The merchants map of commerce wherein the universal manner and matter relating to trade and merchandize are fully treated of, the standard and current coins of most princes and republicks observ'd, the real and imaginary coins of accounts and exchanges express'd, the natural products and artificial commodities and manufactures for transportation declar'd, the weights and measures of all eminent cities and towns of traffick in the universe, collected one into another, and all reduc'd to the meridian of commerce practis'd in the famous city of London / by Lewis Roberts, merchant.

OF AMERICA AND THE PROVINCES THEREOF.

CHAP. XI.

* 1.1THIS Body then contained in this Universal Map, or (as now I may term it) this World, is by Geographers divided (as I said before) into four parts, Europe, Africa, Asia, and America; which last was alto∣gether unknown to the Ancients, and being of a large extent, the Modern have divided it, some into two, some into three parts, Mexi∣cana, Peruana, Magellicana, and each of these parts are found to con∣tain several Provinces and Kingdoms, which I will only superficially look over, thereby the better to come to the Towns of Traffique, situ∣ated in those Provinces and Kingdoms; which my method and present intentions will enforce me the longer to insist upon: and because this last mentioned part America as last discovered, is least known unto us, and the least frequented by our Nation; I think it not improper there to begin to delineate my MAP of COMMERCE, borrowing herein the liberty of those Navigators that publish their Cards, leaving imperfect to the view of all men those Places, Lands, and Harbours, which have not been fully dis∣covered and found out; and thence sailing homewards by Africa and Asia into Europe, ga∣thering in each Countrey as I pass, more variety of colours to adorn and beautisie this Trea∣tise, and so at last to close my whole Labours, and finish my MAP within the circumse∣rence of London, as better known unto us, and as being better versed in their several manners of Negotiation.

This new World then called by us America, and now a-days passing by the name of the West-Indies; being West in respect of its Situation, and India in respect of its wealth, was at first discovered by Christopher Columbus a Genoese, at the charges of Ferdinando, and Isabella King and Queen of Castilia, after 63 days sail from Sevil. Then secondly, by Americus Vesputius a Florentine, at the charges of Emmanuel King of Portugal: And thirdly, by John Cabot a Venetian, at the charges of Henry the seventh, King of England, the first and last had their Adventures of discovering some Islands only in this part; and Americus of the Main Continent, and thereby gained the honour of giving name to that vast circuit of Earth, which since by sundry others have been more exactly discovered, as by our Coun∣trey-men Drake, Candish, Frobisher, Davies, Willouby, Burrows, and others, as desiring to share with the first discoverers in the riches and wealth, which thence spread it self over all the other parts of the World.

This America then, or more properly in honour of the first discoverer Columba, bounded as I mentioned before, is found by the Spaniard, (who challengeth all this large Territory) for their own by Conquest, to be divided into two parts, Mexicana, and Peruana, of which briefly.

CHAP. XII. Of MEXICANA, and the Provinces thereof.

* 1.2MExicana containeth the Northern Tract of America, and comprehendeth these distinct Provinces.

• 1 Mexico.
• 2 Quivira.
• 3 Nicaragua
• 4 Jucutan
• 5 Florida
• 6 Virginia, and New-England.
• 7 Nurembega.
• 8 Nova Francia.
• 9 Corterialis.
• 10 Estotilandia.

* 1.3Mexico giveth name to half America, now known by the name of Nova Hispania, whence the Kings of Spain style themselves Hispaniarum Reges; it was very populous before the arrival of the Spaniards, who in 17 years slew six millions of the Inhabitants, rosting some, cutting off the Members, and putting out the eyes of others, and casting them living to be devoured of wild Beasts; to which place now is found no Trade nor Commerce by any Na∣tion, save only to the Subjects of this King, and to such only as are known for natural-born Spaniards, though at first the same was granted by Isabella to the natives of Castile only, and Andalusia; but now indifferently to all.

* 1.4The Commodities that this Countrey is found to afford for Merchandize, are principally Gold and Silver Mines, Sugar, Tobacco, Ginger, Tallow, Hides, and some Spices, not known to our Ancestors till the discovery thereof; * 1.5and amongst others not to be forgotten, that admirable Tree called Metle, which by them is planted and dressed as we do our Vines, having 40 kinds of leaves serving to several uses, for when they are tender they make of them Conserves, Pa∣per, Flax, Mantles, Mats, Shooes, Girdles, and Cordage: on these leaves grow certain hard prickles, so strong and sharp, that they use them instead of Saws: from the root of this Tree cometh a juyce, like unto Syrup, which being sod, becometh Honey; if purified, becometh Sugar; or otherwise thereof is made both Wine and Vinegar: the rind rosted healeth hurts and sores, and from the top-boughs issueth a Gum, which is an excellent Antidote against Poyson.

This Countrey is divided into four divisions: * 1.6The first is Nova Galicia, the chief Town thereof is called Saint Michael, a Colony of the Spaniards. * 1.7The second is Mechuacan, one of the best Countreys of New-Spain, abounding in Mulberry-Trees, Silk, Honey, Wax, and store of Fish of all kinds; the principal Town is Sinsonso, and the chief Havens are at Saint Anthonies, and at Saint James or as the Spaniards call it, Saint Jago. * 1.8The third Province is Gustacan, the chief City is Ilascalan, yielding for beauty and state precedency to Mexico, and none other in all these parts, the principal part is Villarico, a wealthy Town, as the place through which all the Traffique of old and new Spain doth pass. * 1.9The fourth is Mexico, wherein that famous City of Mexico is seated, now the Seat of the Spanish Vice-Roy and Archbishop of New-Spain; this City is said to be situated in a Lake upon certain Islands; as Venice doth, every where interlaced with the pleasant currents of fresh and Sea-waters, and carrieth a face of more civil Government than any other in America, though nothing, if compared with any in Europe: the Lake is said to be 50 miles in compass; on whose banks are found many pleasant Towns and Houses: also it is said that fifty thousand Wherries are seen here continually plying, and afford such quantity of Fish, that the same is worth 20000 Crowns yearly. The City of Mexico it self is six miles in compass, containing 6000 houses of Spaniards, and 6000 of Indians: it hath also a Printing-house, a Mint, and an University, and some Churches of note that beautifie the same: it was vanquished by Fernando Cortes, in Anno 1521. with an Army of 100000 Americans, only 900 Spaniards, 80 Horse, 17 pieces of small Ordnance; in 13 Brigantins and 6000 Wherries, most of the Americans were of Ilasca∣lan, who were ever adversaries to the Mexicans; for which cause that City doth enjoy many immunities to this day; and to conclude, according to the opinion of an English Traveller, whose relation I herein follow; Four things are here remarkable for beauty, their Ap∣p••rel, their Women, their Horses, and their Sticats: And thus much shall serve of Mexico.

* 1.10The second Province is Quivira, seated on the most Western parts of America, in which are two Provinces, Cibola taking its name from the chief City subdued by Francisco Vasques, in Anno 1540. and Nova Albion discovered by that famous Sea-man Sir Francis Drake, An. 1585. and by him so called: the chief Commodities and Riches of this Countrey are Kine, some men being owners of forty thousand, and these serve to the Inhabitants here, as we say of our Ale

to Drunkards in England, meat, drink, and cloth, and more too; for first the Hides yield them houses, or to say more properly, the covering of them, their Bones, Bodkins, their Hair, Thred, their Sinews, Ropes, their Horns, Maws, and Bladders, Vessels, their Dung, Fire, their Calf∣skins, Budgets, to draw and keep water, their blood for drink; and lastly, their flesh for meat, &c.

* 1.11The third is Nicaragua, being South-East from Mexico, with which it agreeth in nature both of Soil and Inhabitants, and accounted for its pleasantness, Mahomet's Paradise, * 1.12having Trees in great abundance, of that strange nature, that a branch touched by the hand of any man, withereth presently. * 1.13The chief City is Nova Grenada, and Lea a Bishop's See. The Commodities thereof are, Honey, Wax, Cotton, and Balsam in great abundance; it is extream hot, and therefore not to be travell'd by day, but by night: their Winter beginneth in May, and from thence raineth for six months; the other six very fair and dry; and the day and night being here of equal length.

* 1.14The fourth is Jucatan, and was discovered in Anno 1517. which in the language of the place, signifieth What say you? which was the answer the Inhabitants gave the Spaniards that first demanded of them the name of their Countrey; and since by this means retains that name by the Spaniards. * 1.15The chiefest City is Campechio, whence comes that wood so well known in Europe; also here is the Island called by the Spaniard, Santo Crux, wherein is a City of that name well fortified by them.

* 1.16The fifth is Florida, discovered by the English, under the conduct of Sebastian Cabot, An. 1467. then possessed by the Spaniards in Anno 1527. and called Florida; afterward the French got footing here in Anno 1562; but the Spaniards unwilling the French should be eye wit∣nesses of their rich booty, waged war with them so long, that there was not a man left on either side to maintain the quarrel; and then was Florida again in 1567 abandoned: The Spaniards now hold there three strong Forts, St. James, St. Philip, and St. Augustin; which last was taken and burnt by Sir Francis Drake, 1586. which since is repaired, and that is all the Spaniards hold here at this day; desiring (as it seems) neither to plant further himself, nor suffer others to do it.

* 1.17The sixth is Virginia, which was discovered by Sir Walter Raleigh, Anno 1584, and in ho∣nour of our Queen called Virginia. It lies in the height of 35 degrees Northerly Latitude, extending to 38 degrees or thereabouts, being seated and planted from 37 to 38 by the English under the Supream Authority of the King of England, (having the great Bay of Roanoke, and Cape Florida to the Southward, and Maryland to the Northward) the main entrance into Virginia out of the Sea is about 10 leagues broad, between two Points of Low-land, that on the South being called Cape Henry, that on the North Cape Charles, by which they pass into a great River or Bay called the Bay of Chesapiake, which runs away Northerly about 100 leagues, into which River or Bay of Chesapiake many other great Rivers empty themselves, all running up West and North-West into the Countrey 100, 120, and some 140 or 150 miles, being 3, 4, 5, and some of them 6 or 8 miles broad, all which (with some other smaller Rivers which fall into them) are Navigable for Shipping, having 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 fathoms, and in the shallowest parts not less than three fathoms depth of water: Ships that come out of the Sea are harboured so soon as they are within the aforesaid Capes, and may ride safely in any of those Rivers where they please, within a mile, half a mile, and in some places within a quar∣ter of a mile of the shore, which also they do, Anchoring sometimes at one place, sometimes at another, for the delivering out and taking in of their Goods, in the several Plantations and the several Rivers, as stands best with their conveniency, after they have given the Governour an account of their arrival, and from whence they come.

The first River, after they are within the Capes in the Bay of Chesapiake, is called James Ri∣ver, the next Pamunkee or York River, then Payancatank, Rapahanock, Wicocomoce, and some others upon the Western shore of that Bay, and some on the Eastern shore thereof: Most of which Rivers received their names from the Indians, who were the only Inhabitants and Pos∣sessors of that great Countrey, before the English came there, and who still some of them live round about our people, and in some places near unto them, within three or four miles of some of our Plantations; but are nothing so numerous as at the first, being very much lessened and destroyed by the quarrels and Wars among themselves and with the English; especially in and shortly after the years 1621. and 1644, at which times they treacherously fell upon our people, and massacred about four or five hundred persons each time in one hours space.

The chief Port is James City, a Town lying about 40 miles up in James River, which is commonly the place of the Governours Residence, and where the principal matters relating to Government, and the Administration of Justice for the whole Countrey are transacted, by the Governour and his Council, four times a year, called quarter Courts; and once a year by the General Assembly, who likewise meet there, being such Burgesses as are elected in the several Counties by the people, and sent thither to sit and act in the nature of our Parliaments here in

London. Matters of lesser consequence are heard and determined in the several Counties by Commissioners authorized for that purpose, called the County Courts, who sit every month, or every two months; In which Courts and all others, their trials and proceedings are in all respects conformable, as near as may be, according to the Laws and practice of England.

The climate, weather and soil, are much what like ours in England; only the Summer about a month longer; something hotter, and much more of Thunder and Lightning; the days about an hour and half shorter in Summer, and so much longer in Winter.

The Land fertile, plain, and so free from Rocks, Stones and Gravel, that their Horses are never shod. English fruits prosper so well, that they have already attained to make store of Cider and Perry. The Countrey in all parts woody; the Trees generally tall, and many of them very big, most of them Oaks of several sorts, and black and white Walnuts; the rest Poplar, Ash, Pine, Cedar, Logwood, Gum, Chesnut, Saxafras, Mulberry, Chinkapins, Persimons, besides Shoomack, Small-nuts, store of wild Grape-Vine, and other small shrubby trees and bushes.

All sorts of English Cattel prove well, and they are well stockt and stored with Horses, Neat, Cattel of all sorts, Sheep, Hogs, Poultry, Turkies, Geese and Ducks, besides that which the Countrey naturally produces of wild Beasts in the Woods, viz Deer, Turkies, Roa∣coons, Possums, Hares, Squirrels, wild Cats, Foxes, Bears, Wolves, some few Lions, and in some part of the Countrey Elks: And in the Rivers (where the tide swells not above three or four foot, unless forced by an Easterly storm concurring with the Spring-tide) there is in all places some; but in many places great plenty of Oysters, Crabs, Sturgeon, and several sorts of Fish

There is little or no Money used among them, but what they have is the same with ours here, and passes at the same value; their general way of dealing being to barter or exchange one Commodity for another, both among themselves, and with the Merchants who bring or send in Goods from hence, or from any other place: excepting in Trade with the Natives or Indians, there is Roanoke and Wampampeak, which is a shell cut like Beads put upon strings, and passes among them for their Money at a certain rate by the arms length.

The Weights and Measures of all sorts are in all respects the same for all sorts of Goods with ours in London, excepting the Indian Corn or Maiz, which is commonly bought and sold by the Barrel, the Barrel being five Bushels Winchester measure. But the Indians among themselves and to us, do buy and sell their Corn, Pease and Beans, by a Basket, of the big∣ness of half a Bushel, or thereabouts.

The principal Commodities produced there, are Tobacco, Hides, Beaver, Otter, Musk-Rat, Bear, and Deer-skins, Saxafras, Black-Walnut-tree-plank, with which Goods there are about 40 Sail of Ships laden from thence yearly, most of them Ships of 300, and some of 400 Tun burthen, therehath been sometimes Wheat, Flax and Silk sent from thence; but hi∣therto not much of those Commodities, there being as yet but few people, and they not so well fitted for, nor so well vers'd in the ordering of them, especially Flax and Silk; which prosper so well in those parts, that in a few years, we may in all likelihood expect considera∣ble quantities of those Goods from thence.

There's nothing of any Custom, or other Imposition, upon any thing Imported there, or Exported from thence; their Trade being chiefly with London and Bristol: Enough, if not a great deal too much, being laid upon the Goods here, viz. 2. d. for every pound of To∣bacco Custom and Excise; 12 d. for every skin of Beaver, and 5 per cent. for whatsoever is carried over thither.

The Inhabitants and Planters there, have large proportions of Land due to them, upon the Adventure of their Persons, or Servants; that is to say, fifty Acres for every person trans∣ported, which is made choice of, and taken up by them, or their Assigns, in any place which they shall chuse, not already possest, or taken up by another before; paying a quit-rent of 12 d. for every 50 Acres yearly, in Tobacco, Corn, or other Commodities, at the price cur∣rent; upon which they live, and plant what they please, without any prohibition or restraint; there being no other Order, Government, or Regulation in matter of Trade, but what every man hath in his own breast.

Linnen and Woollen Cloth of all sorts, Nails, Iron tools, Sope, Starch, Powder, Shot, Guns, Wine, Strong-waters, Sugar, Fruit, Spice; and generally all necessaries for Houshold∣stuff and Clothing, are vended and brought in by the Ships of our Nation, in such propor∣tion or quantity as is necessary for 16 or 18000 people, there being about that number of the English Planters, and some Negroes and others which are their Servants. No Prohibition of any Commodity to Virginia, but only Sheep, which by a politick Law of our nation may not to be carried out of England; yet neverless they are brought in now and then a few in a ship; and the severe penalty of that Act evaded, upon pretence of fresh Provision for themselves at Sea.

The Dutch have had a great Trade in Virginia formerly, to the great advantage and sur∣port of that Plantation: But by an Act of the late Long Parliament, and the last Articles of Peace, that Nation is prohibited: so that now the Trade is not free to any but those of our own Nation, excepting what Trade they have with the Natives or Indians-for Beaver-skins, four or 5000 yearly, also Otter, Deer, Bear, and some other skins of Foxes, Musk-Rats, &c. to the value of four thousand pounds Sterling, per annum, or thereabouts; all which are got∣ten by way of truck or barter, for a course sort of Woollen Cloth, known by the name of Duffel, used by them to make Mantles for their Clothing; as also Knives, Scissers, Beads, Hoes and Axes.

Rich. Bennet.

* 1.18The Seed of Tobacco is much esser than Mustard-seed; it is sowed in January or Fe∣bruary, in beds of rich and well-manured ground, where it springs up to Plants, commonly as thick as they can stand one by the other: the Plants being come to strength, and about the big∣ness of a Rose, which is usually in May, they are transplanted into the midst of little. Hills, made in Fields for that purpose, about three foot asunder one from the other; so that there may be 4 or 5000 Hills in an Acre of ground. Sometimes if the Plants be weak, they set 2 or. 3 in one Hills to make sure of one; but when once come to strength, they never suffer above one to grow in one Hill; if they should, they would but spoil one another. These Plants grow up into stalks, much like Coleworts, bearing leaves one above another about half a yard long, very thick and sappy, in shape much like Dock-leaves; they seldom let the stalk grow above two foot high, (except such as are preserved for Seed) the tops then being cut off, that the leaves thereon may be the better nourished. The ground if well husbanded, is cleansed from weeds with Hoes, and the Earth kept about the Plants. It is ripe in August, then they cut up the Plants whilst the leaves grow on them, and hang them up in houses to dry from the heat of the Sun, which would else scorch it to powder; and in a months time, or longer, the leaves are stript from the stalk, which is done commonly in moist weather; and then sit to be pack'd in Cask, or made up into Rolls. Those stalks which are let grow for Seed, the tops are not taken off, but let run to their full length, which is four or five foot, and is ripe also in August: The stalk of Tobacco is about the bigness of a child's arm; and in an Acre of ground may grow fifteen hundred weight of good Tobacco.

* 1.19The chief Town of New-England for Trade, and every other respect, is Boston of late very much enlarged; it hath two Meeting-houses, about a thousand Families; the building for the generality with Timber, a few with Brick; but most Brick Chimneys: a State-house newly erected in the middle of the great Street, Charlestown is not much increas'd in build∣ings, and hath but a small Trade; Salem much increas'd in buildings and Trade, by reason of the Fish there, and at Marblehead, the next Neighbours: Pescataqua River affords Timber, Pipestaves, Boards, Masts, as also Fish from Isle-shoals, thrive much, and begin to draw a Trade. These are all the most remarkable places, or Sea-Ports for Traffick at present: Plimouth Jurisdi∣ction, Connectacute Jurisdiction, and all the Towns upon that River, as also New-haven Jurisdi∣ction, and Towns there, afford little else but Provisions, with which they supply this Town of Boston, and the Dutch at Manatos: as indeed all other Island Plantations and Islands do, as Martins Vineyard, Road Island, Long Island, Shelter Island, &c. and so all other Parts and Islands to the Eastward, which are but so many scattered petty places, where people raise only Provisions; of which all that possibly they can spare, is brought by Trading Boats to Beston, which is the Center.

The Governour, as also all other Magistrates, and subordinate Officers, are all chosen by the major part of the Free-men annually: but none is made free till first he is a member of some Congregational Church here: for their Religion is Protestantism, indifferent between Indepen∣dent and Presbyterian: here is no Toleration for Anabaptists, Papists, nor Quakers; nor any such Sectaries that are apt to sow Sedition, or disturb the Peace. But such as will sit down and attend the ways of God, though they join not with them, may be quiet. But no Children are permitted Baptism, except either the Father, or Mother, or both, be a member of some Congregation: But now of late, if the Grandfather, &c. do present the Child, he be∣ing a member, though the Father and Mother be none, it is accepted.

The chief places for to Ride, Load, and Unload, are Boston, Charlestown, Salem, Pescataqua, where any Ship of any Burthen may come.

Here is a Mint set up a few years since, and coins only Silver, 12 d. 6 d. 3 d. which was occasioned by some, who brought many base new Peru pieces of Eight; which being disco∣vered, an Act was made against them that they should not go for current payment: So the people into whose hands they were scattered, were hereby necessitated to have them resined, and so coined, which was according to the Standard; and though there was much loss, yet something was saved. Mexico and Sevil Rials of Eight pass for five shillings per piece, and

so the smaller proportionally; in Coinage they will yield 5 s. 3 d. if good, all charge deducted. Now to carry out above five pounds at a time for necessary expences; here is no rising nor falling of Money: If Bullion were brought in and coined, it would turn to account, and pur∣chase the Goods of the Countrey, sooner than Goods, and cheaper.

Accounts are kept by Merchants; such as can do it according to the Italian manner, and express their Moneys by pounds, shillings, pence.

Interest is set by Law, not to exceeed Eight per cent. per ann.

Our Weight is according to the English 112 to the Hundred Averdupois, sixteen ounces to the pound; Silk, Silver, Troy weight.

The dry measure for Corn, Salt, &c. is by the Winchester Bushel strik'd; Coals, Apples, Onions, &c. heapt: A Boad and Shoes all one measure: Wine, Oyl, and all liquid measure by the Gallon: The long measure is Ell of 45 Inches, and Yard of 36 Inches, as in England.

They are not yet come so high as to transport Manufactures of their own, for they cannot supply themselves. The Commodities Exported, are Fish, Beef, Pork, Bisket, Flour, some Corn sometimes, Beaver, Musk-skins, Otter-skins, Pipestaves, Boards, Masts.

All sorts of Forein Commodities will vend here, if such as the Countrey affords will pur∣chase them with the Commodities above exprest, and they are still cloathed with English Dra∣pery: for the colours, the newest are now best in request: for the quantity, all sorts of course and fine Linnen and Woollen, Shoes, Stockings, Thread, Buttons, and Pedlery Ware; Silks, Ribonds, Lace, Pewter, Lead, Shot, Powder, small Artillery; Mault, Wines, Strong-waters, Oyls, Fruits, Salt, &c. for take notice, we as other Plantations, want almost every thing, but the particulars above express'd: I think scarce a hundred thousand pound do suffice per annum the English in these parts.

Here is as yet no Society begun to encourage Trade; and the Encouragement to Manusa∣cture will be of necessity as people grow numerous. Monopoly here is none, only the Trade with the Indians for Poultry is committed to a few: Nothing prohibited but Provisions, which is forfeited if it be landed without License.

For Custom, &c. here is none upon any Commodity, from any parts brought in by In∣habitant or Stranger, either for Importation or Exportation of ought: only upon Wines and Strong-waters, which pay Importation, Canary, Malago, and Sherry ten shillings per Butt: Madera, Lisbon, and Greek six shillings eight pence per Pipe, Fial five shillings per Pipe, all Strong-Waters forty shillings per Tun, to make Entry of them before Landing, or else for∣feited.

Consolage none; Factorage from five to ten per cent. for sales and returns. No Rate set, but as the Principal and Factor agree; other charges are Boat-hire, Wharsage, Porterage and Ware-house room.

For Tret, allowance or overplus, &c. is none allowed here yet; only Custom hath crept upon us in the sale of Sugar to allow for Tare of the Cask, as it is in London.

The most of our Negotiation (for want of Money) is in a way of bartering, and do agree in what Commodities to pay, and at what rates and time.

Little Shipping here, but small Crost, from twenty to eighty and an hundred Tuns; and most Catches imployed to the Western Islands, Madara, Virginia, and Caribbe Islands; few or no Nation but our own frequent here.

The chief Fishing is made dry, Dry Cod, or Poor Jack, which is taken by hook and line in Shallops; the seasons the Spring and Fall; the time for lading the Spring Fish, which is the best, is in June; the Fall Fish in October, or thereabouts, a little more or less, sold by the Quin∣tal or Hundred weight price, ordinarily thirty two, thirty, and twenty eight Rials per Quintal. It is transported by Ships (that do come to buy it,) to Bilboa, when we had peace with Spain; the refuse Fish and Maycrils go to the Western and Caribbe Islands; here is a begin∣ning to make Barrel Cod and Corr-fish for France.

Fraight ordinarily, three pounds from London, back three pounds ten shillings, and some Goods four pounds per Tun, and 3 l. to 3 l. 10 s. to Barbado's and Western Islands little or no Inland carriage.

Here is no discouragement given to any Foreiner to hinder Trade, but may freely come, and behaving themselves civilly, and have as free liberty to sell and buy as any Inhabitant; the more is the pity I think.

Here is no Office of Assurance, nor scarce any that m••ke any private Contract in that re∣spect. What is that way done, is done in England by advice.

Bank here is none, neither are here men capable of it: but were here those of ability, and understood it, and resolved upon it, it would draw all the profit of those poor parts into it.

Maryland an English Colony upon the main Continent of America, beginning at the De∣gree of 38, and ending in the Degree 40 Northerly Latitude, bounded on Virginia on the

South, New-England on the North, the great Ocean on the East, and the Meridian-line of the first Fountain of the great River of Pattowmeck on the West, begun to be planted in the year 1633.

The Religion is Christian, and a Law established there for Liberty of Conscience, to all that profess to believe in Jesus Christ.

The Countrey is under the right Honourable Caecilius Lord Baltemore, as the absolute Lord and proprietor of it, with all the Jurisdictions anciently belonging to the Count Palatine of Durham; which Lord Baltemore holds it to him and his heirs of the Crown of England, as of the Castle of Windsor in free Soccage by the yearly rent of two Indian arrows to be delivered at the said Castle on Easter Tuesday.

The place abounds with great Navigable Rivers, as Pattowmeck, Pattuxent, Anne Arundel, (by some called Severn) Patapsco River, Bolus, Sasquehannough River, Elk River, Choptanck, Nan∣tacoke, or Bever River, Pokemoke, and divers others, in which are multitudes of convenient Ports, capable of great numbers of Ships of any burthen.

There is little Money, by reason Barter for Commodity is more profitable to the Merchant and Inhabitant. But generally all the dealing with the English one with another, is with Tobacco upon Accompt till the Crop.

They use generally the Weights and Measures of England, and without any Tret.

The Commodities of the Country for Trade to be Exported, are generally Tobacco, and Beaver, Otter, Martin, and several other Furs purchased from the Indians: but they are pro∣jucting to fall upon the making of Silk: and the Country naturally yields store of Mul∣berry-Trees to that end, and generally it hath all the Commodities that Virginia af∣fords.

There are nine or ten Ships laden there yearly with Tobacco's for Europe.

Custom there is none, nor any Tax upon Commodities paid by the Subjects of Eng∣land.

The abuses and defects are, if the Tobacco's be packed up too dry, or too wet, or not close pack'd, or that with good leaves be mixt ground-leaves or suckers. The way to discover them is, by knowledge of what is good and sound Tobacco, and good packing: a Hogs-head well packed will hold 400 weight, or thereabouts, or not less than 300.

Of Forein Commodities, the place vents whatsoever is needful for Clothing or Houshold∣stuff, Nails, and other Iron-ware for building, Wine and Hot-waters for the use of the Eng∣lish; the quantities, such as may be guessed at for the accommodation respectively of about four or five thousand Planters. And for the use of the Indians, a certain shagged course Dutch Cloth called Duffeilds, or an English Cloth called Hogbays, the colours of both which most vendible and in most esteem with the Indians, are bright red and dark blue.

Shipping pertaining to the Inhabitants there is none but small Vessels trading to and fro, to Virginia, or sometimes to New-England. There is no Prohibition of any Commodities to be Exported or Imported, and the Trade of the Plantation is free to all Subjects of England, and those only.

* 1.20There is a Dutch Plantation in the Latitude of 41 Degrees, in a River called by the English Hudson's River, by the Indians called Monahaton; and by the Dutch (who have intruded into that place, being within the New-England Patent) called New-Netherland; they have in this place divers Towns, New-Amsterdam, their chief Town Grave-Saint, Flushing, and Middleborrough; also Fort-Orania, situate 40 miles up Hudson's River.

Their Religion is like the Religion in Old-Amsterdam in Holland.

Their Government subjected to the Holland West-India Company.

They have usurped there a great Trade of Bever from the English Nation, notwithstanding the late King Charles in the year 1631. did declare to the States of Holland his discontents for such Intrusion, whereupon the States of Holland did disclaim the owning or countenan∣cing of that Plantation, imputing it to the particular Acts of some private Merchants, and so left them to their own Protection, and to be ejected at the King's Pleasure.

They have also lately thrust the English out of a Plantation in Delaware Bay, called New-Ha∣ven, where they were seated within the bounds of Maryland, about the Degree of 40 North Latitude.

The Trade there with the Indians is like that of New-Amsterdam and Fort-Orania, for Bever-skins; And in all their said Plantations they seize the English and their Goods, if they take them Trading with the Indians for Bever-skins or other Furs.

The yearly Trade that these Dutch hold with the Natives, is at the least 60000 Bever-skins, and as many more of Otter and Elk-skins; besides Bear and Dear-skins. They Barter with the Natives for these Commodities, Axes, Hoes, and a shagged course Cloth called Duffeilds; the colours of the Cloth most esteemed by the Indians are bright red and dark blue; but the chief Commodity by which the Dutch engross and draw the said Trade from the neighbour∣ing

English Plantations, is Guns, Powder, Shot, and Rapier-blades, which Instruments of War have been twice fatal to themselves by two Massacres committed by the Indians upon them, with the help of those weapons, to the destruction of half their people at each time. And hath been also dangerous to the adjoyning Plantations of Maryland, Virgania, and New-England.

There are good Navigable Ports at New-Amsterdam, and New-Haven, and no worm to eat the Ships.

Though they permit none of the English Nation to Trade with the Indians, yet they permit them to Trade with themselves, exacting a great Custom at pleasure for all Goods Imported and Exported, as a Recognition enforced from all Merchants to their West-India Company, and is never less than 15 in the Hundred.

The most vendible Commodities to be brought them, are Guns, Powder and Shot, the abovementioned shagged Cloth called Duffeilds, and Brandy-wine, Linnen Cloth, Shoes, Stockings, and other necessaries for Clothing.

Their policy is to prohibit the Importation of Guns, Powder and Shot, so that all Foreiners are to beware how they come there with that Commodity; for the Stranger shall be sure to have it seized, without some close contrivance in the landing of it; but once landed, and on the shore, they are sold there in their common Shops.

There are in New-Amsterdam 1000 people, and amongst all their other Towns about 1000 more, men, women and children, by which it may be estimated what quantity of Clo∣thing may be vended there

* 1.21The seventh is Terra Corterialis; on the South whereof runs that famous River of Caneda, rising out of the Hill Hombuedo, running nine hundred miles, and found navigable for eight hundred thereof; this Countrey was discovered by Gaspar Corterialis a Portugal, in Anno 1500. and affords only some rich Skins and Furrs for Commodities and Merchandize. The chief Town thereof is Brest, Cabomarso, and others of little note.

* 1.22The eighth is Nurembega, and the chief Town carrieth that name, in possession of the French; other things remarkable I find not observable therein.

* 1.23The ninth is Nova Francia, discovered by Jaques Cartier, a French-man, in Anno 1534. inhabited, besides the Natives, with some few French-men. The chief Towns are Canada, and next Sanguinai, seated both upon two Rivers so called, affording only some Skins and Furrs, especially Bevers, which thence by the French are transported into Europe.

* 1.24The last and tenth is Estotiland, called by us New-found land; by the English discovered in Anno 1527. who imposed the names upon the Capes and Rivers which now they hold, where some have gone to plant, but the cold hath been found to be too extream for the English constitution; * 1.25but in the Summer season the Seas here are found to abound with Fish in such abundance, that a man may take in an hour's space a hundred great Fishes, which being opened, salted and dryed upon the Rocks and Braches are hence transported to all parts of Eu∣rope; and known in England by the name of New-land-fish; in French by the name of Mor∣leux; in Italy, Bacalio; and in Spain, Abadeses: five hundred Sail great and small do from England yearly sail to this Coast, and to a place called the Bank, a sand of 15 in 20 fathom deep, thirty leagues off of this Coast; and these depart from our Coast about the end of February, and arriving there about the middle of April, unrigge their Ships, set up Booths and Cabanets on the shore in divers Creeks and Harbours, and there with fishing Provisions and Salt, begin their fishing in Shallops and Boats, continue it till September, and at this time do not only catch as many Fish as will lade their Ships, but also as many as will lade Vessels of great burthens, that in the Summer come hither from England and other parts, to buy up the same, and purposely to transport it for Spain, Italy, and other Countreys: and this fishing ended and the cold beginning, they leave their Stations and Booths, and repairing aboard their Ships, lade their Fish and rigging their Vessels, return to their native homes, where these Fishermen winter, and then become Husbandmen; so that their lives may be compared to the Otter, which is spent half on Land and half in Sea,

This Fishing is found to be wonderful beneficial to our Western parts of England, whose Inhabitants considing upon the constancy of the yearly fishing upon this Coast, it is usual with them to sell the said Fish either by tale or the hundred weight in England by Contract, before they either depart their homes, or before the said Fish be caught, at profitable rates; and when their Summer is once spent, and that the cold once approacheth, and that the Fish begin to leave the Coast, they return contented to their Families; where of∣tentimes in Winter they merrily spend, what thus in Summer they have painfully fished for.

Other notes of Trading, worthy observation, at my there-being, in my younger days, I observed not. The Weights and Coins of England passing there current among the English, and the price of Fish once generally cut at their fishing Stales, doth afterward in lieu of Coin,

by way of Commutation, all that year pass current for all needful Commodities, and is esteem∣ed as a valuable consideration amongst them from one man to another: And thus much for the Provinces and Cities of Mexicana.

CHAP. XIII. Of Peruana, and the Provinces thereof.

* 1.26PERUANA contains the Southern part of America, and is tied to Mexicana by the Streight of Darien, being ten miles broad; some hold the Spaniards did once intend to cut this Streight through, and make it navigable, and thereby shorten the way to the South Sea, China Moluccos, but hitherto we hear not that the same is any way attempted; this Part doth comprehend by the computation of the Spaniards, whose relation in this vast Country I must follow, five distinct Provinces,

• 1 Castella Aurea.
• 2 Guiana.
• 3 Peru.
• 4 Brasilia.
• 5 Chile; of each briefly.

* 1.27Castella Aurea, is the first, and was so termed by the Spaniards at its discovery, for the abun∣dance of Gold found therein; besides which it is admirably stored, with Silver, Spices, and some Drugs; it is divided into four Provinces, which are first Castella del Oro, situated in the very Isth∣mus, and is not populous, by reason of unhealthfulness of the Air, proceeding from the many standing Pools found therein: the chief Cities are Nombre de Dios, * 1.28and now Porta Bella, the chief Port at which the Fleet unlade on the East, and Panama on the West-side thereof, both built by Didacus Niquesa the Discoverer; which since for their unhealthful situation, were removed by the King of Spain's Command, by Petro Aria, then Viceroy; through which two Towns com∣eth all the rich Traffique that is betwixt Spain and Peru; * 1.29for whatsoever Commodity comes out of Peru, is unladen at Panama, carried by Land to Porta Bella, and thence shipped for Spain; and what Commodity cometh from Spain is landed at Porta Bella, and is carried by land to Pa∣nama, and so laden for Peru.

* 1.30They are so called, being situated against Cape Verd in the Land of Negroes, and are 10 in number, viz. 1. St. Antonio, 2. St. Vincent, 3. The Isle of Salt, 4. Boa vesta, 5. Maio, 6. J. D. Fogo, so named from the frequent flashing of fire. 7. St. Lucia. 8. St. Nicholas, 9: Brane, 10. St. Jago; they were discovered in the year 1440. by a Genoese for the Portugals, lying all between 13 and 18 Degrees North-Latitude, and about the first Degree of Longitude, at present only three of them inhabited by the Portugals, and they but of little concernment to our business of Trade; St. Jago being the most considerable, though not the biggest, being not above six or seven miles long, lying in 15 Degrees Latitude: it had once a fair Town cal∣led Riblera, but sackt and burnt by Sir Francis Drake, Anno 1585. and afterwards in Anno 1596. by Sir Anthony Sherley it run the same fate; it is at present pretty well Inhabited and hath a convenient Harbour called the Pry, secured by a Castle, where Ships may ride (with its leave) in safety: they have some quantity of Sugar, Sweet-meats, and Coco-nuts, being their chief Commodities, which they exchange for such Commodities as they want for Cloathing, as Cloth, Stuffs of several sorts, Linnens, Hats, and the like. They have very large and good Cattel, which they sell at easy rates, about 25 s. aplece; also Horses of excellent shape and metal, but they are Contrabando Goods, and not to be dealt in without leave from the Governour, under no less penalty than forfeiture of Ship and Goods, if he get you in his Command; but by Gra∣ruities and a particular Trade with him, small numbers are sometimes admitted to be carried from thence.

* 1.31If I should silently pass over the attempt of one John Ocknam, a follower of Sir Francis Drake, in his Worlds Incompassment in this place, I should much wrong the honour due to so much worth: This Man, as Mr. Hackluit hath it, with 70 Companions in a Creek a little above these Towns, drew on shore his Bark, covered the same with boughs and leaves, and so leaving it marched over with his Company, guided by some Negroes, until he came to a River which ran into the South-Sea, which by relation and Mercator's Maps, may be Tomobonda, or the Creek of Ventura, where he cut down Timber, built him a Frigat, entred the South-Seas, went to the Isle of Pearls, lay there 10 days, and there inteicepted in two Spanish Ships 60000 pound weight of Gold, and 200000 pound weight of Silver in Ingots, with divers other rich Commodities; and after that returned safely again to the Main Land, where rowing up the same Stream where his Frigat was built,

he was discovered by some feathers pluckt from certain Fowl they had kill'd for their Pro∣vision, which swam upon the River down the Current; and though by this means he was taken and returned not into his Countrey, nor yet his hidden Vessel; yet it is an Adventure that deserves a Remembrance from all such as are Lovers of their Countreys Honour, and it is held in admiration by the Spanish Writers that have made mention thereof.

* 1.32Andalusia Nova is the second; the chief Cities are Santa Margarita, and Santa Sperita.

* 1.33Nova Granada is the third; the chief City is Jungia, a pleasant and strong Town di∣rectly seated under the Aequator; the next is St. Foy, an Archbishops See, and a Court of Justice.

* 1.34Cartagena is the fourth, accounted a fruitful Soil: but therein is found a Tree, that whosoever toucheth doth hardly escape poysoning: the chief City is Cartagena; which our Country-man Sir Frances Drake in Anno 1585 surprized; where besides inestimable sums of Moneys, he took with him from hence 240 pieces of Ordnance.

* 1.35Guiana is the second Province, directly situated under the Equinoctial Line, and is the fruit∣fullest part of Peruana: The Inhabitants in Winter-time dwelling in Trees, for fear of Inunda∣tions, on which they built many pretty Villages and artificial Mansions: it is watered with two goodly Rivers; the one hath the name of Orinoque or rather Raliana, borrowing the same from Sir Walter Rawleigh, who first of all to any purpose, made a plenary Survey of this Countrey, with the Commodities and situation thereof in An. 1595. and found this River navigable for great Ships of burthen 1000 miles, and for Boats and Pinnaces 2000 miles. The other River is called Orellana, or the Amazons, discovered 1543. the which is found navigable 6000 miles, and 200 miles broad at the entrance into the Sea.

* 1.36The chief City of this Country (and if Spanish Writers may herein be believed, the chief∣est City of the World) is here found and called Manoa, or as Diego Ordas the Discoverer called it, el Dorado, or the golden, from the abundance of Gold, both in Coin, Plate, Armour, and other Furniture, which he there saw. This Discoverer or Traveller, (for by that name the truth of his wondrous Relation may be the better considered) is said to have entred into the City at Noon, and to have travelled all that day, and the next also until night, through the Streets hereof, before he came to the Kings Palace, which peradventure was the policy of those people; as I have seen it to be in Constantinople in Anno 1621. when as the Duke of Avara∣scah coming with a great Train in Embassie from the King of Poland to Sultan Osman, the then Great Turk, after his unfortunate Expedition to Poland, caused him and his whole Train to be led a whole afternoon through the most eminent Streets of that City, when he first en∣tred the same, and so to his appointed Lodging, whereas an hours easie walk to him that bad known the direct way, would easily have served the turn; perchance imagining this a fit way to demonstrate to the Embassadour the beauty and vastness of that City, together with his own Greatness in ostentation, and to recover that Honour and Repute which he had a little before lost by the Insolencie and Cowardise of his Souldiers in his said Expedition thither.

* 1.37The third Province is Peru, which above all others in America, abounds in Gold and Silver, the Mine whereof in divers places is better stored with Metals than with Earth: the chief City whereof is St. Michael, the first Colony the Spaniards placed there, and fortified by Piscaro a fa∣mous Spanish Captain, who subdued the Countrey, took the King thereof prisoner, and had for a ransom for his Liberty and Life, a house piled up on all sides with refined Gold and Silver, in estimation about ten millions; which when he had received, most perfidiously contrary to his Oath and Promise slew him: by which appears the wonderful Riches of this Countrey. Besides which the Soil is luxuriant in all manner of Grain, fortunate in the Civility of her Inhabitants, frequen∣cy of Cities, and salubrity of Air; and abundantly stored with that Herb Tobacco, from hence brought first into England by Sir Francis Drake's Marriners, in Anno 1585. * 1.38In this Coun∣trey is also now found that famous River called of Plate, being 150 Miles broad at the Em∣besheur, and above 2000 Miles long: and on this Stream is found certain Fig-trees; the part towards the River bearing Fruit in Winter, and the other part thereof towards the Land bea∣ring fruit in Summer.

* 1.39Brasilia is the fourth, affording a Soil fat by nature and always flourishing, yielding great store of Sugars, and wonderful rich in Mines, and hence our Red-wood which is here used by Dyers called Brazile doth come: the Trees whereof are found of that bigness, that whole Families live in an arm of one of them, every Tree being as populous as many of our Country-Villages, which is the reason that few Cities are found in this Countrey, yet along the Sea coast some Cities are of late built by the Spaniards, and by them fortified, where the Dutch have lately got some foot∣ing, and taken Todos los Santos, and thence marched to Fernand-Buck, whence that Wood comes so well known to Dyers by that name, where report saith, they are now settled, and daily get ground in that Continent.

* 1.40The fifth is Chilo, taking its name, as some would have it, from the exceeding cold there found, so that the Rivers are here observed to run in the day, but by night to stand still, or at leastwise to move very slowly: this Country boasteth of 5 or 6 Towns inhabited by Spa∣niards, the Town called the Imperial, being a Colony of the Spaniards, is found to be the prin∣cipal.

This Country bordereth upon the Straights of Magellan, through which Sir Francis Drake passed in his Worlds Incompassment; many of the Ports and Bays herein, owing him that ho∣nour due to this Adventure, for the Names they now are known by: which Voyage finished by him in 2 years and half, as the Relation of Diego Nunio his Pilot testifieth, made profit to him∣self and Merchants of London his Partners and fellow Adventurers, according to an account made up at his return, all Charges paid and discharged, which I have seen subscribed under his own hand, 47 l. for one pound; so that he who adventur'd with him in this Voyage 100 l. had 4700 l for the same; by which may be gathered the benefit that redounded thereby, though accompanied with many rubs, delays, and dangers. Having thus run over the main Continent of this World's Division, let us see what Islands of note belong thereunto.

* 1.41First, in the South Seas are found the Islands of Solomon, 18 in number, and imagined by the Discoverer, in An. 1567. to be the Land of Ophir, to which Solomon sent for his Gold; but in this he was deceived: the next are the Islands of Thieves, of no account, therefore I pass over them, and in the next place peruse the Islands in the Virginian Ocean; * 1.42the first worthy of mention is Margarita, deficient both in Corn, Grass, Trees, and Water; yet the abundance of precious Stones here found makes some amends for these defects, from whence the name of Margarita is imposed on it.

* 1.43The next is Trinidado, discovered by Columbus in An. 1497. being famoused for the best Tobacco, which by some Nations carrieth the name of this Island.

* 1.44The next are the Isles of Bacaloes, lying against the influx of Caneda, and owe the first discovery to Sebastian Cabot, 1447. by some termed Terra Nova, well known for the great quantity of Fish taken on this Coast, as I have noted in the passage of that part of Ame∣rica.

* 1.45The next is the Island of Beriquen, the North part affording plenty of Gold, and the South part of Vital Provisions; the Cities here are St. John's, built and inhabited by the Spaniards 1527. and Porto Rico, ruin'd by Henry Earl of Cumberland 1597. and whose Walls were then first mounted by my deceased Uncle Captain Tho. Roberts, to whose worth and valour I owe here this remembrance.

* 1.46The next is Jamaica, once very populous, insomuch that the Spaniards here slew 60000 li∣ving Souls, and the women beholding their cruelty, did kill their Children before they had given them life, that the issues of their bodies might not serve so cruel a Nation. The Towns of note are Cre∣stana and Sevil, acknowledging Columbus for its first discoverer.

* 1.47The next is Cuba, made known by Columbus his second Navigation, it aboundeth with Gin∣ger, Cassia, Mastick, Aloes, Cinnamon, Sugar; the Earth producing Brass of excellent perfection, but the Gold somewhat drossie: here is the famous Road Havana, a staple of Indian and Spanish Merchandize, and where the King of Spain's Navy rideth till the time of the year, and the convenience of the wind join together to wast them homeward.

* 1.48The next is the Lucay Islands, 400 in number, who glory in the matchless beauty of their Women, and mourn for the loss of a million of the Inhabitants murdered by the blood thirsty Spaniards at their first discovery thereof.

* 1.49Hispaniola is the next, now lamenting the loss of three millions of her Inhabitants, butchered by her new Spanish Masters, enjoying a temperate Air, a fertile Soil, rich Mines, Amber and Sugars; it excelleth all other the Islands of the Seas, especially in three Prerogatives: First, in the fine∣ness of the Gold, which is here digged more pure and unmixed; Secondly, in the increase of the Sugar-Cane, which here is found oftentimes in one Cane to fill up twenty, and sometimes thirty measures of Liquor; Thirdly, in the goodness of the Soil for Tillage, the Corn here yielding an hundred-fold; and in sixteen days, Herbs and Roots are found to ripen, and to be fit for meat: This fertility is ascribed to four Rivers running East, West, North, and South, and all four springing from one Mountain standing in the very Center of this Islands, the Chief Town here is St. Dominico, ransackt by Sir Francis Drake, 1585. * 1.50Besides which Islands inha∣bited by the Spaniards, there are belonging to this division of the World, some that are in∣habited by the English, as the Barbados, Barmudos, and others, in which certain Colonies of Eng∣lish have planted themselves, which is found agreeable with the English Constitution, and being well fortified and peopled, may in time prove main instruments of sharing with the Spaniards in his American Dominions. And thus briefly stands the present state of this new∣found Climate, least acquainted to our Nation, and only subject to the will and power of the Spanish Sceptar, who challengeth the Sovereignty and Rule of this vast Country, the Trade whereof is only permitted to his Subjects, and debarred from all others; save what is

obtained by force or strength, and purchased by Colonies planted where the Spaniard is nei∣their known nor seated.

* 1.51The Island of Barbados containeth in length about 28 miles English, and 14 in breadth, the which being measured is found 126000 Acres, lying South-East and North-West, and is naturally fortified with Rocks and Sholes on the North and East-side, where no Ships may anchor nor come in, only in two or three places; small Boats may go out and in to fish, or the like. But for the South-East and Westerly part of it, it is all along a Road, where Ships may Anchor and Ride; but more especially, and with greater safety in four chief places, or Bays thereof.

The principal Road or Bay is called Carlile Bay, and lies near South-West of the Island, near the middle of it, and is a good Road for shipping, where 500 Ships of any Burthen may safely Anchor from all but South and Westerly winds, which very seldom in these parts happen; for the wind here generally blows from East Northerly and Southerly. Wherefore it is, that we call the East-part of the Island, the Windward, and the West-part the Leeward. Here lies also the chief Town for Trade, formerly called the Bridge, but now St. Michael's; and hath two Forts and a Platform between them, answering each to the other, for the preservation and defence of the said Town, and command of the Road.

The first and chiefest Fort is called Charles Fort, standing on Needham's Point, and lies out in the Sea, and to Windward of the Bay and Town; so that an Enemy keeping out of com∣mand of this Fort, cannot probably come in to do the shipping or Town any Injury; for that they must come full in or against the Wind. This Fort is built strong with Stone and Lime, and hath 17 great Guns, and capable of more, being sufficiently garrison'd and commanded by a Captain.

The Platform joins to the Windward part of the Town, and is capable of 15 great Guns; and the other Fort lies and joins to the Leeward part of the Town, the which is capable of 25 great Guns.

The Town consists of several Streets and Lanes, being about 30 Chains in length, and 15 in breadth; and hath many fair and large Buildings, most of them are boarded on the out∣side; some of them Plaister'd, and many the fairest and best are built with Stone, and with Brick.

The second Road and Town is lately called Charles Town, situate on Oysten's Bay, and lies about two Leagues to the Windward of St. Michael's; and hath also two Forts, and one Plat∣form; the two Forts stand to Windward and Leeward of the Town and Road, and the Plat∣form in the middle: And although this Town be not a place of much resort for shipping, yet are there many considerable Store-houses for Trade.

The third Road and Town is lately called St. James, but formerly the Holl, and is about two leagues to Leeward of St. Michael's; hath only one Platform, being otherwise well forti∣fied with Brest-works. And although few Ships come to Ride here, yet in this Town is maintained a great Trade with the Inhabitants adjacent.

The fourth Road and Town was lately called Spieght's Bay, but now Little Bristol, which lies about four leagues to Leeward of St. Michael's, and hath two Forts. To this place come many Ships, especially from the City of Bristol, which here Ride, and Unload and Re∣load, and is the second and next greatest place of Trade to St. Michael's in the whole Island.

There are several other Islands which lie to the Leeward of this, known in general by the Crely Islands. They have also their particular Names, &c. with which their Latitude and Lon∣gitude may be seen in the Map. Some whereof are inhabited by the English, as Mevis, Mon∣serat, Antegua, and St. Christopher's, and others by the Dutch and French, and some others of them by the Native Crely Indians.

The main Land (or Terra firma) next to these Islands is called Guiana, and lies Southerly about 100 leagues from hence. On which Continent the English have a Colony planted within the River Serenam.

This Island is divided into 11 Parishes, and hath 14 Churches and Chapels, and is sub∣divided into divers Plantations, some small, and others great; where are many fair and large Buildings made of Stone, and others boarded and plaistered, the which generally are plea∣sant Habitations, and delightfully situated; some having Prospects into the Sea, and others on the Land.

The Inhabitants of this Island are English, Scotch, and Irish, and some few of the Dutch and French Nation, who formerly lived here a time of servitude, and now dwell as Freemen, some by their Trade, and others on Plantations; and some few Jews live here and trade also as Mer∣chants, they having obtained Licence from the King so to do. Besides Mallatoes and Negroes, which are here kept and accounted for slaves; the number of which (some few years since, upon search were found to be 60000 Persons, viz.) 40000 Whites, and 20000 Blacks.

The standing Militia of this Island that are always ready on all occasions to meet together, and which at other times are often, and well disciplined, consists of two Regiments of Horse, and five Regiments of Foot, wherein several Companies have near 200 in a Company, and more than 100 Horse in a Troop.

The Government is not contrary, but agreeable to the Laws of England; only some parti∣cular Laws are made proper for this place by the Governour (or Deputy) and his Council; which usually are seven in number, and an Assembly that consists of 22 persons, chosen by the Free holders, two out of every Parish.

The Religion outwardly professed, or that which hath the greatest shew or appearance, is the Protestant Religion, yet without the exercise of any coercive Power upon the Conscience; for here is neither Bishops Court, nor Power given to Priest or Prelate, whereby they may exercise authority over the Consciences of others, though different in Opinion: So that the Jews, and others of different Judgments (they yielding obedience to the Civil Laws) are protected, and live peaceably and quietly in this place.

Concerning Coins, all sorts of Moneys of Gold and Silver do pass here, but none coined. The value of foreign Coins appear as followeth.

• The Spanish Pistol at twenty shillings Sterling.
• The Double Pistol at forty shillings Sterling, and the lesser proportionable.
• The Pieces of Eight at six shillings, the half and quarter proportionable.
• A Dutch Rider of Gold at eight and twenty shillings Sterling, the half proportionable.
• The Rix-Dollar at six shilling Sterling.
• A Cross Dollar at five shillings nine pence.
• A Duccatoon of Flanders at seven shillings Sterling, the half and quarter proportion∣able.
• A French Pistol of Gold at twenty shillings Sterling, the half proportionable.
• A French Crown of Gold at ten shillings Sterling.
• A French Lewis of Silver at six shillings Sterling, the half and quarter proportionable.
• A quarter Descue two shillings, the half one shilling.
• The Portugal Crusado of four hundred Rees at five shillings Sterling, the half and quarter proportionable.
• The Old Testoon at one shilling six pence Sterling.
• The Shilling, Six-pence, and Three-pence of New-England Coin, to pass here at that value.

Provided, the said several Coins have their just due and weight, pureness, allay, and fine∣ness.

But that which is most used in Payments are Pieces of Eight of Peru, which are as current, and go at the same value, as Sevil, or Mexico, which will produce this bad effect. That Mo∣ney Sterling, and Coins of the better sorts will not be imported; and these sorts which are al∣ready here, will either be horded up, or transported, and that because the base Money of Peru is here held in equal value with Mexico, &c. whose real value is from 4 s. 4 d. to 4 s. 8 d. and the Peru from 2 s. 6 d. to 3 s.

Concerning Accompts, they are kept in Muscovado Sugar, according to which all the other Countrey Commodities are regulated.

Concerning Interest, ten in the Hundred is accounted reasonable; but no Law being made, they take from 10 to 30 per cent. and some more.

Concerning Weights and Measures, they are according to the Standard of England, and only differ in that they buy and sell by the single 100 l. instead of the 112. And the measure for all sorts of Commodities, Linnen and Woollen, is the Yard; only in Salt they allow 84 pound to the Bushel, and for all sorts of Grain 56 pound to the Bushel.

The growth of this Island and parts adjacent, as for Trade, is, Sugar, Ginger, Indico, Cot∣ton-Wooll; also Tobacco, Logwood, Fustick, and Lignum vitae: but of these four last no quantity now to be had here; but in the Leeward Islands greater store. For the first four, every one makes as they please; that is to say, few so good as they might, (especially if intended to pay away) here being no Law of compulsion in the case. In some places of this Island Sugars will require five weeks to Cure in, and in other places near the Sea, three weeks the soonest; but some will make payment of it in three or four days Curing, &c. which if refused by the Merchant, he may stay one year's time the longer, besides the Charges of a Sute in Law e're he get it. This cannot well be remedied, because the Laws are made by Freeholders which are Planters, no Merchant being capable of being chose into the Assembly unless he have to Acres of Land, &c.

The first four mentioned Commodities receive prejudice in their product by abundance of Rain or Drought, when more than usual happen in their proper Seasons. Also vio∣lent

winds lodge the Sugar-Canes, whereby the quantity is lessened, and the goodness abated.

The chief season for Exportation is from January to September, or October, when comes in the wet season, that makes the ways not Cartable, &c. and usually puts an end both of making and transporting.

Wines of all sorts are here imported and vended, but of French and Portugal the greatest quantities, viz. of Madera Wines come in about 1300 Tuns yearly, of Spanish about 300 Tuns, and of French Wines about 700 Tuns per annum, besides Brandies and English Spirits; but of these now few quantities Imported, by reason of the general use and virtue of the Spirit of Sugar-Canes called Rum, which by the meaner fort, as servants and slaves, is not only drunk in great abundance, but also much thereof is hence transported to Virginia, Bar∣mudos, and New-England, &c.

Salted Meats, as Beef, Pork, Fish, &c. from Ireland, New-England, Virginia, Barmudos, New∣found-Land, &c. Also Pease, Flower, Butter, Cheese, and Bisquet. Likewise Timber, Board, Pipe and Hogshead Staves, &c. Also Negro-slaves from Guinny, and live Cattel, as Bulls, Cows, Astenegoes, and Horses from the Cape de Verde Islands, New-England, &c. And from England Servants, and all other Commodities fit for Plantations, and for Apparel, &c. of all which, great quantities are hither brought and sold.

Concerning Drapery, that is here chiefly in use and vendible, which is in England, and althô by reason of a constant temperate warmth, Stuffs in great quantities are made use of, yet sine Broad Cloth is much worn here, and in good request. And for Linnens, &c. all sorts are here worn, as in England, but more especially of the finest. Together with Shoes, Stockings, Hats, and all other manner of Apparel, is here used as in England.

Coppers and Stills for boiling of Sugar, and making of Rum, with all other Necessaries belonging to Plantations, to Sugar-works, and Windmills; as all kind of Iron-work and Brass is here vendible; also Fire-stones to set Coppers with, and New-Castle Coals for Smiths, &c.

Here is no Excise nor Custom payable on any Commodities imported or exported, save only on Liquors, as Wines and Brandy, Beer and Cider; Spanish and Portugal Wines at pre∣sent pay for Excise 270 pounds of Muscovado Sugar per Tun, and French 200 pound, Brandy 3 pound of Sugar per Gallon, Beer 54 pound per Tun, and Cider the like. And this Duty is sometimes more, and sometimes less; and all Ships which come to Trade here, pay half a pound of Powder for each Tun entred at.

Factorage, or Factory Provision, is 10 per cent. 5 per cent. for Sails, and 5 for Returns, toge∣ther with 3 per cent. for Store-house room; this is the ordinary rate; but some agree to have their business done cheaper.

No Prohibition for Exportation or Importation of any Commodity, only the Governour's consent is to be asked, if any will export Provisions, as Corn, &c. that is the growth of the Island.

The shipping which comes and trades to this Island, belongs generally to England, some few small Vessels belong to this place, and pass to and fro here, and to the Leeward Islands, and some belongs to New-England, Barmudos, &c. The number of Vessels which come hither to Trade in one whole year (namely in 1660.) is found to be 201 Ships of all sorts, as Ketches, Sloops, Barques, &c. and contain in burthen 15505 Tuns, according as they are here entred, which is at the least three pound less than their true burthen. Great part of which Ships re∣load for England, and many go for New-England, Barmudos, Virginia, Guinny, and other places almost empty, and with but little of this Country Growth.

No other fishing then for present spending, such fresh fish is taken round the Island, of di∣vers sorts great quantities.

The usual fraight, or Rate for Tunnage from hence for London, is about 4 and 5 l. per Tun; sometimes when Ships are plentiful, at 3 l. and when scarce, at 6 and 7 l. the Tun.

No publick Office of Assurance, and seldom any private Contracts.

Seldom any Exchange from hence to any other place, sometimes Sugar is here received, and Bills given for England for Money.

* 1.52Cracas lieth 4 Leagues from the Sea-side, is pleasantly situated, and inhabited by at least 250 Families, beautified with a fair Church, three Convents, two of Friers, one of Mersedes, the other of Dominicans, and one of Conception Nuns; an Hospital and a Chappel dedica∣ted to St. Maurice; the Town accommodated with a fresh River, whose Original is not above a furlong distant, which is divided into two little Rivulets entring the Town, and there so subdivided, that scarce a house but is supplied with a branch thereof.

The Inhabitants are some Gentlemen and Merchants, but for the most part such as live upon their Cattel, or rather upon their Hides; and their Plantations of Caquo, which of late years are grown very considerable; the passage to this place from the Port or Sea-side is very difficult,

by reason of the many steep Rocks (some as high as St. Paul's-Steeple London,) and nar∣row passages, where but one Horse can go at a time, and often in great danger of tumbling from those narrow passages down the steep descent, which often proves the loss of those that travel that way.

The Port belonging to this place is open, lying to the Northward, where Ships may ride in 14. fathom water, within call of the shore, secured by two little Forts, in both are 14 or 15 Guns, two of Brass, the rest of Iron, and constantly guarded by 16 Souldiers apiece, who are paid by the King of Spain, besides the Inhabitants adjacent, which are about sixty Families, are ready in Arms upon beat of Drum to secure the place, which are usually alarm'd upon the approach of any Ship, Within half a mile of this Port are several Plantations of Coquo, some belonging to the Indians, but most to the Spaniards their Masters, for whom they work three days in the week, and the rest of the time for themselves.

* 1.53The Moneys is the Piece 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and parts thereof.

* 1.54Their weights is the Livre or Pound, which is divided into 16 ounces, of which Livre they make the Rove containing 25 Livres, 4 Roves makes a Kintal, one Kintal is 106 pound Averdupoise.

* 1.55Their long Measure for all Commodities is the Vara, which is two per cent. bigger than that of Sevil in Spain, 104 of these Varas make 100 Yards in London. The Measure for liquid Com∣modities is the Quartilia, containing one and a half of that of Sevil, called the old Quartilia, and is about the Winchester Quart. The measure for Corn, Salt, &c. is the Hanake, bigger than that of Sevil, as 100 to 170.

* 1.56The Commodities here for Merchandize are first Neat Hides dried, sent from hence at least 30000 Hides yearly, esteemed the largest and best in all the West-Indies, brought hither on Mules from the adjacenr Countreys within 150 miles distant; are sold here by the Hide, of which are threesorts, Bull Hides, being the largest and best, sold from 14 to 20 Ryals the Hide; Oxe Hides sold at 2 Ryals less, Cow Hides never sold for above 8 Ryals a piece: All sorts of these Hides are sold very cheap up in the Countrey, in many places not above 4 Ryals the Hide. Tallow shipt 1000 Roves yearly; they kill their Cattel for the skin and Tallow, and the fat be∣tween the skin and the flesh, of which they make a kind of Oyl or Butter, which serve them instead of Butter for many uses, as frying fish, &c. the flesh of the Beast (being of no value) is left for the Fowls of the Air and wild Beasts to feed on. The next Commodity here in plen∣ty is Coquo, sent hence in seed, between 12 and sixteen thousand Hanakes yearly; sold here some∣times by measure, and other while by weight, 110 pound going to the Hanake, sold from 10 to 1•• pieces of Eight the Hanake. The manner of planting Coquo is as we plant Fruit-trees, which bear in four years after planted; comes to be as large as our Apple-trees, and last as long; bears fruit all the year, is commonly gathered after every full Moon, but in greatest plenty in June, Ju∣ly, August, and January: The Coquo groweth in a Cod, about the bigness of an Indifferent Cucumber, in which is contained from 14 to 20 seeds of Coquo about the bigness of an or∣dinary Bean. Here is transported of Tobacco 500 Potaco's yearly (the Potaco is 100 Pound) called Governation Tobacco, because growing within the Government of this place; sold for here about six pieces of Eight the Rove. Goat-skins 3 or 4000 yearly; Sarsaparilla, Wheat, Sugar, Indico, of which great quantities have and might be made, but at present neglected; for that of late years they find a greater benefit by their planting of Coquo.

* 1.57The Commodities they stand in need of from other Nations, are all sorts of Clothing, Wines, Strong-Waters, Oyl, Almonds, Raisins of the Sun, Olives, Capers, Estamenia's (a kind of Serge) of Ampudia and Toledo; Silk Stockings, Ribonds, Raxa's, a kind of Cloth of Castile; of English Commodities, Serges, all kinds of Norwich Stuffs; all sorts of Stockings; and indeed no Stuffs in England wearable but are here saleable; also Saffron, Copperas, Allom, Brimstone, all kinds of French and Holland Linnen; all kinds of Silks.

* 1.58The Custom is 1 Ryal upon a Hide, 4 Ryals upon a Hanake of Coquo: for all Tobacco registred 12 Ryals upon the Potaco, but usually compounded for with the Governour for half, and other Commodities of smaller value they compound with the Governour, as well such as are Transported as Imported, excepting such as are Registred, and then at the will of the Customer.

* 1.59They prohibit Trade with all Nations but their own, upon the penalty of being Traytors, and loss of Goods, yet the Dutch of late years do put in here, under pretence of wanting Provisions, and to water, which together with Bribes procure a Trade with them. This place hath no ship∣ping of their own, but visited from the Havana, Cartagena, and St. Domingo, with about six Ships yearly, and many from Spain, which are loaden hence with the Commodities of this place, and in lieu thereof supply them with the Commodities of their own and Foreign Nations.

* 1.60To give here a small touch of the traffick of this new World, is the principal scope of my in∣tention, but being shut up from the eyes of all Strangers, we must be content till time produce it more apparently to live in ignorance: true it is, that the Countrey abounding in Mines of

Silver and Gold, and the soil rich in bringing forth all Fruits, that from Spain have been hither transplanted adds every day an increase to their present Traffick: the special matter here sought out for is Gold and Silver, the Loadstone that attracts all Merchants to adventure hither: and in their Mines the Inhabitants are set continually to work, living poorly, and undergoing thus the punishment of their ignorance and pusillanimity, in suffering themselves to be so easily overcome, and so basely subjected; out of which Mines the King hath the ⅓ part of all extracted, which in the Emperour Charles the Fifth's time amounted but to five hundred thousand Crowns of Gold yearly; but since, it hath been found that the Kings of Spain have had thence sometimes ten, sometimes fifteen, and sometimes seventeen millions of Gold yearly. The Merchants carry thither Spanish Wines, Woollen and Linnen-Cloth, and other Merchandizes of Europe, and (if report may gain credit) do make returns thence above one hundred profit for another, in Spices, Sugars, some Drugs, and in Gold and Silver Ingots in great abundance, as well for the accounts of private Ma∣chants, as for the account of the King himself, so that it doth appear in the Records kept in the Custom-house of Sevil, that in these seventy-four years last past, there hath come from this India into Spain two hundred and sixty millions of Gold, which hath been the mover of all those Broils and Wars that have been set afoot in Europe by the Kings of Spain, it being affirmed without contradiction, that by means thereof, Philip the Second during his reign did spend more than all his Predecessors, being in number sixty-two, that have reigned before him in this Kingdom before they shook off the Roman yoke; for he alone spent more than an hun∣dred millions that came out of this India.

This Country also giveth employment to many Ships of great burthen, to carry their Su∣gars, Ginger, Cottons, Fernandbuck, and such other Commodities that are here found daily to in∣crease by the industry of the Spaniards, which by good Government may come in time to a great heighth, and had not the Sword of these Blood-suckers ended so many millions of Lives in so short a time, Trade might have seen a greater harvest, and a more profitable crop by their industry and labour.

It will not be further useful for me to insist upon other particulars of Traffick in this Con∣tinent in matter of Coins, of Weights and Measures; for in all these they follow the Rules ob∣served in Sevil, where the Rendezvous of those Ships are made, that go and come into these parts; and so leaving this new discovered Division of the World, I will cross the Main Ocean, and with a somewhat better Survey, I will observe the needful Occurrents of Trade in AFRICA, my Second Part of this Model, and of the World.

Notes

• * 1.1

  America and the Provin∣ces thereof.
• * 1.2

  Mexicana and the Pro∣vinces there∣of.
• * 1.3

  Mexico.
• * 1.4

  Commodi∣ties of Mexi∣co.
• * 1.5

  Metle an admirable Tree.
• * 1.6

  St. Michael.
• * 1.7

  Sinsonso.
• * 1.8

  Ilascalan.
• * 1.9

  City of Mexico.
• * 1.10

  Quivira 2.
• * 1.11

  Nicaragua 3.
• * 1.12

  An Admi∣rable Tree.
• * 1.13

  Nova Grena∣da.
• * 1.14

  Jucatan 4.
• * 1.15

  Campechio.
• * 1.16

  Florida 5.
• * 1.17

  Virginia 6.
• * 1.18

  The manner of Planting Tobacco in Virginia.
• * 1.19

  New-Eng∣land.
• * 1.20

  New-Nether∣land.
• * 1.21

  Corterialis 7.
• * 1.22

  Nurembega 8.
• * 1.23

  Nova Fran∣cia 9.
• * 1.24

  Estotiland 10.
• * 1.25

  Fishing in the New∣foundland.
• * 1.26

  Peruana and the Provin∣ces thereof.
• * 1.27

  Castella Au∣rea.
• * 1.28

  Porta Bella.
• * 1.29

  Panama.
• * 1.30

  The Islands of Cape Verd.
• * 1.31

  Ocknam's brave at∣tempt.
• * 1.32

  Andalusia Nova.
• * 1.33

  Nova Grana∣da.
• * 1.34

  Cartagena.
• * 1.35

  Guiana, se∣cond Pro∣vince.
• * 1.36

  Manoa, the golden City.
• * 1.37

  Peru the third Pro∣vince.
• * 1.38

  R•…•…la Pl••ta.
• * 1.39

  Brasilia, the 4 Province.
• * 1.40

  Chilo the 5th Pro∣vince.
• * 1.41

  Isles of So∣lomon.
• * 1.42

  Margarita.
• * 1.43

  Trinidado.
• * 1.44

  Bacaloes.
• * 1.45

  Beriquen.
• * 1.46

  Jamaica
• * 1.47

  Cuba.
• * 1.48

  Luca.
• * 1.49

  Hispaniola.
• * 1.50

  Barbados. Barmudos.
• * 1.51

  Barbados.
• * 1.52

  Cracas.
• * 1.53

  Moneys.
• * 1.54

  Weight.
• * 1.55

  Measures.
• * 1.56

  The Com∣modities for Exporta∣tion.
• * 1.57

  Commodi∣ties Impor∣ted.
• * 1.58

  Customs.
• * 1.59

  Their Trade.
• * 1.60

  The Trade of America by the Spa∣niards.