastly the least sort, which is call'd Halcacahual. The Fruit of these four sorts of Trees, though differing in shape, yet is all one in power and operation.

The Spaniards to make Chocolate mix Maiz (by the Mexicans call'd Tlaolli) either whole or Ground, or boyl'd before with Chalk. Moreover, they put the red Ker∣nels also in the Drink, which grow in the Fruit of the Achiote-Tree. Of the Kernels, which are dry and cooling, boyl'd in Water, and stirr'd till it comes to a Pap, they make Cakes, which mix'd with the Chocolate, gives it a cleansing power, and takes away all tastes that cause vomiting.

The Pepper Mecaxochite, which grows creeping along the Earth, with long and

fragrant Leaves, round Stalks, hairy Roots, and three long Cods which shoot up∣wards. This Pepper tempers the over-cooling property of the Chocolate. Lastly, it consists also of Xochinacatlis, Tlilxochitle, and the Rozenish Gum, Holli. The Xocina∣catli is a Tree with small Leaves, and great Flowers hanging on long Stalks that bend downwards, within of a purple, and without of a dark-green colour, of a sweet smell, and resembling an Ear; and this Flower also gives a pleasant taste and wholsom operation to the Chocolate. The Tlilxochitle runs up to the tops of Trees like Ivy; the Flowers, of a darkish brown colour, cleanse the Nerves, strengthen the Brain, and take away the rawness of the Stomach. The Holli drops out of the Holquabuytle, a smooth barky Tree full of Moisture, which at first appearance is white, then yellowish, and lastly black, which kneaded into round Balls and Roasted, is a remedy against a Loosness and soreness of the Bowels.

* 1.299The Natives of the Countrey are very ingenious in divers mechanical Arts, especially in making of Feather-Pictures, a piece of Curiosity wherein they are held to be incomparably, or rather inimitably excellent; and so industrious at it, that al∣though the Americans generally are not a People over-much addicted to any kind of Labor or Study, yet at this they will sit a whole day together, without either Meat or Drink, onely out of a natural affection they have to the Work, and a desire to be excellent in it; The Countrey indeed affords them great variety of Birds and other Fowl, of most rare and exquisite Colours, which is a great advantage to their Skill, and helps much to the accomplishment of their Work. They Paint likewise very curiously upon their Cottons; and are held to be generally the best Goldsmiths in the World; of most perfect skill in the purging and refining of all sorts of Metals, but especially of Gold and Silver: And yet in other things so strangely stupid and ignorant, that when the Spaniards first appeared amongst them, not a few of them (as 'tis reported) took the Horse and Man both for one Crea∣ture; and when the Horse Neighed, they would enquire very seriously what he said.

* 1.300There are likewise many fair Lakes in this Province, but the principal are those of Chapala and Mexico: the former of which is in the more Northern parts of the Kingdom, towards the Borders of New Gallicia, and is chiefly famous for the abun∣dance of good Salt that is yearly made and Transported thence. The other of Mexico is one of the largest and goodliest in the World, of circular form (as some say) little less than nine hundred Miles in compass, environ'd with the main Land, the Peninsula, or Cape of Florida, Jucatan, and the Island Cuba, having two onely Passages in and out, and both of them well fortifi'd: the one betwixt the Point of Jucatan and the Isle Cuba, where the Tyde violently enters; and the other betwixt the said Island and the Cape of Florida, where it goeth as violently out: up∣on which Gulf the King of Spain hath always some good Ships in readiness for all occasions; and by them, 'tis suppos'd, he doth more assure his Estates in those parts of America, than by all the Garrisons besides.

The whole Kingdom of Mexico, or New-Spain, is subdivided into these Inferior Provinces:

* 1.3011. The Arch-bishoprick of Mexico. 2. The Bishoprick, Mechoacon. 3. Los Angelos, or Tlascale. 4. Guaxaca. 5. The Lordship Panuco: And 6. the Province Tabasco.

Mexico, the chief Province of New-Spain, so denominated from Mexico the chief City, not only of the Province, but of all America; lying between Tlascale and Me∣choacan, extends in length from North to South, a hundred and seventeen Leagues; and in breadth along the Southern Ocean, seventeen, but up in the Countrey, fifty

[illustration] view

NOVA MEXICO

four Leagues: In which circumference lie to the North-East, Lateotlalpa, Mexti∣tlan, Xilotepeque, and Panuco; Westward, Matalzingo, and Cultepeque; Eastward, Tuz∣coco; South-East, Chalco; Southward, Suchmilco, Tlaluc, Coyxca, and Acapulco.

* 1.302It is bounded on the East, with the East, with the Gulf of Mexico; on the West, with Mechoa∣can; on the North, with Panuco, and some parts of New-Gallicia; and on the South, with Tlascalla.

* 1.303This Countrey is both large and rich, containing not much less than one hun∣dred and thirty Leagues, both in length and breadth; and if it yields any thing to Peru in the plenty of Gold and Silver, 'tis certain it much excels it in many other Commodities; as namely, in all sorts of Fruits, abundance of Cattel, plenty of Corn and Grain; in all which, the advantage this Countrey hath, not only of Pe∣ru, but of all the other Provinces of America beside, is well known: Not to speak any thing of the great plenty and variety of good Fish, which both the Rivers and Lakes of this Countrey afford, which is very great; insomuch, that the very Tri∣bute of the one Lake of Mexico is said to yield an Income of above twenty thousand Crowns yearly, one with another.

The People of the Countrey are generally Industrious and Active, especially since the Spaniards came among them; rich Merchants, if they apply themselves to it; and they say likewise good Soldiers, when they are train'd and imploy'd that way.

* 1.304The chief Towns and places of the Province are, 1. Mexico, both anciently and at present, the Metropolis and Capital City; being the Seat of an Archbishop, and the ordinary Residence of the Vice-Roy, and chief Governors of New-Spain.

* 1.305This City, by the Indians was formerly call'd Tenustatan, lies in nineteen Degrees and a half to the Northward of the Equinoctial-Line, rais'd out of a brackish Lake, full of muddy Water; whose circumference along the Mountains is seventy Leagues: This Lake swarms continually with Boats, which carry the People to and again from one inhabited Island to another; four Stone-bridges, no less cost∣ly than artificial, with Arches and Gates in several places, lead from the City to the Main Continent.

The fresh Water which they have in the City Mexico, is led into the same through Pipes that lie in the bottom of the Lake; but none are to enjoy the benefit thereof, before they have paid a certain Sum of Money to the King's Collectors.

Moreover, the City divided into Islands, contains above sixty thousand Houses, which being built on several Isles, have large Bridges, which reach from one to ano∣ther; some that lie in the middle of the Lake, they approach in little Boats; round about the Lake, especially where the way leads from the Continent into the City, lie several Suburbs, all inclos'd with Walls; between which stand strong Towers, cover'd on the top: To keep off the force of the Water, the Tenustatans have with great labor and charge, made a Bank through the Lake, half way along the City: But the Lake Laguna, from whose bottom Mexico is rais'd, is divided in two parts, the Sweet Lake, which is higher than the Salt, falls in to the same through Sluces, with Bridges built on the Bank that leads from the City to the main Land: The Salt-Lake, which hath brackish and bitter Water, ebbs and flows according as the Wind blows; no Fish is able to live in the same, because the Water which in the sight of Mexico falls into the same out of the Mountains, hath a sulphury Ground: All along the shore, much Salt is made, with which the Citizens drive a great Trade: There are continually above a hundred thousand Boats (by the Indians call'd Acales, and by the Spaniards, Canoos) going off and on from one shore to another: The fresh Water Lake, which is bigger than the salt, and feeds small Fishes, hath above fif∣ty

Suburbs about the same, of which, some boast five thousand, and others ten thousand Houses: Nay, the Suburb Tescuco, in former times was no way inferior to Mexico in bigness; since the Spaniards have been Masters of this City, they stopt up many Moats, to inlarge their narrow Streets.

Besides three publick Markets, every open place affords all sorts of Provisions daily; the Indians call the Markets Tianguystly, and the Spaniards, Tianguez; the first and chiefest stands in Tatelulco, adorn'd with Galleries on three sides; in the mid∣dle of this Square, which is accounted the biggest in the World, stands next to the place of Execution, a stately Fountain; the Tents which are every Week pitch'd up here for Trade, amount to above thirty thousand. The second Market call'd St. John's, is in Mexico, and swarms continually with People. The third is call'd Hipolito, from the Guardian-Saint of the City, whither every Wednesday and Thurs∣day comes such a multitude of People, that this spacious Market is too little for them; for the sale of every Commodity, a peculiar corner is allotted; but great Packs are left to be dispos'd of in Boats, which lie near the shore.

At the four corners of the City, at present call'd St. John, St. Maria la Rotonda, St. Pablo, and St. Sebastian, are above four thousand Spanish Families, and thirty thousand Indians, besides what inhabit Tatelulco, now St. Jago.

* 1.306The Air in this place is very strange; in the day time, the Sky is generally Se∣rene; the North Wind against the Evening brings Rain, of which the Mountain Tepeaquilla lying a little League beyond the City, gives certain Testimonies; for when a black Cloud appears on the top thereof, it is certain to be blown from thence over Mexico with Rain: After a moist Evening follows a Star-light Night, and a pleasant Morning: From September till May, it is generally dry Weather here, but if it chances to Rain▪ the Rain is attended with a Storm, which occasions a sulphurous Fogg, very unwholsom, and so dark, that one Man cannot di∣scern another, and causes a pain through all the Limbs, nay sometimes Death it self; wherefore, when soe're it approaches, every one keeps close in his House, or goes into the Countrey.

Moreover, it is worthy of observation, how strangely this City is alter'd since its being Conquer'd by the Spaniards, and especially when Anno 1629. it was over∣flow'd by a mighty Deluge; which alteration by Barnabe Cabo, in a Letter to the Jesuite Hernande Leon, is thus set forth:

* 1.307Mexico, says he, lying in a Valley between high Mountains, hath seventy Leagues in circumference: The Valley being Oval, is for the most part inter∣spers'd with Lakes, which the Indians, and after them the Spaniards have digg'd, only the Lake which washes Mexico is natural; and to stop the Water-falls, there are Banks and Sluces every where: The Flood before Mexicalcingo flows a Fathom and a half higher than before Mexico. The four other Lakes to the Northward have much more Water than the Mexicalcingo, of which, some have scarce four, others but three Leagues in circumference; when as Mexicalcingo's Lake reckons fifteen, and Mexico's sixteen. On the breaking of the Banks, Mexico hath often suffer'd great damage, wherefore the Vice-Roy de Valesco took special care to make a vent for the Water through the lowest Mountains; whereupon the Countrey being Sur∣vey'd, the Northern Coast near the Village Gueguenoca, was found to be the most convenient. But about the manner of letting the Water out, the Surveyors could no ways agree; most of them were of opinion to dig Channels, into which the Lakes might discharge their Waters; others, thought best to make a Gutter under Ground, which last Velasca put in hand with unhappy success, because the Labo∣rers who under-min'd the Ground, were choak'd with the falling in of the Sand,

or stifled with the sulphurous Vapors rising out of the Earth: Nevertheless, they gave not over the Work, though they began it quite another way, for a French-Man, call'd Henry Martin, advis'd to deepen the River Quaiotitlan, which falls into the Laguna, and by that means make it a Bay, into which the Laguna might pour her over-charg'd Waters: Which design, though contradicted by the Jesuit John Sanchez, was put in practice; by which means the Water fell in a short time so much, that they could walk dry to the Cliff El Ponnel, lying a League from the City; where∣fore they continually labour'd on this Work, till such time as Conde de Getues came over for Vice-Roy, who judg'd the Charge to be unnecessary, nay Commanded the Ditches to be broken down, which stopt the Water along the Silver Mines of Pachuca, that he might see exactly how much it would over-flow Mexico:* 1.308 After which the Flood rose yearly higher and higher; till at last, Anno 1629. a mighty Rain falling, swole the Laguna in such a manner, that it over-whelm'd all Mexico, wash'd down the Houses, all Merchandizes which could not endure the Water, were spoil'd, and had not they had innumerable Boats to help them, thousands of People might have perish'd in this Deluge: But at last, Henry Martin restor'd again the fore-mention'd Channel to its former Perfection, and brought the Flood which fell down out of the Mountains within the Banks of the River.

Quantitlan digg'd also a Channel of eight thousand Fathom long, and made an Arch'd Sewer under Ground of the same length, which Sewer hath at every two hundred Fathoms distance, Vent-holes, and a hole of sixty Fathom deep, and by this means, diverting abundance of Water, they dry'd Mexico in a short time: When the Banks and Streets began no sooner to appear, but they fell to work to raise the Ground, and to lay Bridges, and also to build more Boats. The Citizens like∣wise found it convenient to make another deep Sewer for the carrying away of more Water, notwithstanding it requir'd twenty years labor. The River, which in a manner runs through the middle of the City, is curb'd by a Wall; a crooked Bridge, with many Arches, and of a long extent, leads to the City,* 1.309 in which stand many brave Palaces, with pleasant Walks of Trees about them; the Cloysters of several Orders of Fryers, appear with high Spires and Turrets, above all other Buildings.

* 1.310The Franciscans have here four very sumptuous Buildings: The first, Consecrated to St. Francis, stands in the uppermost part of Mexico, within a large square Court, and on each a pleasant Walk of Trees: The Cloyster it self is very high, and treb∣ble Wall'd, with Towers and Galleries about it: In the middle of the City stands another Tower'd-Cloyster, call'd St. Jago. The third lies a little distance from it, which being built long, hath a stately Turret, and is call'd Maria de Rodon∣da. The fourth, not far from the first, but much smaller, is nam'd San Diego; these belong to the Franciscans. The Augustin Monks are also no way inferior to the Fran∣ciscans, for magnificent Structures, with spacious Halls, high Towers, and rich Balconies: The first is denominated from St. Augustine, just behind which appears San Pabla, less stately than the rest. St. Sebastian, near the Laguna, is built in manner like a Church, whose Tower ends like a Pyramid. The Cloyster San Cruz, belong∣ing also to the Augustines, built square, stands near the Market, in the middle of which stands a stately Fountain: The Court within inviron'd with thick Walls, amazes the beholders by the pleasantness of its situation.

Moreover, the Dominicans inhabit two brave Cloysters; the chiefest Dedicated to St. Dominic, is eight square; to which is adjoyning a pretty large Church, with a Steeple: The second, which stands on one side of St. Jago, and consists of three se∣veral Structures, is call'd Collegio de Porta Coeli, Opposite to St. Jago, near the great

Market the Jesuits have a stately Colledge, or High-School, where many are brought up in the Latin and Greek Tongues, whence it is call'd, Casa Professa Les Estudios.

There is also another Habitation of Religious Men, call'd Illefonse Sanna Noviciad, which for State, may vie with any Royal Palace.

* 1.311The Monks of La Merced dwell in two Cloysters, both Consecrated to the Vir∣gin Mary, yet Sirnam'd Montseratte, and Carmel: The first lying not far from the River, is a mean Structure, in comparison to the last; the uppermost Tower of whose Temple appears above all other Buildings, in the upper part of Mexico near the Cloyster of St. Francis.

* 1.312The Women have also fourteen Cloysters here, the chiefest whereof is Dedica∣ted to Catharine of Siena; but much more splendid is that of Santa Teresa, built like an Imperial Palace; famous for its stately Gardens, and round Fountain, which continually spouts Water. The rest, which we shall onely name, are La Encar∣nacio, Santa Ines, Jesus-Maria, Laurenso, Las Des-calcas, Santa Clara, Juan de la Pe∣nitentia, Regina Coeli, Santa Monica, las Rocogidas, Jeronymo, and Conceptione; besides the Almshouses, Real de los Indios, and Nostra Senora del Amor: There are likewise eight Hospitals, viz. de Dios, del Spiritu Santo, Juan de Doys, de la Misericordia, de san Hippoli∣to, and de san Lazaro. The three chief Churches bear the Name of Catharine, Mar∣tin, and Vera Cruz; and the Clergy-men thereto belonging, enjoy many stately Pa∣laces, amongst which are Juan de Lateran, de Christo, and las Nivas.

* 1.313The Residence of the Vice-Roy which lies near the Dominican Cloyster, Porto Coe∣li, is so sumptuous a Structure, that it may stand in competition with any of those Edifices which were so much cry'd up by the Ancients; nevertheless, it is not to be compar'd to the Arch-bishop's Seat, built round like a Theatre, whose Luster ex∣presses the Quality of him that inhabits the same, he being Governor of the Bi∣shopricks of Fascala, Guaxaca, Mechaocan, New Galicia, Chiapa, Yucatan, Guatimala, Ve∣rapaz, and the Philippinas. This marvellous Structure was begun by Ferdinand Corte∣sius, but was finish'd by Sebastian Ramires de Fuenleal; and not much inferior there∣unto is the Casa de Cabildo Alameda.

* 1.314At present, Mexico is thought to be one of the richest Cities of the World, abounding (if reports be true) in all kind of voluptuous gallantry and bravery, even to excess: It is suppos'd to contain about six or seven Miles in compass, and to consist of above an hundred thousand Houses or Families, whereof not the tenth part Spaniards, but those that are, all Gentlemen, at least as to their garb and manner of living; for they live most splendidly in all respects, both for Diet and Apparel.

For the first, we have spoken so much already of the general plenty of all things in the Kingdom of New-Spain, that pertain to this part of pleasure, that it is not to be doubted: And for the second this may be some instance, viz. that it is no ex∣traordinary matter to see an Hat-band or Role all of Diamonds, in some ordinary Gentlemans Hat; and of Pearl among the common Citizens and Tradesmen. The Coaches (which most Gentlemen keep) almost cover'd with Gold and Silver, richly beset with Precious Stones, and within ordinarily lin'd with Cloth of Gold, or the best China Silk that can be gotten; of which Coaches, in time of year, at the Alameda, as they call it, which is, as it were, The Hide-Park of Mexico, and a place made of purpose for recreation and delight, a Man shall observe not seldom, above a thousand or two thousand Coaches, full of Ladies and Gallants coming thither onely to take the Air, and their Pleasure, both the one and the other attended with a numerous Train of Servants and Mulattoes of both Sexes. In la Plateria, which is

but onely one Street in Mexico, nigh to the Vice-Roy's Palace, in less than half an hours space: with the turn of an Eye, you may see Millions of Wealth in Gold, Silver, and Precious Stones, in the Goldsmiths and Jewellers Shops thereabouts. In a word, there is nothing hinders Mexico from being the most absolute City in the World for delight and bravery, but onely two Inconveniences to which it is subject: The one is the danger of the Lake, with the Infalls whereof it may seem to be almost continually threatned, and in the Year 1629. did actually suffer a very great calamity, the Waters breaking through the Banks, and drowning a great part of the City, with the destruction of much People, and the loss of all their Goods intirely, through the avarice (as is suppos'd) of the Vice-Roy that then was, and some other of the King's Officers, who diverted the Money that should have been employ'd for the fortifying and repairing of the Banks, to their own proper uses: The other is from the nature of the Soil and Ground it self on which it standeth; which is found to have a tincture of Sal Nitre in it, somewhat strong; and the Winds partly from the Lake it self, and partly from the Hills about it, rai∣sing the Dust of this Earth constantly every Evening, for many Moneths of the Year together, so violently, that the Air is even darkned therewith for some time: The Inhabitants are much annoy'd by it, and made subject to divers Hypocondria∣cal Pains and Infirmities, and sometimes kill'd with it, especially such as either cannot, or care not much to avoid it.

The City lieth about sixty Leagues, or a hundred and fifty Miles distant from the Atlantick or North Sea, from whence by the Port of St. John d' Ullua, or Vera Crux, (which are the usual Landing-places) there is a fair and easie March to Mexico, by the Cities of Xalabar, Perotta, Puebla de los Angelos, and Tlascalla, all of them open and unfortifi'd Places, (as likewise Mexico it self) arid the Countrey round about very rich and well accommodated with all things.

* 1.315The next City of note in ancient times was Chulula, which being built in a fruit∣ful Plain, had above twenty thousand Dwelling-houses, and as many more Ban∣quetting-houses. The number of the Temples and Turrets were equal with that of the days in the Year: The Government thereof belong'd to a Mayor and six Aldermen, and one chief Priest; for they never went upon the least Design before they had been at their Devotion; in which the Priest's Office was onely to perfume the Idols four times in twenty four hours, viz. in the Morning, at Noon, after Sun-set, and at Midnight; at which times none durst be absent, but they us'd also a cruel Exercise on themselves, and one much more cruel on others, for on usual Feast-days they abstain'd from Meat, Drink, and Sleep, scourg'd their Bodies with knotted Cords after a miserable manner, evacuated their Seed, that so they might curb all fleshly Desires, and met every Night in a spacious place, where sit∣ting down they wounded themselves with Lances in their Legs and Arms, so long till the Blood gush'd out of the same; which gathering in a Cup, they anointed their Temples therewith, and dipt the Lances in the same, and then hung them up before the Temple in Bundles of Straw. Of these were a great number, and the more, because they never us'd their Lances but once. But on these Days, which were Consecrated to the Idol Tezcatlipuca, every one besides the Priests wore a new Rope made of the Hemp Mangey, of a Fathom long, and a thick Knot at the end, with which they beat themselves so miserably on their Backs, as if they intended to have broken them: After which the Priests stay'd five days in the Temple, in which they us'd the like cruelty, eating scarce once in twenty four hours.

Their Prisoners they us'd after a most horrid manner, viz. in their Temples stood a round Stage of Stone; to the top of which they ascended by a Square Scaf∣fold,

supported by twenty eight Pillars; behind which appear'd thousands of Mens Heads, and amongst them the Prisoners that were to be Offer'd sat stark naked, and guarded by several Armed Men; three Foot from the Steps which led up to the top of the Scaffold, stood a pyramidical Stone, (by the Indians call'd Quauxi∣calli) and behind it two round Chappels, cover'd on the top like Mitres, each had four Holes in a large Gate, in which sat a horrid Representation, worshipp'd by six Priests call'd Chackalmua, whereof one call'd Papas, or Topilzin, whose Office was to pluck out the Hearts of the Prisoners, being in greatest esteem, wore a red Man∣tle about his Body, not unlike a long Coat, with broad Fringe, which trail'd af∣ter him upon the Ground, and also a Crown of green and yellow Plumes on his Head; his Ears and under Lip were likewise adorn'd with Precious Stones: The other five appear'd in like manner with their Hands and Faces painted red, but ha∣ving Leathern Fascia's about their Heads, and white Coats stitch'd with Black on their Bodies, they might easily be distinguish'd from the Topilzin; who on a sudden ran down the Stairs to the Prisoners, and shew'd each of them an Image, (saying, This is your God) made of Bledo Paste, Maiz and Honey, green Beads for Eyes, and Grains of Maiz for Teeth: whereupon the Prisoners were led up, and laid with their Backs on the sharp Stone Quauxicalli; then the five Priests took hold of their Leggs, Arms and Head, put woodden Collars about the Sufferer's Necks, whilst the Topilzin shew'd Reverence to the Idol; which done, with a sharp Stone he cut open the Breasts of the Prisoners, who in a deplorable condition lay on the pyra∣midical Stone, and pulling their Hearts out of their Bodies, shew'd the same reek∣ing to the Sun, and at last threw them toward the Idol, and the dead Bodies down the Stairs, where some appointed for that purpose carried the same away; but eve∣ry one taking his own Prisoner, and roasting and boyling him, serv'd him up to his Friends as a great Dainty.

This kind of Murdering was not onely us'd amongst the Mexicans, but also by all the other neighboring Indians, and especially in the City Chulula, which (as we have said before) signifies The Sanctity of all the Gods: for in this Town six thousand Children were yearly Offer'd.

The Citizens hereof us'd to drive a great Trade, especially in Cochinele.

Their Habits were several; for Persons of Note wore Cotton Coats, about the Edges of which hung Feathers and pieces of Cony-skins: the meaner sort went in Nequons, or a sort of Linnen Coats made of the hairy Leaves of the Tree Maguey.

3. The City Tezuco, full of handsom Streets and fair Houses, is built near the salt Mexican Lake, yet hath no want of fresh Water, with which it is supply'd by Gutters from the Mountains under Ground, according to Anthony Herrera, it twice exceedeth in bigness the famous City Sivill in Spain.

4. Quitlavaca, by the Spaniards call'd Venezuela, (because it is, like Venice, sur∣rounded with Water, and divided into several Isles,) boasted formerly above two thousand Families: From the Town a Cawsey of twenty Foot broad, and half a League long, leads through the Lake to the Main Continent.

5. Yztacpalapa, a very populous Place, and lying part of it in the salt Lake, and partly on the Main Land; where several fresh-water Pools afford store of Fish, two Leagues distant from Mexico, to which leads a broad Way; in the middle of which stands a Fountain, surrounded with high Trees, which produces excellent Water.

6. Mexicaltzingo, situate upon the Lake Laguna, a Town consisting of four thou∣sand stately Houses.

7. Cayocan, in a fruitful Plain, containing six thousand, being but a League and

a half from Yztacpalapa: to which the neighboring Village Houcilopucho was not much inferior.

These three Places, before they were subdu'd by the Spaniards, boasted many brave Temples and high Towers, whose lustre appear'd at a great distance, but now being turn'd into Cloysters, they are inhabited by Monks and Nuns.

The Salt made here of Earth, though not white, and onely fit to make Pickle of, is Transported to many Places.

* 1.316About Mexico there are also several Villages, the chiefest of which are 1. Ma∣stitlan, a Town pleasantly seated upon the top of an huge Mountain, in the midst of most delicate Groves and shady Woods, and reckon'd to contain no less than thirty thousand Inhabitants in all, dwelling either in the City, or upon the sides of the Mountain.

2. Antepecque; this is a Town belonging to the Marquess de Valle, who is of the Posterity of Cortez, and said to be seated in the most delicious place of all New Spain.

3.Acapulco, a Town seated upon the South-Sea, or Mare del Zur, yet belong∣ing to this Province. It is a haven-Town, and one of the most frequented upon the South-Sea, situate upon a large and capacious Bay of about a League broad at the Entrance, and affording many convenient Stations and Docks for Shipping. At the bottom of the Bay Westward lieth the Town, with a strong Castle very op∣portunely built, both for the command and security of the Port, well wall'd and fortifi'd with Bulwarks, and having a constant Garrison of four hundred Soldiers in it, or thereabouts. The reason whereof, I suppos••, may be chiefly this, viz. that from this Port there is the greatest Traffick and Entercourse held betwixt the East and West-Indies, together with the Philippine Islands.

* 1.317The Countrey hath many rich Mynes of Silver in it, and some of Gold; the chief of which are by Herera reported to be these, viz. 1. Those of Puchuca, four∣teen Leagues distant from Mexico. 2. Of Tasco. 3. Talpuiana. 4. Cultepeque. 5. Zacu∣alpa. 6. Zupanguo, and divers others.

The rest of the Villages are Guatitlan, Tenyauca, Escapusalco, Tacuba, and Su∣chimilco.

* 1.318The neighboring Province Xilotepeck, which is exceeding fruitful, is alfo famous for two Fountains, whereof one near the Village Queretaro produces boyling Water, which when cool'd, is a wholsom Drink for Cattel: The other for four years is full of Water, and for four years after it is empty; in great rainy Seasons it is quite dry, and in droughty Weather it overflows.

Between the Villages Queretaro and San Juan, is a Plain which extends it self seven Leagues in breadth, and seven in length, besides two Leagues farther beyond Quar∣tero, where a hundred thousand Head of Cattel, and ten thousand Horses, find plentiful Pasture.

* 1.319The Mountain Nevada, near the City De los Angelos, deserves no small admira∣tion; for it begins at thirty Leagues end to rise exceeding high, and being flat on the top, hath a wide gaping Mouth, whose bottom is fathomless; from which at Sun-rising and setting rises a Smoak up directly towards the Skie, but immediately after spreading like a Plume of Feathers, it is dispers'd by the Wind, and no more seen till it appears in a dusky Cloud. With the Smoak are also Ashes vomited up; yet the Mountain is very pleasantly planted with lofty Cypress, Cedar, Oak, and Pine-Trees. The neighboring Fields abound likewise with Wheat, Cotton, and Maiz. There seldom appears any Rain here.

At the Foot of this Mountain lies the Village Tepecco, famous for the Crystal

and Allom gotten there. The Village Ocotlan is also maintain'd by the same: But Tuculala by Gold-Mines, and fruitful Lands, which are twice a year shaken by Earthquakes; wherefore the Inhabitants live not in Stone Houses, but in little Straw Huts.

South-Eastward from Nerada is excellent Sugar to be had, and on the Mountain it self the famous Gum Anime, which drops out of a Tree call'd Jetaiba, which is al∣ways green, with hard white Wood, a pale yellow speckled Bark, three long soft Leaves hanging one over another on one Stalk, and the Fruit on the middle of the Body. After the rainy Season is past in October, then they cut a Hole in the Body of the Tree, out of which the Gum drops: it hath a pleasant smell, and is exceed∣ing good against the Head-ache occasion'd by Colds.

Not far from hence appears the Valleys Matalzingo and Atzompam, which have excellent Pastures, in which Diego Nunnez de Camargo bred forty thousand Sheep out of two in ten years time.

And these are the chiefest Towns, Villages, and Countreys, which surround the famous City Mexico.

* 1.320Concerning the erecting of this City, the Indians relate thus: That the seventh Family of the Navatlaca's, Extracted out of the Countrey Aztlan, rang'd up and down not without thousands of Inconveniences, from one Countrey to another, according to the Information which their Sages had given their Spirit Viztliputli, till at last some of the Priests straying from the Army, or rather Multitude, got into a Wilderness, full of Brambles and Thorns, and came at length to a Place where was a Spring of clear Water, in which the Fishes glitter'd like Silver; where ta∣king up their repose that Night, their Spirit inform'd the oldest of them in a Dream, that they should find thereabouts a Tunal Tree (whose Leaves grow out of one another) under which, on a Stone, lay the Heart of the famous Sorcerer Copil: This Tunal Tree should be discover'd by a Crane on the top of it, which in one Foot should hold a Bird, and in the other a Bough of the Tree, near which they were to build a City: The old Priest waking, and relating his Dream, every one endeavor'd to find out the fore-mention'd Tree; at last they found it, by discover∣ing on the top a Crane, with spread-out Wings looking up towards the Sun, and holding in his Claws a small Bird, invested with curious Feathers: Whereupon they with all speed built a Chappel of Turf and Clods of Earth, and cover'd the same with Canes, to keep their Idol from the Weather, resolving, so soon as they could, to build him a better Temple.

The Lake on whose Isles they setled, abounded with Fish and Fowls, which they exchang'd with the neighboring People for Stone and Mortar for the building of a Temple for Viztliputzli, and a new City; to which they made a Cawsey in the Lake Laguna, and divided it into four great Wards or Divisions, and subdivided them again into lesser; over which they plac'd peculiar Idols, and order'd a Crane like that which they had seen on the Tunal Tree to be their City Arms. The dividing of the Wards occasion'd great dislike amongst the Grandees, judging those to whose lot they fell, not to be worthy of them; wherefore deserting the same, and tra∣velling along the Lake Laguna, they setled themselves at last in a sandy Soil, which they call'd Tlattellulco, and entertain'd a bitter hatred against their Countrey-men who kept the four Wards of the new Tenustitan, doing them all the mischief they could; wherefore the Assaulted were necessitated to chuse a King, that they might be the better able to oppose their Enemies: But that they might not raise a Dis∣content amongst themselves about electing a Governor, they judg'd it fittest to take a Foreigner; amongst whom they found none so capable of so great an Office as

Acamapixtli, Grand-son to the King of Culhuacan, whereupon sending Ambassadors thither, they obtain'd their desires.

The new King was no sooner Crown'd, but he settled all things in order with great Prudence, insomuch, that Mexico grew daily to be more famous and fear'd: But this sudden growth rais'd a jealousie amongst the Neighbors, who dreaded their growing Power and Valor.

* 1.321The Tapunecans who were also a valiant People, being the nearest to them, and having Azcapuzalco for their chief City, made it their main design, utterly to root out the Mexicans, before they grew to be more Populous and Potent; notwith∣standing they had hitherto receiv'd Tribute from them, for delivering the Lake Laguna to them, which was a quantity of Timber and Plants; yet they demanded not only more Tribute than formerly, but also in such a manner, as was thought impossible to have been perform'd, which was, that those Plants which were for∣merly brought to them, as growing on the Land, should be set in the Water, so as to come floating to them, as they grew, to Ascapuzalco, which if they did not pay, they should expect to be all put to the Sword. The Mexicans much amaz'd hereat, and not knowing how to produce the demanded Plants, Viztliputzli inform'd the oldest Priest, that the demands might be satisfi'd, and commanded him to throw Earth on the Water, and to Sow Seed on the same, which at the usual time produc'd Maiz, Azi, Chias, Tomates, and the like, with which the Tapunecans being satisfi'd, de∣mand next a Goose, and a Hen which laid Eggs, out of which the young ones should appear, when on the floating Clods of Earth, the Nests came opposite to Azcapuzalco, which by the advice of Viztliputzli, they perform'd fifty years one after another. Mean while, Acamapixtli (who had inlarg'd Mexico with Streets, Palaces, Temples, and Markets) dying, would not name any one to succeed him, but left the choice of the Election to the Commonalty, who Crown'd his Son Vitzilovitli, and Marry'd him to the King of Tapunecans Daughter, that by that means they might gain his friendship, and be eas'd of their strange Annual Tribute: Where∣upon Ayauchigual, the King of Tapunecans Daughter being Marry'd to Vitzilovitli, was within twelve Moneths deliver'd of a Son, which the Grand-father call'd Chi∣malpopoca, which signifies A Gun which gives Smoke, and afterwards was satisfi'd with two Geese, and some Fish yearly from the Mexicans, onely as an Acknowledgment that they inhabited his Countrey. Chimalpopoca loosing his Parents, in his tenth year was Crown'd King, with a Bowe and Arrows in his left Hand, and a Wood∣den Sword in the right: Soon after he oblig'd his Mothers Father to be kind to the Mexicans, for they being in great want for fresh Water, he had leave by Channels to bring the same out of the Mountain Chapultepec, a League distant from Mexico; to which purpose they made a Pipe of Planks, and hollow Trees joyn'd toge∣ther with Clay, quite through the Lake; but this Pipe not being teight and dura∣ble, and the fresh Water by that means mixing with the Salt, they sent Agents to Az∣capuzalco, to request Stones, Mortar, and Work-men to make a substantial Sewer: This message was ill resented by the Council of Azcapuzalco; What, (said they) do the Mexicans think, shall a rambling company of People, which on Charity live in anothers Countrey, Command those that Govern them to be their Servants? This grudge went so far, that at last they took a Resolution without the King's knowledge, (for he was sus∣pected, because of his Grand-chil'd Chimalpopoca) to forbid all manner of Trade with the Mexicans; nay, to endeavor utterly to root them out; yet some judg'd, that they ought to spare Chimalpopoca, while others on the contrary said, That he ought to be destroy'd, because his Father being a Mexican, he would to the utmost of his Power defend his People; which last being approv'd of, so troubled the King of the Tapune∣cans,

that he dy'd of grief; for the Design being soon after put into execution, and the Tapuneca's breaking in the Night into Chimalpopoca's Palace, Murder'd him; which Murder made the Mexicans thirst for revenge; whereupon, setting them∣selves wholly against the Tapunecans, they enter'd into a League with Vezcuco, and Culhuacan, and chose Izcoalt, for his great Valor, for their King; notwithstanding Acamapixtli had begotten him on a Slave.

* 1.322Izcoalt was no sooner Crown'd, but he made great preparation for a War, though against every ones Opinion, because of the Populousness of the Tapunecans; yet it was concluded on, that they should request Peace, and a place to inhabit on the main Continent, that so they might remove from the Isles: This Request they thought could not be deny'd them in Azcapuzalco, provided the Mexicans brought their Gods thither, and wholly conform'd themselves to the manners of the Tapu∣necans, for otherwise they could expect nothing but utter Ruine: Yet though eve∣ry one else imbrac'd the Proposal, Tlacaellel, the King's Nephew, stiffly oppos'd it, alleging, that it did not agree with the Mexicans quality, to make so mean and sla∣vish a Proffer; and that they had best consider, first if there were no other means to be found: and that he would willingly venture his Life in going to Azcapuzalco, as a Spie, to pry into their whole Designs and Intentions, which was perform'd ac∣cordingly; and soon after returning, he brought information, that the Tapunecans were making great preparations for War, and made no mention at all of Peace; which news struck a general fear into all Peoples Hearts; many desiring that they might save themselves by flight; but Izcoalt putting fresh courage into them, made an agreement with the People, that if he was beaten by the Tapunecans, they should eat him up; but if he prov'd Conqueror, they should all be at his Command; to which all consenting, they boldly march'd with their King to the City Azcapuzalco. The Front of the Army consisting of the prime Nobility, was led by Tlacaellel, and the Rear Izcoalt brought up, who was also to give the sign on a Drum, when they should fall upon the Enemies; who having ten Men to the Mexicans one, suddenly Sally'd out of the Gates, where they were so briskly entertain'd by Tlacaellel, that in a confus'd manner they soon ran back into the City, whither the Conqueror pursuing them, got within the Gates, where he put all to the Sword which he could meet with; some fled to a steep neighboring Mountain, whither being also follow'd, they threw down their Arms, and begg'd Quarter, to serve the Mexicans as Slaves, which was granted them, whilst Izcoalt found an unvaluable Mass of Treasure in Azcapuzalco, and distributed the Conquer'd Countrey amongst those who had behav'd themselves best.

This Conquest made the neighboring People jealous of the Mexicans, whose Suc∣cess and growing Power they dreaded.

* 1.323The Towns Tacuba and Cuyoacan, though they had Governors of their own, yet were subject to the Tapunecans, whose General advising those of Azcapuzalco to try an∣other Encounter, they took up Arms again; but before it came to a Battel, the Cuyoacans play'd a subtile trick with the Mexicans, for inviting them to an Idolatrous Feast, after they had Eat, Drunk, and Danc'd, they forc'd them to put on Wo∣mens Apparel, to their no small disgrace and ignomy; which remain'd not unre∣veng'd, for the Mexicans made a Poysonous Fume in the Gates of Cuyoacan, which made Women with Child to Miscarry, and many to fall dangerously sick; yet last∣ly, both Parties march'd into the Fields, where whilst Izcoalt was elsewhere in∣gag'd, Tlacaellel marching about, came upon the backs of the Cuyoacans with such eagerness, that they fled to a strong Temple, which soon after was set on fire by Tlacaellel, who pursu'd the Enemy ten Leagues.

[illustration] portrait of Montezuma II

MUTECZUMA Rex ultimus Mexicanorum

This Conquest stir'd up the Suchimilcos, the first Family of the Navatlaca's, to stop the proceedings of the Mexicans, that they might not, as they had already done to others, fall upon them; to which purpose they thought to surprize the Conquer∣ing Army; but Tlacaellel who led the Van, march'd in good Order to meet the Su∣chimilcos, fell resolutely upon their whole Army, and after a short conflict, put them to flight, and took the City Suchimilco for Izcoalt, who being Crown'd King there, Commanded the Conquer'd to make a direct Road betwixt Suchimilco and Mexico, of four Leagues long, both, that a Trade might the easier be drove between these two Cities, and to keep them the better in awe: Notwithstanding these exam∣ples, Cuytlavacan, a City built at the Lake Laguna, trusting to the abundance of Boats, which the Citizens knew how to use with great dexterity, daily molested Mexi∣co with them by Water, whereupon Izcoalt resolv'd to send his Victorious Army thi∣ther, but Tlacaellel opposing the same, promis'd to subdue the Rebelling City w•••••• a considerable number of Boys, which had skill in the managing of a Canoo, which being permitted him, he accordingly made himself Master of Cuytlavacan, from whence the Boys brought a great Booty, and divers Prisoners, whom they sent as an Offering to Vitzlipultzli.

* 1.324These unheard of Victories being spread far and near, mov'd Tezcuco after seve∣ral Skirmishes and Conflicts with Tlacaellel, to submit to the Mexican King, who chose the Governor thereof for his Prime Councellor. Izcoalt Deceasing, after having Reign'd twelve years, his Son Muteczuma was chosen his Successor; the Ele∣ction and Coronation being perform'd after the following manner.

* 1.325The new King mantled in Tygers Skins, was led into the chief Temple before a Hearth, on which burnt Fire both Night and Day; not far from which stood the Throne, where sitting down, he Offer'd Blood•• which was taken from his Cheeks; Ears, and Legs; after which, an Orator: Congratulated him, in the name of the Nobility; which done, they ended the Solemnity in a great Dinner, Fire-Works, and Dancing: At the same time it was establish'd, that all Future Coronations should be kept with an Offering of Provision, fetch'd by the King out of the Ene∣mies Countrey: wherefore Muteczuma going to the Countrey Chalco, took several of the Natives, whose reaking Hearts he Offer'd to Viztlipuztli: Which done, the Coronation follow'd, to which an innumerable company of People came flocking from all the neighboring Provinces: Those which were Tributaries, brought Presents with them, before which the Heralds carry'd the Coats of Arms belong∣ing to the Nobility of Mexico, in a good order.

* 1.326Soon after the King's Coronation, he march'd and fell upon Chalco, the Inhabi∣tants of which defended, themselves very Valiantly, took Muteczuma's Brother, among several other Prisoners▪ to whom the Conquerors proffer'd the Govern∣ment; which at first he refus'd, but at last accepted of on this condition, that a high Mast should be erected with a Scaffold on the top, which made every one suppose, that Muteczuma's Brother did in that manner aim at a high Election, but he at the appointed time, getting on the top of the Mast, call'd with a loud voice, and spake to the taken Mexicans which were there present to this effect: Chalco seeks to set me on the Throne, the Heavens will not permit it; learn by me rather to die, than to live and be guilty of Treason to your Countrey: which he had no sooner said, but with some Flowers which he held in his Hand, threw himself down from the Scaffold, which so inrag'd the Chalcoans, that they immediately slew all the other Mexicans that were there present; which not long after was reveng'd by Muteczuma,* 1.327 who not onely subdu'd Chalco, but several other Provinces, leaving onely Tlascala un∣attempted, that the Mexicans might have a neighboring Enemy to fetch Prisoners

[illustration]

from for their Offerings, and also by Skirmishing with them, train up their Youth in Martial Discipline.

Thus his Predecessors and he, having Conquer'd divers Provinces, insomuch that he was now become absolute Emperor over a vast Tract of Land, he resolv'd to settle the same in good order; to which purpose he erected Courts of Judica∣ture, with good Laws; built a stately Palace and Temple; ordain'd several Cu∣stoms to be observ'd in Religion; which done, and having Reign'd twenty eight years, he Deceasing, left Ticocic for his Successor.

* 1.328The foremention'd Temple was call'd Cu, being built of Stone, in form like a Serpent, of an exceeding bigness, in the middle thereof there was a spacious open place, and round about it Habitations, two Stories high, the lowermost for the Inferior Priests, and the uppermost for the High Priests; in this place also above ten thousand People Danc'd in a Circle, on all high Feasts; four great Gates fac'd the like number of broad Streets, each two Leagues long: On the outmost Gate stood large Images, the Front of black Stones, Painted between each Lay with red and yellow Colours, no less Beautiful than Artificial: On each corner of the Tem∣ple were plac'd two Marble Statues of Indians, sitting with their Arms stretch'd out, and holding a Candle, and on their Heads Plumes of Feathers: Thirty high steps led up to a round place, set about with Deaths-Heads, which was a Stage ap∣pointed for the slaughter of those, whose Hearts were to be Offer'd to the Diabolical gods, and whose Heads, their Bodies being eaten, were brought back to the Priests, who hung them under the Stage, where every Head hanging till it dropp'd off, the vacant place was immediately supply'd with a fresh Head. At the end of the Stage stood two Chappels, cover'd like a Cardinal's-Cap, in one of which sate the Image of Tiztlputzli, and in the other Tlaloc, to which led a hundred and twenty Stone steps.

But besides this stately Temple Cu, Mexico boasted nine more, standing not far asunder in a large Plain, all adorn'd with curious Imagery, and set out with large Pillars, each being Dedicated to a peculiar Idol, and built with magnificent Apart∣ments,

for the Priests to lodge in; the chiefest of them Dedicated to an Idol call'd Tezeatlipuca, or Lord of the Humble. This Temple was ascended to by eighty steps, and had before it a spacious Court; within a low and broad Gate appear'd a high Vail, which open'd into a spacious square Hall, hung with Tapestry, at the end whereof stood large Images, and beyond which were several Rooms, in which Assemblies met, Scholars were taught, Judges sate, and Priests Re∣sided.

* 1.329But to return again to Muteczuma, his Funeral was no sooner finish'd, but the four Prime Councellors were attended by the Commissioners of Tezcuco and Tacu∣ba, in order to the Election of a new King: Tlacaellel being the chief amongst the Dukes, was by a general Vote Saluted King, as being most worthy thereof, for his special Services shown in behalf of the Empire of Mexico: But he humbly re∣fusing the same, was desir'd to Nominate another, whereupon he making choice of Ticocic, Muteczuma's eldest Son; the Council immediately bor'd a hole through his Nose, and hung an Emrauld in the same. But before he receiv'd the Crown, he was forc'd, according to the Custom, to fetch in some of his Enemies for an Of∣fering, which though he perform'd, yet he lost more Mexicans than he took Priso∣ners, not without sufficient testimony of Cowardise; which being ill resented by the People, he was Poyson'd in the fourth year of his Reign, and succeeded by his Brother Axayaca, by the appointment of Tlacaellel;* 1.330 who having attain'd to a great Age, and left the Charge of his Children to the new King, departed this Life, to the great sorrow and grief of the whole Empire; by the States whereof he was Bu∣ry'd with great Solemnity.

* 1.331In the mean time, Axayaca went with a considerable Army to the remote Pro∣vince Teguantepek, to fetch Prisoners to be Offer'd at his Coronation; and march∣ing before alone, Challeng'd his Antagonist, the King, to a single Combat, which he refus'd, and chose rather to fall upon Axayaca with all his Forces; whereupon, the Mexicans cunningly feign'd flight, ambuscaded themselves till the Enemies pur∣suing them, gave them their desir'd advantage, for rushing out of their Ambuscade, they set upon the Teguantepecks, so disorder'd, that they easily put them to flight, and had the pursuit of them as far as Guatulco, a noted Haven upon the South-Sea; from whence Axayaca returning Victor, receiv'd a Crown for a Reward; yet notwithstanding these Proofs of his Valor, the Lord of Tlatellulco Challeng'd him; whereupon he sent Agents thither, with proffers, that since the Citizens of Tla∣tellulco were of one Blood with the Mexicans, whom they deserted upon the divi∣ding of the Wards and Towns, just before the Election of the first King Acamapixtli, they should, if they pleas'd, be receiv'd anew into fellowship and alliance with the Mexicans, acknowledging one and the same King for their Supreme Head and Go∣vernor: But the Ambassadors being scorn'd and laugh'd at for their proffers, re∣turning, related the same to Axayaca, who immediately marching thither to take revenge, sent part of his Army to fall on the Enemy by Water; whilst himself falling upon them by Land, put the Lord of Tlatellulco, with his whole Army, to flight, which was so closely pursu'd, that they forc'd their way into the City with them, put the Governor to Death, and laid the Town in Ashes; those which went by Water, having had no less success.

* 1.332Axayaca, after eleven years Reign, Deceasing, bequeath'd his Crown to Autzol, who sought to promote his Election by ingaging with the mighty Province Qua∣xutatlan, whose Inhabitants, though but a little before, they had been so bold as to demand Tribute of the Mexicans, yet terrifi'd at the approach of Autzol's Army, fled over an Arm of the Sea, where they had been secure, had not Autzol invented a

floating Isle of Planks, by which he got over his whole Army; upon which the amaz'd Quaxututlans immediately submitted themselves to the Mexicans, who pur∣suing their Victory, extended their Dominions to Guatimala, over a Tract of three hundred Leagues.

* 1.333The new King having now subdu'd all his Enemies, and made himself glorious by his Victories, was also ambitious to be as much extoll'd for his Generosity and Magnificence; to which purpose he distributed all the Wealth which was brought unto him from the neighboring Countreys, amongst the Poor and the No∣bility; to the first he gave Clothes and Provisions; to the last, Plumes of Feathers and Arms. Moreover he caus'd all mean Houses to be pull'd down and new ones to be built in their places. Lastly, he consulted how to bring fresh Water into Mexico, which was plac'd in a brackish Soil: Upon this Design he was so bent, that when one of his Sages disswaded him from it, alledging, That the Water would drown the City, he, in stead of following his Advice, banish'd him his Presence, and upon his flying to Cuyaocun, caus'd him to be fetch'd from thence and Executed. Then prosecuting his Design, he cut the Ditch before Cuyaocun, by which means great store of fresh Water came flowing into the Lake Laguna, which the Priests welcom'd with strange Ceremonies; for some perfum'd the Water, others Offer'd Quails Blood, whilst others play'd on several Musical Instruments, with many other Ceremonies, which are at large describ'd in the ancient Mexican Chronicles, kept in the Vatican Library at Rome. But the Prophecy of the Executed Sorcerer was in a manner fulfill'd; for the Water overwhelm'd a great part of Mexico, and divided the City into Isles: But to prevent farther Mischief, Autzoll caus'd Banks to be rais'd, and Channels digg'd; and not long after, in the eleventh Year of his Reign, he deceas'd: After which the Mexican Kingdom tended towards its period, as the ensuing Story will declare.

Amongst the Mexican Nobility, Mutexuma, a melancholy Man, yet very prudent, who resided in a stately Apartment near the great Temple Cu, that there he might the better converse with Viztlipuztli, was elected King; which he no sooner heard, but fled from hence: but being found out, he was against his will led to the Grand Assembly, and from thence to the holy Hearth, where for an Offering he drew Blood out of his Cheeks, Ears, and Legs; and, according to an ancient Custom, the Coun∣cil of State boring a Hole in his Nose, hung an Emerauld in the same; after which the Lord of Tescuco saluted him with a Speech; which (since it is mention'd by Joseph d' Acosta, together with several other Speeches of Congratulation to their Kings, which were taught to Schollars, to make them expert in their Language) it will not be amiss to be annexed here, that of many this one may serve for a pat∣tern of the Mexicans Eloquence, which is as followeth:

* 1.334

THe great happiness, most noble Muteczuma, which is befall'n this Realm by your Election, may easily be conjectur'd from the general joy, none be∣sides your self being able to undergo an Office, in the management whereof so much Prudence is requir'd: It is a most certain testimony that God loves Mexico, that he hath given its Inhabitants understanding to make such a Choice. Who can doubt, but that you who have expatiated through the Heavens, and con∣vers'd with Viztlipuztli, may easily Govern us Mortals on Earth? Who can de∣spair, but that the Vertue inclos'd within your Breast, will extend to the Widows and Orphans? Therefore rejoyce, O Mexico; the Heavens have granted us a Prince without Vice; Merciful, and not a Violator of the Laws; Affable, not despising common Conversation. And you, O King, let not this great Pre∣ferment

occasion any alteration in your so long known Vertues: The Crown breeds care for the publick good; the troubles thereof must extend over the whole Realm, and every one in the Realm.

* 1.335Muteczuma having heard out the Speech, would willingly have answer'd the same, but could not utter a word for Tears, which gush'd from his Eyes. Before he went out to fetch Prisoners for Offerings at his Coronation, he first setled his Houshold Affairs. And whereas till this time the Kings had been serv'd in their Palaces by ordinary Citizens, he took Knights, and the chiefest of the Nobility, intending thereby to make a distinction between the Nobility and the common People, and add more Majesty to the Royal Dignity. This done, Muteczuma marching against a certain rebellious Province, fetch'd a considerable number of People to be Offer'd to Viztupuztli. At his Return the Coronation. Day was ap∣pointed, against which thousands of People came to Mexico; even their very Ene∣mies of Tlascala, Mechoacan, and Tepeaca, which were never conquer'd by the Mexi∣cans, flock'd thither in great numbers. All those Countreys which were under Tribute bringing unvaluable Treasures, came in vast Multitudes, which so throng'd the City, that the very tops of the Houses were fill'd with Spectators, no King in Mexico ever going to the Throne in such splendor;* 1.336 nor was ever any King so much fear'd by his Subjects, none of the common People daring to look in his Face; neither did he ever set Foot on the Ground, but was always carried in a Chair on the Shoulders of his prime Nobility; he never wore a Suit of Clothes but once, nor ever us'd a Cup or Dish after it was once foul'd; he strictly main∣tain'd the Laws which he had made, and often went himself in a Disguise, to make a strict enquiry after all Affairs whatsoever; by which means the Mexican Power was now arriv'd to the highest top: but, as other Realms, grown top-heavy with good Fortune, turn at last topsie-turvy, just such a Misfortune befell Mexico; but not without several fore-running signs of its destruction:* 1.337 for in the City Cholola their God Quezalcoalt inform'd them, that a strange People were coming to take possession of the Mexican Dominions; and their Soothsayers prognosticated the same, for which Muteczuma committed them all to Prison, and doubtless had put them all to death, had not they escap'd with the help of the Master of their diabolical Art; and though they escap'd themselves, yet their Wives and Children were all put to death upon the King's Command: Soon after which appear'd a mighty Comet, or blazing Starfor a whole year together; the great Temple Cu was set on Fire, and burnt to the Ground none knew how; the Water which was thrown on the same to quench it, burnt like Brimstone; in the Skie appear'd three fiery Heads at noon-day, and out of a long Tail shot Sparks on the Earth; the Laguna, between Mexico and Texcuco, began to swell into a Tide, which turn'd some Houses topsie∣turvy; a shrill Voice was heard in the Night crying on the Water, Children, your ruine is at hand; whither shall I carry you that you may not be lost?

* 1.338No less strange is what d' Acosta relates of a Bird presented to Muteczuma, not unlike a Crane, which the Fishermen had taken on the Laguna; on the shining Forehead of which there appear'd the resemblance of two Armies Engag'd, and one defeated by the other, and that whilst the Sages, call'd to interpret the meaning hereof, sat in Consultation, the Bird vanish'd.

* 1.339Moreover, there goes a Tradition, That a Countrey-man being at his Labor, was taken up by an Eagle, and carried through the Air into a gloomy Cave, where a Man lay fast asleep snoaring, when on a sudden he heard a Voice afar off, saying, Do you know that Man? whereupon the Countrey-man taking special notice of the

dormant Man, knew him, by the Royal Apparel, to be Mutexuma; after which the Voice was heard again, saying, How soundly doth he sleep: the time is coming which provides Punishments for many Crimes; burn the Snoarer with the Torch which he holds in his Hands, he will feel no pain: Not long after he being inform'd hereof, and look∣ing on his Thigh, found the same burnt, to his no small amazement.

* 1.340Having now possess'd the Throne fourteen years, he receiv'd news of a Fleet, and therewith a Draught of the Men and Vessels painted on Cloth. This startling him, he immediately advis'd with his Council, who judg'd it convenient to secure the Coast along the Southern Ocean with strong Watches; yet neverthe∣less Ferdinand Cortesius Landed with five hundred Foot and sixty Horse, took the City Potanchanum, march'd through the Countrey Sicuchimalar to Tascalleca, where they had a sharp Conflict, in which the Spaniards were in great danger; and had not they had six Field-Pieces with them, which did as much affright as hurt the Indians, they had without doubt been cut off there. In Chiurutecal they were in as much danger; for certainly the Spanish Army had been set upon in the Night, had not a Woman inform'd them of it.

Mean while Muteczuma consulted with his Sorcerers to destroy Cortesius by Charms, who then was marching through Chalco, whereupon a considerable number of Sorce∣rers went thither to the top of a high Mountain, where, as they were beginning their Incantations and Charms, their Idol Tezcalipuca appear'd to them: and in an angry manner told them, That Monteczuma should lose his Crown and Life; and to con∣firm his words, he shew'd them a dreadful spectacle; for looking about, they saw the City in a light flame. This being told to Muteczuma, he resolv'd to make him∣self as secure as he could, and went to meet Cortesius with costly Presents, delivering him the Crown in the presence of all his Council; to which purpose he took one Marina, experienc'd in the Castilian Tongue, with him for his Interpreter; all things then seeming to end in Friendship. But they continu'd not long in that state; for Cortesius, whose whole Design was to bring Mexico under the Spaniards Sub∣jection, not long after accus'd Muteczuma, that Coalcopoca had on his Commands storm'd the new Spanish City Vera Crux, which he could no way excuse; and not∣withstanding Muteczuma deliver'd him Coalcopoca,* 1.341 with fifteen of his Nobles Priso∣ners, who were all burnt with green Wood; yet he was committed Prisoner, to the great discontent of the Mexicans, who said,

That they were now come to a fine pass, to be thus fool'd by a few Strangers, who had imprison'd their King, trampled upon their ancient Images, endeavor'd to murther them all, and in de∣spite of them brought their mortal Enemies, the Tascaltecans and Guazuzingans, in∣to Mexico.

* 1.342About this time there were certain Ships come to Vera Crux, which was a new Port-Town of this Countrey, that the Spaniards had built since their coming thi∣ther, and had Landed near upon a thousand Men; which was an Accident that had like to have spoil'd the Design of Cortesius and all his Company at Mexico, these Men being sent by James Velasquez, Governor of Cuba, expressly against Cortesius and his Men, upon pretence that they had acted not conformably to the Commission which they had receiv'd from him, and gave him no account of their proceedings; which in a great measure was true: for it must be confess'd, that Cortesius and his Men finding themselves to have fall'n upon an Adventure that was certainly rich and good, and having got such footing and interest in the Countrey already, by their Success and Victories, and chiefly by their Confederacy with so many of the Natives and People of the Countrey, revolted to them, did almost at first, by a ge∣neral consent, renounce their Commission, and dependency upon Velasquez, and

profess'd to act immediately from and for the King of Spain. What pretences they had for such a Resolution, seemingly at least irregular, is not so well known. What∣ever they were, they proceed in it, and the whole Company (excepting onely some few, who yet went along with the rest) chuse Cortesius anew for their Commander in chief, and appoint likewise by common consent, all other Officers of Justice, both Civil and Military, among themselves: and to give the better colour at Court to their Proceedings, they send Portocorrero and Monteio, two of their Principals, in∣to Spain, with a rich and noble Present to the Emperor, both to make report of the State of the Countrey, and to procure immediate Commission from his Majesty, to proceed; after which they advance towards Mexico, as hath been said. Velasquez, being at Cuba, and understanding their Proceedings, labor'd to intercept both their Messengers and Present, but could not; and therefore sent Pamphilius Narvaez with eleven Ships, and about nine hundred or a thousand Men to apprehend Cortesius, and oppose his Proceedings. This hapned about the time that the Differences were but newly calm'd betwixt the Spaniards and the People of Mexico; and though it ob∣lig'd Cortesius to leave the City in a wavering and unsetled condition, yet he took such order, that Muteczuma still remain'd under the Guard of the Spaniards as before, assisted with thousands of their Friends of Tlascalla, and he himself taking the rest, and some few Spaniards along with him, with undaunted courage and resolution marches against Narvaez: and such was his good fortune, that not onely Narvaez be∣came his Prisoner without much blood-shed, but likewise all his Men joyn'd with him in his Design, through the favour of the Chancery or supream Court of St. Do∣mingo, and by the procurement of the Licentiat Vasquez de Ayllon, a Judge of it, who was sent with Narvaez to accommodate the Differences. With this Recruit Corte∣sius marches back again to Mexico; but at his coming finds things in a very bad con∣dition; for the Citizens, gather'd together under the Command of one Quicuxte∣moc, had recourse to Arms, and for three days and three Nights vex'd the Spaniards with continual Stormings, notwithstanding what-ever Commands they had to the contrary from their imprison'd King, who at last, looking out of a Window, endeavoring to appease them, was hurt with a Stone, of which he soon after died, as they say, who would not have the Spaniards thought to have murder'd him, as the Mexicans say they did, with divers other Noble-men, and some of his Children, the very Night they fled. However it were, not long after his Death, out of extream necessity, and chiefly for want of Victuals, the Spaniards were forc'd to leave the Ci∣ty in the night-time, and with the loss of four hundred and fifty of their Men, who were either slain or taken Prisoners at the passing of a Draw-bridge, the rest ma∣king a heavy Retreat to their Friends at Tlascalla. There is standing at this day in Mexico, upon the place where so many of them were kill'd, a certain Hermitage, which they call Los Martyres, or The Hermitage of the Martyrs, though but improperly, if upon that occasion, as one of their own Writers confesses, though he alledges no other reason.

This Retreat of the Spaniards out of Mexico hapned to be upon the tenth of July after mid-night, in the Year 1520. which the Spaniards at Mexico call The Doleful Night. Nevertheless the undaunted Cortesius being got, though with much diffi∣culty and trouble, by reason of the pursuit of the Mexicans for a good part of the Way, to his sure Friends of Tlascalla, neither lost his Courage, nor gave over his Re∣solution of yet gaining Mexico, especially the way being now laid open, and suf∣ficient occasion given by the Death of Muteczuma, and the provocations of the Mexicans themselves, to make himself absolute and sole Lord of the Place: where∣fore having sent for, and procur'd a competent Supply of fresh Soldiers from

Santo Domingo, or Hispaniola, Almeria, Cuba, and other places, being in all nine hun∣dred Foot, eight hundred Horse, and seventeen Pieces of Ordnance; he joyns him∣self with the Auxiliary Forces of Tlascalla, which were no less than a hundred thou∣sand Men, Arm'd with Bowes and Arrows: and with this Army marches again towards Mexico, and Besieges it both by Land and Water, viz. with the help of thirteen Brigantines or Galliots, which he had built upon the Lake, and six thousand Canoos, or little Boats, which his Friends and Confederates had procur'd him. By which means, and by his Army on Land, in a short time he cut off all Provision from the City, and after a Siege of full three Months or more, and a most stout and obstinate resistance made by the People within, in which they are said to have lost above a hundred thousand Men, beside those which perish'd by Famine, Sickness, or otherwise,* 1.343 he took it by Storm upon Tuesday the thirteenth of August 1521. Sackt it first, and then burnt it to the Ground; yet afterwards he caus'd it to be Re-built again, far more Beautiful than at first it was; as in due place we shall further see. They speak not of above fifty Spaniards slain during the whole Siege, six Horses, and not many Tlascaltecans.

In this manner, and with so little Charges to the Conqueror, there fell to the Crown of Spain the richest and goodliest Kingdom (one of them) of the whole World, viz. the Kingdom of Mexico, which the Conquerors presently nam'd New Spain; and in reference to which name, the Catholick King hath ever since stil'd him∣self in the plural number Hispaniarum Rex, or King of both Spains; and all by the Va∣lor, Prudence,* 1.344 admirable Resolution, and happy Conduct of Cortez; who was at first but a private Adventurer in the American Plantations and Discoveries, though other∣wise a Gentleman of a good Family in Spain, born at Medellin in the Country of Estramedura. The Emperor Charles the Fifth, who was also then King of Spain, for his great Services, endow'd him deservedly with many great and rich Territories in the Provinces of Tlascalla, Mechoacan, and other parts thereabouts, made him Marquess of the Valley, viz. of Guaxata, (which is his chief Title) a rich and flou∣rishing Province of that Countrey, Captain General, or Commander in Chief, of all the Military Forces of New-Spain, and General Discoverer of all the Maritime parts and Coasts of America towards the South-Sea, assigning him in propriety the twelfth part of whatsoever should be discover'd, to him and his Heirs for ever; but deny'd him the Government of Mexico out of reason of State, though 'tis said, he much desir'd it.

Among the famous Havens which lie along the South Sea and Northern Ocean, the chiefest is Acapulco before-mention'd,* 1.345 whither all Merchandize is sent to be transported to China, which is above two thousand Leagues distant from thence; in which Voyage they generally spend fourteen Months; four Sail, each of eight hun∣dred Tun, appointed for this Trade; generally two of them set Sail to China in March, and returning in Summer, have no sooner drop'd their Anchors, but the other two set out from Acapulco, from whence the way by Land to Mexico, is seventy two Leagues over steep Mountains, dangerous Rocks, and several Rivers; the chiefest whereof are, first, Del Papagayo, or De las Balsas, which runs exceeding strong, which the Indians cross on bundles of Canes ty'd upon Callabashes: Next San Francisco, which though the biggest, yet hath many shallow places to wade over. The Mu∣stichoes are no small Plagues to those that travel this way, for their Poysonous Stings are the occasions of many Ulcerated Wounds, and oft-times Death it self.

In this way lies also the Countrey del Valle, from which Ferdinand Cortesius re∣ceiv'd the Title of Earl.

[illustration] view of Acapulco

PORTUS ACAPULCO

The Mouth of the Haven Acapulco gapes a full League North and South, and within exceeding large, hath a nook call'd Boca Grande, where the Ships Ride safe at an Anchor: More Easterly appears a Land Inlet, (by the Spaniards call'd Puerto del Marques) secur'd against all Winds; near which is the City of San Diego, to which belongs a Fort, with six Bulwarks, lying on a Promontory; the main of the City is one large Street, consisting of fair and stately Houses, and leading di∣rectly to the Haven; the Church which is of an oblong square, hath a high Steeple in the middle.

* 1.346A Dutch Admiral, one Joris Spilbergen, after he had done the Spaniards all the mis∣chief he could along the South Sea, ran with five Sail under the Fort Acapulco, which fir'd ten Guns at him; whereupon, the Dutch Admiral Manning a Boat, with a white Flag, they agreed upon a Cessation, and the Spaniards went aboard of the Admiral, to whom Pedro Alvares, and Francisco Menendus, having been a considerable time in Holland, and speaking the Language of that Countrey very perfect, promis'd that all his Demands should be satisfi'd; yet Spilbergen was sus∣picious that the Spaniards had a design upon him, wherefore he came and lay close under the Castle with his five Sail, and made ready his Guns: But this suspicion was soon clear'd, when Alvares and Menendus proffer'd to stay as Hostages, till the Governor of the Town sent the Admiral thirty Oxen, fifty Sheep, some hundreds of Poultry, Coals, Oranges, Cittrons, and the like fresh Provisions; as also Wood and Water; during which time, the Prisoners being set at liberty, several Persons of Quality came to visit the Admiral, amongst whom was Captain Castilio, one that had serv'd twenty years in the Low-Countrey Wars; and Melchior Hernando, Ne∣phew to the Vice-Roy of New-Spain, who desirous to see the Ships that durst set twice upon Rodrigo de Mendose, Admiral of the King of Spain's mighty Fleet, stood amaz'd that such little Frigats durst Ingage with so many great Spanish Ships; and carry'd the Admiral's Son to the Governor of the City, call'd Georgius Perro, who ci∣villy entertain'd him: Eight days Spilbergen spent here at Acapulco, admiring the courteous Entertainment of the Spaniards, and the more, because that having News but eight Moneths before of the Dutch Fleet setting out, they had in that short time made all things ready for resistance, the Fort having seventeen Brass Guns, and four hundred Soldiers, besides many Noblemen and Reformades, whereas at other times there us'd not to be above forty Men, and four Guns in the same.

SECT. II. Mechoacan.

* 1.347THe next Province of New Spain is the Bishoprick of Mechoacan, which hath on the North-East, Panuco; on the East, Mexicana, properly so call'd; on the South part, Tlascalla; on the West, the Main Ocean, or Mare del Zur; and last of all, more directly Northward, Xalisco, which is a Province of New Gal∣licia: The Name signifieth in the American Language, as much as A Fish Countrey; and so it is, having many fair Lakes and Rivers in it, abundantly well stor'd with Fish. The Countrey so exceedingly pleasant and healthful, that 'tis usual for sick Persons of other Provinces to come hither to recover their health, only by the be∣nefit of a good Air. The Soil so abundantly fertile of all sorts of Grain, that of four measures of Seed, it hath been often observ'd, they have reap'd the next Har∣vest, more than so many hundred measures of the same Grain. Very well Wooded; and by reason of its many Rivers and fresh Springs, equally rich in good Pasture:

and besides great plenty of Medicinal Herbs and Plants, it affordeth good store of Amber nigh the Sea Coasts, Mulberry-trees, and consequently Silks; much Ho∣ney, Wax, and divers other Commodities, both for necessity and pleasure. The People of the Countrey are generally tall, of a strong active Body, and a good Wit, especially in comparison of other Natives; not unskilful in divers curious Manufactures, the most excellent Feather-Pictures, afore-mention'd, being said to be found in this Province. They seem more generally inclin'd to the Humors and Customs of the Spaniards, than any other Americans; and receiv'd the Preaching of Christian Religion, when time was, with much willingness; so that the Countrey is now entirely Christian, and divided into several Parishes.

* 1.348The Languages which are spoken in Mechoacan are several, as the Otomian, Chihci∣mian, and the Mexicans, which is common through all New Spain, and the Tarascan, a neat and brief Language, which properly belongs to this Countrey.

The Lions and Wilde Dogs of this Countrey devour great numbers of Cattel yearly,* 1.349 yet the greatest mischiefs happen from the Tygers, which often fetch Peo∣ple out of their Houses, notwithstanding the Doors are lock'd, for they break in thorow the Walls and Roofs, with much eagerness and strength: Of the great∣ness whereof, Jacob Bontius tells us this story, That the Governor Peter Carpentier set a Trap without the Walls of Batavia, of great Timber, Pleited with Iron, Baiting it with a Goat; which taking effect, the Tyger that was caught therein, impatient of such close Imprisonment, rent the Timber, and getting out, left the Goat un∣touch'd.

Hugo Linschot relates, That the Tygers in the West-Indies hurt no Spaniards, exer∣cising their cruelty onely on Indians; and that finding a Black and a White Man sleep∣ing together, they devour the Black and not the White: How far these assertions deserve to be credited, may appear by an evident contradiction of the first, for it is well known, many Spaniards in the West-Indies have been eaten by the Tygers.

General Fedreman marching in this Countrey at the Head of his Army, was as∣saulted by a Tyger, which in despight of them all killing a Spaniard, and three In∣dians, escap'd from them; no Trees serve for a refuge against their fury, for they climb up to the top thereof, and fetch down their Prey; their Claws are so exceeding Venomous, that whoever is scratch'd with the same, is never to be cur'd; there is no Beast but they will venture upon, wherefore they lie in the Bushes, from whence they rush out upon them; but this disadvantage they have, that most other Beasts are too nimble. Footed for them, for they are a very heavy Creature, whatever hath been deliver'd by the Ancients concerning the Tygers swiftness.

As to the difference which they make in Humane Flesh, it is thus far true: That they find more sweetness in Womens Breasts than other parts, and chose a Black Man before a White: Concerning the first, France gives a sufficient testimony, when two Tygers, in the time of King Lewis the Twelfth, breaking loose, left a great number of Women lying Breastless in the Road. The second is con∣firm'd by John Johnston's Relation of a strange accident that happen'd in Bengale, viz. A Moor dreaming that a Tyger fetch'd him out of the Ship, hid himself the next Night between Decks, of which the Master asking the reason, was in∣form'd concerning his Dream, which prov'd prophetick, for about Mid-night a Tyger leapt into the Ship, and devouring the Moor, went away without touch∣ing any one of the Hollanders, of which there were thirty: But a Sea-man walking on the shore escap'd more wonderfully, for a Tyger setting upon him behind, and a Crocrodile before, he leaping from betwixt them, discover'd to the Tyger the Crocodile, to whom the Tyger directly running, and ingaging with the Crocodile,

spar'd the Sea-mans life: Notwithstanding the cruelty and mischief of these Ty∣gers, the Indians are led by their sottish Superstition to worship them; because, as they say, the Devil often appears to them in that shape.

Besides the Tygers,* 1.350 the Inhabitants of Mechaocan are exceedingly molested with Squerrils, which not only carry much Fruit into their Holes, but also under-mine the Houses, so that they often sink or fall on one side, the mischief being the worse, because they increase daily. Most of them bear four young at a time, which on the third day run about for Prey, and can scarce be taken, because of their exceeding swiftness, leaping a great distance from one Tree to another; their Tails serve them on divers occasions; for leaping they use it like a Wing, and at their crossing over a River, for a Sail; in tempestuous Weather, they stop their holes therewith, to keep out the Wind.

* 1.351There are six several sorts of these Squerrils; the first call'd Tlilic, cover them∣selves with their Tails; the second Quapatchli, is as big again, and can never be made tame; the third Techallotl, with a bald Tail and great Eyes; the fourth Tal∣mototly, hath a thick Head, and a Tail full of black and white streaks; the fifth Qui∣mitchpatlan, hath a little Head and long Legs, and leaping from one Tree to an∣other, seems to flie; the last sort call'd Yztactechalotl, is whitish.

The Foxes do also great mischief here, their Urine smells so horribly,* 1.352 that forty days after, none are able to abide near the place where they have urin'd, and on whatsoever Stuff or Cloth a drop thereof chanceth to light, the stink can never be wash'd away.

* 1.353Here breeds also a sort of Birds, call'd Auras, which are not unlike Moore-Hens; they flie exceeding high in the Air, feed on nought but stinking Carrion, which they scent at a great distance; they have a hairy Head and Neck, and ugly Face: Some of the Fowls of this Countrey stay here all the year long, others go away, and return at certain times.

* 1.354The Natives, since the Spaniards coming thither, have gotten their Habits and Language, learn'd all sorts of Trades; their Tables, Chests, and Cupboards made of Brasile-Wood, are no way inferior to the best that are made in Europe. Painting is also in great esteem amongst them: They make handsom Clothes, Shooes, and strange Copper Locks. They have a peculiar Art in Tilling their Ground: They teach the Spanish Dogs several tricks, but not feeding them well, they cause them to run from them, and turn wilde, whence they are call'd Cimarrones, because they do much hurt to the Cattel.

The Inhabitants, when a Feaver or Ague is upon them at the highest, leap into cold Water: against other Sicknesses they use Herbs, whose soveraign Power Expe∣rience hath long since taught them.

Since the Spaniards made Mechoacan a Bishoprick, they have built ninety four Schools, fifty Churches, several Hospitals and Cloysters, inhabited by Franciscan and Augustin Monks.

There are said to be in this Bishoprick a hundred and fifty Towns or Burroughs (besides many scatter'd Villages) most of which have Free-Schools erected in them, for the Training up of Youth in the Christian Religion, good Literature and Arts; and few of them without an Hospital for the Sick: of which Towns the principal are as followeth:

* 1.355 1. Zinzoutza, the Seat of the ancient Kings of Mechoacan. 2. Pascuar, a City forty seven Leagues distant from Mexico, once a Bishop's See. 3. Valladolid, the Me∣tropolis or chief City of the Province, since the Episcopal Chair was remov'd from Pascuar thither. It lieth upon a great Lake, equal amost for bigness to that of

Mexico, and is about seven Leagues distant from Pascuar, towards the East. 4. St. Mi∣chaels, a good Town, forty Leagues Westward of Mexico, and in the Way to the Zacatecas, but lying in a Road that is somewhat dangerous, being not a little in∣fested with Salvages on both sides of it. 5. St. Philips. 6. La Conception de Salaya, seventeen Leagues distant from Valladolid, and a convenient Stage for Travellers, being indeed, with the two last mention'd, built chiefly for the defence and secu∣ring of the Countrey against the Salvages. 7. Guaxanata, a Town on the Bor∣ders of Panuco, where there are very rich Mynes of Silver. 8. Leon, another Town likewise of very rich Mynes, twenty four Leagues distant from Valladolid, and three∣score from Mexico. 9. Zamorra. 10. Villa de los Lagos, and others.

Towards the Sea there is 1. Acatlan, but two Miles distant from the Sea-Coast, and a small Town, yet by reason of a safe and very good Harbor which it hath for Shipping, a Place of no little Trading. 2. Natividad, another well known and convenient Haven upon Mare del Zur, pertaining to this Province, and from whence they usually set Sail for the Philippine Islands. 3. St. Jago de buena Speranza, so call'd by the Spaniards, perhaps from the abundance of good Pearls they found upon this Coast. 4. Colyma. 5. Zacatula, and some others.

This Province, as we said, was at first a distinct Kingdom of it self, yet subordi∣nate and Tributary to that of Mexico; the King whereof nam'd Tamgaiva, or Bimbicha, (as Laet reporteth) at the first coming of the Spaniards thither, after the Conquest of Mexico, voluntarily submitted himself to them, and was Baptiz'd. Nevertheless af∣terwards, upon a pretence of I know not what Treason intended by him against them, and which the Spanish Writers themselves professedly think to have been feigned, by command of Nunnez de Gusman, President of the Chancery of Mexico, he was most inhumanely burnt alive, and his Kingdom seiz'd upon by the Spaniards.

SECT. III. Tlascalla.

* 1.356THe Bishoprick of Tlascalla, formerly call'd Tlascalteca, Tlaxcala, and Tlasca∣lan, is a Province of New Spain, which extendeth it self entirely from one Sea to another, from the Atlantick to Mare del Zur, with which it is bounded on the East and West Parts, lying otherwise, and for the most part be∣twixt the Provinces of Mexicana, last spoken of, and that of Guaxata, which follow∣eth, containing in length from one Sea to the other, not much less than an hun∣dred Leagues, and in some places fourscore in breadth; but towards the South Sea growing much narrower. It is a Countrey exceedingly plentiful both in Corn and Cattel, full of rich Pasturage, and so plentifully stor'd with Maiz, Wheat, and other Grain, that it is accounted as it were the Granary of America; besides Deer, all manner of Venison, and great store of Fowl. There is likewise Copperess, Al∣lom, Silver-Mynes, Manna, Anime, and Liquid Amber, with a sweet smelling Gum which drops out of a Tree. The Rivers feed no Fish, because they fall with ex∣ceeding force from the Mountains; onely near Topoyanco, is a deep Lake of fresh Water, inhabited round about by Indians, enjoying the pleasure and profit of the many Cumbeba-Trees, which yield Cochinele, producing yearly above two hundred thousand Dupkets worth of that Commodity. In this Lake swim black Hedge∣hogs, whose Flesh is good and wholsom to eat.

* 1.357The People of this Countrey, when the Spaniards came first amongst them, liv'd in the form of a Common-wealth, or Free-State, refusing to be subject to the King of

Mexico, with whom they had almost continual War; and upon that account, as hath been said, assisted Cortesius in the Conquest of the Kingdom, without whose help 'tis most certain he had never been able to do any thing. They enjoy therefore ma∣ny special Priviledges and Immunities more than other Americans do. They pay no Tribute, but onely a handful of Wheat yearly for every Person, by way of ac∣knowledgment, otherwise living, under the Protection of the Spaniards, wholly in the Form of their ancient Government. In former times they were great Man∣eaters, and not onely eat the Flesh of their Enemies, but also of one anotther, inso∣much that Man's-flesh hung in publick to be sold.

* 1.358The River Zahuatl, which rushes out of the Mountain Xicoleucalt, oftentimes overflows all the Countrey near it, and washes away divers Houses. Zahuatl signi∣fies Scabby Water, because all those, especially Children, that wash in the same, are sure to be Scabby. On its Banks the Spaniards have built many Houses, the fashion whereof is now also imitated by the Indians of this Province, who formerly built quite after another manner; for they made low Houses of Earth, Wood and Stone, with large and strange Chambers; some a Stones-cast one from another, others close together, had narrow crooked Streets that ran betwixt them.

* 1.359In this Province are two sorts of Languages spoken, viz. the Mexican, and that of the Ottomons, who formerly deserting Mexico, chose the Tlascallans for their Protectors: They are a toilsom and painful People.

To the Northward of Tlascalla are Mountains, which all the year long, except three Moneths, are cover'd with Mist; and the Woods on the tops of them are a great shelter to Lyons, Tygers, Wolves, and wild Dogs, call'd Adives, and other wild Beasts, which do much hurt to the small Cattel. Here are also many Serpents and Adders.

The whole Province is said to contain two hundred good Towns and Bur∣roughs, and more than one thousand Villages, all of them exceedingly populous, and suppos'd to contain in the whole above a Million and half of Natives, besides Spaniards, who have some few Colonies in the Countrey for securing of it.

* 1.360The chief Towns of the Province are 1. Tlascalla it self, which denominates the whole Countrey as the Metropolis, and where the Bishop's See was at first, till in the Year 1550. it was remov'd to Puebla de los Angelos. It is a fair Town, and com∣modiously seated in the midst of a large and fertile Champain of threescore Miles in compass. It consisteth of four large and beautiful Streets or Quarters, and in the midst of them where they all meet, hath a Piazza, or Market-place, equal to that of Mexico, and able to receive twenty or thirty thousand Persons conveniently, to Buy and Sell in it; and whose Shambles seldom shew less than fifteen thousand Sheep, four thousand Oxen, and two thousand Hogs.

2. Puebla de los Angelos, or The City of Angels, a Town built by Sebastian Ramirez, a Church-man, and he that was the first President, or chief Governor of Mexico, un∣der the Crown of Castile. It was built in the Year 1531. almost in the Road-way from Vera Crux to Mexico, and seated in a very delicate and fertile Countrey, and of a good Air. It is a Bishop's See, and valu'd at twenty thousand Ducats of yearly Rent, the City it self suppos'd to contain about fifteen hundred Families; where there is abundance of excellent Cloth made, and for fineness not yielding to the best of Spain. Its chief Edifices are, the Cathedral and four stately Cloysters, be∣longing to the Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustines, and Capuchins; as also a Free-School for five hundred Indian Children, endow'd by Ramirez with a yearly Revenue.

3. Zempoallan, seated upon a River of the same Name.

4. Napalaca, in the Valley Ocumba, ows its original to an Indian call'd Juan, who

at first had onely one House, and a Herd of Hogs there, till upon his invitation, all the neighboring People came from the tops of the Hills; insomuch, that in a short time, the place was Peopled by thousands of Families.

5. Guaxacingo, all hitherto great and ancient Towns of the Natives.

6. Segura de la Frontera, a Spanish Town, built by Cortez presently upon the Con∣quest of Mexico, for the securing of the Confines, as the Name importeth.

7. Vera Crux, a Town built by Cortez and his Companions, at their first Land∣ing, and where afterwards, by a Stratagem, and out of a resolution either to Con∣quer or Die in the Countrey, he caus'd all his Ships to be burnt, that his Soldi∣ers might not so much as think of returning back from whence they came. The Town was at first built five or six Leagues up within Land; but the place being found not to be so healthful, the Inhabitants in a short time deserted it, and seated themselves upon a Bay of the Sea, right over against St. John D' Ullua.

8. Medellin, another Spanish Town, built likewise by Cortez, in memory of his own Birth-place, which was Medellin, a small Town of Estramadura, a Province of Spain, but was afterwards destroy'd by some Spanish Commanders, out of malice to Cortez.

Lastly, St. John D' Ullua, a noted, and the most usual Port to all this Province, and likewise to the City of Mexico it self, from the North Sea: but of difficult en∣trance, especially to such as are not well acquainted with the Passage, or want Guides, by reason of certain Rocks and Quicksands, wherewith the Mouth of the Haven is said to be bar'd; but within, the station is more safe. It hath likewise two strong Bulwarks or Forts rais'd, on either side of the Entrance one, to defend the Passage; besides a strong Castle, built since Captain John Hawkins surpris'd twelve Ships richly Laden within the Haven, and thirteen others that arriv'd with a new Vice-Roy from Spain, valu'd at near sixty Tun of Gold, of which he might easily have made Prize, had he not trusted to the Vice-Roys Promise, to give him all sa∣tisfaction he should require, by which being deceiv'd, he lost all his Fleet but two Ships.

Between Tlascala and Los Angelos are the Fountains, out of which the River hath its Original, which gliding by Machaocan and Zacatula, falls into the South Sea: This River is so exceeding full of Crocodiles,* 1.361 that they have made several places which formerly were Inhabited on its Banks, utterly desolate; for the Females lay∣ing generally Eggs as big as those of a Goose, increase prodigiously; and were it not that the Indian Mice, call'd Ichneumones, destroy'd them, they would grow still to greater numbers: But this Animal creeping in at the Crocodiles Mouth, eats his way out of the Belly again; Water-Serpents, Hawks, Buffeloes, and especially Tygers, are also their mortal Enemies, for they throwing the Crocodiles on their Backs, rend open their Bellies: They are more desirous of Mans flesh here than in any other place, because the River of Tlascala hath but small store of Fish; in the day time they lie cover'd in the Mud, from whence they rush forth, and set upon those that happen to pass by them; they pursue the Canoos in the Water, and strike down the Rowers with their Tails.

* 1.362Eight Leagues beyond Tlascala, appears the Mountain Popatepeck, which for ten years ceas'd smoaking, till Anno 1540. it broke forth in such a manner, that the Countrey all about was terrifi'd therewith; for it vomited not onely a black Smoak, but also horrible Flames, which sometimes being blow'd downward, burnt the Corn in the Fields, and the Ashes thereof flying as far as Guaxocingo and Chulula, burnt a great deal of the Town to the Ground; every one endeavor'd by flight to secure themselves, with intention never to return thither again; but the

Flame and Smoak abating, Captain Diego de Ordas went up to view the place; whence the Fire was cast forth; which curiosity and presumption of his, had like to have cost him his Life, for the sulphury Smoak breaking forth on a sudden, had almost stifled him.

* 1.363Moreover, the Bishoprick of Tlascala, is on the North Coast wash'd by the River Papoloava, since call'd Alvarado, from a Spanish Commander, who first Steer'd his Course thither: The next Stream nam'd Banderas, is so call'd, because the Natives held white Clothes on Poles, to invite the Spaniards ashore. The third is Almeria, on which, Cortesius, a year after the taking of Mexico, built the Town Medellin, as afore∣mention'd.

Along the Tlascallan shore, wash'd by the Northern Ocean, lie the Isles Blanca, Verde, and Sacrificios: The first receiv'd its denomination from White Land, the other from Green Trees; and the third, because Joan de Greyalve, who first Discover'd New Spain, Landing on this Island, found a Bloody Altar there, with Sacrific'd People with open'd Brests, chopt off Arms and Legs.

The River Almeria falling into the Ocean opposite to the Sacrificios, the Spanish Ships came often to an Anchor there; but in these latter times, they have forsaken the same, because the Northern Winds us'd to blow very hard against the shore, and spoil'd many Vessels: But Henry Hawks gives this reason, That a dreadful ap∣parition of Spirits frighted the Spaniards from thence.

* 1.364In the Bishoprick Tlascala, is also compriz'd the Province Tepeaca, whose Metro∣polis was built by Cortez, when with great Loss he was sent from Almeria. The Soil thereabouts is barren and stony; the Water which they have in the City, is brought in Pipes from a River which flows out of the Mountains into the Market place. The plain Countrey hath many good Pastures. The Inhabitants thereof speak four sorts of Languages; of which, the commonest is the Mexican; others use the Popolucan or Otoman Tongues.

The Village Alyoxucan appears afar off on a high Mountain,* 1.365 on whose top is a Lake of a hundred and fifty Fathom in circumference; the Water whereof is very cold, and of a bluish Colour, and neither Ebbs nor Flows, to which the Villagers climb along a narrow Path.

Not far from thence, in the Plain, are two other very deep Lakes: The first call'd Tlacae, is a League in circumference, and breeds delicate white Fish, not above a Fingers length: The second nam'd Alchichican, about the same bigness, which in stormy Weather is very turbulent.

* 1.366Amongst the Fowls of this Countrey, the most noted is a little Summer Bird, with a long crooked Tail, speckled Feathers; feeds on nothing but Flowers and the Dew; about Harvest time, when the Rain ceases, it hangs fast with its Bill on a Tree, and as soon as the first Rain falls, it revives again.

In this Countrey Tepeaca are five Villages, in each of which is a Franciscan Cloy∣ster and convenient Hospital.

In this Countrey they gather the Water in the time of the Rainy Moneths, in a digg'd Pool, which every Morning produces little Toads with long Tails, which in few days fall off; but these little ones growing to be great, make a most dreadful noise in the Night: From October till March, not one drop of Rain falls in this Countrey; during which time, the Northern Winds make a dry and wholsome Air, yet oftentimes a tempestuous Sea, to the loss of many Ships.

Farther up into the Countrey, between Vera Crux and Los Angelos, lies the Vil∣lage Rinconanda; and also Xalapa and Perota built of Straw Houses in the middle of a Wood of Cedar and Pirte-Trees, inhabited by the Spaniards, for the accommoda∣ting

of Travellers: To which purpose there are likewise Inns built near the Spring Fuente de Otzumba, which gushes out of a high Rock.

Not far from hence is the Populous Village Chetula, where a small number of Spaniards dwell amongst thousands of Indians, who chiefly make use of Mules to car∣ry their Loads.

SECT IV. Guaxata.

* 1.367BEtween Los Angelos and Guatemala, lies the Bishoprick of Antiquera or Guaxata largely taken; it hath on the North, the Bay of Mexico; on the South, Mare del Zur; on the East, Jucatan and Chiapa which is one of the Provinces of Guatimala; on the West, Tlascalla.

The Countrey extendeth it self upon the South Sea about an hundred Leagues in length, but from the Sea to the Borders of Tlascalla, one hundred and twenty; Eastward not above half so much; having a good Air, and a Soil no less fruitful, especially in Mulberry-Trees, and abundance of Silks, which the Countrey affordeth, more than any other Province of America besides; nor is it less rich in Mines of Gold and Silver, there being scarce a River in the whole Countrey, but the Sands of it are said to be Tinctur'd more or less with that yellow Metal; also Crystal and Copperess. It yieldeth likewise great plenty of Cassia and Cochinele, two rich Commodities; and the People generally, if they would take pains, might be the wealthiest, 'tis thought, of any other in America: But whether it be through any voluntary contempt of Riches, or through any natural sloathfulness, as yet they seem to Pine in the midst of plenty, living, for the most part of them, little better than from Hand to Mouth; nevertheless, exceeding liberal of what they have, especially to such as bear the Habit of Religion, and attend the service of their Souls; maintaining in a plentiful and good manner, as 'tis said, no less than one hundred and twenty Convents of Religious Men, of several Orders, in this onely Province; besides Hospitals, Schools for the training up of Youth, and o∣ther places of publick Charity; it is said also to have three hundred and fifty Vil∣lages, and near as many brave Countrey Houses.* 1.368 It is sub-divided into many parti∣cular Provinces; which, because they are many and but small, in comparison of some other, we may call Wapentakes, or Hundreds, rather than Provinces: The principal whereof are these that follow, viz. Misteca. 2. Tutepecque. 3. Zapoteca. 4. Guazacoalco. 5. Gueztaxatla: and 6. the Valley of Guaxata, from whence Cortez, af∣ter the Conquest of Mexico, had his Title given him by the Emperor, Marquess of the Valley. It is the richest and most pleasant part of the whole Province, extended in a continu'd Tract together, full sixteen Leagues or more, lying about fourscore Southward of Mexico, and wanting neither Mines of Gold and Silver, nor any other of the prime and best Commodities of the New-World.

In this Countrey they speak thirteen sorts of Languages,* 1.369 of which the Mexican is most us'd.

* 1.370Amongst the Plants which grow here, is an exceeding Poysonous Herb, which kills those whosoe're pluck it, though a long time after, that is to say, if it be of a Years growth, it kills not before the Years end; if a Moneth old, at the Moneths end; if a Day, on the same.

This Countrey formerly suffer'd also many inconveniencies by Earthquakes, but of late they are somewhat abated, which the Spaniards ascribe to Martialis, Pro∣tector of the Cathedral at Antequera.

Misteca is divided into Alta and Baxa, both of which have Rivers and Brooks that afford Gold, whither the Indian Women taking Provisions, go for several days, and gather Gold in Troughs, which they exchange at the Spanish Markets for Provisions.

* 1.371Not far from the Village Cuertlavaca, lies a high Mountain, remarkable for a strange Cave, whose Entrance is very narrow, at the end whereof appears a square Place of fifty Foot; upon one side whereof stand Pits with Steps; near which be∣gins a crooked Way of a League long; at the end of which is a spacious Place with a Fountain of good Water; from the Foot of which flows a small Brook: But because none have made any farther discovery of this Cave, the other parts of it remain yet unknown.

On the top of St. Antonio, the Indians live with their Families in Caves between the Rocks.

Not far from hence appear two Mountains, whose tops, though they lie at a great distance from one another, at the bottom they are so near, that a Man may step from one to the other.

The six Rocks Pennoles, formerly Garrison'd by the Kings of Mexico, have Gold, Lead-Mynes, and a Root which is us'd in stead of Soap.

In the Village Totomachiapo, is a Cave of half a Mile long, at the end whereof the Water prevents a farther discovery.

The Rocky Countrey Zapotecas formerly bred very salvage Inhabitants, Mantled in Furrs, but now Civiliz'd, clad after the common manner.

* 1.372The People spread over Guaxacualco, Yluta, and Cueztxatla, observe Circumcision, according to an ancient Custom; from whence some have in vain sought for a te∣stimony, that these Americans should be originally extracted from the scatter'd Tribes of Israel; but the Tartars more immediately, who at last crossing the Straits of Anian, furnish'd the desolate Countrey of America with Inhabitants: But this Opinion is without any probability of truth; for it will never follow from their Circumcision, that the Tartars, the greatest People on Earth, must owe their origi∣nal to a few Israelites, Prisoners, since that Ceremony was never thought on by them till they embrac'd the Mahumetan Religion. And though they had been Cir∣cumcis'd before Mahomet's time, this would be no testimony that they were ex∣tracted from the Israelites: for how many People embrac'd Circumcision, which were never extracted from Abraham's Seed? It is affirm'd by Diodorus Siculus, that the Cholchians; by Philo Judaeus, the Egyptians; by Herodotus, the Moors; by Strabo, the Troglodytes; by Cyprian, the Phoenicians and Arabians Circumcis'd themselves from all Antiquity, which is to this day observ'd by some of them. It also plainly ap∣pears by the Prophet Jeremiah, that the Egyptians, Edomites, Ammonites, Moabites, and Ishmaelites, had the same Custom anciently amongst them.

* 1.373The Towns of principal note inhabited by the Spaniards in this Province, are 1. Antequera, in the Valley aforesaid, a stately City, and beautifi'd with a fair Ca∣thedral Church, built with Pillars of the finest Marble, of great heighth and bigness. The River which glides by the Walls, springing out of the Ground, runs to the Mountain Coatlan. Not far from thence lies the Village Herrera, which boasts four hundred Spanish Families, though some say that the greatest part of them are Indians, who pay the Spaniards Cotton Cloaks and Nuts for Tribute.

2. Illephonso de los Zapotecas, lies on a Mountain belonging to the Mixes, anciently a salvage, strong, and long-bearded People, who speak a gross Language, and in former times went naked, onely a white Deer-skin, Tann'd in Man's Brains, about their Middle. They maintain'd continual War against the Zapoteca's, and could

never have been subdu'd by the Spaniards, had it not been for their Dogs, which kept them in such awe, that thirty Spanish Soldiers ventur'd to live in Illephonso amongst thirty thousand Mixes, who now drive a Trade in Cotton, Maize, and Gold.

3. San Jago de Nexapa appears at a great distance on a high Mountain, where al∣so twenty Soldiers with their Dogs were wont to awe the cruel Natives.

4. The last Place, built by Gonzales de Sandovall, Anno 1522. is Villa del Espiritu Santo, Commands fifty Indian Villages, which with great difficulty were brought to submit to the Spaniards.

The River Aquivicolco affords a convenient Harbor, the Mouth thereof being a hundred and ninety Paces broad.

Upon the Southern Ocean is the Haven Guatulco, where the Ships that Sail to Honduras and Peru take in their Lading. The Custom-house belonging to this Place was first plunder'd by Sir Francis Drake, and nine years after burnt by Candish.

The River Ometipu, which springing out of the Mountain Cacatepec, falls into Te∣poanteque, abounds with divers sorts of good Fish, especially Cra-Fish. There are al∣so reckon'd of the Natives of this Province, no less than fifteen thousand Persons that pay Tribute to the Spaniards, besides Women and Children, and also a great number of Spaniards.

Sect. V. Panuco.

* 1.374PAnuco is the most Northerly Province of Hew Spain, by some call'd Guasteca, bounded on the East with the Gulf of Mexico; on the West with Uxitipa, a Countrey of New Gallicia; on the North with some undiscover'd Countreys of Florida, from which it is divided by the River of Palms; on the South with Me∣choacan and Mexicana. It is call'd Panuco, from a River of that Name, which turn∣ing from the Mountains Tepecsuan in New Gallicia, and dividing New Biscay from the Province of Zacatecas, passeth through the midst of this Countrey also, and at last empties it self into the Gulf.

This Countrey is reckon'd to be about fifty Leagues in length, and not much less in breadth; of a fruitful Soil, having some Mynes of Gold in it, and once very populous till the Spaniards, about the Year 1522. dispeopled it by their insatiable cruelty.

* 1.375Before Ferdinand Cortesius, Francis de Garay attempted to Conquer this Province, but after much pains to no purpose, he return'd with but a small remnant of those he carried with him; and though Cortesius subdu'd the Countreys Ayotetextetlatan and Chila, yet it was not without many considerable Losses; for the Inhabitants being valiant and cruel, not fearing the Spanish Bullets, ran in amongst them, and made great slaughter, and (according to an old Custom in New Spain) drank their Blood.

* 1.376These People, on their Festival Days call'd Raeaxipo Veliztli, which signifies A Flaying of Slaves, us'd to pull off the Skins of a certain number of Slaves, with which they walkt about begging Alms from Hut to Hut, and whosoever deny'd them, was sure of a Blow in the Face with the bloody Skin; of which so long as there was but one Lappet remaining, they went a Begging; and whatsoever they got, was employ'd in Uses and Necessaries belonging to their Idolatry. On the fore∣mention'd Days they also us'd other barbarous Customs, amongst which this was

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one: The Priest challenging the Slave which was to be Offer'd, to Fight for his Life, he had one of his Feet ty'd to a great round Stone, and having a Sword to offend, and a Shield to defend himself, Encountred with the Priest, who was Arm'd after the same manner, whom if he conquer'd, he not onely preserv'd his Life, but gain'd the Name of a valiant Man.

* 1.377They also dealt strangely with Persons that were yearly to be Offer'd to their Idols: for after having wash'd them, they put on them the Clothes of the Idol, and gave them the same Name, every one honouring them as a God; were permit∣ted▪ to walk up and down, but guarded by twelve Men, that they might not escape; for then the chiefest of the Guard was to supply the others place: More∣over, they resided in the chiefest Apartments of the Temple, eat of the best, were serv'd like Princes, and attended through the Towns by Persons of the greatest Quality, who led them through the Streets; where they no sooner play'd on a little Pipe, but all People came running to them, fell at their Feet and wor∣ship'd them: In the Night they lock'd them up in a Cage, secur'd with Iron Bars, and at the appointed time flay'd them alive.

* 1.378The chief Towns now remaining, and inhabited by the Spaniards, are 1. St. Lewis de Tampice, a Colony of Spaniards situate on the Northern Bank of the River Panuco, at the very Mouth of it; where it hath a very large Haven, but so barr'd with Sands, that no Ship of any great Burden can enter or abide in it with safety; and yet the River otherwise so deep, that Vessels of five hundred Tun, might Sail up threescore Leagues at least within Land, and thereby visit the rich Mynes of Zata∣tecas on the one side of it, and of New Biscay on the other, at pleasure, and without fear of much opposition.

2. St. Stevan del Puerto, on the South side of the same River, eight Leagues distant from the Sea, or Gulf of Mexico, at present the Metropolis or chief Town of the Province, built by Cortesius in the place where stood old Panuco, which was likewise the Metropolis, or Head Town of the Natives, before the Spaniards burnt and de∣stroy'd it.

3. St. Jago de las Valles, which is a Fronteer Place, and enjoyeth certain special Immunities, and some fair Possessions also for defence of the Countrey against the Salvages. It is twenty five Leagues distant from St. Stevan del Puerto, lying in an open or Champain Countrey, and is fenc'd about with a Wall of Earth.

* 1.379Miles Philips, an Englishman, put ashore by Captain John Hawkins, in the Bay of New Spain, Anno 1568. suffer'd great hardship before he came to Panuco, from whence returning, he made mention of a City lying along a River of the same denomina∣tion, (which is there not above two Bowe shoots-broad,) in a pleasant Countrey, containing two hundred Spanish Families, beside the antient Inhabitants and Negro's, which all drive a great Trade in Salt, which is made in Pans Westward from the River: Philips travelling from Panuco to Mexico, saw by the way the Villages No∣hete, by the Spaniards call'd Santa Maria, and a Cloyster of white Monks: Next he view'd Mestitlan, where some grey Monks had a House, and the Town Puchuen.

* 1.380Another account of this Province is taken from a Journal kept by John Chilton, four years after Philips's Voyage; he having a Spaniard for his Convoy, left Mexico to find out Panuco; in three days time they reach'd the City Mestitlan, where he ob∣serv'd, that twelve Spanish Families liv'd amongst thirty thousand Indians. The Ci∣ty built on a high Mountain, full of Woods, is surrounded with Villages, through which run many brave Springs; and the Air about them is no less wholsom than the Ground fruitful; the High-ways are shaded with all sorts of Fruit-Trees.

The Village Clanchinoltepec, four times more Populous than Mestitlan, belongs to a Spanish Nobleman, who built a Cloyster there for nine Augustin Monks, of which Order there also reside twelve in the City Guaxutla.

Moreover, they travel'd over the plain Countrey Guastecan, to the Village Tan∣cuylabo, inhabited by a tall People, with blue Painted Bodies, and Pleited Hair, hanging down to their Knees, going stark naked, but never without a Bowe and Arrow. They esteem nothing more than Salt, as being the onely Cure against certain Worms that grow between their Lips. From hence they travel'd to Tam∣pice, in which Journey they spent nine days; and coming thither, were inform'd, that of forty Christians which dwelt in the same, the Indians had slain twelve, whilst they were gathering of Salt. From hence they came to Panuco, then in a manner de∣serted, because of the Indians oppressing the Spaniards, of which, at that time, there were but ten, and one Priest. Chilton falling sick here, resolv'd nevertheless to change that unwholsom Air and barren place for a better; to which purpose, get∣ting a Horse, he took an Indian behind him for his Guide, but loosing his way in a thick Wood, happen'd amongst a Company of wild People, which dwelt in Straw Huts, twenty of them immediately surrounding him, brought him some clear sweet Water to drink, out of a Gilt Venice Glass, which having drunk, two naked Men led him into the high-way; which ended at the Gate of the Wall'd City Santo Jago de las Valles, inhabited by twenty five Spanish Families, who inform'd Chilton of the great danger which he had been in, for the People which gave him the Water were Man-eaters, who not long since, had burnt an Augustine Cloyster, built on a Mountain, had taken away, and eat the People, of which they had in all likelyhood gotten the Venice Glass; and had they not observ'd Chilton to be sickly, he had with∣out doubt been eaten by them, and his Skin, with some of his Hair, (that being a great Ornament amongst them) been hung about their middle.

During Chilton's stay in St. Jago, Frans de Page came thither with forty Soldiers from the Vice-Roy Henry Manriques, and took five hundred Indians, good Bowe Men out of the Neighboring Villages, Tanehipa and Tameclipa, with which he design'd to go to the Silver Mines at Zacatecas: Chilton joyning with this Company, came to the

great Rives De las Palmas, which separates New Spain from Florida, where they spent three days in vain, seeking to find a passage over; wherefore they at last took pie∣ces of Timber, which joyning together, and standing upon, they were Tow'd over by Swimming Indians; being gotten on the other side, they March'd over steep Mountains, and thick Wildernesses, and came at last to Zacatecas, on whose Silver Mines, the richest in all America, work'd above three hundred Spaniards daily.

SECT. VI. Tabasco.

* 1.381THe last Countrey belonging to New Spain is Tabasco, bounded on the North by the Northern Ocean, and on the East with Jucatan; and however some account it a distinct Province, yet others make no mention of it, let∣ting it pass for that part of Jucatan which lies about the City Tabasco, from which it seems to be denominated: The Ground level and without Mountains, hath many great Woods of Cedar-Trees, Brasile, and others. Here are also many good Indian Fruits, as the Manmeyes, Zapotes, Aguacates, and Guajabos. For three Moneths they have continually dry Weather, the rest of the year being for the most part rainy; which vicissitude of Moisture and Heat makes the Countrey exceeding fruitful, insomuch that they have three or four Harvests of Maiz in a year.

Vines, Figs, Lemmons, Oranges, Rice, Barley, and all sorts of Garden-Herbs grow here also in great plenty.

The Pools, Brooks and Lakes, abound likewise with all manner of Fish: and for Sea-Fish, besides the Tortugas, and Yguanras, the Manae, or Sea-Cow, is of principal note.

* 1.382This Fish is terrible to behold, having a Head like an Ox, little Eyes, two Feet near the Head in stead of Fins, two round Holes in stead of Ears, round bones like Balls in its Brains, a short Tail, and bristly Skin: The Females have two Dugs, with which they suckle their Young.

Peacocks, Pheasants, Parrots, Quales, Hens, Pigeons,* 1.383 with several sorts of Birds altogether unknown to the Europeans, are here in great abundance.

The Woods also abound with Tygers and Lyons,* 1.384 which do no little hurt to the Inhabitants, Wild Hogs, Deer, and Rabbets, are likewise here in great plenty; and Turtles of an exceeding bigness: Likewise Apes, Polecats, and Squerrils, which do very much hurt to the Fruit-Trees, especially the Cacao. The Musticho's are a great annoyance to the People, and disturb their rest at Night.

* 1.385Since the Spaniards have conquer'd Tabasco, they have forc'd the Inhabitants to observe their Laws and Customs. They speak three sorts of Languages, amongst which that most us'd, call'd Chontal, is copious of Words. The second, Zoques, is spoken on the Mountains which divide Chiapa and Tabasco. The Mexican Tongue was first brought thither by the Garrisons which Muteczuma plac'd there in the Forts Zimatlan and Xicalango, and is the most spoken, in regard it hath not onely its Accents, but is also of great use, partly because it is understood in most places of America, and partly because the Priests have made Songs in that Tongue, with which the Tabascans are much delighted.

The chief City Nostra Sennora de la Vittoria, already mention'd in Jucatan, was so call'd by Ferdinand Cortesius, from the great Victory which he obtain'd over the Indians when he march'd first towards Mexico.

Thus far of the Description of the several Parts and Divisions of New Spain, dif∣fering

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in Customs and Languages, though most of them have some affinity with the Mexicans, who by force of Arms had made a way to the supream Empire. All of them acknowledge a, Creator, but have no Name to express the Word God. But besides the Creator of the World they have made to themselves Gods of many other Creatures; amongst which are the Sun, Moon, Stars, and the Manes of the De∣ceased, the care of whose Burial they committed to the Priests, which was some∣times in the Fields, sometimes in their Houses; others carried their dead Bodies to the Mountains, some buried them in Temples; and as they either burnt or bu∣ried the Body, so they buried or burnt their Clothes and Riches with them, espe∣cially of Persons of Quality, whilst those that accompanied the Corps sung a mournful Song; after which they Feasted. The Heirs of Noble-men that had been at the Funeral put themselves all into Mourning. A Person, after he is dead, is stretch'd out upon the Floor, where he lies till all his Friends come to Present and Com∣plement him, as if living: But at the death of an eminent Person they not onely bring him Presents, but proffer him his Slaves, Steward, Butlers, Dwarfs, and Houshold Priest, (all which a Lord must keep) that they may serve him in the other World. The priests which perform'd the Funeral Ceremonies, walk'd before the Corps with the Image of the Idol which the Deceased had appropriated to him∣self, (for every Lord, according to the greatness of his Quality, bore the Name and Apparel of some Idol or another;) other Priests beat on Drums, play'd on Pipes and singing Dirges, perfum'd the Way with Myrrh, whilest the Servants and Re∣lations made a doleful cry; a Herauld also carried the Coat, of Arms and Tro∣phies of the Deceased, artificially painted on Cloth; at last they pyl'd sweet Wood about the Corps, which being lighted, and the Body burnt to Ashes, a Priest in a frightful Dress, Vizarded with a gaping Mouth, long Teeth, and fiery Eyes, came on a sudden, and with a long Stick stirr'd the Ashes about, and gathering it in an Urn, buried the same with the fore-mention'd things.

The Idols in New Spain are represented in terrible Figures, to which they Offer humane Sacrifices.

The Priests, divided into higher or lower Orders, acknowledge a supream Head, which they call Papas. Each Idol had a peculiar sort of Priests: Those that serv'd Viztlipuzli, obtain'd their Places by Inheritance; but others were chose by the Commonalty, unless they had been bred Priests from their In••ancy.

* 1.386The Mexican Cloysters in the time of Heathenism were generally built in the chiefest Temples, in a great Piazza, or square Court, where for the most part two Monastical Houses stood one against another, the one inhabited by a Fra∣ternity of Recluses, and the other by a Sisterhood; which last being Maids of twelve or thirteen years of age, call'd The Penitential Daughters, swept the Temple, prepar'd Meat for the Idols and Priests, which was plentifully supply'd from the Alms and Offerings that were daily brought in to the Priests, consisting of little Cakes made like Hands and Feet, besides other strange Meats, which being set be∣fore the Idols, was soon, after taken away again, and eaten up by the were under a Governess, who employ'd them in making Embroideries to adorn the Temple; and sometimes rose up with the Priests at Mid-night, and play'd on Pipes, perfum'd the Temple, and scourg'd themselves till the Blood ran down their Backs, besmearing their Faces therewith, and leaving it on a whole year; then going into a large Chamber, where a Cistern stood for that purpose, they wash'd it off again; after which, if they committed the least uncleanness, they were put to a most miserable Death; which was judg'd upon seeing a Rat run through the Nuns Chamber, or a Batt flying by it, or finding any piece of Cloth gnaw'n by a Mouse or Rat; for they suppose that the fore-mention'd Creatures dare not come into a hallow'd place, unless defil'd. In this recluse manner they were onely confin'd to live a year, which being expir'd, they had free leave to Marry.

The House opposite to the Nuns in the same square place of the Temple, was inhabited by Youths of eighteen and twenty years of age, whose Heads were shaven like Monks, and pleited Tufts hung from the Crown down to their Backs; they liv'd also mean and chaste, kept the Priests Clothes and Perfuming-Vessels, carried Wood for Offerings, and kept always burning Lamps before Viztli∣puztli's Altar. Amongst them were also Boys of a less Age, whose Office was to gather Flowers and Herbs to strow the Temple with, to sharpen the Priests Lan∣ces, which they Let themselves Blood with every Night in the Legs, and carry them Water. These Youths, Cloth'd in Nets, fell on their Faces on the Ground when they met with a Woman, and went four and four, or six and six together to beg Alms, and by turns watch'd the fore-mention'd Fire; in the Morning they drew Blood out of their Thighs, with which they anointed their Temples down to their Ears, and when the Blood look'd black, wash'd it off again in a consecrated Bath, which their strict and severe Life endur'd a whole Year.

* 1.387The particular Religion of the Mexicans, compos'd of cruel slaughters and butcheries of Men, reign'd a long time against the minds of the other Indians that were under their Dominion, every one beginning more to abhor the cruel flaying of living People, and tearing out the Hearts of Men for Offerings; and the rather, because they were forc'd to fetch them out of their Enemies Countrey with the ha∣zard of their own Lives, insomuch that they were ready long before to have em∣braced another Doctrine, if any other Teacher had but appear'd amongst them; which was the chief reason why they so easily receiv'd the Roman Religion: for when Cortesius had conquer'd the City Mexico, the Mechoacan Agents entreated him to send them Teachers to prescribe them Laws, according to which they might live, because their Idolatry, which had long oppress'd them, was not to be suffer'd any longer, because of the Cruelties which were requir'd of them in the perfor∣mance thereof.

* 1.388Their Processions were stately, and after this manner: The chiefest Nuns rai∣sing a Paste of Bledoi-Seed and parched Maiz, kneaded it with Honey, of which they made an Idol resembling their Deity Viztipuztli, across whose Nose and Forehead they drew a blue Stroke; his Head they adorn'd with a Plume of Feathers, and in the left Hand plac'd a round Box, in the right a crooked Staff like a Serpent, and Wings behind on his Shoulders; at the appointed Feast-day the Nuns meet before Sun-rising, in new white Apparel, with Garlands of Maiz about their Heads and Necks, which hung down below the left Shoulder, their Faces painted with several colours, about their Arms hung Parrots Feathers from their Elbows down to their Hands: Thus adorn'd, they carried the kneaded Idol to a Court, where the Youths that inhabited a Cloyster in the same Temple, fetching the Idols blue Throne, with great Reverence set it down at the lower Step of the Temple, at which the People threw Dust on their Heads; which was no sooner done, but the Boys ran with all speed to the Mountain Chapultepec, a League from Mexico, whither the Multitude flowing them in manner of Procession, made all short Prayers and Offerings there; from thence hastening into the Champain Fields Atla∣cuavaya, they perform'd the like Service as before; which done, they went to the Village Cuyoacan, a League farther; from whence they came back in all haste with their Idol into Mexico: Wherefore this Processioning for its expedition was call'd Ipaina Viztliputli. The Idol being brought into the Temple, was by four Cords made fast to his Throne, hoised up to the Cieling with the noise of Drums and Trumpets, whilst the fore-mention'd Youths strow'd the Temple both within and without full of Roses; after which the Nuns gave the Boys the resemblances of Bones made of the same Dough with the Idol, with which they were to cover the Floor of the Chappel; then appear'd the Temple-Priests, with Scarfs about their Bodies, Garlands on their Heads, and Strings with Flowers about their Necks, each going in order according to his quality to the place where the Bones lay; which being Consecrated with Songs and Dances, were religiously worshipp'd for Bones of the Idol; after which six of the Priests went down to the Stone Quauxi∣calli, on which the Prisoners lying upon their Backs, had their Hearts pull'd out; which being finish'd, the Maids and Boys before-mention'd went to meet one ano∣ther, Dancing to the sound of Pipes, Drums and Songs; which their nearest Rela∣tions answering, Danc'd round about them, whither the whole City and Coun∣trey People all about came flocking in great numbers.

During this high Feast none, upon great Penalties, durst eat any other Food but the Cakes made of the same Dough of which the Idol was made; neither were they permitted, though Children, to drink till the Afternoon.

Lastly, the Priest climb'd up to a Chappel strow'd with Roses, in which the Idol sitting, they disrob'd him, broke his holy Arms and Legs into little pieces, which they distributed amongst the common People, who receiv'd them with great Reverence, and with tears in their Eyes, imagining they eat the Body of their God; for which honour every one paid a tenth part of the Charge which had been spent in this high Feast. Then a Priest admonish'd them how they should lead their Lives, since they were united with their God; which ended, they all went to their several Habitations in a wonderful good order from the Temple.

* 1.389Concerning the Mexicans Apparel, it is a sufficient testimony, that they are no way of the same original with the several barbarous Nations, that run up and down naked in New Spain: for the Inhabitants of Mexico went antiently Cloth'd in Cotton: On their Heads they wore a high Plume of red Feathers; about their Necks, over their Shoulders, Breast and Back, a kind of large Thorax of Feathers

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curiously pleited; each Arm adorn'd with Armlets, and their Middles girt with broad white Girdles full of red Streaks; in stead of Garters they wore Laces of Feathers, as also a little above their Ancles. Their Priests besmear'd all their Bodies, especially the Head, with an Ointment, whose special vertue was to make their Hair grow exceeding long, which they braided with broad Cotton Strings; they also smutch'd themselves with a kind of blacking Stuff; when they went to make Offerings to their Idol in Caves, Woods, or on high Mountains, they be∣dawb'd themselves with an Ointment made of Spiders, Salamanders, Adders, Scorpions and Toads, which the Temple-Boys caught for them in great abun∣dance. This Ointment they made with many Circumstances; for having roasted the fore-mention'd Vermine on the Hearth of the perpetual Fire before Viztlipuztli's Altar, and stamp'd the same in a Mortar with Tobacco, living Scorpions, the Seed Ololuchqui, (to which they ascrib'd a power of representing Visions) hairy Worms, and Soot, they kneaded all together, put the Ointment in Pots, and plac'd it before the Idol, thenceforth reputing it a sanctifi'd Medicine, that would prove good against all manner of Diseases; wherefore the Priests being always sent for to the Sick in stead of Doctors, perfum'd the Patient, shav'd his Hair, hung Snakes Bones about his Neck, and order'd him at a certain Hour to bathe himself, and in the Night to watch before a Fire-hearth, and to eat no Bread but what had been Offer'd to their Idol. Moreover, the said Ointment is thought to have another power, viz. to make those that anointed themselves with the same, valiant and strong; which the common People believ'd, because the Priests would go through Woods and Wildernesses that abounded with ravenous Beasts.

These Heathens also seem'd to have something of Circumcision and Baptism; for they not onely cut off a piece of the Infant's Ears and privy Members, which they Offer'd to their Idols, but also wash'd them as soon as they came into the World, putting into their Hands such Tools as were of use in their Fathers Profession.* 1.390

Their Marriages also were celebrated with great solemnity: The Priest having ask'd the Bride and Bridegroom, If they would joyn together in Matrimony? if

they both consented, he ty'd the Brides Scarf, and Bridegrooms Coat together, and so accompanying them home, led them nine times about the Fire-hearth: If the Bride had no Impediments, then the Bridegroom made Presents to her Father and Mother, Offerings to the Gods, and a brave Dinner to the nearest Relations; after which an Inventory was drawn of what each of them had brought, that upon their being Divorc'd, (which was very common amongst the Mexicans) each might have his share; and if they had Children, the Man was to keep the Sons, and the Woman the Daughters; nor were they permitted, on pain of death, being once part∣ed, to joyn together again.

* 1.391On the ninteenth of May they kept the Feast Texcoalt, Consecrated to the Idol Tezcatlipuca, before whom they Offer'd a Slave, which was done after this manner: Towards the Evening the Multitude coming into the Temple, the Priests pulling off the Idols old, put on new Apparel, hung him full of Precious Stones and Arm∣lets, set Plumes of Feathers on his Head; which done, the Curtains behind which he stood, were drawn, and a Priest Cloth'd exactly like the Idol coming forth, turn'd himself round, blow'd a kind of Trumpet towards the four Winds, and ate Earth, which all the People imitated: whereof those which had committed any hainous Offence, Offer'd Incense to the Idol, and weeping, begg'd forgiveness of their Sins. Those that were Soldiers besought him to grant them store of Prisoners, and strength to conquer their Enemies; for which they would return him thanks with Offer'd Prisoners.

This Feast of Texcoalt lasting ten days, ended on the twenty ninth of May with peculiar Ceremonies; for in the Morning a company of Priests, black all over, carried on their Shoulders a large Chair of State richly adorn'd; in which sat their Idol Tezcatlipuca, and Priests with long pleited Hair, and Clad in the same Appa∣rel with the Idol, which they set down at the Foot of a pair of Stairs which led up to a Chappel; whither the attendant Youths and Virgins came and spread Car∣pets before it, and green Boughs of Manghey; after which two Priests carried the Idol into a spacious Court in the Temple, several others walking before, each with a perfuming Vessel; when they threw their Perfumes on the Consecrated Hearth, they held their Hands towards the Idol, desiring him that he would send their Prayers to Heaven: Next follow'd the Multitude, who scourg'd themselves till the Blood ran down from their Backs. So soon as the Procession was ended, the represented Tezcatlipuca was hoised up to the Cieling, and abundance of Flowers strow'd before the Altar; which done, every one went home to Dinner, whilst the Youths and Virgins adorn'd the Idol, and plac'd Meat before him: Lastly, the Votaresses came two and two with Baskets of Bread, and Dishes of Meat: their Governess in a white Sur-Coat over a red Vest, with Wings on her Shoul∣ders, and broad Girts, at which hung Calabashes fill'd with holy Reliques and Flowers: Moreover, she conducted the Votaresses to the Steps of the Altar on which the Idol sat; where having eaten Bread they came back, and the Temple-Servants went in their places, and carried the Meat which stood on the Altar to the Priests Cells, who by that time were to have Fasted five days: this done, the Peo∣ple came all to the Temple again, to be present at the end of the Feast: then a Slave, who had represented the Idol a whole year, appear'd, to whom every one having shew'd Reverence, the chief Priest cutting open his Breast, tore the Slave's Heart reaking out of his Body, and shew'd it to the Sun; then the Consecrated Youths and Maids made a great noise with Drumming, Singing and Dancing about the Body till Sun-set; after which the Virgins going up to the upper Chappel, plac'd Bread and Fruit, made up like dead Mens Bones and Heads, before the Idol,

where, after it had stood a little while, the Servants went up and fetch'd it down, whilst the Youths and Maids went to their several Cloysters.

Much after the same manner, and with such like brutish Ceremonies, not worth mentioning, was also celebrated the Feast of Quetzatcoalt.

In the inner part of the Temple stood a Stage, on which upon Festival Days the People Acted Drolls; in which they sometimes feign'd themselves deaf, blind, lame, and the like, and begg'd to be cur'd of their Idols; sometimes were dress'd like Serpents, Adders, Crocodiles, or other ravenous Beasts, in which postures they fought one with another.

* 1.392Those Feasts were all kept on certain times, according to the Mexican Alma∣nack, in which the Year was divided into eight Moneths, and each Moneth into forty five Days, which together made three hundred and sixty: The five remaining Days, to compleat the Year, they kept apart, on which all Affairs whatsoever were laid aside, as Selling, Buying, Offerings, &c. nothing else being thought on but Feasting one another for the passing away of the time. The first Day of their Year was on the twenty sixth of February. Each Moneth had a peculiar Name and Sign. Moreover, they divided the Year into four parts by as many Representations, viz. a House, a Rabbet, a Cane, and a Flint to strike Fire with; and Figur'd it out by a Wheel with four Spikes jutting out round about it, colour'd green, red, blue, and yellow, and in the middle thereof a Sun; each Spike signifi'd thirteen years, wherefore it had thirteen Divisions, distinguish'd by the four fore-mention'd Re∣presentations: At each Division of the Wheel they set down what remarkable things should happen that year by certain Characters; as, a Man in red Apparel typifi'd that Year when Ferdinand Cortesius, clad in Red, conquer'd Mexico. When the Wheel was fill'd with fifty two years Prognostication, then on the last Night they broke all their Pots and Vessels in pieces, and blew out their Candles, because they believ'd, that at the end of the said fifty two years the World would be at an end, and therefore they had no need of Housholdstuff, or ought else: But so soon as the Day appear'd again, they play'd on Pipes, Trumpets, and Drums, rejoycing that God had deferr'd the destruction of the World fifty two years longer; then they bought new Utensils and Candles, and made solemn Processions.

* 1.393Concerning the Art of Writing amongst the Inhabitants of New Spain, Joseph Acosta tells us, That some old Books, containing ancient Passages, the Course of the Heavens, nature of Beasts and Plants, were found in Jucatan, according to the Re∣lation of a Learned Indian, but were all burnt by Command of a Spanish Bishop, be∣cause he suppos'd them to be full of Matter touching the Black Art. Their Histo∣ries they describ'd with the Representations of the Things. Rhetorick and Poetry the Children were taught by Rote in the Schools, so that they never forgot what they had once learnt; But at present they use Spanish Letters or Characters.

* 1.394Moreover, the Government of Mexico hath ever been kept in a good Order, the King's Power being exactly limited, that nothing might be lost of the common Priviledges. The fourth King Icoath made Earls, who next to the Lords of Tezcuco and Tacuba, had right to the Crown; which was like a Mitre turn'd up behind, and rising before with a Point. According as they increas'd in Power, so they advanc'd in Royal Dignity; in which Muteczuma the Second exceeded all others: And to manifest his splendor, his House for all sorts of Creatures, and many other things, might serve for a sufficient testimony: for in it he kept Sea-Fish in salt Water, River-Fish in fresh Water, and all manner of Beasts in peculiar places: The Birds were kept in great Aviaries, surrounded with golden Rails. Next to the Kings fol∣low'd four Earls call'd Atlacohecalcatl, which signifies Princes of the Throne Launces, a

Weapon much us'd amongst the Mexicans. The next in Degree were the Tlacate∣catl, or Man-cleavers; Esauahuacatl, or Blood-shedders; Tsallancalqui, or Lords of Black∣ness, without all which the King durst not take any Business in hand. High and lesser Courts of Judicatory, where Matters of Life and Death were try'd, were in most Cities; and other Courts also for petty Quarrels, Controversies, and the like. The Collectors brought their Revenues to the Court every Moneth. The chief thing which preferr'd both Rich and Poor to Places of Honor, consisted in Valour and heroick Exploits. Their Arms were chiefly sharp pieces of Flint made fast to a Stick, with which they could at one Blow chop off a Horses Head. They also us'd Pikes, Clubs, and Lances, and sometimes Slings: For defensive Armour, they had Helmets and Shields, made of Tygers, Leopards, and Lyons Skins. They always fell upon their Enemies unawares, their Design being generally to take Prisoners rather than to kill them; for they reserv'd them for Offerings to their Idols. Muteczuma made several Commanders over his Armies, giving them a Power one above the other, which were to be distinguish'd by several Marks; for the chiefest ty'd the Hair on the top of their Heads with a red String, betwixt which stuck a brave Plume of Feathers; at the end whereof hung as many Tassels as they had done noble Exploits. To this Order belong'd also the King, who wore one of the same Marks, with which King Muteczuma and his Son stand Carv'd on a Rock. The Ayulas, or The Order of the Eagle, consisted of valiant Men. The Grey Knights were of less Quality, and wore Collars which reach'd up to their Ears, the lower part of their Body being naked. Persons of greater Dignity, when going to the War, were Arm'd from Head to Foot: Which Order was also permitted to wear Cotton-Clothes, and Shoes richly embroider'd with Gold and Silver; they us'd painted Vessels, and had Lodgings provided for them at Court.

* 1.395Moreover, it is worthy of obesrvation, what great care the Mexicans took in the bringing up of their Children; to which purpose they had Schools near to their Temples, in which Youth was taught to Sing, Dance, Morality, Obedience, and also Martial Discipline. Children of noble Extract had Learned Men for their Tutors. Their Punishments for Transgressions were very severe, the Masters for∣cing their Scholars to Fast and Watch, carry great Burthens of Provisions to the Army, and be in the midst of Engagements. Others, whose Fancy led them to a holy Life, willingly embrac'd the Services of the Temple.

* 1.396Their manner of Dancing in New Spain was very strange and differing; they us'd pretty Instruments, and Songs which contain'd antique Passages, according to the Times; they in their Motions imitated Shepherds, Fisher-men, Plowmen, Hun∣ters, and the like: Sometimes they Danc'd in Mascarades, with a Man on their Shoulders, making the same Motion with his Hands in the Air, as the other with his Feet on the Ground. They had also Tumblers and Dancers on the Ropes, which shew'd strange Tricks on an erected Pole. But above all Dances, the Mitotes was the chief, which was generally Danc'd in the King's Palace, or inner Court of the Temple; in the middle of which they plac'd a great Drum and a hollow Tub on a large Image; round about which the most eminent Persons made a Ring, Sang sweetly, and Danc'd leisurely, when on a sudden two that are more nimble, with divers Motions came into the midst of them, and Danc'd exactly after the sound of the Drum and hollow Tub, which was seconded with the noise of Flutes and Pipes.

CHAP. VI. New Gallicia.

* 1.397NEw Gallicia, by some call'd Guadalajara, from the chief City. This whole Province is the most Northern Countrey of all America, that is inhabited to any purpose by the Spaniards. Here, 'tis true, they are scatter'd up and down in all the parts of it, but it is at a huge distance, and for the most part onely where the Mines are. It is bounded on the East and to the South, with the King∣dom of Mexico or New Spain; on the West, with the Gulf or Bay of California; Northward, for so much as is yet discover'd, with Quivira and Cibola, lying between eighteen and twenty eight Degrees of Northern Latitude, that is, from La Nativi∣dad, a Port so nam'd by the Spaniards, in the Confines of New Spain, to the most Northerly Borders of Cinoloa, a part of this Province, containing, as is suppos'd, not much less than three hundred Leagues in length, and in breadth much more; and whereof not a tenth part is either us'd or frequented by the Spaniards.

* 1.398The Air is generally here very temperate, inclining rather to Heat than Cold, and subject now and then to sudden Storms of Rain, and great Claps of Thunder, which yet do not hinder, but that the Countrey is held to be reasonably healthful, and the People observ'd to live generally to a good old Age. The Soil, by reason of the Climate, would be a little inclining to Drought, but that, besides the frequent Rains which it hath, it is constantly moistned with fresh Morning Dews, which make it for the most part wonderfully fruitful, almost beyond belief, yield∣ing for every Pushel of Wheat that is sown, threescore; and of Maiz, two hundred for one; besides great plenty of Sugar-Canes and Cochinele; both which neverthe∣less the Spaniards are said to neglect in some sort, employing themselves wholly about richer Commodities: for the Countrey affords them good store of Mines of Silver and Brass, but of Gold or Iron, not many as yet have been found. The Ri∣vers abound plentifully with Fish, and the Woods with Wenison, and some other wild Beasts. The Countrey is generally more mountainous than plain, frequently shaded with Woods, and whole Forrests of the stateliest Pine-Trees and Oaks that are to be seen; amongst which breed abundance of Wolves, which do great mis∣chief to the People, as also Scorpions and Mustiecho's. The Hurts receiv'd from Scorpions, are heal'd with the Juice of the Fruit call'd Queon; those from the Mu∣stiecho's, by Vinegar and the Juice of Lemmon. Here is likewise a green Stone, accounted a soveraign Medicine against the Gravel.

* 1.399The Trees peculiar to this Countrey, are, the tunas, already spoken of in Guati∣mala, and thought to be the same we vulgarly call Indian Fig-Trees, and are distin∣guish'd into six sorts.

The first, by the Portuguese call'd Cardon, hath sharp Prickles, thick Leaves, full of slimy Juice, an odoriferous Flower, oval Fruit, cover'd with an Orange-colour'd Rind, and small Roots: The Fruit within consists of a white juicy, and well tasted Pulp, full of black Seed.

The second hath a round Body full of Boughs, with Star-like Prickles hang∣ing downwards, the Flower white, and the Fruit very like that of the Cardon, onely smaller.

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The third is the Caxabra, which shoots up to a great Tree full of prickly Cods; at the utmost end grows a large white Flower; the Fruit, which is as big again as an Egg, is pleasant and cooling.

The fourth sort hath a straight Body full of Prickles, runs lesser and lesser to the top; at the end of the small Boughs, each thick Leaf produces another; the Wood, if kindled, burns like a Candle.

The fifth, nam'd Cumbeba, grows out of small Roots, with three or four corner'd thick Leaves, full of Prickles, the Flower somewhat less than the former, the Fruit oval, hard and red, having a white and juicy Pulp: The Prickles of this Cumbeba-Tree are so sharp, and stick in so deep, that they can scarce be pull'd out. This is that sort of Tunas that produces Cochinele, which is a Worm that grows under the Leaves, and is cover'd with a Skin, which being neatly taken off and dry'd in the Sun, as formerly mention'd, becomes a rich Commodity. Joseph de Acosta tells us, that the Spanish Fleet, Anno 1578. carried so much Cochinele to Spain, as amounted to two hundred eighty three thousand seven hundred and fifty Ryals.

But the last sort of the Tunas is the Unirumbeba, which hath a straight Body full of Prickles, on the top whereof grow divers prickly Leaves, not unlike those of the Palm-Tree: It is onely found in barren places, remote from the Sea.

Moreover, all kind of Fruits transplanted hither from Spain thrive very well, as Apples, Pears, Granats, Figs, Peaches, Apricocks, Muskmelons, &c.

* 1.400The Root Castanuela affords a much better Feeding for Swine than Acorns. But a∣mongst many other Roots which are found here, as the Xiquimas, Yaca, Cochuco, Cari, Totora and Mani,* 1.401 the chief is the Batata, which is fat, sweet, and windy; it runs over the Ground with a tough green Sprig, the new Fibres taking Root dispersedly up and down, being yellow without, and within full of milky Juice; the Leaf resem∣bling a Heart, is of a pale yellow colour on the top, and donuy underneath; roasted in Ashes, it eats better than a Turnip: It is divided into three sorts.

The first, call'd Omenapo-yeima, when boyl'd, shews like red Betel, but Dyes of a Skye-colour; the innermost Skin, which is of a dark Red, yields an Ink-like Juice.

The second sort, call'd Parro, differs little from the first, onely the Body, Root, and Veins of the Leaves, are of a Purple colour.

The third sort Jetiope, being white, hath a very good rellish, and cures the Ague.

The Pepper, which is here call'd Axi, grows in the warmest Valleys, and the more by being often water'd: there are of it divers kinds, differing in colour, smell, and taste one from the other; for one sort is green, yellow, or red; another sort yields a strong musky scent; and one sort is sharper, another milder: the Veins and Kernels thereof are eaten with Salt.

The Herb Cevadilla cures all manner of Sores.

This Countrey also breeds an innumerable company of Deer, Hogs, Goats,* 1.402 Sheep, Oxen, and Horses; and of hurtful Creatures, Pismires, which do great mischief to the Plants, and Locusts, which fall in huge swarms on the Corn, and cannot be frighted from the same by any means whatsoever. The want of Water is also no small prejudice to the Fields.

The biggest River, call'd Guadalajara, with many windings runs North-westward into the Southern Ocean; and four Leagues from the City of the same, falling down from a steep Rock, it makes such a horrible noise, that it deafens those which approach the same.

The Lake Mechoacan opens here also with a wide Mouth.

* 1.403The River before mention'd, produces all manner of Fish in great abundance; and also a sort of Hedge-hogs, call'd Iguana, which live both in the Water, and on the Land, and are of two sorts: The first, call'd Senembi, is four Foot long, of a deep green colour, with black and white Spots, hath a scaly Skin, white Spots on each side of the Head, a row of sharp Prickles from the Head to the Tail, wide Nostrils, great black Eyes, and little Teeth. The second sort, call'd Tejaguacu, dif∣fers from the first, in having white Spots on a brown Skin, a longer Tail, and a red Tongue, which is slit. Both sorts are reported to fast eight Moneths together; and though often terribly wounded, and dead to all imagination, yet live a great while after; and though they swim up and down in Rivers, yet they Lay their Eggs in the Sand: their Flesh boyl'd is both wholsom, and of a good relish.

* 1.404The Spaniards which inhabit New Gallicia, drive a considerable Trade in Merchan∣dizing, Husbandry, breeding of Cattel, and working in the Mines: They use Wayns and Carrs, drawn by Oxen, Mules, and Horses, to carry their Loads, as al∣so Spanish Weights and Measures. They are little troubled with any other Mischiefs but what may happen from the treacherous Natives, who take all opportunities to run into the Woods, that there they may exercise their Pagan Religion in freedom; in which having spent some time, they gather a considerable number together, and oftentimes fall unawares on the Spaniards, who use Leather Shields and Helmets, and furr'd Cotton Clothes, to secure them from the Arrows which the Indians, ly∣ing in Ambuscades, shoot at them out of the Bushes.

* 1.405The Natives, though subtile, are lazy, and will not work, unless for great Re∣wards. They wear Cotton Shirts, square Cloaks of the same Stuff, made fast with two Buttons on their Breasts; Drawers, and soal'd Shoes: Flag-Matts serve them for Beds, on which they lie under Cotton Clothes: About their Necks, Arms, and Legs, they wear green Stones, and Snale Shells for an Ornament. Their greatest Recreation is Dancing, their Musick being nothing else but the noise or sound of a piece of hollow Wood. Horse-flesh, and Bread made of Maiz, is by them accounted a great Dainty. The Drink Cacao is also highly esteem'd amongst them; but much more the Wine that they make of Maquey, which is the wonder∣ful

Tree that affords many necessary things, viz. Syrrup, Honey, Oyl, Vinegar, Yarn, Needles, Water, and Wine; every Man making it his Business to plant and preserve the same with great care near his House, notwithstanding they grow in several places of the Fields; they have broad thick Leaves with sharp ends, out of which is drawn a Thorn, which serves them for a Needle or Pin. These Leaves have a hairy Filament about them, which serves in stead of Thred: the young Sprout being cut, produces a sweet Juice, which boyl'd, makes good Wine; when grown sowre, serves for Vinegar; but being twice boyl'd, becomes a Syrrup; and being hung over the Fire a third time, a perfect Honey: Also the Wood being spungie, keeps Fire as well as Match. Moreover, the Inhabitants when they travel, carry Leather Bags with them full of Cacao, Maiz, and Pepper, mix'd together.

Over each Village in this Countrey the Spaniards have plac'd an Indian Casique, Alcalde, and Alguazil, where all sorts of Provisions are sold at a Set-price.

The Casiques are succeeded by their Heirs, who resent nothing worse than Af∣fronts, and take pride in nothing more than their Valour.

The Moors or Negro's which are brought hither from Guinee, do all manner of hard Labour.

The Guachichiles and Guamares are a valiant People, and have each their peculiar Language, utterly different from the Mexican.

* 1.406This Countrey comprehends these inferior Provinces: 1. Guadalajara; 2. Xa∣lisco; 3. Chiametta; 4. Couliacan; 5. Cino-loa; all of them on the Western Shore; 6. Zacatecas, to which some add Nova Biscaia and Nova Mexico, though others treat of them as distinct Countreys apart from the rest.

SECT. II. Guadalajara.

* 1.407GUadalajara is bounded on the West, with Xalisco; on the South and South-West, with New Spain; and on the North, with Zacatecas. It is a Coun∣trey exceeding pleasant, and rich in all kind of Commodities, but especi∣ally in its Mines of Silver. It is well water'd with the River Barania, which run∣neth through the midst of it, and with divers other Streams: yielding abundantly both Wheat, Maiz, and some other Grain. In a word, there is nothing said of the properties of New Gallicia in general, either for Soil, Climate, or People, but is pe∣culiarly verifi'd of this Province.

* 1.408The chief Towns are 1. Guadalajara, which gives Name to the whole Province. It is seated on the Banks of the River Barania, in a most delectable and sweet Air, and a rich Soil, by advantage whereof it is become the Metropolis of New Gallicia, honour'd with an Episcopal See, which was translated thither from Compostella in the Year 1570. with the Courts of Judicature, and the Residence of the King's Treasurers for that Province. This City was built on the Plain Molino, by Nunnez de Guzman, in the Year 1531. The neighboring Mountains afford store of Timber. All manner of Spanish Plants grow here likewise in great plenty. In the City is a Cathedral, several Cloysters, inhabited by Augustine and Franciscan Monks. The Bishop of this City belongs to the Arch-bishop of Mexico. The Air very tempe∣rate, neither molesting the Inhabitants with too great Cold, nor excess of Heat.

2. St. Maria de los Lagos, a Town thirty Leagues Eastward of Guadalajara, being a Fronteer Place, and built on purpose to secure the Countrey against the Chiche∣mecae, which are a barbarous and unreduc'd People of the North-East parts of this

Countrey, who harbouring themselves in Caves under Ground in the thickest of huge Woods and Forrests, do oftentimes issue out, and make foul spoil in the Countrey where they come, having first intoxicated themselves with a Liquor made of certain Roots, and would do much more harm, if it were not for this Garrison.

3. Del Spiritu Santo, built by the Founder of the other two, viz. Nunnez de Gus∣man aforesaid, in a part of the Countrey which they call Tepecque.

SECT. III. Xalisco.

* 1.409Xalisco, or Galesco, as some call it, is bounded on the North, with Couliacan; on the South, with some parts of New Spain; on the East, with the Pro∣vince of Guadalajara; and on the West, with the Gulf or Bay of California. The Countrey is chiefly fertile in Maiz and Mines of Silver, not altogether so apt for Herbage and Pasture as some other Countreys about it. The People were Can∣nibals before the Spaniards came amongst them, eating Man's-flesh; were much given to quarrelling and Contentions amongst themselves, but by this time, 'tis suppos'd they are reasonably well reclaim'd both from the one and the other.

* 1.410In this Countrey, besides many other goodly Streams, is the great and famous River Barania, on the Banks whereof are seated most of their principal Towns, as 1. Xalisco, which gives Name to the whole Province, and to a large Promontory or Foreland on the Western Coasts, which shoots it self out into the Bay of Cali∣fornia, right over against certain Islands, which the Spaniards call The Three Maries. This was an ancient City or Town of the Natives, but sack'd and taken by Nunnez de Gusman, in the Year 1530.

2. Compostella, built by the aforesaid Gusman, and so nam'd from the City in Spain, so famous for the Grave of James the Apostle, who (according to the Roman Writers) was buried there, lies near the South Sea on a barren Soil, within the Torrid Zone; yet the Ground breeds many sorts of Vermine, besides other noxious Creatures; amongst which the Capybara roots up whole Trees and other Plants in the Night. This Beast, resembling an indifferent large Hog, hath short Legs and Claws, thick Head, with a Beard, wide Ears, and on each Jaw-bone twenty four Teeth, besides two Tusks, but no Tail; it goes slow, but swims exceeding fast, and dives under Water for aconsiderable time together: they often feed together in great Herds, and make a terrible noise.

3. La Purification, a small Town on the Sea side, towards the Confines of New Spain.

SECT. IV. Chiametla.

* 1.411AGainst Xalisco juts Chiametla, along the South Sea, where the Inhabitants wear short Cloaks, and Deer-skin Shoes; and in the Wars use Shields made of strong Twigs twisted together. The Women, which are indifferent hand∣som, are clad down to their Feet.

* 1.412The chief Town of this Province is Sant Sebastian, so call'd from the River upon which it stands; it was built by Captain Franciscus de Yvarra, Anno 1554. who disco∣vering

many Silver Mines, hath made several Melting-houses, in which the Silver being melted swims upon the Lead.

SECT. V. Couliacan.

* 1.413NExt to Chiametla, Westward and Southward of Cinoloa, lies Couliacan, Coast∣ing all along the Bay of California, which it hath on the West; on the East it hath New Biscay; and on the South, Xalisco. The Countrey is not defective in any kind of necessary Provision, but more especially it aboundeth with Fruits of all sorts. But the Spaniards look onely at the Mines, of which they have some few in this Countrey. The People were generally Cloth'd with Cotton-Wooll when the Spaniards came first amongst them, but yet never a whit the more modest, being exceedingly given to Venery, and that in a more shameless and beastly manner than many other Americans who went naked.

The Spanish Towns are these,* 1.414 1. Hiustula, seated on the Banks of a fair River, distant about a days Journey from the Sea. 2. Quinola. 3. Quatrobarrios, an old Town of the Natives, but new nam'd by the Spaniards. 4. El Leon, an old Bur∣rough. 5. Couliacan, the chief Town of the Province. 6. St. Michael, in the Valley of Arroba, two Leagues distant from the Sea, in a rich and plentiful Countrey, both for Corn and Fruit, whither it was remov'd from the Banks of the River Orala, where it first stood; it was built by Nunnez de Gusman in the Year 1531. after he had burnt the Towns, and destroy'd a great number of the Natives, Inhabitants of the Countrey.

* 1.415This Countrey was first discover'd by the aforesaid Nunnez de Gusman (after he had built Guadalajara) after this manner: Marching from Chiametla to Piatzala, he ruin'd this Province with Fire and Sword: he likewise conquer'd the Countreys of Zapuatun and Piaztla; the first being a Plain, lay inclos'd within high Moun∣tains, where the Spaniards met none but Women, till they came to a great River call'd De la Sall, whose Banks on each side were well inhabited; the second juts against the Ocean, and is water'd by a River of the same Denomination. Here, within the Houses, (which are built after a strange manner) lay thousands of Ser∣pents mingled together, with their Heads sticking out on the top and at the sides, and hissing with open Mouth at those which approached them. The Inhabitants shew'd great Revence to these Serpents, because (as they said) the Devil often ap∣pear'd to them in that form. And this seems to be a Custome amongst them from the Tradition of Eves being tempted by the Devil in the shape of a Serpent:* 1.416 Nor was this Superstition peculiar onely to these Indians, forasmuch as divers Nations of the ancient Heathens of other parts of the World, worshipp'd the Likeness of a Serpent. And even amongst the Greeks, according to Plutarch, Hesychius, Clemens Alexandrinus, and others, it was no unusual thing in their religious Worship to call on Eva, and at the same time to shew a Serpent. Plutarchus and Aelianus say, That the Egyptians honour'd a Serpent for their God. The same saith Erasmus Stella of the old Prussians; Sigismund Baro, of the Liflanders; and Alexander Guaginus, of the Sarmatians and Samogethes. Moreover, some write, that in the Province of Calecut are Serpents with exceeding great Heads, and weighing as much as a great Hog, to which the King shews great Reverence; so that it seems the Devil takes delight to be worship'd in that shape wherein he work'd the Fall of Man-kind.

Gusman leaving Piaztla march'd to Bayla, where he found the great River De Mu∣geres,

[illustration]

and the Countrey full of Woods and Pastures: thence travelling upwards along Mugueres, they ascended to the top of a Mountain, where they were assaulted by the Inhabitants of the aforesaid Village Quinola, whom nevertheless they soon put to flight; but not long after receiv'd a shrew'd Repulse at the Entrance into a Wood built full of Houses; yet nevertheless being at length Conquerors, though not without sufficient loss, they march'd farther in amongst the Mountains, till their Provisions beginning to grow scarce, and they seeing no likelihood of get∣ting to an end of this troublesom Journey, at last their Necessities forc'd them to retire.

* 1.417The Flood which comes out of the Sea up to the City St. Michael, through the River Cignatlan, abounds with Fish, and especially the Guarapucu, which is seven Foot long when it comes to its full growth; it hath no Scales, but a smooth Skin of a Silver colour mix'd with Green: from the Head to the Tail runs a crooked Line of thin Scales on each side; it swims exceeding swift, feeds on lesser Fishes, and spawns in the Sea: the Flesh being wholsom and good to eat, is salted up against Winter. At the same Place is also the Piracarba, which shines exceedingly,* 1.418 having Silver-colour'd Scales, a broad slit Tail, a long white Beard, four great Fins, and a little Head. Farther into the Sea are a sort of flying Fish, call'd Pira∣bebes, which rise by thousands up out of the Water,* 1.419 so escaping the Dolphins and other Fish which prey on them; yet sometimes they are snatch'd up by the Birds, or else by the Fishes, when they dive down into the Water to wet their own Wings, which consist of a thin Skin, distinguish'd in length by tough Fins. These flying Fish also differ much one from another, for most of them are like Herrings; others have a thick Head, roud before like the Dolphins.

Moreover, the Countrey about St. Michael was always well inhabited. The Houses, being artificially built, were adorn'd on the top with many obscene Ima∣ges, and venereal Representations: But since the Spaniards have conquer'd this Countrey they have destroy'd them, and built other Houses in their stead, and also bestow'd much cost and labour on the Silver Mines De las Virgines.

SECT. VI. Cinoloa.

* 1.420CInoloa is the most Northern part of New Gallicia, bounded on the West, with some part of the Gulf or Bay of California; on the East, with a long Ridge of Mountains, which they call Tepecsuan; on the North, with Cibola; and with Couliacan on the South. This Country, besides the general fertility of the whole Province of New Gallicia, yields great store of Cotton-Wool, by reason whereof both Men and Women here are better Apparell'd, for the most part, than else∣where the Americans are; is exceedingly well water'd with Rivers, which descend from those Mountains Tepecsuan, not above thirty or forty Leagues distant from the Sea; and which, with the variety of their Streams and Meandrous glidings, do divide the Countrey into many and good Pastures, which are likewise stor'd with abundance of Kine, Oxen, and other Cattel.

The chief Towns possess'd by the Spaniards are 1. St. Philip and Jacob,* 1.421 seated towards the Sea side, on the Banks of a fair River, about thirty or forty Leagues distant from the Town of Couliacan.

2. St. John de Cinoloa, an ancient Colony of Spaniards, setled there by Francisco de Yvarra, in the Year 1554, which is all they have in this Countrey, except some few old Forts of the Natives, which they found, after their manner, poorly furnish'd; but have since repair'd them for Defence against the Natives of those Parts, which as yet remain unreduc'd.

* 1.422This Province was also discover'd by Nunnez de Gusman, who having rested some Weeks in St. Michael, proceeding on his Way, he Ferried over the River Pe∣tatlan, which receiv'd that Denomination because the Houses were cover'd with Mats, by the Indians call'd Petat.

The People hereabouts were generally Man-eaters.

Eighteen Leagues farther runs the River Tamochala, which hath many Villages on both sides thereof.

Between Petatlan and Tamochala lie several desolate Wildernesses, and Woods of the Brasile-Tree.

But Gusman travelling up twenty seven Leagues along the fore-mention'd Ri∣ver Tamochala, came to Province Cinoloa, where they stay'd six Weeks, by rea∣son of the abundance of Rains; during which time the Villagers provided them Turtle-Doves, Hares, Rabbets, and all sorts of Fowls; but at last deserted their Habitations in the Night: after which the Spaniards crossing Tamochala went along a barren Desart, where (had they not found Water in certain Wells, and likewise store of Juice out of the Tunas-Trees) they had without doubt perish'd; at last get∣ting over the River Yaguinu, they found a deserted Village, out of which a broad Path led along the Stream; whither Gusman marching, he came into a Plain, where he spy'd several Indians, which after some resistance were routed by the Spanish Horse.

The Villages built on the Banks of the River Yaguinu, as also the Language of the Inhabitants differ little from the former.

Not far from hence a Ridge of Hills runs into the Sea, and also extend them∣selves a hundred Leagues towards Xalisco.

SECT. VII. Zacatecas.

* 1.423THe Zacatecas, as they call them, are bounded on the South, with Guadala∣lajara; on the North, with New Biscay; on the West, which Couliacan and some part of Xalisco; and on the East, with New Spain. The Countrey, especially the more Western part of it, is very rich in Silver Mines, no Province of this part of America richer; but not so apt either for Wheat or Maiz. But the Ea∣stern parts of it are abundantly stor'd with all sorts of Fruits, the Woods every where replenish'd with Deer, the Fields no less with Corn, and every Tree almost giving Entertainment to some Bird or other.

* 1.424The Towns are 1. Las Zacatecas, forty Leagues distant from Guadalajara, and fourscore from Mexico, but neighbor'd with most rich Mines, and therefore both Garrison'd and well peopled by the Spaniards; for 'tis suppos'd there are no less than five hundred Families of them in the Town, and about the Mines.

2. St. Martins, twenty seven Leagues distant from Zacatecas, and as rich a Place, having a Colony of four hundred Spaniards at least.

3. St. Lucas de Avinno. 4. Erena, lesser Towns, but both of them rich, and seated in the midst of excellent Mines.

5. Nombre de Dios, in the most Northerly part of this Countrey, sixty eight Leagues distant from Guadalajara, and founded by the aforesaid Francisco de Yvarra; who having subdu'd and quieted the Natives, and thereby gain'd to himself the Government of these Countreys, granted the propriety of some Silver Mines both to the Spaniards and to the Natives, and by that means drew so many of them thi∣ther, that in a short time it became the chiefest and best peopled town of the whole Province.

6. Durango, in the Valley of Guadiana, eight Leagues distant from Nombre de Dios, and built by Yvarra.

7. Xeres de Frontera, a Place built on purpose for the repressing of the Chichemecae aforesaid, and other Salvages that infested the Borders of Guadalajara, in the Re∣gency of the Marquess of Villa Manrique.

8. Last, St. Lewis, built by Alonso Pacheco, in that part of the Countrey which is call'd Uxitipa, and people by him with a Colony of Spaniards, being distant about twenty Leagues from Panuco in New Spain, to which the whole Countrey of Uxitipa once belong'd.

* 1.425The aforesaid Franciscus de Yvarra, Anno 1554. discover'd the Mine call'd Sant Martin, and since also Lucas Avinno, the Mine Del Sombrereto, lying near the City Del Erena: but the Mines De los Ranchos, Chalchuites, De las Nieves, and Del Frisuillo, would produce much more Silver, if the Mine-works were stor'd with Quick-silver. The Vice-Roy of New Spain, nam'd Lodowick de Velasco, order'd a certain number of Sol∣diers, Slaves, Horses and Mules, for every Mine, to defend the Workmen from the Assaults of the Natives, which oftentimes Sallied out upon them. Moreover, Ve∣lasco sent Priests through all the Countrey to Preach the Gospel: But Yvarra having the care of the Priests, guarded them with a company of Soldiers, and in his Way discover'd the Valley San Juan, and the River De las Nacos, where he conquer'd the rebelling Natives.

Near the Silver Mine Sant Martins the Monks built a Cloyster; after which Yvarra gave free leave to all that would, to dig in the Mine at Avinno, which he had

bought, on condition they should pay the real fifth part of what they got, to the Spanish King: which Priviledge stirr'd up many, insomuch that Avinno in a short time grew very populous. Yvarra, though having brought his Business to this pass, could not rest, but sent Antonius Pacheco to a Valley in Guadiana, to build the fore∣mention'd City Durango, where several Rivers make a convenient and delightful place for Habitation, whither Yvarra follow'd three Moneths after, and finish'd the new Town. But the chiefest Silver Mines, which borrow their Denominations from the Province Zacatecas, are continually guarded by five hundred Spaniards, and as many Slaves.

CHAP. VII. New Biscay.

* 1.426NEw Biscay, by some accounted a Province of New Gallicia, hath on the South, Zacatecas; on the West, the Countrey of Cinoloa; Northward it is boun∣ded with New Mexico; the Eastern Borders of it looking towards Florida, not yet well discover'd: so call'd by the Spaniards, onely from its neighborthood to New Gallicia. It is, as the other Provinces, exceeding rich in Silver Mines, and hath some also of Lead; which serve principally, as some say, for the refining or pur∣ging of the other Metal. The People generally are of a stout and resolute Dispo∣sition, and with much difficulty submitting to the Yoke; yea, the Spaniards them∣selves confess, that there remain yet to this day four great Towns unreduc'd, though they lie, as it were, in the mid-way, betwixt the Zacatecas aforesaid, and the Mines and Town of St. Barbara of this Province: The Spaniards call them Las Qua∣tro Ceinegas, or The Four Quagmires, as lying, perhaps, in the Marshes, or in some Fenny and lower parts of the Countrey.

* 1.427The Towns which themselves hold, are, 1. St. Barbara, famous for the rich Mines about it.

2. St. Johns, equal to the other, and not above three or four Leagues distant from it.

3. Ende, the most Northerly Town which the Spaniards have in this Countrey, distant about twenty Leagues from the other.

These be all Colonies of the Spaniards, and built on purpose for securing the Mines; which when they were first discover'd by Yvarra, he order'd Roderigo del Rio to guard the same, and took up his Winter Quarters at St. Juan in a strong House, stor'd with all manner of Provisions, and erected there by him, as a place of de∣fence against the Chichimecae, who (though the Spaniards kept the place with strong Guards) kill'd above four hundred of their Horses and Mules; which loss no way daunted him, so as to change his Resolution of going Topia: whither travelling, he found many snowy Mountains, and suffer'd extream Cold, which kill'd most of their Horses, being seen fifteen days after to stand so stiffly frozen, as if still alive: at last getting within the Borders of Topia, after he had suffer'd many inconveni∣ences, he was oppos'd by the Inhabitants, till he pacifi'd them with Presents.

SECT. II.

* 1.428THis Countrey hath many convenient Havens, viz. San Jago, Navidad, Ma∣lacca, Chacalla, below the Promontory Corientes, the Bay Xalisco, the Road Massatlan, and Chiametla, so call'd from a Town about eleven Leagues from the Ocean.

Here, and in several places of New Gallicia, grow Lillies, Roses, Violets, Jessa∣mins, and many other Flowers; amongst which the Floripondium deserves peculiar observation, because it flourishes the whole Year; and its white Blossoms, which are bigger than Lillies, opening in the Morning, yield an exceeding sweet smell.

* 1.429In no less esteem is the Murucuia, by the Spaniards call'd Granadilla, which will not grow, it bereav'd of any of its Leaves: it bears a Flower from the resem∣blance of our Saviour's Suffering, call'd The Passion-Flower, which exceeds the biggest Rose in circumference; the uppermost Leaves green, those underneath of a purple colour; on the top hangs a round Bush of a thousand interwoven threds of divers colours, distinguish'd by white and red Specks; the pale Stalk which sticks in the middle of the Flower, is divided into five others, that bend downwards with a yel∣low Button-like Knob; on the middlemost Stalk stands a pale yellow Flower, which appear three hours after Sun-rising, and closes again a little before Sun-set; the Fruit, which is very round, smooth, and a pale Green, hath white Specks, a thick Rind Saffron-colour'd Pulp, which is wholsom, of a good rellish, and hath abundance of black Seeds inclos'd in little Husks.

CHAP. VIII. New Mexico.

* 1.430NEw Mexico (as 'tis call'd for distinction's sake) is bounded on the South-West, with New Biscay; more directly Westward, with some parts of Quivira; the Countreys Northward of it not yet discover'd; Eastward it extends it self as far as Florida.

This Province doubtless for largeness may compare with New Gallicia, having been search'd and discover'd by the Spaniards above a hundred, some say two hun∣dred Leagues directly Eastward, and to the North-East: and they report Wonders of it, if we may believe them, at least in respect of what was generally found in these Northern parts of America at their first Discovery; as namely, That they have Towns fairly and well built of Lime and Stone, Houses of four Stories high, and most of them provided with Stoves for the Winter Season, as well as any in Europe; the Streets fair and broad, and the People as curious and expert in divers Arts and Manufactures as any of theirs. More particularly they tell us of a Town call'd Chia, of the Province of Cuames, so big, that it is said to contain eight several Mar∣ket-places. Another call'd Acoma, a great Town, but seated on the top of an high Rock, without any ordinary way of access to it, but by a pair of Stairs hewn out of the hard Stone, or else by certain Ladders, which the Inhabitants let down and take up as they please. And likewise of a third, which they call Conibas, containing, as they say, no less than seven Leagues in length, and about half so much in breadth,

seated upon a Lake, but scatteringly built, and much of the space taken up with Mountains and many fair Gardens, in the midst of which the Town standeth; of all which more hereafter. This certain, that the Countrey to which they give the Name of New Mexico, is of a vast extent, reaching from the Mines of St. Barbara in New Biscay Eastward, and to the North-East, above two hundred Leagues al∣ready discorver'd, but doubtless taking up no small part of those Countreys which are sometimes assign'd to Florida, if not of the Confines of Virginia also.

* 1.431This Countrey was first, Anno 1581. discover'd by a Franciscan Monk, nam'd Augustine Ruyz, who with two other Monks of his Order, got eight Soldiers of Conde de Coruna, Vice-Roy of New Spain, for his Companions; with whom he tra∣vell'd from the Valley Sant Bartholomew, to the Province De los Tiguas, where one of the two Monks was kill'd by the Natives, which occasion'd such a fear amongst the Souldiers, who judg'd themselves too weak to make any resistance, that they resolv'd to return, notwithstanding all the arguments which Ruyz us'd to disswade them from it; yet nevertheless he and his Brother Franciscus Lopez, and four Indi∣ans, went onward of their Journey; which news the Souldiers carried back to the Franciscans in Sant Bartholomew; who fearing their Brethren would be destroy'd, sent several Souldiers and a Monk, call'd Bernardyn Beltran, after them, who were also accompanied by Antony Espejus, who spent a great part of his Estate in raising of Men, providing Arms and Provisions, loading therewith a hundred and fifty Horses and Mules; with which he travell'd direct North from the fore-mention'd Valley, and after two days Journey found a People call'd Conchi, who went naked, and liv'd in Huts built together like a Village: They were Govern'd by Casiques, fed on Hares, Deer, Rabbets, Maiz, Calabashes, and Melons. Several adjacent Ri∣vers afford them plenty of Fish. They were amaz'd at the Crosses which the Spa∣niards there erected, till they were inform'd of a Crucifi'd Saviour. Espejus being every where kindly Entertain'd amongst them, and conducted twenty two Leagues father, came amongst the Indians call'd Passaguates, of the like Constitution with the Conchi's; who had skill in Minerals, and judg'd that there were many Silver Mines in that Countrey. From whence the Passaguates travell'd with the Spaniards to the Borders of the Los Tobosos, who no sooner saw them, but they fled, because a few years before they had been miserably dealt with by the Spaniards; but being inform'd by the Interpreters, that they needed not be afraid of any thing, they all appear'd, and conducted Espejus to the Borders of the Patarabueyes; which People possess a large Countrey, Stone Houses and Villages built in good order. Great Rivers with come out of the North, and others that disembogu'd into the North Sea, af∣forded them all sorts of Fish; as also the Woods plenty of Venison, Fowls, and wholsom Plants. In some Pools also the salt Water afforded Salt.

The Valour of the Inhabitants may sufficiently appear by the rough Entertain∣ment which the Spaniards met withall the first Night; for the Patarabueyes fell so fiercely upon them, that had not the Watch given notice thereof in time, none had escap'd with Life; nevertheless five Horses were kill'd, and a considerable num∣ber of Men wounded: after which retreating, they went upon a neighboring Hill, whither Espejus sent his Interpreter, and an Indian the same Countrey, to inform them, That the Spaniards came not to molest them, and if they pleas'd to come to them, they should meet with none but Friends; which was the more easily credi∣ted, because the Casiques receiv'd some Presents; after which being reconcild, they conducted the Spaniards twelve days Journey up a long River, whose Banks were inhabited in several places. from thence they reach'd to a Place, inhabited by a People richly Cloth'd, who also seem'd to have some knowledge of God; for in

their Discourse they pointed up to Heaven, call'd the Creator and Preserver of all things Apalito, and signifi'd that they had receiv'd that Knowledge formerly from those that were left of Pamphilius Narvaez's Army, who having rang'd through Florida were driven hither.

These People also Presented Espejus many tann'd Skins, with which he went to a great Village, the Inhabitants whereof were very courteous, and barter'd them for brave Plumes of Feathers and Cotton Cloaks, streak'd with blue and white: but Espejus having no Interpreters whom they could understand, could not learn by what Name they were known; yet by signs they express'd what time of the year they had Precious Stones brought to them; and also what their Countrey produ∣ced; and also that abundance of those Riches was to be found in a Province about five days Journey Westward from thence, whither they freely offer'd to conduct the Spaniards, which accordingly they did, bearing them company one and twenty Leagues to the next Province, inhabited by a People whose Name also they could not be inform'd of, yet staying three days amongst them, they were Entertain'd with Presents and Dances both Night and Day. The Countrey afforded them also store of Venison and Fruits: Those that understood Minerals, judg'd that there were likewise several Gold Mines.

Leaving this Province, they entred into a great Wilderness of Pine-Trees, in which they travell'd twelve Leagues in fifteen days, without seeing either Man or House; but at the end of the Wood they spy'd a Village of Straw Huts, where there were great quantities of white Salt, and Deer Skins neatly dress'd. The Peo∣ple of the Place courteously Entertain'd the Spaniards, and conducted them along the River Del Norte, to New Mexico: The Banks of the River on each side was plan∣ted with Nut-Trees and Vines, which spread themselves out above three Leagues; through which they had scarce pass'd three days together, when they saw ten Po∣pulous Villages pleasantly seated on the the said River, from whence came many thou∣sands of the Natives to meet Espejus, who was not so much amaz'd at the great number of People, as at their extraordinary Civility and decent Habits; for they Entertain'd him with well dress'd Meat, roasted Poultrey, and pleasant Fruits: Their Garments were Cotton Cloaks, Deer-skin Breeches, Shoes and Boots of good Leather. The Women wore their Hair neatly Comb'd and Pleited. Their Houses were almost four Stories high, handsomely built, and divided into fair Chambers, had Stoves or Cells under Ground against the Cold in the Winter. Every Village was Govern'd by a Casique, whose Commands were publish'd by the Alguaziles. Each House had a peculiar place in which their Idol stood, before whom they set Meat twice a day. Near the High-ways stood Temples very curiously painted, wherein their Deity, as they say, diverted himself in his Progress from one Village to ano∣ther. At certain Distances near their Plough'd Lands, stood Portico's, supported on four Columns, under which the Husband-man us'd to eat, and take his Noon-sleep. Besides their Swords, which were strong enough to cut a Man through the Middle, they us'd Bowes and Arrows: Their Shields were made of Deer Skins.

Espejus having stay'd here four days, went to the Province De las Tiguas, which had sixteen Villages; in the chiefest whereof, call'd Poala, Augustine Ruyz and his Brother Monk Franciscus de Lopez had been slain, besides four others; wherefore the People being conscious of this Crime, and fearing that Revenge would follow, fled to the Mountains, from whence they could not be enticed, whilst the Spaniards found their Houses full of Provisions and some Minerals.

Now those being dead whom they sought for, some though it convenient to re∣turn; but Espejus and Beltran perswaded the contrary, alledging, That farther up,

according to the Indians information, lay several Provinces which were worth the discovery, and advis'd that the chiefest part of their Forces might stay there, whilst they and some few resolute Men went farther upon the Discovery, which accor∣dingly was perform'd. Espejus having travell'd two days, came into a fruitful Province, jutting against Cibola, in which he found eleven Villages, inhabited by above fourteen thousand People, who were clad in Skins and Cotton, worshipp'd many Idols, and receiv'd the Spaniards with great Civility.

The like Entertainment they met withall in the Countrey Los Quires, wash'd by the River Del Norte; near which stood five Villages, inhabited by about fifteen thousand People.

Thirteen Leagues farther they found De los Cunames, having also five Villages, the chiefest of which being Cia, boasted (as above mention'd) eight Market-places: The Houses, made of Lime, were neatly Painted, and compris'd in all above twenty thousand Persons, and civil People, who presented Espejus and his Company with handsom Cloaks, set good boyl'd Meat before them, and shew'd them rich Minerals, and the Mountains out of which they got the same.

Of the like Constitution were the Inhabitants De los Amires, which being thirty thousand in number, resided in seven well built Villages, lying North-West from Cunames.

After this they march'd Westward, and found the eminent Village Acoma, men∣tion'd before, built on an exceeding high Rock, to which led onely a narrow Path up a pair of Stairs cut in the Rock; as also many Wells to receive Rain, besides what they have out of a River, led by moats round about their Plough'd Lands. The Spaniards staying here three days, were Entertain'd with all sorts of good Meat, Dances and Drolls.

From hence travelling twenty four Leagues more Westerly, they entred the Pro∣vince of Zuny; where the erected Crosses which had remain'd there till that time, were sufficient testimonies of Cornaro's having been there, after he was deserted by Andreas de Cuyocan. Casper de Mexico, and Antonius de Guadalajara, being setled on Zuny, (otherwise call'd Cibola) and speaking the Indian Tongue better than their Native Language, inform'd Espejus, that sixty days Journey farther lay a great Lake, whose Shores were crown'd with many brave Villages, inhabited by a People which wore Golden Armlets and Ear-rings; whither Franciscus Vasquez had gone a second time, had not Death prevented him. This Information so encourag'd Espejus, that notwithstanding it was so great a Journey, yet he resolv'd to venture thither, though the Monk Beltran and most of his Company perswaded him to the contrary; whereupon Beltran return'd: After which Espejus went on to the said Lake; wither he was accompanied with a hundred and fifty Indians. Having gone twenty six Leagues, he found a populous Province, whose Borders he no sooner approach'd, but he was told, That if he was willing to lose his Life, he and his Party might enter into a forbidden Dominion; yet notwithstanding this threatnign Message, he wrought so much upon the Casique by the Presents which he sent him, that he was permitted to come in freely; nay, the Inhabitants of Zaguato strow'd Meal on the Earth for the Spaniards to go over, and presented Espejus at his departure with forty thousand Cotton Cloaks, and a considerable quantity of Plate, which he sent with five of his Soldiers, and all the Cibolan Indians, back to Cibola, keeping onely four Companions and one Guide, with whom he travell'd forty one Leagues Westward; where he found a Mountain, to the top whereof led a broad Path; which ascend∣ing, he took up Silver Oar with his own Hand. The several sorts of People that inhabited here were all civil and courteous, living in good fashion, in pretty large

Houses, built on the Banks of a pleasant River, shaded with Vines and Nut-Trees, and thick planted with Flax: They inform'd Espejus, that near a River which runs eight Miles towards the North Sea, were such stately Places, as could not be beheld without great admiration. But Espejus going back a plain Road to Cibola, found not onely those whom he had sent from Zaguato, but also Beltran, with the other Soldiers, who having been detained where by the Civilities and kind Entertain∣ments of the Indians, were now upon returning home; so that Espejus was left alone with eight Soldiers, who resolv'd to venture their Lives and Fortunes with him. They travell'd along the River Del Norte, through the Provinces De los Guires and Habutas, whose Mountains, over-spread with Pine-Trees and Cedars, have many rich Mines. The Natives wore painted Cotton Cloaks, and dwelt in stately Houses five Stories high. At the Borders of the Realm Los Tamos they were stopt, and not permitted to come on farther; wherefore being but few in number, and several of them sick, they judg'd it convenient to cross the River De las Vaccas (so call'd from the abundance of Cows that were thereabouts) to the River Conchos and the Village Bartholomew, where Espejus was inform'd, that Beltran was long before his arrival gone to Guadiana.

And now that we may have the better Account of New Mexico (which Ruyz Espejus, and Beltran endeavor'd to discover) it will be necessary to begin with the first original thereof, according as several ancient. Histories make mention.

* 1.432The most ancient Possessors of that part of Northern America call'd New Spain, were for their fierce and salvage Nature call'd Chichimecae, who dwelling in Caves, fed on Moles, Rabbets, Hedghogs, Serpents, Roots and Herbs. Whilst the Women accompanied their Husbands in their Travels, the Children were put into Baskets, and hang'd in a Tree. No manner of Government was to be found amongst them. They never Till'd their Ground till the Navatlacans came from New Mexico (which was anciently divided into two Countreys, Aztlan and Teuculhuacan) to New Spain; after which they Sow'd their Lands.

The Navatlacans (who us'd to dwell in Houses, worship Images, plough their Lands, and obey their Governors) were divided into six Tribes, each Tribe posses∣sing their limited Bounds: and there goes a Tradition, That out of six Pits that are to be seen in New Mexico, the Navatlacans had their original. The time when they deserted New Mexico, as their most authentick Histories or Records declare, was (according to our computation) Anno 940. and they farther affirm, that they spent forty years in a Journey, which might have been travell'd in a Moneth: The reason of which tediousness was, because they rested in all places where they found a fruitful Countrey; but as they had advice from their diabolical Spirits, which (as they say) appear'd visibly to them, they still went on farther and farther, yet left behind those that were aged, sick, and decrepid, building convenient Houses for them, and appointing Overseers to look after them. The Ruins of the Houses are yet to be seen on the Way along which they pass'd.

The six Tribes divided themselves after this manner: Four of them setled round about the great Lake of Mexico. The Sichumilans taking the South part, built, besides two other Towns, a Metropolis of their own Name, as the Chalcans on the North. The Tapunecans built Azcapuzalco in the West, which signifies A Pismires Hole, because of the abundance of Inhabitants. The Eastern part was taken up by the Chalhuans. And all these Names have a peculiar signification; the first signifies People of Flowry Fields; the second, People of Mouthes; the third, People of Bridges; and the fourth, Crooked People. Not long after, the Tatluicans, a strong People, went over the Mountains on the other side of the Mexican Lake, where they built several Towns

on a hot, yet fruitful Soil, the chiefest whereof they call'd Quahunachua, that is, A Place where an Eagles Voice is heard. The Tlascaltecans went near the Snowy Moun∣tains, one, of which, being between Mexico and De los Angelos, vomits horrid Flames and Smoke up into the Skie. Here scattering up and down, they built several Vil∣lages, besides the City Tlascalla; the Inhabitants whereof assisted the Spaniards, as hath been related in the taking of Mexico, for which good Service they live free, without paying any Tribute.

When these six Tribes came first from Mexico thither, the Chichimecans made little or no resistance against them, but hid themselves amongst the Rocks: yet some of them not long after taking courage, flew to Arms, and had without doubt destroy'd the Tlascallans, had not a subtile Plot sav'd them: for under a shew of Friendship they falling on the unarm'd Chichimecans, kill'd every Man of them.

Joseph de Acosta tells us, that Anno 1586. he saw a Grave in Mexico, wherein a Chi∣chimecan of a Gygantick size lay buried.

After this Conquest gotten by the Tlascallans, the fore-mention'd six Tribes liv'd in Peace and Quiet, and strengthned themselves the more by Marrying into one anothers Families.

The Chichimecae keeping on the Mountains left the new People in quiet posses∣sion of their Lands, nay, learnt some of their Customs, insomuch that they be∣gan to build Huts, chuse Governors, and live according to their Laws.

* 1.433The Tlascallans having possess'd New Spain three hundred and two years, a seventh Tribe (a valiant and civiliz'd People) came thither, upon their Daemon Viztli∣puztli's promise of having the supream Government: wherefore he was carried in an Ark by four chief Priests, whom he inform'd whither and when they should travel or rest, for where ever they stopt, they built a Tent in the middle of their Army for their Idol, whom they set on an Altar; which done, they Sow'd the Ground about them: yet if their Daemon commanded them to march before Harvest, then they left the Product to the ancient and sick People. But at last Mexi, from whence the Name of Mexico is deriv'd, conducted the Army into Mechaocan, where the pleasant Soil among the Lakes entic'd many to take up their Habitation. But Mexi proceeded on his Journey, yet not without great Crosses, in regard Viztli∣puztli's Sister (some Inchantress probably so call'd) did much hurt to the whole Army by her Sorceries, because they would not honor her as a Goddess, till Viztli∣puztli inform'd one of them that carried the Ark, that the Army should march on, and banish the Witch from them: whereupon she accordingly being driven away, built the Village Malinalco, as a Habitation for Conjurers. Mean while, the Army grew weaker and weaker by their leaving so many People behind them in most places; therefore they judg'd it convenient to rest a while in Tula, where a great River water'd the Countrey; which, according to Viztlipuztli's Commands, being dry'd up, made a large Lake about the Mountain Coatepeck, whose Banks being planted with Willow and Poplar-Trees, were exceeding pleasant, and the more, because of the variety of Birds that made their Nests in the same; which so delighted ma∣ny of the People, that being tir'd with travelling, they resolv'd to settle there; which Resolution was so ill resented by Viztlipuztli, that he commanded the Bank to be broken, that the Water might have liberty to flow its former Course, and threat∣ned them with heavy punishments: after which in the Night a terrible Cry of Murder was heard in one part of the Army; which being inquir'd after the next Morning, they found divers People lying on the Ground with their Breasts cut open, and their Hearts pull'd out: whereupon those that remain'd went on to Chapultepec, where they fortifi'd themselves in the Mountains against the adjacent

[illustration] depiction of Huitzilopochtli, Aztec god of war

Viztlipuztli idolum Mexicanorum

People, which Copil, Son to the Malinalcon Witch, had rais'd up against them; and soon after the Tapunecans and Chalcans went against their new Neighbors, with whom they began a bloody Fight, when Vitzilovitli, at that time General of the Mexican Army, pressing in amongst them, broke their Ranks, and made way for all his Army (though with his own Death) to march Conquerors to Culhuacan: The Prince of which Province gave them a Place to settle on, near the white Water Ticaapan, whose Shores swarm'd with Adders and Serpents, upon Design that the Strangers might be destroy'd by them; but it prov'd quite otherwise: for they without regret eat the poysonous Animals; and Dunging the unfruitful Soil, re∣ceiv'd a plentiful Harvest: They would willingly have setled here, after their so long ranging up and down, if Viztlipuztli would have approv'd thereof; but he told them, that they must possess themselves by Arms, and make a Culhuacan Maid their Goddess: whereupon they desir'd the Casique's Daughter of Culhuacan, who was sent them in rich Ornaments, and with a stately Retinue: But she was no sooner entred on the Ticaapan Shore, but they flay'd her alive, and her Skin being stuff'd, and nam'd Tocci, was religiously worshipp'd. But not satisfi'd with this cruelty, they sent for her Father to visit his Daughter in her Dignity; who ac∣cordingly coming with great Attendance, was led into a dark Chappel, where by the burning Tapers he knew the Goddess to be no other than his Daughters Skin stuff'd full of Cotton; whereat burning with rage, he afterwards fell upon these Murderers with all his Forces, and drove them to the Place where they afterwards built Mexico,

We have often made mention heretofore of the Governor of this Journey, Viztlipuztli, it will therefore be necessary to give an exacter Description of him, as followeth:

* 1.434He was a woodden Image like a Man, sitting on a blue Seat in a triumphant Chair; at each end of which was plac'd a Staff with a Serpents Head upon it, from whose Forehead, which was Painted blue, ran a Streak of the same colour, cross his Nose to both his Ears; upon his Head stood a Plume of Feathers, the ends whereof were tipp'd with a golden Varnish; his left Hand held a white Shield, on which stuck five Feathers, and on the top a Laurel Bough; next the Shield lay four Arrows, pretended to be sent from Heaven; in his right Hand a Truncheon, full of blue crooked Streaks like Serpents; behind on his Shoulders appear'd Wings, not unlike those of a Bat, his Eyes large and round, and his Mouth reaching from Ear to Ear, made him terrible to behold, also gaping, and full of Teeth, which stuck out of his Belly; in his Breast also were two fiery Eyes, and under them a shrivell'd Nose; his Feet ended in Claws, hung round about with Precious Jems, golden Boxes and Shields set out with divers colour'd Feathers. The Curtain be∣hind which this Idol sat, was not drawn open except on a Feast-Day.

Next Viztlipuztli stood generally a lesser Image, call'd Tlaboc, and also the God∣dess Tocci, Daughter to the Prince of Culhuacan, who (as before mention'd) was flay'd by their Daemon's Command. Since which time they suppos'd, that they were never more acceptable to their Gods, than when they appear'd Cloth'd in an∣other Man's Skin; and accounted no Offering better, than a Heart taken out of their Enemies Breast, since their Spirit destroy'd so many after that manner in the Army at Tula.

But Tocci, they say, had also a Son much inclin'd to Hunting,* 1.435 whose Image they carry, attended by a thousand People, with the sound of Horns and Trumpets, to an Arbor on a high Mountain; which being made of green Leaves pleited, had in the middle an Altar, on which they set the Idol, whilst the Multitude surrounded

the Foot of the Mountain, and set all the Bushes about the same on Fire; which done, they shouted and hollow'd, and play'd on several Instruments; which fright∣ing the wild Beasts that lay shelter'd in the Woods, made them run to the top of the Mountain, where they were more and more inclos'd by the People, insomuch that many of them were slain for an Offering before Tocci's Son's Altar; which done, they carried the Idol back to his Temple, and the People made Merry with the slain Venison.

* 1.436As great Reverence they shew'd to Tezcatlipuca, because (as they said) he pardon'd their Sins. This Idol was made of a black shining Stone, richly Apparell'd, having Golden Ear-rings; in his undermost Lip a Silver Sheath, in which stuck some∣times a green, and sometimes a blue Plume of Feathers; his Hair was ty'd with an embroider'd String, at the end of which hung a Golden Ear, whereon Smoak was Painted, signifying the Prayers of oppress'd Sinners; moreover, the String hung full of Pearls, and about the Neck in a String hung a Jewel; on his Breast, as al∣so on his Navel, a green Stone; in his left Hand he held a Fan made of a Gold Plate, in which stuck many colour'd Feathers: this Plate glittering like Glass, was in stead of a Mirrour for Tezcatlipuca, to observe all worldly Transactions in the same: and to punish Criminals, he held four Darts in his right Hand. His Feast they kept once in four years.

This Idol also had the Command of Hunger, Drought, Famine, and pestilen∣tial Distempers; wherefore he had quite another shape, sat on a Stool behind a red Curtain embroider'd with dead Mens Bones and Sculls; his Body Coal black, his Head stuck full of Quails Feathers, a Quiver with four Arrows in his left, and a Rod in his right Hand, which made the Image seem very terrible.

The Idol Quetzalcoalt, being their Guardian over the Merchants, was plac'd in a high Temple, being shap'd like a Man, his Face onely excepted; for that resem∣bled a Bird's Head, with a red Bill full of Teeth, a Comb, and a long Tongue; on the hind-part of his Head stood a Mitre, and about his Legs Silk Garters beset with Pearls.

CHAP. IX. Cibola, Tontonteac, and Nova Granada.

THough the Province of Zuny above-mention'd in the Chapter of New Mexico, in the Voyage of Espejus, be there otherwise call'd, and appear to be the same with Cibola, yet we find it not treated of by any as part of New Mexico, but by some as a distinct Province, by others as a part of California largely taken; for besides that California, properly so call'd, hath formerly been ta∣ken rather for a Peninsula than an Island, and still affords to some an Argument of question, whether it be one or the other. The whole extent of the Province gene∣rally so term'd, hath been reputed to comprehend the suppos'd Peninsula it self, Ci∣bola, Quivira, and Nova Albion; but since, according to the best Maps and Discove∣ries, there seems little doubt to be made, that California, strictly taken, is a perfect Island: and since upon that Consideration we have reserved it to be describ'd amongst the Islands of Northern America, we also consequently judge it most requi∣site to consider those Countreys apart that were included in the extended California.

* 1.437Cibola lieth Southward of Quivira, betwixt it and New Gallicia, to the North and East: on the West it hath Mar Vermiglio, or the Bay of California. The Air of the Province is indifferently temperate, especially if compar'd to the sharp Frosts and Colds of Quivira. The Countrey is for the most part level and plain, as Quivira is, having but few Trees in it, except here and there some Woods of Cedars, which yet do abundantly supply the Natives both with Timber and Fewel. The Ground affords plenty of Maiz, and some small white Pease, of both which they usually make Bread. There is great store of Venison, and a kind of Sheep (as they say, and as it should seem by their Fleece) as big as some little Horses or Oxen, some of their Horns weighing forty or fifty Pound: But perhaps by some mistake of Authors, this Beast may be no other than Taurus Mexicans, elsewhere describ'd, whose Hair is extreamly thick and shaggy, and of which they make Cloth as of Wool, as hath been said. There are also Lyons, Bears, and Tygers in this Province, in such numbers, that the People of the Countrey are not a little troubled with them, and would gladly destroy them if they knew how. The People are generally well Limb'd, tall of Stature, and seem to be a little more Ingenious than their Neigh∣bors of Quivira; yet they go naked many of them, onely cover'd with Mantles made of Skins, which are many times painted, and that with such Curiosity and Art, as do sufficiently argue, that neither themselves nor their Neighbors of Quivira, from whom they have them in Traffick, do make them, but that they are the Merchan∣dise and Commodity of some other Nations, perhaps of Cathay or China, who, by the North-West Seas, do Trade with the Maritime Parts, and People of Quivira.

This part of the Countrey hath been reasonably well search'd by the Spaniards, but as yet nothing discover'd so considerable, as to perswade them to stay in it.

That which seems most observable, is the great Lake Tonteac, situate almost in the midst of the Province; upon which, or near unto it, they found seven or eight old Towns of the Natives, some whereof contain'd four or five hundred of their Cottages or little Houses, and were fortifi'd also with Ramparts, and other Works of Defence, so as the Spaniards could not become Masters of them, but by Force and Storming: In the attempt whereof Vasquez Coronado, their Commander in chief, was twice beaten down with Stones by the Natives; yet at last carrying the Place, he found in it good plenty of Maiz indeed, which was some refreshment to his Army, but nothing else: whereupon having nam'd the Place Granada, in memory of the Vice-Roy of New Spain, who sent him upon that Expedition, he departed. In his return homeward he fell upon a certain Countrey, which he nam'd Tu∣cayan, of which his Companions report great matters; as first, of a certain River call'd Huex, on the Banks whereof, in the space of twenty Leagues, or thereabouts, there stand no less than fifteen good Burroughs, well built, and furnish'd likewise with Stoves or Hot-houses, against the Cold, as in other Countreys of Europe; as also of a very fruitful and pleasant Valley, which they therefore call'd Aroba de Cora∣zones; of another great Town and Territory, call'd Chichilticala; and lastly, of the Valley of Nuestra Sennora, or Our Ladies Dale, in the South parts of the said Terri∣tory, all of them describ'd for such rich and delicious Places, that some take them for the Campi Elisii of America, especially seeing the Spaniards were never known to visit them a second time, the Discoveries that have been made since being onely of the North-West Parts of the Countrey, along the Coasts of Mar Vermiglio, and this no farther than onely to give Name to certain Capes or Promontories which they met with, as namely 1. Porto de St. Clara, near to the Mouth of the River which they call Rio del Nordt. 2. Las Playas. 3. St. Michael. 4. Lago del Oro, which bordereth on Quivira; and lastly, El Rey Coronado, Eastward of that.

TOntonteac is mention'd by so few,* 1.438 and by those few so obscurely, that it can∣not well be determin'd to be any other than that Countrey which lies about the great Lake Tonteac, above spoken of in Cibola, and which being made Habitable by six or seven Towns not inconsiderable for Habitations of native Indians, might haply pass for a distinct Province. And perhaps the reason why this Province hath been so obscure, and little taken notice of, might be from the ruine of these Towns by War, or some other Accident: and to this purpose are the words of a late Wri∣ter, The Province of Tontonteac (saith he) hath five Houses onely left, which stand on the Shore of a salt Lake.

* 1.439NOva Granada, besides that it is a generally known and describ'd Province of Southern America, is also nam'd amongst the Provinces of Northern America, particularly by Bertius, Cluverius, and Golnitzius, and in some late Maps of America so conspicuously specifi'd, that it might appear to be all that Tract of Land which contains both New Mexico and the several Provinces adjoyning to it; but since we find it not describ'd by any at large, it will with most verisimility pass for that part of New Mexico where stands the City of St. Foy; and this is most plainly express'd by Monsieur Martini, though there are who confound Cibola with New Granada. Wa∣ving which Decision, we shall onely insert a short Description of the Place, accor∣ding to Cornato, who seems to have been one of the first Discoverers of these Parts, and whose Credit is preferr'd before that of Marcus de Niza.

Nova Granada (saith he) consists of seven Villages,* 1.440 built in the circumference of four Leagues, the chiefest whereof boasts two hundred Houses, which for the most part are four or five Stories high, and built of Stone; the Cellars thereto belong∣ing, being neatly Pav'd, serve for Stoves against the Cold: they ascend to their upper Rooms by Ladders. The Inhabitants go naked, onely some Covering about their Middle, and over their Shoulders Cotton Cloaks, painted with divers Co∣lours. They live on Maiz, white Pease, Hares, Rabbets, and Venison: their Salt wherewith they season the same, they fetch from a neighboring Lake. The Tur∣kies, which they have in great numbers, are kill'd onely for their Feathers, not∣withstanding their Flesh is exceeding good Meat. The Soil is for the most part plain, yet hath some high Mountains; and the Pastures flourish with Grass. The Woods abound with Bears, Tygers, Lyons, wild Hogs, Rhinocerots, and the like ravenous Beasts, which make the Ways dangerous for Travellers. Besides large Deer, there are also Sheep, which in bigness may compare with Horses, having ex∣ceeding great Horns, and little Tails.

Concerning the abundance of Turkoises, of which Niza makes mention, Cornato could give no certain account, because a little before his Arrival the Granadians had convey'd their Children, which were under fifteen, and the aged People, who were above sixty years of age, with their chiefest Goods, into remote places. However, it is not unknown, that this Countrey affords Turkoises; for Cornato in his Journey to Quivira, Besieg'd a City in these Parts near a great River; the Inhabitants whereof, when they were not able to defend themselves any longer, throwing their Cloaks, Turkoises, and other Riches into the Fire, Sallied out upon the Spaniards, and died not altogether unreveng'd, as shall be specifi'd more at large in the Description of Tignes, which being nam'd among the Towns of Quivira, will upon the compa∣ring of Circumstances, be apparently found to be the same with this.

Lastly, New Granada hath no Fruit-Trees, but little Cedars fit for Building.

CHAP. X. Quivira.

QUivira is the next Region accounted of California, largely taken; yet appear∣ing by some Charts to lie so vastly remote, that all New Mexico, Gallicia, and other Provinces already mention'd, lie between that and the Island. And whereas New Granada is by several made a part of New Mexico; yet most cer∣tain it it is, that by some it is confounded with this Countrey, or at least accounted a part thereof, as hereafter shall more plainly appear, according to the Account of those that have most fully and particularly describ'd it.

* 1.441Quivira takes up the most Northern and unknown part of America towards the West, reaching as far as the supposed Straight of Anian aforesaid (if there be any such) or else joyning to the Continent of Tartary. It is likewise the least fruitful part of all the West-Indies, especially for Corn. Cattel it hath good store, and Pa∣sturage indifferent good, the Countrey being for the most plain and level, and no∣thing else but Pasturage. The Natives are few and salvage, living in Hoards or great Companies together, after the manner of the Tartars, to whom they are Neighbors, and (as it is not improbably thought) of their Race. The Men Clothe themselves most commonly in that kind of Oxes Hide, elsewhere spoken of under the Name of Taurus Mexicanus. The Women wear little else but their Hair, notwithstanding the Countrey, especially for one half of the year, is excessive cold. Their Cattel, though they are much less than the ordinary Kine of Europe, are the chief Sustenance and Employment of the Natives; by Pasturing huge Herds whereof from place to place, the People live, and maintain a Traffick with other Parts. Yet some of them inhabit Towns, the chief whereof, as yet discover'd, seem to be these which follow:

* 1.4421. Acus, or Acuco, a small Town, but seated in a strong defensible place, and being a great Staple for Cotton, the Territory about it hath been taken for a di∣stinct Province, and by some call'd The Kingdom of Acuco.

2. Tignes, a Town seated upon the Banks of a River bearing the same Name, and inhabited, it seems, by a stout and resolute People, and whom the Spaniards, coming amongst them in the Year 1540. had much ado to master: for they endur'd a Siege for the space of six Weeks; and at last finding themselves so strongly begirt by their Enemies, that there was no means to escape but by Death, or yielding up themselves, rather than they would fall alive into their hands, they first buried and spoil'd all such Treasure as they had (which were chiefly Saphires, and a few other Gems, that the Countrey afforded) and after that setting on fire their Houshold-stuff, they took their Wives and Children with them, and made a desperate Sally out upon the Spaniards; wherein although they were most of them slain, and trod under the Horses Feet, or drown'd in passing the River, yet was it not without some loss to the Spaniards themselves: nor would those few that were left behind deliver up the Town, till it was fir'd about their Ears, and that they could no longer abide in it. This Town, by all Circumstances, must needs be the same with that before mention'd in Nova Granada, which makes good what we have said above, viz. That New Granada is by some confounded with, or at least taken for a part of this Region.

3. Cicuic, another small Town, four days Journey from Tignes. The Countrey about this place, although generally it be all good Pasturage, and maintains abun∣dance of Cattel, yet is it so open and plain, that for almost a hundred Miles toge∣ther, the Spaniards, in their March hither from New Spain, found neither Stone nor Tree, nor any thing else that could serve them for a Land-mark; so that they were forc'd, as they march'd along, to raise up Heaps of Cow-dung, to serve them for direction in their coming back, which was not long after: for not finding the Com∣modities they sought for, and fearing to be surpris'd by Winter in those cold Coun∣treys, where they had no kind, of accommodation, they made somewhat a hasty Retreat, leaving behind them onely some few Religious Men, of the Order of St. Francis, whose Endeavours to do the People good by Converting them to the true Knowledge and Worship of Almighty God, procur'd them not long after, the Crown of Martyrdom, being murder'd all of them, except one, by the Natives, and he not without much difficulty escaping their Hands.

NOva Albion was so denominated by Sir Francis Drake,* 1.443 when he was there Enter∣tain'd by the King of that Countrey; but whether it were in Quivira that he was thus Entertain'd, and left that Denomination, or in the Island of California, ap∣pears not either from the Relation, or from the common Consent of Cosmogra∣phers, since some there are, who will have Quivira and Nova Albion to be one and the same Province; others reckon it to be the utmost North-West part of California; others make it distinct from Quivira, yet determine it not to the Island California, seeming rather to make it an adjoyning Countrey to Quivira: wherefore finding little else that concerns the Description of the Place, except the said Voyage of Drake, we shall here set it down, and leave the farther Disquisition concerning the Situation of the Place, till we come to describe the Island of California it self.

* 1.444Captain Francis Drake set Sail from Plymouth Anno 1577. and after much hardship getting through the Straights of Magellan, arriv'd in the Haven Guatulco, having be∣fore his coming thither taken as many rich Spanish Ships in the Southern Ocean as he could possibly have wish'd for, so that his onely care now needed to have been how to get safe home; yet he put on a Resolution, not to come short of Ferdinandus Magellanus, who Saild about the World. Which brave Resolution of Drake's was approv'd of by all his Sea-men; whereupon he set Sail along the North of Califor∣nia the fifth of June; being gotten into forty two Degrees, which was the farthest that Cabrillo went, he came on a sudden out of a warm Air into so frigid a Climate, that the Sea-men were almost kill'd with Cold, and the farther they went, the colder it grew; wherefore falling down three Degrees more Southerly, they got into a convenient Haven, where the Natives who liv'd along the Shore brought them Presents; which Drake left not unrequited, by returning them others, that were to them more novel, and not unuseful.

* 1.445These People are exceeding hardy; for, notwithstanding the extraordinary cold∣ness of the Climate, the Men go naked; but the Women wear Garments of pleited Flags or Rushes, which being put about their Middle, hang down to their Ancles; on their Stomachs hang the ends of a hairy Skin ty'd together, which hanging also over their Shoulders, cover their hinder Parts. They shew great Respect and Obedience to their Husbands. Each House is surrounded with an Earthen Wall, and all the Corners thereof being close stopp'd, and Fires made in the midst of them, they are very warm. Rushes and Flags strow'd thick on the Ground near the Walls, serve them in stead of Beds.

The Indians coming a second time to Visit the English, brought them Plumes of

[illustration]

Feathers, Neckbands of Net-work, and store of Tobacco: Drake pleas'd with this their kindness, built Tents on the Brow of a Hill, on the top of which the Indians stood that brought the Presents, whil'st one of them with a loud voice maintain'd a long Discourse; which he had no sooner ended, but everyone laid down his Bowe and Arrows, and walk'd unarm'd down to the Tents to proffer their Gifts: their Wives staying behind on the top, pinch'd their Cheeks, and made sad lamentation; which Drake suppos'd was because they made Offerings there: whereupon he also caus'd all his Men to kneel down and say their Prayers, which made the Indians to look very earnestly upon them, and to return him the Presents which the day before they had receiv'd of him.

* 1.446The rumour of these Strangers arrival spreading all over the Countrey, made the Inhabitants far and near desirous to see them; the King himself sending Am∣bassadors to Drake, to inform him that he was on the Way coming to see him; all which the Agents related at large, and desir'd some Presents, as a testimony that their King should be welcome; which he being assur'd of, came with a Retinue of above twelve thousand Men, before whom walk'd one of a Gygantick size, carry∣ing a costly Scepter, on which, by three long Chains made of Bones, hung a great and a small Crown made of Feathers; next follow'd the King himself in a Sute of Cony-Skins; then came a great confus'd company of People, each of them carrying a Present: whereupon Drake putting his Men into good order, march'd to meet the King; at which the Mace-bearer made a long Preamble, and when he had done, Danc'd to the Tune of a Song, which he Sung himself; then the King and his whole Retinue also fell a Singing and Dancing so long, till being weary the King went to Drake, and humbly desir'd of him, that he would accept of the Realm, assuring him, that all the People should be under his Obedience; which said, he put the fore-mention'd Crown on his Head, and hanging three double Chains about his Neck, call'd him Hioh: whereupon Drake took possession of the Countrey in Queen Elizabeths Name. The King staying alone with Drake, his Re∣tinue went amongst the English, every one looking very earnestly upon them, and

to those whom they lik'd best, being the youngest, they falling down and crying, proffer'd Offerings, as to Gods, and held their Cheeks to draw Blood out of them; which the English refusing, they desisted; but shew'd them great Wounds, and de∣sir'd some Plaisters of them; which they suppli'd them with.

The English going up into the Countrey found the same well grown with Woods, which abounded with Coneys, whose Heads differ'd little from the European, but having Feet like Moles, long Tails like Rats, and in their Sides a Bag, wherein when they had fill'd their Bellies they put the remainder. They also saw nume∣rous Herds of Deer, with whose Flesh having been courteously Entertain'd in several Villages, they return'd to the Fleet. Drake, just before he weighed Anchor, caus'd a Pillar to be set in the Ground with a Silver Plate on the same,* 1.447 with an Inscrip∣tion, mentioning the Day of his Arrival, Name and Arms of Queen Elizabeth, and free delivering of that Realm to him by the Indians: he also nail'd a Sixpence with the Queens Effigies on the Plate, under which he caus'd his own Name to be Engraven.

THE ISLANDS OF Northern America.

CHAP. XI. Terra Nova, or New-found Land, with the Island of Assumption.

HAving treated at large of all the several Regions and Pro∣vinces of the North part of the Continent of America, we come now to those Islands that lie within the same De∣grees of Northern Latitude with that part of the Conti∣nent: The first is Terre Neuve, or New-found Land, disco∣ver'd together with several other Parts upon the Continent before mention'd by Sir Sebastian Cabott, by the Counte∣nance and Charge of King Henry the Seventh of England; whereupon a rightful Claim thereunto, and Interest therein, hath been own'd by the succeeding Kings of England, as hereafter shall be more particularly related.

* 1.448New-found Land is situated betwixt the Degrees of forty six and fifty three of Northern Latitude, and is divided from the Continent of America by an Arm of the Sea, in like distance as England is from France. The Island is as large as England in length, greater in breadth, and lies near the Course that Ships usually hold in their Return from the West-Indies, and is near the mid-way between Ireland and Virginia.

[illustration] map of the Caribbean

INSULAE AMERICANAE IN OCEANO SEPTENTRIONALI, cum Terris adiacentibus.

We shall not much need to commend the wholsom temperature of this Coun∣trey,* 1.449 seeing the greatest part thereof lieth above three Degrees nearer to the South, than any part of England doth, so that even in the Winter it is pleasant and health∣ful as England is.

* 1.450The natural Inhabitants of the Countrey, as they are but few in number, so are they something a rude and salvage People, having neither knowledge of God, nor living under any kind of Civil Government. In their Habits, Customs, and Man∣ners, they resemble the Indians of the Continent, from whence it is to be suppos'd they come; they live altogether in the North and West part of the Countrey, which is seldom frequented by the English; but the French and Biscainers (who resort thither yearly for the Whale-fishing, and also for the Cod-fish) report them to be an in∣genuous and tractable People (being well us'd) and very ready to assist them with great labour and patience, in the killing, cutting, and boyling of Whales, and ma∣king the Trayn-Oyl, without expectation of other Reward than a little Bread, or some such small Hire.

It hath the most commodious Harbours in the World,* 1.451 and the most safe Seas to Sail to it, there being not any Islands, Rocks or Sands between the Lands-End in Eng∣land and New-found Land, and for the most part it is not above three or four Weeks Sail thither, and less coming back; and is the most commodiously situated for the dis∣covering of the North-West Passage, and other Inlets into the South Sea; whereby the ordinary Voyages to China, Japan, and the East-Indies, are much eas'd in the ex∣pence of Time and Charge; and the most open to Trade to all Parts, of any Island of the West-Indies.

On the East side of the Land, are the Bays of Trinity and Conception, which stretch themselves towards the South-West.

Tor-Bay and Capelin-Bay lying also on the East, stretch themselves towards the West.

The Bays of Trespassey, St. Mary, Borrel, and Plaisance, on the South part of the Land, extend their Arms towards the North.

The great Bay of St. Peters lying on the South-West side of the Land, and Sou∣therly from the great River of Canada, being about twenty Leagues distant, the same stretcheth toward the East.

Trinity Harbour lies in near forty nine Degrees of North Latitude, being very commodiously seated to receive Shipping in seasonable Weather, both to Anchor in, and from thence to Sail towards either the East, West, or South. It hath three Arms or Rivers, long and large enough for many hundred Sail of Ships to moare fast at Anchor near a Mile from the Harbours Mouth. Close adjoyning to the Rivers side, and within the Harbour, is much open Land, well stor'd with Grass suffi∣cient, Winter and Summer, to maintain great store of ordinary Cattel, besides Hogs and Goats, if such Beasts were carried thither; and it standeth North most of any Harbor in the Land, where our Nation practiseth Fishing: It is near unto a great Bay lying on the North side of it, call'd The Bay of Flowers; to which Place no Ships repair to Fish, in regard of sundry Rocks and Ledges lying even with the Wa∣ter, and full of danger.

The bottom of the Bay of Trinity lieth within four Leagues through the Land South-West, Southerly from Trinity, as by experience is found; and it comes near unto the Bay of Trespassey, and the bottom of some other Bays.

Trespassey in like manner is as commodious a Harbour, lying in a more temperate Climate, almost in forty six Degrees of North Latitude, and is both fair and plea∣sant, and a wholsom Coast free from Rocks and Shelves; so that of all other Har∣bours

it lies the most South of any in the Land, and most conveniently to receive our Shipping, passing to and from Virginia and the Bermuda Islands; and also any other Shipping that shall pass to and from the River of Canada, and the Coast there∣of, because they usually pass, and so return in the sight of the Land of Trespassey, and also for some other purposes, as shall be partly declar'd in the following Discourse.

The Soil of this Countrey in the Valleys and sides of the Mountains is so fruit∣ful,* 1.452 as that in divers places the Summer naturally produceth without Tillage, great plenty of green Pease, and Fitches, fair, round, full, and as wholsom as ours in England.

* 1.453Of Berries and Fruits, there grows Strawberries, red and white, and as fair Raspice-berries and Goose-berries as there be in England; as also Bilberries, which are call'd by some Whortes, and many other delicate Berries peculiar to the Coun∣trey, in great abundance. Likewise small Pears, Cherries, Filberds, &c.

* 1.454There are also Herbs for Sallets and Broth, as Parsly, Alexander, Sorrel, &c. and also Flowers, as the red and white Damask Rose, with other kinds, which are most beautiful and delightful, both to the sight and smell. And questionless, the Coun∣trey is stor'd with many Physical Herbs, though their Vertues are not known.

When Corn was first Sow'n here, it was observ'd to grow very fair, the increase was great, and the Grain very good; and several sorts of Kitchin Plants that have been Set here, have prov'd very well.

In divers parts of the Countrey there is great store of Deer,* 1.455 and some Hares, ma∣ny Foxes, Squerrils, Beavers, Martins and Otters, yielding excellent Furrs, Wolves and Bears, with other sorts of Beasts, serving as well for Necessity, as for Profit and Delight.

Variety both of Land and Water-Fowl is in this Countrey infinite:* 1.456 The chief Land-Fowl, besides a great number of small Birds, that live by scraping their Food from the Earth in the hardest Winter, are Hawks, great and small Partridges, Thrush, and Thrussels abundance, very fat; as also Filladies, Nightingales, and such like, which sing most pleasantly. There are also Birds that live by prey, as Ravens, Gripes, Crows, &c. For Water-Fowl, there is certainly so good, and as much variety, as in any part of the World, as Geese, Ducks, Pigeons, Gulls, Penguins, and many other sorts. These Penguins are as big as Geese, but do not flye, for they have but a little short Wing; and they multiply so infinitely upon a certain flat Island, that men drive them from thence upon a Board into their Boats by hundreds at a time, as if God had made the innocency of so poor a Creature to be∣come such an admirable Instrument for the sustentation of Man: And also God∣wits, Curlews, and such like; which Fowl do not onely serve those that Trade thither for Food, but also they are a great furthering to divers Ships Voyages, be∣cause the abundance of them is such, that the Fisher-men do bait their Hooks with the quarters of Sea-Fowl on them; and therewith some Ships do yearly take a great part of their Fishing Voyages with such Bait, before they can get others.

The fresh Waters and Springs of that Countrey are many in number,* 1.457 and with∣all so very pleasant, delightful and wholsom, that no Countrey in the World hath better: And Fewel for Fireing, no where more plentiful.

In like manner there is great abundance of Trees fit to be employ'd in other ser∣viceable uses:* 1.458 There are Fir and Spruce-Trees, sound, good, and fit to Mast Ships with, and as commodious for Boards and Buildings as those of Norway; and out of these come abundance of Turpentine. Moreover the Pine and Birch-Trees here are scarce to be compar'd for heighth and greatness.

The Rivers also and Harbours are generally stor'd with delicate Fish, as Salmons, Peals, Eels, Herrings, Mackrel, Flounders, Launce, Capelin, Cod, and Trouts, the fairest, fattest and sweetest, that ever were seen in these Parts. The like for Lobsters, Cra-fish, Mussles, and other variety of Shell-fish.

The Seas likewise all along the Coast, do plentifully abound in other sorts of Fish, as Whales, Spanish Mackrel, Dorrel, Pales, Herrings, Hogs, Porposes, Seals, and such like Royal Fish, &c.

But the chief Commodity of New found Land yet known, and which is grown to be a setled Trade, and that it may be much better'd by an ordinary Plantation there, (if the Traders thither will take some better course than formerly they have done, as shall be declared) is the Cod-fishing upon that Coast, by which our Nation and many other Countreys are enrich'd.

Almost incredible is the benefit of the Fish, which the French, Biscainers, and Portuguese fetch yearly from this Coast of New-found Land, and the Bank, which lieth within twenty five Leagues from the South Cape of that Countrey, where the French use to Fish Winter and Summer, usually making two Voyages every year thither. To which Places, and to the Coast of Canada, which lieth near unto it, are yearly sent from those Countreys, more than four hundred Sail of Ships.

This Island of Terra Nova belongs properly and justly to the Crown of England, having been under the sole Jurisdiction of the English from the first Discovery there∣of, which was by Sir Sebastian Cabot, Employ'd by King Henry the Seventh, to find out some other part of America, than what had been discover'd by Columbus, as hath been above declar'd in several places.

Afterwards King Henry the Eighth continu'd the English Interest there, and Employ'd one Rutt into that Island, in order to the Plantation thereof.

Queen Elizabeth no less careful to preserve that Plantation, sent Sir Humphrey Gilbert, a Devonshire Knight, to plant a Colony there, the better to secure the same, and to increase Trading there; and accordingly the said Sir Humphrey with two good Ships and a Pinnace in her Name, took possession of that Countrey, in the Harbour of St. Johns. He Sail'd from thence towards Virginia, and by reason of some unhappy direction in his Course, the greatest Ship he had struck upon Shelves on the Coast of Canada, and was there lost, with most part of the Company in her; and he himself, being then in a small Pinnace of twenty Tun, in the company of his Vice-Admiral (Captain Hays) returning towards England, in a great Storm, was overwhelm'd in the Sea, and so perish'd.

In the Year 1608. it was undertaken anew by John Guy, a Merchant of Bristol, and with so good success, that the Colony in a short time were well furnish'd with Wheat, Rye, Barley, and other Grain of their own Sowing, with Turnips, Cole∣worts, and abundance of other necessary things, not without some probable hopes of Metals, a certain and plentiful Trade of Sables, Musk, and other rich Com∣modities.

* 1.459In the Year 1620. Sir George Calvert Knight, then principal Secretary of State, and a Privy Councellor to King James the First of England, &c. purchas'd a part of New-found Land, which was afterwards in the Year 1623. granted to him and his Heirs by Patent from the said King, under the Great Seal of England, bearing Date the seventh of April, in the One and twentieth Year of his Reign: by which means the said Tract of Land was erected into a Province, and at the Instance of the said Sir George Calvert, call'd Avalon, from Avalon in Sommerset-shire, where Christianity was first Planted in England.

This Province lies in the forty seventh Degree of Northern Latitude, and is thus

bounded: It begins Southerly from the middle part of a certain Neck of Land or Promontory, situate between the two Harbours, Fermose and Aquafort; and from thence following the Shore towards the North unto the middle part, or half way over a little Harbour, call'd in that regard Petit Port, or Petit Harbour, which boun∣deth upon the South part of the Plantation of St. Johns, including the one half of a certain fresh River, that falleth into the said Port of Petit Harbour; and so tending along the South Border of the said Colony of St. Johns, extendeth it self to a certain little Bay, commonly call'd Salmon Cove, lying on the South side of the Bay of Conception, including the one half of the River that falleth into the said Cove, as also one half of the Cove it self; from whence passing along the Shore of the said Bay towards the South, and reaching unto the bottom thereof, where it meets with the Lands of the fore-mention'd John Guy, nam'd Sea Forrest, is bounded with a cer∣tain River or Brook, which there falleth into the Sea, and from the Mouth of the said Brook ascendeth unto the farthest Spring or Head thereof; from thence pas∣sing towards the South for six Miles together along the Borders of the said John Guy's Plantation, and there crossing over Westward in a right Line, reacheth unto the Bay of Placentia, and the space of one League within the said Bay from the Shore thereof; whence turning again towards the South, passeth along the Harbour of Placentia, with the like distance from the Shore, and descending unto New Falkland towards the North and West part thereof, stretcheth it self in a right Line East∣ward, continuing the whole Southerly length upon the Bounds of the said New Falkland, unto the middle part or Point of the Promontory, or Neck of Land be∣fore mention'd, between the Ports Fermose and Aquafort; at which place is describ'd and finish'd the Perambulation of the whole Precinct, whose Extent may be thus computed, commencing from the Promontory between the Ports Fermose and Aqua∣fort, which is fifty or sixty Miles from South to North distant from Petit Harbour; from whence crossing Westward to the Bay of Placentia, is judg'd to be sixty Miles more or upwards, from East to West.

And thereby was also granted to the said Sir George Calvert and his Heirs, all Islands and Islets, within ten Leagues of the Eastern Shore of the said Region to∣wards the East, together with the Fishing of all sorts of Fish, saving unto the English free liberty of Fishing, as well in the Seas as in the Ports and Creeks of the Province aforesaid, and the Priviledges of salting and drying their Fish upon the Shores of the said Province, as heretofore they reasonably us'd and enjoy'd the same, so as they do no injury or notable loss or detriment unto the Lord Proprietary, his Heirs and Assigns, or to the Inhabitants of the said Province, in the Ports, Creeks, and Shores aforesaid, and especially in the Woods growing within the said Province.

And by the said Patent all Royal Jurisdictions and Prerogatives, both Military and Civil, within the said Province and Islands thereunto belonging, were farther granted to the said Sir George Calvert and his Heirs, and he and they thereby created the true and absolute Lords and Proprietaries of the said Province, saving the Al∣legiance due to His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, to be held of them in Capite, yielding and paying unto them therefore a white Horse, when, and as often as any of them shall come into the said Province, and the fifth part of all Gold and Silver Oar which should be found there.

Sir George Calvert, before the obtaining of this Patent, had caus'd a fair House and Fort to be built in the said Province, at a place call'd Ferryland, and in the Year 1624. having obtain'd a Dismission from his Employment of Secretary of State, and being then created Lord Baltemore of Baltemore in Ireland, he did in the Year 1627. Transport himself to Avalon, to inspect his Concerns there in Person; from

whence returning the same year, he Embarqu'd himself again, together with his Lady and all his Family, except his eldest Son, for Avalon the year following; at which time (there being then War between England and France) he redeem'd above twenty Sail of English Ships, which had been taken there that year by French Men of War, whereof one Monsieur De la Rade had the chief Command, and shortly after took six French Fishing Ships upon that Coast, and sent them the same year, with a great many French-men Prisoners, into England. Coming thence, he left a Deputy there, and continu'd the Plantation till his Death, which was in April 1632. After whose Decease it descended of right to his Son and Heir Cecil, now Lord Baltemore; who thereupon sent one Captain William Hill as his Deputy thither, to take possession thereof, and to manage his Interest there for him. Captain Hill, according to his Commission, shortly after repair'd thither, and liv'd some years at the Lord Bal∣temore's House at Ferryland above mention'd.

In the thirteenth Year of King Charles the First, of England, &c. about the Year of our Lord 1638. Marquess Hamilton, Earl of Pembroke, Sir David Kirk, and others, under pretence that the Lord Baltemore had deserted that Plantation, obtain'd a Patent of all New-found Land, wherein Avalon was included, and shortly after dis∣possess'd the Lord Baltemore of his Mansion House in Ferryland, and other Rights there, and during the late Rebellion in England kept possession; but His now Ma∣jesty King Charles the Second, immediately after his most happy Restauration in the Year 1660, upon the now Lord Baltemore's Petition, thought fit to refer the whole Matter to be Examin'd by Sir Orlando Bridgeman, then Lord-Chief Justice, now Lord-Keeper of the Great Seal of England, and others, to report the true state thereof to His Majesty, together with their Opinions thereupon: The Referrees accordingly, upon full hearing of Council on both sides, certifi'd; That they con∣ceiv'd the said Patent to Sir George Calvert, to be a good Patent, in force, and not avoided by the later to Sir David Kirk and others; and that the Title and Interest to the said Province did therefore belong to the Lord Baltemore. Whereupon His Majesty, on the twentieth of March in the same Year, Order'd the Possession thereof to be re-deliver'd to his Lordship, which was accordingly executed: Since which time his Lordship has peaceably enjoy'd the possession thereof, and continues the Plantation to this day, by deputing Lieutenants there from time to time, for the better Government of that Province, the rest of New found Land remaining still to the aforesaid Proprietors, claiming by the Patent of 13 Car. 1.

The Commodities that are either by Art or Nature produc'd there, are the same with those of the remainder of New-found Land. The Winter there is extream cold, the Summer very hot, but withal pleasant; and during that Season there is great plenty of Pasture for Cattel.

The Coast of this Province is very safe, and as well furnish'd with variety of bold and pleasant Harbors, as any other part of New-found Land; where the Eng∣lish likewise Fish for Cod, the lesser sort whereof is call'd Poor-John, which is there caught in great abundance, especially at Ferryland, and in the Bay of Bulls. Besides these two there are divers other excellent Harbors on the Eastern Shore of Avalon, as Capling Bay, Cape Broyle, Brittus, Isle of Spears, Barrom Cove, Whitburns Bay, and Petit Harbour above mention'd. On the West are the Bay of Placentia, and several other good Harbors.

There are no Indians in Avalon, and but few English, by reason of the excessive Cold in Winter, though Sir David Kirk and his Lady, and also his Family, liv'd in the Lord Baltemore's House at Ferryland for the space of ten years and upwards.

The Soil seems to promise great store of Mines, which probably may in time be

disover'd. The late Lord Baltemore took accidentally a piece of Oar up that lay there upon the surface of the Earth, and brought it with him into England, which was found upon trial to yield a greater proportion of Silver, than the Oar of Potosi in the West-Indies, but hitherto no Mine of it hath been discover'd there.

The Trade of Fishing being of so great concernment to the Nation of England, the same (if it be well manag'd in this Island of Terra Nova) will employ every year above two hundred Sail of English Ships, and ten thousand Mariners, besides the great benefit which may accrue unto the Nation by Imposition upon Strangers there, which would amount to several thousands of Pounds per Annum; with which those Coasts may be Guarded, and Ships Trading thither secur'd: besides the great Customs by the Ships call'd The Sacks (being commonly in great numbers every year) who carry Fish from New-found Land into the Straights, France, Portugal, and Spain, and who bring their Returns into England, as Bullion, and all other native Commodities of those Countreys.

If the Island were well fortifi'd, we might Command all those of other Nations that come to Fish in New-found Land, to pay Contribution in Fish or otherwise, for their Priviledge to Fish there, the said Island being first Planted by English, and per∣taining to the Kingdom of England; or if occasion should require, they might be utterly debarr'd of Fishing there.

The Trade of Fishing is of so great concernment to France, Spain, Portugal, the Straights, and other Parts, that they cannot well be without that yearly Supply in Fish which comes from that Island: Neither can the Hollanders, Spaniards, or Portuguese, well set any Ships to the West-Indies, without New-found Land Fish, there being none that will endure to pass the Line sound and untainted, but the Fish of that Countrey, salted and dry'd there. And so long as the Act continues still in force, That no Fish be Transported from the said Island, but in English Bottoms, it will contribute very much to our encrease of Shipping there, and by consequence, of the employment of Mariners; and the Fishing of that part of the Island will be solely appropriated to the English Nation, to whom of right it belongs, which will prove the greatest Ballance of Trade in that part of the World; and that whereas above two hundred Sail do Trade thither yearly to Fish, if a thousand Sail come, if there be but Fisher-men enow, they may all have Fraughtage there.

The French, if once the Island be fortifi'd, will be depriv'd of their Nursery of Mariners, this being the onely place, besides Canada, and one or two adjacent Coasts, where they come for supply of Fish, with which that Nation cannot be furnish'd so well from other Parts.

By well Planting and Fortifying New-found Land, the Trading to Virginia, New England, and those Parts, would be much encourag'd, New England having had of late great Traffick with New-found Land, where they vend the Growth of their Plantation. Besides, New-found Land is a Key to the Gulf of Canada, which if the English had again in their possession, as they had in the Years 1628. and 1632. they might give a Law to all foreign Kings and People interested in any of the parts of America, and a Protection to all the English Plantations upon that Continent, where∣by great security, comfort and profit would arise to the Nation and People of it: whereas on the contrary, if the French, Spanish, or Dutch, should possess themselves of the said Plantation, they would not onely deprive this Nation of all the Ad∣vantages aforesaid, but would also derive to themselves so great a Power to preju∣dice all the Plantations of the Coasts of America belonging to this Nation, that the Inconveniences thereof are scarce to be imagin'd or express'd.

[illustration] map of Bermuda

••••ppa AESTIVARVM Insularum ••••••s BARMVDAS dictarum, ad Ostia Mexi∣••••i astuarij jacentium in latitudine Graduum 32 Minutorum 25. Ab Anglia, Londino Scilicet versus Libonotum 3300 Miliaribus Anglicanis, et a Roanoack (qui locus est in Virginia) versus Euronotum 500 Mill. accurate descripta.

Nomina, fortunae bona submittentium in quaestus Virginiani alea A. j622, quam fieri potuit accuratissims, expressa numeris, corum portiones quam proxime in agrorum divisione referentibus, quae portiones illic Separatim distinguntur in regione ipsa. quemadmodum hic lineis ob oculos ponuntur.

• Hammilton alias Har: rington Tribe.
  • ...1 To Lord Marq. Hammilton — Shares 6
  • ...1 Si. Edward Harwood — Shares 4
  • ...2 M. Iohn Delbridge — Shares 3
  • ...3 M. Iohn Dike — Shares 3
  • ...4 M. El. Robert — Shares 2
  • ...5 M Rob. Phipps — Shares 2
  • ...6 M Ralph King — Shares 2
  • ...7 M Quicks heires or assignes — Shares 2
  • ...8 M ••illiam Canning — Shares 4
  • ...8 M. Will. Canning — Shares 1
  • ...8 M. Will. Webb•• — Shares ••
  • ...9 M. Iohn Barnard — Shares 2
  • ...10 Si. Tho. Huggia — Shares 2
  • ...11 M. Iohn Gearing — Shares 2
  • ...12 M. Cleoph. Smith — Shares 2
  • ...13 Robert, Earle of Warwick — Shares 4
  • ...14 M. Tho. Cowell — Shares 3
  • ...15 M. Greenwels heires, or assig. — Shares 1
  • ...16 M. Cley — Shares 1
  • ...17 M. Poulson — Shares 2
  • ...18 M. Iohn Dike — Shares 1½
  • ...19 Common ground — Shares 13 acres
  • ...20 M Iohn Dike — Shares 1½
  • ...21 M. Geo. Thorpe. Esquire — Shares 1
• Smiths Tribe.
  • ...1 Si. Dudley Digge, Since M. Geo. Sandys. or his assig. — Shares 2
  • ...2 M. Rich. Edwards — Shares 2
  • ...3 M. Will. Payne — Shares 4
  • ...4 M. Rob. Smith — Shares 2
  • ...5 M. Geo. Berkleys assignes — Shares 5
  • ...6 Si. Sam. Sandys — Shares 7
  • ...7 M. Autho. Pennistone — Shares 4
  • ...8 Si. Edwin Sandys — Shares 1
  • ...9 Si Tho. Smith — Shares 5
  • ...10 M. Rich. Morer — Shares 4
  • ...11 M. Henry Timberly — Shares 4
  • ...12 Rob Iohnson, Alderman — Shares 5
  • ...13 M. Iohn Wroth — Shares 3
  • ...14 M. George Smith — Shares 4
• Devonshire Tribe.
  • ...1 M. Antho. Pennystone — Shares 2
  • ...2 M. Iohn Dike — Shares 1
  • ...3 M. Iohn Dike — Shares 1
  • ...4 M. Iohn Barnard — Shares 2
  • ...5 Robert Earle of Warwick — Shares 2
  • ...6 M. Francis West — Shares 2
  • ...7 Will. Lord Cavendish — Shares 3
  • ...8 The said W. Lord Cavandish — Shares 2
  • ...8 Will. Earle of Devonshire — Shares 5
  • ...9 M. Edw. Lukin — Shares 5
  • ...9 M. Edward Ditchfield — Shares 1
  • ...10 M. Edw. Ditchfield — Shares 4
  • ...11 M. Will. Nichols — Shares 2
  • ...12 M. Edw. Ditchfield — Shares 1
  • ...13 M. Iohn Fletcher — Shares 2
  • ...14 M. Gideon Dolawne — Shares 2
  • ...15 M. Anthon. Pennistone — Shares 3
  • ...16 M. Best — Shares 2
  • ...17 M. Edw. Lukin — Shares 2
  • ...18 M. Rich. Rogers — Shares 2
  • ...19 M. Will. — Shares 4
• Pembroke Tribe.
  • ...1 M. George Smith — Shares 4
  • ...2 Gleabland — Shares 2
  • ...3 M. Nicholas Hide, Esquire — Shares 1
  • ...4 Si. Laurence Hide — Shares 2
  • ...5 M. Thomas Ladwin — Shares 2
  • ...6 William, Earle of Pembroke — Shares 10
  • ...7 M. Richard Edwards — Shares 1
  • ...8 M. Harding — Shares 1
  • ...9 M. Richard Edwards — Shares 1
  • ...10 M. Ward — Shares 1
  • ...11 M. Richard Edwards — Shares 2
  • ...12 M. Iacobson or his assign — Shares 1
  • ...13 M. Iohn Farrar — Shares 1
  • ...14 M. Iohn Farrar — Shares 1
  • ...15 M. Nichol. Farrar — Shares 1
  • ...16 M. William Canning — Shares 2
  • ...17 M. Richard Martine. Esq — Shares 2
  • ...18 M. Morris Abbot — Shares 2
  • ...19 M. Rich. Caswell — Shares 1
  • ...20 M. Rich. Caswell — Shares 2
  • ...21 M. Rich. Caswell — Shares 1
  • ...22 M. Rich. Edwards — Shares 2
  • ...23 M. Rich. Edwards — Shares 2
  • ...24 M. Rich. Caswell — Shares 2
  • ...25 M. Rich. Edwards — Shares 2
  • ...26 M. Geo. Sandys, or his Assig. — Shares 2
  • ...27 M. William Payne — Shares 2
• Pagets Tribe.
  • ...1 M. Iohn Chamberlaine, Esq — Shares 5
  • ...2 M. Thomas Ayres and — Shares 4
  • ...2 M. Rich. Wiseman — Shares 4
  • ...3 Rich. Wiseman — Shares 1
  • ...4 William, Lord Paget — Shares 10
  • ...5 M. William Palmar — Shares 4
  • ...6 M. Bagwell — Shares 5
  • ...7 Iohn Ball — Shares 1
  • ...8 M. Thomas Wheatley — Shares 1
  • ...9 M. Christopher Barron — Shares 4
  • ...10 M. Iohn Woodall — Shares 1
  • ...11 M. Iohn Woodall — Shares 1
  • ...12 M. Lewes — Shares 2
  • ...13 M. Geo. Etheridg — Shares 4
  • ...14 Incognira — Shares 2
  • ...15 Si. William Wade — Shares 1
  • ...16 M. Iohn Bernard — Shares 1
• Warwick Tribe.
  • ...1 Captains Daniel Tucker — Shares 1
  • ...2.3.4.5.6 M. Ioseph Man — Shares 5
  • ...7 M. Step. Sparrow — Shares 1
  • ...8 M. Francis Meuerell — Shares 1
  • ...9.10 M. Sam. Tickier — Shares 2
  • ...11.12.13 M. George Smith — Shares 5
  • ...14.15 M. George Smith — Shares 5
  • ...16.17.18 Robert, Earle of Warwicke — Shares 5
  • ...19.20 Robert, Earle of Warwicke — Shares 5
  • ...21 M. William Felgate — Shares 1
  • ...22.23 Capt. Daniel Tucker — Shares 2
  • ...24.25 M. Rich. Wheatly — Shares 2
  • ...26 Capt. Daniel Tucker — Shares 2
  • ...27 Iohn Faucet — Shares 1
  • ...28 Doct. Anth. Hun. ton. or his Assign. — Shares 2
  • ...29 Doct. Anth. Hun. ton. or his Assign. — Shares 2
  • ...30 M. Francis Meuerell — Shares 1
  • ...31 M. Rich. Poulson — Shares 1
  • ...32 M. Mathew Shepheard — Shares 1
  • ...to. 42 M. Geo Tucker — Shares 10
  • ...43 M. Christ. Cletheros — Shares 1
  • ...44 M. George Swinhow — Shares 2
  • ...45 M. George Swinhow — Shares 2
  • ...46 M. Richard Tomlins Esq — Shares 1
  • ...47 M. Francis Meuerell — Shares 1
  • ...48.49 Sir Iohn Walter — Shares 2
  • ...50 M. Martin Bond — Shares 1
• Southampton Tribe.
  • ...1 Capt. Tucker — Shares 1
  • ...2 Capt. Tucker — Shares 1
  • ...3 Capt. Tucker — Shares 2
  • ...4 M. Iohn Britton — Shares 1
  • ...5 M. Rich. Chamberlaine — Shares 3
  • ...6 M. Leo. Harwood, or his assig. — Shares 1
  • ...7 M. Iohn Bankes — Shares 1
  • ...8 Sir Nathaniell Rich. — Shares 12
  • ...9 Robert, Earle of Warwich — Shares 3
  • ...10 M. Rich. Morer — Shares 6
  • ...11 M. George Scot — Shares 6
  • ...11 M. Edmund Scot — Shares 6
  • ...11 M. Antho. Abdy — Shares 6
  • ...12 Heary. Earle of Southamton — Shares 4
  • ...12 M. Arch. Bromefield — Shares 2
  • ...13 M. Henry Timberly — Shares 2
  • ...14 S. Thomas Hewet — Shares — Shares 2
  • ...15 M. Peirces — Shares 1
  • ...16 S. Ralgh. Winwood — Shares 2
• Refiduum. Quid hoc Refiduum sit. et cor hic apposition apparet libro Geodesae. Societati exhibito.
  • ...1 Captaine Tucker Parts 3
  • ...2 Gleabe-land Parts 2
  • ...1 Sandys Tribe Parts 2
• Sandys Tribe.
  • ...3 M. Geor Barkley or his heires — Shares 5
  • ...4 S. Edwards Sandys — Shares 5
  • ...5 M. Ierom Heydon — Shares 10
  • ...6 M. Tho. Melling et M. Iohn Cusse — Shares 2
  • ...7 M. Rich. Chamberlaine — Shares 2
  • ...8 M. Abraham Chamberlaine — Shares 2
  • ...9 M. George Smith — Shares 2
  • ...10 M. Robert Gore — Shares 3
  • ...11 S. Edwards Sackvile — Shares 1
  • ...11 S. Iohn Davers — Shares 1
  • ...12 M. Robert Gore — Shares 2
  • ...13 M. Iohn Delbridge — Shares 1
  • ...14 M. Iohn Wroth Esq — Shares 1
  • ...15 M. Rich. Chamberl. Esq — Shares 10

Ad Communem agram in singu lis Tribubus quol attinet, in quot portiones dividatur et ibi inceat quemadmodum partim in Mappa Choragraphica exprimitur. Ita eti am claribus liquet ex Libre Geo desiae Virginianae Societati tradito.

After the granting of the Patent aforesaid of 13 Car. 1. Sir David Kirk's great Pains there, and constant Endeavours, were beyond expectation bless'd with a con∣tinuance and preservation of Trade in that Place; in the carrying on of which, he had always a special regard to the real Advantage of this Kingdom, and the parti∣cular Service of His Majesty.

* 1.460Before this Island, right over against Cape Ray, at the distance of twenty four Leagues or more, there lieth an huge Bank or Ridge of Land, extending it self in length out of the Sea, above a hundred Leagues, but in breadth not above four or five and twenty, when it is broadest, and in other parts much less, sharpning to∣wards each end into a Conus, or narrow Point. It is accounted one of the Wonders of the Sea, which round about, at some distance, is very deep, and hardly to be sounded, especially betwixt the Bank (for so they commonly call it) and Cape Ray, but drawing nearer, it grows by degrees more and more shallow, insomuch that nigh the Land there is not much more Water than is necessary for the Ships to Ride in. It runneth out in length, as was said, from North to South, from forty one Degrees of Latitude to fifty two; and round about it there lie scatter'd a multitude of lesser Islands, which Sir Sebastian Cabot, when he first discover'd the Place, call'd by one common Name Los Baccaloos, or The Islands of Cod-fish,* 1.461 from the great quan∣tity of that sort of Fish he there found; which was such, that they hindred the pas∣sage of his Ships, and lay in such multitudes upon the Coasts, that the very Bears would come and catch them in their Claws, and draw them to Land.

* 1.462IN the Gulf of St. Laurence, towards the Mouth of the River Canada, is another less considerable Island, said to have been first discover'd by Quartier, and by him call'd The Island of Assumption; by John Alphonso, The Island of Ascension; by the Natives, Natistcotec: It extends it self from the forty eighth to the fiftieth Degree, between the South-East and North-West.

Quartier makes mention of a strange kinde of Fish, found in the River of Canada, like unto a Sea-Hog, but having the Head of a Hare, it is call'd by the Natives Adhothuys.

Not far from this is a little Island, call'd by the French, Isle de Sable, or The Sandy Island; and another on the West of Terra Nova, call'd Isle de Bretons, or The Island of St. Laurence, besides several little scatter'd Islands in the Gulf of St. Laurence, as Menego, and The Three Islands of Birds; in which are found a kind of amphibious Animal, call'd by the French, Cualrus, and by the Russians, Morsh; somewhat like a Sea-Calf, but more monstrous.

CHAP. XII. The Bermudas, or Summer-Islands.

* 1.463THe Bermudas, or Summer-Islands (probably so term'd as to the first Appellati∣on from certain black Hogs, by the Spaniards call'd Bermudas, which from a Ship bound with them to some other parts of the West-Indies, and cast away upon that Coast, swam ashore, and there increased; or, as others say, from John Bermudes, a Spaniard, who is said to have been the first Discoverer; or, as to the second, from one George Summers, an English-man, who there suffer'd shipwrack)

are situated in thirty two Degrees and twenty five Minutes of Northern Latitude, about sixteen hundred Leagues from England, twelve hundred from Madera, four hundred from Hispaniola, and three hundred from the nearest Coast of Virginia. The first that endeavour'd to settle Plantations here was a Spaniard nam'd Hernando Camelo, being design'd Conductor in this Expedition: And this Undertaking was so much the more eagerly prosecuted, upon consideration that the Plate-Fleet Sailing from Havana through the Straights of Bahama, might here have a conveni∣ent Harbour; but those who were invited to become Adventurers, with proffers of great Advantage, shewing themselves very slack in the Business, and Charles the Fifth being at that time intangled in War and other troublesom Affairs, the Design came to nothing, and for above sixty years after no farther Attempt was made by any for the Planting of these Islands, till at last the French made a Voyage thither under Captain Barboriere, but by Shipwrack were frustrated of their hopes; nor made they any more Preparations in this Design. In which nevertheless the English were not so easily discourag'd; for first Captain Gosnol and Smith set forth, at the Charges of Mr. Edward Wingfield; next, Captain Nelson; then successively West, Gates, Argal, and Wyat, but all with little or no success, till at length in the Year 1612. a Company was establish'd in London by the King's Letters Patents, who sent one Mr. Richard Moor with sixty Men to the Bermudas, where he spent three years in fortifying those Islands: but that which put a little stop to this good beginning, was a kind of Misfortune that hapned; for the Rats which were gotten ashore from a Shipwrack increas'd so exceedingly, that they devour'd all the Plants in the Field, and the Provision in the Houses, insomuch that a great Famine proceeded from thence, all means to destroy the Vermine being in vain; till at last Providence sent a Disease amongst them, which ••••ill'd them all in a very short time. Mean while Moor went on in the fortification of the Island, and was ere long supply'd with fresh People. Mr. Barlet was sent over with sixty Men, and carried from thence▪ with him eighty Pound of Ambergreece. And soon after three Ships more, viz. the Blessing, the Star, and the Margaret, convey'd thither four hundred and ten, Men and Women. As soon as Moor was call'd away, Daniel Tuckard coming from Virginia to succeed him, bestirr'd himself very much, Planting all places full of Trees fetch'd from the West-Indian Islands; as also Tobacco, with which he fraighted a Ship to London. Moreover, the Countrey was divided into Acres, that every Planter might have an equal share, and know his own Lands. Anno 1619. Tuckard was succeeded by Nathaniel Butler, who in four Ships brought thither five hundred Men and Wo∣men, to supply the first Plantation, which was much decay'd since the Rats had devour'd their Provisions, so that it was little look'd after by the Company in Lon∣don: But now they built a Church and erected a Court of Judicature, and all things were order'd conveniently for the publick good. After which many Noble Persons set Sail thither in the Magazine Frigat; and the Planters being now fifteen hundred in number, inhabited twenty Leagues of Land in length.

* 1.464On the longest Island, call'd St. George, (for the Bermudas consists of several Islands, great and small) they built Warwick and Dover Forts, with other Fortifica∣tions and Towers, which had their Denominations from those Noble-men and Gentlemen that were Undertakers in this Plantation, as Cavendish, Paget, Herbert, &c. from the Earl of Devonshire, the Lord Paget, the Earl of Pembroke, and others.

* 1.465Amongst the Havens the eminentest are, Southampton, the Inlet Harrington, and the Great Sound.

All these Islands lying together resemble a Half-Moon, and are surrounded with Rocks, which appear at Low-water, and at High lie but shallow; for it seldom

Ebbs or Flows above five Foot. The Shore, for the most part Rocky, and hardned by the Sun and Wind, receives no damage by the Waves which continually beat against the same.

* 1.466The Ground it self differs; for in some places it is sandy or clayie, and in others partly black, and partly white, or Ash-colour'd Earth; which last is ac∣counted the worst, and the black the best. Three Foot deep under the Ash-colour'd Earth lie great Slates, and under the black, a white spungie Stone, like the Pu∣mice, in whose moist Crevises Trees take root.

The Pits or Wells, though they Ebb and Flow with the Sea, yet produce a wholsom and sweet Water.

* 1.467The Skie is generally serene, but when over-cast with Clouds, is subject to Light∣ning and Thunder; yet the Air is of a good temper, being neither exceeding cold, nor excessive hot: for which reason the European Fruits grow better there than in their natural Soil.

Their Harvest is twice a year; for that which they Sowe in March, is ripe and gather'd in June; then what they Sowe again in August, they gather in January.

* 1.468These Islands breed no hurtful Creatures; nay, the yellow Spider which spins silken Cobwebs, is free from Poyson.

The Plant Nuchtly, which bears speckled Pears, grows betwixt the Rocks which are drench'd with Sea-water.

The Hogs which above a hundred and fifty years since swam ashore out of the Spanish Wrack, are exceedingly increas'd there, but because of their poorness are scarce eatable, they feeding onely on the sweet Berries which fall from the Palmito-Trees.

About the white and red Mulberries, which grow plentifully there, breed thousands of Silk-worms, which spin Silk according to the colour of the Mul∣berries.

The Sea produces some quantity of Pearls and Ambergreece.

From the beginning of the year till May, the Whales are seen to swim not far from the Shore.

A strange sort of Sea-Fowl breed in Holes like Rabbets; and amongst other Birds, here are also store of Cranes.

The Tobacco which the English have planted here grows very well.

* 1.469Here are likewise great Tortoises, which Lay their Eggs in the Sand on the Shore, where they are Hatch'd by the Beams of the Sun, and are taken after this manner: In the Night some are set to watch where they Land, and whilest they are digging a deep Hole in the Ground, are thrown on their Backs, and not being able to get upon their Legs again, they lie and groan very pitifully: some of them having above two Basons full of Eggs in their Bellies; which being about the big∣ness of a Tennis-Ball, have a thin Shell, which incloseth a Yolk and White. If these Eggs lie buried six years, then the young Tortoises breaking the Shell, come out of the Sand, and instantly creep into the Sea. Their Flesh is not onely wholsom but toothsom. The Oyl made of them is not inferior to Butter.

* 1.470Moreover, the Bermudas produce Cedars, the like of which are not to be found in the whole World: The Leaves are douny and prickly at the ends, almost like those of the Juniper Tree: The Wood hath a sweet smell, and the Berries, which are like the Myrtle, of a pale Red, inclose four white Kernels; the outermost Skin where∣of is sweet; the innermost, which covers the Kernel, sharp, and the Pulp tartish: The Trees are always flourishing, being at the same time full of Blossoms, green, and ripe Fruit: The Berries, when grown ripe, begin to gape, and fall off in rainy

Weather, leaving a round Stalk on the Boughs, which loses not its Rind till two years after; half which time the Berry requires, before it attains to its perfect ripe∣ness, which generally happens in the Winter: The Boughs shoot straight upwards, and become in time so heavy, that they cause the Body of the Tree to bend. This most excellent Wood grows in divers places of the Bermudas.

We shall conclude with the resolute Exploit of five Sea-men, Anno 1616. who, to the great admiration of all People, set Sail from thence in an open Vessel of three Tun through the main Ocean, and after having suffer'd terrible Tempests, arriv'd in the space of seven Weeks safe in Ireland.

These Islands are remarkable for divers sorts of Plants, unknown in other Parts, as the Prickle Pear, Poyson Weed, Red Weed, Purging Bean, Costive Tree, Red Pepper, and the Sea Feather. Also several strange Birds, as the Egg Bird, Cahow, Tropick Bird, and the Pemlico, which presageth Storms.

CHAP. XIII. Hispaniola.

THe Islands call'd De Barlovento, by which are understood Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, and Boriquen, as also the Lucaies, with the Caribes, and lastly the Isles call'd De Sotavento, viz. Margareta, Cabagua, and Tabago, are by some com∣prehended all under the general Name of The Isles Antilles; though others reckon the Antilles to be the same with the Caribes onely. But leaving this Controversie undecided, we shall begin with the Isles De Barlovento, the chief whereof is Hi∣spaniola.

* 1.471Hispaniola, or Little Spain (as Columbus nam'd it) is, though not the largest, yet the fairest and goodliest of all the American Islands, call'd by the Natives anciently Hayti and Quisqueia: It lieth about fifteen Leagues Westward of Porto Rico, and distant from the main Land of America about one hundred and twenty; 'tis of a tri∣angular form, the sharpest Point whereof is that towards Porto Rico, which they call Cabo de Enganno: that towards the West inclines to a Semi-circle, containing a good and convenient Bay betwixt the two Points, viz. St. Nicholas to the North, and Cabo de Donna Maria towards the South. It is not thought to be less than a hundred and fifty Leagues in length, and in breadth from threescore to thirty, and to contain in the compass of the whole, four hundred Leagues at least, lying be∣twixt eighteen and twenty Degrees of Northern Latitude, having an Air somewhat infested with the Morning Heats, but well cool'd again in the Afternoon, by a con∣stant Wind from the Sea, which they call there Virason. It is, for the fertility of the Soil, one of the richest and most flourishing Countreys in the World; the Trees and all things else there continually clad, as it were, in their Summer Livery, the Meadows and Pastures always green, and of such an excellent Herbage, that Cattel both breed and thrive there beyond belief; both great Cattel and small, as Kine, Sheep, Hogs, &c. brought thither out of Spain, having multiply'd to such numbers, that they live wild now in Herds in several places, and are both hunted and kill'd, like Stags or other Venison, onely for their Hides, which they send yearly into Spain and other parts of Europe, as a great Merchandize and Commodity of huge profit to them.

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Wild Hogs also have been formerly seen to feed in the Woods in great multi∣tudes, but the Dogs since they were brought over hither, have made great havock amongst them.

* 1.472The Animals peculiar to this Island are 1. A little Beast call'd Hutias, not much unlike our Coneys. 2. Chemi, almost of the same form, but a little bigger. 3. Mohui, A Beast somewhat less than the Hutias. 4. A Beast call'd Coxi.

* 1.473Likewise amongst other strange sorts of Creatures here, the Cuyero is very obser∣vable, being about an Inch big, and having four Wings, of which two are larger than the other: when they flie they shine after such a manner, that in the Night they make a Room as light as day, insomuch that some have made use of them in stead of Candles to Read by.

* 1.474No less wonderful is the Fish Manate, whose shape hath been describ'd else∣where: It breeds for the most part in the Sea, yet sometimes swimming up the Rivers, comes ashore and eats Grass. The Casique Caramatexi kept one in the Lake Guaynato, which was so tame, that when call'd by the Name Maton, it us'd to come out of the Water, and go directly to the Casique's House, where being fed, it return'd to the Lake, accompanied with Men and Boys, who with their Singing seem'd to delight the Fish, which sometimes carried ten Children on its Back over the Water; but at last a Spaniard striking at it with a Pike, it would never come forth again when it espy'd a Cloth'd Man: It liv'd twenty six years in the fore-mention'd Lake, till by accident the River Hayboaic over-flowing into the said Lake, the Fish return'd to the Sea.

* 1.475Besides this great Fish, here is also a sort of small Fish, call'd Abacatuaia, with a little Mouth, black Eyes encompass'd with Silver-colour'd Circles, four black Fins, two long ones under its Belly, one on the Back, and one on each side of the Head, the Tail slit and cover'd with a glittering Skin: It is as big as a Flounder, and not ill Meat, but thick and round.

* 1.476When the Spaniards first setled on Hispaniola, they were exceedingly tormented with a sort of leaping Insects call'd Nigua, which us'd to eat through their Skin into

the Flesh in such a nature, that many of them lost their Arms and Legs; but at last they found out a Remedy against this Evil, viz. the searing the Wounds with hot Irons.

Besides the aforesaid plenty of Flesh, they have many excellent Fruits all the year long, as Banana's,* 1.477 Pine-Apples, Custud-Apples, Plantens, Papans, Musk∣melons, Water-melons, and many other peculiar Plants, as 1. the Auzuba, a fair large Tree, the Fruit whereof is call'd Pinnas, resembling a Malecotoon: Of this Tree there are three sorts, Jaima, Boniama, and Jaiqua; 2. Quauconex; 3. Axi; of which there are also several sorts, as Carive, Huarahuac, Axiblanco, Acafran-Axi, and Axi-Coral; 4. Yuca, the Root of which serves in stead of Corn; 5. Certain Trees call'd Guaibes, besides plenty of Mint and Potato's.

* 1.478The Island of Hispaniola was formerly divided into several Provinces, amongst which the Mountainous, Countrey Hyguey lies towards the Isle of Porto Rico. On the Mountains, which are flat on the top, are great variety of sharp-pointed Stones. The Soil is a sort of colour'd Earth, which produces all sorts of Fruit, especially the Root Casabi, and Melons.

Hyguey also conterminates with Ycayagua; Northward lies Samana; Southward, Yaquimo, where there is store of Brasile Wood: And between the City Domingo and Yaquimo, is the Countrey Baoruco, which with its Mountains extends sixty Leagues in length, and above twenty in breadth, without any Water, Pasture, or Food for Cattel or Mankind.

Next follows the Countrey Xaragua, lying at the great Inlet which divides Hi∣spaniola; for one side extends to the Promontory of St. Nicholas, and the other to the Point Tiburon. This Countrey produces abundance of Cotton.

Lastly, the Provin••••s Guahaba, Haniguagya and Cahay, are very eminent; as also Cibao, which is full of Gold-Mines; and Lavega Real, with Magnana, which lie be∣tween the two great Rivers Neyba and Yagui; the stony Countrey Ciguayos, and the low Coast Darica, where Christopher Columbus built the City Navidad, which he after∣wards deserted.

Ginger was formerly brought hither from the East-Indies, but now grows here in such great abundance, that above two and twenty thousand Kintalls are yearly Transported from thence to Spain.

With as good success grow here also the Sugar-Canes and Maiz.

Peter Martyr, a Councellor to the Emperor Charles the Fifth, relates, That Hispa∣niola produc'd in his time, besides Silver, Copper, and Iron, five hundred thou∣sand Ducats in Gold: Nevertheless the rich Mines lay undisturb'd, because they wanted People to work in them, insomuch that had they not planted their Royal Seat in Domingo, the Island had long since been deserted, notwithstanding the ex∣ceeding fruitfulness of the Soil, because the Spaniards exercis'd their Cruelty in such a nature, that of sixty thousand Inhabitants from the Year 1508. to Anno 1514. scarce fourteen thousand of them were left alive; all which is affirm'd by the Bishop De las Casas. Nay, the fore-mention'd Peter Martyr relates, That the Men wearied with working in the Mines, kill'd themselves, despairing of ever, being re∣leas'd from their Slavery; and Women with Child destroy'd the Infants in their Wombs, that they might not bear Slaves for the Spaniards. He adds hereun∣to, That of a hundred and twenty thousand Persons, few were left in a short time.

* 1.479These Provinces in former times had each of them their Casique, whose splendor consisted chiefly in Dancing to his Devotion, with a Girdle full of Bells about his Middle, a String of Pearls about his Arms, a Covering over his Privities, and a

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Plume of Feathers on his Head, with a Drummer before him, and a small Train of Arm'd Men after him.

* 1.480On the Coast are first the Point of Nisao, ten Leagues to the West of Santo Do∣mingo.

Eighteen Leagues farther is the Port Ocoa, which is a Bay where the Fleets of Nova Hispania take refreshing, when they do not Anchor in the Nook of Sepesepin, which is near unto it, or in another call'd The Fair Haven, two Leagues before you come to Ocoa.

Twenty Leagues beyond Ocoa is the Port of Asua.

Thirty Leagues more Westwardly is a large Point right against the Island of Bola, which lieth five Leagues from the Coast.

The most Westerly Point is call'd Cape Tiburon: It hath an Island three Leagues from it Westward, call'd Caprio; and Sailing along the Coast, you will see an Island call'd Camito; and farther in the Nook of Yaguana another call'd Guanabo of eight Leagues long.

On the North side of the Island, the most Westerly Cape and Port is St. Nicholas, from whence North-East and by East, lieth the Island of Tortuga, near the Coast of Hispaniola: It is of five Leagues length.

Farther along the Coast is Monte Christo, the West Cape of Natividad; to the East of which there is a great Bay call'd Port Real.

This Island is so full of Harbours, that he that will Coast it, cannot well miss of one where he pleaseth, most of which afford fresh Meat and good Water.

Moreover, Hispaniola hath many brave Rivers, the chiefest of which are Hayna; Nizao, along whose Shore the first Sugar-Canes were planted; Neyba, a great Ri∣ver; Yaquimo; Yaqui, which Columbus call'd Rio de Oro, because the Ground thereof glitter'd like Gold; and lastly, the Rivers Nicayagua, amongst whose Sands is Gold; Nigua, which borrows its Denomination from the fore-mention'd leaping Insect; the swift Stream Juno, whose Banks are crown'd with handsom Houses; and Jaquin, which hath many Salt-pans.

The Rivers Itabo, Ocoa, Cepi, Bia, Cazui, Sanate de Plata, and Chiabon, have some one, others more Sugar-Mills upon them.

But the chiefest River is Ozama, broad, and so deep, that the biggest Vessel may lie close by the Shore; and also washes St. Domingo.

* 1.481This City, the Metropolis of all the Isles round about, was built by Bartholomeus Columbus, and was peopled Anno 1494. after which it flourish'd eight years, when, a terrible Storm blowing the same down to the Ground, Nicholas Olanda remov'd it to the Western Shore of Ozama, that the Spaniards, who had for the most part set∣led towards the West, might not be necessitated to Ferry over: but the first place stood much more conveniently, being not onely provided of a Fountain of sweet Water, but also freed of those unwholsom Vapours which daily rise with the Sun at this new-built City. To prevent the inconvenience of crossing to the fore∣mention'd Fountain, of which the Inhabitants found themselves oftentimes in great want, Olanda went about to lead the neighboring River Hayna into the Ozama, but the Design not being prosecuted, bereav'd Domingo of the onely thing which would have made it able to stand in competition with any City in the World; for it lies on a Plain, the South side whereof is wash'd by the Sea; the East side, by the River; on the North and West are many delightful Fields.

The City, which in a manner is built square, is divided into long straight Streets, full of fair Houses after the Spanish manner: in the middle thereof is a square Market-place, with a handsom Church, the Yard whereof is encompass'd with a high Wall, which upon occasion would serve for a place of great Defence.

The Collectors of the King of Spain's Revenue dwell in stately Palaces; and the Dominicans, Franciscans, and Monks De la Merced, have brave Cloysters, besides two more for the Nu••s.

The Latine School and Hospital belonging to the City, are Endow'd with great yearly Revenues.

The Arch-bishop of St. Domingo hath Command over the Bishoprick of Concep∣tion, La Vega, Cuba, Venezuela, and Porto Rico.

The City is surrounded with a Stone Wall, and fortifi'd with a Castle, which with two Bulwarks reaches to the River Ozama, and within them two Half-Moons.

On the utmost Shore stands a round Tower near the Southern Bulwark.

Before the new discover'd Countreys entic'd away many People from St. Do∣mingo, and the Silver Fleet put into Havana, the Inhabitants drove a great Trade in Hides, Tallow, Sugar, Cassia, Horses, and Hogs.

Anno 1586. Sir Francis Drake Landed here with twelve hundred English-men, took the City by Storm, staid a whole Moneth in the same, and upon Composition with the Spaniard, left it undestroy'd.

* 1.482Other chief Towns in Hispaniola are 1. Salvaleon, twenty eight Leagues distant from St. Domingo, towards the East.

2. Zeybo. 3. Cotny, formerly inhabited by those that work'd in the Gold-Mines; the last especially was once a rich Town, and much frequented, but now in a manner deserted.

4. Azua, or New Compostella, eight Leagues distant from St. Domingo, famous for the Sugar-Mills not far from it, and one of the Ports before-mention'd.

5. Yaguana, for its brave Harbour also call'd Maria del Puerto, in the more We∣stern parts of the Island; a small Town not above a League distant from the Sea; It was burnt by Captain Christopher Newport.

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URBS DOMINGO IN HISPANIOLA

6. Conception de la Vega, adorn'd with a Cathedral and Cloysters of Fryers, and lying twenty or thirty Leagues Northward of St. Domingo: It was built by Columbus, and from thence he had his Title of Duke de la Vega.

7. Sant Jago de los Cavalleros, a very pleasant Place, ten Leagues Northward of St. Domingo.

8. Puerto de Plata, or The Silver Haven, four Leagues distant from St. Domingo to∣wards the North: It hath been counted the second Place of Trading and Wealth in the whole Island, being commodiously seated on an Arm of the Sea, and forti∣fi'd with a Castle.

9. Monte Christo, one of the Ports also above-mention'd: It lies fourteen Leagues Westward of Plata, and extends it self along the Northern Coast: it is wash'd by the River Yagui, on whose Banks are many Salt-pans.

* 1.483All those Cities are much decay'd, and thinly inhabited, the Spaniards being most of them drawn by the temptation of new discover'd Gold and Silver Mines in other places, and the first Inhabitants having been miserably destroy'd. The Bi∣shop De las Casas, an Eye-witness, relates, That the King Gauccanarillo secur'd the Goods of a stranded Ship, of which Columbus was Commander, and receiv'd the Spa∣niards very courteously; but not being able to continue supplying them with that quantity of Gold they requir'd, wanting Men to gather so much out of the Streams and Mines, and seeing no way to rid himself from the Spaniards Oppressions, fled to the Province of Ciguayos, the Casique of which was his Deputy; whereat the Spa∣niards were so enrag'd, that they burnt all that they could meet with, neither spa∣ring young nor old; and at length taking Guaccanarillo, put him in Irons,* 1.484 and thought to have carried him to Madrid; but the Ship in which he went suffering Shipwrack, he with many others was cast away, being before almost dead with grief for his Consort, who had been Ravish'd by a Spanish Commander. Likewise Anacoana, Sister to the Casique, or Governor of the Province Xarana, and Partner with him in the Government, seeing three hundred of her Councellors burning in a great House, set on fire by the Spaniards, and her Subjects torn by Dogs, or cut in pieces, hung her self out of despair. The same Death died Higuanama, Queen of Huguey. Others say that Anacoana was put to death together with her Brother in a most barbarous and cruel manner, by Nicholas de Olanda, who succeeded Diego de Arana in the Government of this Island. Many Women and Children were kept alive onely to Manure the Ground. The Men dying of their hard Labour in the Gold-Mines, and those which endur'd stoutly the cruel Labour under Ground, were never suffer'd to go to their Wives; from whence proceeded a great decrease of People, the Spaniards seeming purposely to design the destruction of the Na∣tives of Hispaniola, though they receiv'd great benefit by their Service; for Gold in former times was found between the Cracks and split Stones of the Mountains, whose Veins the Mine-workers digg'd for not without great and dangerous La∣bour.

* 1.485The first Planters of Hispaniola are, according to the common opinion, deriv'd from Matinio, a high and Mountainous Isle, from whence the most eminent Inhabi∣tants were driven by certain Rebels, as formerly the Syrians under the Government of Dido, were driven from Tyre to Lybia, and the Batavians from Hessen to the Coun∣trey between Rhyne and Wall, at present inhabited by the Gelders and Hollanders. These Matininoensians thus expell'd from their native Countrey, setled themselves on Cahonao, near the River Bahaboni: The first House they call'd Camoteia, and after∣wards turn'd it into a Temple, to which they shew'd Reverence, and made great Presents: In like manner the Tyema, which stood on a high Rock belonging to one

of the Canary Islands, was by the antient Inhabitants of the Place had in great vene∣ration, insomuch that many leap'd down from the same, being perswaded by the Priests, That the Souls of those which threw themselves off this sacred Break-neck, should immediately be translated into a place of everlasting happiness.

* 1.486This Island was, as we said before, first call'd Haity, which signifies Wild, be∣cause in many places it swells with wondrous high Mountains, and in other places is over-grown with great Woods: it was afterwards by the antient Inhabitants nam'd Xusqueia, that is, Unmeasurably great, because they suppos'd it to be the whole World, and that the Sun shin'd in no other place.

* 1.487The Natives of this Island, though wholly rude of acquir'd Knowledge or Lite∣rature, like the generality of the Americans, yet they took care to instruct their Chil∣dren in the Original and Antiquities of their Countrey, and the Wars and Exploits of their Predecessors, both which they contain'd in Songs call'd Areitos, which they us'd to Sing to the sound of Drums and Trumpets; but especially their Persons of chiefest Quality study'd most these Areitos, and exercis'd themselves in Dancing.

* 1.488The most remarkable of these antient Areitos, were such as pretended to pro∣phesie of things to come, which if of sad consequence, were Sung very mournfully and with many Sighs; nor were they always, however inspir'd, without effect, as appear'd at last by woful event: for long before the Spaniards Landed on Hispani∣ola, it was foretold by one of them, that Maguacochios, signifying Clothed People, should Land on Hispaniola, who with sharp Weapons should cut off Heads and Arms, and under whose insupportable Yoke their Successors must spend their days without hope of ever being releas'd.

It might be disputed whether these Predictions were dictated by good or evil Spirits; but it is generally believ'd, that all their Oracles, whether hapning true or false, were suggested by diabolical Spirits to the Priests, who commonly convers'd with them; and that these Spirits knew the Design of several People to discover new Countreys.

* 1.489Their Images Zemes, stuff'd full of Cotton, were fashion'd into very frightful Shapes, and might pass for those things which we call Terricula, or Bugbears; of which some were made very small, and those they ty'd on their Foreheads when they went to the Wars. Every Governor had a peculiar Zemes, to whom he shew'd Reverence, in return whereof he expected Rain, fair Weather, and to conquer his Enemies, supposing him to be a Messenger of a perpetual and endless Being, by them call'd Jocauna Guamaonocon; whom nevertheless they suppos'd to have a Mo∣ther, to whom they gave five Names, viz. Attbeir, Mamona, Guacarapita, Liella, and Guimazoa.

* 1.490Their opinion of Man's Creation was thus: They say, that out from a Moun∣tain in the Province Cuanana, out of certain small and great Caverns therein, came little and great People: The biggest Hole, call'd Cazibaragua, and the little one, nam'd Amaiauna, were said to be lock'd up every Night, that none might pass the Sentinel Machchael, who out of curiosity leaving the Mountain Cuata, and going up into the Countrey, was discover'd by the Sun, whose Beams he not being able to endure, was turn'd into a Rock. The like Mischance hapned to many others, who in the dark Night going to Fish, in the Morning at their Return were chang'd in∣to Oaken Trees, onely one of the Fishermen Was sent away by the chief Comman∣der Vaguoniana, who moved at the Complaint of a Nightingale's Singing, suffer'd all the Men to go into the Hole, and the Women and Children he Transported to Matinino, But to make short of these non-sensical Stories, in conclusion, the Men being let out of their Caves, saw many strange Beasts amongst the Woods, which

being turn'd into Women, Were entertain'd by them, and brought forth a nume∣rous Progeny, which spread over all Hispaniola.

* 1.491No less ridiculous an Account do the Priests give concerning the Original of the Sea, Viz. That Jaia, a mighty Man, buried the Body of his deceased Son in a Pumpion, which some Moneths after, out of meer affection to the Deceased, he cut∣ting open, abundance of Whales sprung out of it. This Wonder being every where known, amongst others, entic'd four Brothers born at one Birth (whose Mother died in Childbed) to get the Pumpion into their possession; which their Design prov'd successful: but afterwards struck with a pannick fear of Jaia's coming thi∣thither (who oftentimes came to mourn over the Bones of his dead Son) they fled, and threw away the Pumpion, which breaking with the fall, the Sea gush'd out of all places thereof, and cover'd the Plains in such a manner, that nothing of them was seen, onely the tops of the highest Mountains appear'd; at which the four Brothers terribly afrighted, rang'd through barren Desarts, in which they had died of Hunger, had they not come to a Baker's House, which one of them entring, ask'd for Cazabi; but the Baker denying them Bread, spit on them, which caus'd a mortal Dropsie, which the Brothers upon consultation found no way to cure, but by cutting a hole in the Skin with a sharp Stone, and to let out the Water; but out of each running Wound sprung a Woman, who bare them four Sons and four Daughters.

* 1.492There is a certain Cave call'd Jovana-beina, which is adorn'd with a thousand Pictures, in great esteem amongst them; at the Entrance on each side whereof stands a Zemes; that on the right side is call'd Binthaitelles, the other Marobur, to which they come from all places to pay their Devotions, because (they say) the Sun and Moon came out of the said Cave to lighten the World.

* 1.493Much after the same absurd rate is their Opinion of the Deceased; for they sup∣pose that they range through Woods and Forrests in the Night, eat of a Fruit call'd Guannaba, and steal to the Embraces of Women in Moon-shiny Nights. A Tra∣veller, say they, if he be frighted at the appearance of a deceased Person, great in∣conveniences will certainly attend him, but if he goes stoutly towards it, then the Goblin vanishes.

These Delusions are made great Mysteries amongst them, and contain'd in Songs, which their Priests Boiti Sing to a kind of Tabor made of a piece of hollow Wood, pretending that they have familiar Conversation with the Zemes concern∣ing future things.

* 1.494Their Ceremonies about their sick, especially if Persons of Quality, are like∣wise very remarkably odd and conceited: First they chew a strong kind of Herb, call'd Cohobba, with which having sufficiently intoxicated their Brains, they foam at the Mouth, and run with a Stone and a piece of Flesh in their Mouths to the sick Person, whose Family they drive all out of Doors, except one or two, whose pre∣sence the Patient requires; then the Boiti walks four times about the sick Person's Bed, making strange Gestures, pinching his Lips and Nose, blowing upon his Forehead, Throat and Temples, and sucking several parts of his Body, alledging, that thereby he draws the Distemper out of the Veins; after that he chafes and rubs his Shoulders, Thighs and Legs, and ties his Hands and Feet together, then running to the Door, proclaims, That the Sick in a short time shall be restor'd to his former Health; which said, he returns with his Arms stretch'd out towards the sick Person, takes the piece of Flesh out of his Mouth, which he gives him backwards, saying, You shall rise and go forth in Health, for I have taken away your Sickness: But if he judges the Distemper not curable, he makes the Sick believe, that Zemes is

displeas'd with him, because he did not build a House for him, or consecrate a Garden to him, or in some respect or other did not worship him as he ought to have done. When the Soul departs out of the Body, they conjure the Body with many Adjurations, to reveal whether it died according to God's decree, or through neglect of the Boiti, as not having sanctifi'd himself enough by Fasting when he went first to the Sick, or not prescrib'd sufficient Medicines: wherefore if (as they say) the Devil answers them from the Mouth of the Deceased, that the Boiti did not perform his due Office, then the nearest Friends revenge themselves on the Boiti, but if otherwise, then they are highly esteem'd amongst them. The Women ta∣king the Stones which the Boiti kept in his Mouth, wrap them up in a fine Cloth as a holy Relique, supposing that they will much facilitate their Child-birth.

* 1.495The Casiques desirous to know future Events of War, or whether the approach∣ing Years will be fruitful, go into a Chappel consecrated to the Zemes, and snuff the intoxicating Herb Cohobba up their Nostrils; whereupon they break out into loud Exclamations, and some kind of strange extravagant Actions, till the power of the Cohobba begins to decay, and the Frenzie cease; then coming again to their Sen∣ses, they bow their Heads, and lay their Elbows on their Knees, in which posture they sit for a considerable time, then lifting up their Eyes they yawn as if they they came from sleep; then they mutter to themselves whilest their Retinue which stand about them (for no common Person is suffer'd to be there) thank them with a loud Voice, for the pains they have been at in discoursing with the Zemes; then the Casiques begin to declare what hath been reveal'd to them, viz. whether they shall be fortunate in the Wars or not; whether it will be a fruitful or unfruitful, healthy or sickly Year.

Moreover,* 1.496 at the Birth of the Casique's Children, the neighboring Governors visit the Women in Child-bed, and every one gives the Child a peculiar Name, from whence it happens that one Man hath oftentimes forty Names, and is highly in∣cens'd if any one of them chances to be forgot in any Writing directed to him.

* 1.497Their manner of Succession in Government is not unremarkable; for not the eldest Heir-male of the Family, but first the King or Casique's Brother, if he have any, and after his Decease the eldest of the Sisters Inherits the Realm or Seigniorie: if the Sisters have no Male-issue, then the Brothers Sons Inherit; and in case they have no Male-heir, then the next of Blood, whether Male or Female: but if the Prince or Casique dies without Children, Nephews, or other near Relations, the next in Power in the Countrey Inherits, and Marries as many Wives as he pleases; of which she that he loves best is burn'd alive in her best Apparel with her Husband when he dies, and near the Corps stands a Cup of Water and some of the Bread Cazabi.

There are several Languages in Hispaniola,* 1.498 but differing from each other: for in the Province Bainoa they have a different, both Pronunciation and Dialect from that in Caizimu.

In the said Province of Caizimu is a very remarkable Rock, or vast Stone to be seen, at the Foot of a high Mountain; and underneath the said Stone is a great Cave, into which they go through a large Passage, not unlike a Temple Door; near which conjoyn many deep Rivers, with such a Noise and Foam, that they lose both their Sight and Hearing, whoever approach the same.

* 1.499Of the Language of the Province Bainoa, Peter Martyr gives us this Specimen:

The Wife of a Casique (says he) went to Prayers in a Chappel which was built by the Spaniards; at her Return from whence her Husband desiring to enjoy her, she refusing, said, Teitoca, teitoca, techeta Cynato guammechina, that is to say, Be con∣tented,

Be contented, God would be highly incens'd: to which the Casique answer'd, Gnaibba Cynato machabucha guamechyna, that is, What care I if God be angry,

Since the Spaniards had first possession of this Island,* 1.500 it hath been twice Invaded by the English, the first time under the Conduct of Sir Francis Drake, who took the Town of San Domingo, staid in it a good while, and could if he had pleas'd, have totally dispossess'd the Spaniards; the second time under Colonel Venables, sent thither by Oliver Cromwell during his usurp'd Dominion; at which time it might as easily have been taken as at first, had not the Business been rashly and indiscreetly manag'd, as shall presently be declar'd more at large. The first Expedition of Sir Francis Drake hath been already hinted, but for the memorableness of that bold Exploit, we shall give a particular Account of it from a late Writer, who hath set forth the Life of that brave English Heroe. In the Year of our Lord 1580. about the end of February setting Sail from St. Christophers for Hispaniola, by the Way they met with a small Frigat bound for San Domingo, and the Men of her being Examin'd, one assur'd them that the Haven of it was a barr'd Haven, and the Shore well fortifi'd, so that there was no convenient Landing within ten English Miles of the City, whither this Man undertook to conduct them. January the first they Landed ten Miles from the City, and marching thither under the Command of the Lieute∣nant General, arriv'd about one a Clock in the Afternoon; when they came near, about a hundred and fifty Gentlemen well Mounted, presented themselves against them; but the small Shot playing upon them, they departed, and the English pro∣ceeded towards the two Gates of the City that lay towards the Sea, both which the Spaniards had Mann'd, and planted their Ordnance without the Gates, and some small Shot in an Ambush by the Way-side: The English being about twelve hun∣dred Men, divided themselves; the Lieutenant-General leading the one half to one Gate, and Captain Powel the other half to the other Gate, vowing that with God's assistance they would not rest till they met in the Market-place: No sooner had the Spaniards discharg'd their Ordnance, doing some little Execution, but the Lieute∣nant-General hasted, or rather ran upon them, to prevent their Charging again, and notwithstanding their Ambush, entred Pell Mell with them into the Gate, not staying till he came into the Market-place, unto whom shortly after came Captain Powel with his Companies. This Place they strengthned with Barricado's, the City being too large to be guarded by so small and weary an Army. And after Mid-night they in the Castle, hearing some of the English busie about the Gate, quitted it, some being taken Prisoners, and others escaping by Boats. The next day the English enlarg'd their Quarters, and fortifi'd themselves, and held the Town for a Moneths space. During this time the General sent a Negro Boy with a Flag of Truce to the Spaniards, who by the Way was met by some Officers of the Galley which the English had taken, together with the City, who furiously thrust the poor Boy through the Body; who returning to the General, and having declar'd how barbarously they had us'd him, fell down and died in his Presence. The General being much mov'd herewith, commanded the Provost-Martial to take two Fryers, and to carry them to the same place with a sufficient Guard, and there to hang them; and withal he sent one of the Prisoners to inform the Spaniards why he did it, and to tell them, that till the Party who had thus murder'd his Messenger were deliver'd to him, there should no day pass wherein he would not hang two Priso∣ners, till all were consum'd. Hereupon the day following the Murtherer was brought, and an Offer made to deliver him to the General, who yet thought it more honorable to make them perform the Execution themselves in the sight of the Eng∣lish, which was done accordingly.

During their abode here, Commissioners oft pass'd between the Spaniards and them about the Ransom of the City, but not agreeing, the English spent every Morning till the heat of the Day in firing and destroying the Houses in the out∣ward part of the City, two hundred Mariners being employ'd therein for divers days; yet were the Houses built so magnificently and strongly of Stone, that they could not consume one third part of the Town all that time; whereupon the Ge∣neral was contented to accept of twenty five thousand Ducats of 5 s. 6 d. apiece to spare the rest.

Here his Soldiers met with good Pillage, especially of rich Apparel, but Trea∣sure they found none; for the Spaniards by their Cruelties had so destroy'd the Na∣tives, who us'd to work in the Mines of Gold and Silver, that they were wholly given over; and in that Island they were forc'd to use Copper Money: yet they found store of Wine, Oyl, Vinegar, Wheat, Woollen and Linnen Cloth, some Silks, &c. which much reliev'd them: there was but little Plate found, but good store of Porcelane, or China Dishes; yet some they found, and very costly Hous∣hold-stuff.

* 1.501Venables his Expedition was in the Year 1654. when Cromwell having gain'd the supream Power under the Title of Protector, and having us'd so many Engines for the getting of Money to maintain his Greatness and usurp'd Authority, that he was almost brought to his last Shifts, bethought himself of this Project, (or, as some suppose, had it put into his Head by Cardinal Mazarine, the then great Minister of State in France, with whom he had intimate Correspondence) thinking thereby to kill two Birds with one Stone: for on the one side, he thought by this notable Exploit to advance his Fame abroad, and gain Credit and Applause with the People at home, by enlarging his Empire, and spreading the Renown of the English Nation, and so consequently to establish himself the more firmly in his new gotten Power; and at the same time by the great Riches he promis'd to himself from this Adventure, to recruit his Stock, which all his griping Exactions, especi∣ally from the King's Party, could scarce supply for the keeping up of his Army, maintaining Intelligence, and other vast Expences: To this end he sets forth a con∣siderable Fleet with extraordinary speed and secrecy, it not being known whither this Fleet was design'd till they were almost upon the very Place, that the Spaniard might not be forewarn'd to provide against them, onely in general terms it was given out, that the Design was both advantageous to the Nation, and would prove a great enrichment to all that went upon it; so that it is no great wonder, if within a short space a good competent Army was got together of such as having neither Estates nor Employments, willingly offer'd themselves, as Men that went from the fear of Iron Grates, to the hopes of Golden Ingots; and many of them were such as having been in the late King's Army, and disdaining to take any Employment at home under that Government, were easily induc'd to List themselves in this Armada: nor was Oliver a little glad of this occasion of sending out of the Land, and employ∣ing upon a desperate Adventure those Men, who he had reason to suspect would, up∣on any opportunity offer'd, be the first Opposers of his usurp'd Power. This Army being sent to Portsmouth for Embarquation, and there making such Preparations as was convenient, which a Moneths time or thereabouts was thought would ac∣complish, a Messenger came from Desborough (who was there to set them going) to the General, that he should prepare to Embarque on Christmas-day; which at the first the General receiv'd with great impatience, alledging, That it was not possi∣ble so to do, and that he would not set Sail without his Arms and other Necessaries, which were not yet come from London: however, at his going to Desborough he was

prevail'd upon to set Sail, with a promise that the Ships with the Arms should immediately follow him to the Barbado's, where he was to stay till their arrival; so on Christmas-day they set Sail, and about the fourteenth of February arriv'd at Bar∣bado's with three thousand Men, and a Company of Reformado's, which there were doubled, and then, and not till then, it was told them, That the reason of their so sudden going away, was because there was a Plot forming in England for resto∣ring the King, and that they were not thought fit to be left there at the Head of their Regiments, to be tempted with the advantage of joyning with any such Party. At Barbado's they staid till they had almost undone that Place by eating up their Pro∣visions, the Planters there seldom preparing more than they have occasion to spend in their Houses, and for their Servants (having better and more profitable Employ∣ments upon their Hands) and the Soldiers not being content with such Provisions as their Servants would be well pleas'd with, so that they were in danger of star∣ving the Island and themselves too: Thereupon a Council of War was call'd, and the necessity of leaving that Island declar'd, and Orders issu'd out to set Sail for Hispaniola, where they might make such Attempt as their Condition would allow, wanting Arms and other Necessaries; when they came within five or six Leagues of Hispaniola the Fleet lay by, and a Council of War was call'd by the Commissio∣ners (for such they had who were never Soldiers) with some few Officers of the Army, where it was resolv'd to attempt San Domingo, and an Order made, That in case it be taken, no Soldier should offer to Plunder, but that satisfaction in lieu thereof should be given by the Commissioners; the Officers of the Army in vain opposing and protesting against it, which occasion'd the Soldiers to say, That the Commissioners should take the Town themselves, for they would not; Lots were there drawn by the several Colonels who should first Land, which fell upon the Black Regiment, who had no Arms but Half-pikes of eight Foot long, made of Cabbage-Tree in the Barbado's; And Orders were then given out to the several Colonels to Land at the River Hind, within two Leagues of San Domingo; so they steer'd their Course thither, as was thought, by Night, but the next Morning found themselves twenty Leagues at least from the place of Rendezvouz, though one Re∣giment Landed there, who durst not attempt the Town for want of Orders, though doubtless they might have taken it, had they not staid in expectation of the General and the rest of the Fleet; but when they were thus cast Leeward of the Town, they must Land their Men, who no sooner went on Shore, but the Order against Plundering was read, and the Soldiers in a Mutiny to whom it was read, which made the rest forbear to read it, judging it no time now to disoblige them, who had in their Officers opinion too just a cause of discontent: However this was made known to the rest, and discours'd as they march'd, That they had not thought to be under a Committee here, but they would make them weary of their Em∣ployment ere they had done: And this indeed was enough, besides the faintness and unusual Heat of the Countrey, to disanimate Men of good Resolutions, espe∣cially the ordinary Soldiers, whose hopes of Plunder is the chiefest prop to their Courage, and exected Gain the spurr to their Valour. After they had Landed their Men, next Morning early they march'd towards San Domingo; but before Noon the Heat and Drought which they felt made them sensible of their first Errour and Inadvertency, in coming from England without their Necessaries; for through want of Bottles, which were left behind, and came not till three Moneths afterwards, the Men fell down dead in the High-ways, every one fainting and languishing, and crying out for Water: shortly after they met with a Field of Oranges, which was no unwelcome sight, with which they stor'd themselves; but ere they had march'd

four or five Miles thought they had quench'd their present Thirst, and their Drought began to increase however, they march'd on, leaving some of their Men dead on the place, others fainting, were set upon the Troopers Horses till they came that Night to some Water, which gave them new life, and the Morrow early march'd again till they came within some Miles of the appointed Rendez∣vouz, where they heard of the other Regiment that Landed at the right place: And now having refresh'd themselves with Rest, Water, and Provision, they march'd to the taking of the Town; the General himself, with a small Party and a Guide, went towards the Town to find out some Water, which he knew the Soldiers would want, (not having Bottles to carry any) but as they were on their March, which was very leisurely by reason of the Heat, they heard a firing of Musquets, then making more speed in their March, supposing an Engagement, in the High∣way, about a Mile from the Town, was found one of the General's, Secretaries, with others, dead; and not long after some came back to the General, and told him, That looking for Water with the Guide, an Ambuscade issu'd out, and had kill'd the Guide that should have shew'd them the place of Water, and some others; and although some which Commanded the foremost Regiments were very forward and willing to assault the Town, yet it was not thought fit so to do till the Army came up, by which time it was Night; and though they were then within half a Mile of the Town, yet the Soldiers were so impatient for Water, that they could not stay till the next Morning to assault the Town, but were forc'd to march back to the River Hind about eight Miles; (and this Relater did at that time drink his own Water) there they staid till they had again refresh'd themselves, and then prepar'd for their Return to attaque the Town; and notwithstanding the March it self in a hot Countrey was irksom enough, yet they were forc'd to make the Soldiers to draw the Ordnance and other Carriages for want of Harness and other Necessaries, which were left behind; however, they willingly underwent it by Turns: And now a Forlorn was drawn out, and other Orders given for a March, especially it being taken notice of, that the Enemies manner of Fight was and would be by Am∣buscades, a File in every Company were order'd to stand till the other came up, and to face to the Right and Left to the Woods, which were all along as they went, for fear of a Surprize; and the Forlorn marching near an old Fort, call'd Jeronymo, which we had been possess'd of before, but thought not worth the keeping, and fearing they might meet with some small opposition there, began to fortifie them∣selves, and took a Dram of the Bottle, which as they were drinking, and others eating a bit, suddenly rush'd forth an Ambush of about a hundred and twenty Blacks, with a Spanish Commander in the Head of them, which so amaz'd and sur∣priz'd them, that some few onely Discharging, the rest immediately fled; the Blacks quickly falling in with their Lances, and doing such Execution as the time would allow them; for presently the Alarm being taken, and Supplies marching out for their relief, the Enemy, who had done more than they could possibly expect to have done, retreated into their Fort, which they had better fortifi'd than before, and had planted some small Drakes there upon it; the Execution was so short, that they had not time either to strip or pick a Pocket, lest they had paid too dear for it. After this Defeat a Council of War was call'd, and there it was agreed the next Morning early to fall on upon that little Fort, and so proceed to the taking of the Town; but very early, as they were in that expectation, Orders came from the General to the Army to march back to the River Hind, for what reason this Relator (though a considerable Person) never yet knew; where after they had staid some time, that Miscarriage was question'd at a Council of War, and one of the chief

[illustration] view of Puerto Rico

PORTO RICO

Officers of the Forlorn order'd to have his Sword broke over his Head, with other dis••graceful Impositions, and two Colonels of the Army were order'd to draw up the Causes of this Miscarriage to send to England; which, because 'twas th••ought would too much reflect on them in Power that were to supply them, was by those Colonels judg'd inconvenient, and so 'twas never done. The number of Men lost by Stragling, Sickness, and this unhappy Engagement, amounted in the vvhole to about two hundred and thirty. In a short time after this, it was order'd to Ship the Men; which done, after some Debates amongst the Commissioners what was best to be done, Provisions nor Utensils yet coming fit for the Design in∣tended, which was to possess some considerable Place in the Main, it was agreed, That they should steer their Course for the Island of Jamaica; which they did accor∣dingly, and on the tenth day of May 1654. with little opposition possess'd it: where the same Soldiers have shew'd not onely such Courage and Resolution upon all occasions, (in many and frequent Encounters and Invasions made by the Spani∣ards, not onely with Soldiers of those Parts, but such as have been sent from Spain, Naples, Catalonia, and other Places) as might speak them English-men, but such hath been their Patience and Sufferance, as none of this Nation in the memory of Man have ever been put to, the Effects whereof their King and Countrey, 'tis hop'd, will have occasion to remember, to their immortal Honor and Renown.

Hispaniola is surrounded with several other Isles, as 1. Eastward appears Saona, full of pleasant Woods and Pastures, with Cattel feeding on them: in former times it produc'd much Cazabi for the City Domingo; but since the Spaniards murder'd all the Inhabitants Anno 1502. it hath never been inhabited. 2. The Rocky Shelf St. Catalina. 3. Abaque. 4. Navaza. 5. Guanabo. 6.Tortuga, abounding in Hogs. and 7. Beata, famous for the excellent speckled Wood which grows there, and a swift River, which oftentimes detains the Ships there whole Moneths.

CHAP. XIV. Porto Rico, and Monico.

* 1.502ANother of those call'd The Isles of Barlovento, is Boriquen, anciently so nam'd, but now more generally Porto Rico, from St. Juan de Porto Rico, its chief Town, is an Island fifteen Leagues distant from Santa Crux, to the North-West, and about as many from Hispaniola to the South-East, but from the Continent or main Land of Paria (which seems to be the nearest) a hundred and thirty, or a hun∣dred thirty six, as some reckon. It lieth almost in a quadrangular Form, being suppos'd to contain about thirty Leagues in length, and not less than twenty in breadth, in eighteen and nineteen Degrees of Northern Latitude.

The Island on the North, which is less fruitful than the South part, produces Gold, and is generally water'd with many Rivers. There is also Silver, Tin, Lead, Quicksilver, and Azure, us'd by Painters. The Rain generally falls there between May and August. A little before, or in the beginning of Harvest, the Hurricanes breaking forth from the Clouds, rage in such a manner, that it is impossible for any Ships to endure the Sea, and a Northern Blast generally doth great damage to the Plants here.

* 1.503Ten Leagues towards the South-East beyond Porto Rico, appears Sierra del Lo∣quillo,

[illustration]

being a continu'd Ridge of Mountains which runs through the whole Island from East to West, extending both ways to the very Sea-shore.

Twenty three Rivers discharge their Waters also into the Ocean;* 1.504 amongst which the chiefest is Cairabon, particularly noted for ten Sugar-Mills which are erected upon its Banks.

The Hills,* 1.505 Plains, and Valleys, are invested with variety of Trees peculiar to this place, as Tabunuco, which affords a medicinal Gum, good against Lameness, and green Wounds: it is also of great use to preserve a Ship's Keel from the Worms.

Another Tree call'd Maga, is everlasting Wood, and bears a great Flower like a Rose.

The Leaves of the Higillo Pintado-Tree cures all manner of Bruises.

The same power is also in the little Tree Sancta Maria; as likewise in another by the Spaniards call'd Balsamo.

The Body of the Tree Zoyla is so thick, that fifteen Men holding Hands toge∣ther, cannot encompass the same.

The speckled Wood, and Cassia Fistula grow also here in great abundance.

* 1.506Here is likewise Apple-Trees, which grow by Rivers sides, or on the Sea-shore, whose Fruit is rank Poyson, and who-ever sleeps under the shadow of them, will certainly be Lame: The Fruit eaten generally causes Death; or if Nature be so strong in him that eats of it, to overcome the same, yet he is certain to lose his Hair.

As hurtful is the prickly Herb Quibey, which bears white Flowers like Violets.

* 1.507But this Island receives the greatest prejudice by the Tree Guaiaba, because it grows in most places, and over-runs Plains and Hills, so spoiling all the Grass, be∣tween which and the fore-mention'd Tree there is such an antipathy, that none will grow near it. The Tree bears a brown Apple full of Kernels, which are eaten by Beasts and Fowls, and from which falling on the Ground when ripe, grow up in new Trees, which makes the Countrey a meer Wilderness: The Body of it is smooth and of a pale colour, the Leaves hard, and glittering, and grow two and

two over one another; the Flowers have also five Leaves, in the middle of which rises a Crown like that on a Peacock's Head: The Fruit, which is cover'd with a soft Doun, and somewhat longer than the European Apple, when cut through, hath a pale red Pulp, full of eatable Kernels: before it is ripe, it is of a sharp taste, yet good boyl'd, but when ripe, of a most delicious and pleasant rellish; neverthe∣less too much of it causes a Lask: The Roots, which are red without, and white within, are juicy, sweet, and very long, the Leaves sallow and sowre of taste.

* 1.508Amongst the strange Beasts the Javaris, Opassum, and Tatow are the most remark∣able. The Javaris are taken for a sort of wild Hogs, and have short Ears and a Navel on their Backs, little Tails, some black, and some spotted white.

* 1.509The Opassum is as big as a Cat, hath a sharp Mouth, the upper Jaw-bone hanging over the lower, long, straight, and broad Ears, and a very long Tail, bald at the end, which winds in a Circle; on its Back black Hair sprinkled with grey Spots, and with its sharp Claws climbs up the Trees, where it feeds on Fruit, and sometimes preys on Fowls. Nature hath furnish'd this Beast with a strange Bag under its Belly, whereof the in-side hath a far softer Doun than the out-side, in which the young ones lie and suck, after which the Bag opening, they creep out upon the Ground. The Males have also a Bag, which serves onely to carry their Young in, for they and the Females carry them by turns.

* 1.510The Tatow, which is arm'd with sharp Scales, hath the Mouth of a Hog, and at each Foot five sharp Nails: when it is Hunted, or goes to sleep in the Night, it draws its Head, Legs and Tail under its scaly Coat of Mail, like a Tortoise, and in that manner lies secure against all manner of danger.

The Venison taken here is very delicate, but difficult to be got; for this Beast having a breathing-place in its Back, never tires with running, and when encom∣pass'd by the Dogs, falls valiantly on those that are nearest to it, and often tears them in pieces.

* 1.511The chief Towns in this Island, are 1. Porto Rico it self, commonly call'd St. John de Porto Rico (so term'd by Christopher Columbus, as being the first Land disco∣ver'd by him in the Year 1493. at that time when he could not perswade his Sea∣men, wearied out with continual hardship, from returning, if they discover'd not Land in two days) a strong and neat Town, built by the Command of Philip the Second, King of Spain: It was attempted by Sir Francis Drake in the Year 1595. without success, but a few years after taken by the Earl of Cumberland.

2. St. Germans, in the West part of the Island, three or four Leagues distant from the Sea.

3. Arrecibo, Westward from Porto Rico, where the most noted Haven is of those Parts, for all the others are full of Rocks and Sands.

The antient Inhabitants of this Island maintain'd continual Wars with the Cannibals (probably the Natives of the Islands so call'd) who us'd every year to come thither: those that were conquer'd, as well of the one side as of the other, were eaten by the Conquerors, so that in effect, both sides were but a different sort of Cannibals.

Columbus Landing here, found a great House surrounded with twelve others, but all of them empty and desolate.

This Island (which formerly is said to have been under the absolute Power of one sole King) the Spaniards not much regarded at first, having enough to do with Hispaniola, where they found more Gold than on Porto Rico.

* 1.512Anno 1510. John Ponce de Leon obtain'd a Commission from the Court of Spain, to be chief Governor of this Island, and built Caparra; which Place was inhabited

twelve years, notwithstanding it stood behind a scraggy Mountain, in a desart place far up in the Countrey; but their thirst after Gold, of which some Veins were discover'd there, made them dispence with all other inconveniences: yet at last beginning to be weary of this desolate and barren place of Settlement, they remov'd to Guanica, water'd by many Rivers, whose Sands had great quantities of Gold∣dust. Not staying long there, they went four Leagues farther, and call'd their new Plantation Soto Major. Lastly, returning again, they setled themselves in the former Valley Guanica, and built the fore-mention'd Town St. Germans by the Ri∣ver Guaorabo, which makes an inconvenient Haven.

* 1.513Juan de Porto Rico stands Eastward at the beginning of the North Coast, on a small Peninsula, joyn'd to the Island by an high Isthmus call'd Puente de Aguilar. Near the Mouth of the Haven lies on a rising Hill the Fort Morro Empinado, built triangular by John de Texila and Baptista Antonelli (who also planted there forty Guns), and sur∣rounded with the Sea, which renders it a well fortifi'd place. The Governor Diego Mendez de Valdez had in it fifteen hundred Men and eighty Horses, when the fore∣mention'd valiant Duke of Cumberland with a far less number fell upon him in the Year 1597. and not onely took the City Porto Rico, but several other Fortifications; and besides an invaluable mass of Treasure he carried away eighty Guns. Sometime before this Defeat the Spaniards under the Government of Christopher, Son to the Portu∣guese Duke of Camigna, were Invaded by the Cannibals, and all that were then up∣on the place utterly destroy'd, none of them escaping but the Bishop and his Ser∣vants, who betimes fled away with the Church Ornaments; so that the Islanders from that time were put out of doubt that the Spaniards were mortal, for they sup∣pos'd them immortal when first they saw their great Ships, and heard the noise of their thundering Cannon.

* 1.514Hugh Linschot relates, That the Casique Yaguara threw a Spaniard into the Water, to try whether he would drown or not, and seeing him wholly depriv'd of Life, he concluded by consequence that the rest of them were mortal, and thereupon he set upon them when they were seeking for Gold, and kill'd above a hundred and fifty of them.

Peter Martyr relates farther, That these People, though very expert in Arms, yet were oftentimes beaten by the Cannibals, who at one time carried above five thousand People out of Porto Rico for their Winter Provisions.

* 1.515Nor was their Condition better'd after the Spaniards conquer'd the Island, for those that could not furnish them with Gold, were certain of Death: Nor were their Cruelties in other places undivulg'd to this People before their Arrival; where∣upon (as is related by Peter Ordonnez de Carellos) the Casique Hatvey being inform'd of the Spaniards Approach, took an Oath from his Subjects, That they should never discover where the Gold lay, though they should be put to death for it; For (said he) Gold is their God, for which they make so many cursed Blood-baths where-ever they come; therefore throw the Gold into some very deep Waters, for when the Spanish God is sunk, the Spaniards will lose their Courage, and not plague us so much for it.

* 1.516Many were the Idolatrous Ceremonies of the old Natives of this Place, which would be too tedious to relate; but amongst the rest, they annually kept a great Feast, at which the Casiques summon'd all their Subjects to a Temple appointed for that purpose, where the Priests had prepar'd an Idol ready set forth in all its Pa∣geantry; near which the Casique plac'd himself, when upon the beating of a Drum all the Commonalty came also into the Temple; the Men painted with divers Co∣lours, having on their Heads Plumes of Feathers, about their Necks, Legs, and Arms, Strings of Sea-shells. The Married Women had a light Covering about

their Middle, but the Maids went stark naked, all of them Dancing and Singing Songs in praise of the Idol; after which having saluted the Casique, they thrust little Sticks down their Throats, so to bring up all they had upon their Stomachs; which done, and sitting down with their Legs under them, they began to Sing anew, often bowing and shewing Reverence to the Casique; whilest some Women carried Baskets of Bread amongst those that Sang, and utter'd certain Prayers, which were answer'd by some of the Men; the Bread being bless'd by the Priests, they gave every one a piece, with which they return'd home very merry and jocund.

But the God of this Island, whoever he was, hath been a long time left without Worshippers; for those that were left by the Invading Cannibals, were cruelly massacred by the Spaniards, insomuch that they have been thereby necessi∣tated to furnish themselves with Negro's to work in their Mines and Sugar-Mills; and these also not able to endure such hard Entertainment, ran most of them away; for when a Negro did not bring Gold enough home at Night, his Master tying him naked to a Stake or Post, and beat him with Rods or Switches so long, till the Blood ran down his Back, then pour'd boyling Oyl into the Wounds, and then threw Pepper and Salt into them, and so let him lie, or else put him into a Pit, out of which his Head appear'd onely. But those that fled gathering together, some∣times met with the Spaniards, and paid them in their own Coin.

* 1.517EAstward of Porto Rico, and betwixt it and Hispaniola, there lieth a little, but fruitful Island call'd Mona; and Westward of that, another call'd Monico, or Monetta; which last the English, when time was, found so admirably stor'd with a sort of wild Fowl, that the huge Flights of them seem'd to darken the Air over their Heads, and upon their Landing found such plenty of their Eggs upon the Shore and Ground thereabouts, that they presently laded two of their Boats with them. But how peopled or possess'd, not so well known.

CHAP. XV. Cuba.

* 1.518VVEstward, or rather to the North-West of Hispaniola, lieth Cuba, ac∣counted one of the four Isles of Barlovento, and by Columbus, upon his first Discovery, call'd Joanna, afterwards Fernandina, then Alpha and Omega, till at last the present Name prevail'd; it is parted from the other by a Frith, or narrow Channel, which runneth betwixt the Capes of St. Nicholas, be∣longing to Hispaniola, and that call'd Mayzi, belonging to Cuba:* 1.519 On the North it hath a Frie of little Islands call'd The Leucayae Islands, of which more in their proper place, so many and so thick scatter'd, that they serve for no small Security and De∣fence of the Island on that side; besides, a part of the Peninsula of Florida, which Coasteth it likewise Northward; on the West it hath the Countrey of Jucatan, which is part of the Continent, but at a distance of forty or fifty Leagues; and on the South, Jamaica. It is reckon'd to be in length from Cape Mayzi, which looks towards Hispaniola to the Cape of St. Anthony, which is upon the Bay of Mexico, two hundred and thirty Leagues; but in breadth in some places not above fifteen or six∣teen Leagues over; in the broadest place from Jardines to Lucanaca, not above forty,

in others sixty five. But for fertility of Soil, contending with Hispaniola it self, and for temperature and healthiness of Air, much exceeding it; nor less rich formerly in good Mines both of Gold and Silver, and plentifully stor'd at present, not onely with Sugar-Canes of the best Growth, but likewise with abundance of Ginger-Roots, Cassia-Fistula, Mastick, Aloes, Cinamon, Long-Pepper of America, as they call it, and divers other sorts of Spices. The Pastures no less abounding with Cattel of all sorts, especially of European Breed; the Rivers and Coasts of the Sea with good Fish; no scarcity of Fowl, whether wild or tame; good Brass and Iron still found, with some Gold in the Rivers, especially those which fall into the Bay Xagua on the South side of the Island; the chiefest thereof are Arimao, La Luna, De Mares, and Cauto; the biggest of them falls Southward into the Sea; all of them breed store of Crocodiles, which have oftentimes seiz'd both upon Men and Beasts, and carrying them into the Water, devour'd them there.

The Cedars breathe forth a most excellent sweet smell,* 1.520 and grow so large, that out of the single Trunks of some of them Boats are said to have been made, capa∣ble to hold forty, sometimes sixty Men.

There are also many other very odoriferous Trees, yielding a certain Rozen or Gum, no less precious than the Storax.

But nothing grows here more plentifully than Vines,* 1.521 the Bodies or Stocks of which are as thick as a Man's Middle, and bear excellent Grapes.

Besides Partridges, Turtle-Doves, and other Fowl, the Sea-shore breeds thou∣sands of Cranes, which when young, are white, but when old, become of several Colours; they stand commonly with their Legs in salt Water, which they drink.

* 1.522The Parrots which breed here us'd to be taken by the Natives after a strange manner: A Boy having a Bundle of Herbs about his Head, climbs up to the top of a Tree, holding a Parrot over his Head, which by griping he forces to make a noise, and thereby draws others to come flying about him; upon which, being ex∣pert in this Art, he throws a String with a Noose made fast to a Stick about them, and pulls them to him.

There are a sort of four-footed Serpents, by the Natives call'd Yguanas, of which they us'd to eat.

The Flesh of Tortoises or Turtles, was accounted a great Dainty amongst them, especially those of the biggest size, of which some have been known to weigh a hun∣dred and thirty Pound: The Feet of them are said to cure the Leprosie and Scabs.

Amongst the peculiar Trees of this Countrey, are the Zagua and the Caninga.

The Cotton, which is of the natural Growth of this Place, is exceeding fine.

Here is also the Bird Flamingo, and another sort of Bird call'd Bambayas.

In former times Cuba was Govern'd by several Lords, each Commanding over his own Province.

* 1.523The chiefest of these Provinces are Mayzi, Bayamo, Cueyba, Camguey, Macaca, Xagua, Habana, and Uhima; some of them are plain, others mountainous, and being more or less fruitful, were very populous, before the Spaniards came thither, but since their cruel Massacres, scarce any of the antient Natives are left: Nor are the Spaniards here at present very populous, considering the largeness of the Island.

In the Province of Camaguey is a Valley three Leagues in bigness, where Nature produces a great number of large Stones so exactly round, that no Man with a Compass can make a more exact Circle.

Though the Gold, which is digg'd out of the Mines, and found in Rivers, is none of the purest, yet the Copper which this Countrey affords is accounted ex∣cellent.

[illustration] view of Havana

HAVANA

The Serpents here are about the bigness of a Hare, having Heads like Weezles;* 1.524 they prey on little Beasts call'd Guabiniquinazes, and have been accounted delicious and wholsom Meat.

* 1.525The antient Natives went formerly naked. The Men made it a Custom to for∣sake their Wives when they pleas'd; yet the Women were still oblig'd to be faith∣ful to them, though from the very first day of their Marriage they were taught to Cuckold them, by a certain wicked Ceremony in use amongst them; for the Bridegroom lay not with his Bride the first Night, but suffer'd her to be enjoy'd by one of his Friends of equal Quality with himself, whether he were Lord, Mer∣chant, Laboring-man, or what Estate soever.

* 1.526This Island was reduc'd under the Spanish Government not without great effu∣sion of Blood; for the Natives having had continual Wars with the Cannibals, as hath been said, were not ignorant in the Exercise of Arms. The first Spanish Com∣mander sent against them was Valdivia, whom they slew with all his Men, and hew'd his Ship in pieces. Little better escap'd Fogeda, whose Men were all cut off, and he himself escaping very miraculously, died not long after of his Wounds in St. Domingo.

* 1.527Within two years after, viz. Anno 1514. Diego Valasquez with better success set forth for Cuba, where the first thing he did was to build a City, which he call'd St. Jago, lying near a Southern Bay, full of Fish, and defended with several small Isles, behind which the Ships in the greatest Storm may Ride very secure; by rea∣son whereof the new City increas'd so much, that in a short time it could shew two thousand Inhabitants, a brave Church, a Cloyster, and was made a Bishop's See, but subordinate to that of St. Domingo.

* 1.528Three or four Leagues from the City are those famous Mountains, by the Spa∣niards call'd Sierra de Cobre, or The Copper Mountains, from the abundance of that Me∣tal which the Mines in them afforded, and do yet afford; but the City was after∣wards almost left desolate, (divers Houses in the same standing empty) having in it scarce two hundred Inhabitants;* 1.529 which made it the easier to be taken by a hun∣dred and sixty English-men, led by Captain Cliff, Anno 1601. who carried from thence a hundred thousand Pieces of Eight, and a Ships Lading of Hides and Sugar.

2. Besides St. Jago, Valasquez built the Town Baracoa, on the Eastern Shore of Cuba,* 1.530 wash'd by the River Mares, which falls into the Ocean between two Mountains on one side, and a flat Point on the other, and is a most excellent Harbor: Not far from which grows the best Ebony Wood.

3. He also built the Town St. Salvador,* 1.531 one of the most healthful Promontories of all Cuba, near the River Bayamo, which produces round Stones, us'd there in stead of Bullets.

4. He likewise built Trinidad,* 1.532 before which hardly accessible Harbor many a Ship hath been cast away: But this Fort was by a mighty Storm levell'd even with the Ground.

* 1.5335. Near the Haven before the Town Puerto del Principe is a Fountain, out of which at certain times flows liquid Pitch.

* 1.5346. The Town call'd Villa Sancti Spiritus, six Leagues from the Ocean, boasts fifty brave Houses, and is wash'd by the River Saaz.

7. The chiefest City which the Spaniards possess in the West-Indies,* 1.535 and the pre∣sent Seat of their Governor, is Christovall de Havana; which stood first on the South side of Cuba, but was afterwards built on the North, opposite to Florida: The Har∣bor before it is large and safe, for it is able to contain a thousand Ships, without the least endangering of one another, and yet the Entrance so narrow, between a

Promontory and a square Fort, that two Ships cannot Sail in together: the shal∣lowest part thereof hath six Fathom Water. On each side the Mouth of the Har∣bor is a Fort, the one call'd Mesa de Maria, which stands built on a Champain Ground; the other call'd Morro, which lies at the Foot of two Hills, on whose tops several Guns are planted, which Command the Town and Haven.

Betwixt these two Forts is a Tower cover'd, on the top whereof is a round Lan∣tern, wherein stands continually a Watch-man, who puts forth as many Flags as he discovers Ships at Sea, to give notice thereof to the City, which is a Mile from thence.

Before Havana stands a third Castle, well stor'd with Guns, as likewise the rest are, in all to the number of two hundred and forty, and strongly Garrison'd; of which great care was taken by the General Jean de Texeda, and Baptista Antonelli, an Architect, sent thither by Philip the Second, King of Spain, to secure the Place from all foreign Assaults, because the Plate-Fleet, and other Ships that come out of the West-Indies, have their place of Rendezvouz here, and from hence set Sail altoge∣ther for Spain. The City stands along the Haven, and hath two Churches with spiry Steeples. The Houses are now built after the Spanish manner.

* 1.536But Havana was not so strongly fortifi'd in former times, for Anno 1536. it could not resist a mean French Pyrate, who losing the rest of his Fleet was driven hither by Storm, and conquering Havana, had burnt the same, consisting at that time of woodden Houses cover'd with Thatch, had not the Spaniards redeem'd them from the Fire for seven hundred Ducats; with which Money the French set Sail, when the day following three Ships arriv'd from New Spain before Havana, and having unladed their Goods, and preparing themselves for Battel, pursu'd the Pyrate; whom getting sight of, the Admiral, who Sail'd before, durst not venture to Engage him alone, but staid for the other two Ships: from which cowardly Action the French Pyrate taking Courage, fell on the Spanish Admiral, who without firing a Gun ran his Ship ashore, and deserted the same: the next Ship thereby discou∣rag'd, Tacking about, made away from the Enemy; on which the third also fol∣low'd, insomuch that at last they were all three taken by the French; who encou∣rag'd with this unexpected Victory, steer'd their Course a second time to Havana, where they got as much more Money from the Inhabitants as before. After this the Spaniards built all their Houses of Stone, and a Fort at the Mouth of the Harbor, yet nevertheless the City lay open on the Land side; of which the English Fleet, Cruising about in those Seas, being inform'd, Landed not far from Havana, and en∣ter'd the City before Day-break: the Spaniards thus suddenly surpriz'd, fled into the Woods, whilest the English plunder'd and ransack'd the City without any resistance. But this was not the last Blow which Havana receiv'd, for during the Wars between the Emperor Charles the Fifth, and the French King Henry the Second, a Ship set Sail with ninety Soldiers from Diep to Cuba, where they made themselves Masters of St. Jago, and carried great Treasure away with them: Thus enrich'd, they set in the Night on Havana, but found their Expectations frustrated, for all the Houses were empty, the Spaniards (being so often Plunder'd) having remov'd all their Goods to their Countrey Houses, which lay scattering about the Island. Whilest the French were searching the Houses, two Spaniards came under pretence of agree∣ing with them, but their Design was chiefly to take an Account of their Enemies Forces. The French demanded six thousand Ducats of them: to which the two Spaniards reply'd, That all their Goods would not raise so much: then going to their Party, inform'd them of the number of the Enemies, and their Demands; whereupon Consulting, some judg'd it best to comply with a forc'd Necessity, and

if they could not get any thing abated, to pay the demanded Sum: but most of them were of another opinion, alledging, That the number of the French was not equivalent to their Demands, and that it would not be for their Credit, to yield up their Estates so tamely, without trying their Title by the Sword: This being judg'd fittest, they march'd to Engage them with a hundred and fifty Men, which about Midnight fell on the French, and at the first Onset slew four of them; but up∣on the firing of the Gun they were all alarm'd, and after a small Skirmish, put the Spaniards to flight. The Conquerors enrag'd at this treacherous Plot of the Spani∣ards, set fire on Havana, in which at that time was a good quantity of Pitch and Tarr; with which the Gates, Windows, Roofs, and Pent-houses being all bedaub'd over, were in few hours all in a light Flame; after which the Churches in order for their firing, were also going to be over-laid with the same combustible Matter; at which a Spaniard boldly desir'd, that the Temples erected for Gods Service might be spar'd: to which he was answer'd, That People who keep not their Promise, nor had any Faith, had no need of Churches to profess their Faith in. The French not satisfi'd with burning, pull'd down the Walls, and utterly demo∣lish'd the Fort.

* 1.537The Haven Xagua also is not inferior to any, the Mouth thereof being a Bowe∣shot wide, and within, ten Leagues: The Ships are securely shelter'd behind three Islands, and also the Mountains, which rise along the Shore.

Moreover, the Inlet Matanca is not onely eminent, by reason of the round Moun∣tain Elan de Matancas, which rises from a low Ground;* 1.538 but chiefly for the Expediti∣ons of Admiral Peter Peterson Hein, who being sent out by the West-India Com∣pany, to Cruse up and down before Havana with one and thirty Sail, was from thence by a strong Current driven down to Matanca; where he stood from the Shore, when ten Ships came just running amidst his Fleet, and were all taken but one: About Noon they discover'd nine Ships more, which Sailing along the Shore, got into the Inlet Matanca, where they ran aground; whither Hein follow∣ing, came up to them the next Morning by Break-of-day, and after a small Resi∣stance took them, being valu'd to be worth above a hundred and fifteen Tun of Gold, besides the Musk, Ambergreece, and Bezoar with which two other Ships were laden, and another rich Prize.

This large Island Cuba (as we have before observ'd) formerly divided into so many populous Territories, is now in a manner desolate; for according to the Spaniards Relation to the Admiral Henry Jacobson Lucifer, when he was before Ha∣vana, Cuba had upon it not above sixty thousand Persons in all, in Anno 1627. But who-ever Reads that which Bishop Bartholomeo de las Casas hath written in his Book, (Printed first in Sivill in the Spanish Tongue, and afterwards, with the King of Spain's leave, in French at Antwerp) will easily find the reason, why Cuba and many other Indian Countreys lie so desolate; and how sensible the Indians were of the Spaniards usage, appears by this following Story, related by the said Bishop, of a Casique call'd Hathuey, who before the Spaniards approach'd his Countrey, Anno 1511. fled from Hispaniola to Cuba; where afterwards he was taken by the Spaniards, and condemn'd to be burnt alive with green Wood: whilest he was tying to a Stake, a Franciscan Monk Preach'd to him the Mysteries of the Christian Religion, of which he had never heard; and likewise that he should ascend up to Heaven if he dy'd in that Belief; but if not, burn perpetually in Hell: Whereupon Hathuey asking the Franciscan, If there were any Spaniards in Heaven? and being told there were, an∣swer'd, I will rather converse amongst the Devils in Hell, than amongst the Spaniards, whose Cruelty is such, that none can be more miserable than where Spaniards are.

Before we conclude the Description of Cuba, it will be material to add some Passages of a Letter from Major Smith, Governor of the Isle of Providence, who was taken there in the Year 1665. which will give light to the knowledge of the pre∣sent State, not onely of Cuba, but of some other parts of America, belonging to the Spaniards; which is as followeth:

* 1.539CUba is a very good Island, and in it is generally the best Land, for so large a Countrey, as I have seen in America, although I have travell'd the main Conti∣nent in several places, and have cross'd from the North Sea to the South Sea, as also the North side of Hispaniola, and most parts of Jamaica.

This great Island is easie to be conquer'd, and would make the best Plantation, besides the prejudice it would be to the Spaniard, and the great advantage to our Nation; for instance, Had we the Port and City of Havana, which might in all probability be reduc'd with two Regiments of good Soldiers from Jamaica, carry∣ing with them two or three Sloops or Shallops for Landing Men, fitted with good Arms and other Necessaries for an Assault, presently after their Armado hath pass'd out of the Indies, which is once in two years, towards the latter part of the Summer. There is good Landing on the West side of the City, where it lies open; and you need fear no Ambuscado's: but not on the East side on the Harbor, for there you will be gawl'd by the strong Castle of the Moare, until the City be secur'd; but when that is once taken, you may easily reduce that Castle also, there being no danger of their re-taking it, until the next Armado arrives there, which will be al∣most two years, against which time you will have Planters enough from other of our Islands, to Manure the Land, and assist the Soldiers in defence thereof: This once effected, would utterly ruine the Spaniards, for these Reasons: Our Ships lying both here and at Jamaica, would be at all times ready to gather up their stragling Fleet, which it is difficult to keep imbodied without the help of that Port of Ha∣vana, it being impossible for their great unruly Ships to turn up to Windward from the Bay of Mexico, or Puerto Bello, without separation; and on the other side, to pass the Gulf of Florida, is for them as impossible, where they always Rendezvouz, Victual, Water, and provide all things necessary for their Return into Spain; after all which they diligently wait for a convenient Season of Winds and Weather (be∣ing much observ'd from the Changes of the Moon) when to pass that dangerous Straight: for to say truly, the Spaniards are neither very fit for Sea nor Land-Service, excepting some Officers and Soldiers bred in Flanders for Land-Service, and a few Biscainers for Sea-Affairs. They are so sensible of their Weakness, and jealous of their Riches in those Parts, that it is very difficult for any ingenious Man to get his Liberty, being once taken, fearing he might give such Intelligence, as to be thereby the cause of their ruine, witness their blind-folding of all Strangers, when they pass their Cities and Castles; for they much dread an old Prophecy amongst them, viz. That within a short time the English will as freely walk the Streets of Havana, as the Spa∣niards now do; which indeed had been easily perform'd with a third part of the English Army sent to Jamaica, and a far geater advantage to the Nation: for I esteem that Port and Harbor of Havana in the West-Indies, equivalent (against that Nation) to Tangier in the Straights of Gibraltar; and if we were at once Masters of both, it would without doubt so straiten the Spaniards, as absolutely to admit us a free Trade into their Ports of America, where they impart our Commodities, and sell them for ten times more than they first cost in Spain, by reason of the great plenty of Silver: which Trade would not onely be of infinite advantage to us, but also prevent them of their future enslaving of our Nation in Chains as now they do;

[illustration] map of Jamaica

Novissima et Accuratissima JAMAICAE DESCRIPTIO per JOHANNEM OGI••UIUM Cosmographum Regum.

for being employ'd about their Fortifications, they are worse us'd, all things con∣sider'd, than if they were taken by the Turks.

I have seen other parts of the West-Indies, where the Spaniards might be fleec'd of considerable quantities of Riches, as at Panama, where their Silver Bars lie pyl'd up in Heaps in the open Streets Day and Night without Guard for five or six Moneths together, waiting the arrival of the Armado; which when arriv'd in Puerto Bello, they Transport it thither with so slender a Guard, for so great a Treasure, as would be an easie Prey to a thousand resolv'd Men (although of extraordinary value for so small a Charge;) but here is no resting, nor long remaining, they being so numerous (as in all other places of the main Land) though of great Wealth, and easily gotten with a Catch and away: But to my purpose,

This Island of Cuba hath adjacent to it great Conveniences of Salt and Fishing; and in it are very great plenty of Horses, Neat, Sheep, and Hogs, both wild and tame, of a far larger and better breed than any other parts of America: It hath also many very rich Mines of Copper already open, and is the onely Place that sup∣plies all the West-Indies with Metal for the infinite number of Ordnance they have in all their Ports and Castles, both in the North and South Seas; but whether it hath any Mines of Silver or Gold, I know not; but if there were any such, they would not adventure their opening and discovery, fearing the Invasion of that Island, whereunto is so easie access by Sea, and of so great import to their whole Interest in America: for which reason also they refuse to work any Mines in Flo∣rida, that are nigh the North Sea, (although they have there very many) but do ra∣ther employ themselves about others farther up in the Countrey, although with greater Labor and Cost, for conveyance of the Product by Land to Mexico. And lastly, (for its full praise) this Island hath many very good Ports and Harbors of great advantage to Ships, for safe passing the Gulf; and should the Spaniards keep three or four Frigats always plying between the Western end of Cuba and that of Havana, off and on, it were impossible for any Ships of ours that came from Jamaica to escape them; the Scales turn'd would be their Case to all America. Neither wants it great Sugar-works, which have Water-mills and Horse-mills, and very many large Cocoa Walks, the most and best Tobacco: and in short, it produceth all other Commodities, that any of our American Islands have knowledge of.

CHAP. XVI. Jamaica.

* 1.540THe Island of Jamaica lieth North from the Southern Continent of America, in the Sea call'd Mare del Nort; and South from the Isle of Cuba about twelve Leagues; and West from Hispaniola twenty, in eighteen Degrees of Northern Latitude; and beareth from Rio de Hacha North-West, a hundred and fifty Leagues; from Santa Martha North North-West, a hundred and thirty five; from Rio Grande North-West, a hundred and thirty; from Carthagena North, four∣teen; from Porto Bello North-East and by North, a hundred and ninety; from the Bay of Darien, North and by East, a hundred and seventy; from the Bay of Mexico, a hundred and fifty. It is of Form something nearly resembling oval, being in length from East to West, about fifty four Leagues, or a hundred and seventy Miles;

from North to South in the broadest and middlemost part, about three and twenty Leagues, or seventy Miles over, and so groweth narrower and narrower towards each Extream; in circumference about one hundred and fifty Leagues, or four hundred and fifty English Miles.

* 1.541This Island is well water'd with Springs and Rivers, and is all over, especially in the Western parts, full of high Hills and Mountains: It is also well Wooded; for the North and South parts chiefly abound with tall and large Woods: Nor are there wanting every where Savanas, or Pastures, which are thought to have been Fields of Indian Maiz, till the Spaniards arriving here, brought in Horses, Cows, Hogs, and Asinego's to feed.

* 1.542The Air in this Place is more temperate, and the Heat more tolerable, than in any of the rest of the Barloventi, by reason of the cool Breezes which constantly blow from the East, and the frequency of Showers of Rain, and refreshing Dews which fall in the Night.

This is also the onely Island of the Barloventi, which is not subject to violent Storms and Hurricanes; and the Diseases which are predominant here, are onely bred by Intemperance, as Surfets, Feavers, and Agues, or occasion'd by ill Diet or Slothfulness.

* 1.543The Commodities of this Island are very many; and first for Vegetables, the Sugars are so good, that they now out-sell those of Barbado's 5 s. per Cent.

Cocoa, of which there are many large Walks; and greater plenty by improve∣ment may easily be produc'd.

Tobacco, so good, that the Merchants give Six pence a Pound for it, and buy it faster than the Planters can make it.

Indigo is producible in great abundance, if there were Hands sufficient em∣ploy'd about it.

The Cotton of this Place is accounted very firm and substantial, and preferr'd before any that grows in the neighboring Islands.

Of Tortoise-shell there is also good store, by reason that much of that sort of Tortoise is taken on this Coast.

Here are also great variety of Dye-woods, as Brasiletto, Fustwick, Red-wood, a kind of Log-wood, and several others, besides divers of those that are accounted the most curious and rich sorts of Woods, as Cedar, Mohogeney, Lignum-vitae, Ebony, Granadilla, and others, which are frequently Exported.

Moreover, there are very probable testimonies, that there are Mines of Copper here, since both there have been those who affirm to have seen the Oar wrought out of one of them, and the Spaniards report the Bells that hang in the great Church, to have been Cast out of this Island Copper. As for Silver, the English are said to have been shew'd a Silver-Mine behind the Mountains, West of Cagway.

Ambergreece the Spaniards report to have been often found on this Coast.

Salt might be made here in great abundance, there being three good Salt-pans; and Salt-petre hath been found in many Parts.

Ginger is reported to grow better here than in most of the Caribbee Islands; and Cod-pepper very plentifully; and also a certain kind of Spice call'd Piemete, being in the form of East-India Pepper, of a very aromatical and curious taste, partaking as it were of divers species together: it grows wild in the Mountains, and is very highly valu'd amongst the Spaniards.

Of Drugs and medicinal Plants there is here a very great abundance, as Guaia∣cum, China-Root, Cassia-Fistula, Veuillard, Achiotes, Tamarinds, Contrayerva, Ciperas, Adi∣antum Nigrum, Aloes, Cucumis Agrestis, Sumach, Acacia, Misselto, with several others, both Drugs, Balsoms and Gums.

Cochinele is produc'd by a Plant that grows in this Countrey, but it is not made without much care and curiosity, and the English are not yet well experienc'd in the Husbanding thereof, besides that the Growth of the Plant is much obstructed by Easterly Winds.

There is here greater store of Cattel than in any of the rest of the English Plan∣tations in America,* 1.544 as Horses, which by reason of the great number of them, are bought very cheap.

Cow's, of a large size, and of which vast numbers are yearly kill'd.

Asinego's and Mules, both wild and tame, being a very serviceable sort of Cattel in those Countreys.

Sheep, large and tall, and whose Flesh is counted exceeding good, but the Fleece worth little.

Goats in great abundance, being a sort of Cattel very peculiar to that Countrey.

But of all other Cattel, Hogs are here in the greatest plenty, both wild in the Mountains, and tame in the Plantations; and they are more in request for Food than any of the rest, their Flesh being counted both of a better rellish, and more ea∣sily digestible than the Hogs-flesh of our Parts.

The Fish that is very plentifully caught in these Coasts is of infinite variety,* 1.545 and quite of another kind from what we have in this part of the World, the principal whereof is the Tortoise, which is taken in great abundance both on these Coasts, and in the Islands Camavas.

The tame Fowl in this Place, are chiefly Hens, Turkies, and Ducks;* 1.546 but of wild Fowl infinite store, as of Guinee Hens, Flamingo's, Teal, Ducks, Wigeon, Geese, Pigeons, Snipes, Plovers, Parrots, Turtles, Parachites, Machaw's, with divers others.

* 1.547Choice and excellent sorts of Fruits are here in great abundance, as Cocao-Nuts, Mannes, Maumees, Supatas, Suppotillias, Avocatas, Cashuds, Prickle-Apples, Prickle-Pears, Sower-Sops, Custud-Apples, and many others.

For Timber-Trees, Platanes and Pines.

And for Garden-Herbs, Radish, Lettice, Parsley, Cucumbers, Melons, &c.

The antient Inhabitants us'd two sorts of Bread, the one made of stamp'd Roots, and the other of Corn, which is Reap'd thrice every year, and grows with such success, that one Pint sow'n yields two hundred.

They had a strange way to make their Cazari Cakes of the Root Juca, which keep good a year: They first press'd out the Juice with great Weights, which if drunk raw, occasions sudden Death; but boyl'd, is pallatable and good.

Potato's are here in great abundance, and grow like Artichokes in a moist Soil, and shoot forth Leaves of a dark-green Colour, like Spinage; they spread upon the Earth by Stalks, and bear a Flower like a Bell, at the end of which grows the Seed: the Roots are generally White, but sometimes Red, Marble-colour'd, Yel∣low, and Violet; they are not onely pleasing to the Pallat, but accounted very wholsom when stew'd in a close cover'd Pot, with a little Water.

But much daintier are the Ananas, which grow on a Stalk of a Foot long, sur∣rounded with sixteen large sharp Leaves, between which grows a Fruit like a Pine-Apple, but much bigger, with an uneven Rind, of a pale Green, and inclining to a Carnation on a yellow Ground; on the top shoots out a red Bunch of Leaves and Flowers; the innermost Pulp melts on the Tongue, and is of so delicious a taste, that it exceeds all other Dainties; the Seed produces Fruit once.

Of this Fruit there are several sorts, the chief whereof is accounted a special Re∣medy against a bad Stomach, Gravel, Poyson, and Melancholy.

The Drink made of Ananas is no way inferior to Malvasia Wine.

* 1.548Here you may observe a remarkable Secret of Nature in a certain ever-green Plant, which grows either on the Bodies of old Trees, on the Rocks, or in the Woods; the Stalk whereof surrounded with Leaves, full of dark red Spots, bears a sweet-smelling Violet-colour'd Flower, the Leaves whereof as soon as touch'd, close up together and die, and according as they are held in the Hand a shorter or longer time, this strange alteration continues.

Since the Spaniards planted Ginger on Jamaica,* 1.549 it hath grown there in great abun∣dance; the Male Plant (for it is divided into Male and Female) hath generally bigger Leaves than the Female; the Stalks, which are without Knots, have more Leaves upwards than downwards, and spreads along the Earth, still take Root anew; when the Leaves wither, then the Ginger is commonly ripe, but it hath not that poinancy whilest green as when dry'd.

The Cotton of this Island (of which the Clothes and Hammocks that are made,* 1.550 are vended in most parts of the Western World) grows on a Tree of equal heighth with a Peach-Tree, with a straight Stem or Body, out of which shoot Boughs of an equal length, and at equal distance; between the Leaves, which are narrow and long, grow red Flowers, and from them, oval Gods, which when ripe, inclose the Cotton, and a Seed like Pepper.

* 1.551Of hurtful Creatures here, besides the Manchonele, and a sort of Snakes call'd Guaana's, wherein 'tis thought there is little or nothing of a poysonous quality; the most observable is the Alligator, with which many Rivers and Ponds abound; it is a very voracious Creature, but is seldom known to prey upon a Man; it moves swiftly and strongly forward, but turns slow; the biggest of them are about twenty Foot long, their Backs scaly and impenetrable, so that they are hardly kill'd but in the Belly or Eye; they have four Feet or Fins, with which they go or swim indif∣ferently; are observ'd to make no kind of noise; their usual course for getting their Prey, is to lie on their Backs as dead, then with a sudden onset to surprize what-ever Fowl or Beast comes fearlesly near them; the best caution other Crea∣tures have of them is from the strong smell that flows from their Bodies: to re∣quite the harm done by them, they have something of vertue, for the Fat or Oyl of their Bodies hath been experienc'd to be an admirable Ointment for all kinds of Pains and Aches; they Lay Eggs no bigger than a Turkies by the Water side, still covering them with Sand, which heated by the Sun-beams, hatcheth the young ones, who naturally creep into the Water.

* 1.552In some parts of the Countrey there are also a sort of stinging Flies, call'd Mus∣chilli and Merrywings, but the English Quarters are little infested by them.

Hugh Linschot writes, That the antient Natives of this Place were a subtile and sharp-witted People, skilful in Handicrafts, and expert in warlike Affairs, above all the Americans besides.

* 1.553The Island was discover'd by the Spaniards under the Conduct of Columbus, who first built there the Town of Mellilla; which disliking, he remov'd again to Oristana; and finding that an incommodious and unhealthy Situation, he remov'd again to another Plantation, where he built a very fair Town, first call'd Sevilla, afterwards St. Jago de la Vega, consisting of about seventeen hundred Houses, two Churches, two Chappels, and an Abbey, being the chief, if not the onely Seat of the Spaniards be∣fore the arrival of the English, for their Estanchas, or small Plantations, were com∣mitted wholly to the custody of their Slaves.

Diego, the Son of Christopher Colonus, (or, as he is vulgarly call'd, Columbus) was the first that was constituted Governor of this Island, and sent Juan de Squibello

[illustration]

Commander, who upon their first arrival here committed such horrid Cruelties and Massacres, that (as the fore-mention'd Bartholomeo de las Casas writes) five thou∣sand Inhabitants were in a short time reduc'd to less than three hundred, multitudes being put to death in a most inhumane and barbarous manner, some roasted alive, others torn in pieces by the Spanish Dogs, besides many other studied ways of But∣chery, too dreadful to be read with patience; nor were they free from Civil War amongst themselves, which first began in this Island.

* 1.554The first and onely Attempters upon this Island since the Spaniards made them∣selves Masters thereof, have been the English, who in the Year 1592. under the Con∣duct of Sir Anthony Shirley Landed upon it, & got clear possession thereof, none of the Spaniards that were then upon the Place daring to make the least resistance; but not thinking it worth the keeping, they soon deserted it, and made Sail back again for England: after which they remain'd unmolested for a long time, till in the Year 1654. a Fleet of English was set out for Hispaniola by Cromwell, under the Command of Colonel Venables, with a Design for the taking of St. Domingo; but meeting with ill success in the Enterprize, and being forc'd to quit that Island with loss of Men, and frustration of their hopes, they steer'd their Course for Jamaica, and on the tenth of May in the Year abovesaid, with little opposition possess'd themselves of it. Upon their approach to St. Jago the Inhabitants thereof deserted it, and betook them to the Mountains, gaining time by a pretence of Treaty, to secure their Wo∣men and Goods; and oftentimes making Incursions upon the stragling Parties of the English, slew and took many Prisoners by surprize: but being weary of this wild and irregular kind of living, they betake themselves at last to the Isle of Cuba, where many of them, the Grandees especially, were permitted by favour to con∣tinue, the rest being by the Vice-Roy commanded back, with promise of speedy and considerable Supplies; by that time this remnant of the Spaniards was near tir'd out with hardship and necessity, some being very much discourag'd and driven to utter despondence of Mind, others destroy'd out-right, part of the long promis'd and expected Supply arrives, the greatest part being to follow soon after; but

finding the Islanders so few in number, and in so sickly and necessitous an Estate, they would not joyn with them, but maugre all the Governor's Perswasions or Commands, retreat to the North part of the Island, and there fortifie at a place call'd Chireras, expecting every day fresh Recruits; which not coming time enough, and their Quarters being discover'd, they were set upon by the English, and most of them either slain or taken Prisoners: not many Moneths after the rest of the Spanish Forces Land, being in all about thirty Companies, with Ordnance and good store of Ammunition; who falling presently to make strong Fortifica∣tions at Rio Novo, are nevertheless in a short time utterly defeated by the English: Upon which, and several other ill Successes, despairing to re-gain the Island, they Ship off their Women and the richest of their Goods; and the Negro Slaves grown Masterless, by the general either slaughter or departure of their Pa∣trons, shake off their Obedience to the Spaniards, and constitute a Governor of their own, a Black, yet submit themselves, and own Subjection to the English Govern∣ment, the Spaniards from Cuba, both by their Perswasions and monethly Contri∣butions, in vain endeavoring to reduce them; onely some few there were that stood out, whom the rest not onely made it their business to discover, but help'd the Eng∣lish to take them, insomuch that at last the Spanish General not having above fifty Men left him, was forc'd to seek for Peace, and offer'd Terms of Accommodation; which the English General would not be drawn to accept of, unless upon Condi∣tion that he should deliver up to Justice as many as were left of those that had barbarously murder'd any of our Men, either in time of Treaty, or after Quarter given.

The English in this Island are setled for above a hundred Miles along the Coun∣trey from the Eastward.

* 1.555Their chief Towns are 1. St. Jago, (built by the Spaniards, as afore mention'd) which lieth six Miles within the Land, North-West from the Harbor of Cagway. Here the English have built a small Fort.

2. Passage, a small Town, built also by the English six Miles from St. Jago, for the convenience of going to Cagway, consisting of about fifty Houses and a Fort, whence cross this Harbor, about three Leagues distant is the Town of 3. Cagway, seated on the Extream end of the Point, containing in it above six hundred Houses, all built by the English, besides the Governor's Palace, and the Houses where the Stores for the Army are kept.

This is counted the most healthful Place in all the Island, and the very Scale of Trade, where all Merchants, Strangers, and Sailors reside.

Here, upon the utmost Angle of the Point towards the Sea, is a round Tower, built of Lime and Stone; about which is rais'd a strong and regular Fort, contain∣ing sixty pieces of Ordnance.

* 1.556This Town is now call'd Port Royal, and is thought to contain about sixteen thousand Inhabitants.

A Mile from hence is another Fort,* 1.557 call'd Landward, which runs from the Har∣bor to the Sea, to defend the Town from any Attempt by Land.

Off the Mouth of the Harbor towards the Sea, lie divers small Islands, the most Western of which being within half a League of the Fort, and between which and the Fort every Ship that comes into the Harbor is necessitated to pass: It is call'd Little Island;* 1.558 where a Fort is likewise rais'd, to defend the Mouth of the Har∣bor, containing eight pieces of Ordnance.

Another Fortification is at Portmorant, which we shall make mention of amongst the Harbors.

* 1.559The chief Harbors of this Island, are 1. Port Anthony, on the North, a very safe Land-lock'd Harbor, onely the coming in is somewhat difficult, the Channel being narrow'd by a little Island that lies off the Mouth of the Port.

2. On the East of the Island is Portmorant, a very capacious Harbor, where Ships do conveniently Wood and Water, and Ride safe from all Winds.

3. On the South is Port Cagway, a Harbor wonderfully convenient, secure and capacious, being five Leagues over in some places, in others four, and at the nar∣rowerst, three; it is Land-lock'd by a Point of Land that runs twelve Miles South-West from the Main of the Island, having the great River that comes by Los Angelos, and St. Jago running into it, and divers Springs about it, where Ships do conveni∣ently Wood and Water. Here is every where good Anchorage, the Road being so deep, that a Ship of a thousand Tun may lay his sides to the Shore of the Point, and load and unload with Planks afloat.

4. On the West is Point Megrill, a Port very convenient and secure; to Wind∣ward from which, a little North-West, is the Seat of the old Town of Mellilla, founded by Columbus, as afore mention'd.

The chief Plantations of this Island, are 1. Portmorant, above the Harbor be∣fore mention'd, and by the two Rivers that run into it. Here are good Plantati∣ons of Sugars, Cottons, Tobacco's, &c.

2. Hence about ten Miles lieth Morant, where a thousand Acres of Land have been taken up for my Lord Willoughby, and a Company of Merchants.

3. Hence farther Leeward lieth Yallow, having good Plantations of Cotton, To∣bacco, and other Provisions, excellent Savana's, and some store of tame Cattel.

4. Thirty Miles hence, on the North side of Cagway is Ligonce, where are excel∣lent Plantations of Sugar, Cotton, and Tobacco, very pleasant Savana's, and some store of wild Cattel.

5. Twenty Miles farther West, nines Miles from the Harbor of Cagway, is Los Angelos, having some Plantations of Sugar, Cacao, and Tobacco, all which were old Spanish Plantations, and are less considerable than those made by the English in other places.

6. Eight Miles from hence, North-West, is Guanaboa, where likewise were some Spanish Plantations, since improv'd by the English, who have very many excellent Plantations of Sugar, Cacao, &c.

7. Hence West South-West lieth Guatabacoa, a most pleasant rich and fertile part of the Countrey, abounding with Cattel, and excellent Savana's. Here the Negro's setled that revolted from the Spaniards, who are endeavouring to make some Plan∣tations of Tobacco's and Provisions, and with them are setled some few English, who have divers Walks of Cacao.

* 1.560The several Governors of this Island since the taking of it by the English, are as followeth: General Robert Venables staid upon the Place about three Moneths af∣ter the taking of it, and at his coming away for England he left the chief Command to Major General Richard Fortescue, who liv'd Governor about three Moneths; af∣ter which Lieutenant General Edward Doyly was by the Army elected President; but upon his coming away soon after for England, Lieutenant General William Brain was sent over Governor in his room; who living in the Government about three quar∣ters of a year, did as it were bequeathe it again to Doyly, for he was chosen by ver∣tue of a Blank Commission, wherein Brain had inserted his Name whom he would have succeed, and remain'd Commander in Chief both by Land and Sea till His Majesty's Restauration, and then by His Majesty's Letters Patents was confirm'd in the Government, and so was the first that was Governor there for His Majesty:

The next that succeeded was the Lord Windsor, upon whose coming away Sit Tho∣mas Muddiford was sent Governor, and after him Sir Thomas Linch, who remains Governor at present.

CHAP. XVII. The Islands call'd the Lucaies.

* 1.561HAving done with the four Islands of Barlovento, as they are term'd, viz. Hi∣spaniola, Cuba, Porto Rico, and Jamaica, we come next to the Lucaies, so call'd, as some think, from Lucaioneque, one of the biggest of them; they lie over against Florida, Westward from the Bermudas, South-West and North of Hispaniola, and the rest of the Barloventi; and because they are but small ones, and lie so near the Continent, Geographers sometimes describe them as a part, or appertaining to the Continent. The chiefest of these Islands are Lucaioneque afore-mention'd, Bahama, and Guanahani; Lucaioneque is accounted the biggest of them all, and lieth in twenty seven Degrees between Bahama and Guanahani. Bahama lies nearest to the Coast of Florida, and gives Name to the Straights so call'd, which run between the Cape of Florida and it, with such a violent Course and Torrent, that although it be above sixteen Miles broad, yet many times neither Wind nor Oars, can prevail against it; that though the Winds be prosperous, Ships cannot enter it; and if it be cross, they go with the Current; yet those Straights the Spanish Fleet must pass in their Return from the Havana towards Spain. Guanahani was the first piece of American Ground discover'd by Christopher Columbus, and therefore by him call'd San Salvador, or St. Sa∣viour, because that thereby he was deliver'd from the mutinous rage of the Sea∣men, who threatned to throw him over-board, if they discover'd not Land in such a time. There are besides a number of small Isles scatter'd up and down, which are generally comprehended in the number of the Lucaies; one is Little Island, encom∣pass'd with a company of Shelves call'd the Bimini, so that it is hardly accessible: there goes a Tradition, that it hath been inhabited by very beautiful Women, the fame of whom drew many to attempt to Land there and take up their Habitation; in which Attempt many were cast away: There is said to be a Fountain in the midst of it, of such a Vertue, that whosoever drank of the Waters of it, had their Youth renew'd. Also three Islands, or rather Rocks, call'd Los Martyres, lying to the South-East of Cape Florida, and cover'd for the most part with a whitish Sand and a few Bushes growing on them: they seem at a distance to bear a resemblance of Men, impal'd, or bound to Stakes, as the Martyrs in the primitive Times usu∣ally were, which occasion'd the Spaniards so to Name them; 'tis very dangerous to come too near them, but to have sight of them is of great use to Men at Sea; for by passing these Rocks, and leaving them on the South-East, they certainly know, that they are now entred the Straights of Bahama, that is, that they have left the Ocean, and are fall'n in amongst those many Islands, which do, as it were, Barracado and Block up the Eastern Coasts of America, towards Nombre de Dios and Terra Firma, as they call it, through which the Continent is sometimes dangerous, by reason of con∣trary Winds; and always such, that it requires the skill and care of an experienc'd Pilot to conduct the Ships well thither. The rest are Abacoa, twelve Leagues long; Yuma, twenty Leagues in length, and eight in breadth, between twenty four and

twenty five Degrees; Yumeata, fifteen Leagues in length, between twenty three and twenty four Degrees; Jamana, seven Leagues every way; Yabague, ten Leagues like∣wise, and lying between twenty two and twenty three Degrees; Magaguana, twenty Leagues long, and ten broad; Quagua, ten Leagues every way, and lying between twenty and one and twenty Degrees; Caycos, five Leagues in length, and in the one and twentieth Degree; Mackre, in the twentieth Degree, encompass'd with Shelves; Abreo, environ'd also with Shelves, and fifteen Leagues long; also Gua∣tao, Cigateo, Guanima, Jabaka, Triangulo, and several others.

* 1.562On these Islands are no Inhabitants; those that did live there were a harmless simple People, and therefore the easier taken and carried away by the Spaniards that have made them so desolate: Many of them seem of a good Mold, and the Lati∣tude promiseth much fertility. The Air is certainly good and wholsom, and not so extream hot as other Parts of that heighth. There is scarce any Beast on them, save a Coney that hath a Tail like a Rat, but Pigeons and other Birds in great numbers.

There is the Gum Benjoin, of the best and worst sort; Guaiacum, Sasaparilla, and Sassafras; and on some of them Red-wood and Ambergreece.

Our English Sea-men are little acquainted with these Islands, though they Sail round them yearly.

* 1.563In the time of the Rebellion one Captain Sail and others, obtain'd a Patent, ma∣king thither on the Coast of an Island, which was call'd Illutheria; his Ship was wrackt, but the People recover'd the Shore with a few Necessaries.

The Coasts of most of them are dangerous, and bad to make, and that Ship that shall be near or amongst them, must keep the Lead always going; but with a wary Pilot, and care in giving the Islands a fair Birth, they are easily recover'd.

The Spaniards know this Place well, and have a yearly Trade thither for the aforesaid Commodities, and amongst the Islands are Wracks of divers of their Ships.

CHAP. XVIII. The Caribby Islands.

* 1.564THe Caribbee Islands, as they are generally call'd, are a Row or Ridge, as it were, of lesser Islands, which extend themselves almost in fashion of a Bowe, from the Coast of Paria as far as St. John de Porto Rico; they are otherwise call'd The Caraibes, sometimes The Camercanes, and by some The Islands of Cannibals, or Man-eaters, (though this Appellation cannot in reality be more appro∣priated to these Islands, than to many other, either Islands, or Parts of the Conti∣nent of America;) lastly, whereas all the Islands between Florida and New Spain, and Southern America, are by some comprehended all under the Name of The Antilles; yet the Caribbees and the Antilles are most generally, and, we conceive, most pro∣perly accounted the same; and they are so call'd, either as lying like a Bar before the greater Islands, or Quasi Ant-Isles, i. e. Opposites Isles; they lie all under the Torrid Zone, between the eleventh and nineteenth Degrees of Northern Latitude, and are twenty eight in number: but before we come to treat of each of them in particu∣lar, we shall take notice of the most observable of those things which are common to them all in general.

* 1.565The Air of all these Islands is of a good temperature and healthy, and the Heat not so excessive in them at any time of the year, as might be conjectur'd from their Situation under the Torrid Zone, by reason of a gentle East Wind, which rising in the Morning, continues most commonly till towards the Evening, allaying the scorch∣ing heat of the Sun, and refreshing the Air; but the Nights are commonly very cold; and it is observable, that by how much the hotter any Day hath been, so much the colder the Night following happens to be; whereof this reason is given; That the Vapors rais'd in the Day-time by the Sun, and falling down condens'd at Night, do very much cool the Air; but it is never so cold as to Freeze.

For half a year together Day and Night are equal in these Parts, and the rest of the Year the Day fourteen hours long, and the Night ten.

From April to December there commonly fall here great Rains, and all that Season is accounted Winter, and the Drought and Heat of the other Moneths is taken for Summer; but the Woods of these Parts looking ever green, make as it were con∣tinual Summer.

* 1.566The Soil is generally as fertile as in most places of Europe, and each Island fur∣nish'd with fair Rivers, Brooks, Lakes, Springs, Wells, and other Sources of fresh Water, besides in many places Mineral Waters, which are us'd with good success in the cure of several Diseases; also out of some Mountains store of Brimstone is digg'd, and it is conjectur'd that there are not wanting Mines of Gold and Silver, if they were well look'd after; and there hath been often found Crystal upon the Sands by Rivers sides.

* 1.567The Vine, though wild, and naturally growing in the Woods, yet yields a very large fair Grape; and those which are cultivated in their Gardens or Vineyards, bear excellent Grapes twice a year, but very little Wine is made of them, in regard they find it will keep but very few days.

* 1.568Wheat in the Caribbees grows up no farther than the Blade, and the reason is judg'd to be, because through the rankness of the Soil, and for want of Winter, this Grain springs up fast, and hath not substance enough left in the Root to supply it up to maturity; but no doubt but Barley, Rye, and those other Grains, to the ripe∣ning of which more Heat is requir'd, would thrive there very well.

Besides Lemmon-Trees, Orange-Trees, Citrons, and Pomegranates, and other Fruit-Trees growing in Europe, there are very many sorts of Trees, Herbs, Pulse, and other Plants, of a different kind from those amongst us, and peculiar for the most part to these Islands.

* 1.569Of Fruit-Trees, the most observable are the Goyavier, somewhat resembling the Laurel, onely having a softer Leaf, and of a brighter Green; its Fruit about the bigness of a Pearmain, but full of little Kernels like a Pomegranate.

The Papayer, which is of two kinds, one generally growing in all the Islands, the other proper to Santa Crux; the first hath a Leaf not much unlike that of the Fig-Tree, and the other bears a Fruit about the bigness of a Melon, which by the Por∣tuguese is call'd Mamao, from its resemblance of a Womans Breast: the Tree is hol∣low and spungy within, and grows up sometimes to the heighth of twenty Foot.

The Monick, call'd by the Islanders Corsot, from the Name of an Island from whence the Seeds were first brought by the Dutch, and bearing a Fruit like a small Cucumber not perfectly ripe.

The Junipa, or Jenipa, by the Portuguese call'd Jenipapo; and by the Brasilians, Jeni∣paba; having Leaves like those of the Walnut-Tree, Flowers like the Narcissus, and a Fruit like a bak'd Apple, which when it falls from the Tree makes a noise like the Report of a Gun discharg'd, which is said to proceed from the bursting

forth of the Seed out of the thin Skin enclosing it, and breaking with a violence; the Juice, of it Dyes of a Violet-colour, and the Swine and Birds that feed upon it, are said to have their Flesh and Fat of the same colour.

A sort of Vine commonly call'd The Raisin-Tree, and by the Caribbeeans, Ouliem; whose Fruit being like a large Violet-colour'd Grape, hath in stead of the several small Grain-stones which are inclos'd in the Husks of common Grapes, one hard Stone, like that of a Plumb.

The Acajou, bearing for Fruit a kind of Chesnut, in form of a Hares Kidney, which serves for a Crest to a very fair Apple that by degrees grows under it, of which the Islanders make a Drink, very much in esteem amongst them, being of an excellent taste.

The Icaco, a kind of small Plumb-Tree, so much coveted, and held for a Deli∣cacy by some People that live near the Gulf of Hondures, that they are from thence call'd Icacos.

The Monbain, which Fruit being a kind of yellowish Plumb, is chiefly made use of to mix in the Drinks of Ouicon and Maby, to make them taste the better.

The Courbury is by some reckon'd to be but a species of the Monbain, onely more full of Leaves, and growing higher and bigger; but the Fruit of the Courbury is suf∣ficiently different from that of the Monbain.

The Indian Fig-Tree, differing in Leaf from the common Fig-Tree, but whose Fruit both in figure and taste is not much unlike the Fig growing in these Parts: This Tree is commonly of such a vast Bulk, that the Branches of some of them have been seen to afford shelter to two hundred Men.

A kind of Service-Tree, differing from ours, by its exceeding heighth, fair Leaves, and pleasant Fruit.

The Prickly or Thorny Palm, so call'd from its being arm'd all over with Prickles, both Trunk and Leaves; by incision into its Branches a sort of Wine is made, and it is conjectur'd to be the same Tree which the Brasilians call Ayry.

The Franc-Palm, an exceeding high and streight Tree, bearing on the top of its Trunk a whitish marrowy substance, by the French call'd Choude Palmiste, or Palm-Cabbage; for being boyl'd with the thin Leaves that incircle it, and well sea∣son'd, it is reckon'd amongst the Delicacies of the Caribbees.

Latanier, another kind of Palm; and Cocoa, which is also reckon'd amongst the se∣veral sorts of Palms; this last is a Fruit-Tree famous all over America, and hath been at large describ'd elsewhere.

There are also many other Trees fit for Dying, Joyners Work, and Building, (besides the Acajou before mention'd, of the single Trunks whereof are made those long Shallops call'd Pyrages, which are able to carry fifty Men) as

The Acomas, of the same bulk and heighth with the Acajon, and equally esteem'd by Joyners and Carpenters, and of the Fruit whereof the Woodquists grow fat at a certain time of the year.

The Rose-wood, to be rank'd amongst the chiefest of those Trees that are made use of by Work-men.

Indian Wood, a very precious and useful Tree for several sorts of Materials, and of a very fine scent.

The Iron-Wood, so call'd from its hardness, weight and solidity, above all that have hitherto been spoken of, and beyond either Cypress or Cedar for incorrupti∣bility.

Brasile-Wood, so call'd as growing most plentifully in Brasile.

Yellow-Wood, denominated from its Colour, and much esteem'd for its usefulness

in Dying green Ebony, easily taking the lustre of the true Ebony, and being very useful for the making of Cabinets and other curious Pieces of Work; It also Dyes of a very fair Grass-green.

The Roncon, by the Brasilians call'd Urnex, in the Husks, succeeding the Flowers whereof, which grow in little Bushes at the end of the Branches, is enclos'd a most rich Vermilion Dye, of a very soft and viscous Matter.

Here are also many other Trees, either useful in Medicine, or other ways ad∣vantageous, as the Cassia-Tree, of the bigness and figure of a Peach-Tree; the long Pipes or Cods whereof, containing the Medicinal Fruit, are well known amongst us by the Name of Cassia-Fistula, and to be had at every Apothecaries.

Medicinal Nuts, each Nut containing three or four Stones in so many Cells, every one of which is inclos'd within a thin white Pellicle, pleasant enough to the taste, and out of which is extracted an Oyl, us'd by the Portuguese in several both Culina∣rie and Physical occasions.

The Cinamon-Tree, so noted for its aromatick Bark; also Sandal-Wood, Guaia∣cum, and Sassafras.

Cotton-Tree and Soap-Tree, whose Uses the very Names imply, and which Trees have been touch'd upon elsewhere.

The arch'd Indian Fig-Tree, the Bodies of which Trees have been antiently the sculking Holes and Retreats of the Inhabitants from their Enemies; the Bark is useful for Tanners.

The Gourd-Tree, of the bigness and heighth of a great Apple-Tree, and of which are made most of the Houshold Vessels and Utensils, which are in common use at present amongst the Inhabitants.

The Mahot-Tree, of the Bark of which are made Laces and Points.

The Manyoc, or Mandioque, of whose Root the Cassava Bread is made, and which growing in several places of America, hath been already taken notice of; as likewise the Banana-Tree, and that call'd The Apple-Tree of Paradice, otherwise Adam's Fig-Tree, the Fruit being reported to be of a very delicious taste.

Other Trees not known in Europe, are the Maposu, divers kinds of Thorny Wood, the Milky Tree, being of a venomous quality, the Mancenilier, and that whose Root beaten to Powder, and thrown into Rivers, intoxicates the Fish, with several others of less note.

Innumerable sorts of Shrubs might here in like manner be reckon'd up, but the chiefest are, That remarkable Plant, anciently known by the Name of Ricinus, and commended for its Vertues by Galen and Dioscorides.

Coral-Wood, so call'd from its little Seeds, which being as red as any Coral, are us'd for Bracelets.

The Jasmin, bearing a Flower of an admirable sweet scent.

The Candle-Wood, so call'd from its combustibleness, by reason of an aromatick Gum which is within.

The Herbs, Flowers, Roots, and Pulse which grow here, are some of them com∣mon in all parts of Europe, as Cabbages, Onions, Chibols, Melons, all sorts of Millets, Cucumbers, Citruls, Parsnips, &c.

Others, if not peculiar to this Island, yet growing chiefly there, and in some few parts of America besides, as the Raquettes, so call'd from the resemblance its Leaves have with a Racket, a thorny-spreading Bush, whose Fruit being of a Ver∣milion colour, makes the Urine of those that eat of it as red as Blood. Some liken this Plant to the Tunas, already describ'd, which yields that rich Scarlet Dye call'd Cochinele.

The Torch, so call'd by the European Inhabitants; by the Native Islanders, Akou∣lerou; a great Thistle, or thorny Bush, putting forth from the middle of it long streight Stalks like Torches, and bearing Fruit like a great Fig, not unpleasing to the taste.

The Lienes, creeping upon the Earth, and spreading up and down like Ropes, and bearing brown Husks of a Foot long, wherein are enclos'd a Fruit call'd Sea-Chestnuts, of which are made Boxes to keep Snush, Tobacco, or the like.

A sort of Sempervivum, which runs twisting upon Rocks, Trunks of old Trees, like Misseltoe, and sometimes on the Ground.

A sort of sensitive Plant, call'd by the Inhabitants Haestiel, or The Living Herb; of which kind of Plant something hath been already touch'd upon, and which be∣ing transplanted, is kept in several Gardens of the Curiosi as a Rarity.

The Sweet-Rush, whose small Root dry'd, and reduc'd to Powder, helps Women in Travail.

The Balisier, whose Leaf apply'd, mollifies and cools inflammations of Wounds.

The Dart-Herb, whose Root bruis'd and apply'd, draws away the Venom of empoyson'd Darts; besides Scolopendria, a sort of Aloes, several kinds of Maiden∣hair, and other medicinal Herbs.

The Granadilla, or Passion-Flower, growing in several other parts of America, and describ'd elsewhere.

There is also a sort of Pease in some of these Islands, differing from ours, and call'd The Pease of Angola, as first brought from thence. Likewise a sort of Beans call'd The Seven-years Beans, by reason the same Stalk bears seven years one after another.

The Herb call'd The Musk-Herb, from the dusky colour of its Flower, and the sweet scent of the Seed, grows also in these Parts very frequent.

The Pyman, or American Pepper, is the same with that before describ'd under the Name of Axi.

Their Potatoe is a Root not unlike the Topinambous, or Jerusalem-Artichokes, other∣wise call'd Saligots, growing plentifully in our Gardens, but more wholsome, and of a better taste.

The Anana's, or Pine-Apple, accounted a most delicious Fruit, of an admirable sweet scent, and very pleasant to behold, grow not onely plentifully in these Islands, but in most places of America; besides the Sugar-Canes here, and in many other places, but not so generally.

The Plant from which is got the Dying Material call'd Indico, is very different from that which grows in Madagascar, which bears small odoriferous Flowers, of a white and purple Colour mix'd together.

Of these Trees, Herbs, and other Plants, which are produc'd in these Caribbee Islands, some are more peculiarly of the Growth of one Island, some of another; so that we shall have occasion to speak more largely of some of them, when we come to speak of each Island in particular.

The four-footed Beasts found in these Islands, are chiefly the Opassum, the Javaris, the Tatan, the Agouty, and the Musk-Rat, which being all of them no less known in other Parts of the New World, have been already taken notice of, and of which we may have also occasion to treat more at large in the particular Islands, we shall therefore onely name the other Animals, whether Birds, Reptiles, Insects, or Fishes, as partly having been heretofore treated of, and partly to be describ'd hereafter.

The Birds are, the Fregates, Fauves, Craw-fowl, or Grandgawsiers, Flammans, Swallows of America, Arras, Canides, Parrots, Parroquito's, Tremblo's, Sparrows of America, Eagles

of Orinoca, Manstenys, Colibrys, besides what are common amongst us, as Herons, Coots, or Moor-bens, Black-birds, Feldivars, Thrushes, Turtles, Woodquists, Pintado's, &c.

The Reptiles are,* 1.570 Anotis, Zoquets, and Maboujats (of which farther mention will occur in the Isle of St. Christopher) Globe-mouches, nam'd by the Caribbeeans, Oulleouma, Scorpions, and several sorts of Lizards, call'd by the Caribbeeans, Ouamayaca; by the Brasilians, Senembi; and by other Indians, Jaquanas.

The Insects are,* 1.571 besides these common with us, as Glow-worms, Palmer-worms, Spi∣ders, Bees, &c. the Cucuyos, mention'd in Hispaniola, and the Flying Tyger.

The Fishes are,* 1.572 Sea-Parrots, the Dorada, by some call'd The Sea-Bream, by others, The Amber-fish; the Bonite, the Needle-fish, the Epadon, or Sword-fish, the Marsovin, the Requiem, the Remora, the Lamantin, the Becune, the Sea-Urchin, the Sea-Woodcock, be∣sides Whales, and a certan Fish call'd, for its hideous shape, The Sea-Devil, and lastly, the Sea-Unicorn, with a particular Description of which we shall conclude, as ha∣ving it from Monsieur du Montel, who was an Eye-witness thereof.

* 1.573This Unicorn (saith he) was pursuing a Carangue, or some other lesser Fish, with such earnestness and impetuosity, that not considering that it needed a greater depth of Water than the other, it stuck with half the Body dry on a Sand-bank, whence it could not recover the deeper Waters ere it was destroy'd by the Inha∣bitants: It was about eighteen Foot in length, being at the largest part of its Body about the bigness of a Barrel: It had six great Fins like the ends of Galley-Oars, whereof two were plac'd near the Gills, and the other four on the sides of the Belly at equal distances; they were of a Vermilion red colour: All the up∣per part of the Body was cover'd with great Scales, about the bigness of a Crown-Piece, which were of a blue colour, intermix'd with several Spangles of Silver; near the Neck the Scales were closer, and of a dark colour, seeming as it were a Collar; the Scales under the Belly were yellow, the Tail forked, the Head somewhat bigger than that of a Horse, and near the same figure: It was cover'd with a hard and dark-colour'd Skin; and as the Land-Unicorn hath one Horn in his Fore-head, so this Sea-Unicorn had a very fair one issuing out of the fore-part of his Head, about nine Foot and a half in length; it was as streight as could be, and from the place whence it came out it grew smaller and smaller to the very Point, which was so sharp, that being thrust hard, it would enter in∣to Wood or Stone, or some more solid Substance; it was at the place where it came out of the Head, about sixteen Inches about, and from thence to two thirds of the length it was like a Screw, or, to say better, made waving like a wreath'd Pillar, save that the Channels grew smaller and smaller, till they gently ended in a Point, which was two Inches beyond the fourth Foot: All the lower part had over it an Ash-colour'd Skin, which was all over cover'd with a small soft Hair, short as Plush, and of the colour of a wither'd Leaf, but under that it was as white as Ivory: As to the other part, which seem'd naked, it was naturally po∣lish'd, of a shining Black, mark'd with certain small white and yellow Strokes, and of such solidity, that a sharp File could hardly get a little small Powder from it: It had no Ears standing up, but two spacious Gills, as the other Fishes; the Eyes were about the bigness of a Hens Egg; the Ball, which was of a Skye-colour Enamell'd with Yellow, was encompass'd with a certain Vermilion, which had beyond it another as clear as Crystal: The Mouth was wide enough, and fur∣nish'd with several Teeth, whereof those before were extreamly sharp, and those towards the Throat in both Jaws were broad, and a little knobbed: The Tongue was of a length and thickness proportionable, and cover'd with a rough Skin of a Vermilion colour. What was further remarkable, is, that this Fish

had upon the Head a kind of Crown, rising above the Skin about two Inches, and made oval-wise, the Extremities whereof ended in a Point. Above three hundred Persons of that Island did eat of the Meat of it, and that plentifully, and thought it extreamly delicate; It was interlarded with Fat, and being boyl'd it came up in flakes like fresh God, but it had a much more excellent taste.

Those who had seen this rare Fish alive, and had with great Levers broken the Back of it, affirm'd, That he had made prodigious Attempts to thrust them with his Horn, which he turn'd with an inexpressible dexterity and nimbleness, and that if he had had as much Water under him as would have born him up, he would have been too hard for them all. When the Entrails were taken out, it was found that he liv'd by Prey; for there were within him the Scales of several kinds of Fish.

What could be preserv'd of this miraculous Animal, especially the Head, and the precious Horn fastned in it, hung up near two years at the Guard-house of the Island, till Monsieur Le Vasseur, the Governor of it, presented one Monsieur Des Trancarts (a Gentleman of Xaintonge, who had given him a Visit) with the Horn. Not long after, coming over in the same Ship with the Gentleman, who had that precious Rarity put up in a long Chest, our Ship was cast away near the Island of Payala, one of the Assores, and all the Goods were lost, but nothing so much regretted as the loss of that Chest.

* 1.574The Natives call themselves Cubao-bonon, that is, Inhabitants of the Islands, and Ca∣ribbeeans; which last Denomination was not onely receiv'd amongst the American Isles, but also on the Main Continent of the Northern and Southern America, long before the Spaniards coming thither.

Concerning the original of these People, there are several Opinions;* 1.575 for those who make them to be Extracted, from the Jews, have no other testimony, but that they abstain from Swines-flesh: Those that take them for a People fled from the great Islands, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Cuba, and Porto Rico, to save themselves from the Spaniards Cruelty, dispute against a known Truth; for who knows not, that the In∣dians who escap'd the Spanish Slaughter, have not the least resemblance either in Language or Customs with the Cannibals? nay more, they are mortal Enemies to them; besides that, the Cannibals at that time when Columbus first arriv'd, possess'd those Places which they now inhabit. The Cannibals seem ignorant themselves in this Point: for they affirm their Extraction to be from Guyana, where the Cali∣bites speak the same Language, and also observe the same Customs and Religion: The occasion of their removal they ascribe to the King of the Arovages, who made all the adjacent People about his Court, Slaves to him; which to prevent, they first went to Tabago, where being strengthned by new Comers, they resolv'd to take revenge on him; and Engaging with him in a Field-Battel, utterly defeated him, and spat'd none of his Party alive, except the Women; whence it proceeds, that the Arovage Women have the same Customs and Language with the Caribbeans. But Bristock, an English Knight, by long Conversation experienc'd in the severall Ameri∣can Tongues, saith, That the Caribbeeans have their Original from the Apalachites in Florida, who being a valiant People, destroy'd many of the Natives that inhabited Mexico, that so they might Settle themselves there; to which purpose they built a City like that of Apalache. The Cofachites inhabiting Northerly, and spred over a barren and Rocky Countrey, made use of this opportunity to conquer their deserted Habitation: for on a set-time they set fire to all the Villages, and spoyl'd all things which they could not carry away with them, that not the least hopes of return∣ing might be left them; therefore they must either Conquer or Die: which re∣solv'd

upon, they fell unawares on the Apalachites, whose King had nevertheless so much time, that he Guarded the usual Paths which directed to the inhabited Vil∣lages: But the Apalachites leaving the common Roads, climb'd over almost inac∣cessible Mountains, and so got into the heart of the Countrey, which exceedingly amaz'd Paracousis (for so that King was call'd) who lay Encamp'd at the Foot of a Mountain, whether the Van of the Apalachites were marching: whereupon he send∣ing his Army to meet them, they began a most fierce Combat; when at last both Parties wanting Arrows, they fell upon one another with Clubs till the Night parted them;* 1.576 and neither could boast of the Victory. At last this War was turn'd into Peace, and the Articles of Agreement were these, viz.

That the Cofachites should for ever possess the Province Amana, and become one People with the Apalachites, and acknowledge the King of Apalache for their Chief Governor.

After which the Cofachites were call'd Caribbeeans, which signifies Accidental Sub∣jects: But these two sorts of People did not long agree;* 1.577 for the Caribbeeans sleighted the Customs of the Apalachites in the Countrey Bemarin, and at the same time threw off their Obedience to the King, chose one Ragazin for their Governor, sub∣du'd the neighboring Province Matika, and at last defi'd the Apalachites; who infe∣rior to them in Strength, and making use of subtilty, suppos'd it the best way to make a Difference amongst the Caribbeeans themselves; to which the Priests freely proffer'd their Assistance, and their Design prov'd also successful; for the Caribbee∣ans regarding no Religion (onely dreading the angry Deity Mabouya) the Apalachite Priests call'd Jaova's,* 1.578 took great pains to perswade their Neighbors to the worship∣ping of the Sun; which so prevail'd, that a considerable number of them ascending the Mountain Olaimi, fell down and shew'd Reverence to that celestial Luminary; which Opportunity Paracousis taking notice of, caus'd the Jaova's to publish amongst the Caribbeeans, That in the beginning of the Maairims, or March, a great Feast should be held in Reverence to the Sun on the usual place, where the King would Enter∣tain, and give Presents to all the Worshippers thereof.

* 1.579How great a Religion this Sun-worship was antiently amongst the Gentiles, ap∣pears from the Writings of several authentick Authors.

The Syrians, whose Idolatry the Israelites learn'd, honor the Sun by the Name of Bahal, which signifies Lord.

The Phenicians call'd the Sun Beel-samen, Lord of the Heavens; and the Citizens of Accaron, Baal-zebahim, Lord of the Offerings; but God chang'd the Name to Baal∣zebub, or The God of Flyes.

Moloch, or Milcom also signifi'd the Sun amongst the Ammonites; in honor of which Children were carried by their Parents, and set between two great Fires, or else by the Priests, upon pretence of cleansing them; and sometimes parch'd to death in an Image of Moloch, which had seven Cavities heated like Ovens.

Macrobius tells us, That the Assyrians ascrib'd the supream Command to the Sun, under the Name of Adad, and to the Goddess Adargatis, representing the Image of Adad with Beams darting downwards, and Adargatis with those that shot upwards: by the first they express'd, that the celestial Power consisted in Sun-beams, which shooting downwards warm the Earth; and by the second, that all things by those Beams were cherish'd and enliven'd.

The most magnificent Temple which Syria Apamena boasted, was Consecrated to the Sun.

The Arabians Offer'd Myrrhe on the tops of their Houses at the Rising of the Sun; who also was the Chamos and Baal-Peor of the Moabites and Medians.

Near the Red-Sea, lay the City Baisamsa, which signifies The House of the Sun, fa∣mous for the many Feasts which were kept there in honor of this Planet.

The Persians accounted this Luminary for the greatest God, and Consecrated to him three several Feasts, looking upon him as the Author of Wisdom, Goodness, and Power, and is express'd by three several Operations, viz. Warmth, Light, and Distinction of Time.

The Egyptians honor'd the Name of Ofiris, whom some will have to be the same with Misraim, or Chamszoon, the first Founder of the Egyptian Monarchy.

In Egypt also was famous amongst many other Cities that of Heliopolis, which signifi'd The City of the Sun; where the Ox Mnevis or Menapis being Consecrated to the Sun, was religiously worshipp'd. This Image is describ'd by Macrobius.

The Moors made likewise great Offerings to their Assabin, for so they call'd the Sun; and allow'd their Priests onely the priviledge to gather Cinamon, and that with this Proviso, That they should first Offer forty four Oxen, besides Goats and Rams, to Assabin, nor should fetch the least Stick of Cinamon either immediately before or after Sun-set: The Cinamon brought altogether, was to be divided by the Chief Priest, and the rest having each their Portion assign'd, that which re∣main'd was sold to the Merchants, to Trade with into Foreign Parts; but if the Sun chanc'd to set the Cinamon on fire, then they concluded they had not dealt justly.

The Greeks, according to Proclus, hung a long Pole full of Laurel and Flowers on every seventh day of the Moneth; on the top thereof was a great Copper Ball, from which hung others still lesser and lesser; about the middle of the Pole hung three hundred and sixty five Garlands; and the bottom thereof was cover'd with a Womans Garment of a yellow colour; The uppermost Ball represented the Sun, the lesser the Stars, and the Garlands the Days of the Year; in which manner they worshipp'd the Sun.

The same Luminary the Massagetes and old Germans ador'd in antient times; and to this day the People in the utmost North, Japanners, Chineses, Tartars, and the East and West-Indians, pay their chief Devotions to the Sun;* 1.580 the reason of which may easily be made out: for it is the common Opinion of all Men, as Aristotle, Simplicius, The∣mistius, and other Heathens witness, to place the Omnipotent Godhead in the up∣permost Orb, which surrounds the Earth; wherefore those that Pray, lift up their Hands to Heaven: but because the rest of the Heavens appear not so resplendent as the Sun, therefore they take the Sun for the onely chief God, whether for its ex∣ceeding lustre and glory, or for its being a hundred and sixty times bigger than the Earth; or for its swift Course, in running ten hundred thousand Leagues in so short a time, or for its-nourishing and genial Warmth, which gives Life to all things, or for its necessary Light, by which all worldly Affairs are manag'd, or for its measuring the Days by its moving from East to West, and the Seasons of the Year, by a Course from the South to the North; for all these excellent qualities being well consider'd by the most Learned Heathens, or observ'd by those of lesser Judgment, have made them shew that Honor to a visible Creature, which is onely due to the invisible Creator.

These and such like Arguments induc'd the Caribbeeans to go to Bemarin, where the Feast of the Sun was to be kept.

* 1.581The Apalachite King also Entertain'd the neighboring People exceeding courte∣ously in the chief City Melilot; from whence he was carried in a Chair on the Shoul∣ders of four Men, with sound of Pipes and Drums, and an innumerable company People, to the top or the Mountain Olaimi, where he made a stately Offering to the Sun, and afterwards Feasting and Caressing the Caribbeeans with Gifts, he sent them home all well contented and satisfi'd with their Entertainment. This Cu∣stom

was yearly observ'd,* 1.582 when at last they began to neglect their Duty, wherefore Toltlabin resolv'd to proclaim War against the Caribbeeans, if they did not continue paying their Devotions to the Sun: which Injunction was differently receiv'd; some judg'd it to be inconsistent with their purchas'd Freedom, to receive Laws for Religion from a neighboring King, alledging, That if any Reverence was due to the Sun, it might as well be given on the Mountains of Amana as within Toltlabin's Realm: others, who lov'd Peace, and had a zeal to the Olaimi Religion, would not be against the Proposals, which occasion'd a Contention amongst themselves, and every one apply'd himself to those that were of his Opinion; nevertheless those that stood upon their Freedom, were of the greatest Party; wherefore the Worshippers of the Sun clos'd with the Apalachites, who going out with their Forces, routed the other Party, And receiv'd those Caribbeeans that joyn'd with them in Religion into Co-partnership also in the Government, so that they united into one People: But those that were routed rally'd again, and not without thousands of Inconveniences made towards the Sea, where Embarquing, they Landed first on the Isle Ayay, now call'd Sancta Crux,* 1.583 and in process of time grew very populous; for from thence by degrees have been peopled all the little Isles which lie before America, and grew so considerable, that they were sought to by the Calabites, to side with them against the Arovaces, Yaos, Sappayos, and other People their Enemies on the Main Conti∣nent, where they have taken many large Countreys, extending as far as Brasile, where they are greatly respected and fear'd for their Valor and Policy in warlike Affairs.

But because the memory of antique Passages hath no firm foundation in Books, having been onely taken by Tradition from time to time amongst the Caribbeeans, therefore we cannot give you an exact Account of their Removal from Florida; yet it remains without contradiction, that it hapned above five Ages before the Spaniards Arrival, which time at least was requir'd to the peopling of so many great Islands and Kingdoms.

* 1.584Concerning the Original of the Apalachites, they themselves affirm, that they cannot certainly determine the time when they first Setled here: however, they report that they have peopled the Provinces Bemarin, Amana, and Matika, many Ages ago. That they are Extracted from the Tartars, appears not obscurely, by their Customs, Idolatry, and Language. Amongst other things, they have learn'd from the Tartars religiously to remember those Kings which perform'd any grand Ex∣ploits in the Service of their Countrey. Amongst others, the Apalachites make men∣tion in their Areitos, or Songs, of a King call'd Maydo, eminent for his noble At∣chievements, and prudent Governing of his People.

* 1.585They believe that the Sun many Ages since was Darken'd or Ecclips'd twenty four Hours together, during which time the Waters over-flow'd the highest Moun∣tains, except that of Olaimi, where there stood a stately Temple, built in honor of the Sun; in which all those that fled thither were preserv'd, and dispers'd after∣wards into several parts to re-people the World as soon as the Waters were abated, and the Sun appear'd in his full lustre again: whereupon they imagine, that to this day their Bird Tonatzuli, at the Rising of the Sun congratulates his appearance with great joy, and at his Setting, requests his speedy return from under the Horizon.

* 1.586The Tonatzuli is a Bird like a Bull-Finch, onely its Belly and Wings are of a Golden colour, the Back and Tail blue, its Head adorn'd with divers colour'd Fea∣thers, its Claws and Bill like Ivory, and it Sings like a Nightingale.

* 1.587As for Olaimi, it is a perfect round Mountain; the Way which leads to the top

thereof runs winding two Leagues long, and is planted on each side with Cedar, Pine-Trees, Cassine, and Sassafras; the top of which is a fair Plain a League in circum∣ference; Eastward from it is a Cavern, to which Nature hath afforded more Con∣venience and Ornament than could be given to the same by Art and Charges: The first Beams of the Rising Sun dart into the Cavern, which being oval, appears like a white Vault, which on the top hath a great Hole for the Air to go in at: The bottom is like the purest Marble; on the Floor stands a Stone Cistern to receive the Moisture which drops out of the Rocks. Whilest the People Danc'd on the fore-mention'd Plain, Feasted and Sung, the Priests Offer'd Myrrhe, and all manner of Perfumes.

The Clothes, which the Rich gave to the Sun, were distributed amongst the Poor, according to a List which was taken of them.

* 1.588But in process of time the Apalachites have most of them embrac'd the Christian Religion; the first occasion thereof was this: When John Ribauld had brought a French Colony to Florida, and gain'd a Fort, (which from King Charles the Ninth he nam'd Charles-Fort) the Spanish Commander Peter Melendez fell unawares upon him, and so far impower'd his Men, who had of themselves a natural hatred against the French, that they spar'd neither Man, Woman, nor Child; onely ten Men escaping the bloody Banquet, fled to the Floridan King Zaturiona, where they were kindly re∣ceiv'd, and hearing of the Civility and Power of the King of Apalache, desir'd that they might go thither; which Zaturiona not onely granted, but also furnish'd the seven French-men (for the other three were dead) with good Guides, who visited Zaturiona's Relations, living in several Villages along the pleasant Stream Selay, over which they pass'd on large Boughs artificially joyn'd together, and travell'd through Woods, Marshes, and Mountains full of ravenous Beasts, and sometimes Engag'd with the stragling Floridans which lurk'd in the most desolate Wilder∣nesses: having travell'd two days Journey, by an Ambuscade of King Timago's People, they lost two of their Guides, the rest being dangerously wounded, and through many Difficulties came at last to Avoeka, and from thence to the King of Apalache's Court, who receiv'd them all with great kindness: Whereupon they re∣solv'd, being induc'd thereto by their courteous Reception, fruitfulness of the Soil, and good Customs of the Inhabitants, to Settle themselves, all but two of them, who return'd with the Guides to Zaturiona: the rest that stay'd there, endeavor'd by promulgating the Christian Religion, to reduce the Pagans to the belief thereof; which-many embrac'd, and also learn'd the French Tongue, notwithstanding their Priests Jaova's oppos'd the same. After the death of the French (which the Apalachites much bemoan'd) their Idolatry had like to have gotten the upper hand again, had not some English Families, fleeing from Virginia from the Cruelties of the Indians, and notable to reach New England, Landed at Florida, with intention at first onely to get fresh Provisions, but Rowing up the River Selay, and taken with the plea∣santness, they chose the Province Bemarin for their Habitation, where accordingly they Setled Anno 1621. Amongst them were several Learned Men, which so effe∣ctually perswaded the Heathens to embrace the Christian Faith, that in twenty eight years time the King and most of his Nobles were Converted and Baptiz'd by them in the chief City Melilot.

But since our Design is onely to give you an exact Account of those People which inhabit the Islands lying before America, it is sufficient that we have shew'd you how they are Extracted from the Cofachites and the Apalachites.

As to the Customs of the Caribbeeans, since they are very much alter'd by their long Conversation with the Europeans, we cannot better inform our selves of their

antient Gustoms, than from those which to this day are observ'd on St. Vincent, and some parts of the Main Continent, where the Caribbeeans have learn d nothing from any Strangers.

* 1.589The Caribbeeans are a well proportioned People with broad Shoulders and Hips, round Faces, without Beards, wide Mouthes, white Teeth, little Eyes like the Tar∣tars, Feet so hard, that they are almost Dart-proof, flat Noses, so made by squeezing them down in their Infancy, and long black Hair. There are few or no deformed People amongst them; all of them go stark naked, and paint their Bodies Red witlr a Plant call'd Rocou, and Oyl; about their Eyes they draw a black Circle with the Juice of the Apple Junipa. This their Painting serves them both as an Ornament, and to make them strong. Others anoint their Bodies all over with a glewy Stuff, on which they stick all sorts of Feathers. Others use Gum and Flowers. Moreover, they adorn their Head with Plumes, their Ears with Fish-bones, or Scales of the Caret, or pieces of Crystal, which they also hang in their Lips and Noses. The Men wear Armlets near their Shoulders, and the Women about their Wrists; about their Legs they tie for Garters Strings of Seeds: others take a pride in wearing the Bones of their slain Enemies, and the Teeth of the Agouty, Tygers, wild Cats, or Cockle shells. When they appear in greatest lustre, then they wear Armlets under their Arm-pits, and also Scarfs of Feathers, which either hang over their Shoulders, or are girt about their Middle, so that one end thereof tou∣ches their Thighs. They set an exceeding value on certain pieces of Copper call'd Caracolis, the least of which they hang in their Ears, and the biggest before their Breasts: and because they are fetch'd out of the Province of the Arovages their Ene∣mies, they are esteem'd as Marks of true Valor, and he is highly esteem'd that wears them.

The Caribbeeans which Converse with the Europeans,* 1.590 speak two sorts of Langua∣ges, the oldest of which is smooth, acceptable, fluent, and for the most part spoke between the Lips. According to the several pronunciations one word hath divers significations: but the Mystery of their oldest Language they will discover to none. It is very observable, that the Caribbeean Men speak several words, which though the Women understand, yet are never spoken by them: and also the antient People use several Sayings which the younger never mention, and the Youths such likewise as are never spoken by the Antient, which being spoken apart by each in the time of War, are understood by none but their Soldiers, that so their Designs may the better be kept secret. But their mix'd Language hath many of the Euro∣pean words, especially of the Spanish, which they speak whensoe're they converse with the Europeans. Moreover, though the Caribbeeans on the least occasion laugh aloud, yet they are of a dull Spirit, stubborn, and nothing to be got out of them but by fair means.

Their Employment is Hunting,* 1.591 Fishing, Tilling, Building of Houses, and the like. Theft is not known amongst them, so that no Man is suspicious of his Neigh∣bor; wherefore they leave their Huts open both Night and Day. They are also seldom at Variance one with another, but generally Love sways amongst them; yet if a Quarrel doth happen, then the injur'd Person revenges himself to the heighth. Persons that profess Chastity are much honor'd amongst them; and here Youth bears great respect to Age.

They are also very ignorant in natural Knowledge,* 1.592 insomuch that when the Moon is Eclips'd, they suppose that it is devour'd by Maboya; and wheresoe're they smell any ill scent, they believe the Devil to be not far from thence. Gun∣powder they suppose to be a Grain, and are very fearful of Fire-Arms: Though

they have many brave Salt-pits, yet they use no Salt, nor eat any Swines-flesh, though all those Islands abound in that sort of Animal, fearing that if they should eat the same, it would cause them to have little Eyes, which they account very homely, though it is a property generally incident to them; neither will they eat any Tortoise, because they would not be so gross as that Creature. Lastly, they know now no greater Number than they reckon on their Fingers and Toes, for what exceeds twenty is to them innumerable: They hold that good Spirits, whom they call Akamoue, residing in Heaven, never trouble themselves with Earthly Affairs.

Their Offerings consist in Cassave and the first of their Fruits, which are set at the end of their Huts in Vessels on small Tables, cover'd with Leaves or Rushes, without uttering any Prayers; for they never Pray but in publick in company of the Boyez or Priests, and that either for revenge against Injuries, or for recovery from Sickness, or that they may know the Events of War, or for Protection against the Maboya.

Each Boye hath his peculiar God which, Singing with a conjuring Verse, he calls to him in the Night whilst he Smoaks a Pipe of Tobacco.

* 1.593Some have been of Opinion, that this Conceit of the Maboya proceeds from the phlegmatick Nature of the Caribbeeans, who in their melancholy Dreams imagine themselves to be grievously beaten by the said Maboya. But there are sufficient testi∣monies to prove, that these Heathens have often really suffer'd much by this Maboya, often appearing to them in such horrid shapes, that the poor Caribbeeans would sweat and quake at the sight thereof, and inflicting such sad Pinches and bloody Stripes all over their Bodies, that they liv'd in perpetual fear of this evil Spirit: and yet notwithstanding these cruel Sufferings, they shew'd no manner of Worship to Ma∣boya, onely they believ'd that they had some ease, when they wore little Pictures about their Necks, made resembling the Shapes in which Maboya appear'd to them; but their best Remedy was to flye to the Christians.

* 1.594They believe their Boyez able to resolve any Question they ask of them; parti∣cularly, when any one dies, the nearest ally'd to him asks the Boye this Question, Who is the occasion of his Death? to which if the Boye names any one, they never rest till they have dispatch'd him to the other World. Concerning their original brutish way of living, they give much credit to an antient Fable, which is to this effect:

The most antient Caribbeeans,* 1.595 living under no other Roof than the Canopy of Heaven, fed on nothing but what the Fields naturally produc'd, which salvage Life an old Man much beamoan'd; when a certain Deity clad in white Apparel descending down on the Earth, said, That he would have come sooner to have shew'n them the way of a civil Life, had they requested it before. Moreover, the Angel shew'd them a place along the Shore where there lay sharp-cutting Stones, with which he told them they might cut down Trees, and with the Timber build themselves Houses, and cover them with the Leaves of the Palm-Tree to keep out the Rain; which said, he broke his Staff into three pieces, which being Planted, soon after produc'd the Root Manioe, which stamp'd and dry'd, made good Bread.

* 1.596The Caribbeeans have also a strange Opinion concerning the Soul, that is to say, That every one hath as many Souls as he hath Pulses, but the chiefest is the Heart it self, which after Death removes with Jeheizi, (that is every ones peculiar God or Genius) to the Company of the other Deities, where they live after the same man∣ner as here on Earth; wherefore those that are Persons of Quality give Charge at their Deaths, that their Servants may be kill'd and buried with them, that so they may serve them in the other World; That the other Souls, which are the Pulses,

are of two sorts, whereof the first call'd Maboya's, range through Woods and Wil∣dernesses; and the other call'd The Oumekous, reside along the Sea, and over-turn the Ships that Sail by; That the Souls of Heroes remove to pleasant and delightful Islands, where they are serv'd by the Arovages; That Cowards at their Death go behind a high Mountain, where they become perpetual Slaves to the Arovages.

So soon as they hear a clap of Thunder they run into their Huts, and place themselves on little Stools round the Fire, cover their Faces, and laying their Heads on their Knees, make a doleful noise, as supposing that Maboya is exceedingly enrag'd against them.

* 1.597Their Huts, for the most part built near Rivers and Streams, are of an oval fashion, their Roofs made of Palm-Tree Leaves or Sugar-Canes, the Walls nothing but Boughs set in the Ground and pleited together, and the Floor of sifted Earth or Sand, ramm'd in and kept very even and smooth; besides a Room wherein they Sleep and Entertain their Friends, they have also a Kitchin to dress their Meat, and a place to lay their Bowes, Arrows, Clubs, and the like, in; they use Mats in stead of Walls, to separate one Apartment from the other. Their Hous∣hold-stuff is little; the richest of them have Hammocks in stead of Beds; the meaner sort use Sticks laid cross one another, and cover'd thick with the Leaves of the Banana-Tree, made fast at the four corners with Cords. Hollow Calabashes; and Earthen Ware call'd Canaris, serve them for their Kitchin Utensils. In the little Canaris they prepare their Tumalis, or Pepper-pottage, and in the biggest their Liquor Ovicou.

Their Cleanliness may appear by this, that when they go to ease Nature, they make a Hole in the Ground with a Stick, and after they have done, stop it up again, burying their Excrement that it may not be seen.

Round about their Huts feed many Hens and Turkies, which they breed not so much for their own use, as to exchange for Iron.

They remove their Habitations very often, either out of fear of being haunted by the Ghost of some deceased Person, or to avoid some Smell which they find noisom and offensive, or because their Hut hath been set on fire by Lightning.

* 1.598The Women are always employ'd to keep their Families in good order, to pre∣pare Venison and Fish for the Mens Tables, to spin Cotton, Comb their Hus∣bands, and paint them Red. The Men spend their time in the Wars, Hunting or Fishing. They have also learn'd of the Europeans to burn Train-Oyl in Lamps in the Night, when as before they burnt Twigs of a gummy Shrub before mention'd, which for that reason the Hollanders call'd Candle-Wood. Each hath a little Stool, and a Table call'd Mantoutou, on which he eats his Meat when he pleases, having no set-Meals. The broad Banana-Leaves serve them for Napkins and Table-clothes. Their chiefest Dainty is Crabs roasted in the Shell with the Juice of Lemmon and Pyman. At great Feasts they dress their Meat with the Fat of their Enemies, being the Arovages. Their usual Drink is Mabby, made of Potato's, which refreshes, and is good against the Phlegm; also another Liquor call'd Oko, made of steep'd Cassa∣dar, and is like Beer in taste, strength, and colour. They also by making an incision into the Palm-Trees, tap a Liquor from the same in Calabashes, like White-wine. They use little of the Drink Couscou, because it swells the Body, notwithstanding it is pleasing to the Palate; But the Liquor which is most esteem'd amongst them, is the Wine made of the Sugar-Canes, which are squeez'd in Mills made for that purpose, and then boyl'd in great Kettles. During the dressing of their Meat (which being done leisurely, is sometimes half a day before it is ready), they Sing, and Dance to the Time, which one keeps with a Calabash fill'd full of little Stones, in

which they believe the greatest happiness they shall enjoy in the other World con∣sists: But the Caribbeeans never Dance more antique than when they meet in the Carbet, which is a publick House of Entertainment; whether the Women carry a Drink made of Cassave, which makes Drunk as soon as Wine: The Men bring Fish and Hedge-hogs; all of them painted with Roucou, and adorn'd with Plumes of Feathers, commit all manner of Debaucheries. At other times they also keep Feast-days, which is either when they are preferr'd to some Office, or Place of Ho∣nor, or when they have defeated their Enemies, or when they mourn for the Death of one of their nearest Relations.

Their Boats, which they call Periaquo's, are made of single hollow Trees,* 1.599 full of Benches, and painted with several strange Shapes, and are able each to carry fifty or sixty Men.

* 1.600Their Musical Instruments in which they take most delight; are Drums, Strings of Silk-grass stretcht upon Calabashes, and Flutes made of the Bones of their Enemies.

* 1.601They keep Watches on high Hills, to descry the Ships off at Sea, and no sooner have they espy'd one, but they immediately give notice to one another; whereupon those that are most valiant put off to Sea in their Canoos, and know by the Lan∣guages to distinguish between a Spaniard, French-man, English-man, and Hollander. If they find that 'tis an Enemy who Lands on their Coasts, they guard all their Avenues, lie in Ambuscades, and gather together in by-ways, and where they see any advantage they shoot thousands of Arrows; which done, they fall in amongst them with great Clubs: but if they chance to be defeated, then they lurk behind Bramble-bushes, or climb up inaccessible Mountains, or else, if near the Sea, they save themselves by Diving and Swimming under Water above two hundred Paces before they appear again; and if a Party of them chance to meet together after∣wards, they venture a second Engagement:* 1.602 But if those that come on their Coasts are Friends, they Swim, or go in their Boats to meet them, climb up their Ships, and carry the Sea-men on their Shoulders ashore, where the Casique in the Name of the whole Island bids them welcome, and conducts them to the Carbet, where an antient Man salutes the old Men, and a Youth the young Men; after which asking their Names, the Couban calls himself by that Name ever after, and desires the Strangers to accept of his Name; during which their changing of Names they use many Ceremonies of Friendship: this done, they proffer them Cotton Ham∣mocks to rest themselves in, and pleasant Fruit to eat, till they have prepar'd other Meat; which is no sooner Ready, but a little Table is set before every one of them, and a Dish of Meat consisting of boyl'd Hedge-hogs, boyl'd Crabs, and Pot∣herbs; which if the Guests do not eat heartily, or drink up all the Liquor which they give them, they take it as a great Affront; but if they eat and drink heartily, they take it kindly, and shew great sorrow at their departure.

Their Offices of Government have been usually three; the meanest belong'd to the Tiouboulihauthe, whose Place was to Govern over the Carbet, a House where Stran∣gers were Entertain'd, Matters of War disputed of, and publick Feasts kept. Tioubou∣tonti Commanded the Canoos in the time of War, that is, under the Nahalene, who Commanded the whole Fleet: But the chiefest Officer of all was the Ouboutou; to which degree of Honor none attain'd, unless he had kill'd several Arovages, or at least a Governor.

When the Caribbeeans drew all their Forces out of the Islands to a Battel, then they chose one out of the Ouboutou, who during their March Commanded the Army as General, which his Office ended with the War, and extended no farther than his own Island.

* 1.603Their warlike Consultations were no less observable, for the Ouboutou ap∣pointed a Day, on which the Islanders met at a Feast in the Carbet, whither they accordingly came all at the time appointed, and having Eat and Drunk, and Danc'd a considerable time, an antient Woman with tears in her Eyes, and mourn∣ful Countenance, enter'd the Carbet, and desir'd Audience; which being granted her, and every one silent, she began to relate the Damages which from antient times the Arovages did to the Caribbeeans; and that in the last Engagement so many va∣liant Men were slain, and afterwards devour'd by them; therefore it would be a shame not to take Revenge; which being seconded by the Ouboutu, put Valor into the Hearts of all that were present: Whereupon the following day Messengers were sent to the other Islands to acquaint them with their Intentions, that they might prepare their Clubs, make sharp and poyson their Arrows, String their Bowes, prepare Provisions, and fit out their Canoos: They poyson'd their Arrows with the Juice of Manchenillo's, which made the least Wound mortal. Their Pro∣visions and Arms they laid up in their Canoos, so to preserve their Periaguo's (which are Boats that can carry fifty Men), if they should chance to over-set, which often happen'd, though they were soon turn'd up again. They went from one Island to another, where they not onely stor'd themselves with fresh Provisions, but increas'd their Fleet with new Assistants; with which approaching the Main, they hal'd their Boats ashore in the Evening, and driving four Stakes into the Ground under the Trees, made fast their Hammocks to the same, in which they slept till Mid-night, and then fell on their Enemies, but if discover'd by them, they retrea••ed to their Boats and return'd home; but if they were not discover'd, they fell upon the Huts of the Arovages; who resisting, they shot Arrows with burning Cotton into them, and so setting them on fire, forc'd the Arovages to venture a Battel in the open Field; where having spent all their Arrows, they Engag'd one another with great Clubs, with which at one Blow they broke either Arms or Legs, or knock'd out their Brains. If the Caribbeeans chanc'd to be defeated, then those that remain'd of their Party made a lamentable noise, howling for those that were kill'd, and mix'd their Tears with the Blood of their slain Friends, whom not without the greatest danger they fetch'd from amongst their Enemies, and carried them aboard of their Boats: But returning Victors, they were wont to insult over their Prisoners with all the bitter Taunts imaginable, and then taking advantage of those sharp Upbraidings which their cruel usage extorted from them, to put them to death with most inhu∣mane Tortures, and then to Feast themselves upon their mangled Bodies, all claiming a Right to their several Prisoners, as to so many Beasts appointed to the Slaughter; But of late Ages they have contented themselves to dispatch them spee∣dily with their Clubs, and so assign them to their Shambles.

* 1.604As the Arovages had been formerly, so the Spaniards at length became the Object of the Caribbeeans irreconcilable Hatred, insomuch that oft-times being Invaded by them, they gave them such rough Entertainment, that they were glad to save them∣selves by flight; for the Caribbeeans not regarding their Guns, press'd upon them, and many times took Vessels richly laden from them, till of late years that a Peace hath been concluded between them; wherein nevertheless those of the Caribbeeans re∣fuse to be concern'd, that inhabit St. Dominico and St. Vincent, who cannot to this day forget the cruel Outrages committed by the Spaniards.

To come to their Marriages,* 1.605 they were allow'd as many Wives as they pleas'd to have, insomuch that their Governors were in esteem according to the number of their Wives; nor were degrees of Consanguinity so regarded, but that an Uncle might take his Neece; whom he no sooner had carried to his House, but the Mar∣riage

was finish'd. They seldom Divorc'd their Wives after they had bore them Children, but otherwise the Man would break the Bond of Matrimony when he pleas'd. A young Man that had no Relation might court a Stranger, and if her Parents allow'd of it, the Match was made. One that had behav'd himself vali∣antly against the Arovages was sure of several good Matches, for he was refus'd by none whom he Courted; and the abundance of Wives was the greatest testimony of their Valor. Each Wife had a peculiar Dwelling, so to prevent all Dissentions: So soon as one of them was with Child, her Husband Lay not with her till after Delivery. If any Woman committed Adultery, her Husband was permitted to knock out her Brains, or rip open her Belly; which done, he acquainted her Fa∣ther with the Deed, who return'd him thanks for the same. Murderers were ei∣ther burnt or cut in pieces. Children were born here with little trouble, for the Women were no sooner Deliver'd, but they carried the Infant to wash at the next Brook; which done they return'd home to their Houshold Labor, whilest the Man on the contrary kept his Bed, and ate nothing but a piece of Cassava Bread, which he hollow'd out in the middle, and left the edges till the Feast, which was kept at the Naming of the Child: Moreover, he fed on all manner of Dainties for a whole year after. But this Custom was observ'd onely at the Birth of the first Son, at which time they scratch'd the Father's Shoulder with a sharp Curry-combe, at which if he flinch'd not, it was accounted a good Omen of the Childs future Valor. At fifteen days old they made Holes in the Childs Ears, Lips, and Nostrils, through which they put a String for the tying on of what-ever Ornamentals. With the like Ceremonies the Child receiv'd a Name, taken from his Predecessors, Trees, Fishes, or some remarkable Passages during the Mothers bearing of the Infant in her Womb, or of the Father's Lying-in: But this Name was chang'd so soon as they went to War, or kill'd a Commander of the Arovages, whose Name they exchang'd for their own: After which the Mothers took special care in bringing them up, and at six Moneths the Children were able to run alone: When they attain'd to the age of two years, they cut off their Hair, at a great Feast made for that purpose; from which time forward they exercis'd them in Shooting with Bowes and Ar∣rows; to which purpose they hung up pieces of Meat for them to shoot at, which they must either hit down, or Fast.

* 1.606Their Ceremonies to make Soldiers were very strange, viz. The Father con∣ducted his Son to the Carbet, where he told him the Duties of a Soldier, beat him with a Bird of prey, call'd Mans-fenis, till he had bruis'd the Head of the Bird, and scratch'd his whole Body all over with a Curry-combe till the Blood came, and then put Lemmon Juice into the Wounds, afterwards put him in a Hammock, and hung him up for several days without giving him any Meat; all which Torments and Trials if he endur'd with patience, then he was accounted a good and appro∣ved Soldier.

* 1.607Few bred up their Children to be Boyez, or Priests; yet those that were brought up to it, abstain'd from certain Food from their Infancy, and before they could be receiv'd into the Order of Priesthood, they were forc'd to draw Blood from every part of their Bodies.

* 1.608The Caribbeeans attain to an exceeding great Age: Charles de Rotchfort witnesseth, That in his time there liv'd Men who remembred the first Arrival of the Spaniards under the Command of Christopher Columbus, which consider'd, they could not be less than each of them a hundred and sixty years old. Many Women also were found thcre, who bare Children after they were eighty years of age: yet nevertheless they are not free from Sicknesses and Distempers, which cannot justly be attributed to the

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Climate, that being extraordinary healthful, but to their ill Diet. Besides the trou∣blesom Disease call'd Pyans, which makes their Bodies swell full of great Knobs, they have been much troubled with pestilential Sores, occasion'd by the eating of Crabs, and poysonous Tortoises, Lamantins, and Hedg-hogs. Against which Evils they wanted not Medicines, consisting of Herbs, Roots, Gums, and Oyl. The bit∣ter Bark of the Chipiou-Tree, steep'd in Water, and mix'd with Lanbys, hath a sove∣raign operation. The like vertue is in the Juyce of the Myby-Tree, which they us'd to take inwardly: and for outward Means, they us'd a Salve made of burnt Cane∣ashes, temper'd with a Water press'd out of a certain Tree. To draw the Matter out of the Sores, they us'd the Juice of Junipa. Letting Blood was never customary amongst them, but to cut and scratch the sore part was to them in stead of Phlebo∣tomy. But if all the fore-mention'd Medicines would not help them, they fled for aid to the Boyez, who immediately order'd the Hut wherein the Patient lay to be made clean, the Table call'd Matoutou to be over-spread with Cassave, Ouycou, and Garden Fruits, for an Offering to the evil Spirit Maboya, and as many Stools to be plac'd about the same as there were People to be present at the Ceremony; and af∣ter that all the Fire and Candles were put out, the Boye enter'd into the Hut about Midnight with a Lighted Roll of Tobacco, then muttering some words to himself, stamp'd with his left Foot, and blew the Smoak of the Tobacco up into the Air, which done, and tearing the Tobacco in pieces, he threw the same over the Hut, and call'd up his Spirit, who shaking the Roof of the House, made a terrible noise; then the Boye drew near to the Patient, suck'd his Sores, and anointed them with the Juice of Junipa; after which if the sick Person recover'd, he made a great Feast, and an Offering to the aforesaid Spirit: But if the Distemper were mortal, then the Boye inform'd the Patient's Relations, That his Spirit had compassion up∣on the Sick, and was resolv'd to carry him above the Stars, to accompany the other Gods which reside there.

Thus much in general of the Inhabitants of the Isles that lie before Northern America; it will next be requisite to give you an Account of them in particular.

* 1.609There are generally reckon'd of these Islands twenty eight by Name, though there are many more in number; for besides that there are a multitude of small ob∣scure Islands that are not nam'd, there are of the more considerable sometimes two or three that go under one Name;* 1.610 the twenty eight are these following: Anegada, Sombrero, Las Virgines, Anguilla, Saba, St. Crux, St. Martin, St. Bartholomew, Barbouthos or Barboude, Rotonda, Nevis, Eustathius, Antego, Montserrat, Guadalupe, Deseado, Mariga∣lanta, Todos Sanctos, De Aves, Dominco, Martinego, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent, Bekia, Granada, Tabago, St. Christopher.

SECT. II. Anegada and Sombrero.

* 1.611TOwards the North-East of Porto Rico, at eighteen Degrees and thirteen Mi∣nutes, lies Anegada, seven Leagues long, surrounded with Shoals and Banks, as also the neighboring Sombrero, being in the same Latitude with the other, and so call'd by the Spaniard, because it appears like a Hat: Both of them being uninhabited,* 1.612 harbor abundance of Birds, amongst which is the Mansfeny, a little Eagle, and the remarkable Colibry, whose Body being a little bigger than a Wren,* 1.613 is adorn'd with divers colour'd Feathers, resembling a Rain-bowe; about its Neck is a Carbuncle red Circle; the Belly and ends of the Feathers are of a

Golden colour, the Sides of an Emerauld green, the Bill and Legs black like po∣lish'd Ebony, the Eyes glittering like Diamonds, on the Head a curious green tuft of Feathers: the Cocks far exceed the Hens in beauty; they flie swifter than any Bird whatsoever, and the fluttering of their Wings makes a noise like a Whirl∣wind: they live upon the Juice of Flowers, and especially of Cotton-Flowers; they smell like Amber, and build their Nests amongst the thick Leaves of a little Bough, where they cannot easily be found; the Nest it self open towards the South, is curiously made of the fine Fibres of the Plant Pite, surrounded with pieces of Bark, and within fill'd with Cotton, douny Feathers, and Silk; the Eggs oval, are somewhat bigger than an ordinary Pearl.

In the Moneth of May that sort of Crabs call'd Painted Crabs (for some have Violet-colour'd Shells, others yellow, full of purple Specks, and others tawny,* 1.614 with red Streaks) come creeping down the Hills in good order, eat up all the Herbs and Plants, and go four times one after another into the Water to wash themselves, which done they return to the Woods; but the Females at a set-time betake them∣selves to the Sea, in which they Lay their Eggs, which afterwards being cast on the sandy Shore, and warm'd by the Beams of the Sun, produce young Crabs in a short time, which no sooner come out of the Shell, but creep towards the Woods, when grown somewhat bigger they climb up the Rocks, where the old ones keep in vast multitudes, and stop up the Entrance of their Holes in such a manner, that they cannot be found out, whilest they cast off their Shell, creeping out backward through an opening at the Tail scarce discernable; thus for a certain time they lie bare, and stript of their Shells, being onely cover'd with a thin Skin, which grow∣ing harder and harder, becomes at last a firm Shell like the former.

These Crabs are a wholsom Meat, unless they feed under the Mancheneel. Trees, which commonly are poysonous.

SECT. III. Las Virgines.

* 1.615NEar Sombrero, at eighteen Degrees, lie also the two Isles Las Virgines, sur∣rounded by ten others (and flat Shelves), without Trees or fresh Water; but the Sea thereabouts abounds with Fish, and chiefly with the Perroket, which hath Scales like a Carp, but greenish; the Eyes surrounded with Silver Cir∣cles shine very bright; in stead of Teeth they have strong Jaw-bones, wherewith they Grind all manner of Shell-fish, which are their Prey. These Fish have an ex∣cellent Rellish, and weigh generally twenty Pound.

* 1.616Here is likewise great plenty of the Dorade, which is a very large Fish, and about five Foot long, full of little Scales, with a prickly Back, two Fins at the parting of the Head, and as many under the Belly. This Fish swimming very swift, often∣times follows the Ships that Sail that way.

SECT. IV. Anguilla.

* 1.617SOuthward at eighteen Degrees and twenty Minutes, on this side of the Line, appears Anguilla, inhabited by the English, containing ten Leagues in length; It makes a pleasant Prospect, because of the many Junipa-Trees which grow

upon the same, whose Boughs bend towards the Ground; the Leaves are not un∣like those of an Oak; the Flowers both in smell and shape come near the Narcissus; the Wood firm and grey, may be neatly Plan'd; the Tree bears fresh Leaves every Moneth, and a Fruit like Apples, which generally crack in their fall from the Tree, because of their thin Shell, as hath been already describ'd.

* 1.618The Oculiem, or Vine, makes the Shore also very pleasant; the Leaf round and thick, hath a mixture of Red and Green; the Bark incloseth a Violet-colour'd Wood; the Boughs whereof are loaded with Violet Grapes, which in stead of Ker∣nels contain hard Stones.

SECT. V. Saba.

* 1.619VVEstward from Anguilla, at seventeen Degrees and thirty five Minutes, lies Saba, which shews at a great distance like a Rock. The Inhabi∣tants of St. Eustathius going thither, found a pleasant Valley, able to maintain many Families.

The Sea about this Island is so clear, that a Stone may be seen lying on the bot∣tom of it.

* 1.620Amongst many other sorts of Fish, the Bonito is the most remarkable, which is thick and fleshy, two Foot long, with a dark green Back, and white Belly without Scales; It devours greedily all manner of Carrion.

SECT. VI. St. Crux.

* 1.621NOrth of St. Christophers, in eighteen Degrees and some Minutes, lies St. Crux, which the Caribbeeans who were beaten by the Apalachites, first inhabiting, call'd Ayay, where Columbus found great opposition, for the Women them∣selves shot poysonous Arrows at the Spaniards; and before the Islanders submitted to them, they took many Spanish Ships, burnt their Villages, and flay'd many of the Spaniards alive. The Soil, though Hilly, is rich and fruitful.

The English Landing here Anno 1587. found a standing Pool, whose Water made swell the Faces of those who wash'd themselves with the same before Sun-rising, in such a manner, that they were not able to see for several days after; but they at last found a Fountain of wholsom Water.

* 1.622Since the Spaniards destroy'd the Inhabitants of this Island, it lay desolate for a considerable time, notwithstanding it hath fourteen Leagues in length, and little less in breadth, till at last the English and Hollanders took possession of the same, each in a peculiar place; but not agreeing together, the English fell upon the Hollanders, and made themselves Masters of the Island in 1649. and not long after they were serv'd in the same kind; for the Spaniard judging them to be weakned by the Hollan∣ders removing from the Island, set Sail thither from Porto Rico, burnt all the Houses, slew the Inhabitants, and brought St. Crux again under the Spanish Government. Mean while the Lord Poincy fitted out two Sail of French Ships, to drive the Spani∣ards from St. Crux, and succeeded in his Enterprize; for the Spaniards immediately fled to their Ships, left at liberty some Holland Prisoners whom they had taken, and the Island in possession of the French; who straightway sent Captain Auger thither

[illustration] view of St. Martin

DE STADT S^t. MARTIN

URBS MARTINI

• A. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• B. 〈…〉〈…〉.
• C. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vigilune
• D. Mons Calvariae.
• E. Littus, in quod Hollandi descendant.
• F. Area, abi in ordines distrituti milites.
• G. Vit, per quam urbem invadem.
• H. Stutiones Hollandoram.
• I. Templum cathedrale.
• K. Domus Prafecti urbis.
• L. Templum Nosocomii.
• M. Templum Dominici.
• N. Monasteriam Franciscanorum.
• O. Sacellum.
• P. Littus, quo appellabantur cijmba Hollandic••.
• Q. Sinus irgens
• R. Thevius aquae recontis.
• S. Statis navium ante arcem.

as Governor, who design'd to build a Fort to secure the Harbor, but died before the same was finish'd. Poincy succeeding him, made an end of the Fort, and stor'd the Island with Ammunition and Provision. The Cross-Church built there by the Or∣der, and at the Cost of a Company of Flushing in Holland, was deliver'd also to the French.

The Trees which grow here are of four beneficial kinds,* 1.623 serving for four seve∣ral uses; some yield Fruits of a pleasant taste, and wholsom to eat; some excellent Medicines; others Timber for Building; and others Stuff to Dye with.

Granates, Oranges, Lemmons, and Citrons, grow better here than in any place of the World.

But the Papaye-Tree is particularly worthy of our Description;* 1.624 It grows twenty Foot high, without Boughs, thick and streight, hollow and spungy within, bears three-corner'd Leaves hanging on long Stalks, hollow in the middle, and of a Fin∣gers thickness; on the top round about the Body of the Tree, grow a sort of Fruit like Quinces.

This sort of Papaye-Tree grows on most of the Caribbee Islands; but the second sort call'd Mamoa, is to be found no where but on St. Crux; it hath more Leaves than the first, and a yellow Bark with green Streaks, within full of round and sharp biting Grains; the Blossoms thereof yield a sweet smell; every Moneth the Tree produces new Fruit, not unlike a Womans Breast (whence it hath its Deno∣mination as before observ'd,) and rellishing incomparably well.

SECT. VII. St. Martin.

* 1.625NOt far from St. Crux, at eighteen Degrees and sixteen Minutes, lies St. Martin, which hath seven Leagues in length and five in breadth, and is famous for many excellent Salt-Mines; to preserve which, the Spaniards built a City and Fort there.

* 1.626Adrian Peter and Martyn Thyszoon, sent with eleven Sail of Ships from the Texel by the West-India Company, to Cruse for the Spanish Plate-Fleet before the Flemmish Isles, finding their labor lost, Steer'd to the Inlet of Todos los Sanctos; where finding no Enemies Ships, they Sail'd along the Coast of Pernambuck, and from thence (meeting with no Prize) to the Caribbee Islands; and Landing on Granada, receiv'd some damage from the Inhabitants: thence going to Blanca, they got above a thou∣sand Goats, and ten thousand Lemmons from Hispaniola; near Cuba they were sur∣pris'd with continual Thunder, Showers, and Storms, which forc'd them to stand to and again off the Island a considerable time, where they thought to wait for the Spanish Ships that came from Nombre de Dios; but being defeated of their aim, by reason that Fleet was re-inforc'd with a considerable Supply, they set Sail Anno 1629. towards the City and Fort of St. Martin, where coming to an Anchor they found the Place in this condition: On the right side of the City glides a fresh-Water River, with many meandring Streams from the Mountains; on the left side the Ocean makes a great Opening or Bay, which for a little space growing narrow∣er, becomes at last an Inland Lake; from the Countrey opposite to the City on the other side of the fore-mention'd Inlet, runs a Ridge of Hills toward the Sea; on the utmost Point thereof stands a square Fort, defended from the force of the Water with great Stones, pyl'd up at the Foot thereof, cover'd like a House, having on the top of it a Watch-tower, and not far from it a Chappel; moreover, the Mountain

[illustration]

Calvaria, rises on each side and behind the City, with high Precipices; not far from the Mouth of the River appears a strong Castle with several Bulwarks, and thereon great Guns; along the Inlet is a fair Market-place; in the middle of the City stands a Church Consecrated to Dominicus, near which there is a large Hospital, which fronts the Sea; the Cathedral stands at the farther end of the City, and on the declivity of a Mountain a fair Chappel; near the great Fort the Gover∣nor hath a pretty Palace; nor are the Franciscan Cloysters much inferior to any of the other Structures of this City, which taken altogether bears a good Form, by reason of the uniformity of the Streets.

* 1.627But Anno 1648. the Spaniard totally deserted this Island, which Michael Adriaenszoon Ruiter hearing of, brought several People from St. Eustathius, and took possession of it in the Name of the States of the United Netherlands: Yet they enjoy'd not long the entire Propriety, for the Spaniards again went and claim'd those Places which were theirs upon the first gaining of the Island; which the Hollanders allowing them, they liv'd peaceably and quietly together, each having their own Churches, Store-houses, Land, and Negro's. The Dutch Plantation was maintain'd by the Zealand Lords, Lamsen and Van Ree.

There are divers Pools of salt Water in this Island, which afford the Inhabitants store of Fish, and especially Tortoises.

The Woods produce wild Hogs, Pigeons, Turtle-Doves, and Parraquito's re∣sembling a Parrot, and which though much smaller, are more apt to be taught.

Near the Salt-pools also breed Birds call'd Flammans,* 1.628 not unlike a Jack-daw, onely differing in Feathers, for they are first white, next ash-colour'd, and at last turn red; they seldom flye or sit alone, but for the most part in great Flocks in open places, and Moorish Grounds; when some of them seek for their Food under Water, one of them stands Centinel, and on the least noise or appearance of a Man, gives notice by Chirping to the rest, who hereupon immediately flee away; those that shoot them lie commonly hid under an Ox Hide.

About the same Pools breed likewise the American Swallows,* 1.629 with crooked Bills, Feet like Ducks, black Bodies, white Bellies, and long Tails.

[illustration]

SECT. VIII. St. Bartholomew.

* 1.630NEar St. Martin, at sixteen Degrees, lies the Island St. Bartholomew, which be∣ing about five Leagues in circumference, is surrounded with Rocks, and was first Planted by De Poincy: It makes a delightful Prospect, because of the many Trees which grow on the same; amongst which the most noted are the Soap-Trees, whose Wood makes the Water Lather, and washes as well as Soap; but they are of two sorts, for in some this soapy Quality is contain'd in a round yellow Fruit, not unlike a Plumb; in others a white soft Root supplies the office.

The little Tree Canopia, out of whose Bark drops a Gum,* 1.631 grows also very plea∣sant, the Body being divided into several Branches; the Leaves are discolour'd, be∣ing underneath of a dark Green, and of a brighter at the top; the Flower consists of five Leaves, and closes at last into a kind of Cherry, full of yellow Juice, and white Pulp; it blossoms generally in October and December, and bear ripes Berries the two following Moneths: a Fire being made about the Tree causeth the Bark to crack, whereby it yields abundance of Gum, chiefly us'd in Medicine for its opening and loosening Quality.

Likewise the Paretuve-Tree, which grows along by the Sea-side and by Pools,* 1.632 sufficiently remarkable, for the Boughs thereof grow downwards, twin'd and plei∣ted together so thick, that in time of War they serve for Bulwarks, and are the Re∣cesses of wild Swine.

Moreover, on this Island, as on all the other hereabouts, grow Calabash-Trees,* 1.633 which have thick Boughs and oval Leaves joyn'd one to another, and bear every Moneth fresh Flowers and Fruit, grey Flowers, mark'd with green Streaks and black Spots, and Fruit with hard Shells, full of juicy Meat and flat Seeds, which being taken out serve for Boxes, Cups, or little Dishes.

Along the Shore is also found a sort of Fish call'd the Sea-Star,* 1.634 which is a yel∣lowish Fish, whose hard Skin full of little Knots shoot forth five Darts or Beams; in stormy Weather they fasten themselves to the Rocks.

No less wonderful is the Fish call'd the Sea-Apple,* 1.635 whose brown Skin is full of Prickles, which when the Fish dies fall off, nothing remaining but a white Shell, curiously embroider'd with little Holes.

On the Banks, and near the Rocks, grow also Sea-Trees, whose thickest Boughs putting forth still lesser and lesser Branches, are pleited together very wonderfully, and being all glaz'd as it were with Salt-petre, seem greyish.

SECT. IX. Barboude.

* 1.636BArbouthos, which some call Barboude, others Barbada, being five Leagues in length, lies at seventeen Degrees and thirty Minutes, and North-East from Monserrat, in a shallow Sea.

* 1.637Here the English Planting, have from their first Arrival been much molested by the Caribbeeans of Dominico, 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 to Dominico.

SECT. X. Rotonda.

* 1.638THe Isle Rotonda, 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 Mi∣nutes. The Sea about the same being very deep, makes a good coming to the Island with Ships.

SECT. XI. Nevis.

* 1.639 IN sight of Rotonda, at seventeen Degrees and nineteen Minutes, lies Nevis, which hath six Leagues in circumference. Out of the middle of the Island rises a Mountain all over wooddy; round about which the English, who Setled there Anno 1628. have their Plantations, and have increased from a small number to above three thousand, and make a good Advantage of their Sugar, Ginger, Cot∣ton, and Tobacco, which they Plant there.

* 1.640They 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'd Bath-Bay, and the Store-house built about the same, are secu∣red 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 Di∣stempers which the Waters at Bourbon have done.

Moreover, this Island abounds with the Pistacie or Pistick-Nuts,* 1.641 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.

But the great Profit which Nevis receives by Nature is attended with some In∣conveniences,* 1.642 which trouble this and all the other Islands: amongst many may be reckon'd the Musticho's, a sort of little Bugs, whose poysonous Sting causes such in∣tolerable Itching, that those who are stung by them cannot forbear to scratch them∣selves till the Blood comes, by which their Sores festering, prove often very dan∣gerous.

Also the Muringoins, who are so much the less dangerous,* 1.643 because they make al∣ways 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.

The Wood-Lice, which are here in great abundance,* 1.644 have a soft and white Bo∣dy, 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 da∣mage do the Banettos.

But the Chigos are a kind of small Fleas, that breed in Dust, Ashes, and the like,* 1.645 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 Bli∣sters as big as Pease in the Flesh, wherein a swarm of young ones breeding, cause Ulcers and rotten Flesh, which must be eaten away with Aqua-fortis and burnt Allom.

SECT. XII. Eustathius.

* 1.646EUstathius, 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 Colo∣ny of above sixteen hundred People, sent thither from the States of the United Ne∣therlands, under the Command of the Lords Lampsen and Ree. Besides the natural Strength of the Place, whereby a few are able to keep off a great number, it is for∣tifi'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 Pro∣visions; 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 pre∣serve in Cisterns.

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 Earth∣quakes,

that rend the Ground,* 1.647 the Inhabitants are exceedingly troubled in August, and September with 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 first Chaos. The Caribbeeans call these Tempests Hurricanes, 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 rai∣sing 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 ge∣neral 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 Rochfort observ'd, that in his time some Ships laden with Tobacco be∣ing lost in a Hurricane before St. Christophers, soon after the Tempest ceased, thou∣sands of Fishes were seen swimming with their Bellies upwards, intoxicated no doubt with the Tobacco.

SECT. XIII. Antego.

* 1.648BEtween Nevis and Montserrat, at sixteen Degrees and eleven Minutes, lies Antego, 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 the English taking 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 Peo∣ple, who live on Plants, Venison, and Fish.

Upon the Sea-shore appears often-times the Sword-fish,* 1.649 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 mo∣tion: 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.

SECT. XIV. Montserrat.

* 1.650MOntserrat, lying just at the seventeenth Degree, is so call'd from a Spanish Hill beyond Barcellona, 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.

The English have a Church here, lin'd in the in-side with Cedar, which this Island produces in great abundance.

Also the Acajou-Tree, which grows an exceeding heighth,* 1.651 with mighty Boughs, under which many judge it very wholsom to sleep: But there are two sorts of the Acajou-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.

* 1.652The Acomas is also no way inferior in bigness to the Acajou, which bears long swarthy Leaves, and yellow Fruit not unlike a Plumb; but because of their extra∣ordinary 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.

* 1.653The Cypress-Trees when plan'd, yield a pleasant Marble colour to the Eye, and a delightful fragrance to the Scent.

* 1.654The Iron-Tree, with sharp-pointed Leaves, crack'd near the Stalk, blossoms in March and September; 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.

Moreover the Musk-Herb yields a sweet smell,* 1.655 and grows like Brambles with∣out Thorns; between long dusky Leaves hang yellow Flowers, which afterwards become Cods full of Seeds, that smell exactly like Musk.

SECT. XV. Guadalupe.

* 1.656GUadalupe, or Gardelupe, formerly call'd Carricueira, lying at about sixteen De∣grees, and containing sixty Leagues in circumference (for it is the biggest and noblest of the Caribbee Islands,) is divided in two by a narrow Chan∣nel; wherefore one part is call'd Grand-Terre, and the other properly Guadalupe; whose Eastern Point, nam'd Cabes-Terre, and its Western, call'd Basse-Terre, are both inhabited by the French.

Several high Mountains, especially towards the Center,* 1.657 start up from very low Grounds, with their barren Crowns towards the Skye, some whereof are over∣grown with Trees.

At the Feet of some of the Mountains are large Plains, ••••••ter'd by sweet Streams which formerly invited the Spanish Fleets 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.

Towards each of the two fore-mention'd Points,* 1.658 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 ex∣ceeding swift.

Near the Shore swim the Sharks, an ugly Sea Monster,* 1.659 which bites a Man asun∣der in the Middle at once; their Head is hard and prickly, their flat Mouthes open∣ing discover three rows of Teeth.

After this Fish swims generally the Pilot-Fish,* 1.660 which is so curiously speckled, that Nature seems herein to excell what-ever can be represented by the

artificial 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.

* 1.661Guadalupe was first discover'd in the Year of our Lord 1635. by the French, under the Command of the Lords Du Plessis and De Olive, and after them one of the Cap∣tains of St. Christophers: Since which the Champain Ground being Till'd and Ma∣nur'd, brings forth in great plenty, Rice, Maiz, Manicock, and Potato's.

Father Raymond Breton got possession of the fruitfullest part of the Island for the Reformed Jacobines, or White-Fryers, and since the present Governor Monsieur De Howell sent also for the Jesuits and Carmelites, to build Cloysters in a new City, which lies in Basse-Terre, and which is also built full of Store-houses and Dwelling-houses two Stones high:

The Castle, which lies near the City, hath four Bulwarks, with great Guns.

The next neighboring Mountain is also crown'd with Garrison'd Fort.

* 1.662The Countrey hereabouts bears Moubane-Trees, which produce yellow oval Plumbs with great Stones, wherewith the Hogs are exceedingly fatned.

* 1.663The Corbary, which grows higher than the Moubane, 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 the Caribbeeans make use of it for Arm-rings, and other Ornaments.

SECT. XVI. Deseado.

* 1.664TEn Leagues to the North-West of Guadalupe, and at sixteen Degrees and ten Minutes, appears Deseado, or Desirado, 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 by Christopher Columbus in his second Voyage, from obtain∣ing of his Desire, it being the first of the Caribbees which he discover'd, as St. Salva∣dor the first Land in all America.

* 1.665The Soil is wholly barren, and destitute of Trees, and breeds the amphibious Creatures call'd Guano'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.

* 1.666On this desolate Island are an innumerable company of Fowls, call'd Frigates, 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.

* 1.667But the Fauves, 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.

SECT. XVII. Marigalante.

* 1.668NOt far from hence, at fifteen Degrees and forty Minutes, appears Marigalante, like a Wood in the Water.

On the South-East side, about half a League from the Shore, lie black 〈…〉〈…〉

full of white Specks. Westerly the Shore is very plain, whither the Governor Monsieur De Howell sent some People from that Island, of which twenty were kill'd by the Caribbeeans, who had Gardens and Fish-ponds thereon: Not long af∣ter which Howell built a Fort here, and Garrison'd the same with French-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.

* 1.669The Ocean hereabouts produces plenty of Lamantins, which are dry'd like Ha∣berdine. 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.

* 1.670About this Isle, as well as the rest of the Caribbees, are Fishes call'd Sea-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 stick out of the same, four Fins, a long slit Tail, with which they swim exceeding swift, above their Eyes stick broad sharp Horns turn'd towards the Back; the Flesh is deadly poyson.

* 1.671The Becune, 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.

SECT. XVIII. Todos Sanctos.

* 1.672SOuthward from Guadalupe, and at the same Latitude with Marigalante, lie four desolate Isles, call'd Todos Sanctos, and on their Shores a sort of Shell-fish call'd Lambis, from the resemblance of a Tongue;* 1.673 the Shells whereof the Indians Sound in stead of Horns when they give an Alarm; as also another sort call'd Por∣celenes, 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.

* 1.674Moreover, it would amaze the Beholder, to see the Mother-of-Pearl Oyster mo∣ving at the Foot of a Rock; for at the Rising of the Sun they appear above the Wa∣ter, 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.

SECT. XIX. De Aves.

* 1.675VVEstward from Todos Sanctos, at fifteen Degrees and forty five Minutes, lies the Isle De Aves.

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 strange

to them) there are here also many rare sorts of Birds, as the white Birds call'd Aigrettos,* 1.676 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.

The large Bird call'd The Craw-fowl,* 1.677 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.

Here is likewise the Bird Arras,* 1.678 of the bigness of a Pheasant, but more resem∣bling 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 di∣stinctly as the Canides, which are no way inferior in beauty to the Arras, nay exceed them very much: Monsieur du Montell above mention'd, seeing one at Corassao, de∣scribes it after this manner:

* 1.679It 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 ma∣ny times, that I have the Idea's of it still fresh in my Memory. Under the Belly, Wings, and Neck, it was of a waving Aurora-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 po∣sture one would, and took a certain pleasure in diverting those he thought his Friends: But as he was mild and traceable 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 the Dutch, Spanish, and Indian Languages, and in the last he sung Airs as a natural Indian: 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 Sir∣names, 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'd

his 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 Fea∣thers 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 gi∣ven 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 the Caribbee Islands to Monsieur Rodenborck, then Governor of the Fort and Dutch Colony, which is in the Island of Corassao.

SECT. XX. Dominico.

* 1.680AT fifteen Degrees and thirteen Minutes, lies the Island Dominico, so call'd be∣cause it was discover'd on a Sunday, about thirty Leagues long, and not much less in breadth, and diversifi'd with high Mountains, and exceeding deep Valleys; of which the Caribbeeans that dwell there relate, That formerly in one of the deepest of them, a huge and monstrous Serpent had an Army of Ser∣pents 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 the French approach'd this Coast with their Ships, the Islanders go∣ing Aboard in their Canoos, bartered Provisions for Coral, Crystal, and other Trifles.

* 1.681On this Isle also grows the famous Manchenile-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 ea•• 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 poy∣sons 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.

The Caribbeeans dip their Arrows in this poysonous Juice, against which Nature hath provided an excellent Medicine, being as followeth:

* 1.682There are amongst the other Reptiles of America a 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 the Manchenile-Tree.

SECT. XXI. Martinico.

* 1.683OPposite to Dominico lies Martinico, by the Indians nam'd Matunina, 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.

The Caribbeeans have been forc'd, after many bloody Battels, to surrender up this Island to the French: But before they were well setled, the Caribbeeans marching over exceeding high Mountains, deep Concavities, and thick Woods, fell upon them with all the Rage imaginable: the Reasons of which some attribute to Du Parquet, who in prejudice of the Martinican Caribbeeans, sent French-men over to Gra∣nada and Alouzia: others suppose, that they took up Arms to revenge the Death of their Countrey-men on St. Vincent, who were destroy'd by the French with poyson'd Brandy. But the French furnish'd with new Supplies, took sufficient Revenge; for they drove the Caribbeeans out 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.

* 1.684Since the French, Anno 1635. (being sent from St. Christophers by the Lord Des∣nambuc) Setled themselves on this Island, under the Command of his Deputy Du 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'd Pyloot, from a Caribbeean Captain, who was very familiar with Du Parquet, and inform'd him of his Peoples Designs.

The second, nam'd Capot, is wash'd by a River of the same Denomination, and hath many fruitful Plains.

The third retains the Caribbeean Name, being Carbet, signifying a Publick Stru∣cture, 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 Ar∣mory 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 the Jesuits, he remov'd to the fourth Ward, call'd St. 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 the Jesuits Cloyster, 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'd Preacheur, extends East and West, some parts whereof swell into high Mountains, at the Feet whereof stand fair Structures; others sink into low Valleys or Savannas.

[illustration] map of Barbados

Novissima et Acuratissima BARBADOS. DESCRIPTIO per JOHANNEM OGILUIUM. Cosm ographum Regium

* 1.685Between the French Settlements and the Caribbeeans, runs an Arm of the Sea, along whose Shores grows abundance of the Mahot-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 Wards Carbet and St. Peter, defended from the Winds by high Hills.

* 1.686Not far from the Inlet of the Salt-pits, appears about half a League off at Sea, a Rock call'd The 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 and Sa∣vana'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 the French to build their Houses on Hills or rising Grounds.

The good Situation of this Island hath invited many Families thither.

SECT. XXII. St. Lucia.

* 1.687ST. Lucia (by the French, Alouzie) is so call'd because it was discover'd on the thirteenth of December, Dedicated in the Kalendar to the Virgin Martyr Lucia, who was burnt at Syracuse: It lies Southerly from Dominico at thirteen De∣grees 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 of Caribbeeans dwelling, 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.

An English Ship sent to Guinee to supply the Plantations there, Landed sixty six mutinous Persons here, who were all kill'd by the Inhabitants; but when Henry Jacobson Lucifer putting into the Bay of Lucia to Water there, Anno 1627. Landed to discover the Island, he found neither Man nor House, nor any thing but a barren Soil; yet notwithstanding Du Parquet sent his Deputy Rosselan with a Colony to Plant in this Island.

SECT. XXIII. Barbados.

* 1.688THe Island Barbados, which was Planted by the English, Anno 1627. lies be∣tween 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 Peo∣ple to Settle there, insomuch that in a short time it could shew twenty thousand Inhabitants besides Negro Slaves.

The Trees which grow on this Island, are not onely delightful, but profitable;

amongst which the Roucou is 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.

* 1.689Moreover, amongst the Insects that breed here, there are a sort of Flyes worthy of a short Description; the Caribbeeans call them Cayouyou, being about the bigness of a Beetle; they have two strong Wings, and under them thinner, which they ne∣ver 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.

The Indians tie 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 where∣in 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 inserting verbatim a Letter from an intelligent Person who hath been long resident there, viz. Colonel Robert Rich, of no older Date than May 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 flou∣rishing Commerce, and what-ever else is material to be imparted, may be clearly understood.

SIR,

* 2.1I Have lately seen your Proposal concerning an English Atlas, and having read Dr. Hey∣lin's Book of Chorography and History of the whole World, his third Edition Corrected and Enlarged, Printed Anno 1666. 1 find him very short and erroneous in his Description of the Caribbee Islands, especially of this Island of Barbados, wherein I have been an Inhabi∣tant 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'd Bar∣bados Sugar, which must be quickly spent, or 'twill melt to nothing.

4. That this Island is worth all the Plantations made by the English, and yet that we hold it at the Courtesie of the Spaniard, 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 the English Nation, which makes me presume to trouble you with my own Observations, wherein ha∣ving onely aim'd at the Truth, you shall not have cause to doubt of being misguided.

This Island of Barbados is seated in thirteen Degrees and twenty Minutes, in longth twenty two Miles, and in breadth fourteen and an half; It is na••urally fortifi'd with Rocks and Shoals on the North and East side of it, where no Ship may safely Anchor, onely in two or three places

small Boats may go out and in to Fish. On the South-East and Westerly part, it is all along a Road where Ships may Ride at Anchor, but more especially in four chief Places, Roads and Bays thereof.

The principal Road or Bay is call'd Carlisle 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 ge∣nerally blowing Easterly, whence it is that we call the East parts Windward, and the West parts Leeward. Here lies also the chief Town for Trade, call'd formerly the Bridge-Town, but now St. 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'd Charles Fort, standing on Nedhams 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 fif∣teen 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'd Charles-Town, situate on Oysters-Bay, and lies about two Leagues to Windward of St. 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 of Common-Pleas for that Precinct, and Weekly Markets.

The third Road and Town is lately call'd St. James's, formerly the Hall, and is about two Leagues to the Leeward of St. Michaels, hath one very large Platform, and is otherwise well for∣tifi'd with Breast-works; and although few Ships come to Ride here, yet in this Town is main∣tain'd a great Trade with the Inhabitants adjacent; here also is kept Monethly the Court of Com∣mon-Pleas for this Precinct.

The fourth Road and Town is lately call'd Little Bristol, but formerly Sprights-Bay, which lieth about four Leagues to Leeward of St. Michaels, and hath two Forts well built, and strongly fortifi'd. To this Place come many Ships, especially from the City of Bristol, the which here Ride, unload and re-load, it being the next greatest Place of Repute to St. Michaels in the whose 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 Habi∣tations, and delightfully situated, most having pleasant Prospects to the Sea and Land.

The Inhabitants of this Island are English, Scotch, and Irish, and some, but very few of the Dutch and French Nation, 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 few Jews live here and Trade as Merchants, they having obtain'd Licence from Hit Majesty so to do; besides Mulat∣to's and Negro's which 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 thousand Whites, and twenty thousand Blacks.

The standing Militia of 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 Spani∣ards, when those few English in Jamaica give the Spaniards such 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, and Lignum-vitae: 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 in their proper Seasons: also violent Winds lodge the Sugar-Canes, thereby the quantity and goodness is lessned. The chief time for Expectation is from January to September, 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, in May and November, which is gather'd in about October, and in March and April following. Wines of all sorts are here Imported, but of Portuguese and French the greatest quantities, viz. of Madera, upwards of fifteen hundred Tun yearly; of Spanish, upward of two hundred Tun; of French-Wines, upward of seven hundred Tun; besides Brandy and English Spirits; but of these latter now no great quantities Imported or spent, by reason of the general use of the Spirit of Sugar-Cane, call'd Rum, which the meaner sort, as Servants and Slaves, do not onely drink in great abundance, but much also is hence Transported into Virginia, Bermudas, and New-England. Here is also Imported great store of Provisions of all sorts, viz. Beef, Pork, Fish, &c. from Ireland, New-England, Virginia, Bermudas, New-found Land, &c. also Pease, Flour, Butter, Cheese, and Bisquet; likewise Timber, Boards, Pipe and Hogshead, Staves, &c. also Negro-Slaves from Guinee, and live Cattel, as Bulls, Cows, Asinego's, and Horses, from the Cape de Verd Island, New-England; and from England, 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 to England; some few Vessels are here built, and pass to and fro to the Leeward Islands; and some belong to New-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 five hundred and five Tun, accord∣ing 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 Powder per Tun, the means ordain'd by this Country for storing the Magazine; the greatest part of which Ships re-load with Sugars for England, and many go for New-England, Bermudas, Virginia, Tangier, &c. not always full loaden with this Countreys Growth. The usual Rate for Tunnage from hence to London, is from 4 l. to 5 l. per Tun; sometime when Ships are very plentiful, it is at 3 l. and less, and at other times when scarce, from 6 l. to 7 l. in the late War with the Dutch, it was at 10. 11. and 12 l. per Tun.

The Government is Constituted by the Laws of England, 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.

SECT. XXIV. St. Vincent.

* 2.2THe Island of St. Vincent, South-West from St. Lucia, and having sixteen De∣grees of North-Latitude, was so call'd by the Spaniards, as having disco∣ver'd it on that Saint's Day, being the fifth of April: It is accounted eight Leagues long and six broad, and rises round about with high Grounds and several Mountains, which are seen at a great distance.

This Island hath a very fruitful Soil, and for the bigness of it hath been long since well peopled with Caribbeeans before the arrival of the Spaniards, possessing here several. Villages, to whom they are still sworn Enemies, but Truck'd with the Hollanders for Provisions, Horns, Axes, Knives, and other Trifles. At the West and South sides are convenient Bays to lie at Anchor and take Water in.

* 2.3The Inhabitants highly esteem the Momen, growing to the bigness of an Apple-Tree; the Fruit which it bears resembles a green Cucumber, and is of a pleasant Juice, the Skin always green and prickly; the Seed which is in the same about the bigness of a French Bean, is generally black, and streak'd with Golden-colour'd Veins.

* 2.4Here is also that Plant mention'd elsewhere, by the Spaniard call'd Granadilla, by the Dutch Rhang-Apple, and La Fleur de la Passion by the French; and it is so call'd, as being fancied to represent the thorny Crown of our Saviour, together with the Cross, Nails, Hammer and Pillar; the Plant runs along the Ground, unless it meet with a Pole by which it runs up.

SECT. XXV. Bekia.

* 2.5NOt far from St. Vincent lies the Island Bekia, which reckons twelves Leagues in circumference, and lies at twelve Degrees and twelve Scruples of Nor∣thern Latitude: It hath a secure Harbor against all Winds; but because it is without fresh Water, is is onely frequented by the Caribbeeans that dwell on St. Vincent, who come hither to Fish, and visit certain little Gardens which they have there for their pleasure.

The Soil produces store of Water-melons, whose red juicy Pulp yields, when squeez'd, a great quantity of sweet Liquor, which is very refreshing, and good to create an Appetite; their white Flowers, notch'd at the end of the Leaves, afford a delightful smell.

Anno 1633. Captain John Johnson Van Hoorn putting in to Bekia to catch Tortoises, found a fine Inlet on the West, and Eastward a Ridge of Rocks, Cotton growing wild in the Fields, and upon the Shore a kind of Snails call'd Burgun, under whose first Shell appear'd another of a Silver colour with black Specks.

SECT. XXVI. Granada.

* 2.6GRanada, lying at twelve Degrees and sixteen Scruples, like a Half-moon, from the North to the South, is full of Woods. Towards the South-West runs a fresh River into the Sea. The Shore very low affords good Anchorage at twelve Leagues distance. The Current grows exceeding strong here, and the Water also ebbs and flows in a few hours. Dirick Simonszoon Witgeest Sailing from Tobago, was amaz'd to see with what force the Current drove him to Granada.

* 2.7Hither Du Parquet at his own Charge sent three hundred Men from Martinico, who scuffled with the Inhabitants six Moneths before they could possess the same in Peace; and scarce had they obtain'd it at last, but by telling them that the French Assistance would be very advantageous unto them against the Arovages.

The Duke Seryllac in Paris inform'd of the Fertility of this Island, bought it

of Du Parquet for a considerable Sum of Money: And inded Granada is none of the meanest of the Caribbees, the Soil producing very good both Fruit and Timber-Trees, amongst which is the Latine-Tree, of a tall Body, but ordinary thickness, and in stead of Boughs, hang Leaves like Fans in long Stalks, which being ty'd toge∣ther, serve for Roofs of Houses.

There is also the Tree Cocoa, which yet grows not so high here as in other parts of the West-Indies.

SECT. XXVII. Tabago.

* 2.8THe next which comes in view is Tabago, (so call'd, as some think, from the quantity of that Drug there Planted) eight Leagues long and four broad, lying in the eleventh Degree and sixteen Minutes of Northern Latitude, and hath many high Mountains full of Wood, out of which glide eighteen Streams, which watering the Plains fall into the Sea.

Captain Vitgeest coming to an Anchor here, found a convenient Inlet on the East, and fresh Water to fill his Casks. Half a League from the Shore rise five Rocks, through which he Sail'd with his Ships. Within the Cliff opens a Bay, in∣to which runs a River well stor'd with Fish. More Westerly lies a larger Inlet, which receives two delightful Streams. From the Western Promontory runs also a Cliff Northward into the Sea.

This Island is easily known by high Coasts which rife on the East side, and so grows lower by degrees. It is likewise made pleasant by many Walks of Trees.

The Sea produces abundance of those sorts of Fish which are common amongst us, besides Tortoises, that lay their Eggs in the Sand.

The Cra-fish thereabouts are not much unlike Lobsters,* 2.9 have white and well tasted Flesh, but hard to digest; they catch them in the Night on sandy Shelves with lighted Torches.

The Crabs get their Food very wonderfully here;* 2.10 for when they observe the Mussles or Oysters to Gape for fresh Air, they put Stones between their Shells, so that they not being able to shut them, they pull out the Fish with their Claws.

The Woods feed an innumerable company of Beasts somewhat resembling Hogs, (whose Navels are on their Backs) Opassums, Javaris's, and Tatows, as also the Agoutys's and Musk-Rats.

The Agoutys's are of a dark brown colour,* 2.11 and have little Tails, two Teeth in their upper, and as many in their lower Jaw; they make a noise as if they spoke, crying Couye; if hunted by Dogs, they run into hollow Trees, out of which they are routed by Smoak.

The great Musk-Rats are as big as a Rabbet,* 2.12 and like them live in Holes made in the Ground, but resemble an European Rat, onely their Skins are black, except one part of their Bellies which are white; they smell so strong of Musk, that it over∣comes those that carry them.

Amongst the Brambles breed also Serpents of a green colour,* 2.13 two yards long, and an Inch thick, feeding on Locusts and Birds, which they take in their Nests, but do no hurt to Mankind.

* 2.14But Tobago boasts chiefly of the Sassafras-Tree, which resembles the Pine-Tree, hath a firm and streight Body, and on the top Boughs spread like a Crown, the Bark of a dark colour and smooth, and smelling very sweet; the Leaves thin, notch'd,

[illustration]

and of a deep Green, have also a delicate smell; the thinnest Roots appear above the Ground, and are exceeding good to cure green Wounds, stoppings and shortness of Breath occasion'd by Colds.

The Tobacco, by the Caribbeeans call'd Y-ouli, Planted among the Fruit-Trees, grows very plentifully here; it shoots up from a stringy Root, bitter of taste, with a thick Stalk, which shoots out Boughs with great Leaves, woolly underneath, and bears a kind of Violet Flower, which when dry'd, are succeeded by little Cods full of black Seed; and to prevent the over-growing of it, they cut off the top of the main Stalk.

* 2.15The Bird Colibry, which is exceeding beautiful, makes his Nest under the Tobacco-Leaves.

A company of Townsmen of Walcheren, having a Grant from the States of the United Provinces, sent a Colony to Tabago; but they being scarce two hundred in all, were for the most part destroy'd by the Caribbeeans; the rest weak or sickly, fearing the same Entertainment, sought to save themselves; so that the Island has not for∣merly been frequented but by the French from Martinico, and Guadalupe, who for some time came over onely to catch Turtles and Lamantins there.

The Caribbeeans also either in their March against, or Return from the Arovages, Landed here for necessary Provisions; But of late the Lord Lampsen hath Setled a Plantation in this desolate Island.

SECT. XXII. St. Christophers.

* 2.16ST. Christophers, a pretty distance from Tobago, receiv'd its Denomination from Christopher Columbus, invited thereto by the shape of a great Mountain, having as it were another lesser on one of its Shoulders, being fancy'd to represent the Figure of the suppos'd Giant Christopher, who is reported to have carry'd our

Saviour in the appearance of a little Child on his Shoulders through a deep Sea.

This Island lying seventeen Degrees and twenty five Minutes Northward of the Equinoctial Line, hath twenty five Leagues in circumference.

The Soil light and sandy, refuses not the production of divers sorts of Fruits common amongst us.

In the middle of the Island rises a high Mountain, out of which run fresh Streams, that sometimes swell so high with sudden Rains, that they drown all the Countrey near them.

* 2.17This Island being jointly the Plantation of both English and French, was divided into four Wards, two whereof have been long since in possession of the French, and the other two in possession of the English, strangely divided one from another; for the English in one Ward cannot go to the other without troubling the French; and so on the contrary: the English have more Rivers and People, the French more plain Land, fitter for Cultivation, and Forts furnish'd with Guns and Soldiers. At the Entrances of the Paths which lead into the several Wards stand Watch-houses, where Sentinels, or Watch-men stand daily in their turns.

In a Bay of the Sea they found a brave Salt-pit, from whence a sandy Cliff runs so far into the Ocean, a that some have swum from the end thereof over to the Island Nevis.

A Silver Mine hath been long since discover'd on this Island, in which the Eng∣lish and French claim equal Interest, but neither Party make any benefit of it for want of Miners.

The high Mountains, the Springs of boyling sulphurous Water, and brambly Woods, hinder all passage through the middle of the Island: The Ground runs more and more sloaping to the Sea-side, and is divided into several High-ways, along which stand convenient Houses, cover'd with red or glaz'd Slate, shaded with Trees, and environ'd with pleasant Gardens, to which there is a delightful Prospect from the Fields, of the green Tobacco-Leaves, the yellow Sugar-Canes, Ginger, and Potato's.

* 2.18Besides the scatter'd Buildings, the French have built a compleat Town near the convenientest Harbor of their Quarter, call'd Basse-Terre, where the Merchants dwell in fair Houses built of Brick and Free-stone; whither all sorts of People bring their Commodities, and Truck their European Goods for such as St. Christo∣phers produceth. All manner of Trades and Handicrafts live also in this Town, and a Court of Judicature is kept every Week. Tde Church built of Free-stone, is cover'd with the aforesaid red Slate, and was formerly Govern'd by the Capuchins; but they being dismiss'd Anno 1646. the Government was given to the Jesuits and Carmelites; who also built themselves other stately Edifices: but the Jesuit Henrick du Vivier was the first whobore the chiefest Command over all.

The Sick that have not sufficient Means to maintain them, have an Hospital ap∣pointed, where all Necessaries are provided for them; and to which is added a School for the bringing up of poor Children.

* 2.19But the chiefest Structure is the Castle, on the building whereof the Lord Poincy spar'd no Cost; it is built half a French Mile from the Sea at the Foot of a high Mountain, shadowed with great Trees. In the Way thither stand the Houses of the prime Officers; and a long Walk of Orange and Lemmon-Trees leads to a large Court before the Front of the Castle it self, which is built square with Bricks and Free-stone three Stories high; and the Entrance into it is ascended by a large pair of Stairs; near the Gate which opens to the West, stand great Stone Cisterns, into which they receive the Water through Pipes laid under Ground; the Chambers 〈…〉〈…〉

Halls are very lightsom and high, and the Walls of them adorn'd with Cedar; a flat Terrace on the top yields a pleasant Prospect all over the Countrey; the Windows in the Front look open not onely upon the Orange Walk, but also upon several de∣lightful Plantations of Sugar-Canes and Ginger.

Westward appear several Mountains, whose high Heads are invested with ever-flourishing Trees; and between the Palace and those Mountains a very large and stately Garden, full of all manner of Flowers and other delightful Plants, as well those commonly known amongst us, as those peculiar to that part of the World; in the middle thereof stands a Fountain, deriving its Source from the Foot of a neighboring Hill.

The Winds which blow from the Hills, and especially those cool Blasts daily coming out of the East, so tempers the hot Climate, that it becomes very to∣lerable.

When any News arrives here of the French Conquests in Europe, they sound the Trumpets on the top of the Castle, and the Standards and Ensigns formerly taken by the Governor in the Field, are hung out of the Windows.

On one side of the Castle stands a Chappel, and somewhat farther on a rising Plain, a row of Houses, inhabited by certain Retainers to the Governor, and is call'd Angola. The Offices and Lodgings for the Governor's Servants are built of Brick, about the Castle, which is fortifi'd with five Sconces, whereon are planted several Guns.

The Governor keeps nine hundred Slaves, and a hundred French-men, to work in his three Sugar-Mills, to till his Ground, and for his Houshold-Service.

Several French Gentlemen have also built many fair Houses here; amongst which the chiefest are those on which Poucy, Treval, Benevent, Girand, Auber, de la Roziere, de St. Andant, de l' Esperance, and de la Loche spent great sums of Money.

The English also are not much inferior to them in their Counties.

* 2.20Their Churches are five in all; first on the Point of the Palm-Tree stands a fair Church; a second near the great Road, below the English Governor's House; a third at the Sandy Point; which are all well built, and large enough for a considerable Congregation; the other two at the Inlet Cayoune are short of the three first. The Ministers thereof receiv'd formerly their Benefices from the Bishop of Canterbury, in Cromwell's time from the Tryers, as they were call'd; but of late, since the King's Restauration, from the Bishop of Canterbury again.

The best Houses belonging to the English were built by Mr. Warner, Mr. Rich, Mr. Evrard, and Col. Geffreyson all successively Governors of the Place.

* 2.21It was in the Year 1625. that the English and French jointly (Desnambuc Comman∣ding the French, and Thomas Warner the English) Landed on this Island of St. Christo∣phers, at a certain time when the Caribbeeans, perswaded by their Boyez to destroy all Strangers, were ready up in Arms, but they met with such Entertainment, that they soon lost their Courage, and yielded possession to the Assailants: Not long af∣ter which Desnambuc and Warner went (the one to Paris, and the other to London) to inform their Kings of the Condition of St. Christophers, and to raise a Company which might promote the Planting of it: Both attain'd their Desires, and had fresh Assistance given them; for both Kings favor'd the Design, in regard of the good Conditions that were propos'd to those that should go Undertakers thither: And to prevent all Contentions between the English and French, they made Boundaries on each side; but Hunting, Harbors, Fishing, Mines, Trees for Wainscoting, and the like, were to remain in common; and each was to assist the other. The English Plantation increased daily more than the French, having constant Supplies from the

Company in London; when as on the contrary, the Merchants at Paris grew weary, being desirous first to have a Return for what they had already spent, though the Countrey was not yet Manur'd: wherefore Desnambuc going thither himself, made the Company understand that they could not possibly expect to receive a Return, unless the Countrey were Planted with Tobacco, Indigo, Ginger, and Sugar, which requir'd both Time and People. But whilst the Business seem'd to go on prosperously, a great Accident hapned which threw down the Work to nothing: for the Spanish King set out a Fleet within the fore-mention'd Year, of one and thirty Gallions, three Galeasses, and four Pinnaces, with seventy five hundred Men, under the Command of Frederick de Toledo, Emanuel de Mineses, and John Fajardo, from Cadiz, when before the Island St. Jago there lay at the same time twenty two Portu∣guese Galleys, fourteen Carvils, carrying four thousand Men, Commanded by Anto∣nio Nunnez Barreio, and Francisco de Almeida, who joyning with the Spaniards, took the City St. Salvador, and went about wholly to chase out of the Caribbee Isles all the English and French: in which Attempt nine English Ships lying before Nevis, were all taken by Toledo, who Sail'd within Cannon-shot of St. Christophers, Com∣manded at that time by the French Captain Rossey, the Forts cast up by the English and French not being stor'd with Provisions nor Ammunition, and consequently no way able to endure a Siege, and the less, because the Works were not quite finish'd; nevertheless Desnambuc immediately drew up his Soldiers to the Low-land, where he lay Intrench'd along the Coast, to prevent the Enemies Landing; but Rossey suffer'd the Spaniards to Land without the least Resistance: whereupon young Du Parquet Sallying out of the Sconces, fell valiantly upon the first Company, but be∣ing forsaken by his Men, was run down by the Multitude and kill'd: In the mean time all their Sloops full of Men Landed, insomuch that Rossey fearing to be sur∣rounded, left his Trench and went up into the High-lands, whereby the Spaniards became Masters of the Fort, but did not pursue their Victory, as suspecting that the French might lie in Ambuscade in the next Wood; and indeed they suspected not in vain, for the French having undermin'd their Forts, had laid Gun-powder in some of the Cellars, which firing, blew up very many of the Spaniards, whilst Desnambuc Embarquing himself, sav'd those which were not slain by the Enemy's Sword. Mean while the English relying on the League between the King of England and the Spaniard, made no Resistance, (notwithstanding they were inform'd that Frederick Toledo had quite ruin'd the French Plantation, and put them all to the Sword) but sent Agents to Toledo, to put him in mind of the League between Spain and England, which he not taking notice of, alledg'd, That Pope Alexander the Sixth, when a Controversie arose concerning the new Discoveries in the East and West, between the Crowns of Castile and Portugal, had determin'd that Castile had sole Right to the Western World, and therefore that St. Christophers, being a part of the Western World, according to the Pope's Gift, belong'd to his Master Philip; and insisting up∣on that Allegation, he commanded them to quit their Right to the Place; to which purpose he restor'd them six of the nine Ships taken at Nevis, on Condition that they should immediately set Sail for England, onely those whom the six Vessels were not able to carry, were permitted to stay on the Island till the next opportunity: After which Toledo weighing Anchor, was scarce out of sight, when the English began to take new Courage, and gathering together to repair their ruin'd Works as well as possibly they could with what Forces they had left; for besides those who went for England in the six Ships, being near two thousand, the Spanish Admiral took six hun∣dred choice English, which he distributed amongst his Fleet; whilest Desambuc suf∣fer'd a great deal of hardship, not onely through ill Weather at Sea, but also for

want of Provisions; Having during this time been on the Islands St. Martin, Mont∣serrat, and Antego, thinking to have possess'd himself of some or other of them in stead of St. Christophers, but not finding such a fruitful Soil, and convenient Situa∣tion, as what he had been forc'd to forsake, he was not forward to fix there, but ra∣ther judg'd it convenient to enquire concerning the Condition of St. Christophers, and at last being inform'd by a Ketch, that the Enemy was gone to Havana, and the English were busie in Tilling their Lands, he return'd to his old Station; where ne∣vertheless their Endeavors to repair what was ruin'd, had been in vain, by reason of the scarcity of Provisions, and want of other Necessaries, had not in their greatest extremity some Netherland Vessels arriving there, furnish'd them with Provisions, Clothes, and other Necessaries, on bare promises of payment: But not long after growing rich with Tobacco, Sugars, Ginger, and Indigo, they made Satisfaction to all their Creditors, and at last attain'd to the Condition before mention'd.

In the late War between Us and the Dutch, the French taking advantage of our Engagement, endeavor'd to destroy our Plantations there, and to make themselves Masters of the whole Island; but the Matter being at last brought to some Agree∣ment, Sir Charles Wheeler hath been very lately sent over thither by His Majesty to re-settle Affairs there, and order the Capitulations between the French and English.

CHAP. XIX. The Islands Sotavento, and the Isle Trinidado.

IN the Division we found to be made of the Islands that lie between Florida and New Spain, and Southern America, the last are the Isles of Sotavento, which are reckon'd to be these three, Margareta, Cubagua, and Tabago, but the last is by most accounted, and hath been mention'd amongst the Caribbees.

* 2.22Margareta, so call'd from the abundance of Pearls (of which the Spanish Appel∣lation comes near the Latine Margaritae) found there by the Spaniards at their first Discovery, lies about the twelfth Degree of Northern Latitude over against the Main Land of Cumana, from which it is distant about seven Leagues: It is ac∣counted sixteen Leagues long, and half as much in breadth, and was discover'd by Columbus in his third Voyage in the Year of our Lord 1498. and was at first in great reputation, in regard of the rich Pearl-fishing upon its Coasts, wherein the Spaniards (more favorable it seems to the Natives of this Place than usual, because of their readiness to discover their Treasures) employ'd Negro's, brought from the Coast of Guinee, whom by severe Punishments inflicted, they forc'd to such excessive Labor, that many of them, though excellent Divers, were drown'd, others either devour'd, or lam'd by the ravenous great Fish thereabouts, and by destroying the very Seed through their insatiable greediness after Pearl, brought the Trade of Pearl-fishing in a short time to a very small Account, in respect of what it might have been, had it been well husbanded. Nor hath this Island of late Years been much frequented, only in the Year 1601. Captain Parker with a Fleet of English put on Shore here, and took as many Prisoners as he had five hundred pounds of Pearl for the Ransom of, and at his coming away took a Ship he met from off the Coast of Angola, with three hundred and seventy Negro's aboard her, who were going to be sold for Slaves.

The Soil is not unfruitful, bringing forth several sorts of Fruit, and store of

Maiz, and probably if improv'd, would as well bear Wheat, and other usual kinds of Grain; but there is great want of Water, which the Inhabitants are troubled to fetch from the neighboring Continent.

* 2.23The Places of chief note, are 1. Monpater, a Fort built by the Spaniards in a Nook of the Island, lying Eastward to secure the Pearl-fishing Trade, and to defend the Town where the Governor resides, as also the Treasurer of the King of Spain's Cu∣stoms of Pearl, which have been formerly valu'd at 50000 l. yearly.

2. El valle de Santa Lucia, two Leagues from this Town, and as much from the Sea, a Spanish Colony.

Macanao, the onely noted Place belonging to the Natives.

SECT. II. Cubagua.

* 2.24CUbagua lies South-West of Margarita, about the eleventh Degree of North-Latitude, a League or thereabouts distant from Margarita, and six Leagues from the nearest Continent, and about three Leagues in circumference. This is also a very great Place for Pearl-fishing, the benefit whereof hath been so considerable, that the King of Spain's Fifths are said to have amounted some years to fifteen thousand Ducats; but otherwise of a poor and barren Soil, not onely de∣stitute of Water, but of Fruit, Grain, Herbage, and all manner of Cattel and eata∣ble Beasts, except a few lean Coneys; nevertheless, in respect of the Pearl-fishing Trade, the Spaniards have Planted here a Colony, which they call'd New Cadiz, ha∣ving plenty of Provisions brought them from the adjoining Coasts, and soon after their first Planting grew in a short time so powerful, that they became Masters of one of the best Ports of those Seas, call'd Maracapana Venezuela; but upon an Alarm of the Salvages of Cumana, for a while deserted the Island, and betook themselves to Hispaniola; from whence nevertheless being remanded back with fresh Supplies, under the Command of James de Castellon, they soon re-instated themselves in their former Plantation, and made it more strong and flourishing than before; in which state they remain'd as long as the Pearl-fishing Trade continu'd, but that decaying, the splendor also of this Colony declin'd: so that at present the onely thing which makes the Place remarkable, is a Fountain on the East part of the Island, not far from the Sea, yielding a liquid bituminous Water, of singular use in Medicine, and sometimes found floating on the Sea at two or three Leagues distance.

* 2.25About four Leagues distant from Cubagua there is an Island call'd Coche, about three Miles in compass; It was discover'd in the Year 1529. and was formerly lit∣tle less considerable for Pearl-fishing than the other two.

SECT. III. Trinidado.

* 2.26THe Island of Trinidado was first discover'd by Columbus, Anno 1447. in his third Voyage, and by him so call'd, as some guess, from its three Points or Promontories; but that seems not so probable, in regard it is otherwise call'd La Trinidad, or Insula Sanctae Trinitatis, and therefore is likely to have been de∣nominated upon a religious Account: It lieth nine Degrees or thereabouts distant from the Line, at the Mouth of the River Orenoque, and is separated from the Coast

of Paria, over against which it lies by a Straight that is three Miles over, and which for the dangerousness of passing it, Columbus, the first Discoverer of it, call'd Bocca del Draco; the length thereof from the most Southern Angle call'd Punta del Andrada, to the North-East, call'd Punta del Galera, is reckon'd twenty five Leagues, (those that reckon fifty, may be suppos'd to mistake Leagues for Miles) and the breadth about eighteen.

* 2.27The Air of this Place is so impure, that it is accounted the unwholsomest Island of all the Indies; nevertheless the Soil is not unfertile, as bringing forth Sugar-Canes, Cotton, Maize, Tobacco of the best kind, with other Commodities of the general growth of the West-Indies, besides store of good Fruit and Cattel; and one part of the Island call'd Terra de Bea, produceth great plenty of Pitch, but not of the best kind; and there have been discover'd several Veins of Gold and other Metals.

The Natives, some say, were antiently call'd Cairi, or Carai, and were distinguish'd into several Clans or Tribes, each under the Government of a Casique, or petty Prince; but most of them dreading the Spaniards Cruelty, deserted the Island, and Setled themselves in Guiana; and at present both this Place, Guiana, and El Dorado, have of Custom one and the same Governor, whose Place of Residence here is St. Josephs, the chief, if not onely Town of the Island; it stands Southward upon the Carone. Here most of that Tobacco is made, which is sold amongst us for Spanish. In the Year 1595. Sir Walter Raleigh possess'd himself of it, being then but a petty Village of about forty Houses, and took Prisoner the then Governor Antonio Berreo, who, in all probability, to ingratiate himself with him, gave him some light towards the discovery of Guiana.

On the North-East of Trinidado, and not above eight Miles distant from it,* 2.28 lies the Island of Tabago, which hath been already treated of, as one of the Caribbees, though some will have it one of the Sotavento; it is otherwise call'd New Walcheren, from a Town of that Name in Zealand, from whence a Colony of Netherlanders was sent to Plant it.

Amongst others of the small obscure Islands hereabouts, is Virgin Gorda,* 2.29 which is sometimes reckon'd amongst the Caribbee Islands; but since there is nothing consi∣derable to be spoken of it, it is sufficient that it hath been mention'd, though not punctually in its proper place.

CHAP. XX. California.

* 2.30HAving before made mention of California, as it is by some taken for that large portion of Northern America which lies most Southward, and also ut∣most West of all that is known of the New World, and having treated of those several Provinces which are generally reckon'd to be comprehended in it, (excepting California strictly taken, as it is generally granted to be an Island) viz. Quivira, Cibola, and Nova Albion, lying on the Continent (though there want not those who make Nova Albion onely the North part of California) we shall close up our Discourse of these Islands that lie Northward of the Equinoctial Line with the afore∣said California, specially so call'd, which was by many thought and describ'd to be but a Peninsula, or half Island, by reason that the Bay which divides it from Quivira

and New Gallicia, towards the North runneth much narrower than it doth Sou∣therly 〈…〉〈…〉 that some where or other at the North it wa•• joyn'd to the 〈…〉〈…〉 been ••aid, have ••••und it to b•••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 ••a••e from the Continent: for about the Y•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 upon those Coasts Northward, acciden∣tally, 〈…〉〈…〉 fell upon a Straight, the Waters whereof ran with such 〈…〉〈…〉 ••hat they brought them into Mar Vermiglio, whether they 〈…〉〈…〉 no, and before they knew it, and by that means discover'd that California was an Island, and that the Waters which were observ'd to fall so violently unto that Sea towards the North, were not the Waters of any River emp∣tying it self into the Bay from the Main Land, as was formerly thought, but the Waters of the North-West Sea it self, violently breaking into the Bay, and dividing it wholly from the Continent: It lieth North and South, extending it self in a vast length, full twenty Degrees of Latitude, viz. from twenty two to forty two; but the breadth nothing answerable: The most Northern Point of it is call'd Cape Blanche; that to the South, Cape St. Lucas, memorable for that rich and gallant Prize which Captain Cavendish, in the Year 1587. being then in his Voyage about the World, took from the Spaniards near to this Place. As for the Island it self, it is at present little, if at all inhabited by the Spaniards; whether it be that they want Men to furnish new Plantations, or that they find no matter of invitation and encou∣ragement from the Countrey, or perhaps that the access thither be not so easie: for 'tis reported to be wonderfully well peopled by the Natives, and that there were found onely upon the Coasts and along the Shore of Mar Vermiglio, twenty or twenty three Nations, all of different Languages; though from the particular Narrations that have been made of the Voyages of several eminent Persons into these Parts, it appears that the Spaniards have taken great pains in the discovery thereof, and also from the several Spanish Names of Places, that they have had Plantations here for∣merly, however neglected at present.

* 2.31The Countrey is abundantly well stor'd with Fish and Fowl, as appears partly by the Natives, who take a huge pride in making themselves gay with the Bones of the one, with which they load their Ears, and sometimes their Noses also; and with the Feathers of the other, which ordinary People wear onely sticking about their Wastes; but Great Persons, and such as will be fine indeed, beset their Heads strangely with them, and have commonly one Bunch of them bigger than ordi∣nary hanging down behind them like a Tail.

Having no knowledge of the true God, they worship what the Devil will have them, that is, the Sun, attributing to it onely the increase of their Plants, healthful Seasons, and most of the other good things they enjoy, or are sensible of.

Their Government is said to be onely Oeconomical,* 2.32 each Father ordering the Af∣fairs of his Family apart, without subjection to any other Superior; yet so well manag'd, that they live in good Peace one with another; not without many good Laws and Customs, viz. That they allow but one Wife to one Man; That they punish Adultery with Death; That they suffer not Maids to talk or converse with Men till they be Married; That Widows may not Marry till they have Mourn'd at least one half year for their Husbands deceased; and divers others of like nature, which perhaps, if the truth were known, do more properly belong to the Natives of Utopia, or New Atlantis, than to these of California.

* 2.33The Places therein, as yet observ'd, are onely upon the Sea-coasts, 1. The Capes of St. Clara and St. Lucas, the one at the South-East end of the Island, looking towards New Gallicia, the other at the South-West, looking into the Sea, and towards Asia.

[illustration]

2. St. Cruce, so nam'd from its being first discover'd on Holy-Rood-Day, being a large and convenient Haven, not far from Cape St. Clara.

3. Cabo de las Playas, so call'd from a company of little bare Hillocks appearing from the Sea, and is more within the Bay.

4. Cabo Baxo, so term'd, as lying towards the bottom of the Gulf.

5. St. Andrews, another convenient Haven upon an Island of the same Name.

6. St. Thomas, an Island at the Mouth of the Gulf or Bay, of about twenty five Leagues in compass, rising Southerly with an high mountainous Point, under which is a convenient Road for Shipping, and twenty five Fathoms of Water.

On the other side of the Island, towards the Main Sea, there is 1. St. Abad, a good Haven, and almost surrounded with a pleasant and fruitful Countrey.

2. Cape Trinidado, a noted Promontory.

3. Cape de Cedras, so call'd (together with a small Island near it) from the store of Cedars growing thereabouts.

4. Enganno. 5. Puebla de las Canoas, so nam'd from the abundance of those lit∣tle Boats which the Americans generally use, and do call Canoos, whereof perhaps some store are made there.

6. Cabo de Galera, from its resemblance to a Rat.

It is believ'd there are many more Promontories and Bays on both sides of this Island, besides Rivers and Islets, yet not nam'd, and altogether unknown. Moreo∣ver Dr. Heylin hath well observ'd, that those above-mention'd are the Names onely of Places, and not of Towns and Villages, though doubtless there must needs have been some scatter'd Houses, built formerly by the Spaniards in so many Expeditions.

* 2.34The first Discoverer of these Parts was Ferdinando Cortez, who having in the Year 1534. set out two Ships to that purpose from St. Jago, a Haven of New Spain, and not finding the Success answerable to his Expectation, went next Year himself in Person, and pass'd a good way up the Gulf, but for want of Provisions was forc'd to return without having done any thing to the purpose.

In 1539. one Francisco, a Companion of Cortez in the former Expedition, Set out

upon his own Charges, and having Coasted all about, both upon the Eastern and Western Shores, he at last Landed, but not without notable opposition from the Natives, who with much clamour, and many antique Gestures set upon his Men so furiously with Stones and Arrows, that they had met with a shrew'd Repulse, had it not been for the Valor of their Auxiliaries, the Mastiff Dogs, which it seems they us'd to carry along with them in those kind of Voyages; but at last he got footing so far, that he took possession in the Name of the King of Spain with the usual For∣malities; and following the Example of Columbus, set up a Cross in the Place for a Memorial and Testimony of his having been there.

* 2.35Much about the same time Marco de Nisa a Franciscan, undertaking a Voyage in∣to these Parts, reported Wonders at his Return, of the plenty of golden Mines, stately Cities, set out with magnificent Buildings, the very Gates whereof were enrich'd with Turquoises, and other Precious Stones, and whose meanest Inhabitants went glittering in Gold and Mother of Pearl, and of the flourishing Condition of the Kingdoms of Acu, Tonteac, and Marata; whereupon the Governor of New Gallicia was sent by the then Vice-Roy of Mexico, with great hopes of bringing back a Con∣firmation of these Reports; but whether out of spite to be deceiv'd in his Expe∣ctation, or having real cause so to do, he represented all things as mean and despi∣cable, as the Fryer had proclaim'd them rich and glorious.

* 2.36The next that went upon this Design was Ferdinando de Alarcon, who is reported to have Sail'd many Leagues up a River call'd Buena Guia, and there to have re∣ceiv'd Homage of Naguacatus, one of the Heads of the Californian Tribes.

* 2.37One more Attempt was made in the Year 1642. by Roderico Cabrillo, who disco∣ver'd the Island of St. Luke, and another call'd The Island of Possession; and this was the last we hear of that thought it worth while to go an Undertaker to these Coasts, and ever since all Undertakings hither have been so wholly laid aside, that what-ever was once discover'd in these Parts, seems rather to be lost and forgotten, than any way improv'd.

As for Nova Albion, whereas many determine it to be onely the utmost Northern part of California, though it doth not absolutely appear to be so from the Relation of Sir Francis Drake's Discovery of it, we judge it agreeable to Method and Deco∣rum not wholly to omit the mention of it in this place, though it hath been already spoken of, and the aforesaid Relation deliver'd at large amongst the rest of those Provinces of largely-taken California, which were taken for granted to be upon the Continent.

* 2.38Drake and his Company brought home this Description of the Countrey and its Inhabitants, viz. That the Countrey was exceedingly well stor'd with Deer, Grazing up and down the Hills by thousands in a company; That the Men generally went naked all over, the Women using onely a piece of a Mat, or some such thing in stead of an Apron; That their Hou∣ses were built onely of Turf and Osier, yet so wrought together, that they serv'd very well to keep out the Cold; in the midst of it was their Hearth where they made their Fire, and lay all round about it together upon several Beds of Bull-Rushes. What their Towns were, or whither they had any, is altogether unknown.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Bounds and Division of Northern America.
• * 1.2

  The Extent and Circum∣ference of the West-Indies.
• * 1.3

  First discove∣ry of Estoti∣land.
• * 1.4

  The Nature of the People.
• * 1.5

  Description of the Morses
• * 1.6

  Situation.
• * 1.7

  Situation.
• * 1.8

  First disco∣very.
• * 1.9

  Strange Fish nam'd Chaou∣saron.
• * 1.10

  Strange proof of Va∣lor.
• * 1.11

  Wonderful opinion of God.
• * 1.12

  Flood.
• * 1.13

  Sorcerers.
• * 1.14

  They boast their Extract from Heaven. Their strange Relation con∣cerning it.
• * 1.15

  As also of the Creation, and Souls of the Deceased.
• * 1.16

  Strange Rock.
• * 1.17

  Thunder.
• * 1.18

  Thakabech Idol.
• * 1.19

  Funeral-Feast.
• * 1.20

  Remarkable manner of li∣ving.
• * 1.21

  Quartier's Expedition.
• * 1.22

  Scurvy, when known.
• * 1.23

  Exploit of de la Roque.
• * 1.24

  Of de Monts.
• * 1.25

  Of Poutrin∣court.
• * 1.26

  Remarka∣ble Transacti∣ons of some Jesuits.
• * 1.27

  Whence de∣nominated.
• * 1.28

  Towns and Cities not certainly known.
• * 1.29

  The tempe∣rature and nature of its Soil.
• * 1.30

  Situation of New Eng∣land.
• * 1.31

  First disco∣very.
• * 1.32

  Remarkable Voyage of Verrazanus.
• * 1.33

  The setling of Plantations.
• * 1.34

  The Com∣modities of this Coun∣trey, together with the Trees and o∣ther sorts of Plants.
• * 1.35

  Beasts.
• * 1.36

  The Moose.
• * 1.37

  The Rackoon.
• * 1.38

  The Mas∣quash.
• * 1.39

  Birds.
• * 1.40

  The Hum∣bird.
• * 1.41

  The Loon. The Hunti∣lity, or Sim∣plicity.
• * 1.42

  Fishes.
• * 1.43

  The Seal.
• * 1.44

  The Shark.
• * 1.45

  The Hollibut.
• * 1.46

  The Basse.
• * 1.47

  Alewives.
• * 1.48

  Clamms or Clamps.
• * 1.49

  Noxious Creatures.
• * 1.50

  The nature of the ancient Inhabitants.
• * 1.51

  The nature of the Mow∣hacks.
• * 1.52

  The nature of the Indians inhabiting Eastward.
• * 1.53

  The nature of the Pequods and Narra∣gansets.
• * 1.54

  The nature and complexi∣on of the A∣berginians.
• * 1.55

  The Appa∣rel, Oma∣ments, Paint∣ings, and other artificial Deckings of the Indians.
• * 1.56

  Their Diet, Cookery, Meal-times, and Hospi∣tality at their Kettles.
• * 1.57

  Of their hardiness.
• * 1.58

  Of their Kings, Go∣vernment, and Subjects obedience.
• * 1.59

  Of their Mar∣riages.
• * 1.60

  Of their Worship, In∣vocations, and Conjurati∣ons.
• * 1.61

  Of their Wars.
• * 1.62

  Their Games and Sports of activity.
• * 1.63

  Of their Huntings.
• * 1.64

  Of their Fishings.
• * 1.65

  Of their Arts and Mantifa∣ctures.
• * 1.66

  Of their Lan∣guage.
• * 1.67

  Of their Deaths, Bu∣rials and Mourning.
• * 1.68

  Dispositions, Employ∣ments, Usage by their Hus∣bands, Appa∣rel, and Mo∣desty of the Women.
• * 1.69

  Towns buile by the English in New Eng∣land.
• * 1.70

  St. Georges Fort.
• * 1.71

  New Ply∣mouth.
• * 1.72

  Salem.
• * 1.73

  Charles-town.
• * 1.74

  Dorchester.
• * 1.75

  Boston.
• * 1.76

  Roxbury.
• * 1.77

  Lynne.
• * 1.78

  Water-town.
• * 1.79

  New-town.
• * 1.80

  Harverd Col∣ledge.
• * 1.81

  Ipswich.
• * 1.82

  Newbury.
• * 1.83

  Hartford.
• * 1.84

  Concord.
• * 1.85

  Hingham.
• * 1.86

  Dukesbury, or Sandwich.
• * 1.87

  Newhaven.
• * 1.88

  Dedham.
• * 1.89

  Weymouth.
• * 1.90

  Rowly.
• * 1.91

  Hampton.
• * 1.92

  Salisbury.
• * 1.93

  Long-Island. Southampton.
• * 1.94

  Sudbury.
• * 1.95

  Braintree.
• * 1.96

  Gloucester.
• * 1.97

  Dover.
• * 1.98

  Wooburn.
• * 1.99

  Reading.
• * 1.100

  Wenham.
• * 1.101

  Spring-field.
• * 1.102

  Haverhill.
• * 1.103

  Malden.
• * 1.104

  The present state of the Natives.
• * 1.105

  Church-Government among the English.
• * 1.106

  Their. Civil Government and Laws.
• * 1.107

  Actions and Causes.
• * 1.108

  Grand-Juries.
• * 1.109

  Trials.
• * 1.110

  Proceedings of the Matta∣chusets against his Majesties Commissio∣ners.
• * 1.111

  A brief De∣scription of Laconia, a Province in New Eng∣land.
• * 1.112

  Of the Pro∣vince of Main.
• * 1.113

  Manhattans River.
• * 1.114

  Wholesom Waters.
• * 1.115

  Trees.
• * 1.116

  Vines.
• * 1.117

  Water Lem∣mmons.
• * 1.118

  Wheat.
• * 1.119

  Pease.
• * 1.120

  Soyl of the Mountains.
• * 1.121

  Gold and Sil∣ver-Mines.
• * 1.122

  Paint after a strange man∣ner.
• * 1.123

  Horses.
• * 1.124

  Hogs.
• * 1.125

  Sheep.
• * 1.126

  Lyons.
• * 1.127

  Black Bears.
• * 1.128

  Strange Beasts.
• * 1.129

  Harts.
• * 1.130

  Musk-Cats.
• * 1.131

  Plin. lib. 32. cap. 3.
• * 1.132

  Fowls in New York.
• * 1.133

  Pigeons.
• * 1.134

  Pretty Birds.
• * 1.135

  Turkies.
• * 1.136

  Fish.
• * 1.137

  Rattle-Snake.
• * 1.138

  Constituti∣on of the In∣habitants.
• * 1.139

  Their Diet.
• * 1.140

  Hudson's adventures remarkable.
• * 1.141

  New Ne∣therlands. Apparel.
• * 1.142

  Their houses.
• * 1.143

  Romove.
• * 1.144

  Many Wives.
• * 1.145

  Marriages.
• * 1.146

  Whoring per∣mitted.
• * 1.147

  Strange Mar∣rying.
• * 1.148

  Child-bear∣ing Womens strange acti∣ons.
• * 1.149

  Funerals.
• * 1.150

  Mourning over the dead remarkable.
• * 1.151

  Conjurers.
• * 1.152

  Language of the New Ne∣therlanders.
• * 1.153

  Money.
• * 1.154

  Vices and Vertues.
• * 1.155

  Strange Stoves.
• * 1.156

  Arms.
• * 1.157

  Remarkable actions some Prison∣ers.
• * 1.158

  Laws.
• * 1.159

  Council-As∣sembly.
• * 1.160

  Religion.
• * 1.161

  Diabolical Worship.
• * 1.162

  Their ridicu∣lous Opinion of God.
• * 1.163

  As also of the Creation.
• * 1.164

  Of the Im∣mortality of The Soul.
• * 1.165

  Their Canti∣ca's, or Dan∣cing.
• * 1.166

  Their sitting in Council.
• * 1.167

  Raritan-Ri∣ver.
• * 1.168

  Delaware-Bay.
• * 1.169

  The Chara∣cter of a hap∣py Countrey.
• * 1.170

  The situation.
• * 1.171

  The Bounds.
• * 1.172

  Title.
• * 1.173

  The first Seating.
• * 1.174

  The number of Inhabi∣tants.
• * 1.175

  The natural Commodities of the Coun∣trey.
• * 1.176

  Commodities which are, or may be pro∣cur'd by in∣dustry.
• * 1.177

  The Govern∣ment.
• * 1.178

  Of the Indi∣ans in Mary∣land.
• * 1.179

  Their Money.
• * 1.180

  Manner of habitation.
• * 1.181

  Civility to the English.
• * 1.182

  Situation of Virginia.
• * 1.183

  First Discove∣ry.
• * 1.184

  The Patent of Virginia made void.
• * 1.185

  The Patent of Mary-land granted to the Lord Baltem re.
• * 1.186

  The Patent Carolina granted to several No∣ble Persons.
• * 1.187

  Rivers of Virginia.
• * 1.188

  Nature of the Countrey
• * 1.189

  Trees.
• * 1.190

  Silk-Grass.
• * 1.191

  Fruits pecu∣liar to Vir∣ginia.
• * 1.192

  Roots.
• * 1.193

  Beasts.
• * 1.194

  Rivulets.
• * 1.195

  Several Peo∣ple of the an∣cient Natives of Virginia.
• * 1.196

  Number of Inhabitants.
• * 1.197

  The Com∣modities of Virginia.
• * 1.198

  Of the Indi∣ans of Virgi∣nia.
• * 1.199

  Transactions between the English and the Natives.
• * 1.200

  King Powha∣tan.
• * 1.201

  James-Town burnt.
• * 1.202

  Smith's Voy∣age.
• * 1.203

  His remark∣able Ex∣ploits.
• * 1.204

  Situation and Description of Carolina.
• * 1.205

  Production of the Soil.
• * 1.206

  Commodi∣nes of the Countrey.
• * 1.207

  Fish and Water-Fowl.
• * 1.208

  Temperatine of the Cl••∣mate.
• * 1.209

  Nature, Con∣stitutions, and Manners of the Inhabi∣tants.
• * 1.210

  Their manner of Govern∣ment.
• * 1.211

  Carolina granted by Patent to several No∣ble Persons by His Ma∣jesty.
• * 1.212

  Their care for Setling and Impro∣ving of this Plantation.
• * 1.213

  Fair Terms propos'd to whomsoever shall remove thither.
• * 1.214

  The Model drawn up by the Lord Ash∣ley for the Government of Carolina.
• * 1.215

  Situation and Bounds.
• * 1.216

  Ponce's Expe∣dition.
• * 1.217

  Water to make old People look young.
• * 1.218

  Vasquez's Ex∣pedition to Florida.
• * 1.219

  Habit of a Floridan King.
• * 1.220

  Treachery of Vasquez.
• * 1.221

  Indians mis∣used.
• * 1.222

  Vasquez de∣feated by the Floridans.
• * 1.223

  Narvaez his Expedition.
• * 1.224

  Strange Booty.
• * 1.225

  He is in great extre∣mity,
• * 1.226

  Cabeca it Stranded.
• * 1.227

  His strange Entertain∣ment at Mal∣hado.
• * 1.228

  Sottus's Ex∣pedition very remarkable.
• * 1.229

  Strange deal∣ing of the Co∣fachiquians.
• * 1.230

  A Maid Go∣verns the Countrey.
• * 1.231

  Great Trea∣sure of Pearls.
• * 1.232

  Great Tem∣pest.
• * 1.233

  Sottus's far∣ther Journey very remark∣able.
• * 1.234

  The City Mavilla.
• * 1.235

  Cruel Fight.
• * 1.236

  Sottus dies.
• * 1.237

  Strange Fight.
• * 1.238

  Expedition of Ahumada and Samano.
• * 1.239

  The Expedi∣tion of Me∣nendez.
• * 1.240

  Voyage of Ribald and Ladoniere.
• * 1.241

  The Expedi∣tion of Domi∣nicus Gur∣gius.
• * 1.242

  Valiant Ex∣ploit of Gur∣gius.
• * 1.243

  City Angu∣stine.
• * 1.244

  Constitution of the Flori∣dans.
• * 1.245

  Their strange Consulta∣tion.
• * 1.246

  Their Food in time of War.
• * 1.247

  Their Priests are Sorcerers.
• * 1.248

  Strange acti∣ons.
• * 1.249

  Cruelty on the conquer'd
• * 1.250

  Remarkable Mourning for the Dead.
• * 1.251

  Floridans dif∣fer amongst themselves.
• * 1.252

  Hermophro∣dites.
• * 1.253

  Their manner of taking Crocodiles.
• * 1.254

  As also their Deer.
• * 1.255

  Floridans, though libi∣dinous, yet live long.
• * 1.256

  Their horrid Religion.
• * 1.257

  Drake's Ex∣ploit on Flo∣rida.
• * 1.258

  Its Situation and Bounds.
• * 1.259

  Trees and Plants.
• * 1.260

  Birds.
• * 1.261

  Birds.
• * 1.262

  Beasts▪
• * 1.263

  The Serpent Iquanna.
• * 1.264

  Baboons.
• * 1.265

  Towns and Villages of Note.
• * 1.266

  Situation and Bounds.
• * 1.267

  Commodi∣ties of the Countrey.
• * 1.268

  Beasts.
• * 1.269

  Medicinal Plants.
• * 1.270

  Places of note.
• * 1.271

  Situation and Bounds.
• * 1.272

  Cruelties of the Spani∣ards.
• * 1.273

  Commodities of the Coun∣tres.
• * 1.274

  New Valla∣dolid.
• * 1.275

  Gratias a Dios.
• * 1.276

  St. Pedro.
• * 1.277

  Juan de Pu∣erto de Caval∣los.
• * 1.278

  Truxillo.
• * 1.279

  Attempts up∣on this place by the Eng∣lish and Dutch.
• * 1.280

  Situation and bounds.
• * 1.281

  Nature of the Inhabitants.
• * 1.282

  Cities.
• * 1.283

  Strange man∣ner of Dan∣cing.
• * 1.284

  The Fish Manati.
• * 1.285

  Bounds and Nature of the Countrey.
• * 1.286

  Bounds and Nature of the Country.
• * 1.287

  Its chief Towns.
• * 1.288

  Bounds of the Country.
• * 1.289

  Towns of note.
• * 1.290

  Havens.
• * 1.291

  Bounds of New-Spain.
• * 1.292

  The Original.
• * 1.293

  The state of the Mexican Kingdom be∣fore the Spa∣niards arri∣val.
• * 1.294

  The bounds of the Mexi∣can Kingdom.
• * 1.295

  Riches of Mexico.
• * 1.296

  Tunas Tre••.
• * 1.297

  Pine-Apples.
• * 1.298

  Fruit Cacao.
• * 1.299

  Nature of the People.
• * 1.300

  Lakes of New-Spain.
• * 1.301

  The several Provinces.
• * 1.302

  Bound of Mixicana.
• * 1.303

  Nature of the Countrey.
• * 1.304

  Chief Towns of Mexicana.
• * 1.305

  Description of the City Mexico.
• * 1.306

  The Tempe∣rature of the Air.
• * 1.307

  Baruabe Cabo his Descri∣ption of Mexico.
• * 1.308

  Mexico over∣flow'd.
• * 1.309

  Stately Pala∣ces.
• * 1.310

  And Mona∣steries.
• * 1.311

  Cloysters be∣••••ing to the Monkt of La Merced.
• * 1.312

  Womens Cloysters.
• * 1.313

  The Vice-Roy's Palace and Arch-bishop's Seat.
• * 1.314

  The gallantry of Mexico at this day.
• * 1.315

  City Chulula.
• * 1.316

  Towns and pleasant Vil∣lages about Mexico.
• * 1.317

  Silver Mynes.
• * 1.318

  Strange Fountain.
• * 1.319

  The wonder∣ful Mountain Nevada.
• * 1.320

  The first Foundation of the City of Mexico.
• * 1.321

  Proceedings between the Tapuneca's and Mexi∣cans.
• * 1.322

  Izcoalts suc∣cess against the Tapanecas.
• * 1.323

  The Cuyoa∣cans utterly subdu'd by Tlacaellel.
• * 1.324

  Tezcuco sub∣mits to the Mexicans.
• * 1.325

  Coronation of Muteczu∣ma.
• * 1.326

  Mutezuma's Brother taken Prisoner by those of Chal∣co.
• * 1.327

  An example of great Fide∣lity.
• * 1.328

  Description of the Tem∣ple Cu.
• * 1.329

  Tlacaellel re∣signs the Kingdoms to Ticocic.
• * 1.330

  Axayacan chosen King.
• * 1.331

  His Victory against the•• Teguante∣pecks.
• * 1.332

  Autzol suc∣ceeds him.
• * 1.333

  Autzol's Ge∣nerosity and Mrgnificence.
• * 1.334

  The Lord of Tescuco his Speech to Muteczuma.
• * 1.335

  Preparation•• for the Coro∣nation of Muteczuma.
• * 1.336

  His Gran∣deur.
• * 1.337

  The ruine of the Mexican Empire prog∣nosticated.
• * 1.338

  A miraculous Story of a Bird.
• * 1.339

  Another of a Country∣man.
• * 1.340

  News of the arrival of the the Spanish Fleet.
• * 1.341

  Muteczuma committed to Prison by Cortesius.
• * 1.342

  Cortesius marches a∣gainst Velas∣quez's Party.
• * 1.343

  Mexico taken by the Spani∣ards.
• * 1.344

  Cortez ad∣vanc'd to Ho∣nors.
• * 1.345

  The grand Haven Aca∣pulco.
• * 1.346

  Spilbergen's Expedition.
• * 1.347

  Bounds and Description of Mechoacan
• * 1.348

  Languages belonging to the Mechoa∣cans.
• * 1.349

  Tygers.
• * 1.350

  Squerrils.
• * 1.351

  Several kinds of them.
• * 1.352

  Foxes.
• * 1.353

  The Bird Auras.
• * 1.354

  Ingenuity of the Natives.
• * 1.355

  Principal Towns.
• * 1.356

  Situation and Descriptian of Tlascalla.
• * 1.357

  The ancient State of the Tlascallans.
• * 1.358

  River Zahuatl.
• * 1.359

  Tlascallans Language.
• * 1.360

  Towns and Villages.
• * 1.361

  Great in∣crease of Grocodiles.
• * 1.362

  Burning Mountain Po∣patepeck.
• * 1.363

  Rivers of Mexicana.
• * 1.364

  The Province Tepeaca.
• * 1.365

  Alyonan.
• * 1.366

  Strange sort of Bird.
• * 1.367

  Situation and Description of Guaxata.
• * 1.368

  Division.
• * 1.369

  Languages.
• * 1.370

  Poisonous Herb.
• * 1.371

  Strange Cave
• * 1.372

  Americans, whether Ex∣tracted from the ten Tribes of Is∣rael.
• * 1.373

  Towns and chief Villages of Guaxaca.
• * 1.374

  Bounds and Description of Panuco.
• * 1.375

  Conquest of it difficult.
• * 1.376

  Barbarous Customs of the People.
• * 1.377

  Strange usage of Prisoners.
• * 1.378

  Towns and Villages.
• * 1.379

  Miles Philips his Voyage.
• * 1.380

  Chilton's Journal.
• * 1.381

  Bounds and Description of Tabasco.
• * 1.382

  The Fish Ma∣nate.
• * 1.383

  Birds.
• * 1.384

  Beasts.
• * 1.385

  Languages of the Na∣tives.
• * 1.386

  Cloysters de∣dicated to the ancient Me∣xican Reli∣gion.
• * 1.387

  Mexican Re∣ligion ab∣horr'd by the neighboring People,
• * 1.388

  Their Pro∣cessions.
• * 1.389

  Ancient At∣tire of the Mexicans.
• * 1.390

  Their Nup∣tial Solemni∣ties.
• * 1.391

  The Feast Texcoals.
• * 1.392

  Computati∣on of Time a∣mongst the Mexicans.
• * 1.393

  Art of Wri∣ting.
• * 1.394

  Ancient Go∣vernment.
• * 1.395

  Their Edu∣cation of Youth.
• * 1.396

  Their man∣ner of Dan∣cing.
• * 1.397

  Bounds and Extent of New Gallicia.
• * 1.398

  Temperature and Nature of the Coun∣trey.
• * 1.399

  Several sorts of Tunas-Trees.
• * 1.400

  The Root Castanuela.
• * 1.401

  The Batata.
• * 1.402

  Beasts.
• * 1.403

  Two sorts of Hedge-hogs.
• * 1.404

  The manner of the Spani∣ards living.
• * 1.405

  The Nature, Habits, and Customs of the Natives.
• * 1.406

  Division of Nova Galli∣cia.
• * 1.407

  Bounds of Guadalajara.
• * 1.408

  Towns and Cities.
• * 1.409

  Bounds and Description of Xalisco.
• * 1.410

  Towns of chief note.
• * 1.411

  Situation of Chiametla.
• * 1.412

  Towns of principal note.
• * 1.413

  Bounds of Couliacan.
• * 1.414

  Towns.
• * 1.415

  Nunnez de Gusman first Discoverer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of this Coun∣trey.
• * 1.416

  Serpents worshipp'd by the Na∣tives.
• * 1.417

  The Fish Guarapucu.
• * 1.418

  The Piracarba.
• * 1.419

  Flying Fisher.
• * 1.420

  Bounds of Cineloa.
• * 1.421

  Towns.
• * 1.422

  Nunnez de Gusman's Travels.
• * 1.423

  Bounds and Description of Zacatecas.
• * 1.424

  Towns and Villages.
• * 1.425

  Several Mines disco∣ver'd by the Spaniards.
• * 1.426

  Bovnds of New Biscay.
• * 1.427

  Towns and Cities.
• * 1.428

  Convenient Havens of New Gallicia.
• * 1.429

  The Flower Granadilla.
• * 1.430

  Bounds of New Mexico.
• * 1.431

  Travels of Ruyz Espejus and others.
• * 1.432

  First original of the New Mexicans.
• * 1.433

  The first March of the Mexicans in∣to New Spain
• * 1.434

  Description of the Image Viztlipuztli.
• * 1.435

  Yocci's Festi∣val.
• * 1.436

  Description of Tezcatlipu∣ca's Image.
• * 1.437

  Situation, Tempera∣ture, and Productions of Cibola.
• * 1.438

  Tontonteac
• * 1.439

  Nova Gra∣nada a Pro∣vince of Nor∣thern America
• * 1.440

  Its Descrip∣tion.
• * 1.441

  Situation of Quivira, and Description of the Inha∣bitants.
• * 1.442

  Towns of chief note.
• * 1.443

  Nova Albion.
• * 1.444

  Sir Francis Drake's Ar∣rival there.
• * 1.445

  Nature and Habit of the People.
• * 1.446

  Drake's En∣tertainment by the King of the Coun∣trey.
• * 1.447

  A Monument erected by Drake before his departure
• * 1.448

  Situation and Bound of New-found Land.
• * 1.449

  Temperature
• * 1.450

  Nature of the Inhabi∣tants.
• * 1.451

  Commodi∣ous Harbors.
• * 1.452

  Fruitful Soil.
• * 1.453

  Berries and Fruits.
• * 1.454

  Herbs and Flowers.
• * 1.455

  Beasts.
• * 1.456

  Birds.
• * 1.457

  Springs.
• * 1.458

  Trees.
• * 1.459

  The Province of Avalon in New-found Lands.
• * 1.460

  The wonder∣ful Bank of Terra Nova.
• * 1.461

  The Baccaloos
• * 1.462

  The Isle of Assumption.
• * 1.463

  Situation of the Bermudas.
• * 1.464

  Forts built upon the Ber∣mudas.
• * 1.465

  ••orts and Havens.
• * 1.466

  Nature of the Soil.
• * 1.467

  Tempera∣ture of the Air.
• * 1.468

  Productions of the Coun∣trey.
• * 1.469

  Tortoises Laying of Eggs.
• * 1.470

  Cedars of an excellent kind.
• * 1.471

  Bounds and Description of Hispaniola.
• * 1.472

  Beasts pecu∣liar to Hispa∣niola.
• * 1.473

  The Fly Cuy∣ero.
• * 1.474

  The Fish Ma∣nate.
• * 1.475

  The Fish A∣bacatuia.
• * 1.476

  The Insect Nigua.
• * 1.477

  Fruits.
• * 1.478

  The Provin∣ces of this Island.
• * 1.479

  The Gaiety of the antient Casiques.
• * 1.480

  Ports and Havens.
• * 1.481

  Description of the City of St. Domingo.
• * 1.482

  Other chief Towns of Hispaniola.
• * 1.483

  The Island dispeopled by the cruelty of the Spani∣ards.
• * 1.484

  Their barba∣rous usage of Guaccanarillo and others.
• * 1.485

  First original of the Peo∣ple of Hispa∣niola.
• * 1.486

  The antient Name of this Island.
• * 1.487

  Indian Songs or Ballads call'd Areitos.
• * 1.488

  Strange Pre∣diction of the Spaniards Arrival.
• * 1.489

  The Images of their Zemes.
• * 1.490

  The Islanders Opinion of the Creation.
• * 1.491

  Their foolish Opinion of the Original of the Sea.
• * 1.492

  The Cave Jovana∣beina.
• * 1.493

  Their absurd Opinion of the Deceased
• * 1.494

  Their Cere∣monies about their Sick.
• * 1.495

  Their man∣ner of Con∣sulting with their Zemes.
• * 1.496

  Gossipping.
• * 1.497

  Manner of Succession.
• * 1.498

  Languages.
• * 1.499

  An Example of the Baino∣an Language.
• * 1.500

  The taking of St. Do∣mingo by Sir Fran. Drake.
• * 1.501

  Venables his Expedition to San Do∣mingo.
• * 1.502

  Bounds and Extent of Porto Rico.
• * 1.503

  Sierra del Loquillo.
• * 1.504

  Rivers.
• * 1.505

  Trees.
• * 1.506

  The poison∣ous Apple-Tree.
• * 1.507

  The Tree Gaiaba.
• * 1.508

  The Beast Javaris.
• * 1.509

  The Opassum
• * 1.510

  The Tatow.
• * 1.511

  Chief Towns and Citi••s.
• * 1.512

  The building of St. Ger∣mans.
• * 1.513

  The Situati∣on, Descri∣ption and ••ate of St. Juan de Por∣to Rico.
• * 1.514

  The Casique Yaguara's Experiment.
• * 1.515

  The Avarice and Cruelty of the Spa∣niards.
• * 1.516

  Ceremonies of the old Natives.
• * 1.517

  The Islands Mona and Monico.
• * 1.518

  The several Names of Cuba.
• * 1.519

  Its Bounds.
• * 1.520

  Trees.
• * 1.521

  Birds.
• * 1.522

  Manner of ta∣king Parrots.
• * 1.523

  Chief Pro∣vinces of Cuba.
• * 1.524

  Serpents.
• * 1.525

  Antient Cu∣stoms of the Natives.
• * 1.526

  The Spani∣ard at first beaten by the Natives.
• * 1.527

  St. Jago built by Valasquez.
• * 1.528

  The Copper Mountains.
• * 1.529

  St. Jago ta∣ken by the English.
• * 1.530

  Baracoa.
• * 1.531

  St. Salvador.
• * 1.532

  Trinidad.
• * 1.533

  Puerto del Principe.
• * 1.534

  Villa Sancti Spiritus.
• * 1.535

  Havana.
• * 1.536

  Havana se∣veral times Assaulted and taken.
• * 1.537

  The Haven Xagua.
• * 1.538

  The Success of Admiral Peter Hein.
• * 1.539

  Maj. Smith's Letter con∣cerning Cuba and other Parts.
• * 1.540

  Situation and Extent of Jamaica.
• * 1.541

  Nature of the Countrey.
• * 1.542

  Temperature of the Air.
• * 1.543

  Commodities of the Island.
• * 1.544

  Beasts.
• * 1.545

  Fish.
• * 1.546

  Birds.
• * 1.547

  Fruit-Trees and other Plants.
• * 1.548

  A sort of sensitive Plant.
• * 1.549

  Ginger.
• * 1.550

  Cotton.
• * 1.551

  Description of the Alli∣gator.
• * 1.552

  Muschilli and Merrywings.
• * 1.553

  First Disco∣very of the Island.
• * 1.554

  Attempts of the English upon this Island.
• * 1.555

  Chief Towns.
• * 1.556

  Port Royal.
• * 1.557

  Landward.
• * 1.558

  Little Island.
• * 1.559

  Chief Ports and Harbors.
• * 1.560

  The several Governors of the English in Jamaica.
• * 1.561

  Situation and Description of the Lucaies
• * 1.562

  The Lucales left desolate by the Spa∣niards.
• * 1.563

  English Lan∣ding upon them.
• * 1.564

  Situation and Names of the Caribbee Islands.
• * 1.565

  Temperature of the Air.
• * 1.566

  Nature of the Soil.
• * 1.567

  Vines grow∣ing naturally in the Carib∣bees.
• * 1.568

  Wheat not apt to grow there.
• * 1.569

  Fruit-Trees.
• * 1.570

  Reptiles.
• * 1.571

  Insects
• * 1.572

  Fishes.
• * 1.573

  Description of the Sea-Unicorn.
• * 1.574

  The Natives how call'd.
• * 1.575

  Their Origi∣nal.
• * 1.576

  The Cofachi∣tes come to Terms of A∣greement with the Apa∣lachites.
• * 1.577

  They fall off
• * 1.578

  Are brought to worship the Sun.
• * 1.579

  The Sun ge∣nerally wor∣shipp'd by the antient Heathens.
• * 1.580

  Why Divine Worship so generally gi∣ven to the Sun.
• * 1.581

  The Apalachi∣tes and Carib∣beans unake an Offering to the Sun on the Mountain Olaimi.
• * 1.582

  Part of the Caribbeans revolt from the Apala∣chites.
• * 1.583

  They people the Caribbees and grow powerful.
• * 1.584

  Original of the Apala∣chites.
• * 1.585

  Their Opi∣nions in Re∣ligion.
• * 1.586

  The Bird To∣natzuli.
• * 1.587

  Description of the Moun∣tain Olaimi.
• * 1.588

  The occasion of the Apala∣chites embra∣cing Christia∣nity.
• * 1.589

  Description of the Carib∣beeans.
• * 1.590

  Their Lan∣guage.
• * 1.591

  Their Man∣ners.
• * 1.592

  Their Igno∣rance.
• * 1.593

  Their Fear of the Maboya.
• * 1.594

  Their Con∣sultations a∣bout the Death of any Relation.
• * 1.595

  Fabulous Tradition.
• * 1.596

  Their Opini∣on concern∣ing the Soul.
• * 1.597

  Their man∣ner of Dwel∣ling.
• * 1.598

  Their Hous∣hold Affairs and Diet.
• * 1.599

  Their Beast.
• * 1.600

  Their Musi∣cal Instru∣ments.
• * 1.601

  Their watch∣fulness a∣gainst Ene∣mies.
• * 1.602

  Their Enter∣tainment of Friend.
• * 1.603

  Their war∣like Consul∣tations
• * 1.604

  Their En∣mity to the Spaniard.
• * 1.605

  Their Mar∣riages.
• * 1.606

  Initiation of Soldiers.
• * 1.607

  Of their Priests.
• * 1.608

  Great age of the Caribbee∣ans.
• * 1.609

  The number of the Carib∣bee Island.
• * 1.610

  Their seve∣ral Names.
• * 1.611

  Situation of Anegada and Sombrero.
• * 1.612

  The Mans∣feny.
• * 1.613

  The Colibry.
• * 1.614

  Painted Crabs
• * 1.615

  Situation of Las Virgines.
• * 1.616

  The Fish Do∣rade.
• * 1.617

  Situation of Anguilla.
• * 1.618

  Oculiem a sort of Vine.
• * 1.619

  Situation of Saba.
• * 1.620

  The Fish Bonito.
• * 1.621

  Situation and first Planta∣tion of St. Crux.
• * 1.622

  The several Changes of Dominion of this Island.
• * 1.623

  Fruit-Trees.
• * 1.624

  The Papaye.
• * 1.625

  Situation of St. Martin.
• * 1.626

  The Dutch Land ther••.
• * 1.627

  The Island possess'd by the Dutch.
• * 1.628

  Flammans.
• * 1.629

  American Swallows.
• * 1.630

  Situation and Description of St. Bar∣tholomew.
• * 1.631

  The Canopia-Tree.
• * 1.632

  The Pare∣tuve-Tree.
• * 1.633

  The Calabash-Tree.
• * 1.634

  Sea-Star.
• * 1.635

  Sea-Apple.
• * 1.636

  Situation of Barbouthos.
• * 1.637

  English mo∣lested by the Caribbeeans.
• * 1.638

  Situation of Rotonda.
• * 1.639

  Situation of Nevis.
• * 1.640

  Good Go∣vernment of the English there.
• * 1.641

  The Pistick-Nut.
• * 1.642

  The Musti∣cho.
• * 1.643

  The Murin∣goins.
• * 1.644

  Wood-Lice.
• * 1.645

  Chigos.
• * 1.646

  Situation of Eustathius.
• * 1.647

  Terrible Hurricanes.
• * 1.648

  Situation of Antego.
• * 1.649

  The Sword-Fish.
• * 1.650

  Description of Montser∣rat.
• * 1.651

  The Acajou-Tree.
• * 1.652

  The Acomas-Tree.
• * 1.653

  The Cypress-Tree.
• * 1.654

  The Iron-Tree.
• * 1.655

  The Musk-Herb.
• * 1.656

  Situation of Guadalupe.
• * 1.657

  Mountains.
• * 1.658

  Strange Fish.
• * 1.659

  The Shark.
• * 1.660

  The Pilot-Fish.
• * 1.661

  The discovery of Guadalupe
• * 1.662

  The Mou∣bane-Tree.
• * 1.663

  The Corbary.
• * 1.664

  Situation of Deseado.
• * 1.665

  The Guano.
• * 1.666

  The Frigates.
• * 1.667

  The Fauves.
• * 1.668

  Situation of Marigalante.
• * 1.669

  The Fish La∣mantin.
• * 1.670

  The Sea-De∣vils.
• * 1.671

  The Becune.
• * 1.672

  Situation of Todos Sanctos
• * 1.673

  Curious sorts of Shells.
• * 1.674

  Mother-of-Pearl Oy∣sters.
• * 1.675

  Situation of De Aves.
• * 1.676

  Aigrettos.
• * 1.677

  Craw-fowl.
• * 1.678

  Arras.
• * 1.679

  Description of the Cani∣des.
• * 1.680

  Situation of Dominico.
• * 1.681

  The Manche∣nile Tree.
• * 1.682

  A Medicine against the poyson of the Manchenile.
• * 1.683

  Situation of Martinico.
• * 1.684

  The Island divided into five Wards.
• * 1.685

  The Mahot-Tree.
• * 1.686

  The Dia∣mond.
• * 1.687

  Situation of St. Lucia.
• * 1.688

  Situation of Barbados.
• * 1.689

  The Fly Ca∣youyou.
• * 2.1

  Colonel Rich his Descrip∣tion of the Barbados.
• * 2.2

  Situation of St. Vincent.
• * 2.3

  The Fruit Momen.
• * 2.4

  The Grana∣dilla.
• * 2.5

  Situation of Bekia.
• * 2.6

  Situation of Granada.
• * 2.7

  The French possess it.
• * 2.8

  Situation of Tabago.
• * 2.9

  Cra-fish.
• * 2.10

  Crabs.
• * 2.11

  Agoutys.
• * 2.12

  Musk-Rats.
• * 2.13

  Serpents.
• * 2.14

  The Sassafras Tree.
• * 2.15

  The Bird Colibry.
• * 2.16

  Situation of St. Christo∣phers Island.
• * 2.17

  The Division of the Island into several Wards.
• * 2.18

  Basse-Terre the chief Town be∣longing to the French.
• * 2.19

  Description of the Castle.
• * 2.20

  The English Plantations in this Island.
• * 2.21

  Their success at their, first Landing.
• * 2.22

  Situation of Margareta.
• * 2.23

  Towns and Places of chief note.
• * 2.24

  Situation of Cubagua.
• * 2.25

  The Island Coche.
• * 2.26

  Situation of Trinidado.
• * 2.27

  Chief Com∣modities of the Island.
• * 2.28

  Tabago.
• * 2.29

  Virgin Gorda.
• * 2.30

  California how distin∣guish'd.
• * 2.31

  The Customs and Manners of the Na∣tives.
• * 2.32

  Their Go∣vernment.
• * 2.33

  Placs of note.
• * 2.34

  Cortez the first Discove∣rer of these Parts.
• * 2.35

  Marco de Ni∣sa his Relati∣on of these Parts.
• * 2.36

  De Alarcon his Voyage.
• * 2.37

  Cabrillo his Expedition.
• * 2.38

  Drake's Ac∣count of the Countrey.